PO Box 4306, Helena MT 59604-4306 (406) 458-3359 August/September 2014 - Volume 4, Issue 5

September TournamentsSeptember 1

Beat The Pro Two-Person ScrambleMissoula CC (Missoula)

September 1Labor Day Red Ball

Livingston GC (Livingston)September 4-5

PNW Senior PGA ChampionshipTetherow GC (Bend, OR)

September 5Eaglerock Ladies TriadEaglerock GC (Billings)

September 5Mulligans for Memories

Lake Hills (Billings)September 5-6

Guys & DollsOld Works GC (Anaconda)

September 5-7NW Montana Stroke Play Champ.Indian Springs Ranch GC (Eureka)

September 6Fall Classic

Deer Park GC (Deer Lodge)September 6-7

Fall ClassicMadison Meadows (Ennis)

September 6-7Pepsi Gallatin Valley Open

Cottonwood Hills GC (Bozeman)September 7

The ElksPolson Bay GC (Polson)

September 8PNWPGA (WMC) Pro-AmOld Works GC (Anaconda)

September 8RMSPGA (YC) Pro AmBriarwood (Billings)

September 9RMSPGA (YC) Ladies Pro Am

Pryor Creek GC (Huntley)

Friends McIver and Hedge Share U.S. Open Experience Nick Dietzen, MSGA Communications Director

The Barnett Cup is awarded to the top two finishers at the Montana State Amateur every year. For the third consecutive year, Brandon McIver and Jake Hedge of Billings claimed the trophy. But, the highlight of the summer undoubtedly for these two longtime friends was a trip east to North Carolina and the historic Pinehurst Golf Course, as McIver competed in the U.S. Open, with Hedge as his caddie. The MSGA caught up

with these two standout golfers and asked about their unique experience.

On Brandon’s U.S. Open Experience:BM: It was kind of surreal to be inside the ropes and play with all those guys you see on TV. All those years of watching major championships and to be there as a part of it is something I’ll never forget.On Jake’s selection as caddie:BM: I knew that I had a local qualifier and if I pro-gressed into sectionals I could play well. I didn’t ac-complish the original goal, but I made it into the field in an odd fashion [as an alternate], and I told Jake that if I made it I wanted him to caddie.JH: It was enjoyable; I was so excited for Brandon. You never dream you’ll be able to be there together at an event like the U.S. Open.On acting as a caddie:JH: It was nice for me as a competitive player to get experience in that atmo-sphere with him. I’m not the type of player he is from a talent perspective; I’m better off as a caddie. It was fun to watch him and the other guys and just take it all in from a caddie’s perspective. On assessing their teamwork:JH: I know Brandon’s game pretty well; we are best friends and have played more golf together than anybody. I hadn’t seen him play in a couple months, with him being in Oregon and me in Billings, but I do know the way he is as a person, what he wants to hear, what he doesn’t. It was more about being there for support and just talking through shots and taking everything into account like yardage, wind, and hole locations. What we learned about the U.S. Open is that it doesn’t take much to miss the cut; the margin is so small for error.On their tournament preparation and overall takeaways:BM: It was really nice to get basically 3-4 rounds in. The practice rounds were ...Continued on the next page

Jake Hedge and Brandon McIver

September 11BHS Invitational

Old Works GC (Anaconda)September 12

Big Brothers Big SistersLake Hills (Billings)

September 13Geophysical SocietyLake Hills (Billings)

September 13World’s Toughest

Cabinet View GC (Libby)September 13-14

Ladies’ Yellowstone County Tourn.Eaglerock GC (Billings)

September 13-14MCC Griz Cup – Member/Member

Missoula CC (Missoula)September 13-14

Men’s Yellowstone County Tourn.Briarwood (Billings)

September 14Go Low

Bridger Creek GC (Bozeman)September 15

PNWPGA (WMC) Pro-AmMeadow Lark CC (Great Falls)

September 15RMSPGA (YC) Pro AmHilands GC (Billings)

September 17-19Idaho Open (RMSPGA)

Teton Springs Resort (Victor, ID)September 19

U of M RoundballMissoula CC (Missoula)

September 20Gleason Haralson Shootout

Sidney CC (Sidney)September 20

Mineral County Medical FoundationTrestle Creek GC (St. Regis)

