A huge golf celebration is being planned by the Maine State Golf Association. That is because 2017 will mark the 100th year of the association’s existence.

One of the larger undertakings of the MSGA centennial will be a book, published by the Donning Publishing Co. and written by John Galluzzo. The contents of that publication will include history, prominent players and architects.

Galluzzo has been working on the book since May and says: “Most of my research so far has consisted of delving into the formative years of the association, finding out where it started, when and by whom.”

Also involved in the book’s publication is Romeo Laberge, known mostly in Maine as the MSGA tournament director before his retirement in 2014. Laberge, a member at Biddeford-Saco, remains active in MSGA golf as a member of its board of directors, and he was assigned to be on the book committee as an editor — probably because he has forgotten more about Maine golf than most people know.

“The goal is to finish the book by October,” Laberge said, estimating that the retail cost would be in the $40 range. Having been on the Maine golf scene for a long time, Laberge has been able to supply Galluzzo with information, photos and perspective.

For instance, Laberge said that Galluzzo is in possession of minutes of early MSGA meetings.

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“The organization was formed in the fall of 1917,” he said of the MSGA’s inaugural meeting at the Portland Country Club, “so tournament play did not begin until the 1918 season.”

Galluzzo is enjoying his work, as evidenced by him stating: “With its scenic vistas on every hole from mountain to ocean and with so many great personalities filling out the history, the writing stage of the book should not be that difficult.”

On the actual celebration of the century of golf, MSGA executive director Nancy Storey said: “The details will be worked on over the winter.”

All of which adds up to an outstanding 2017 golf season in Maine.

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Ricky Plummer of Summit Spring took second place in the 64-68 gross division of the Sept. 12 MSGA Senior Tour event at Sable Oaks.

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New Hampshire ran away with the 2016 Tri-States Championship Sept. 10 at Belgrade Lakes, as the event was limited to just one day. The Granite State team took 13 of 14 points that day, as Curt Jordan and Joe Walp sis the only scoring for Maine in alternate shot competition. The singles matches for Sept. 11 were canceled because of a heavy rain with thunder and lightning.

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There is no weekend tournament scheduled by the MSGA Sept. 24-25. That could be because the MSGA Mid-Amateur is being held on those dates at Kebo Valley. The Mid-Week Tournament is Sept. 22 at Prout’s Neck.


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