Jacksonville Area Golf Association

Directors Meeting

Fernandina Beach Golf Club

MARCH 10, 2009

CALL TO ORDER:  President Jim Edwards called meeting to order at 10:32 a.m.

OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:  Jim Edwards, Joe Power, Gary Owensby, Tom Tierney, Lee Crowe, and Barney Poston.

CLUB PRO:  Scott Womble welcomed us to his course, saying they overseeded this year and the course is beautiful.  We will be playing the West and South courses of the three nines here.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  Today's attendance is 51.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  With absence of Jerry Kay, Tom Tierney gave report that we have $6315 in the bank.  Report was also given of the clubs that have not paid their dues.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Gary Owensby apologized for originally stating in minutes that March’s meeting date was the 17^th, and if someone showed up a week late, it was his fault.  February minutes were accepted and seconded.

V.P. TOURNAMENTS REPORT:  Joe Power asked Past President Lee Crowe to report on the next 2-man at Deerwood.  Lee said he had a few spots open.  Next, Gary Owensby reported on the progress of the JAGA Senior Championship.  As of now, we have 33 entries.  Gary said that with the economy being what it is, we need all directors to get as many seniors as possible from their respective clubs to play.  Entry forms were sent out 2 weeks ago to past players. 

V.P. ADMINISTRATION REPORT:  Mr. Streightiff is on a granted leave of absence.

In his absence, our directors from Lake City reminded us that next month’s meeting is in their domain.  We will be meeting, first, at Lake City Community College, beginning at 9:30 with a tour of the school campus.  Then, we will reconvene at Southern Oaks at 11:00 for our business meeting.  Take US 90 exit.  April 21^st is the date, unless your secretary has made another mistake.

WEBMASTER REPORT:  Barney Poston reported that reservations for this month’s meeting went as smooth as they ever have.  However, he reminded us that reservations are Russ’s job therefore, don’t call Barney, concerning them.  Call Russ Hamilton.  He also reminded us that the directory on the web page has been secured by password, to protect the Director's private information.

SCHOLARSHIP REPORT:  Tom Tierney reported that 3 students have not sent in their schedules.  He reminded us that it is the director’s job to make sure our students comply with this policy, as well as the parents being aware of what is expected of them.  Question was asked if we are involved in summer school term.  Tom answered that all JAGA cares about are 8 semesters, whenever they occur.

There was some discussion between Past President Jim Andrews and Tom Tierney about making known to us who the delinquent students are.  Tom was reluctant to do this, at risk of embarrassing someone.  However, it was decided that it is in the best interest of all concerned to make that information available.

Plantation Club presented Tom with a check for $4840 to the scholarship fund.

OLD BUSINESS:  Barney Poston and President Edwards have been talking to Darren Doerr, who has a radio talk show on Saturday mornings, about interviewing tournament directors about upcoming events.  They felt it would be good publicity and help participation.

NEW BUSINESS:  Jim Andrews gave an update on volunteering to work in this year’s Player’s Championship.  Earl Strickland suggested inviting scholarship students to attend our meetings during summer break.  President Edwards said we have done that before, however, we need to perhaps do it more often.

President Edwards, being a member here, said his course does not have red tees for 80 + players.  Here they will play gold tees.  This started when Bill Black reached that milestone.  They will play those tees when we are at courses that have them.

GUEST SPEAKER:  Our guest speaker today is Todd McDonald, the head professional at Amelia Island National Golf and Country Club.  He is also President of the North Florida chapter of the PGA.  He grew up playing in JAGA tournaments.

Mr. McDonald said the North Florida chapter of the PGA is one of the largest, home to 1500 members.  Their goals are to grow the game, increase participation in issues confronting the game.

One such issue is handicaps.  Winners of tournaments are scrutinized more closely.  They make sure players winning amateur events are amateurs.

Another issue is charities.  One thing they are doing with club professionals is the shirt for a shirt campaign.  Give a shirt to charity and get a new one at a discount.

One of their prime goals is to support and grow the junior golf program.  They are very interested in the JAGA Junior Tournament and are willing to help.  They are also looking at family golf as a way to grow the game.

The PGA is becoming more involved with the media, using them more, partnering with them.  Mr. McDonald said they want to help JAGA and asked what could they do to help us?

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION:   Past President Lee Crowe said with the growing number of tournaments, scheduling has become a real problem.  The Amelia National Club has been less than helpful in the past.  Could we get them to become more involved with JAGA?

Answer:  Mr. McDonald said in the past carts had been a problem.  However, they can now work around that and encourage JAGA to have events at his club.  He said they can accommodate 90 players.

Question:  What is the economy doing to golf in North Florida.

Answer:  It certainly is hurting, however, their figures show some decline in the last 2 years in amount spent per round and in the pro shops.  People are asking for discounts and they are getting them.  Certificate programs are helping with this issue.

He said he'd like to have JAGA for a meeting in the future.

PAIRINGS COORDINATOR:  Russ Hamilton gave out pairings for today and said we were on time for tee off.

Bob Steck from Palencia gave Tom Tierney a check for $1000 from their Men’s Golf Association.

BLESSING FOR LUNCH:  Was given by our own Don Barker.

MEETING ADJOURNED

Submitted by your humble secretary,

Gary Owensby