Category Archives: Uncategorized

GCSAA Rounds 4 Research Auction is Back!

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

We’re excited to invite you to participate in the upcoming Rounds 4 Research Auction, where you can bid on exclusive rounds at bucket list courses and hidden gems in your backyard, while supporting vital research initiatives within the golf community.

Rounds 4 Research aims to generate resources to fund research and help ensure the future of the game we all love. And with your help, we can do just that!

Cori Matheson Honored with the Dorothy Pease Champion of Golf Award

A story from AZ Golf

To honor the memory of Dorothy Pease, in recognition of her selfless service to golf, the Champion of Golf Award is given annually to an individual who, by his or her contributions, has advanced the game of golf for women.

During and after her collegiate golf career, Cori Matheson held multiple positions with the Southwest Section PGA, JGAA and First Tee of Phoenix, eventually becoming a Class A LPGA Professional and LPGA Member. In 2013, she started in her current role as Director of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix. A Girls Golf alumna herself, Matheson knows the organization’s impact firsthand. She has worked to continue Girls Golf’s mission of empowering girls through golf. Under her leadership, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix has grown to over 550 sites and serves over 100,000 participants annually. In 2023, Girls Golf reached its one millionth participant since inception.

Course Rating vs. Bogey Rating vs. Slope Rating

A story from Nebraska Golf

Every golfer with a Handicap Index can tell you what their number is and most know how to figure out how many strokes they get on a certain day by calculating their Course Handicap and Playing Handicap.

Most know there are ratings for each tee set on a golf course, but do you know what each number means? Well, they are the foundation of the World Handicap System, and without them, you wouldn’t be able to compare yourself to other golfers and use your Handicap Index equitably at courses around the world.

Golf courses often display two numbers on their scorecards, but there is a third that is important as well, and a good measuring stick for most golfers. The Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® are the first two numbers, and the third is the Bogey Rating™.

These numbers are established through the Course Rating System, which allows NebGolf staff and volunteers to evaluate courses around the state. The ratings are determined by assessing the effective length of the golf course and the obstacles and challenges that face scratch and bogey players in their respective landing zones around the course.

Breaking Barriers: How British Columbia Golf and WA Golf Are Revolutionizing Women’s Golf

Women’s golf has seen an exciting transformation in recent years, with new initiatives redefining accessibility and engagement. Two standout programs leading this shift are British Columbia Golf’s Cloud Series and WA Golf’s Ladies Link League. Designed to foster participation, these innovative formats offer a fresh take on competitive and social golf, making the game more inclusive for women of all skill levels.

The Cloud Series emerged in 2020 when British Columbia Golf sought a way to participate in Women’s Golf Day despite COVID-19 restrictions. With in-person events off the table, they developed a virtual scramble where women could play at their home courses, submit their scores, and compete remotely. What started as a one-time event quickly gained traction. “We had nearly 300 women participate in our first year, and it just kept growing,” shared Tyler McKay, Manager of Competitions & Member Events at British Columbia Golf. By 2024, the series had expanded to six monthly tournaments with an average of 604 golfers per event.

Meanwhile, WA Golf was facing a different challenge. Their existing four-ball match play event for women was seeing dwindling participation, with fewer than half the expected players signing up in 2023. After learning about the Cloud Series, they decided to reimagine their own offering. “We wanted to create something that was more inclusive, something that could bring in new golfers while still appealing to competitive players,” explained Audrey Orem, WA Golf’s Manager of Membership & Handicapping. The result was the Ladies Link League, a six-month-long event featuring different formats each month, a low entry fee, and a strong emphasis on community-building. The changes worked—participation surged to an average of 197 players per month in its first year.

