In this, our 97th year of serving the game of golf in the Commonwealth, we at the Pennsylvania Golf Association are looking forward to another magnificent year of bringing competitive amateur golf to every portion of the state.

The 2006 season will be anchored by the Amateur Championship at Moselem Springs Golf Club and the Open Championship at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, site of the PGA Tour’s 84 Lumber Classic. Eleven state championships are set for the year and are available to members of our more than 300 clubs.

This season, the Pennsylvania Golf Association offers a couple of exciting changes, one to its schedule and another to the workings between the organization and its clubs. Per the tournament schedule, a new scoring format in the Senior Team Championship will be implemented with scores now be calculated by using three scores of four for each hole. The change should add to the camaraderie and enjoyment of the event. The Senior Team Championship, set to take place on Sept. 25-26 at both the Country Club of Harrisburg and Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, will feature a field of 80 teams.

Also set for 2006 is the introduction of the Club Delegates program. The Club Delegates program recruits Pennsylvania Golf Association members to be delegates for their clubs to improve the coordination and communication between the Association and it member clubs. It’s another way we, in your Association, can better serve our members throughout the state.

A special welcome and thanks to Your Pennsylvania Toyota Dealers for becoming the presenting sponsor of 10 Pennsylvania Golf Association Championships. We look forward to a wonderful year with our new partner and a long-lasting relationship.

As many of you already know, the USGA has approved the use of distance-measuring devices with the implementation of a Local Rule. However, the Pennsylvania Golf Association Executive Committee voted NOT to enact this rule and therefore these devices will NOT be allowed this year. At the end of this season, the Executive Committee will analyze the situation and determined the viability of distance-measuring devices in future years.

I would like to thank our staff, committee members, the growing list of volunteers who organize and conduct our championships, as well as the professional staffs, ground crews and members at our qualifying and championship sites for their hospitality and assistance in hosting our events.

Our goal is simple: to conduct premier championships at superior venues that are run smoothly from qualifying entry forms to the crowning of our champions. We believe in the Rules of Golf, the traditions of etiquette and intense but fair competition. Golf in Pennsylvania is a wonderful game, and we are dedicated to keeping it that way.

Have a wonderful 2006 season.

Fairways and greens,

Thomas E. Paul
President