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”Making the Turn”
By Dustin Ashby
We have so much to be thankful for
We have reached
that time of year for reflection and those of us privileged to share
a passion for the game of golf have a lot to be thankful for.
The
Game continues to get easier to play –
Improved technology, player friendlier golf course designs and
arguably most significant is the talented golf instructors available
to St. Louis area golfers. Instructors such as Brian Fogt, Rob
Sedorcek, Terry Grosch, Ed Schwent, Terry Houser, Steve Lotz and
Scott Worley share their love of the game and knowledge of the golf
swing making the game for enjoyable for many area golfers.
Tomorrow’s core golfer is in good hands
– The golf industry relies heavily on the support of what is defined
as the “core” golfer, someone who plays a minimum of 8 rounds a
year. Tomorrow’s core golfer can be seen not only learning the
game, but also learning valuable life skills in programs such as the
Junior Golf Program administered by the
Gateway PGA.
Junior Golf Director, Carol Fromuth has touched many young lives in
her career as an educator and more intimately as a coach and mentor.
Our
state and regional golf associations are led by individuals and
boards in it for the “right” reasons –
The individuals making decisions that affect thousands of area
golfers are truly in it for the right reasons. Scott Hovis (Missouri
Golf Association), Tom O’Toole (Metropolitan
Amateur Golf Association), Pat Will & Carel Reynolds (Missouri
Women’s Golf Assocation) and Don Bliss & Jim Niederkorn (Gateway
PGA) have committed to growing the game and improving the
competitive opportunities for area amateurs and professionals.
The
Golf Channel – Golf fans are provided
around the clock golf coverage on the Golf Channel. As a start up
station, the Golf Channel was best known for the infomercials that
seemingly aired non stop. But after years of sustained growth, the
Golf Channel now provides golf fans top quality instruction, timely
news and an inside look at the Professional Golf Tours not seen
before.
Quality of turf care, second to none –
It is often said in the golf industry that growing grass in the St.
Louis area, or “transition zone”, is as hard it gets. This may be
why St. Louis area golf courses and country clubs consider the
position of Golf Course Superintendent such an important position to
fill. The position of Golf Course Superintendent isn’t talked about
as often as the Golf Professional or even the General Manager, but
don’t let that discount their importance. St. Louis is fortunate to
have some of the industry’s best agronomists, providing area golfers
playing conditions worthy of the PGA Tour. A discussion about Golf
Course Superintendents in St. Louis typically starts with Roger Null
who spent years at Norwood Hills, Boone Valley and has designed
numerous courses in the Greater St. Louis area. As impressive as
Null’s accomplishments are, more impressive is the crop of young
superintendent’s he has mentored, including Tim Roethler (Old Warson
Country Club), Brian Nichols (Algonquin Golf Club), Rick Hynson
(Boone Valley Golf Club) and Chris Holtey (WingHaven Country Club)
to name only a few. One thing is for sure when you visit any of the
golf courses maintained by one of Null disciple – the course will be
in good condition with an attention to detail often taken for
granted.
Article Archive:
October
Archive
Metropolitan
Amateur headed to Boone Valley
Freedom
Week of
6/25/2006
Week of
6/18/2006
Is making
the game easier, making golf harder?
Intimidation Factor
What Golf
Bags Say About Golfers
High School to
College
What to consider during the transition
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