One of the key elements that make these programs so successful is their format variety. The Cloud Series cycles through different team-based formats to keep the experience fresh, incorporating styles like shamble, best ball, and modified scramble. WA Golf’s Ladies Link League adopted a similar approach, alternating scramble formats to cater to different skill levels. “The scrambles have been fantastic for beginners,” noted Sam Crader, WA Golf’s Manager of Golf Operations. “They make the game feel more approachable and fun, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Beyond participation numbers, these programs are driving real change within the golf community. Clubs across British Columbia and Washington have started adopting the formats for their own women’s leagues, further extending the reach of these initiatives. Both organizations credit player feedback as a crucial component of their growth. “Listening to our players has been the key,” McKay emphasized. “We constantly refine the event based on what they tell us, which has helped us create an experience they truly enjoy.”

Technology has also played a vital role in their success. Both programs utilize Golf Genius for scoring, leaderboards, and event management, making remote play possible. Social media and digital surveys help drive engagement, while instructional guides ensure that players, regardless of tech-savviness, can easily participate. Looking ahead, both organizations have ambitious plans. British Columbia Golf is launching a Men’s Cloud Series and exploring a cloud-based simulator competition for the off-season. WA Golf is expanding its social engagement efforts, introducing chat forums and hosting official meetup days for participants to connect in person.

With the success of these programs, British Columbia Golf and WA Golf are setting a new standard for accessibility in the sport. By embracing innovation and prioritizing community, they are not just increasing participation—they are reshaping the way women experience golf. Their willingness to share insights and help other organizations adopt similar models speaks to the broader movement of growing the game in a meaningful, lasting way. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they serve as an inspiring blueprint for the future of women’s golf.

Tyler McKay, Manager of Competitions & Member Events at British Columbia Golf, can be reached via email at tyler@britishcolumbiagolf.org.

Audrey Orem, Manager of Membership & Handicapping at WA Golf, is available at aorem@wagolf.org.

Sam Crader, Manager of Golf Operations at WA Golf, can be contacted at scrader@wagolf.org.

By: Santana Shipley

2025 Mass Golf Member Days Return with Stellar Courses, Updated Lottery System; Registration Opens March 4

A story from Mass Golf

Imagine stepping onto the first tee at a course you’ve only seen in pictures, the kind of place where you and your golf partners usually say, “Maybe someday.” For the past 15 years, Mass Golf Member Days have allowed thousands of Mass Golf members to fulfill those desires at some of Massachusetts’ most exclusive private courses — venues typically reserved for members and their guests only.

Following record participation last season, including a 25% increase in unique players, this series of one-day, 18-hole events continues with a fresh lineup, an updated lottery system, and a season packed with opportunities to play some of the most desired and storied courses all across Massachusetts.

And much like the return of major golf, signing up for Member Days is right around the corner. Beginning Tuesday, March 4, golfers can enter the lotteries for their preferred events. In order to participate, you must have an active GHIN Number and create a Golf Genius Player Profile if one hasn’t already been created. This system ensures a fair and efficient way for all Mass Golf members to get their chance to participate.

RIGA Hires Steve Yatrousis

A story from the Rhode Island Golf Association

The Rhode Island Golf Association is pleased to announce that Steven Yatrousis has been named the new Manager of Championship Administration for the non-profit organization.

RIGA Executive Director Robert Ward made the official announcement. Yatrousis will start his new role March 3.

“We’re excited to add Steve to our staff,” Ward said. “His golf background, experience at Mass Golf and overall enthusiasm will be a big asset to the RIGA and its members.”

Yatrousis, 28, of East Providence, previously served as Manager of Championship Administration for Mass Golf. He was responsible for the administrative functions and support for all Mass Golf championships, women’s championships and USGA qualifiers. He also coordinated event volunteer management, recruitment, development, and retention. During that time, Mass Golf had a 24% increase in individuals who volunteer for events.

A native of Wethersfield, Conn., Yatrousis is a past USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern with Mass Golf, and also served as the organization’s Championship Coordinator.

David Jacobsen receives 2025 Joe Dey Award for outstanding volunteerism in golf

A story from the Pacific Northwest Golf Association

The USGA has named David Jacobsen of Portland, Ore., as the 2025 recipient of the Joe Dey Award, in recognition of his exemplary service to the game and incredible impact in welcoming thousands to the sport through junior golf.

