“Chip Shots”

May 2011

Hope all have been able to get the golf matches in this year. In Red Wing we have only postponed a Jr. high meet but have had to cancel practice probably more this year than in the past ten years combined. As we near the conference and section meets let's hope the weather makes a turn for the better.

It has been a quieter spring this year for items to send out to golf coaches across the state. We are nearing the end of the second year of coaching on the course, and I expect that there will be some discussion as new/better ideas filter back to the golf advisory board. I plan on attending the MSHSL Board of Directors meeting June 6^th and in all areas want things to be fair for each coach and each situation. So if you have ideas send them to me, and I will share them with the Golf Coaches Association Advisory Board before I attend that meeting.

Of the six topics from the leagues' perspective from last fall, mentioned in the last Chip Shots article, remember the speed of play was a focus of attention for this year; continue to monitor the pace of play. Also, while I am not pushing for the use of rangefinders nor positive their use will get passed, I would expect that the use of rangefinders might happen for next season-both the summer PGA and MGA junior tournaments now allow their use and so I would expect the League might approve them for HS use next year. The use of pull carts passed with very little discussion but with a good push from the medical field. I have not heard a lot of follow up discussion on this and I also have seen very little use of the pull carts but remember, again, it is ok for their use in meets.

A project for me at this time is an important one and needs attention from every coach in the state. Last fall we held the vote for 2009 coach-of-the-year. With three classes in golf and eight sections in the state and each having a boys/girls golf opportunity there should be 48 nominees for section Coach Of The Year. We had only slightly more than a dozen of the possible 48 slots filled last year. When you go to the upcoming conference meets/tournaments this spring, etc. and see others from your section, make sure everyone is aware of the issue and takes the initiative to get a vote taken at each section tournament. When coaching on the course was passed, the chances for a section meeting during the competition is now almost impossible. Coaches are now all over the course so a meeting would not find many coaches in attendance.

A little thought should go into the vote as well. It bothers me when the coach of the year is submitted with the words 'the coach of the section winner'. Your fellow coaches are working hard and many are trying to get teams and individuals to state. I would encourage you to try to find the 'coach who has done the diamond in the rough job' so-to-speak. On the MSHSCA.ORG website there is going to be a chart that will have an “X” to indicate that a coach has been nominated from your section, class and gender. Look for the sections which have followed through in getting the information to me. Also, remember that the nominated coach needs to be a member of the coaches association in order to receive the award.--so let’s try to create a buzz at the section tournaments and try to fill all 48 slots!!

Also, we need to get the vote and nominees from last spring 2010-assume that no one did it and let's get that done first and then move to this year's nominations.

As coaches we need to enter on the MSHSL website our schedules at the beginning of the year, and as the season progresses the results of each meet. This also needs to be a focus in the future as the results have been very spotty and the League is working towards having a place to gather the scores. As I enter my results, I see many teams that must not have entered their schedules. I would guess that many are wondering what I am talking about with this-so talk with your AD if it does not make sense.

Last, three coaches are, and will be, working hard to make the banquets work for each of the three state tournaments. For any state qualifiers make sure you follow the directions for reserving tickets. The banquets are a nice event for the players; they will remember the entire state tournament experience for the rest of their lives. I once in a while speak with coaches who say they are “not coming”, and I guess that is the teams and players choice, but it is only a few hours and it is a memorable evening for them-each and every player gets recognized at the banquet.

Also, remember to end the year on a positive note at the courses you play. They greatly discount golf for the HS teams. I hope the golf season finishes on a positive note for you and all of your players and remember if you have questions or concerns contact me and I will follow through.

Todd Petterson