The Back Nine of Rockland County - 2021 by Back Nine Publishing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TIPS FOR 04 FEMALE GOLFERS

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES

2021 PGA 06 TOUR SCHEDULE

BE A GOLF MENTOR

GOLF INSTRUCTIONS 08 32 101

SOLVING YOUR DRIVER SHOTS

2021 LPGA 10 TOUR SCHEDULE

CONQUERING THE GREENS

BOOMERANG PUTTING TIPS

PRACTICE MAKES 14 PERFECT

HOW TO FIND A GOOD GOLF PARTNER

GOLF INSTRUCTION 16 ONLINE

HOW FAR 40 IS “AVERAGE”?

CROSSWORD 42 PUZZLE

MEET CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS

IMPROVE YOUR SHORT GAME

ETIQUETTE FOR 20 ROOKIES

GOLF SCORE 43 CARDS

SMART GUIDE TO ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEYS

LOCAL BUSINESS & 44 SERVICE DIRECTORY

HOW TO PLAY A LINKS COURSE

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 02

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TIPS FOR FEMALE GOLFERS

t’s no secret that quality golf gear can be a bit on the pricey side. But if you’re really committed to learning how to play your best game, then properly fitting golf wholesale equipment is essential. Do you have to spend a fortune on all of the latest, most high tech, brand name clubs and gear? Of course not. But taking the time to see the club fitter at your local course or golf shop and getting the measurements for clubs that fit you best will go a long way towards improving your game from day one. Make the initial investment, and every other golf tip you follow will work out better for it. Unless you’re giving yourself enough room to follow through, your swing won’t be nearly as effective. The secret to a proper stance lies in the width of your feet. You should be setting yourself up wide, with most of your weight on the right side of your body. Tilt your shoulders to the right, as well. As a point of reference, your head should be aligned slightly to the right of the top of the zipper on your pants. Once you’re in position, make sure you’re holding your driver far enough from your body to allow for a powerful swing.

One of the biggest mistakes made by amateur women golfers is to attempt to scoop the ball into the air with the head of the club. In reality, this will cause your swing to slow down after impact. The definition of proper tempo is a buildup of speed. Harnessing that acceleration and learning to control your speed and power is the best way to drive your swing through the impact on the ball, bringing you to a full finish. Like anything else, perfecting your golf game takes effort, commitment, and most of all time. The bottom line is this: if you don’t get out and play, you’ll never get any better. Putting in at least two rounds a month (even if it’s just 9 holes) will go a long way towards getting you where you want to be. Consider joining a women’s league! Being around other enthusiastic beginners might be just the impetus you need to get out and put in the time on your game. Keep in mind that you’re still learning, so don’t stress your score too much to begin with. Instead, focus on developing your game and style, and experiment with different shots and clubs.

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2021 PGA

TOUR SCHEDULE JAN 4-10 ♦ SENTRY TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS ♦ KAPALUA RESORT ♦ KAPALUA, HI JAN 11-17 ♦ SONY OPEN IN HAWAII ♦ WAIALAE COUNTRY CLUB ♦ HONOLULU, HI JAN 18-24 ♦ THE AMERICAN EXPRESS ♦PGA WEST ♦ LA QUINTA, CA JAN 25-31 ♦ FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN ♦TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE ♦SAN DIEGO, CA FEB 1-7 ♦ WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN ♦ TPC SCOTTSDALE ♦ SCOTTSDALE, AZ FEB 8-14 ♦ AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM ♦ PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS ♦ PEBBLE BEACH, CA FEB 15-21 ♦ THE GENESIS INVITATIONAL ♦ THE RIVIERA COUNTRY CLUB ♦ PACIFIC PALISADES, CA FEB 22-28 ♦ WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ CLUB DE GOLF CHAPULTEPEC ♦ MEXICO CITY, MEX FEB 22-28 ♦ PUERTO RICO OPEN ♦ GRAND RESERVE COUNTRY CLUB ♦ RIO GRANDE, PR MAR 1-7 ♦ ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL ♦ BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE ♦ ORLANDO, FL MAR 8-14 ♦ THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TPC SAWGRASS ♦ PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL MAR 15-21 ♦ THE HONDA CLASSIC ♦ PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA ♦ PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL MAR 22-28 ♦ WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ AUSTIC COUNTRY CLUB ♦ AUSTIN, TX MAR 22-28 ♦ CORALES PUNTACANA RESORT & CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ CORALES GC ♦ PUNTA CANA, DOM MAR 29-APR 4 ♦ VALERO TEXAS OPEN ♦ TPC SAN ANTONIO ♦ SAN ANTONIO, TX APR 5-11 ♦ MASTERS TOURNAMENT ♦ AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB ♦ AUGUSTA, GA APR 12-18 ♦ VALERO TEXAS OPEN ♦ TPC SAN ANTONIO ♦ SAN ANTONIO, TX APR 19-25 ♦ ZURICH CLASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS ♦ TPC LOUISIANA ♦ NEW ORLEANS, LA APR 26-MAY 2 ♦ VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ COPPERHEAD COURSE ♦ PALM HARBOR, FL MAY 3-9 ♦ WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB ♦ CHARLOTTE, NC MAY 10-16 ♦ AT&T BYRON NELSON ♦ TPC CRAIG RANCH ♦ MCKINNEY, TX MAY 17-23 ♦ PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ THE OCEAN COURSE ♦ KIAWAH ISLAND, SC MAY 24-30 ♦ CHARLES SCHWAB CHALLENGE ♦ COLONIAL COUNTRY CLUB ♦ FORT WORTH, TX MAY 31-JUNE 6 ♦ THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT ♦ MUIRFIELD VILLAGE GOLF CLUB ♦ DUBLIN, OH JUNE 7-13 ♦ RBC CANADIAN OPEN ♦ ST. GEORGE’S GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ♦ ETOBICOKE, CAN JUNE 14-20 ♦ US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE ♦ SAN DIEGO, CA JUNE 21-27 ♦ TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS ♦ CROMWELL, CT JUNE 28-JULY 4 ♦ ROCKET MORTGAGE CLASSIC ♦ DETROIT GOLF CLUB ♦ DETROIT, MI JULY 5-11 ♦ JOHN DEERE CLASSIC ♦ TPC DEER RUN ♦ SILVIS, IL JULY 12-18 ♦ THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ ROYAL ST. GEORGE’S GOLF CLUB ♦ KENT, ENG JULY 12-18 ♦ BARBASOL CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ KEENE TRACE GOLF CLUB ♦ NICHOLASVILLE, KY JULY 19-25 ♦ 3M OPEN ♦ TPC TWIN CITIES ♦ BLAINE, MN JULY 26-AUG 1 ♦ OFF (MEN’S OLYMPIC GOLF) ♦ KASUMIGASEKI COUNTRY CLUB ♦ KANTO, JPN AUG 2-8 ♦ WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ TPC SOUTHWIND ♦ MEMPHIS, TN AUG 2-8 ♦ BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ OLD GREENWOOD GOLF COURSE ♦ TRUCKEE, CA AUG 9-15 ♦ WYNHAM CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB ♦ GREENSBORO, NC AUG 16-22 ♦ THE NORTHERN TRUST ♦ LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB ♦ JERSEY CITY, NJ AUG 23-29 ♦ BMW CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB ♦ OWINGS MILLS, MD AUG 30-SEP 5 ♦ TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ EAST LEAST GOLF CLUB ♦ ATLANTA, GA THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 06

