AJGA Blog

#RulesSchool: There's a first time for everything

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

Every January, the AJGA welcomes new tournament coordinators. All of have worked as summer operations interns, and many have worked second summers as tournament assistants, giving them a good grasp on what it takes to succeed in their new position prior to their start. However, when these new tournament coordinators begin their first weeks of full-time work at the AJGA, they experience something that they’ve never done before at the AJGA – in-house Rules School. In today’s guest blog, Tournament Coordinator Blair Thompson gives us a little insight on what it’s like to be attending in-house Rules School for the first time.

It’s 7:59am and all the members of the AJGA Operations Department are seated in the board room with pencils in hand. At 8:00 a.m. sharp (don’t be late unless you want to provide breakfast for everyone the next day), our daily quiz begins on the rule that we covered the previous day. For months leading up to the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop and exam, the Operations staff meets from 8:00-10:00 a.m. to go over the 600+ pages of rules and decisions. This is all in preparation to score the coveted 92% on the Rules of Golf Exam and have the honor of being the highest level of certified rules official by the PGA and the USGA.

Last summer, as a tournament assistant, I attended the Rules of Golf Workshop and took the exam, but this is my first year as a full-time staff member and attending the in-house “Rules School” at the AJGA. The AJGA’s preparations for the Rules of Golf Exam are unlike any other golf organization. Andrew Greenfield, our Director of Rules and Competition, leads class each day, covering a different rule, the decisions that follow, and one or two definitions.  It is our hope, that by the beginning of February, we are prepared for the 3.5 hour, 100 question exam. And even if we don’t achieve the 92%, we are still prepared to serve as rules officials this spring and summer on the road. 

While I’ve only been in rules school a few weeks now, I can already see how much this helps on the way to that passing score. The ability to talk thru rules and questions with others, and breaking up the rules day by day, instead of cramming, gives the AJGA representatives an edge when it comes to taking the test. The test however won’t be easy. Last year, as I walked out of the exam room, I remember thinking, “That was the hardest test I’ve ever taken. College exams have nothing on the Rules of Golf Exam!” 

When I walked across the stage at my college graduation last May, I didn’t foresee any more tests and scan-trons in my future…but I stand corrected. I have officially studied more and harder for this, than many tests in college. While I’m nervous for the big day in three short weeks, I’m excited to be expanding my golf knowledge and spend time interacting with others who love the game as much as I do. Be sure to check back on the blog for more updates on Rules School and how the AJGA Staff is making progress to reaching a 92%! 

 

One week from today is the start of the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop here at Château Élan. Here in the AJGA Communications department we’ve got a few more cool #RulesSchool things up our sleeves, so be sure to stay tuned for those. Until next time…

 

Alexis Witman (@AJGAWitman)

 

#RulesSchool: One More Week

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

AJGA Senior Tournament Director Chris White has one last guest blog for us today. Two weeks ago, Chris talked to us about what the AJGA's "in-house" rules school program look like, and last week, he gave us some tips for studying for the exam. Chris wraps up his guest blogging duties with some final thoughts as tournament directors begin their last full week of in-house rules school preparations.

We only have one more full week of preparation before we’re at the actual workshop and preparing for the real test. As one of the teachers in our in-house Rules School, I’ve got multiple things going through my mind at this point.

On one hand, I’m excited for all of the AJGA staff who are preparing relentlessly and are striving to achieve 92 or higher. Being a part of their journey, their learning, their questions, their understanding; it makes me that much more vested in each and every person’s score when they do take the test.  It makes me almost more anxious to hear what each of them scored at the end of the day, then my own personal score.

On the other hand, I have my own goals and my own scores to achieve. After years of 98s and 99s, there is only one number remaining that eludes me. I want the renowned, legendary, celebrated, (insert superfluous adjective of your choice here) “100”. While I have zero doubt in my understanding or education of the rules after years of studying, listening, learning and asking questions; the “100” puts a sort of exclamation point on your career, preparation and reputation.

