F.Y.I. - FORE Your INFO.

What's Happening Inside LM MOGA.

Last updated March 4, 2004

Posted: March 2004

“2004 - MOGA Adopts Quarterly Operations!?” _____________________________________________________________________________

For the past few years MOGA has struggled to maintain operations. Adversely impacted by corporate manpower reductions which lead to reduced employee membership MOGA first sought to remain stable by reducing it’s annual membership dues and by opening membership to spouses, children and even non-relative ‘golfing buddies’. These measures seemed to work for a while but MOGA has again fallen on thin times. Over the last year MOGA’s monthly participation has dropped from 50 – 60 participants at any given event to an average of 30 attendees; with one event only fielding 24 players. The MOGA Board of Directors who work to schedule, plan, coordinate and execute each monthly event has also suffered from the reduction in available workers. Reductions in number of employees, increased workload and even physical limitations (injuries) have resulted an MOGA’s inability to field a full 10 member board during any of the last 4 years of operation.

A recent review of the MOGA membership records revealed the following surprising details:

1) The MOGA membership roll list 205 ‘members’. (These are the folks who receive the MOGA newsletter by e-mail or U.S. postal service.)

2) Only 70 members have paid their dues for 2003.

3) Historical attendance at MOGA events has been equal to 35% - 40% of the active membership*.

* 70 members x 40% = 28 average attendance.

Summary: MOGA lacks the membership base to support continued monthly operations.

Based on the small number of participants that have been attending each event; the activities and time required to schedule, coordinate and execute a monthly tournament, are beyond the capabilities of the few MOGA members who regularly volunteer to serve on the MOGA board of Directors. As a result of the decrease in MOGA participation the MOGA Board of Directors has determined that it is not reasonable to continue the status-quo MOGA operations into 2004. Beginning with the new year (2004) MOGA will shift it’s schedule of planned events from ‘once-a-month’ to ‘Once-a-Quarter’. Under the new schedule MOGA will plan a ‘Quarterly’ event based on the existing, popular, annual Christmas tournament. Play dates will be on Saturdays. It is hoped that this reduction in scheduled activities will be better suited for operations under a smaller MOGA Board of Directors and the smaller board will be able to put on a better quality event in this fashion. Each of the new Quarterly events will provide for golf greens fee, cart fee, range balls, a buffet luncheon, and limited door prizes; in addition to the traditional cash awards and hole prizes for winning participants.

All these activities are to be covered by a per tournament fee in the $40 to $50 range, dependant on venue negotiations. These higher fee rates will include ALL costs of MOGA operations for each of the quarterly events. Annual dues will become a thing of the past, with the new Quarterly structure, therefore part of the increase in the cost of each quarterly event. If you were unaware of the fact; the MOGA annual dues have historically been returned to the membership over the course of the year in the form of subsidized greens fees, to provide a lower cost per event to the membership. All balls awarded as hole prizes are also purchased with ‘dues’ monies as were the $300 worth of door prizes awarded at each annual Christmas event. Let’s not forget the cost of postage stamps used to mail the MOGA newsletter to the approximately 45 MOGA members who do not have computer access or e-mail. That’s 45 x $0.37 (per stamp) x 12 months = $200 year. MOGA dues truly go a long way. With the abandonment of annual dues collection; there is also the loss of encouragement for timely submittal of the annual MOGA membership form. On time submittal of your annual membership form has always been a problem. Please take the time, NOW ! to provide the information requested on the enclosed form. It’s FREE. It only costs you a few minutes and it’s imperative so that MOGA knows how and where to send notification of upcoming events. (Please Read on.)

MOGA will purge it’s membership records at the end of 2003 in order to reduce overhead operating cost incurred with tracking dozens of inactive, outdated and non-current memberships. In order for you to be notified with the details for the next upcoming MOGA event you must RESUBMIT ALL of your membership information for the 2004 membership year.

