Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin

Volume XXVIII Issue #2

The board members of the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin are pleased to present the 2015 Fall Issue of The Coach Approach. In this issue you will find the following:

• President’s Message
• Girls All-State
• Girls Academic All-State
• Spring Clinic
• Summer Clinic
• Fall Board Meeting Minutes
• GCAW Scholarship
• Retired Coaches Section: Where Are They Now

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President’s Message

I’ve been involved in the planning and execution of major golf championships for nearly 20 years. It is incredible to think that in a relatively short period of time, Wisconsin has become one of the most important major championship hosts in the entire world of golf. US Women’s Opens, PGA Championships, US Senior Opens, more PGA Championships, the 2017 US Open and the “Super Bowl” of golf itself, the 2020 Ryder Cup, all hosted in our humble little state. That’s pretty unbelievable! We are blessed with incredible courses for sure, but even more important for us as coaches and for our players, these world class destinations regularly open their doors to us at minimal or no charge. As we look forward to 2016, we should be thankful for the incredible resources we have at our disposal and strive to give our WIAA and GCAW events that “major” feel.

The 2015 girls’ season culminated with one of the most exciting and successful State Tournaments that I can remember. Many things contributed to this. The GCAW board worked closely with Tom Shafranski and the WIAA over the last year to come up with ideas to enhance the event for players, coaches and spectators. Several of these recommendations were implemented for the girls’ state tournament; they included the use of 4-somes, longer tee time intervals and live scoring on all 18 holes. These changes all had positive impacts on the event. The change to primarily 4-somes and longer tee time intervals significantly decreased the wait times at the turn. This was seen as a huge positive for players and coaches. The increased scoring resources allowed for live updates to be posted to Golfstat after every hole. This truly gave the tournament a “major” event feel. While I was unable to make it to the second day of the tournament, I was watching the live scoring on my phone and could see the leaderboard in the D1 team race jumping back and forth after every hole on the back nine. I wasn’t even there, but I can only imagine how exciting it was for all involved knowing exactly where they stood with each stroke played. Kudos to Tom Shafranski and the WIAA team for working so effectively with the GCAW and successfully implementing these improvements to the state tournament. The GCAW board will continue to work with Tom and the WIAA Golf Advisory Board to bring forward additional proposals to enhance both state tournaments even further.

Congratulations to the girls’ team and individual state champions! Coach Becky Halverson and her Middleton team won the D1 title in dramatic finish. In D2, coach Carrie Massey and The Prairie School “edged” out Edgewood for the team title. Ashley Kulka of Beaver Dam used a strong final nine on Tuesday to earn the D1 Individual title, while St. Thomas More senior Stanley Wang held on in the final holes for a wire-to-wire victory in D2.

Congratulations also to our 2015 GCAW Girls’ All State Team selections. You will see a full list of the teams in this issue. As part of the All State Committee, I can tell you that the selection of these teams is never easy. There are so many deserving players. But I can also tell you that the nomination and selection process has never been more effective. That is in large part due to the work of an expanded and more diverse selection committee, led by our committee chair, Brian Bobinski.

As 2016 approaches, the GCAW board is excited about upcoming learning opportunities for our member coaches and their players. The GCAW will be returning to University Ridge for the GCAW Spring Clinic on Saturday, March 12^th. Details and registration will be released shortly, but we are eager to continue this relationship with U-Ridge and the University of Wisconsin Golf Teams. Coach Burcin and Coach Oehrlein have been so gracious with their time and facilities over the last couple years. It has truly made a significant impact on the value of the spring clinic to all attendees.

In this issue you will also see registration information for the 2016 Summer Clinic. The board is truly excited about bringing the Summer Clinic to Sentryworld and Stevens Point CC next June. Perennially one of the top public facilities in the country for the last 30 years, Sentryworld recently underwent a full-scale renovation of all 18 holes, with an entirely new clubhouse and banquet facility. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are sure to blown away in June. And Stevens Point Country Club is an incredible compliment to Sentryworld. One of my favorite private clubs in the state, it is known for its beautiful pine-tree-lined fairways and superb conditioning. Our members will also have the opportunity to learn from one of the top instructors and promoters of junior golf in the state, PGA Professional, Brian Dumler. Thank you not only to Brian, but also Danny Rainbow (PGA Director of Golf at Sentryworld) and Joe Hatch (PGA Head Professional at Stevens Point CC) for working with the Summer Clinic Committee to bring the event to Stevens Point.