So, as the workshop approaches, and with it the test itself, know that while everyone is getting ready, everyone has different goals and different things they’re hoping for. Some numbers higher, some the highest; some lower and some just excited to be taking the test for the first time and get a better understanding of what is to come in their very young career. No matter what, everyone is there to better themselves and learn and better the great game of golf.

If you didn't have a chance to check it out on Friday afternoon, make sure you take a look at this awesome video - which gives you just a little taste of what it's like to be at the AJGA's in-house rules school that Chris mentioned in his posts.

 

Coming up this week we have guest posts from Blair Thompson, a first year tournament coordinator, and the AJGA's Director of Rules and Competitions Andrew Greenfield (that's him explaining a few rules in the video).

All this talk about #RulesSchool prompted me to pull out my Decisions on the Rules of Golf book this morning and take a few minutes to flip through the pages, and in the process I gained even MORE respect for everyone studying for this exam.

Do you have a "favorite" rule or one that always perplexes you? Reach out to us on Twitter and tell us about it, and don't forget to use the #RulesSchool hashtag. 

-Alexis W. (@AJGAWitman)

#RulesSchool: Here's some Advice

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

Last week, in our first guest #RulesSchool post, we heard from AJGA Senior Tournament Director Chris White. Chris told us a little bit about what it's like to be at the AJGA studying for the USGA Rules Exam. Today, Chris passes along some valuable advice to those who might be getting ready to take the USGA Rules Exam for the first time. Even if, like me, you're not currently studying for the exam, reading Chris' blog gives me even more respect for my co-workers who are working really hard to try and ace this test. Enjoy! 

This year at the PGA/USGA Rules Workshop I’m sure there will be countless “first-timers” taking the test (including almost 10 from the AJGA). As the assistant professor to our in-house rules school, I have a few words of wisdom to pass along. Hopefully these will help prevent an overwhelming feeling that is very easy to come by:

Prepare, prepare, prepare

- If you come into the workshop and open a brand new, never-been-opened Rules Book – that is a perfect recipe for that overwhelming feeling I mentioned in the first paragraph. The workshop is very thorough and intense, but if you don’t have a “foundation” already laid – a general understand so to speak – then 80% of what is taught is going to fly right over your head.

- Blue pages and definitions. When you look at the Decisions Book, it can be somewhat intimidating; it a large book with endless decisions, exceptions and very minute details. Just starting out, you want to walk before you run, and that is where the “blue pages” come into play. The “blue pages” are the actual Rules of Golf, and you should learn those inside and out the best you can. Further, the definitions go hand-in-hand with that. If you can get a good understanding of those two areas before the workshop, you’re setting yourself up for success.

During the workshop

- Listen and absorb as much as you can, but don’t go in thinking you are going to understand/learn/even hear everything that the instructors say. They cover a lot and answer a lot of questions, so don’t worry if you miss a point here or there. Sometimes it even helps if you cancel out the questions – sometimes they might confuse you more.

- Don’t be the “what-if” guy: During the workshop, after each rule there is an opportunity to ask questions in case individuals need further clarification. However, this is not a time to come up with the most crazy, hypothetical ruling you’ve ever heard of/encountered/or can think of. Trust me when I say others in the class aren’t going to be excited. Referring to my preparation segment, don’t worry about the “what-ifs” – focus on the blue pages.

During the test

- Prioritize your time. Know ahead of time that the open book is going to take you longer than the closed book portion of the test, for the simple reason that looking up questions takes time. Thus have a game plan of how long you MUST have the closed book done by and train yourself to be able to meet that time, so that you don’t feel rushed.

- Don’t get hung up on any single question. The longer you spend on one question the less time you have for the rest of the questions. Also, the longer you spend on it, the more it is going to linger in your mind, even after you move to the next question and beyond – which is bad. Each and every question needs your full attention. If you aren’t sure of an answer and can’t figure it out, put your best guess and then mark it to come back and look at once you’ve finished the rest of the questions.

GOOD LUCK! 

The PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf is just around the corner, and here on the AJGA Blog we still have lots of great #RulesSchool content coming your way. Next week, we'll have a final post from Chris White as he takes us through the last full week of studying, and we'll also hear from Blair Thompson, a first-year AJGA Tournament Coordinator. As always, we'd love to have your feedback via Twitter, so don't be afraid to reach out to @AJGADittmer and I with any questions or comments you might have. 

-Alexis Witman (@AJGAWitman)

 

#RulesSchool: From the Experts

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

Below is a guest blog post from Rob Ockenfuss, Manager, Rules Inquiries for the United States Golf Association. Rob discusses the measures the USGA and PGA takes to prepare for the workshops held around the country, including the one in Braselton in two weeks.

"While the Atlanta metro area has previously hosted numerous PGA/USGA workshops on the Rules of Golf, including one I attended in 2009 while working for the American Junior Golf Association, this year marks the first time Braselton, Ga. hosts such a seminar. Château Élan will host over 100 people for four days in February, including several members of the AJGA staff.

"The USGA, in conjunction with the PGA of America, has been conducting workshops on the Rules of Golf since 1975. This partnership continues in 2013 with 22 workshops taking place at 18 locations across the country.  In addition to workshops focused on the Rules of Golf, an Officiating and Tournament Administration workshop will be conducted in March at the site of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. These workshops are attended by Rules officials employed by professional golf tours, volunteers who offer their time and expertise to the USGA and state and regional golf associations to help run competitions and PGA professionals who work at golf courses across the country. In addition, amateur and professional golfers who play the game competitively, as well as average golfers who are interested in knowing more about the Rules so they can increase their enjoyment and appreciation of the game attend our workshops.

"Quite a bit of preparation and scheduling is required to ensure a successful workshop season. Planning begins a year in advance. David Staebler; USGA Director, Rules Education, is primarily responsible for making sure all aspects of the workshops are carried out effectively. Planning the workshop season includes selecting host sites, arranging the instructors and coordinators, and developing and refining the presentation materials. 

"Each workshop has two instructors, one representing the USGA and the other the PGA of America, as well as a coordinator from one of the organizations. The workshop in Braselton will be taught by Thomas Pagel; USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf & Amateur Status and Jesse Barge; PGA Master Professional at Kokopelli Golf Club in Illinois. The coordinator is Greg Sanfilippo, a former AJGA staff member, who is now the Director of the U.S. Junior Amateur and USGA Senior Amateur Championships for the USGA.

"The three-and-a-half-day program in Braselton is one of 17 of its kind; covering all 34 Rules of Golf in an in-depth review of the code which governs the game. In order to provide a practical and constructive experience for attendees, the content is arranged into a comprehensive presentation. Once finalized, it is distributed and reviewed by the 50+ speakers and coordinators.

"At the end of each workshop, students are given the option of taking either the 100-question Exam or an 80-question Test. Each of these tests is also revised each year. Many attendees take the 100-question Exam to be considered for officiating eligibility. While no official Rules of Golf certification exists, various golf organizations and associations use the score on this Exam, at least in part, when assigning volunteers for their competitions. Since so many state and regional associations, as well as the USGA, depend on volunteers to successfully operate their championships, Rules education is a vital part of the mission of the USGA. 

"This year marks my sixth as either a student or instructor. In my current role at the USGA, I work very closely with the Rules of Golf and these workshops. Recently, I coordinated a workshop at Golf House in Far Hills, NJ, the home of the USGA’s headquarters, and will be serving as an instructor for a two-day program in February." 

Advice from Annika

By: Amanda Herrington, AJGA Communications

“During that 24 seconds, nothing can bother me,” said Annika as she addressed a crowd of juniors, coaches, parents and AJGA staff during the ANNIKA Clinic sponsored by Rolex on Saturday.

One of the main topics during the clinic was how the former LPGA player, a 10-time major champion with 72 career LPGA victories, handled nerves and distractions on the golf course.

"When the Velcro on my glove was undone, I was not thinking about golf,” she said. “Once that Velcro was attached I was ready."

A huge proponent of having fun on the golf course, Annika stressed the importance of a pre-shot routine to get in the zone.