September 20-21Canyon Cup

Big Sky GC (Big Sky)September 21

Prostate Cancer Awareness ScrambleBuffalo Hill GC (Kalispell)

September 21Trinity Tee Off

Lake Hills (Billings)September 22-23

PNWPGA (WMC) Chapter Champ.Wilderness Club (Eureka)

September 22-23RMSPGA (YC) Championship

Yellowstone CC (Billings)September 22-23

Sun Mountain Ladies UM InvitationalMissoula CC (Missoula)

INTERVIEW ...continued from previous page some of the most fun I had all week. To play with guys like Jim Furyk, who’s been a tour veteran for twenty plus years is just incredible. Brandt Snedeker, Bill Haas, those guys are world-class players, and to see it up close was amazing.The difference in ability isn’t as much as some people think, they are just so refined in what they do and they are tremendously consistent. I thought it was kind of funny that you never really hit a shot where it’s totally quiet. There are always people moving and commotion; there are so many people there. You end up blocking it out, all the people and the movement was something I thought was cool and more fun; it was interesting to me that I felt that way about it.JH: The whole production of the place was incredible. Two of the golf courses were just covered in media, trucks, and things… it was nuts.On Nerves:BM: Oddly, I felt fairly comfortable. I tried to act the part, which was some-times tough, but I was surprised at how much it felt like another round of golf at

the end of the day. It wasn’t the most nervous I’ve been on the golf course. I’ve had a lot of good tournament preparation leading up to it, with some of the college events that I competed in, like the Pac-12 Championships, NCAA Regionals and NCAA Championships. It’s a learning experience. You learn that every shot is the same and that there is no point in trying to make one shot any better or worse than an-other one. You learn to control your emotions, to not to get too up or down, and take the good with the bad.

JH: In the first round [par 3, ninth hole], Brandon got so plugged into a bunker. BM: I was literally under the lip.JH: He couldn’t get both legs into the bunker. You couldn’t see the ball almost. I couldn’t have tried to make that a worse lie if I stepped on it. He was just try-ing to avoid the ball coming into his own footprint or splash mark. He made an attempt, and then, of course, he had to hit another from the bunker. He’s walk-ing around, hits his next shot, and walks around some more. I bet I had to rake 30 square feet of bunker after that. BM: I probably piled up eight feet of sand moving around to get my stance with my right foot.JH: That hole was one time I felt like I had quite a job to do. BM: He did great, it was awesome.

Awesome was the main adjective used in describing the incredible journey to the U.S. Open for both Brandon McIver, as a competitor, and for Jake Hedge, as his caddie. But, just because it was an experience of a lifetime doesn’t mean it will be the experience of a golfing lifetime. Brandon and Jake both hope to get back to that special championship.

Going Forward:Brandon competed in the U.S. Amateur and not only qualified, but advanced from Stroke Play to Match Play. During the Match Play portion of the tournament, Brandon picked up a victory in his first match before losing in match two. He heads back to Eugene in September for his junior year at the University of Oregon. The Fall’s slate of tournaments begins in mid-September.

Jake graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. With one year of eligibility remaining, Jake is headed back to his hometown and will continue his college golf career at MSU-Billings.

The idea of an online tournament seems strange, I know. But, don’t be scared away! There’s really not much to it! Think of the vTour as a fun way to compete and a chance to win great prizes, courtesy of Sun Mountain Sports, regardless of how you play!

June’s vTour champions (for Men and Women) each came away with a Rainflex Rainsuit, and July’s champions both won a Three 5

Golf Bag! Seriously! And, four additional players were randomly drawn from each tournament for other great prizes, like shoe and valuables bags, just for participating!

There’s no reason NOT to play... in fact, if you play golf at all during the next two weeks, why not give it a try? The final vTour for the season runs from August 17-31. You can register any time from now until the 30th, and make sure you post your score by the 31st. This month’s prize is a Speed Cart IV Sport!! The playing field is evened by using the Net Score, so everyone has a chance to win...even the juniors!

Remember, to play, you FIRST need to Register on the vTour Home Page (http://msgavtour.golfnet.com/vtour/). The link can also be found on the MSGA website (www.msgagolf.org). You’ll need your MSGA Member Login, the same one you use for the online handicap system or MSGA Smart-phone App. If you don’t know it, contact us at golf@montana.net and we’ll set you up.