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GOLF INSTRUCTIONS 101

olf is not just about hitting a ball G with the end of a stick. It is much more than that. Though professionals

have always made golf seem like a relatively easy sport, it is in reality one of the hardest sports to play. It is all about hitting the ball correctly with the proper golf club. It is about controlling the swings to control the flight of the ball. Golf is more than what meets the eye. It is for this reason that golf instruction is quite needed for beginners and with this being said, here are a few tips that make up the basic golf instruction: 1. ADD MORE LOFT AT IMPACT TO MAKE THE BALL FLY FARTHER To understand this golf instruction, it is important to know what loft is. Loft is actually the degree of the clubface at the set up. When the drives hit off the upper half of the face, the result would be a higher dynamic loft. Hitting the upper half also makes the shot spin less. Following these principles, when a player hits the center or the upper half of the clubface, this would result in a higher degree in initial launch and with less spins. This would then make the ball fly further and higher. It will also land with a stronger forward roll. To be able to hit higher, it is suggested that the player tilt his shoulder during setup. The left shoulder should be lower than the right shoulder. This stance will make the player hit the ball on an increasing angle of attack.

This particular golf instruction would be perfectly executed when repeatedly practiced several times 2. FOCUS IS THE BEST PLAY Golf is not a lazy and distracted man’s sport. This golf instruction number two focuses on the being and concentration of the player. To make sure that all hits would give the desired effect, the person should have his full attention to his drive. Focus does not necessarily mean that a person should make tactics or create game plays. It only means that the player should be engaged in the game, relax when doing the swings, and think of the present. It would help when a golf player would imagine what his swings should result into and not what would happen after every strike. 3. BALANCE IS A PERSONAL PRACTICE FOR GOLF INSTRUCTION Though there is a standard stance that instructors teach beginners, there is also a certain stance that gives the player the most comfort and best balance. A player should therefore try a number of stances during initial set up and see which of these stance resulted in the best drives. A recommended routine is to try swinging with the legs together first, then swing with only the right foot on the ground. The next few swings would then be done with the left foot on the ground. Finally, when the person has fixed his balance, he should try swinging with his eyes close. This short routine helps a person with his balance.

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 08

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2021 LPGA

TOUR SCHEDULE JAN 21-24 ♦ DIAMOND RESORT TOURNAMENT ♦ FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB ♦ ORLANDO, FL FEB 25-28 ♦ GAINBRIDGE CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ LOCATION TBD ♦ LOCATION TBD MAR 4-7 ♦ DRIVE ON CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ GOLDEN OCALA ♦ OCALA, FL MAR 25-28 ♦ KIA CLASSIC ♦ AVIARA GOLF CLUB ♦ CARLSBAD, CA APRIL 1-4 ♦ ANA INSPIRATION ♦ MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB ♦ RANCHO MIRAGE, CA APRIL 14-17 ♦ LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ KO ONLINA GOLF CLUB ♦ OAHU, HI APRIL 22-25 ♦ HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA OPEN ♦ WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB ♦ LOS ANGELES, CA APRIL 29 - MAY 2 ♦ HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ SENTOSA GC ♦ SINGAPORE MAY 6-9 ♦ HONDA LPGA THAILAND ♦ SIAM COUNTRY CLUB ♦ CHONBURI, THAILAND MAY 13-16 ♦ BLUE BAY LPGA ♦ JIAN LAKE BLUE BAY GC ♦ HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA MAY 20-23 ♦ PURE SILK CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ KINGSMILL RESORT ♦ WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA MAY 26-30 ♦ NEW MATCH-PLAY EVENT ♦ LOCATION TBD ♦ LOCATION TBD JUNE 3-6 ♦ U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN ♦ THE OLYMPIC CLUB ♦ SAN FRANCISCO, CA JUNE 17-20 ♦ LPGA MEDIHEAL CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ LAKE MERCED GC ♦ DALY CITY, CA JUNE 24-27 ♦ KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ LAKE MERCED GC ♦ DALY CITY, CA JULY 1-4 ♦ VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA CLASSIC ♦ OLD AMERICAN GC ♦ THE COLONY, TX JULY 8-11 ♦ MARATHON LPGA CLASSIC ♦ HIGHLAND MEADOWS GC ♦ SYLVANIA, OH JULY 14-17 ♦ DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL ♦ MIDLAND CC ♦ DALY CITY, CA JULY 22-25 ♦ THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ EVIAN RESORT GC ♦ EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE JULY 29 - AUG 1 ♦ NEW STROKE-PLAY EVENT ♦ LOCATION TBD ♦ LOCATION TBD AUG 12-15 ♦ LADIES SCOTTISH OPEN ♦ LOCATION TBD ♦ LOCATION TBD AUG 19-22 ♦ AIG WOMEN’S OPEN ♦ CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS ♦ CARNOUSTIE, SCOT. AUG 26-29 ♦ CP WOMEN’S OPEN ♦ SHAUGHNESSY GOLF & CC ♦ BRITISH COLUMBIA, CAN. SEP 4-6 ♦ SOLHEIM CUP ♦ INVERNESS CLUB ♦ TOLEDO, OH SEP 16-19 ♦ CAMBIA PORTLAND CLASSIC ♦ COLUMBIA EDGEWATER CC ♦ PORTLAND, OR SEP 24-26 ♦ WALMART NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ PINNACLE CC ♦ ROGERS, AR OCT 1-3 ♦ SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC ♦ PINNACLE CC ♦ ROGERS, AR OCT 7-10 ♦ FOUNDERS CUP ♦ PINNACLE CC ♦ ROGERS, AR OCT 14-17 ♦ BUICK LPGA SHANGHAI ♦ QIZHONG GARDEN GC ♦ SHANGHAI, CHINA OCT 21-24 ♦ BMW LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ LPGA INT’L BUSAN ♦ BUSAN, KOREA OCT 28-31 ♦ TAIWAN SWINGING SKIRTS LPGA ♦ MIRAMAR GC ♦ NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIPEI NOV 4-7 ♦ TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC ♦ SETA GOLF COURSE ♦ SHIGA, JAPANI NOV 11-14 ♦ PELICAN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ PELICAN GC ♦ BELLEAIR, FL NOV 4-7 ♦ TCME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TIBURON GC ♦ NAPLES, FL

