It’s official, 2023 is here!
The Annual Meeting of the OHCC Men’s Golf Association took place on Sunday, January 22nd and with it comes the feeling that the 2023 golf season is just around the corner. This was the first meeting we have been able to hold in-person since COVID-19 hit us a few years ago and it was great to be able to get together again.
For me personally, this year’s meeting brought about a mix of feelings. It was great to see all of those members who attended and be able to say hello and talk about what we see coming in 2023. As always, the input and thoughts that are shared during this meeting are important to guiding the Members of the Board of Governors through the decisions we need to make all year long. This is one of the best opportunities we have to socialize, meet other members and get excited for the season.
On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed. There was something missing from this meeting. Something very important. Our newer members!
Each year the Association admits, on average, between 15 and 20 new members. However, as I looked around the room on Sunday, with a few exceptions, I didn’t see any of these members in attendance. Why should this be a concern? Consider this, the OHCC MGA has been in existence for more than 70 years. The Association that we get to enjoy today is the result of the collective involvement through the years of our membership. Over the years, friendships have been made and relationships built that ultimately result in a social atmosphere of camaraderie as well as competition. Small groups become larger groups because of the interaction with other members. Foursomes become 8, 12 or 16 guys playing together as we get to know one another. Time spent after the round becomes as much fun as the time spent during the round.
I fear we may be losing that social aspect of being a member as that seems to be the trend.
Personally, when I joined this Association almost 30 years ago the only person I really knew was my dad, who sponsored me for membership. Today, I can easily count 30-40 guys that I can honestly call friends and at least that many more, that I don’t see as often, but when I do see them I genuinely enjoy talking and maybe having a drink or two.
We can play golf anywhere. Playing golf is so much more fun when we are among friends and people we enjoy. In the coming months I will work with the other Board members to see if we can create more opportunities throughout the year to get together, socialize and continue to build on the past 70 years. I hope each one of you will join me.
As always, I am anxiously looking forward to seeing all of you again this Spring!
Respectfully,
Glenn Hottin, President
OHCC Men’s Golf Association
*Membership dues for 2023 will remain the same at $150 and are due no later than March 12, 2023. Dues received after that date will be subject to a $25 late fee