Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2022 - 6

I NS I DE
THE MG A
What is MGA
Membership?
* BY TOM RYAN *
G
Thanks to Our
Members, Golf
Is in Good Hands
olf has enjoyed a resurgence over the
last two years, in large part as a result
of the COVID-related restrictions on
so many other sports and activities. New golfers
have been introduced to the game and longtime
golfers have played more. All good news for the
game and the business of golf.
This renewed interest has also generated new
members to the MGA, as adults have joined
their local men's or women's clubs and evening
leagues. MN Youth on Course has done the
same for juniors, with more than 13,000 kids
participating in this popular program last summer.
With the increase in new memberships, it's
important all MGA members understand what
MGA membership means, and how your support
of the MGA through your membership
benefi ts the game in Minnesota.
Our associate membership program is the
cornerstone of our association, funding all the
programs and services offered by the MGA,
as well as supporting all aspects of the game
throughout the state.
Like all membership-oriented organizations,
the MGA provides a long list of benefi
ts for their associate members and member
clubs, including:
* Course rating services that visit and rate 75
facilities annually
* The award-winning Minnesota Golfer
magazine
* Coverage of the local and statewide golf
scene on the MGA website, including high
school, college, professional, and amateur
championships
* Administering all major state amateur
championships, a senior tour, and open
member days
* The World Handicap System, a unifi ed
handicap system (powered by GHIN, and
including the GHIN app) that serves the
interests of all golfers in the state
* A tournament management program (pow6
" Your
membership supports the MGA mission,
which is to promote the game and its values
for all golfers in Minnesota. "
ered by Golf Genius) that enables clubs to
effectively manage all their league and
club events
* Charitable support for causes that give back
to the game and community
* Administrative and fi nancial support for
allied associations which enhance their role
in the game
* Support of tourism and marketing of golf
outside Minnesota
* A dedicated and experienced staff that truly
loves the game
In addition, probably the most signifi cant
work in recent memory was the behind-thescenes
effort of the MGA and allied association
leadership to " get golf open " in the face of
COVID. The fact that we were organized and of
one voice and vision was essential in working
with the state through the challenges imposed
by the pandemic.
That said, fi rst and foremost, your membership
supports the MGA mission, which is to
promote the game and its values for all golfers
in Minnesota. Your membership supports every
aspect of the game in Minnesota which impacts
the golfers' overall golf experience.
Membership in the MGA for golfers and
golf clubs alike is a voluntary relationship. We
strongly believe it is a good thing. The MGA
board and staff are commissioned with the role
and responsibility of applying your membership
dues back into golf in Minnesota, for the
good of the game.
The MGA is YOUR golf association, and your
decision to support the game as an MGA member
ensures the game has a bright future going
forward. Thank you again for your support!
See you on the course.
MINNESOTA GOLF'S
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Minnesota golf community
is a generous contributor
to local charities. The 3M
Open, since its inception as
a Champions Tour Event in
1993, has raised more than
$30 million-including $4.5
million raised after it became
a PGA Tour event in 2019.
In 2016, through tournaments
and state associationrun
events, golf pumped
$10.6 million into the local
economy while simultaneously
raising $64 million
for local charities through
national and club-level
events. The impact of golf
goes far beyond the game;
it changes people's lives
through charitable giving
and economic impact.
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2022
mngolf.org
It's your invitation
to play some of the
fi nest golf courses
around, through
participation in MGA
Associate Members' Days or
the MGA Senior Tour. * It's
your USGA Handicap Index,
now updated daily, after
a posted score. * It's your
subscription to Minnesota
Golfer magazine, delivered to
your home. * It's your support
of programs and services
that make the game better.
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2022