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 10

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MEET CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS

reating a maintenance budget for your commercial facility,putting a preparedness plan in place, or simply keeping up with the exterior and interior maintenance of your building can often become too difficult for building owners and property managers to maintain. However, these tasks are crucial, especially when your top priority is the health and safety of everyone who walks through the door. Mike Binz is the owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Westchester, which also services Rockland county and the Bronx. He and his team are experts at creating customized plans that outline exactly what your facility needs and when it needs to be done. City Wide has nearly 70 independently owned locations across North America, with a huge network of expertise to draw on. They have been helping people get the most out of their facilities for over 60 years. Mike and his team offer and manage over 20 interior and exterior maintenance solutions for their clients, from everyday janitorial services, to carpet cleaning, roofing, and special constructions projects. Electrostatic disinfecting and high-touch sanitizing services – both of which provide a strong defense against COVID-19 and other viruses – have been in high demand during the pandemic, and should remain so under the “new normal”. Electrostatic treatments use technology that is safe for sensitive surface types while covering the impossible corners, crevices, and other hard-to-reach places that can be missed during general cleaning. Whether they provide 1 service or many, City Wide assigns a facility solutions manager to every client. Those managers are available 24/7 and are a single point of contact for their clients’ questions and concerns. They oversee and follow through on the work being performed in order to keep their clients informed and satisfied. City Wide fully vets the best professionals to undertake the services they offer, and is dedicated to putting business back into the community by partnering with smaller, independent, and locally owned companies. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 12

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After spending more than 20 years on Wall Street, Mike became sold on the CityWide business model as a unique way of saving his clients’ time and solving their problems, allowing them to focus on their many other responsibilities. He has grown his team with the mission of being his clients’ first choice for all of their facility needs. Isaac Teluwo, head of sales, has been with Mike since the beginning and works directly with potential clients to alleviate their initial pain points around maintenance needs and managing contractors. Terence Crowley, facility solutions manager, ensures clients are receiving the highest level of services through regular quality control and compliance, and providing one point of contact for the customer. Are you ready to get rid of the headaches that come with facility maintenance? Mike, Isaac and Terence at City Wide Facility Solutions can help take that burden from you. They’ll become the eyes and ears for your facility and act as an extension of your management team while streamlining all of your maintenance needs. Whether your facility is operating at full capacity or not, Mike and his team can help you determine what solutions work best for you. For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions, you can visit gocitywide.com/westchester or call (914) 600-8020. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 13

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

ave you been trying to improve H your golf swing but to no avail? Just like what most of the greatest players have said, “A golf swing is like a fingerprint, no two are alike.”

If you have been watching some of the world’s best players and if you have read the biographies or golf instruction books of some of golf’s legendary players and instructors, you will notice each has a style of their own. One of the best players to have ever played the game was Ben Hogan. Having won more than 60 professional tournaments in his career including all of golf’s four major tournaments, you would not believe he had a golf swing problem which is known to golfers as “hooking.” Hooking is when the golf ball tends to veer towards the left side of the fairway. Hogan, who is actually left handed as he has stated in one of his books, played with his right hand and used a strong grip. This was theorized as the reason for his hooking the ball. To solve this problem, Hogan developed a swing which would be known as “The Secret.” Revealed in several magazines some years back and which were based on observations done while Hogan was actually playing, the ball striker’s swing consisted of using a slightly weaker grip, opening the clubface during the takeaway using the wrists and then using his right knee as a trigger to initiate the downswing. This swing is now known the world over as the “Hogan Fade.”

The golfer who instilled the importance of practicing has written two golf instruction books, Power Golf and Five Lessons, the legendary golfer talks about the basic essentials of having a consistent and good golf swing. In the book the golfer also known as “The Hawk” explains the importance of how to hold the club the right way, how to address the ball correctly and how to swing the club from the takeaway to the follow through. You can also now catch his golf instruction online, by typing “Ben Hogan’s Timeless Tips” or “Ben Hogan Swing Keys.” Golfing equipment also plays an important role in playing good golf. Over the years a lot of modifications have been developed in terms of golf clubs, putters, golf balls and other golf training aids. Unlike before where golfers could only check their swing if they took a video of themselves hitting the ball, advance technology has made it possible to analyze a golfer’s swing inch by inch. In this way, a golfer’s bad habit could be easily corrected by providing the appropriate golf training aids and golfing equipment. From putting green to golf swing trainers to practice nets for the garage and a whole lot more to choose from, you can be sure your golf game would improve tremendously if you keep using these devices consistently. Take it from Ben Hogan the golfer who has been tagged by his peers as the guy who gave the word “practice” a whole new meaning since he was known to have trained the most among all of them during their time. Practice really does make it perfect!

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 14

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GOLF INSTRUCTION ONLINE

one are the days when golf clubs G used to be sticks and pebbles were used as golf balls! The first ever

sale of a set of golf clubs is credited to James IV. Formalwear while playing golf also became a trend in the early 1900s, with Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen and Bobby Jones leading the pack. In regards with their golfing equipment, the wooden clubs were made of hickory wood and were handmade. Iron clubs were heavier then but evolved into steel shafts and later shifted to graphite. Golf balls started out with rubber which flew quite a distance before the dimpled ball was introduced by William Taylor. In this time of digital technology, modifications on golfing equipment could easily be improved. Now clubs could be tested first and players could check out a review on a certain set of clubs before deciding if they would get one. Descriptions of the clubs, how they react and how they rate compared to other clubs could assist a player in making the right choices. Golf training aids are also great tools to use for the busy handicapper. Usually the devices that help improve one’s swing are very portable and easy to carry since they are also meant to be used outside the golf course. This gives a golfer more time to practice even when he is at the comfort of his own home. Video analysis gadgets are very much in the market nowadays too. The latest software for swing analysis that can be used on tablets and portable devices

that can measure the speed of the ball is readily available. Books and DVDs on the game of golf are also part of golf training aids which could help both beginners and low handicappers alike. Swing fixes, experiences of professional golfers, golf games for both junior and adult golfers make up this catalogue of books about golf. A lot of professional golfers endorse golf training aids and golfing equipment, sometimes even wearing the company’s logo while playing a tournament. Some of them have even made a golf instruction video on their field of expertise in the game. Johnny Miller, winner of two major tournaments and 25 PGA Tour events, together with Top 100 teachers Brady Riggs, Brian Mogg, Rick Grayson, Mitchell Spearman and Kellie Stenzell are just a few of the professionals who have done golf instruction online. Using the hips for power, eliminating a slice, how to make a sandy birdie, different types of shots and how to address the ball correctly are just a few examples of the tips you can learn. Updates and the latest golf news could also be found easily, especially if someone is looking for a golf instruction online. Even junior golfers could simply find the most suitable golfing equipment, golf training aids and golf instruction online. Learning a thing or two from these mediums is not a bad thing if it means shaving off a few strokes on the scorecard. Even though golf has evolved over the years, its main concept of hitting a ball with a long stick remained the same.