“Have fun, but when that routine starts, when I put my glove on, that’s my trigger to get ready.”

 It’s not often teenagers get direct advice from their heroes, which is one of the main reasons the ANNIKA Invitational is such a special event. Players were treated to a special look at the golf legend, and were even able to see her in action.

Bethany Wu borrows a glove and driver from Annika.

Some players joined her in front of the crowd. Casey Danielson picked up target advice as she practiced her short irons in front of Annika, while 2001 champion Simin Feng hit long irons and was recognized as the only player in the field to compete in all five ANNIKA Invitationals.

 

It was truly a dream come true as Sweden’s Linnea Ström practiced with Annika. The ANNIKA Invitational Europe champion hopes to emulate the career of her fellow Swede.

Bethany Wu joined Annika to demonstrate her drive. Wu, who did not show any nerves as she captured the first-round lead, fought a slippery grip when she had to use Annika’s driver.

“Of course I’m nervous,” Wu said to the crowd. “I’m using Annika’s driver in front of her.”

No topic was off limits as Annika encouraged questions among the clinic attendees. “What would you eat the night before a tournament?” “How do you deal with nerves?” “Did you ever go into a tournament thinking you were going to win?”

As the clinic came to an end, Annika asked, “Are you bored yet?”

The crowd answered loudly with a unanimous “no.”

ANNIKA Invitational Press Conference

By Chris Richards, AJGA Communications

The fifth-annual ANNIKA Invitational began Friday with a press conference that featured Annika, President of the AJGA Board Jim Nugent, AJGA Player Representative Nicole Morales, and ANNIKA Invitational Europe champion Linnea Ström.

The event’s first four champions have hailed from four countries, as China’s Simin Feng (2009), Argentina’s Victoria Tanco (2010), France’s Celine Boutier (2011) and the United States’ Alison Lee (2012) have helped embody the spirit of Annika’s vision.

“The purpose of this event is for me to give back to the game that’s been so great to me,” Annika said. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was in these girls’ shoes so I remember it very clearly.”

Annika’s support of the AJGA goes far beyond this week’s championship, as she is an AJGA National Chairman and has endowed an ACE Grant.

“We’re very proud that, through her Foundation, Annika has endowed an ACE Grant and that means a great deal to us as an organization and the kids that have benefitted from it,” Nugent said.

The American version of the ANNIKA Invitational began in 2009 and is one of Annika’s three invitationals worldwide, as the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills (China) crowned its second champion in 2012, while Ström won the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational Europe in August.

“To start the ANNIKA Invitational in Europe and China really makes it a global game,” Annika said. “I want every little girl in the world to play this wonderful game and to have events on different levels to encourage them to follow their dreams.”

For Ström, her experiences playing in Annika events started when she played in the first of three ANNIKA Cups when she was 13 years old.

“ANNIKA Cup really took me to a new golf level and this is the first time I’ve played an AJGA tournament and this will give me the chance to maybe go to college in some years,” said Ström, who is now 16. “I’m really happy that Annika supports and inspires the future golfers.”

Morales will be one of Ström’s top competitors, as she is currently No. 6 in the Polo Golf Rankings and earned first-team Rolex Junior All-America honors in 2012.

“The fact that Annika is here makes the event so much more memorable,” said Morales, who finished T34 at this event in 2012. “To come back again this year means having the opportunity to be around that wealth of information and to be around such an amazing leader in the game of golf.”

#RulesSchool Rule 25-2 Appendix I

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

As many of you may have seen or heard, Tiger Woods suffered a two-stroke penalty during the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after he and Martin Kaymer agreed his ball was embedded and he proceeded with his options for that rule. Unfortunately, they were mistaken in their assessment of the ball’s lie and Tiger’s procedure was incorrect.

The United States Golf Association’s Manager of Rules Communications, John Van der Borght, explains Rule 25-2 and Appendix I which addresses the situation Tiger found himself in. Below is an intro to the post, but be sure to read the post in its entirety on the USGA’s website.

