Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2020 - 30

BACK
PRESIDENT'S
DESK
Welcoming the
" New Normal "
We're optimistic about health
and safety on the course this
summer.
* BY TOM SMITH *
F
irst of all, I hope all of you, our MGA family, are
doing well and coping with these trying times. The
health and safety of our families should be of the
utmost importance. The consequences of missing a threefoot
putt pale in comparison (although with all this time at
home, I have been working on a new putting stroke).
After the delayed start to our golf season, it appears that
Minnesotans are really getting into the swing of things. Tee
sheets are fi lling and our game is thriving, even in the face of
health concerns over COVID-19. As l write this, we are at the
beginning of the MGA Tournament season. Unfortunately,
some events have had to be cancelled or rescheduled, but we
will still be able to conduct a majority of our tournament
schedule.
This spring, a large amount of the MGA's time was consumed
in the efforts to get golf opened and to gain approval
to run tournaments. The " new normal " for event operations
will focus on players' and volunteers' safety.
Kudos to our staff for putting together COVID-19 guidelines
for tournament operations, which have been formulated
in conjunction with our friends at the Minnesota
Section of the PGA.
Given the recent publication of the phase III outdoor recreation
guidelines, we hope to see future allowances, such
as a reboot of shotgun starts, the reinstatement of caddies
and spectators, and post-championship award ceremonies.
We believe that with appropriate social distancing in place,
these important aspects of our game are attainable and can
be executed safely.
The heart of golf beats and has thrived through public
golf. Enjoy the article in this issue titled Public Golf, Part II.
The history is most interesting, and the people involved like
Les Bolstad ( " Coach " ) are important to Minnesota golf. The
role of Minnesota's public golf continues to be key to the
growth and well-being of our sport.
I would be remiss in not remembering our friend, Warren
" After the delayed start to our
golf season, it appears that
Minnesotans are really getting
into the swing of things. "
Rebholz, who passed away April 7. Rebbie welcomed me to
Minnesota golf many years ago, and we all owe him a huge
debt of gratitude for what he accomplished on behalf of the
golf community. He remains an icon.
On another sad note, Giles Kubilka passed away very
recently. For nearly 50 years, Giles was the consummate volunteer
for the MGA and MPGA, attending and offi ciating
at many of our major championships and qualifi ers every
year. Last year, the MGA dedicated and named an annual
volunteer award in his honor to recognize those individuals
whose dedication and outstanding achievements have made
an indelible impression and lasting contribution to the amateur
game of golf in Minnesota. I can't think of a better tribute
to Giles.
Get out and play the best game there is as much as you
can this summer in good health and safety. Be good to one
another!
30
MINNESOTAGOLFER Summer 2020
mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2020

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