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 16

Find Your Dream Home Sharyn McTigue

Mobile: (914) 393-4243

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Office: (845) 639-0300

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License #10401316783

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IMPROVE YOUR SHORT GAME

article I will be discussing how Iwayntothisimprove your short game all the from your iron shot to putting on the green. These tips will ensure you play to the best of your ability out there on the course.

IRON SHOTS The first step in producing a successful iron shot is knowing what club to choose. Each iron club is used pertaining to the distance the golfer is from the hole. Depending on each player, you must match your personal distance with each club with your distance from the hole. For example, I personally hit my 7 Iron around from 150-170 yards, so if I am within that range on the course, that is my club of choice. The next step in a successful iron shot is to line up your stance. The higher the number on the club, the more you want to place the ball even with the back half of your stance in order to provide loft to the shot. And vice versa for lower numbers; place the ball closer to the front of your stance. Since each club will provide you with a matched distance, you want to make sure you take a full swing no matter what club you have. Many beginner golfers make the mistake of shorting their swing if they are closer to the pin. However, if you have chosen the right club, there will be no need to do that. CHIPPING If you are not an exceptional golfer, chances are you have not yet reached the green on your second shot. Chances are that your second shot ended up in the rough near the putting green. If this is the case, chipping is probably your best option for your third shot. There are multiple clubs with wchich golfers choose to chip their balls.The most common

type of club is a pitching wedge or 52 Degree Wedge. The 52 Degree Wedge provides a bit more loft to your shot, but both clubs are very similar. Depending of your distance from the green, a chip shot should be swung light and with proper follow-through. Many golfers use punch chip shots, which are sometimes effective, but are inconsistent at times. You truly want to swing through the ball and finish through to give your chip shot maximum loft. Chipping is a very delicate type of golf shot because it is all dependent on the golfers touch. You don’t want to swing too hard or to light, in the end your speed of the club is up to the golfers own perspective. Another type of chip shot commonly used in golf is the runner. The runner is a chip shot (usually used with the 8 Iron) where you have to bounce the ball far across the green. This club ensures that you won’t loft the ball that high, allowing the ball to run across the green toward the hole. This shot is for more experienced golfers, but can be very useful in certain situations out on the course. PUTTING Probably the most frustrating part of the game of golf, putting can turn your game around for better or worse. The first part of ensuring a good putter shot is to read your ball’s lie. This means read the greens angles and elevation to predict the path of the shot you are about to take. This is seen a lot when you watch pro golfers. They usually stand behind their ball to get a key for the shot. The next part of a great putter shot is the swing itself. Many beginner golfers bring their putter head back to far in their shot, causing them to lose the path that they lined up. The correct shot is to bring the head back slightly, then push your club through the ball in the path you want it to travel.

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ETIQUETTE FOR ROOKIES

ou have to be polite to play golf? Well... sort of. After all, golf is a gentlemen’s game. Of course, you are not expected to follow every single unwritten rule of the game, but here a few you should pinpoint on… NUMBER ONE If you hit an errant shot (and trust me, you will) please yell “FORE” to warn nearby players. The last thing you need is a potential lawsuit on your hands because you didn’t open your mouth. NUMBER TWO If you are playing ahead of a clearly more experienced and skilled group, please let them play through. You will save them a lot of frustration and yourself a lot of embarrassment if you happen to have a rough day. The rangers on the golf course also appreciate if you keep up with the “pace of play” as they call it and this is easily accomplished by letting the big hitters be on their way. NUMBER THREE This is an important one to follow and the rest of your friends will appreciate if you abide by it. NEVER, under any circumstance, walk through the line of your buddy’s putt on the green. They’re worried enough about accounting for the break, speed, and slope of the green. The last thing they need is to figure out how to hit over your big fat shoe mark in the middle of their line. These are just a few simple tips to follow when on the course but their importance is unmatched. Earlier this month, I wrote an article explaining how out of the loop some new golfers are with the etiquette of the game and just how detrimental that is. No one can really fault you for having a poor day THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 20

at the course if you are truly giving forth your best effort and just not getting results. However, if you are being arrogant or violating the unwritten rules of golf over and over, you may get a well-justified earful after the round has concluded. And rightfully so. Another huge and crucial mistake most amateurs make is neglecting the mental aspects of the game. I’m not arguing against the fact that technique and fundamentals go a long way, rather pointing out that your performance can be heavily influenced by your attitude. If you are someone who has a quick temper, you need to address that immediately and leave the pouting at home. Getting down on yourself NEVER helps in the sport of golf. You will begin to cloud your head with negative thoughts to the point where you can hardly make contact with the ball anymore. Keeping a positive attitude before, during, and after the round is half the battle and you will notice results immediately. Golf is a game that takes quite some time to finally “master” so a good attitude will only speed up this process. As with any sport, one mistake can often snowball into many more if complemented by a negative attitude. Keep that in mind next time you pick up (or want to throw) a golf club.

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SMART GUIDE TO ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEYS

ndoubtedly, the demand for golf trolleys is on the rise -- especially the electric ones that work on batteries. However, the increasing variety of electric trolleys has made selection a bit challenging for the firsttime buyer. Here are some tips for choosing the most suitable electric trolley for the first time. LOOK FOR ENTRY LEVEL In case you are unaware, golf manufacturers offer entry-level golf trolleys ranging from 100 to 300 dollars. This is a good way to begin in case of a limited budget, although it is worth investing more in case a budget vehicle

does not offer the features you need. Cost is truly the first factor but good value may be more important. CHECK OUT FEATURES A few new or fancy features (such as a remote control) tend to excite beginners. The remote control feature is likely to save energy and time by eliminating the need to continuously pull or push it. Another interesting feature is a distance function that allows the trolley to move ahead. Although these features are very tempting, you should not lose your focus on what you need. For most new buyers, the weight, build quality and battery life are

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essential. It is certain that no new buyer would like to have their new remote control trolley lose battery by the 15th hole, or to see their budget trolley falling by the 12th hole. Therefore, you should always focus on the basic features first. However, you should not compromise other features for better quality. You need to ensure a long battery life, enough to cover the number of holes you usually like to play. Moreover, you should make sure the trolley is not too heavy and that it will last for a few years with good service. EXAMINE YOUR OPTIONS If you are purchasing from a street-side store, have a small discussion with the staff. Find out whether or not the disclosed weight includes the battery, check out features and warranty, and ask about the return policy as well. To know about the best trolley for your requirements, consider chatting with your fellow golfers at the 19th hole. If you are buying online, spend some time searching for discounted offers and customer reviews to ensure you are getting the best quality product for your needs.