And lastly, let’s not forget the GCAW College Showcase. Having been involved with this event since its creation in 2011, I can’t overstate what a valuable opportunity this event is for your players, their parents, and even you as coaches. In the last five years, over 150 Wisconsin high school golfers who have participated in the Showcase have gone on to play college golf at the D1, D2, D3, NAIA or JC level. The total dollar value of the athletic scholarships these players have earned is well over $5,000,000. In many cases, the connections between these players and their future college coaches began at the GCAW Showcase. In other cases, the exposure and education on the NCAA recruiting process that players and parents receive during the two days prove valuable in managing the labyrinth of the recruiting process. The 2016 showcase will again be held at Whistling Straits in July. I strongly encourage coaches to recommend participation to players who have ambition to play college golf. As coaches and mentors, it is our duty to help education and promote our players. The GCAW College Showcase is the perfect opportunity.

Here is to looking forward to a great 2016.

 

 

 

 

Dirk Willis, President – GCAW
PGA Professional

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GCAW Girls All-State Team

2015 Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin Girls’ All-State Teams

First Team

Mikayla Hauck (Senior) – Monona Grove
Mikayla’s parents are Kim Hauck and Jodi Ray, Coach is Kevin Grahn.  Through the HS season, Mikayla had a scoring average of 37.4, finishing top 3 in all but 1 event, including 10 first place, 4 second, and 1 third.  She won the ‘Crusade Fore a Cure’ with a career low 2 under par; matched career low scores for 9 (33) and 18 (71), both at the Conference Tournament; and finished Day 1 of the State Tournament with a 72 for the lead.  Mikayla is the Badger South Conference Player of the Year (runner up previous year), and back to back two time Conference Tournament Champion, as well as back to back two time Regional Champion.  She has been All Conference and All State for 4 years, and Academic All State the 3 years eligible.  Additionally, Mikayla is the back to back two time Wisconsin PGA Junior Player of the Year, as well as the top ranked Wisconsin girl in all national/international rankings.  She will attend Eastern Kentucky next fall on scholarship, playing golf for the Colonels.

Hallie “Speedy” Kent (Sophomore) – Homestead
Speedy’s parents are Rick and Cindy.  Coach is John Krueger.  Speedy had a scoring average of 37.77.  She was meet medalist at Lake Geneva Invite, Whistling Irish Invite, 3 NSC Mini Meets and the WIAA Regional.  Speedy had the lowest scoring average in the North Shore Conference and finished 7th in the WIAA State Meet.  She was named Academic All-State and 1st Team All-State by the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin.  Speedy was named 1st team All-Area for the second consecutive year by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  She helped lead her team to a conference championship, and a sixth place finish at the WIAA State Meet.

Ashley Kulka (Junior) – Beaver Dam
Ashley’s parents are Holly and Brad. Coach is Bob McIntyre. She was the individual WIAA State champion for 2015. Ashley had a 38.6 scoring average this season. She was named to Academic All-State Team for the 2nd straight year and was a Honorable mention All-State Golfer last year.   She finished first at Fondy Invite, Wisconsin Dells Invite (Div.1) and was the Wisconsin Little Ten Player of the Year while setting WLT record low score with a 33 at Old Hickory CC that included 5 birdies.

Claire Lauterbach (Senior) – Arrowhead
Parents are Heath and Karen. High school coach was Michael Breaker. 18 hole avg. 76.5, GPA 3.68. Academic All State 3 yrs. 3 time lst team Classic 8 conference (Player of the year (2014). Medalist at HBC Classic and Merrill Hills mega-mini. College-undecided, pre med major. 13th state-2014, 5th 2015.

Katelyn Martin (Senior) – Mukwonago
Kate is the daughter of Jennifer and Jim. Her coach at Mukwonago High School is Jay Christiansen. In earning her spot on the GCAW All-State First Team, she was medalist in four Classic Eight Conference Mini-Meets, she earned First Team All-Conference and the title of Conference Player of the Year, she garnered medalist honors in both Regional and Sectional play, and ultimately finished third individually in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament. Her stroke average for the year was 77.8. Kate recently was named the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel Player of the Year. This fall Kate will be playing golf for the North Dakota State Bisons.

Loren Skibba (Senior) – Middleton (Player of the Year)
Loren’s parents are Marsha and Al.  Coach is Becky Halverson. Loren had a scoring average of 37.32.  She finished first at the Edgewood Invite, Waunakee Invite, and Janesville Parker Invite. Loren was the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year.  She was also named to the Academic All-State Team for the third straight year.  This is her second year earning First Team All-State.  Loren finished 2nd place individually at State in 2015.  She helped her team finish first place at State.  Loren will attend Northern Arizona University next fall and will play golf for the Lumberjacks.