Once you register, all you have to do is play golf within the vTour dates, and be sure to post your score before the tournament ends. You post your score like you normally do, at either the Kiosk, the online handicap system, or the smartphone app. You can play as many times as you like, and vTour will use your best score...cool, huh? Full details and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the vTour website.

So, register today and spread the word to your friends! More support for this year’s vTour series means more chances to play next season with more great prizes to be won! Most importantly, have fun... because that’s what golf is all about, right?

Look for more tips and information each month! You can contact Emily at golf@montana.net.

Scan the QR Code or go to www.msgagolf.org

Have You Tried the vTour Yet?Emily Hulsey, MTS Services, Handicapping and Website Coordinator

September 273rd Annual Fore Fun

Signal Point GC (Fort Benton)September 28

Red, White and Blue 4 Person ScrambleBridger Creek GC (Bozeman)

September 28Worlds Toughest

Hamilton GC (Hamilton)

MSGA Smartphone APP

“MSGAGOLF”

When Jasi Acharya teed it up in Pinehurst this past June, it marked not only a lifelong dream to compete in the U.S. Wom-en’s Open, but also demonstrated that her hard work was paying off and she most certainly belongs on golf ’s biggest stage.

“Being able to go to Pinehurst and experience the whole week there was just amazing. That was one of the coolest weeks of my life,” Acharya said. The 30-year old native of Columbus still calls Montana home when the starter announces her name in events on the Symetra Tour, even if her reality on the equivalent of the LPGA’s Minor Leagues consists of living out of a suitcase.

“I almost thought about not trying to qualify for the U.S. Open this year. My schedule was just so packed, I played 10 events in 10 weeks and trying to find a time to fit a qualifier in wasn’t easy,” Acharya said. Nothing about making a living on the professional golf circuit is easy. While the household names on the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours appear to have it easy, the true life of a player grinding on the Symetra Tour (LPGA) and Web.com Tour (PGA) is challenging across the board . ....Continued on the next page

Jasi Acharya Makes Montanans Proud Nick Dietzen, MSGA Communications Director

JASI ...continued from previous page“I’ve learned a lot, every level you move up in, from high school to college then to pro, you learn more about what it takes; and while each step has taken longer for me to adjust then I might want, I’ve learned to enjoy the journey,” Acharya reflected.

Once Acharya secured her spot in the Open field, she was able to soak in not only the magnitude of the event, but the uniqueness of being able to play the same course that a week earlier showcased the U.S. Open (men’s field). “The course really reminded me of the course I grew up playing a lot, Laurel Country Club, so it made me feel comfortable and it showed in my play,” Acharya said. “It was just awesome. The USGA prepares so far in advance and they had the course in amazing shape. I think it was a really good idea to have the tournaments back-to-back. The setup was amazing. It was a smooth transition going from one tournament to another. Hopefully they will do it again, the estimates are that it was one of, if not the best, attendance at a Women’s Open.”

Her U.S. Women’s Open experience began with an arrival Sunday as the men’s championship was concluding. Acharya was able to warm up, hit some practice balls and additionally, go inside the ropes for some spectating. Monday through Wednesday consisted of sticking to her general routine and practice rounds with notable LPGA stars such as Brittany Linci- come and Julieta Granada. “I tried to do the majority of my practicing earlier in the week and then ease into the tournament. I get nervous for every event, but I could definitely notice it on Thursday. Once you get going in the round, it always calms down,” Acharya mentioned.

Acharya’s parents Bharat and Linda and her twin brother, Akku, along with some family friends were in attendance.“Getting announced from Montana and having the important people in my life there was such a cool thing. I didn’t play as well as I would have liked, but it was an amazing experience,” Acharya reflects. Her first round 85 put her away from contention, but she persevered with a 10-stroke improvement on day two with a 75.

With six seasons on the Symetra Tour experience, Acharya’s next big challenge comes at the second stage of qualifying school in October. Four rounds of competition in Venice, Florida, will determine who makes it to the final stage of quali-fying… another five rounds to determine who punches their ticket to the LPGA. “I’ve learned a lot every year I’ve been out here. My career has been a grind. I thought I would be able to progress more, but I have learned that you need to play your own game and focus on your strengths. Don’t concern yourself with what others are doing,” Acharya said.

