Decision to Change Golf Tournament Venue Not Taken Lightly
By Peter Contreras, Assistant Athletic Director | Tuesday, November 20, 2012 11:39 AM
Last week’s decision to change two golf courses for the 2013 UIL State Golf Championships caught a lot of coaches by surprise. However, the decision was made only after a great deal of discussion.
While two golf courses have changed, UIL’s intent has not. The first priority of the League is to provide the best possible opportunity and experience for our student-athletes and schools, and it will remain so.
The decision to move Conference 5A from Jimmy Clay Golf Course to Morris Williams Golf Course and Conference 1A from Morris Williams to Lion’s Golf Course was done with this intent in mind.
The quality of the golf course is factor number one. Another consideration in the selection of the golf course is the staff available for the tournament, including the size of the staff in the pro shop and maintenance.
We also had to ensure that the golf course would be accessible to all golfers throughout the school year and not just members of that club. We do not want to create a situation where local players or schools have an advantage over other players and schools not from the area. All schools must have complete access to a state course if desired, prior to qualifying to state.
This decision to change the locations was not made in isolation. After discussions with the staffs at Jimmy Clay, Morris Williams and Lion’s Golf Course along with Austin Parks and Recreation Golf Division, the League believed this move would be in the best interest of golfers for the state tournaments.
Although we consult the Texas Golf Coaches Association (TGCA) about many issues regarding UIL golf, TGCA was not part of the decision to change golf courses.
That is not to say their opinion and suggestions are not important and valued. For example, the current rule change allowing coaches to talk to their players from green to tee box was done with TGCA's input. TGCA was also involved with the rule change advancing the top two individuals not on an advancing team to move on from district and regional competition.
TGCA was also a part of the rule change that allows the third place team and third place medalist to advance from regionals to the state tournament, beginning this school year.
TGCA has done a great deal of good work over the years to make high school golf better in Texas. To consult TGCA on every UIL-related issues would bog down the process and make a consensus difficult.
This change in location was made so that your golfer and school could have the best possible experience in May.
On another note, an additional rule change allows range finders for distance measurement purposes only. This rule change is effective this school year.
Please check your UIL Coaches Manual for complete information on how and what can be used at district, regional and state tournaments.