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HOW TO PLAY A LINKS COURSE

inks golf courses lie on often remote stretches of land close to the sea. Playing a links is an exhilarating but demanding experience. You’re exposed to extreme weather conditions and usually play in winds far stronger than you ever experience inland. From a distance such a course looks flat and quite featureless. But once you set foot on a links you discover that the ground is a mass of humps and hollows - many of the tee shots you face are semi-blind. Hard, fast running fairways can cause the occasional unpredictable bounce. Your ball may shoot forward on the first bounde, while the same shot pitching into a hump stops quickly. If you’re very unfortunate a ball flying straight down the middle of the fairway kicks into the rough. The short grass and closely mown fairways on a links course can remove some of the fear from your mid-range approach shots to the green. A crisply struck iron shot generates a great deal of backspin because very little grass comes between the clubface and the ball at impact. WATCH THE WIND Strong wind is an important feature of links golf, so make sure you use it to your advantage whenever possible. Try to forget the distance you usually hit the ball - wind drastically alters your nomal club selection. Into the wind demands a precise strike. Always take plenty of club and swinger shorter than normal. A three-quarter shot helps you hit the ball lower to give you more control in the wind. Remember that playing into the wind exaggerates the spin off links turf and you can stop the ball even on firm greens. Wind behind should encourage you to hit the ball higher to gain maximum distance on the shot. With luck you can reduce long par 5s to a comfortable 4 strokes and look for birdies on par 4s. Downwind it’s difficult to put enough backspin on the ball to pitch and stop it neatly on the green. Take less club, swing smoothly and let the wind carry the ball towards the target. Aim to pitch the ball well short of the green and expect plenty of run on the shot. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 26

Cross winds force you to aim way off line and allow the ball to be blown back on target. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind, select a spot to one side and set up to hit the ball straight at it. Swing normally and let the wind do the rest. SHORT GAME STRATEGY Many golfers forget that wind affects the short game as well as the longer shots. This is especially true on a links course. When you chip from close to the green your main thought must be to keep the ball near the ground. A low pitch and run is always a safer shot in wind than a high lob. A 7 iron is the ideal club for the shot. The ball runs twice the distance it travels in the air, so select an area to pitch the ball on and visualize it running towards the hole. Grip down the club and position the ball towards the center of your stance. Swing the club as you do witha long putt - the arms moving back and through togther with very little wrist break. Make sure you keep your hands ahead of the ball throughout to promote a crisp strike. Bear in mind that a long putt on a large sloping links green can often take two or three different breaks. It;s important to study the slope of the green carefully. Look at a putt along the ball-to-target link and then from the side on to give you a better perspective. Wind also affects the roll of the ball. Set yourself realistic goals - occasionally a long putt drops but you should never be disappointed to get down in 2 strokes. DEEP TROUBLE Bunkers are hard to spot in the humps and hollows of a links course and devillishly difficult to escape from. A yardage chart comes in useful if you’re not familiar with the course - it can perform the role of an experienced caddie. Study the chart and lay up short of bunkers if necessary. Don’t take risks - it’s fine to sacrifice distance, particularly if it keeps you on the fairway. When you land in a fairway pot bunker it’s unlikely you have a direct route to the green - concentrate on making sure you next shot isn’t from the same spot. The powdery fine sand is perfect for the high splash shot. Open your stance and keep the clubface open. Swing long and smooth on an out-to-in path. Huge sandy dunes are punishing hazards that surround many fairways and greens. You’re bound to be faced with an awkward stance and the thick, wiry grass doesn’t let go of your ball easily. Play your recovery with a sand wedge and grip the club tight. It’s difficult to achieve any distance, so don’t be too ambitious with your escape. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 27

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES

erious, even dangerous threats can eventuate by improperly maintaining your golf cart’s batteries.

A lack of knowledge about basic golf cart battery maintenance can lead to all kinds of problems. Some users assume that the batteries that operate their golf carts are maintenance-free. However, the key to achieving optimum performance and long life is a solid golf cart battery maintenance program. It is recommended that you obtain following equipment for use in golf cart battery care and maintenance: A wrench; distilled water; a voltmeter (an instrument used for measuring the voltage between two points in an electric circuit); a hydrometer (a tool used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution); a post cleaner; some baking soda; petroleum jelly and possibly the most of all goggles and gloves. Always wear protective clothing, acid proof gloves and goggles when handling lead acid batteries and remove all jewellery. It’s important to have lots of water and baking soda nearby as this will neutralize any acid spills from battery refilling and prevent further corrosive damage. Remember, the electrolyte is a solution of acid and water, so skin contact should be avoided and, do not smoke near batteries and never add acid to a battery. Golf carts are typically powered by six lead-acid batteries mounted beneath the front seat. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 28

First of all, examine the outside appearance of the batteries. You should look for cracks in the container and the top of the battery. Posts and connections should be free of dirt, fluids and corrosion. You should replace any damaged batteries. Check that all vent caps are tight. Then clean the battery top with a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water ensuring that any cleaning solution or any other foreign matter does not get inside the battery. Then rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Solvents or spray cleaners should not be used. Then clean the battery terminals and the inside of the cable clamps with a post and clamp cleaner. Reconnect the clamps to the terminals and thinly coat them with petroleum jelly. Always keep the area around the batteries clean and dry. Water should only be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should be above the plates. Some important things to remember are: Do not allow plates to be exposed to air and do not fill the water all the way up to the cap. Do not use water with a high mineral content. You should use only distilled or deionized water. Check water levels in each cell of each battery weekly to ensure that the leaded plates in the battery are submerged in liquid. Don’t fill the cell all the way up — add just enough water to cover the plates. Lastly, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining batteries. Author Bio Ken Mackenzie is a Marketing and Public Relations Consultant with an interest in golf. His web site is www.YourGolfCartBatteries.com is where you can find out more about your golf cart and its batteries. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 29

BE A GOLF ME NT O R

hose of us who have been playing golf for any length of time understand that it is more than just a game. There’s no denying that golf instills certain physical attributes and that it’s good exercise but there’s more to it than that, and most golfers that I know would wholeheartedly agree. That extra component that

golf offers its players is a set of life skills that serve us daily — whether we know it or not. This holds true for new golfers as well as they begin to learn the game and appreciate its overall value not just on the course but in life in general. But golf isn’t like basketball or soccer or baseball when it comes to our younger