MOGA has reservations and regrets with the need to make such radical changes in it’s method of operations. However; it was determined that a change had to be made. It was either change and attempt to stay solvent, or throw in the towel and cease MOGA operations entirely. You may have noticed that the Human Resources monthly tournaments are a thing of the past with HR having tossed in the towel a year or two ago. It has also been reported, by one of MOGA’s retired members, that REALM is also having quite a bit of difficulty keeping their retiree golf program alive. Perhaps MOGA should extend an invitation to these organizations to participate in the quarterly format events. The more the merrier. After all it is a lack of participating numbers that is killing MOGA off in the first place. We trust that the membership will support us in this new effort. Please keep in mind that this change does not have to be permanent. If MOGA attendance increases and the demand, interest, and particularly participation is obvious; there is no reason that MOGA can not return to the more familiar monthly format of operation. As always MOGA is striving to best serve it’s membership. If you have any questions or comments regarding the changes in MOGA operations please feel free to contact any of the MOGA Board of Directors with your concerns.

Posted: August 1998

Increase in Pay-at-the-Door Fees?

There has been much debate lately as to which is better, ‘Advance Payment’ of MOGA tournament fees

or ‘Pay-at-the-Door’ fee collection. The bottom line is that MOGA must write a check for $1000.00 to

$2500.00 at each tournament to pay the course. Without ADVANCE PAYMENT of tournament fees

there will not be insufficient funds in the bank to cover the check when it must be written. In an effort

to encourage advance fee payment, the Pay-at-the-Door penalty fee has been increased to $3.

Posted: May 1997

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT GOES INTO PREPARING FOR AND RUNNING A GOLF TOURNAMENT?

IF SO; PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST FOR RUNNING A MOGA TOURNAMENT!

M.O.G.A. TOURNAMENT PREPARATION CHECKLIST.

This list is intended to serve as a guideline/checklist for the Tournament Director of a single monthly MOGA event.

------ ---- (Approx. 4 to 6 weeks before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Discuss upcoming tournament at MOGA board meeting and confirm all details for the event.

a) Establish tournament director for upcoming tournament. (TD plays free.)

b) Confirm location, date, tee off time, and tournament format.

c) Confirm the fee to be charged each player (based on cost to MOGA). Discuss cost to include Golf, Cart fees, Range balls, Food, Other?

d) Identify any members with a credit balance (in case they call-in to sign-up.

e) Establish dates for call-in, pay-up, and next monthly board meeting.

f) Ensure that tournament information, based on above discussion, is published to membership (i.e.; newsletter & broadcast network).

------ ---- (Approx. 4 weeks before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Contact the course management and confirm all details for the scheduled event.

a) Confirm date, tee off time, and tournament format.

b) Confirm the cost (to MOGA) per player. Discuss cost to include Golf, Cart fees, Range balls, Food, Other?

c) Agree upon a tentative number of players (to be confirmed ~ 4 days before event). Discuss any penalties for excessive number of no-shows

on the day of play.

d) Establish any limitations to the number of players.

e) Establish any limitation to the holes that can be used for sign-up. MOGA typically plays a reverse-shotgun start,

beginning on #18, with two four-somes on each hole except for par 3's.

f) Establish any other limitations; Dress codes, No coolers, etc.

g) Discuss Hole Prize markers. (MOGA has their own markers, none will be required from course).

h) Discuss availability of a drink cart (to be operated by the course). (Pay by the drink preferred).

i) Discuss posting of scores at the course after the tournament. (MOGA publishes a newsletter, there is no need to post the scores).

j) Discuss & arrange a 4-man COMP. round to be played 1 week before tournament.

k) Exchange & confirm good phone and FAX numbers for both the course and MOGA.

------ ---- (Approx. 2 weeks before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Prepare blank pairings sheet(s) for call-in to begin 11 days prior to date of tournament.

a) Start your own four-some on hole # 1B (you begin and end play at the clubhouse).

b) Contact all MOGA Board members to sign-up their groups in advance (as a courtesy).

2) Prepare blank cash receipt sheet(s) to record greens fees as collected prior to tournament.

3) Contact the course management to finalize date and time for 4-man COMP. round.

a) Contact Board members to play COMP. round (based on COMP. round status sheet).

------ ---- (11 days before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Begin accepting call-ins for tournament.

a) Enter all call-ins on pairings sheet beginning with hole # 18 and working backward.

b) Note that a group called in as a 1,2,3,or 4-some should later re-grouping be required.

c) Obtain and note at least one phone number for each group should you need to call-back.