When evaluating what it will take to move to the next level on her journey, Acharya knows that she has a solid fundamen-tal background with a strong short game and describes putting as her strongest area. With some improvements in ball striking and continually gaining more comfort on the tour, she believes her game is trending in the right direction. While her tournament schedule is packed and her golf home base is in Phoenix, no matter which direction the road takes her, Jasi Acharya calls Montana home with pride. It is with mutual admiration and pride that the Big Sky State can claim a rising talent on the professional circuit as our own.

Good luck at Q-School Jasi, we’ll be rooting for you!

Have you picked up your MSGA poker chip yet? They are free to

all MSGA members and available at your home

course Pro Shop.

MSGA Update About Points StandingsGeorge Geise, MSGA Board Member and retired sports editor for the Great Falls Tribune

The Montana State Golf Association Board of Directors met in Butte recently and made some sweeping changes to its current process for awarding points to players who are eligible to compete at the USGA Team Championships.

Each state controls its own method of choosing three players to represent that state at the national tourna-ment, which is held every two years in the Fall. About nine years ago, Montana adopted a system of award-ing points to male amateurs at a series of statewide events. The three men who earn the most points at the

end of the two-year cycle can represent the Treasure State at the next national team tourney. College and high school golfers from all states are not eligible for that tourney, however, because of eligibility issues.

Before our current system was adopted, the MSGA Executive Director simply picked three men based on their skill levels and availability. That’s how the Montana State Women’s Golf Association chooses its team. Over the years, the MSGA Competition Committee has added and subtracted tournaments to the series, and we have had 13 events the past few years. We divided those tournaments into Tier I, Tier II and Tier III events, and awarded more points to major competi-tions such as the State Amateur, that had stronger fields.

In brief, Tier I events awarded 150 points to the winner and paid 10 places, in 10-point increments, mean- ing the 10th-place finisher would earn 60 points. Tier II events would pay eight places including 100 to the champion, and Tier III tourneys would pay five places, including 50 to the champion.

For the most part, our system has worked well in identifying our best amateur golfers and rewarding them for their accomplishments on the course. In particular, the points series has helped many smaller tournaments to attract stronger fields because the top players were eager to win more points.

In recent years, many top players have made suggestions to the Competition Committee with ways of improving the points system. The MSGA adopted several of those ideas and will imple- ment them in the new cycle, which began August 1, 2014 and will run through July 31, 2016. Here are some of the major changes that went into effect:

• The United States Amateur Qualifier was elevated from Tier II to Tier I status, with the Barnett Memorial and the State Match Play both moving from Tier III to Tier II.• Only Montana residents can earn points, and those residents will be awarded points based on absolute finish. In past years, we paid first-place points to the best Montana finisher at a major event, even if he finished third or fourth.• The winner of all tournaments will receive a 50 percent bonus. That means a Tier I champion will receive 225 points (150 plus 75); a Tier II winner will earn 150 points (100 plus 50), and a Tier III champ will get 75 points (50 plus 25).• Montana golfers, who place high at USGA qualifiers in other states, such as the USGA Mid-Amateur Qualifier in Wyoming or Idaho, or any USGA Senior Qualifier, will earn the amount of points they would have received if those events were offered in Montana (currently, they are not). These kinds of “advancement points” also will be awarded to golfers who qualify for the U.S. Open or U.S. Amateur. The MSGA will publish the new, amended rules on its website and will update the standings with a detailed breakdown so that golfers can see not only who has earned points, but also how they were earned.

The MSGA strives to serve its membership in many ways, but its most important function is to promote and grow the game of golf. We encourage all Montana golfers to support the sport by buying an MSGA-approved handicap, and by us-ing other services available on our website. The future of junior golf, and indeed, the game of golf in our state, relies on the continued support of all men and women golfers.