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players. Kids who want to play but don’t have the resources to buy the needed equipment or mentors to teach them the game are pretty much left out. The truth is golf can be horribly expensive, even at the junior level. So what can the average Joe do about this? That depends on how much you want to do. If you live a metro area, chances are there are mentoring programs already in place. A call or visit to one might lead you into taking personal active action by becoming a mentor. If you don’t have the time or feel as if you don’t have the skills to teach others, perhaps you can do other things to help the program. If you live in a rural area or an area that simply doesn’t have a golf mentor program at all, well, consider creating your own mentoring program. You don’t have to be a pro to teach a youngster the fundementals of the game. Schedule a chat with your course manager and discuss the idea with him or her and see if you can’t work something out. If you’re not the mentoring type, consider donating to a program. Many golfers (at least the ones I know) have old clubs and bags sitting in their garages that they will never use again. Why let them gather dust and spider webs? Give them to a program of your choice and let someone else enjoy them. Even if you only have a few old clubs (meaning less than a full set, or even an old putter or driver)... donate it to them. Frankly, I think it’s something of a shame that kids who can’t afford clubs or have no one to teach them this game are left out. It doesn’t have to be that way, and you could be the one to change that in your community. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 31

SOLVING YOUR DRIVER SHOTS

any golfers have a M problem with their drives. On this page readers

will learn how to properly drive the golf ball. Every golfer knows that the first tee box is a scary sight, with many viewers ready to judge your entire golf game off the first shot you take. However, just like any other sport, the start of a match can set the tempo for your entire game. This is why learning how to hit a successful driver shot can benefit you tremendously. A successful driver shot in golf can you set you up in better position for the rest of your shots on the current hole you are playing. An unsuccessful driver shot can lead to disaster in your golf game, causing you to have to take extra strokes, or causing you to play your ball on an unfavorable lie. These steps will hopefully allow the viewers to gain a hold on their driver shots, which will improve their entire game as a whole.

The first step to hit a successful driver shot is to ensure that you have the proper equipment tailored to your game. The modern day driver has various customized features that one can apply to their weapon of choice. You first must get your driver sized properly according to your height and arm length. This will make sure that you are not swinging a club that is too large or too small. Another feature that is customizable on a driver is the degree of the driver head. Many divers allow you to change the angle of the head to provide either more of a draw to their shot, or more of a slice in some situations. The shaft of the driver also allows for some change, providing either a flex or stiff shaft type. A stiff shaft does not bend during your shot, and is more consistent in many cases. A flex club provides a bit more torque while swinging the club, although is harder to control. No matter how you choose to create your driver,

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you want to make sure it matches your style of play. The second step to producing a successful drive is your setup to the ball. You must first use a tall tee to raise the ball. You usually want the ball height to be about ½ of an inch above your club when placed in front of it. Once you have finished placing the ball in the corresponding fashion, you must approach the ball and focus on your driver stance. Unlike many irons, the driver is almost always played on your front foot. In order to match the weight of the club, place your front foot even with the ball. Next, make sure you have a slight bend in your knees, allowing you to swing with more degree of motion on your swing. Once you have set up to the ball correctly, you can now focus on the actual swing itself. Yes it is true, everybody will obviously not have the same exact same swing, but there are key pointers in your swing that a successful driver swing possesses. The first component of a smooth driver swing is the player’s grip on the golf club. It is important that the player holds the club in a relaxed manner, because if the club is held too tight, the player will roll their wrists over, causing the ball to hook. If a player is too loose with his grip, the club face will open up, causing the ball to slice instead. The next step to a correct driver swing is to remain calm and collected in your downswing. Once you bring your club back to a comfortable height, you must fight your first instinct, and control your club on the way down. Many beginner golfers feel that in order to crush the golf ball, you must swing as hard as you can. This is hardly the reality of the matter. Remaining calm and collected on your downswing allows your body to remain loose, instead of tensing up and losing control of the club. Remaining loose allows your muscles in your body to act as rubber bands and produces a whip like motion, creating the overall power in your shot. Although it might seem awkward not to swing as hard as you can, it will prevent you from losing your eye on the ball and much of the time, force your body to raise up and top the ball. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 33

CONQUERING THE GREENS

nvision this scenario: you E have just launched a beautiful driver shot off the

tee and followed it up with an even better approach shot from the fairway. As a result, the ball is sitting 10 feet from the cup with a chance at birdie! You are probably feeling pretty good until you walk up to grab your putter and think to yourself “what on Earth do I do now?” You would be like many golfers who haven’t quite yet developed the skill of reading a putt. In essence, you are attempting to envision the path your ball is going to take to hear that wonderful sound of the bottom of the cup. There are numerous factors that play into this potential success and we will review them here. First things first. Determine an estimate of the distance your putt will need to travel. If the ball is a mile away from the hole and on the green, you need to adjust your strategy. You cannot realistically go for the hole and expect to make it from 40 feet and out. Instead, deploy the “lag” shot as it is called. This is a shot in which you do your best

to get it relatively close to the hole in order to give yourself a true chance of sinking the next putt. On your way to grabbing the flagstick out of the hole, attempt to eyeball the distance by pacing off the walk carefully. There is a rule of thumb that for every foot of distance the club needs to be taken back 1 inch on the backswing (use that simply as a guide). Next, determine the bend or slope of the green. Not every putt is going to travel on a straight path towards the hole and you must realize that and account for it. Putts with a lot of break should fall into the cup from the side of the hole, not the front like most straight traditional putts. This allows you to really play the break and give you a better chance to hole out the putt. If you can’t determine the slope of a green, know that if there is water involved that the green USUALLY falls towards that hazard. The slope and break of a putt are the two biggest components of any putt. For example, if a putt has a lot of break but is downhill, you will need to compensate for the break more. The reason for this is that a slower putt will experience the full force of the break as opposed to a faster hit uphill putt. One last thing to keep in

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mind is how to address putting out of the fringe. The fringe often outlines the greens and contains a thicker cut. Therefore the ball will slow down when traveling through it, so please take that into account and add speed to your putt. These are just a few simple keys to abide by around the greens and following them will work wonders on your game. Do not be deceived by how much I have stressed the importance of hitting the “long ball” and approach shots. While it is absolutely imperative you have this part of your game down to get on the greens, what you do when you’re on the dance floor is just as important. You can hit the prettiest drive and stick your approach shot close and be looking at a birdie opportunity! But then if you three or even worse four putt, no one will remember your first two great shots. Today we are going to learn the bare bones basics of a solid, working putting stroke. Everyone please take heed; even you “big hitters” out there.