2) Begin accepting greens fees for tournament.

a) Enter all monies received on cash receipt sheet with name and amount paid (cash/check).

b) Note check numbers on cash receipt sheet with appropriate payee name.

c) Staple cash payments together and note name of payee on top bill (to aid treasurer).

d) Note any fees to be paid by credits due to appropriate payee on cash receipt sheet.

------ ---- (approximately 7 days before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Play 4-man complementary round.

a) Determine which holes will be used as Prize Holes for the tournament (up to 9 holes prizes)

(See Publicity/Newsletter director for existing Cart Info. sheets with hole prize lists).

b) Evaluate course condition, for notes on Cart Information sheet.

c) Note type(s) of yardage markers in use, for notes on Cart Information sheet.

2) While at the course:

A) Pick up a sufficient number of blank score cards to permit advance preparation of cards. (25-30 cards will usually suffice).

B) Contact the course management and confirm all details for the event.

a) Discuss a tentative number of players (based on call-ins) to be expected at the tournament.

b) Discuss availability and flexibility of pairing for late adds and/or drop-outs. A 10% variation in pairing

over the last 4 days is not unusual.

c) Discuss any penalties for excessive number of no-shows at the event.

d) Discuss any limitations on the number of players.

e) Discuss any limitation to the holes that can be used for sign-up.

------ ---- (4 days before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Prepare a one page Cart Information sheet to be placed in each cart tournament day.

(See Publicity/Newsletter director for existing Cart Info. sheets).

2) Prepare 10 copies of the Cart Information sheet for board meeting that evening.

3) Prepare 1 copy of all cash receipt sheet(s) for board meeting that evening.

4) Attend monthly MOGA board of director meeting at appropriate site.

a) Discuss upcoming tournament and confirm all details for the event.

b) Turn over 1 copy of the Cart Information sheet to all directors at the meeting.

c) Ensure that a list of prizes (cart sheet) is provided to the director of Prizes.

The MOGA director of prizes will prepare the Hole Prize sign-up cards and bring the markers to the course,

if the director of prizes is unable to play on tournament day; make sure that arrangements are made for the

markers to be delivered to the tournament.

d) Turn over all monies collected to treasurer with 1 copy of cash receipt sheet(s).

e) If the MOGA treasurer will be unable to play in the tournament make sure that you obtain a blank check

so that you can pay the tournament bill on the day of the event.

f) Collect 1 copy (in alphabetical order by name) and 1 copy (in numerical order by handicap) of the handicap listings

from the director of Handicaps.

g) Collect 1 copy of cash receipt sheets(s) from each MOGA director at meeting.

h) Compare all cash receipt sheet(s) collected to pairings sheets for upcoming event to determine which members are prepaid,

which members will pay at the tournament (i.e.; retirees), and which member need a reminder call to pay their greens fees.

5) Contact unpaid call-ins and remind them that they need to pay their greens fees.

------ ---- (3 days before the scheduled tournament date. * DO THIS EARLY IN THE DAY *)

1) Contact the course management and confirm all details for the scheduled event.

a) Agree upon a prepaid number of players to be expected at the tournament.

b) Discuss availability and flexibility of pairing for late adds and/or drop-outs.

A 10% variation in pairing over the last 4 days is not unusual.

c) Discuss any penalties for excessive number of no-shows on the day of play.

d) Finalize any limitations on the number of players.

e) Finalize any limitation to the holes that can be used for sign-up.

f) FAX the pairing and tournament data to the course management if they desire an advance draft copy.

------ ---- (1-2 days before the scheduled tournament date.)

1) Prepare sufficient copies (40-50) of Cart Information sheet to provide for one to be placed in each cart on tournament day.

2) Prepare scorecards in advance (per pairings sheet) using waterproof pen or pencil.

a) Whenever possible; prepare a single card for each four-some.

b) Include on card: Players Name, Players Handicap ID Number (write beside name) and enter players handicap in handicap block

(when appropriate to tournament format).

c) Mark each scorecard with the appropriate starting hole (i.e.; 1A, 1B, 18A, etc.)

d) Highlight the starting hole on each scorecard (with a vertical stripe).

e) Add a "Reminder Note" to each card belonging to a group that will be the LAST GROUP to finish play on a hole having a

Hole Prize Marker; reminding that group to "Please Pick Up The Hole Prize Marker On Hole # ??"