2014-2016 USGA Men’s State Team Championship Qualifying

Points standings on August 17, 2014------------

Parker Heller, Helena, 150 ptsSpencer Williams, East Helena, 85

Jim Bob Coleman, Billings, 85 Joe Hill, Missoula, 75 pts Drew Vanyo, Big Sky, 70

Craig Hurlbert, Hamilton, 55 Michael Williams, Clancy, 55 Ron Garland, Bozeman, 40

Steve Bell, Missoula, 30 Dan Mulholland, Butte, 23.3

Logan Lindholm, Kalispell, 23.3 Bennett MacIntyre, Helena, 23.3

Earl Rife, Kalispell 15 Lee Levine, Bozeman, 15

Kyla Clancy prevailed by one shot over Dorsey Addicks in the Women’s State Amateur held at Yellowstone Country Club. Clancy, who plays her golf at Rocky Mountain College, was able to hang on despite some strong finishes from Addicks, Great Falls’ Cathie Williamson who fin-ished five shots back, and Hanna Zwemke of Billings, who took fourth.

Women’s Senior AmateurJuly 24-26, 2014

Yellowstone Country Club

1 Susan Court, Helena 80-82-88 2502 Sue Matson, Laurel 84-88-87 2593 Fay Ferraro, Bozeman 88-87-90 2654 Sue Peterson, Glendive 87-93-86 2665 Bobbie Lacklen, Libby 89-89-89 2676 Julia Jones, Missoula 91-93-85 2697 Shelly Wills, Missoula 90-93-96 279T8 Karen Finnegan, Billings 92-89-99 280T8 Laura Wilson, Billings 96-94-90 28010 Lisa Forsberg, Billings 99-94-88 281

Susan Court of Helena claimed her second Women’s Senior Amateur Title in a run-away. Court’s nine shot victory was aided by a strong first two days where she built a solid double-digit cushion. Sue Matson of Laurel finished in second, followed by Fay Ferraro of Bozeman, and Sue Peterson of Glendive.

Men’s State AmateurJuly 24-26, 2014

Whitefish Lake Golf Course

1 Brandon McIver, Billings 69-68-67 204T2 Tom Swanson, Missoula 73-68-71 212T2 Ryan Porch, Kalispell 70-74-68 2124 Marcus Drange, Billings 72-73-68 2135 Jake Hedge, Billings 72-71-73 2166 Ross Bartell, Great Falls 72-73-72 2177 Logan Lindholm, Kalispell 73-75-70 218T8 Brad Grattan, Whitefish 75-74-70 219T8 Spencer Williams, E.Helena 72-72-75 219T8 Brian Beach, Missoula 72-72-75 219

Brandon McIver successfully defended his Title. The current University of Or-egon standout and U.S. Open /Amateur Qualifier bested the field by eight shots at Whitefish Lake Golf ’s North Course. McIver improved by one shot each round en route to shooting 12 under for the three-day event.

University of Michigan Golfer Tom Swan-son and University of Idaho golfer Ryan Porch tied at -4, with Billings’ Marcus Drange finishing at -3. Jake Hedge of Billings rounded out the top-five with an even par effort for the tournament.

Women’s State AmateurJuly 24-26, 2014

Yellowstone Country Club

1 Kyla Clancy, Park City 75-73-73 2232 Dorsey Addicks, Gall. Gtwy 76-76-72 2243 Cathie Williamson, Grt Falls 77-79-72 2284 Hanna Zwemke, Billings 83-76-75 234T5 Morgan Lee, Great Falls 77-82-78 237T5 Maggie Crippen, Missoula 78-79-80 237T5 Katy Peterson, Glendive 76-83-78 2378 Haylee Folkvord, Bozeman 79-77-84 2409 Katie Michunovich, Laurel 83-81-78 24210 Margo Salsbery, Billings 84-78-81 243

Men’s Senior AmateurAugust 5-7, 2014

Buffalo Hills, Village Greens, and Whitefish Lake North Course

Joe Hill, Missoula ................... 215Ron Garland, Bozeman ......... 217Steve Bell, Missoula ............... 220Fred Schweitzer, Bozeman ... 220Earl Rife, Kalispell ................. 223Lee Levine, Bozeman ............ 223Steve Lucas, Polson ............. .225Ron Ramsey, Bigfork ............ 225Mark Nedrud, Missoula ....... 225Ron Maki, Missoula .............. 225

Joe Hill of Missoula shot a 69 on a tough Buffalo Hill golf course to nip defending champ Ron Garland and win the 2014 Championship.