John Van der Borght – USGA

“Sand and the Rules of Golf again made headlines on Jan. 18 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.  Last year, Rory McIlroy had a run-in with sand on his line of play which cost him a penalty of two strokes (to read about that, Click Here). During the second round of this year’s championship, Tiger Woods incurred a two-stroke penalty on the fifth hole for mistakenly taking relief when his ball was embedded in a sandy area off the fairway.”

 As the USGA points out in its article, major rulings affect PGA TOUR professionals regularly, and whenever a player is in doubt about a rules situation, it is always best to find a rules official. In AJGA competitions, players are also able to play Rule 3-3 after announcing to fellow competitors their intention. As Tiger unfortunately found out, getting a ruling from another player does not absolve a player from penalty of a broken rule.

“Had Woods consulted with an official before proceeding on his own, he would have been informed that while relief could not be taken under the Local Rule, he had two options: play the ball as it lay without penalty or declare it unplayable and taken relief with a one-stroke penalty.

The AJGA’s operations department prepares all year through rules school and trainsto be knowledgeable rules officials It is a standard at AJGA events to have one rules official for every three to four groups on the course, and the AJGA takes great pride in staffing its events with enough rules to be able to handle our members’ questions that arise during each round..

So now, if you ever find yourself in a situation with an embedded ball, remember to consult Rule 25-2, Appendix I, and always find a rules official when in doubt. 

Stephanie Dittmer (@AJGADittmer)

#RulesSchool is Now in Session

"#RulesSchool is Now in Session" is a series where you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf and the USGA Rules Exam. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf. 

I'm excited to introduce you to the AJGA Blog's first guest contributor on the topic of #RulesSchool. Chris White started working with the AJGA as an intern in the summer of 2007, and started full time in January 2008. Now a senior tournament director, Chris assists in the running of the AJGA's in-house rules school program. I really liked reading Chris' view on studying for the USGA Rules Exam, and I think his blog is a great way to lead off our guest #RulesSchool blogger series. Enjoy!

 

Rules School 2013 is here, and at the AJGA, that is nothing to joke about. What all does it entail? Studying before, after and sometimes during work, writing and proofing quizzes to cover each and every rule in the book, getting up earlier for work (if you’re late to school, you’ve got to buy everybody breakfast) and then more studying to top it off.

At the AJGA it is not just about acing a test, or achieving a number – don’t get me wrong, both of those things are fantastic and my goal is certainly to achieve that elusive 100 for the first time this year – at the AJGA it is about preparing our staff to be as capable, prepared and confident as possible before heading into a VERY busy tournament season. My case is a great example: I went from recreational golfer with no competitive background; to someone who studied hard and passed the test; to someone who in a few more years thoroughly understood the rules; to now assisting in conducting the in-house rules school program under the leadership of our Director of Rules & Competitions.

Without this in-house program, there is no way I would have been prepared for my first couple seasons as a tournament director. Being able to have an open forum of educated, experienced professionals, with whom I was comfortable enough to ask honest questions; that value was beyond measure. While some at the AJGA may not hit the number they desire on the “real” test, there is no doubt that everyone who goes through our 8-12 week session is fully prepared for what they will encounter in the coming year.

 

I hope you liked hearing from Chris, he's just the first of many guest bloggers we'll be featuring, so be sure to keep coming back. As I mentioned yesterday, be sure to let @AJGADittmer or I know if there's something you are interested in learning regarding #RulesSchool. To all of you participating in the opening events of #AJGA2013 this weekend; ANNIKA Invitational, Junior All-Star at Mission Inn, and the Puerto Rico Junior Open sponsored by Sport Link, GOOD LUCK! 

 

Alexis Witman (@AJGAWitman)

#RulesSchool

When AJGA Operations staff returns from winter break, their studying for the USGA Rules Exam kicks into “high gear.” Every year, the 20-member Operations Staff, after weeks of studying, attends a PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf. At the workshop, the Ops staff participates in a three-day event including sessions lead by USGA Rules Officials and PGA of America representatives, and takes the USGA Rules Exam. AJGA Tournament Directors strive for the 92/100 score required in order to have the highest rules certification.