Named after Joe Dey, USGA executive director from 1934-1969, the award honors the game’s most exceptional volunteers. Beyond his service to the Oregon Golf Association (OGA), Jacobsen has volunteered at the national level with the USGA for more than four decades.

“This honor came as a surprise and I am extremely grateful to the USGA for this incredible recognition,” said Jacobsen. “The wonderful game of golf is filled with thousands of volunteers at the local, state, regional and national level. To be among those recognized for my service – knowing Mr. Dey’s distinguished place in the game and the impact of previous recipients – is humbling.”

Chevron joins The Nelly Invitational as Presenting Sponsor

A story from the American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association is proud to announce Chevron’s historic three-year commitment to The Nelly Invitational, reinforcing its dedication to the next generation of golfers.

As part of this partnership, The Nelly Invitational presented by Chevron will offer players $2,000 travel stipends, for entry fees, flights, hotels and rental cars, the highest in AJGA history for a stroke-play event. Each international player will receive an additional $500 stipend. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to helping reduce barriers for elite girl golfers from across the globe and to begin setting a new standard for competitive excellence.

GAM CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University

A story from the Golf Association of Michigan

At the end of a busy golf day at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center, which includes two championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art practice facility and range, Golf Services Manager Ashley Dewling likes to stop for a second before sunset and watch what is happening.

“I’ve been running around all day, I’m tired, had enough of golf, but then I see wonderful kids and adults getting introduced to the game in such a wonderful way and it puts a smile back on my face,” she said. “It’s just something very special.”

The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for 2025.

The program, commonly referred to as OUCARES, includes the outreach services of the Oakland University Center for Autism. It was nominated for the GAM honor by Dewling, who volunteers and serves the GAM as a Governor and committee member.

Rob Jansen Appointed 2025 President of the International Association of Golf Administrators

A story about the IAGA

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is proud to announce Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA), as the 2025 IAGA Board President. Jansen’s leadership and deep connection to golf administration make him an exceptional choice to guide the association forward.

Jansen’s journey into golf administration began during college with an internship at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Jansen reflected on this pivotal role highlighting that it set him on a path for a career in golf administration. “After interning with the AJGA for two summers, they hired me for a full-time position in the Player Services department, and I relocated to Georgia. I had great mentors at the AJGA, including Chief Operating Officer Mark Oskarson and Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. They entrusted me with significant responsibilities early on, which prepared me for my role at the WSGA and allowed me to return to the state where I grew up and contribute to its golf community.” said Jansen.

The Oklahoma Golf Association Has Unveiled a Modernized Website as Part of a Comprehensive Rebranding Initiative

A story about the Oklahoma Golf Association

The Oklahoma Golf Association has transitioned away from our old text heavy logo to a logo that reflects more of an identity to our state. Our new logo now includes an oil derrick with a golf flagstick and golf hole underneath. The colors are also updated to reflect the Oklahoma blue used in our state flag.

This rebranding represents our state’s ties to the oil and gas industry. It is also important to modernize our logo, creating an inclusive brand that all golfers in Oklahoma can be proud of, one that is unique to us! Alongside the new logo, OGA has launched a redesigned website to enhance user experience and provide streamlined access to tournament registration, membership services, and association news. The updated site features a fresh, modern look with improved navigation and mobile-friendly functionality, making it easier for members to engage with OGA events and resources.

Rob Jansen Appointed 2025 President of the International Association of Golf Administrators

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is proud to announce Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA), as the 2025 IAGA Board President. Jansen’s leadership and deep connection to golf administration make him an exceptional choice to guide the association forward.

Jansen’s journey into golf administration began during college with an internship at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Jansen reflected on this pivotal role highlighting that it set him on a path for a career in golf administration. “After interning with the AJGA for two summers, they hired me for a full-time position in the Player Services department, and I relocated to Georgia. I had great mentors at the AJGA, including Chief Operating Officer Mark Oskarson and Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. They entrusted me with significant responsibilities early on, which prepared me for my role at the WSGA and allowed me to return to the state where I grew up and contribute to its golf community.” said Jansen. 