Age Group champions were: Steve Bell, Freshman division, who tied at 220 with Fred Schweitzer, but was awarded the trophy by matching scorecards. Hill was Sophomore division champ. Jim Schaible captured the Junior division trophy. Everett Egbert, who’s previously won the Sophomore and Junior division trophies, was the Senior division champion.

Montana-Alberta Jr. Ryder CupAugust 12-13, 2014Whitefish Golf Club

Montana Girls win 20-16Boys lose 14-22

With a chance to play host again, the Mon-tana girls held off a strong effort from their Canadian neighbors to win the 21st annual Montana-Alberta Junior Ryder Cup at ....Continued on the next page

2014 State Tournament Results

RESULTS...cont. from previous page Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s South Course.

The girls held on the second day, with Whitefish’s Coral Schulz splitting her match with Innisfail’s Courtney Dickson in the 16-year-old age group. Butte’s Shealyn Hafer, Billings’ Kortney McNeil and Great Falls’ Catrinia Babinecz all took 2 1/2 of three points to clinch the win 20-16 for Montana. Kalispell’s Teigan Av-ery scored 1/2 in her individual match.

The boys fell to Alberta 22-14, despite a strong performance by their 17’s. Cody Babinecz of Great Falls and Austin Walter of Billings each took 2 of 3 points, but the Montanans lost in every other individual matchup.

Montana Team Members Included:Boys17’sCody Babinecz, Great Falls Austin Walter, Billings 16’sCaleb Stetzner, Anaconda Payton Stott, Billings15’sRyggs Johnston, Libby Caleb Trost, Billings Girls17’sShealyn Hafer, Butte Kortney McNeil, Billings 16’sTeigan Avery, Kalispell Coral Schulz, Whitefish 15’sCasey Babinecz, Great Falls Catrinia Babinecz, Great Falls

Men’s Mid AmateurAugust 14-16, 2014Butte Country Club

1 Parker Heller 66-71-74 211T2 Spencer Williams 77-71-67 215T2 Jim Coleman 76-67-72 2154 Drew Vanyo 75-74-68 217T5 Craig Hurlbert 72-72-74 218T5 Michael Williams 72-69-77 218T7 Dan Mulholland 72-74-73 219T7 Logan Lindholm 73-71-75 219T7 Bennett MacIntyre 75-71-73 21910 Ross Bartell 72-72-76 220

Despite Butte Country Club’s lack of length, the course defended itself well as no players shot under par for the event. Helena’s Parker Heller claimed the championship with a one-over par 211 effort, claiming victory by four shots over East Helena’s Spencer Williams. The two golfers from Helena’s Bill Roberts Golf Course claimed the Gene Cook Trophy awarded to the club with the lowest scor-ers in aggregate over three days.

Jim Coleman of Billings tied for second with Williams, followed by Drew Vanyo of Big Sky, who came in fourth, followed by Craig Hurlbert of Hamilton and Michael Williams of Helena who tied for fifth. Hurlbert earned the Joe Tomes trophy for best finish of a player over 50 years of age.

Support Junior Golf!Proceeds from MSGA Specialty Plates are

used to help support Junior Golf Programs and Tournaments in Montana.

Do you want something in the newsletter?Contact Nick Dietzen at:

ndietzen@gmail.com(406) 459-3459

MSGA VTOUR RESULTS

Rainflex Classic (June 1 - 15):Grand Prizes

MEN - Doug Cuffe, Northern Pines GCWOMEN - Kathy Siegfried, Village Greens GC

Random Participation PrizesBilly Blackford, Cottonwood Hills GC

Vicki Berg, Riverside CCAlex Lindstrom, The Ranch Club

Nancy Dimeola, Madison Meadows

Three 5 Challenge (July 5 - 19):Grand Prizes

MEN - Jim Cancroft, Green Meadow CCWOMEN - Carole Herron, Bill Roberts GC

Random Participation PrizesPavel Danuta, Buffalo Hill GC

Julia Jones, Stock Farm GCRobin Allen, Whitefish Lake GC

Joan Perry, The Ranch Club

FINAL VTOUR EVENTSun Mountain Open (August 17-31)

Full detail of tournament results can be found at www.msgagolf.org.