THE STANCE/SETUP Often overlooked, this is the point at which the success (or lack thereof) is determined. If you want to put more putts in the bottom of the cup then you need to be careful how you set up. • Aim to have your eyes over the ball and place the ball up in your stance; off your left foot • Grip hands with palms opposite of each other (one palm facing the other) • Grip should be about 6 on a scale of 10; relaxed and loose grip is always better

THE STROKE Ensure shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line and form a triangle with your arms and hands. • Maintain triangle throughout stroke and limit use of lower body • Pretend your arms form a pendulum; backswing should be the same tempo as downswing • Do NOT hesitate at any point. Trust your stroke and good things will happen Unfortunately you cannot just walk up and hit the ball hoping for the best like you can in miniature golf. Greens actually have varying slopes, ridges, and other obstacles that mean you have to account for the speed and break of each putt. Before you make your putt, squat down and do your best to read the slope and speed and then pick a “line” to the hole. From there, align your ball along that target you pictured in your head and just trust it. Thinking too much is a silent killer for many putters on the green so don’t fall into a bad habit now. Happy putting! THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 35

BOOMERANG PUTTING TIPS

ost people have heard the word boomerang, and wonder what it could mean in terms of your olf game. THE BOOMERANG PUTTING TECHNIQUE or BOOMTECH means learning how to roll a ball with perfect line and distance control. One can easily learn the technique within a month depending on the quality of the person’s golf education and how much he or she wants to learn. PUTTING SURFACES Prestwick Training Mat: The perfect surface on which to learn the Boomerang Technique, Prestwick is like putting on treacle. It’s also ideal if you ever have slow or winter greens to contend with. SIZE OF THE PRESTWICK TRAINING MAT It is perfect for regular play, at a size of 5’6’’. For fast play it is 8’6’’. For medium-fast play it is 7’6’’. For medium play it is 6’6’’.

For medium-slow it is 5’6’’. For slow play it is only 4’6’’. SIZE OF THE CARNOUSTIE TOURNAMENT MAT Carnoustie Tournament Mat: Take it anywhere or leave it set up. Carnoustie is like putting on quicksilver. It’s ideal to get your new skills ready for tournament play. For Champions Play it is 11’5’’. For fast it is 10’6’’. For medium-fast it is 9’6’’. For medium it is 8’6’’. For medium-slow it is 7’6’’. For slow play it is 6’6’’. TIPS FOR TRAINING SPEED If the player wants to learn in a short time period then he or she should start on the very slow surface because the slower the surface, the longer the stroke. HOW TO TEST YOUR SURFACE WITH THE PUTTING PRO If you want to test your Putting Pro, then you need a perfectly

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flat surface. If you do not have that, you can make your own. To compensate for any break around the target, gently twist the Putting Pro’s wire leg, then put it back and test it using the rolling level feature. Place your Putting Pro down and position it on the curlier end of your putting mat. Next, hold the marble gently on the edge of the target, at 4 o’clock. Then let it roll until it comes to a stop. If it stops at precisely 6 o’clock, you know your Putting Pro is on a flat surface. If the ball comes to rest in any other position, give the legs another little tweak, then test again. When your Putting Pro is set up correctly (level around the target), any putt that curves off line at the end is attributable to the stroke itself and nothing else. That’s why doing the work to get set up correctly before you start ensures the highest quality feedback, and the fastest possible improvement. When satisfied that your Putting Pro is set up level, it’s time to test the full length of your putt. To do this, carefully release your marble from its resting position, allowing it to roll down the ramp under its own steam. Note where your marble rolls. If it reaches the end of the mat without falling off either side, the entire putt is level enough to use. However if it falls off before reaching the end of your mat, then your putt has a break. Avoid setting up your Putting Pro at the end of a breaking putt, but if you have no choice use business cards placed at strategic intervals under the low edge of your mat to even it up. I’ve done it, occasionally, when there was nowhere suitable, and I needed to give a demo. Well that’s it! Your Putting Pro and Carnoustie Mat, are now set up to provide many years of high quality, battery-free feedback, fun and frustration. So what are you waiting for? Hook in and belt out a few thousand putts before dinner, you know you want to, and you won’t believe the results if you do. In a spirit level an air bubble floats at the top middle when the device is perfectly horizontal. Bubbles float, but marbles roll. The Putting Pro uses a marble (better than a golf ball) in a kind of rolling level, but it does the same job as a spirit level identifying a perfectly flat area for practice. When the Putting Pro is perfectly level, your marble will rest at precisely 6 o’clock in the target and you will have an excellent place to practice. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 37

HOW TO FIND A GOOD GOLF PARTNER

et’s face it, if you are going to be on the golf course for 5 hours, you want to be with people that you enjoy being with. Finding good golf partners can be harder than finding true love. There are almost as many things that you look for in a golf partner as a life partner. You want a golfer you can communicate with, someone with whom you are comfortable being quiet, someone that is reliable and ─ most importantly ─ someone you can trust. I will talk a little more about trust in a minute. I have been playing golf for 20 years and I can say that I have met people on the golf course that have wound up being good friends off the golf course. There is a unique bond that is formed when you do find a good golf partner.

The reason you need to be able to trust your golf partner is this: chances are, your golf partner has pretty much the same skill level as you. You probably would not be playing together on a regular basis if he or she was a much better or much worse golfer than you, unless you were already friends or family. That means that you will likely wind up having friendly wagers of some kind while on the golf course. I can tell you firsthand that it can be a long day if you’re playing a $5 nassau against a golfer that cheats. It adds an element to golf that should not be involved. If you have to spend an ounce of energy trying to make sure your opponent isn’t improving his lie or even dropping another ball to replace the one that he couldn’t find with

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 38

a search party, it makes for a very long and unenjoyable round of golf. The regular foursome that I play with was recently broken apart. One moved to California and the other moved to a another county within the same state. The impact that it had on my game totally surprised me. The one other golfer left is the “cheater” of the group. It is well-documented that he cheats, we even had an “ golf intervention” to try to get him to stop. That did not go very well. He was totally in denial and did not admit to anything. He stopped cheating for a little while (maybe) but then started back up again. Ironically enough, the one golfer of the group that cheats is also the one that makes the tee times. When one of the foursome could not make it, he would make all the phone calls to find a replacement. Now that we have lost two of our golf partners, it has been difficult to replace them because everyone knows that this player cheats.

