Welcome to the latest edition of the CDGA President's letter. This is one of the many ways that OhioGolf.org keeps you informed and tuned in to the latest CDGA happenings.

CDGA: A Rich History to Reflect Upon

The US Open, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the PGA, the US Amateur, the Memorial, and the US Senior Open - all are examples of international tournament golf at its highest level. Incredibly, all of these events have also been hosted by CDGA courses. Nicklaus, Jones, Woods, Hogan, Palmer, Player, Trevino and just about all of the great players in golf have graced the fairways of our courses. We certainly have a rich history to reflect upon.

Probably more importantly, we are also that father heading out in the evening sunset with his son or daughter to bond and learn the wonderful traditions of this great game. We are also the club championships, holiday tournaments, junior clinics or other events which give our members the opportunity to enjoy the game. From the beginners to the club champions, the CDGA exists to serve you and enhance your golf in Central Ohio.

How is this accomplished?

The CDGA is governed by a board consisting of three Governors from each of our twenty seven clubs. Committees include Executive, Tournament, Handicap, Club Affiliation, Course Rating, and Juniors. Activities of these committees include: supervising computation of USGA handicaps and providing touch screen computers for score entry, conducting course ratings in accordance with USGA procedure for all Central Ohio courses, conducting twelve CDGA tournaments and championships for all ages and skill levels, awarding CDGA/Jack Kidwell Agronomy Scholarships to aspiring superintendents studying at The Ohio State University, providing USGA Turf grass Advisory Visits to clubs hosting CDGA events enabling them to obtain comprehensive agronomic and ergonomic information, and administering qualifying tournaments for the US Open, US Senior Open, and US Amateur Championships.

The CDGA also acts as a liaison between Central Ohio golf and the USGA and the PGA. We are also in contact with numerous national and state golf, managers, superintendants, and owners associations. The CDGA proudly supports the Evans Scholars program which is sponsored by the Western Golf Association and the Ohio Golf Association. This program has provided countless CDGA caddies with full scholarships to The Ohio State University and Miami University.

Please ask one of the CDGA Governors at your club about our 2008 CDGA Tournament schedule. These tournaments are exciting, well run events intended for many ages and skill levels and are hosted by our great CDGA facilities. Last year we awarded $36,000 in certificate prizes which benefitted both our contestants and our pro shops, while our tournament hosts also received and additional $55,000 in cart and food revenues. Look for an event that interests you and try it out. I am sure you will find the tournament excitement and camaraderie to be contagious!

Thank you to all the Governors for making the CDGA and its activities possible and especially to Jim Popa, Executive Director, and Matt Lefferts, Director of Rules, for providing exceptional service year after year.

Let's have a great 2008 season,
Scott Ryan
President, CDGA
Moundbuilders Country Club