Alexis Thomas (Junior) – Middleton
Alexis’s mom is Susie.  Coach is Becky Halverson.  Alexis had a scoring average of 39.28.  She was the 2015 Big 8 Conference Tournament Medalist.  She was 1^st Team All Big 8.  She was also named to the Academic All-State Team for the second year in a row.  Alexis shot a personal best one under par 71 on day two of the State Tournament to finish in fourth place individually.  She helped her team finish first place at State.

2nd Team

Sarah Busey – Racine St. Catherine’s
CheyAnn Knudsen – Milton
Taylor McCorkle – Oregon
Mia Seeman – Milton
Bailey Smith – Verona
Stanley Wang – St. Thomas More

Third Team

Emily Balding – Brookfield Central
Hannah Braun – Kimberly
Megan Growt – De Pere
Alexa Holland – Arrowhead
Amy Holzer – Hartford
Emily Lauterbach – Arrowhead
Bailey Schmidt – Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau

Honorable Mention

Katie Arneson – Edgewood
Melissa Biesmann – Verona
Elizabeth Bobinski – Notre Dame de la Baie Academy
Erin Ericson – Onalaska
Ivy Fedewa – Wisconsin Dells
Nina Galang – Brookfield East
Rachel Gentile – The Prairie School
Megan Glaeser – Fox Valley Lutheran
Taylor Hakala – Milton
Megan Hessil – Franklin
Jessica Heyrman – Catholic Memorial
Sydney Hubbard – Onalaska
Jenny Johnson – Oregon
Lauren Klauck – Eau Claire North
Trystin Kluess – Fox Valley Lutheran
Mattie Kujawski – Arrowhead
Jessica Kuzniewski – Waukesha
Ilayna Long – Tomah
Isabelle Maleki – Homestead
Clare Matkom – Whitefish Bay
Courtney Matschke – Franklin
Sydney Maule – Appleton North
Lexi Meade – Eau Claire Memorial
Lori Meyer – Freedom
Morgan Miles – Middleton
Taylor Moon – Brookfield Central
Morgan Narowetz – Middleton
Emily Opsal – Verona
Erika Priebe – Fox Valley Lutheran
Hanna Rebholz – Verona
Keaton Schmitz – Arrowhead
Hailey Smoot – Franklin
Stephanie Stead – Notre Dame de la Baie Academy
Mari Suokko – Union Grove
Kayla Thielen – Marinette
Chloe Volden – Hartfod Union

 

 

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Summer Clinic

The 30^th Annual GCAW Summer Clinic at SentryWorld GC and Stevens Point CC  

The GCAW is taking the Summer Clinic to the newly renovated and award winning Sentryworld Golf Complex!  Take advantage of this opportunity to experience all that is new at this world class Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed facility.  In addition, GCAW members will have the opportunity to play one of the truly great and underrated private clubs in the state, Stevens Point Country Club.  This Lawrence & Roger Packard designed facility is renowned for its beautiful pine-tree-lined fairways and immaculate conditioning. http://www.sentryworld.com/ and http://stevenspointcountryclub.com/

Monday, June 20th:  Golf at Stevens Point CC followed by dinner at SentryWorld GC

• 1:00pm – 18-hole stroke play tournament at Stevens Point CC
• 7:00pm – Dinner / Annual meeting / HOF Induction(s) at SentryWorld GC Conference Center
• Coaches Social to follow meeting and dinner

Tuesday, June 21st:  All events at SentryWorld GC

•  8:30am – Coaches Clinic with Brian Dumler, Director of Instruction at SentryWorld GC
• 10:00am – 18-hole Scramble play tournament with flights at SentryWorld GC

Information on special rates on lodging in the Stevens Point area will be on the GCAW website by February 1^st, 2016.

Register at golfcoacheswi.org/clinics

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2015 Fall Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order by President Dirk Willis at 9:03

Attendance: Dirk Willis, Eric Holen, Jeff Schmidt, Andrea Wieland, Dick Kyes, Steve O’Brien, Adam McDonald, Scott Helms, Becky Halverson, Brandy Johnston, Brian Scrobel, Tony Pritchard, Carole Zierden, Andy Landenberger, Dave Taebel, Ken Barrett, Bob Sullivan, Chuck Menzel, Brian Bobinski, Andrew Delong

• Summer Board Minutes
  • Summer board meeting minutes were reviewed and accepted.
    • Motion to accept by Andrea, second by Becky, motion to approve was unanimous.

• Treasure Report
  • Slightly less income for the College Showcase and Summer Clinic because of lower numbers at both.
  • Some discussion about discrepancy in income of College Showcase compared to what should have been collected. Andrea discovered all money was accounted for, it was simply deposited during the previous fiscal year.
    • Motion to approve report from Brian Scrobel, second by Dick Kyes, motion to approve was unanimous.

