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Jacksonville Area Golf Association Directors Meeting Hidden Hills Country Club February 10, 2009 Click to enlarge
Jay Monahan, Director of The Players Championship Minutes Officers in attendance: Jim Edwards, Joe Power, Gary Owensby, Jerry Kay, Barney Poston, Lee Crowe, Tom Tierney. Absent, Bob Streightiff Call to order: 10:30 a.m. by President Jim Edwards Introduction of club general manager: Russ Libby welcomed us to his club and Hidden Hills was proud to host two JAGA events in 09, the Father’s Day Tournament in June and the August 2-man. Moment of silence Introduction of directors and guests: There were about 60 officers, directors and guests in attendance. Treasurer’s Report: Jerry Kay reported that we now have $7,443.17 in the bank. He reported that $500 has been held back from the last tournament. This will be a continuing practice to pay expenses for the next tournament. Secretary’s Report: Minutes of January meeting were accepted and seconded. V.P. Tournaments Report: Past president Lee Crowe explained that we have a new tournament, The 2-man series Tournament of Champions, which will be held in Dec. Anyone who finishes 1st or 2nd in one of the tournaments, or plays in all 9 tournaments, qualifies for the Champions Tournament. Gary Owensby gave an update on the upcoming Seniors Tournament. Entry forms are being mailed out next week. Barney Poston gave an update on the Father’s Day Tournament. Tournament V.P. Joe Power thanked each for their report and called on George Halvorsen, for his report on the Junior Tournament. The tournament, July 14 & 15, will be held at Ponte Vedra Golf & C.C. at Sawgrass. Also, agreement has been formalized with NFJG in the running of the tournament. Mark Rutland, Community Chair for North Florida Junior Golf added that they will announce tomorrow the appointment of a new tournament director, Mr. Boots Farley, replacing Ms. Kathy Grant. President Jim Edwards reminded directors the importance of helping in the tournaments, when possible. V.P. Administration Report: Bob Streightiff is vacationing in Palm Springs, probably working on his game. He sent his report by e-mail and we were impressed he even thought of us. Our next meeting is at Fernandina Beach Golf Club on March 10th. Webmaster Report: Barney Poston reported that he has renewed our contract with the web site provider. He said reservations were pretty good this month; however, reminded us to be sure and fill in all information asked for. For instance, we need handicap index, not handicap. There is a difference. Also, those using an iMac or McIntosh computer may experience some problems. Scholarship Report: Tom Tierney reminisced that his first round of golf in Jacksonville was played with Miles King at Willow Lake. This was prompted by Miles reminding George Halvorsen that he was a director from Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. George extended his apologizes. Tom asked Don Barker to stand so we could sing happy 81st birthday to him. The song was barely recognizable. Mr. Tierney reported that he is missing 8 student scholarship schedules and asked the respective directors for follow up. Timuquana C.C. presented a check for $2865 for the scholarship fund. Old Business: President Edwards said we have purchased 10 new radios and they will be available for use at the Underwood Cup. Past President Jim Andrews reminded directors that anyone wanting to volunteer for The Players Tournament can contact him. He is the head marshal for the 2nd hole, a par 5. New Business: Jud Ammiano again asked if JAGA could financially assist area club assistant pros? Two past presidents said the issue had been voted on during their term, and was voted down. Past President Jim Andrews said we are an amateur oriented organization. The PGA had said earlier that they would prefer JAGA not get involved in helping professionals, that being their job. Jim said we could invite criticism if we became involved helping assistant pros. Guest Speaker: Past President Fred Seely introduced the guest speaker for today, Mr. Jay Monahan, who is the new Director of The Players Tournament. Jay said he moved here from Boston in June of 08, where he worked with the Fenway Group, manager of marketing for the Red Sox. They also handle the Rousch Racing Team of NASCAR. He also worked with Boston College. Before that, he was with IMG, and managed affairs for Brad Faxon of the PGA Tour. Before that, he was with a high tech firm. Jay has experience running several PGA events and special golf events. Mr. Monahan said there are several things for 09. Of course, the biggest story last year was the absence of Tiger Woods. And, one of the biggest stories this year will be the return of Tiger. However, there are several 20 somethings that appear ready to make their mark on tour. This year’s field at the Players will have 44 of the top 50 world rated players. Also, the FedEx Cup has been changed so the winner will come out of the Tour Championships, not a repeat of last year’s anti-climax. Today’s economy will certainly impact sponsorship of tour events, and The Players will be competing for those sponsors. But, Jay said “our sponsors want to do business with us and we expect most to stay the course”. He said the buzzword for 09 for the tour is more player involvement with fans and sponsors. He gave an example of Faxon, saying that he kept track of the people he played with in pro-ams and e-mailed each one thanking them and if appropriate, their company, for their involvement in golf. He said we need more of that kind of involvement. Jay said 09 would be purpose driven; that is, to exceed last year’s $3 million charity contribution. He discussed new charities they will be focusing on. One new program is “adopt a charity”. Having a special price for a family ticket is new, with a child 6 or under being admitted free, accompanied by a ticketed adult. There will also be specially priced tickets for Mother’s Day. Fan involvement will feature a vote to pick which of three outfits Sergio Garcia will wear on Friday at the Players. They will be looking at pricing to make the tournament experience more affordable. There will also be reduced priced tickets for police, fire and emergency personnel. And, Glenn Fry and the Eagles will entertain on the grounds Wednesday night of tournament week. Jay said he wants to support JAGA and junior golf, and asked for JAGA’s continued support. Question and Answers: Q. How are the benefiting charities determined. A. There were 94 charities helped last year. There is no set definition of what charity is helped. There is also no set geographic area in which the tournament chooses charities. It is simply in the Jacksonville and N. Florida area. Q. Jim Andrews asked Jay if JAGA could get some financial help from the tournament for the Scholarship fund? A. Jay Monahan answered with a very affirmative yes. Pairings Coordinator: Russ Hamilton announced that due to a ladies tournament, our tee off time would be delayed be 30-45 minutes. Everyone would have ample time to warm up. Blessing for lunch: Don Barker gave the blessing. Meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m. Submitted by your humble secretary, Gary Owensby |
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