The announcement of Jansen’s presidency came at the IAGA Annual Conference this past November, which brought together over 350 individuals from 67 golf associations and 29 partner companies. 

Since taking the helm at the WSGA, Jansen has continuously driven growth and innovation. Now, as the IAGA President, his focus will be on fostering collaboration and advancing the association’s mission. “It’s an exciting time for golf associations, marked by consecutive years of growth,” he said. “Our greatest successes have come from working together and sharing ideas. I hope we can double down on what’s working, invest in our people, and provide more value to our members.”

Jansen’s time as the 2024 IAGA Vice President has prepared him well for this leadership role. “Serving on the Board and Executive Committee has given me great insight into the association and its strategic planning,” he noted. “I’m excited to build on the great work that’s already been done.”

With his passion for the game and dedication to the golf community, Jansen is ready to lead the IAGA into a successful and impactful 2025.

Below is the complete listing of the IAGA Board of Directors:

• Rob Jansen, President (Wisconsin State Golf Association)
• Brian Mahoney, Secretary/Treasurer (Metropolitan Golf Association)
• Stacy Dennis, Secretary/Treasurer (Texas Golf Association)
• Matt Vanderpool, Immediate Past President (Georgia State Golf Association)
• Jean-Pierre Beaulieu, Director At Large (Golf Quebec)
• Cat Carmignani, Director At Large (Mass Golf)
• Jeff Magaditsch, Director At Large (Florida State Golf Association)
• Kevin O’Connor, Director At Large (Southern California Golf Association)
• Rick Rangel, Director At Large (Oregon Golf Association)

About the IAGA

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), established in 1968, is the industry trade organization committed to advancing the game of golf and serving those who play it by representing and developing golf’s leaders. With a membership of over 80 golf associations, representing more than 800 industry professionals and serving nearly 3 million golfers across North America, the IAGA provides educational, networking, and business resources to further its member organizations.

Golf Means $3.04 Billion to MN Economy

A story from the Minnesota Golf Association

Since the previous economic impact study was released in 2019, and after weathering a global pandemic, Minnesota’s golf industry has experienced a resurgence in golfer participation and rounds played, and corresponding economic growth. The size of Minnesota’s direct golf economy grew accordingly, from $1.555 billion to $1.867 billion, or at a 2.31 percent CAGR* (compound annual growth rate).

When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism), Minnesota’s golf industry generated approximately $3.04 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $1.207 billion of wage income and 34,829 jobs.

Padgett and Eger to Be Inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2025

A story from the Carolinas Golf Association

The Carolinas Golf Association is excited to announce that Don Padgett II and David Eger will be inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 2025.

The Padgett name has long been associated with Pinehurst Resort. For those who have visited Pinehurst Resort, the Padgett Learning Center is a prominent reminder of the family’s impact on the game. David Eger’s induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional contributions both as a player and an administrator.

Padgett and Eger’s upcoming induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame is not only a celebration of their individual achievements, but also of their lifelong dedication to the game of golf and their significant contributions to the Carolinas golf community. Their leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire golfers of all ages and backgrounds. Join us March 22, 2025 at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club to celebrate their induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame.

Maryland State Golf Association to Assume Championships and Award Scholarship Formerly Administered by Washington Metropolitan Golf Association

A story from the Maryland State Golf Association

Lutherville-Timonium, MD – The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) announced today that it will assume responsibility for specific programs of the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association (WMGA) following the WMGA’s recent decision to cease operations.

In 2025, the MSGA will conduct two events that have been mainstays of the WMGA schedule. The first event will be the DC Amateur Championship, originally called the District of Columbia Amateur and most recently the Metropolitan Amateur. It was first held in 1914 and is one of the nation’s oldest amateur golf tournaments. Argyle Country Club will host this year’s championship on August 7, 8, and 9.

