FROM THE DIRECTORbyJerryHoggeBy the time you receive this newsletter we will be full blown into the hot days of summer. For many, you will already have watched The Open, and wondered how you would have fared on Oakmont’s fast greens and difficult rough. Congratulations on a job well done to Bob Ford, Devin Gee ’08, Matt Denesha ’08, John Brautigam ’09, Dieter Wiedmayer ’10, Ed Clark ’13, and intern Ryan Tracy, class of 2016. Several of you will have already conducted one, two, or three-day Member-Guest Tournaments as well as given many golf lessons. Some of you are wishing Labor Day was next week, or daylight savings time was just around the corner. Please do not wish your life away. Enjoy the day

because we do not know what tomorrow brings.

As many of you are aware, Mr. Koonce has announced his retirement at the end of August. We all want to thank him for the job he has done in placement, visitation, and goodwill for the University as well as the thousands of miles he has traveled. Needless to say, he has made many friends along the way and will forever remember the students and professionals he has come in contact with. One thing I can say for certain is he has more Hampton Inn Points than any internship director in America. Mr. Koonce, thanks for all the years, phone calls, and visits. You have been a real asset to our accredited program. We all wish you well in your retirement and we all know your handicap will go down. From all the PGM staff and students, thanks a bunch!

In the March Newsletter, I discussed the Mentor Program. I am pleased to say we have assigned a mentor to each incoming freshman either from their hometown or a city nearby. We had many volunteer who did not get an assignment, but trust me, we will use you with our next class. To the many graduates who have an MU Intern this summer, thank you for helping them achieve their goals. I trust they are an asset to your golf operation.

In April I had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia with a “Bringing MU to You” alumni event. It was great seeing several Methodist PGM Alumni and touring some of the historic sites. One of the ways that you can help with the campaign is to host or organize a Bringing MU to You event in your area. I would be pleased to assist you in organizing an alumni event; we just need to come up with a time many of you would be available to attend. For some, you may want to bring a friend or future friend of the University. Many of you do not realize the impact you have had at your club or position in the work place.

My goal in the very near future is to have an alumni teaching summit. The caliber of some of our teachers is world class. Please let me know if you would be willing to attend (jhogge@methodist.edu). Again thanks for all you do to make Methodist University PGM a success!

June 2016

Mr. Koonce shares memories at his retirement reception.

PGA Golf Management ClubsOut of the 85 student groups on campus, four are made up of PGA Golf Management students. MUGA (Methodist University Golf Association); PGM Fellowship; MUGA Teaching Club; and the Hockey Club. Below is a summary of each group and their accomplishments throughout the 2015-2016 academic year.

The Methodist University Golf Association is a

student-run and operated organization committed to improving and promoting the nation’s top PGA Golf Management program.

Our various events, on-campus projects, and volunteer work

continually develop and distinguish our program as well as encourage leadership, teamwork, and participation. This

dedication reflects the pride we take in our program and the impact of a successful

student organization.

The main purpose of the Methodist University Golf Association is to not only

be a governing body for the program, but a voice for

the students. The MUGA is constantly looking to better current tournaments and programs, while finding

opportunities to introduce new initiatives.

L to R: Alec Brown, Treasurer; John Stoklosa, Secretary; Ryan Palmer, Majors Tournament Director; Liam Mulligan, President; Drew Billard, Monarch Tour Director; and Nick Hallowell, Vice President; Ryan Zetterholm (not pictured), MUGA Teaching Club.

Elected a new Board of Directors and a fresh group of class representatives from each grade.Held regular meetings to discuss program related issues and events.Successfully ran 20 Monarch Tour events, 4 Major events, and the end of year Tour Championship.Introduced the first annual Freshman Internship Prep Program to successfully prepare Freshmen for their first internship (see Freshman Internship Prep article).Completed a “Show You Care Day” with students volunteering on the golf course to help with sanding divots, repairing ball marks, picking up pine cones, and removing trash.In conjunction with PGM Fellowship the MUGA hosted the inaugural “PGM Showcase Day.” This event was open to the entire school with over 100 faculty, staff, and students participating. Our students taught golf clinics, private golf lessons, and led fun games with prizes offered for putting and long drive contests. Mr. Bruns ran the grill as usual and the event raised over $900 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pencils for Promise, and Operation Engage charities. It was a fun day with music, corn hole, and can jam. The evening concluded with students watching the movie “Miracle” on a portable movie screen on the practice tee.”

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Accomplishments (‘15-’16)

MUGAPurpose

Freshman Internship Prep

Liam Mulligan, PresidentRobbie Fritz, Faculty Advisor

PGA Golf Management ClubsMUGA Teaching ClubRyan Zetterholm, PresidentRobbie Fritz, Faculty Advisor

The MUGA Teaching Club is a student-led organization that is an outlet for students to share knowledge and discuss ideas

through studies, presentations, and guest speakers. We want to spread our passion for golf

instruction to others so that our program can have a profound

effect on the growth of the game of golf.