• Membership Report
  • Membership about 170
  • Up about 20 from last year.
    • Motion to approve report from Bob Sullivan, second by Dave Taebel, motion to approve was unanimous.

• Personnel Report
  • Ed Carlson resigned
    • Board feels there is no reason to add to the board

• Advisory Report
  • The WIAA Advisory Board reviewed Group Scoring (Integrity Scoring) and concluded, that when used correctly, simply acts as a check and balance to help curb cheating.
  • The Advisory Board discussed hole-by-hole scoring at the state tournament. Generally it was perceived to be a success. Some concerns with volunteers leaving before play had finished. There was also some discussion as to whether the GCAW is expected to help get volunteers. At this time, it is apparent that Tom Schafranski has volunteers covered for this duty.
  • The new pairings model at the girls state tournament seemed much better.
    • The general consensus of those who had participants at state that it was much less waiting than previous years.
    • There was some waiting on hole number 11.
      • Numerous board members felt if the WIAA were to lengthen the hole to make it a true 3 shot par 5 it would limit the congestion.

• Marketing Report
  • Precision Pro Golf made an offer to us.
    • Dave’s handout outlined the offer. Discounted price on rangefinders with the GCAW getting 3% of sales from rangefinders sold through our contract.
    • Some discussion on the value of our banner on the website; Andy L. felt it is worth more than we are being offered.
    • Also some concern as to how the 3% of sales will be tracked.
    • Andy L. will work with Dave on creating a contract to present to Precision Pro Golf.

• HOF Committee
  • One hole-in-one – a girl from Reedsburg
  • Discussion started by Chuck about how many were waiting for HOF
    • One carry over from last year.
  • Brian Scrobel feels we should have more “Mid-Level Awards”
    • If it is to happen, Awards Committee is to come up with the award and the criteria.
    • Steve O’Brien and Brian Scrobel will work on it.

• Girls’ All State
  • 27 girls coaches memberships are in question
  • 74 applications this year, up 11 from last year
  • 7 first team, 6 second team, 7 third team, 36 HM
  • Discussion regarding one player not being nominated because her coach is no longer employed with that school. The AD was contacted, scores were obtained, and the AD joined the association to act as her member coach.
  • Some concerns expressed to Brian Bobinski from other coaches about the WSGA rating system and the accuracy of such as it relates to the nomination form. Dirk is aware of the situation, and corrects everything he sees incorrect. Overall he believes it is a good representation of the scores.
    • Discussion to put WSGA Handicapping manual on the GCAW Website as a tool to help coaches better convert yardages.
  • Update submission deadline to midnight on the Sunday after the state tournament. Tony sent to Ray, he will update online.
    • Motion to approve report by Jay Christiansen, second by Adam McDonald. Motion to approve was unanimously.

• Spring Clinic
  • Andrea talked to University Ridge staff
    • Both UW Coaches can do it 3/12, this is the only date. No objection to having it on this date.
    • Andrea will take over Spring Clinic duties, previously performed by Ed.
    • Discussion of the board providing more rules stuff
  • Motion to accept report from Brandy Johnston, second by Brian Bobinski. Motion to approve was unanimous.

• Coach Approach
  • Ray Johnson will be taking over Coach Approach responsibilities.

• Website Report
  • Ray reported via email.

• Social Media
  • The social media committee asks that other coaches keep sharing via Twitter and Facebook.
  • Eric is creating a cheat sheet to help others with social media.
  • Eric and Tony request whenever tweeting we use the #wihsgolf hashtag.
  • Motion to accept report by Jay Christiansen, second by Carole Zierden. Motion to approve was unanimous.

• Summer Clinic Update
  • Dirk has temporarily taken over summer clinic
  • This coming summer, the clinic will be in Stevens Point. We will be at Sentry World and the Stevens Point Country Club.
    • Monday, June 20 at SP CC
    • Tuesday, June 21 at Sentry world
  • The format at the two facilities messes a bit with our normal format
    • Dirk suggests the following
      • Host first day golf at  Stevens Point CC.
      • Banquet and meeting at Sentry world in the evening.
      • Tom Schafranski has some hotel connections near Sentry World.
      • Discussion to move shotgun on day two back, and do the clinic early the next AM before the golf.
      • Discussion to change format on day two.
      • Monday morning board meeting.
      • Dirk does not want to continue to be in charge of the event
      • Dirk has a goal to make the summer clinic a bigger thing, our premiere event.
      • Ultimately he sees a committee being formed to run the event.
  • Motion to accept report by Andy Landenberger, second by Andrea. Motion to approve was unanimous.