Honoring African American Golfers Who Shaped The Game’s History In Massachusetts

A story from Mass Golf

The significance of Black history in golf has helped shape the game in Massachusetts and beyond. Throughout February, Mass Golf will shine a spotlight on the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of African American golfers in the state’s history.

This year’s celebration holds even greater significance as Mass Golf embarks on its 125th anniversary. As part of this commemorative year, we are committed to amplifying the rich history of golf in the Commonwealth, which includes the groups and individuals that not only demonstrated excellence on the course but also broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Making History: Utah junior golf superstar

Kihei Akina’s national recognition heightens the expectations of him as a college golfer

A story from the Utah Golf Association

This week, the Lone Peak High School senior became one of 11 boys (along with 11 girls) named to the U.S. National Junior Team. He’s the first Utahn to join what the United States Golf Association labels a “clear pathway to elite competition.”

Launched by the USGA in 2023, the U.S. National Development Program represents America’s effort to model other golf-driven countries and follow the feeder systems of other Olympic sports in this country.

Akina described the selection as “pretty cool to represent the country,” adding he’s “looking forward to learning and getting better with these kids.”

Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open set for September 2025

A story from the Central Links Golf Association

Central Links Golf, in partnership with other Central Region Golf Associations, is excited to announce the Midwest Adaptive Open to be held September 10-11, 2025. This new Championship will be played at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas, home of the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open Championship, hosted by the USGA in the summer of 2024. The Midwest Adaptive Open will be open to golfers of various classifications of impairments, such as individuals with arm and leg impairments, amputations, blind golfers and those with neurological and intellectual impairments.

The Central Links Golf community experienced first-hand how inspiring Adaptive Golf is with the U.S. Adaptive Open last summer. Central Links Golf staff and volunteers were able to be on site in various capacities leading up to the Championship and during the event. The USGA provided a great blueprint from which to work and internal discussions of hosting a Midwest Adaptive Open began after the conclusion of the U.S. Adaptive Open.

Alex, Foehl and Komline Selected to New Jersey Golf Hall of Fame

A story from New Jersey Golf

New Jersey Golf has announced the members of the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame which features some of the game’s top players and administrators.

The class is headlined by players Marina Alex and Brian Komline, and former NJ Golf Executive Director, Steve Foehl.

“As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of our organization, it’s only fitting to honor an exceptional class of inductees,” expressed NJ Golf Executive Director, Kevin Purcell. “Steve Foehl’s 25 years of leadership at the organization not only expanded our programs but also strengthened our influence in the golf community. Brian and Marina, widely regarded as the best golfers of their generation, still have much to contribute to the game. Yet, at this milestone moment for NJ Golf their induction into our Hall of Fame feels especially meaningful.”

Ouimet Fund Hosts Inaugural Women’s Networking Event

A story from the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund

The Ouimet Fund’s first Women’s Networking Event, held at Topgolf in Canton on November 14, was a great success. Attendees gathered to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the growing presence of women in golf.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion with Ouimet Fund Board members Marie Chalmers, Judy Frodigh, and Alison Walshe, who shared their experiences playing golf and discussed the many benefits the game offers.

1st Clubs for Kids Foundation Junior All-Star Invitational receives 2023 Game Changer Award

A story from the AJGA

The 1st Clubs for Kids Foundation Junior All-Star Invitational has been recognized by the American Junior Golf Association with the 2023 Game Changer Award.

Each year, the AJGA honors tournaments that excel in various categories, including hospitality, Junior-Am Fundraising Tournaments, charitable giving, and volunteer support. Additional awards are presented for events with exceptional media and social media engagement. The AJGA also recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent, and golf course executive, as well as standout tournaments such as the most game-changing event, best new event, best AJGA Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational, and overall Tournament of the Year. Tournament awards for the 2023 season will be presented on-site at their respective 2024 tournaments.

Bergin, ASGCA, to renovate The Golf Club at Crown Colony in Florida

A story from the ASGCA

Bergin’s master plan does not alter the course’s routing, but the architect says, “everything else will be changed”. The project includes upgrades to irrigation and drainage, rebunkering, regrassing and adding new or relocating tees to allow the course to play from 4,300 to nearly 7,000 yards.

