Inner Circle: St. Louisan Tom O'Toole
moves into the USGAs


By Keith Schildroth
Courtesy of Post-Dispatch



Tom O'Toole Jr. put his trademark on the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association's local USGA qualifying events and championships from his first day of employment in 1992.

With O'Toole at the helm of the MAGA, events were operated at another level. The sometimes-confusing rules of the game of golf were followed to the letter.

After progressing and serving the USGA as a rules authority and serving on numerous committees, O'Toole was recently named to the 15-member USGA executive committee. He became the first St. Louisan in nearly 40 years to serve on the prestigious board. Hard Hordin, who later became president of the USGA and was chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, was the last.

The move of O'Toole to the USGA's inner circle solidifies the reputation he has built in St. Louis. Players and others know that some of the best amateur golf is played in St. Louis and tournaments are conducted in a professional manner. Since 1996, eight USGA championships have been held in St. Louis.

With his recent appointment, O'Toole no longer holds the title of executive director of the MAGA. He remains on the MAGA board, but his new USGA post will keep him on the move.

O'Toole has been appointed to nine USGA committees, including the Rules of Golf Committee and Amateur Status Committee. He said those two positions will involve travel here and abroad.

O'Toole said even without him the MAGA qualifiers and tournaments will continue to be conducted in the first-class style he started.

"I wouldn't have taken the job on the executive committee if I didn't feel the Metropolitan was in good hands," O'Toole said. "I think the staff we have will do a very good job. I'm very confident in them."

O'Toole formed a professional, efficient group at MAGA and he helped assemble a top-flight volunteer staff of about 20 people to handle various chores at qualifying tournaments, national events and other local tournaments.

Curt Rohe, who has been with MAGA for close to nine years, was promoted to senior director of competitions/course ratings. Bill Burton is the director of marketing and handicapping services. He joined MAGA in 2007. In five years with the Gateway PGA, Burton served as public relations director and more recently as assistant executive director.

"Stan Grossman (president) and our board will still be very hands-on," O'Toole said. "The climate of where golf is now shouldn't change. I have a lot of confidence in our board and our staff."
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