• State Meet Update
  • Becky, Bob and Brian will get together to discuss how to best move forward with the survey, and how to get more coaches to do it.
  • Pace was near 6 hours, but seemed to be a consensus that it was better. There was consistent movement, not so much standing and waiting.
    • Some discussion on coaches advocating pace of place.
  • Field size of state tournament field discussed along with equity between team representation and individual representation at length. However, there was no clear direction in which the board felt we should move.
  • Jay Christiansen proposed the following for a state tournament field.
  • Girls – Division 1
    • Split into 8 sectionals (from 6)
    • Take only the winning team
    • Take 4 individual qualifiers
    • Comes out to only a few less girls
  • Again this led to more discussion, but no clear direction the board would like to take.
  • Discussion shifted to breaking up strong sectionals. This led to much discussion on the goal of the state tournament. Opinions varied on this topic.
  • Discussion shifted to WIAA course selection.
    • There is some concern about how exactly the WIAA is selecting courses, and whether they are considering previous sites, and/or board recommendation.
    • There is a belief that not all regional and sectional site surveys are handed out.
  • The board sees a real need for more surveys to be completed.
  • Back to the state tournament discussion.
  • A subcommittee will be formed to help give the board more direction. The following members will be on the subcommittee, and will present a proposal to the board. There was not a timeline set for this proposal.
    • Jay C, Andrea W, Scrobel, Scott H., Andy L. Dave T, Brian B, Jeff S, Dick K.
  • WIAA feels the GCAW can expect a proposal asking us to help sponsor the State Webcast.
  • Inclement Weather Proposal from WIAA
    • Dirk will send copy to everyone

• Academic All State
  • 307 submissions, down from 311 last year.
  • A total of 89 schools submitted.
  • Average GPA of nominations was 3.8
  • Lowering GPA to 3.25 doesn’t seem to have lowered the quality of the All-State selections
  • Bob switched to a lighter envelope and saved $100 in mailing cost
  • Motion to approve by Andrea Wieland, second by Jeff Schmidt. Motion to approve was unanimous.

• Scholarship Update
  • Nothing new to report
  • Application will come out right before spring clinic

• College Showcase
  • Different format than years past because of the PGA Championship.
  • Social media this year was a plus.
  • Prior to registration, some kids have questioned about what coaches are attending the event.  We really can’t answer that because so many coaches register last second, or pay for info after the fact. We can simply suggest we look at past years participation.
  • Next year the goal is to have everything at Whistling Straits again.
  • We will try to avoid the last week in July because of Junior Masters
  • Dirk would like to see the development of a more in-depth skills video. This was only a discussion point at this time.
  • Motion to accept report by Adam McDonald, second by Chuck Menzel. Motion to approve was unanimous.

• Retired coach update
  • We’ve added 35-39 new members by adding all current HOF members.
  • Chuck is looking for names, addresses and emails of current HOF members.
  • Four deceased HOF members
  • Dirk will reach out to Troy Ryan regarding info about a recently deceased coach.

• Junior PGA Update
  • Team WI beat Team MN in border battle.
  • Sentry World hosting 2016
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday event format.
  • WSGA looking to run more High School events
  • Little concerned about Girls’ Golf participation numbers, hoping to see the trend turn for the better.
  • Drive, Chip, and Putt numbers went up significantly
  • Much discussion regarding rules and parents at the event, no action taken.
  • Gave away 20 scholarships totaling $14,300
  • Junior Tour slightly down on numbers from previous year
    • 1% down on entries
    • 2% down on Membership
    • Most growth on Futures Tour
    • Junior Tour averaged 75 players an event compared to 76 last year.

• WSGA update
  • No news

• New Business
  • 2^nd Vice President
  • Nominations
    • Brian Bobinski by Andrea
    • No other nominations.
    • Brian Bobinski in unanimously voted as 2^nd Vice President effective immediately.

Motion to adjourn by Chuck Menzel, second by Eric Holen. Motion approved unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 12:48

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GCAW Scholarship

This past summer, the GCAW awarded a record $6000 in scholarships to ten deserving graduating seniors, five outstanding young ladies, and five impressive young men. Each winner graduated with at least a 3.75 GPA, had an impressive list of leadership and extra-curricular activities, and had participated in high school golf for all four years of high school.

Look for the 2015-2016 scholarship application to be posted to the GCAW website around March 1st. Please start thinking about any of your dedicated senior golfers who are outstanding students and citizens – and let them know about this scholarship opportunity.

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Retired Coaches: Where are they now?