3) Prepare blank cash receipt sheet(s) to record greens fees as collected prior to start of play (Late payments and Retirees).

------ ---- (on tournament day.)

1) Plan to arrive at the course 1 hour before the scheduled tee off time.

2) Remember to take to the course with you:

a) (40-50) Cart Information sheets.

b) Scorecards prepared in advance.

c) Pairings sheets for the tournament (for sign-in table).

d) Extra blank Cash Receipt sheets (for late payments).

e) Any late payments received since the last MOGA board meeting.

f) Blank MOGA membership forms (someone will want to pay their annual dues).

g) Handicap listing printouts (someone will ask questions).

3) Upon arrival at the course:

a) Distribute (40-50) Cart Information sheets (one to a cart).

b) Distribute previously prepared scorecards to the appropriate carts.

c) Ensure that the Hole Prize markers are distributed to the appropriate carts. The MOGA director of prizes

will usually bring the markers to the course, if the director of prizes is unable to participate in the tournament;

make sure that arrangements are made to deliver the markers in time for the tournament.

4) Prepare the sign-in table with pairings sheets and cash receipt sheets.

a) Mark all arriving players on pairings sheet and check for unpaid greens fees.

b) Collect any unpaid greens fees and note payment on cash receipts sheet.

c) Collect any membership/annual fees due and note payment on cash receipts sheet.

------ ---- (5-10 minutes before the scheduled tee off.)

1) Adjust pairings as necessary to cover for any no-shows. Try and maintain four-somes or three-somes; whenever possible avoid 2-somes.

2) Notify course management of the Headcount and confirm the number of players about to begin play.

3) Turn any money collected for late greens fees over to the MOGA treasurer.

4) Make any verbal announcements concerning the days activities (i.e. Course Condition, Lunch to take place after play,

"Please refer to the Information sheet in your cart for the Hole Prizes and additional details.", etc.)

5) PLAY GOLF!

------ ---- (Immediately after completion of play.)

1) Find a location to collect all scorecards (the sign-up table works well).

A) Collect all cards and check off each group on the pairings sheet as a cross-check.

a) Check that all cards are dated, signed and attested.

B) If any cards are missing (after a reasonable collection time period):

a) Check with the other MOGA directors at the tournament site.

b) Check with the director of prizes (cards are collected when prizes are distributed.

c) Check with the Pro Shop.

d) Check with the Cart Maintenance Personnel in the cart shed (cards left on carts).

C) Collect the sign-up cards from the Hole Prize markers and check against the pairings sheet as a cross-check.

If any Hole Prize sign-up cards are missing (after a reasonable collection time period) borrow a cart and check the appropriate holes.

2) Locate the MOGA Treasurer and Contact the course management to pay the tournament bill.

a) Check the marked up pairing sheet for a headcount of those who actually played in the tournament.

(This should be the number of greens fees you pay for.) (If the MOGA treasurer is unable to play in the tournament

make sure that you obtain a blank check from the treasurer in advance so that you can pay the tournament bill.)

------ ---- (1-2 days after completion of the tournament.)

1) Check all scorecards against the Handicap list (per the tournament format) to determine the tournament winners.

2) Check all sign-up cards from the Hole Prize markers to determine the hole prize winners.

a) Remember ONLY ONE HOLE PRIZE PER PLAYER. Disqualify any winners for remaining holes.

b) Check the Hole Prize cards carefully, the LAST ENTRY is NOT always THE WINNER.

3) Notify the MOGA Director of Newsletters (ASAP) of the tournament results for publication in the next monthly newsletter.

4) Notify the MOGA Director of Prizes (ASAP) of the tournament results so they can account for prizes to be awarded.

5) Notify the MOGA Treasurer of any Pre-Paid No-Show players (if there was to requirement to pay the course for any No-Shows)

so a credit can be noted for the No-Show player(s).

6) Turn completed scorecards from tournament over to MOGA Handicap director for inclusion in MOGA handicap model