“Crown Colony is under the radar especially as a place to play golf in a beautiful environment,” said Bergin. “I want to expose all that while creating a course where you’ll have to use your head. We realise people don’t always execute perfectly, but we’ll give them the room to play less than perfect golf and still have fun.”

The most visible changes will be to the grass-faced bunkers. “Typical Florida bunkers are flashed sand and that’s all you see,” said Bergin. “I feel there are three forms of art to a bunker – the crest line; the sand line; and the bunker face itself – and how those lines complement one another, their shapes and movement, where there’s grass. These bunkers will stand out.”

Names Family Foundation lends its support to WA Golf Foundation

A story from WA Golf

The Names Family Foundation, one of the quintessential benefactors of youth sports in the Puget Sound region, is lending its support to the Washington Golf Foundation by granting funds to be used directly for the WA Golf Youth on Course program, which provides access to affordable rounds of golf to youth aged 6-18.

The Youth on Course program is made possible through subsidies from WA Golf and donations to the WA Golf Foundation.

The Names Family Foundation is a founding partner with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Communities Council in championing the federal “63 X 30” initiative, the goal of which is to help 63 percent of the nation’s youth become more physically active by the year 2030. Members of this council commit to taking action that can get and keep more young people playing sports, recognizing that it is at the local level that public policy is shaped, and true and sustainable change happens.

GGP’s Lewine Mair a golf writing trailblazer

A story from the Global Golf Post

It may not be appreciated quite how strong the tradition of women writing about golf in national newspapers has been in the United Kingdom.

Liz Kahn was the forerunner on the The Daily Telegraph in the 1960s, when she covered men’s professional golf because there was no women’s professional golf. Enid Wilson, who won the British Women’s Amateur championship three times in a row from 1931, wrote about women’s golf on the same paper. Patricia Davies, who was married to the late Dai Davies of The Guardian, wrote for The Times, mainly about women’s golf. Elspeth Burnside was an ever-present freelance contributor at golf events in the days when newspapers printed more golf than they do now. Lauren St John, now an author of popular children’s books, covered golf for The Sunday Times for a decade towards the end of the last millennium.

But the most eminent name and female voice on golf matters in the United Kingdom for years has been that of Lewine Mair, my Global Golf Post colleague who has just been named the 2025 recipient of the PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism, the third GGP contributor to be so honoured after this writer in 2013 and Ron Green Jr. in 2023. Mair is the only woman to have been appointed golf correspondent – not women’s golf correspondent – of a British national newspaper, The Daily Telegraph.

iGolf A Lot: What Simulator Golf Has Taught Us About Time

A story from the Idaho Golf Association

When Kyle Weeks and Nicole Rutledge left the IGA office for lunch last Thursday, they had a big trip planned. First, they stopped for nine holes at Barnbougle Dunes — Tom Doak and Mike Clayton’s Tasmanian masterpiece — where the weather was much kinder than the early-winter inversion that hung over Boise. Then, with a hop, skip and a click, Weeks and Rutledge hustled north for nine more holes at Lofoten Links, the widely photographed but seldom played gem of the Norwegian archipelago.

I was feeling blessed to join them for lunch that day — and even more delighted to be back in the office before 2 p.m. — but part of me was disappointed by TrackMan’s presentation of the famous par-3 second hole at Lofoten. It was a bland Scandinavian summer’s day. Blue sky. Sunshine. The corner of the screen indicated a gentle breeze. But there was no sign of the northern lights that Instagram had promised me.

Still, the afternoon was a welcome reprieve from the encroaching frigidness of Southern Idaho’s non-golf season. And that’s precisely why Weeks and Rutledge are competing in a simulator league this winter. For two long-established green-grass golfers — whose love of the game morphed into a career — the simulator experience is a way to welcome winter without bowing to springtime rust. And it’s a growing part of the industry that may come to inform the future of more traditional outdoor golf options.