This year, the teaching club had meetings that consisted of:Presentation from Andy Hilts (Vice President of Instruction and Education with GolfTec)Presentation from Justin Sheehan ’07 (Methodist Alumni and DOI at Metedeconk Golf Club & Old Memorial Golf Club)How to Film a Golf Swing PresentationPresentation from Chad Middaugh ’07 (Methodist Alumni and DOI at Muirfield Village Golf Club & Master Instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School)Presentation from Michael Sweeney ’08 (Methodist Alumni and DOI at The Bridge Golf Club & Master Instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School)Swing Study PresentationsOpening a Lesson DiscussionPresentation from Megan Padua (DOI at Maidstone Golf Club & Belfair Plantation)Presentation from Jim Hardy (DOI at Longleaf Golf and Family Club)Presentation from Alana Swain (Methodist Alumni and DOI at Atlantic Golf Club & Certified Instructor for the Jim McLean Golf School)Understanding Gear Effect and Face ContactDiscussion of Jim Hardy’s (+ & -) SystemAssisted in teaching a golf related Wellness class held Downback for non-PGA Golf Management students.

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Accomplishments (‘15-’16)

PurposeChad Middaugh ’07 speaks to Teaching Club

Jim Hardy speaks to Teaching Club

PGA Golf Management Clubs (Cont.)

PGM FellowshipJames Bruns/AJ Clark, Co-Presidents Bob Bruns, Faculty Advisor

PGA Golf Management Fellowship is a non-denominational Bible study/discussion group for golf management students that meets weekly on Monday nights. The group is student-led and covers a variety of topics through small group discussion, question and answer sessions, guest speakers and small

group study. The group also seeks opportunities to serve the campus, community and surrounding

areas of North Carolina.

Purpose

Getting ready to distribute bags to pick up Food Bank donations.

Accomplishments (‘15-’16)Met every Monday for small group study.Collected over 675 lbs. of food equaling 550 meals for the needy in Cumberland County. The food was distributed to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Cumberland County. This was the 5th year the students have been involved with the Trick or Treat Food Bank Effort.A number of students served as small group leaders at The Refuge, a church camp run by alum Sammy Hudson, Class of 1997, near Kinston, NC.

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Pumpkin carving following Trick or Treat food bank collection.

Staff-led Easter Candlelight Observance.

PGA Golf Management Clubs (Cont.)

Hockey Club

The purposes for the Methodist University Club Hockey team are to provide an opportunity for those interested in hockey to play competitive ice hockey;

to promote ice hockey as a spectator sport within the college community; to provide the community with a representative team; and to lay the ground work for

the Hockey Club to become a member of the Blue Ridge Hockey Association.

Purpose

Brandon Kuzmich, Captain Brock White, Staff Advisor

Accomplishments (‘15-’16)First ever game played in the Crown Coliseum since we reassembled the team in 2013. Significant amount of Freshmen players that made an impressive impact on the team as skilled players and young leaders.

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Excited students cheer on the MU Hockey Club at the FireAntz game.

by Nick Hallowel, Class of 2018 The Freshman Internship Preparation initiative was an idea created by MUGA President Liam Mulligan in conjunction with MUGA Vice President Nick Hallowell. The goal of these seminars was to organize sessions for the freshman class so they could come together for informational meetings to better prepare them for their first internship. Summer internships can be career changing. They are periods of time where we can expand our network for the future, learn crucial aspects of the golf industry, and establish a great reputation on an individual level and for the program. With this being said, we wanted to remind the freshman class of the opportunity that presents itself and prepare them as much as possible before finishing the 2016 Spring Semester. Liam and I went about this by scheduling three seminars that went over the topics of club repair, merchandising, and simple pointers to excel during their first internships. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to provide summer internship tips.

Throughout these three seminars, we were able to receive help from experienced upper classmen who are involved in the program. They have done a great job of providing a positive reputation for the program through their first three internships. Two seniors, Philip Krause and Jamey Magas, who focused their seminar solely on how to re-grip a golf club, ran the first session. Krause and Magas demonstrated the correct technique for removing a grip and applying a new one. They stressed the safety that needs to be noted during this process and had all students remove and install a new grip before the conclusion of the session. Alex Michielini, a senior, and Molly Sheekey, a junior, (pictured top right) presented the second seminar, which covered merchandising and golf shop practices. Michielini and Sheekey constructed a PowerPoint presentation, which enclosed handling inventory, proper folding techniques, and sizing systems. They concluded the event with a fun trivia game and a folding competition for the students to engage in. For the third seminar, James Bruns, a senior, went over topics of “to do” and “not to do” on an internship. Bruns touched on pointers on how to dress, playing with members, junior golf ideas, and the importance of timeliness.

These five classmates helped out tremendously in making the freshman students feel better prepared for their first summer internship. The Freshman Internship Preparation Series was a successful process that will be repeated in years to come. Once again, Liam and I want to thank everyone who helped in this process. We wish the freshman class and the rest of the program good luck on their internships this summer.