This year, the PGA/USGA Workshop on the Rules of Golf is coming to Château Élan, home of the American Junior Golf Association’s National Headquarters. This year, as the event is in our backyard, the AJGA will host a reception for attendees, which include personnel from state and local golf associations across the US, to golf course staff and professionals. The Rules Workshop also brings a few AJGA staff members who now work for the USGA back to Braselton including Rob Ockenfuss, USGA Manager of Rules Inquiries and Greg Sanfilippo, Director of the U.S. Junior Amateur and USGA Senior Amateur Championships.

If you haven’t seen it already, in the upcoming weeks, the hashtag #RulesSchool will be used on our Twitter page. If you follow along with #RulesSchool, you’ll get an opportunity to check out some of the things going on here at the AJGA as our Operations staff prepares for the test. In addition to a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations, you will also have the opportunity to reach out to us via social media to ask your own questions about the Rules of Golf.

This week, Tournament Manager Scott Geary took to the Twitter-verse with a photo of what many desks in the Operations department look like during these weeks of studying. Geary tweeted, “A packed #RulesSchool day @AJGAGolf today... 5+ hours, but definitely well worth it!” 

            

In the weeks leading up to the Rules workshop February 6-9, a few guests will contribute to the AJGA Blog. From the USGA, Ockenfuss, will explain preparations for the workshop from the USGA’s point of view. Andrew Greenfield, AJGA Director of Rules and Competitions, will give us an inside look at some of the AJGA staff’s preparations for the exam. Since 2005, Greenfield has been helping with the continued develop of the Rules curriculum that the AJGA staff use to prepare for the exam. Chris White, AJGA Senior Tournament Director, will talk about his experiences of taking the exam as a rookie vs. now as a seasoned pro. Finally, Blair Thompson, AJGA Tournament Coordinator, will give us the perspective of what it’s like to be a brand new staff member studying for the exam with the help of the AJGA “class.”

An inside look on Rules School is just the beginning of the new and exciting changes we have planned for the AJGA Blog for the upcoming year. We’re excited about these changes, and we’d love to hear some of your thoughts. If you have something you’d like to hear about, reach out to your blog editors - @AJGAWitman and @AJGADittmer on Twitter and share your ideas with us. #AJGA2013 is going to be a year to remember as the AJGA runs more than 100 tournaments for the first time, and we can’t wait to experience it with you.

I’ll leave you with this for today,

What’s worse than a three-putt?

Playing a ball from a wrong place – If you’re on the putting green and your ball moves, but you don’t cause the ball to move, then you replace it and play it, your round will take a hit because that would be playing from a wrong place and a two-stroke penalty.

If you didn’t know, now you do. Rule 18

Alexis Witman (@AJGAWitman)

West Claims Second Straight Winn Junior Cup Challenge Victory

Natalie Gulbis’ West squad entered Sunday’s final round matches with a five-point lead and never looked back as the team claimed its second straight Winn Junior Cup Challenge title, besting Butch Harmon’s East crew 22-9.

The triangular singles matches saw the girls go out first with each match being worth an available two points. While temperatures never reached above 40 degrees, returning West team member Alison Lee (Valencia, Calif.) turned on the heat, claiming decisive victories against the East’s Nicole Morales (South Salem, N.Y.) and Casey Danielson (Osceola, Wis.) with scores of 7 & 5 and 5 & 4, respectively. Partner and first-time West team member Andrea Lee (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) tacked on an additional four points, winning with scores of 2 & 1 (vs. Morales) and 4 & 2 (vs. Danielson).

For the boys, it was 2012 Polo Golf Junior Classic champion Adam Wood (Zionsville, Ind.) who logged the East’s first points of the day, claiming a pair of victories against Brad Dalke (McKinney, Texas) and Cameron Champ (Sacramento, Calif.) at 5 & 3 and 2-up, respectively. Dalke and Champ tallied two points each, with victories against Jim Liu (Smithtown, N.Y.).