Meet MARTA GROESS, Rules Director

I have been a Rules Official with the MWGA for several years. I have probably met and observed many of you at various tournaments. As a Rules Official, I have studied the USGA Rules of Golf and the Decisions, and this spring I attended the USGA Rules Seminar, learning much more about the rules and responsibilities of the Committee at tournaments. It is a privilege to be involved with the MWGA.

The previous Rules Director, Patty Barnacle, retired last fall and left very big shoes to fill. However, she established protocols that will continue and ensure the highest quality at our MWGA Tournaments. Also, Bill Homeyer will continue to consult with the MWGA on tournaments to maintain the continuity of well-run tournaments.

As a player, I came late to golf, taking up the sport after I turned 40. I learned the basic skills at group lessons through community education held at Braemar. I tried to play "regularly" with neighbors, but it turned out to be disappointing. My husband and I joined a golf club and the rest is history. I was hooked... on the most exciting and frustrating sport I've ever played.

I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home while my children were young. During those years, I developed my management and leadership skills through many years of volunteering, at school, Girl Scouts, church and with racquetball associations at the state and national level.

Most of my employment had been related to computers. When my husband started a computer networking business, I worked with him handling the finances and human resources. Unfortunately, golf took a back seat for a few years. As the business grew, we made time for relaxation and returned to the sport we loved, golf.

In 2000, we sold our business and retired. Then we had more time to enjoy golf and all that comes with it, friends, competition and giving back, through volunteering.