Freshman Internship Prep

Alex Michielini and Molly Sheekey teach merchandising and golf shop operations.

Learning the art of folding a golf shirt.

Paying close attention to Senior James Bruns as he discusses the do’s and don’ts of the first internship.

Retiring after 18 yearsby Charles KoonceDuring the past 18 years I have had the incredibly good fortune of being the Internship Director for the PGA Golf Management Program at Methodist University. I have had the pleasure of working alongside the staff of the number one program of its kind in the country, and have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and becoming acquainted with hundreds of golf professionals at facilities from coast to coast. Therefore, it is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I will be retiring from this position at summer’s end.

As I reflect on my time at Methodist, I realize that the time spent with the students (many of whom are now married and have families of their own) highlights the memories collected along the way. From the freshman golf outings, to being “Dad Away From Home,” to individual internship meetings, to what seemed at the time to be endless summer travel, and for sharing special dates like graduation, the PGM Program has been my second family for parts of three decades.

I would like to extend to Mr. Jerry Hogge a very special thanks for taking a chance with me and for perhaps seeing in me something I did not see in myself. I will forever be indebted for his leadership, patience, and mostly his friendship. I wish him and the rest of the staff well in the years ahead.

While my wife Connie (who is also retiring this month) and I are excited about what lies ahead, we look forward to staying in touch with the University and the PGM program as we know that only good things are in store for both. If you are traveling through or staying in the Fayetteville area, please feel free to contact us. I can be reached at ckoonce@methodist.edu or (910) 977-1995.

Charles Koonce and his family pose for a photo at the retirement reception held at Methodist University in May.

Dr. Ben Hancock, President, congratulates Charles Koonce on his retirement.

Women’s Golf Recap

Men’s Golf Recapby Nate JerveyThe Methodist men’s golf team finished tied for fifth at the NCAA Championships at Midvale Country Club on Friday, May 13, 2016. Under very difficult scoring conditions on Friday, Methodist was unable to make a run at the leaders and shot 315 on a day when only one team broke the 300 barrier. The 315 gave them a four-day score of 1,211 (302-295-299-315) and left them tied with St. Thomas (297-300-303-311). Claremont-Mudd-Scripps completed a wire-to-wire victory and finished with a score of 1,198 (289-289-303-310). Huntingdon took second at 1,204 (300-300-297-307) followed by Wittenberg (303-298-296-311) and Washington and Lee (305-289-304-310) at 1,208. Playing under wet conditions in the morning, then very windy conditions in the afternoon, the Monarchs were unable to make up an eight-stroke deficit. Jackson Collier, who was named a First Team All-American at the conclusion of play, led MU on Friday with a score of 75 (+3). He finished in a tie for sixth place (72-76-75-75--298). He went out in 40 (+4), but played his back nine in -2, making birdie at Nos. 10 and 17. Larkin Gross wound up in 11th place after a final-round 79 (+7). He had a final score of 300 (73-75-73-79). After going +6 through his first seven holes, a birdie on nine followed by four straight pars then a birdie on 14 seemed to right the ship, but he dropped a trio of strokes coming in. Mason Stutler, who was also named a First Team All-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), shot 80 (+8) and tied for 21st at 303 (79-69-76-80). Both his birdies on the day came on the back nine. Davis Jensen and Craig Decato each shot 81 (+9) on the final day. Jensen was tied for 51st with a score of 311 (78-76-76-81) and Decato tied for 68th (83-75-79-81--318). The fifth-place finish marks the 28th time in the last 29 years the Monarchs have finished fifth or better.

by Tom InczauskisThe Methodist Women’s Golf Team concluded the 2015-2016 season by capturing its own title at the MU Spring Invitational. This marked the 5th consecutive year the Monarchs have won the home event on the “Downback” Golf Course. In addition to the Methodist A & B teams finishing 1st and 2nd this year, the individual highlights included freshman Peyton Durham, winning her first collegiate title with 78-79. The All-Tournament Team also included three other Monarchs, Sydney Syster, Sienna Fucci, and Briana Morris. The women’s golf program finished the season ranked #21 on Golfstat and look forward to an exciting schedule in 2016-2017.

The Monarchs say goodbye to three seniors this year, Alexandra Michielini, Paloma Santiago, and Megan Webster. We wish them well in all their endeavors as future PGA Professionals and thank them for all their hard work over the last four years.

Finally, we want to thank Kelsie Carralero for six great years as part of the Women’s Golf Program and the PGA Golf Management Program. For the last two years, Kelsie served as the Graduate Assistant Coach for the Women’s Golf Program. She has been a member of the PGA Golf Management family, a mentor to the women’s golf team, and an integral part of the success of our program. She graduated in May with her MBA and is now pursuing a career as an Instructor for the First Tee of Metropolitan New York at Fairchild Wheeler. We wish her well and want to thank her for all her efforts. Go Monarchs!

Kelsie Carralero’14,’16M and Mr. Hogge