March 28th Meeting Results

Our meeting at Osage National was a great success, despite the changing and threating weather forecast. We had 28 attendees listen to John Thorman from the Missouri Amateur Golf Association give a presentation on the new rule changes for 2019. Some great discussions occurred from the question and answer session that followed, and I put some of what we learned into practice as I got to take relief from a cart path bordering a hazard, after an errant drive.

We followed that with a nice lunch of BBQ, sides, and too many cookies. Much thanks to the banquet staff at Osage National for that great lunch. Also much thanks to Golf Course Superintendent Jeff Sommerer and his staff for preparing a fun day on the golf course, where the greens were rolling true. Also thanks to the pro shop staff for their help in getting all the gift cards prepared and working out some great deals with golf and prizes.

We also want to extend our thanks to Barry Siems and Precision Turf for donating the closest to the pin prizes, and to all our Gold and Silver Partners for their support in allowing the chapter to keep our dues and meeting cost reasonable.

We had 24 golfers out challenging the course, and now for the winners! The tournament committee came up with a game that pitted lower handicap players to play their own ball, setting them up in three man teams and scoring with their best ball vs. 4 man scramble teams. They reported some close scoring among the groups. In first place, Team Oliver, with long time turf professionals, Bubby and Gary, along with grandson Hunter, and Brad Minnick, CGCS, Irrigation sales with our Gold Partner, Professional Turf Products. In second place, Matt Strong, with VGM, a Silver Partner, Joe Mannuci, Golf Course Superintendent at Piney Valley Golf Course, and they drug Melvin Waldron, CGCS at Horton Smith Golf Course around the golf course. In third place was the team of Jay Butler, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Twin Oaks C.C., Kyle Knierim, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Highland Springs C.C., Andy Klein, Equipment sales with Gold Sponsor Vanwall Equipment, and Tyler Fishel, with Golf Sponsor GreensPro. Tyler had to leave before they were able to finish, but I have not heard if the team’s performance suffered or improved?

The closest to the pin winners sponsored by Precision Turf were Bubby Oliver, Matt Strong, Brad Seidt, Golf Course Superintendent at Lake Valley Golf and Country Club, and OTA President Sam Richart, Golf Course Superintendent at Fremont Hills Country Club.

A good time was had by all. Don’t forget to mark April 30th on your calendar, when Toby Burkhart will host our next meeting at Island Green Golf Club. Our speaker will be Derek Nees, with Brotcke Well and Pump discussing wells.

Thanks for reading!

Mel