From the Clubhouse
by Mike Jorgensen
Mike Jorgensen is a member of the UGA Board of Directors

Fall - November - 06
President's Report

We made a new beginning in handicap processing by discarding our out-of-date DOS computer system and partnered with EZ Links to install a state-of-the-art windows based system. Change is always difficult and we weren’t without our struggles.

It was am enormous task for our small staff to switch systems and to install new touch-screen computers at more than 100 golf courses in the state within a narrow window of about three months.

Mike Harmon, our director of Computer Operations, shouldered most of the responsibility for this task and with the help of a small, but dedicated staff and significant help from a few volunteers; he somehow managed to get it done.

The changes created some frustrations four our members, club officers and professionals as we all had to learn the new system without any advanced training. We all had to hunt and peck our way through the new system but it is very user friendly and we soon caught on. The office staff was kept especially busy this year answering questions and solving problems relating to the new system. They did a great job.

The new system has tremendous long term advantages and the change is very positive for the UGA. We knew going in that the system would have some deficiencies but that it had a solid foundation and we could improve it as we go. With that in mind, we recently hired Mike Mintari, an employee of EZ Links to join our staff as an assistant to Mike Harmon. The two of them in cooperation from EZ Links, will be engaged in implementing improvements to the software, and in keeping us state-of-the-art in this age of rapid technological changes.

A once-in-ah\while format change was instituted at the Utah State Amateur this year at the 36-hole Soldier Hollow facility. To take advantage of the two wonderful courses at Soldier Hollow the committee decided to double the field at the finals. The policy change created a buzz at all of the qualifying sites and allowed another 150 players to qualify for the State Amateur.

The atmosphere at the State Am was electric, and the scintillating shot-making sparked even greater interest. Defending champion Michael McRae set course records on each course during the qualifying rounds, shooting a 67 on the Golf course and a 62 on the Silver course. Junior phenom, Tony Finau, launching rocket drives throughout the tournament with no fear, defeated two-time champion Daniel Summerhays in the 36-hole finale, 3 and 2. It was one of the most exciting State Amateur ever.

Another highlight of the year was bringing the gorgeous Shootout Crystal back to its rightful place in the Hall of Fame at Thanksgiving Point. We suffered through four straight losses to Arizona, but we ended that skid this year with a solid victory and that squared the series with Arizona at eight wins apiece. The matches were played on a very challenging Laughlin Ranch golf course in Bullhead City, Arizona, adjacent to Laughlin, Nevada A “hats off” to our team.

The perception that too many golfers are manipulating their handicaps is not good for golf and reduces interest in organized tournament activity. While it remains a problem, we are also pleased that there has been a greater interest and involvement in the USGA Handicap System by our local club handicap committees. They are doing a better job in peer reviewing the handicaps of heir members and are increasingly taking action when necessary. We urge all our members to be more actively involved in peer review.

The Utah Golf Association is providing a solid service in handicapping, tournament operations, with magazine and internet information, and in support of all golfing activities in the state. For $25 our members are getting one whale of a deal and we are motivated to do even better in the future.

We are working in close harmony with all golfing organizations in the state. We commend and encourage the Utah Section PGA in all its activities. We support and praise the Intermountain Golf Course Superintendents Association. We are supportive of all the men’s, women’s and junior organizations.

We are all the beneficiaries of a hard working, dedicated staff and a remarkable group of well trained, dependable volunteers that spend thousands of unselfish hours for our enjoyment and benefit.

Next year we need to see a significant increase in membership. For the good of the game the UGA needs to grow. We seek your help in encouraging new membership.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president this past year.