Ep.09 (GDL) Curt Rohe — Golf Tournament Setup, The Handicapping System, and Common Rule Mistakes

Curt Rohe is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association — the governing body for competitive golf in the St. Louis region. Jeff and Justin dive into how tournaments are set up, why handicaps matter more than golfers realize, the most misunderstood everyday rules, and the massive “Normandy Reimagined” project involving Jack Nicklaus that’s reshaping public golf access in St. Louis.In this episode of GOLF DON’T LIE™️, Jeff sits down with Curt Rohe, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, for a behind-the-scenes look at competitive golf in the St. Louis region. Curt explains what actually goes into running tournament operations — marking courses, selecting hole locations, coordinating rules officials — and why certain rules still trip golfers up at every level.They also break down handicapping: why every golfer should have one, how nine-hole and partial-round posting works, and how the system measures improvement.A major highlight is the Normandy Reimagined project — a Jack Nicklaus–led renovation that will bring a top-tier public golf course, a youth caddie program, Evans Scholarship opportunities, and First Tee programming to North St. Louis County. Curt shares updates, stories from Jack’s visits, and why this project is about more than golf — it’s about revitalizing a community.In This Episode, We Discuss:What the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association does across the regionHow tournament setup works behind the scenesThe most misunderstood rules golfers constantly misapplyWhy a handicap matters (even for casual players)How nine-hole and partial-round posting actually worksThe vision behind the Normandy Reimagined projectJack Nicklaus’ direct involvement and on-site visitsHow the caddie program ties into the Evans Scholars pipelineCurt’s path from rural Missouri to leading golf administrationWhat 25 years of golf has taught him about humility and serviceGuest Bio — Curt RoheCurt Rohe is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, where he has overseen competitive golf, USGA qualifiers, course rating, and handicapping operations for more than two decades. Known for his elite tournament setup and rules knowledge, Curt also serves on the board of the Metropolitan Golf Foundation, which is leading the Normandy Reimagined project with Jack Nicklaus, First Tee, and the Western Golf Association.Links & ResourcesNormandy Reimagined: https://normandreimagined.comMetropolitan Amateur Golf Association: https://metga.org18STRONG: https://18strong.comFairway Fuel Mix (1st Phorm x 18STRONG): https://1stphorm.com/18strongInstagram:@golfdontlie@18strong@18strongjeff