Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications
Golf, just like society, has been evolving ever since its invention across the pond in the mid-1400s. The first written rules, named the Thirteen Articles, weren’t recorded until 1744 by a group that called themselves the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was 20 years later that golf changed from 22 holes to 18. The sport continued to grow and expand—making its way to the United States where the first American 18-hole course was built in Yonkers, New York, in 1888. Golf equipment changed as technology grew. (Thank goodness for that!) In current times, we have seen golf and its influence touch the four corners of the earth—providing an opportunity for all (young and old, black and white, male and female) to pick up their first club and start on a path one hardly ever leaves.
Golf has become universal, and we see evidence of that every day as people from around the world line up and down the fairways of country clubs and municipal tracks. Even beyond nationality or social class, we’ve seen the sport of golf become accessible to every person—as was hinted at earlier. The 2022 U.S. Adaptive Open proved just that—ensuring a path for anyone who desires to play or be a part of golf.
Evolution and change are key components of the IGA's figurative DNA and serve as the foundation for its products and services. The goal has always been to offer the best while constantly striving to improve. With change comes growth, and with growth comes quality.
Though evident from all facets of the IGA, the championship department is what is immediately recognized and open to public praise and scrutiny—showcasing at the highest level what the company is all about.
Championships for a long time have been under the care of men—who, I might add, have and continue to do a great job. But, as the culture within the golfing community continues to grow and shift in different directions, new ideas and ways of thinking are being introduced into tournament operations and the overall cognition of golf as more and more women work in this industry. The IGA staff is a perfect example of this by having a 2:1 ratio of women to men.
At the IGA, all championships and qualifiers are run and organized by Nicole Bird. As someone with quite a background in golf—many know her as the former head coach of the Boise State University Women's Golf Team—Bird brings a new and refreshing perspective and outlook to tournament golf. Her philosophy is unique and exactly what the IGA needs.
To help our members, and even those beyond the IGA’s jurisdiction, better understand her philosophical approach to tournament setup as the Manager of Rules and Competitions, Bird sat down to answer the following questions:
In your eyes, what is the most important aspect of your job/role as the Manager of Rules and Competitions? The most important aspect of my role is to set up championships in a manner that is fair and competitive for all players in the field so they all have a positive experience, regardless of their score. This includes choosing which golf course to host the event, as well as how the course is set up for the championship.
Being in a position traditionally held by males, what would you say might be some of the biggest differences between how you view a golf tournament and how it has always been done? Typically, a championship for male players is set up from the longest yardages, so whatever the back tee boxes say is where the men play. The course cannot get any longer. It may be shortened a bit, depending on the quality of players in the field, but it is traditionally set from a particular set of tees found on the scorecard. However, for women, the course can vary drastically because there are so many options for yardages. Females don’t usually play from the “tips,” but there are three to four different tee pads that can be used. When I coached college golf, I always designed the course with hole-by-hole yardages in mind, rather than just trying to get the total yardage that I liked. I think that helps me be more creative when it comes to setting up the tees for all divisions within championships, especially for the women. I’m not sure how many male tournament directors would think of things that way.
What are some of your greatest strengths as the Manager of Rules and Competitions?
I think my biggest strengths are that I’m detail-oriented and organized. The success of an event is in the little details and making sure nothing is overlooked.
In what ways have you helped championship golf in Idaho grow, and where do you hope to see things in the future? How will we get there?
I’m not sure that I have helped championship golf grow, yet, as I’ve only been in this position for a little over a year. However, I hope to do so as I run championships by making the experience a positive one for players so that more people will want to play in our events. I specifically want to help grow the women’s fields for our events, and I am working through some ideas on how to do that. It will include running championships for women differently than we do for men, such as flighting the event or creating more net opportunities. I hope in the future we can separate some of the fields into two different events instead of combining them because we have so many people who want to play!
What has been your greatest triumph when it comes to championship events? What was a key lesson you learned early on in your current role that has now positively influenced IGA events?
I’m not sure if I’ve had any triumphs yet, but I do feel a sense of pride when players tell me they enjoy my course setup or venue. I try really hard to think about how the architect intended the course to be played and what can make it fun for players, and possibly experience something different even on a course they routinely play. I learned early on as an intern for the AJGA how to mark courses and what to look for, and that is what I always go back to and think about when I’m setting up a course. I also send questionnaires after our events to get feedback to continue to improve. Criticism isn’t always easy, but if it is constructive, I really take it to heart. I try to figure out if that is what will be best for the field, and if it is, I make those little changes for the next event I run.
What made you want to be a tournament director? Favorite part of the job?
I love event planning from start to finish. I always thought I could be a party planner, but I know more about golf, so this is perfect. My favorite part is setting up the course and marking it. It’s peaceful to walk the course, paint, and see all of the beauty of nature.
How might someone know they are playing in a tournament that is run by Nicole Bird?
I would hope someone would know they are playing in a tournament I am running because it is challenging but fair, and it is well organized.
What goes into setting up a tournament? How long (roughly) does it take you from start to finish to put everything together for an event and see it out until the end?
Well, six months to a year ahead of time, I try to secure the golf course, which is the first step. But after that, it is about a month out to put everything together as far as coordinating the details of the course with the head pro or general manager, getting players registered, and sending out all of the information. About two days before the championship is when I start the actual course marking, choosing hole locations, putting up signage, etc. It is usually over about three days after the event when I can send the questionnaire to the players, finalize the payments with the golf course, and get all of the paperwork wrapped up.
Have you ever felt that you needed to prove you belong in this industry and your role?
No, I don’t feel the need to prove myself. I think my experience speaks for itself. I learned early on, right after I graduated from college, how to set up golf courses, and then I went into college coaching for almost 20 years. I’ve been involved in golf at the highest peak of all levels from the AJGA to NCAA Division I golf, to the LPGA Tour, and everything in between. I believe that qualifies me to do this job successfully and that players will trust me to set up a fair competition.
How would you describe the state of golf?
I think the state of golf as a whole is better than it’s ever been. Golf courses right now are flooded with people, and it’s difficult to get a tee time almost anywhere in the country. I think there has been a big spotlight on golf from so many different areas, and it’s just helping the sport to grow. Many opportunities didn’t exist just 20 years ago, such as Top Golf and other ways to play other than traditionally. But with these new ways to get involved as a player or as a career, it’s great for everyone!
As time continues to progress, so will the culture within golf. Changes will continue to happen, and the sport that millions of people around the world love will only get better—including in Idaho. The goal for the IGA is to continue to strengthen its men’s championships and grow its women’s—making sure the needs of each are met, and in this case, the championships being offered. It is safe to say that the right person is in charge to accomplish such a task in this ever-changing culture and demographic of Idahoan golfers.