Bellish wins Ohio Amateur

Despite challenging weather conditions that stretched the championship beyond its scheduled timetable, Pickerington’s Carson Bellish birdied two of his final three holes to win the 2026 Ohio Amateur Championship at The Virtues Golf Club. Leading the Miami Valley contingent was Grant Tabar, who tied for seventh at even-par (288). Shane Ochs finished 22nd at 6-over-par (294), while T.J. Kreusch earned a tie for 25th at 9-over-par. Brody Simms added a tie for 29th finish at 10-over-par (298), and JJ Momper rounded out the local performers making the cut with a tie for 42st at 15-over-par (303).

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Growing the Game

As the high school golf season begins on Wednesday, July 29, Miami Valley Golf highlights longtime Minster High School girls golf coach Debbie Ahrns, whose impact extends far beyond tournament results. After retiring from the classroom but continuing her remarkable 23-year career leading the Wildcats, Ahrns has dedicated her life to helping young people discover the lifelong benefits of golf. Her coaching philosophy centers on developing confident and compassionate players, believing the lessons learned through the game are even more valuable than the scores.

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High School Golf Tees Off

The 2026 Ohio high school golf season officially gets underway this Wednesday, July 29, as thousands of student-athletes begin another season of competition, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Over the coming weeks, players will compete in conference, invitationals, and dual matches before the postseason begins in mid-September and the journey toward the OHSAA State Championships. Miami Valley Golf extends its appreciation to the golf facilities that host these events, as well as the coaches, athletic administrators, tournament managers, rules officials, and countless volunteers whose dedication creates outstanding opportunities for our young golfers. Their collective efforts not only make the season possible but also help instill a lifelong appreciation for the game of golf.

USNDP Scholarship Program

The USGA has opened applications for the 2027 U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant, offering need-based grants of up to $15,000 to help promising junior golfers continue their competitive development.

The program reimburses eligible families for tournament entry fees, travel, equipment, practice and green fees, coaching, and other approved athlete development expenses. Recipients also gain access to exclusive educational webinars and the Accel Golf performance tracking platform.

Applications remain open through October 31, 2026, and families are encouraged to begin the process early. If you know a talented junior golfer who could benefit from this opportunity, we strongly encourage you to learn more.

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Volunteers for U.S. Women's Open

Volunteer registration is now open for the 2027 U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally, which will be played June 3-6, 2027, at Inverness Club in Toledo. The USGA is seeking approximately 2,000 volunteers to serve across 14 committees, offering golf fans the opportunity to be part of one of the game's premier championships. Volunteers receive official Peter Millar apparel, championship credentials, hospitality access and other exclusive benefits, with early registration encouraged to increase the chances of receiving a preferred assignment. Weekly tickets and premium hospitality packages are also available, with daily tickets set to go on sale later this year.

Learn more or register to volunteer at uswomensopen.com.

Play Golf Ohio License Plate

PGA REACH Southern Ohio and the Northern Ohio PGA Golf Foundation recently announced the launch of a new license plate, 'Play Golf Ohio,' to support the growth of the game.

Each purchase of the license plate will include a $15 donation to the Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation and the Southern Ohio PGA Golf Foundation. These programs support youth initiatives, people with disabilities and veterans all through golf.

Click here to vote on a design for the license plate and enter the sweepstakes to win a package of six dozen golf balls, Southern Ohio PGA and Northern Ohio PGA apparel, a pair of Footjoy golf shoes and a choice of a Scotty Cameron putter.

The license plate is expected to be available for purchase in late 2026.

For more information, please visit OPLATES.com

For the SOPGA Article

USGA Green Section

Video Feature: Course Conditions, Sustainability & the Future of Golf

What should golfers really expect from course conditions—and how do those expectations impact the cost and sustainability of the game?

In this thought-provoking video produced in partnership with The R&A, experts explore the relationship between golfer expectations, maintenance practices, and the long-term health of our courses. The discussion highlights how focusing resources on the areas that matter most can reduce costs, improve environmental sustainability, and still provide an outstanding golfing experience for players of every skill level.

Watch the Video to learn why "better" course conditions don't always mean "more" maintenance.

Steen Stumper

In stroke play, a player’s ball comes to rest in a bunker that is covered by leaves. They remove as many leaves as will enable them to see the ball. They start their swing, touching some of the leaves on the backswing. The player gets:

A. No penalty

B. One-stroke penalty

C. Two-stroke penalty

D. Two two-stroke penalties

Think you know the answer, click on this link to take the poll and learn the answer

Last Weeks Question: 54% of you got the Question Correct!

Perry Puzzlers

Two golfers have identical Handicap Indexes but play different tees. What is most likely true?

A. They will receive the same Course Handicap

B. Their Course Handicaps may differ

C. Their Handicap Indexes will change

D. One score cannot be posted

Think you know the answer, click on this link to take the poll and learn the answer

Last Question: 86% of you got the Question Correct!

Quick Hits

Miami Valley Team Invitational is on Thursday, August 27th at Dayton Country Club.

The winner of this year's Miami Valley Golf Senior Metropolitan Championship (Overall Division) will receive an exemption into the Final Stage of the U.S. Senior Open Qualifier in 2027.

Tian Wins

Meadow Tian of Delaware, Ohio captured the 103rd Ohio Women's Amateur Championship at Moraine Country Club, defeating Addison Kartusch of Bowling Green 3 & 2 in the 36-hole championship match. After advancing through two rounds of stroke-play qualifying and five match-play victories, Tian claimed Ohio's premier women's amateur title and earned an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

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For Recaps

Ohio Golf Journal - July Edition

In this issue, the Ohio Golf Journal explores why Pinehurst remains America's cradle of golf, examines the uncertain future of Sports Illustrated through Steve Eubanks' look at the magazine's recent golf staff layoffs, and rounds up the latest news from across Ohio's golf scene.

The journal also breaks down the USGA's latest move on the proposed golf ball rollback, explains the PGA TOUR's sweeping changes and ongoing transformation and considers what Ben Hogan might think of today's technology-driven instruction. The issue also includes a feature on The Landings, showcasing why the renowned Savannah community has become one of the Southeast's premier golf destinations.

To Read Here

If you have an event you’d like us to share, please send the details to info@mvgolf.org .

Miami Valley Golf Events

8/10 - Masters - Walnut Grove
8/17 - Classic - Miami Valley
8/31 – 09/01 – Sr & Mid-Am - Dayton
9/8 - Doubles Championship

Miami Valley Golf
263 Regency Ridge Dr.
Dayton, OH 45459
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