A league of their own: The St. Paul District continues a long tradition of a golf league

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, November 9: “There’s no putting around in the golf league; for over 40 years, current and former St. Paul District employees have teed up to build lasting connections. Paul Fleming, senior engineering technician and the current golf league president, said this unofficial league is about camaraderie and getting to know people outside of your division.

  “Not only is this a fun opportunity to play golf with all different skill levels, but it’s also a great way to network across the district with people you may not normally interact with,” Fleming said. “We have people who have been in the league 40 years and people who just started this year. It’s men and women from a wide age range and variety of disciplines.”

  The group of 24 players is divided into six teams at the beginning of the season based on skill level and handicap. The league plays every other Tuesday in the summer starting in May near Stillwater, Minnesota, for a total of 10 outings during the regular season. The season culminates in a final round and banquet that is held at a different venue.

  “We do keep score and compete, but, at the end of the day, it’s casual and friendly recreation that is meant to be affordable and accessible,” Fleming said. In addition, the league hosts an annual golf event as part of the summer awards ceremony that is open to everybody.

  At the end of the 10 outings, there is a final competition and awards are distributed. “We give out awards for areas like most improved, most valuable player and best score. The competition between the winners of the first half of the season and the winners of the second half of the season results in ‘The Champions of the Universe award,’” said Dave Potter, biologist and 15-year member of the golf league.

  Skill level is not a factor, ultimately the competition is for fun and promoting the game. “I was hesitant to start because I wasn’t that good at golf, but I made the leap and it was a great decision,” said Trevor Cyphers, biologist, and this year’s most valuable player. “I’ve been in the league for seven years now, and I hope we can continue this tradition and grow the league.”