THE BEST WAY TO FIND A GOOD GOLF PARTNER IS TO BE A GOOD GOLF PARTNER: 1. Don’t cheat ─ not once, not ever. 2. Be friendly, but don’t talk to much. 3. Control your temper. Nobody likes being with a golfer that is constantly screaming or throwing clubs. 4. Be reliable. If you make plans to play, keep them. 5. If you play with a golfer that you think is a good match, by all means exchange phone numbers. You have to start somewhere. 6. Be willing to play for a few bucks. Playing for something helps you focus on your round. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 39

H OW F A R I S “A VERA GE” ?

lot of golfers get bogged down in the numbers game, analysing their every shot, loft, number of spikes in their shoes, buttons on their trousers, etc. It all makes us feel better when we hit another errant shot. But a lot of people would like to know just what average is, so let’s crunch some of the numbers. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE HANDICAP? According to this extract from the Daily Mail , the average for men and women is 15.2. However the average score is well over 100. Why such a disparity? Well, the majority of scores posted are by keen golfers; i.e. those who play often enough to get their handicap lower. Plus you’re less likely to post that 115 in the rain... ARE PEOPLE HONEST ABOUT THEIR HANDICAP? Golf digest states almost 90% of handicaps are truthful. What about the other 10%? These fall into the following categories: • Sandbaggers: these post artificially high scores so they have more of an advantage in net competitions. They may post very few scorecards, or even simply cheat to make their scores worse. They make up around 2% of golfers. • Vanity handicappers: the opposite of sandbaggers, these golfers post only their very best scores, or embellish them to appear better. It is estimated these make up around 10% of golfers. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 40

SCRATCH THAT, WHAT ARE THE DRIVING DISTANCES A study from growingthegame.org demonstrated that the average drive for a 90-95 scoring male golfer is just 192 yards. For women scoring 95-100, the figure is 145 yards. These figures taken from average golfer represent a lower handicap player: • • • • • •

Average driver distance, men: 200-260 yards. Average driver distance, women: 150-200 yards. Average 6 iron, men: 130-160 yards. Average 6-iron, women: 70-130 yards. Average pitching wedge, men: 80-120 yards. Average pitching wedge, women: 50-80 yards.

Golfers overestimate their drivers by anything up to 20-30+ yards. However, lower handicap players tend to be more accurate in their assessment. HOW LONG SHOULD A ROUND OF GOLF TAKE? A round of golf is commonly quoted as lasting around 4-5 hours. However, this increases or decreases depending on your handicap. A study showed that 60% of use take 4-5 hours, however 40% of 0-9 handicappers get a round done in under 4 hours. 10% of 30+ handicappers take 5-6 hours to finish a round, looking for their lost balls presumably.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

6 8

10 11 13

12 14

15 16

A C R OS S

3. The intended path of the ball, usually referred to in the context of putting 4. The position of the feet at address 8.A complete miss (also known as an “air ball”) 9. The direction which the blades of grass grow, which is of primary importance on the greens 10. A score of two over par on a hole 11. The rotational movement or spin of the ball produced by contact with the clubface 14. Another term for a practice area (also known as a golf range, practice range or learning center) 15. The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five 17. A score of one under par on a hole

ACROSS 3. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14.

DO W N

1 . The custom of hitting a second ball — without penalty — on a hole 2 . A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance 5 . The act of aligning the clubface to the target 6 . A swing flaw in which the lead elbow bends at an angle pointed away from the body, usually resulting in a blocked or pushed shot 7 . To successfully hit a shot from a poor location 12 . The placing and positioning of the hands on the club 13 . The proper distribution of weight both at address and throughout the swing 16 . A derogatory term describing poor play that results from nervousness

ANSWER KEY: 3. LINE, 4. STANCE, 8. WHIFF, 9. GRAIN, 10. DOUBLEBOGEY, 11. BACKSPIN, 14. DRIVINGRANGE, 15. PAR, 17. BIRDIE, 1. MULLIGAN, 2. CADDIE, 5. AIMING, 6. CHICKENWING, 7. RECOVER, 12. GRIP, 13. BALANCE, 16. CHOKE

THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 42

GOLF SCORE CARDS LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LENGTH PAR

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

For the simplest way to keep score, just count the number of strokes you’ve taken on the hole just completed, and write that number down in the box corresponding to that hole on the scorecard. At the end of each nine holes, tally up the strokes for your front nine and back nine totals, respectively, then add up those two numbers for your 18-hole score. THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 43

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY 55+ C OMMU N I TIES

Sharon Kushner - EXP Realty..............................................Front Cover, 19

A LL NATURAL PEST CO N TROL

Village Exterminating LLC.........................................................................15

A NTIQUES

Antiques & Collectibles Buyers................................................................05

A SSOC IATE BRO KER

Sharon Kushner - EXP Realty..............................................Front Cover, 19

BUY E RS AG EN TS

Deon Raymond - Weichert Realtors.......................................................21 Diane Beckmann - Imagine Properties..................................................23 Joseph Sclafani - Joyce Realty.........................................................15, 24 Sharon Kushner - EXP Realty..............................................Front Cover, 19 Sharyn McTigue - Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty.................. 11, 17

CER TIFIED PERSON A L TRAINERS

Fitness Together - Montvale.....................................................................07

COLLE CTIBLE PLA Q U ES

C & I Collectibles Inc..........................................................................17, 41

COLLE CTIBLES

Antiques & Collectibles Buyers................................................................05 C & I Collectibles Inc..........................................................................17, 41

COMME RC I AL CARPETS & FLOORS

City Wide Facility Solutions.................................................................13, 25

COMME RC I AL JAN I TORIAL SERVICE

City Wide Facility Solutions.................................................................13, 25

COMME RC I AL PEST CON TROL

Village Exterminating LLC.........................................................................15 THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 44

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMMERCI AL REAL ESTA TE

Key Commercial Realty...........................................................................09

COMMUNITY HO SPICE

United Hospice..........................Front Inside Cover, Back Outside Cover

CORRE CTION OF I NSPECTION

ZD Stucco Repair Inc...............................................Back Inside Cover, 03

COVID TESTI NG

Healthy Therapeutics Medical................................................................19

ELEC TROSTA TI C CLEAN I NG

City Wide Facility Solutions.................................................................13, 25

EPOXY FLOORIN G

Hudson Valley Epoxy Flooring............................................................11, 24

ESTA TE LIQUI DATI ON

Antiques & Collectibles Buyers................................................................05

EXTERIOR P AI NTI NG

ZD Stucco Repair Inc...............................................Back Inside Cover, 03

FAN-BAS E D ITEMS

C & I Collectibles Inc..........................................................................17, 41

FLOORING

Hudson Valley Epoxy Flooring............................................................11, 24

H EALTHC ARE

Healthy Therapeutics Medical................................................................19

H OME HOSPI CE

United Hospice..........................Front Inside Cover, Back Outside Cover THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 45

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY INPATIENT HO SPICE

United Hospice..........................Front Inside Cover, Back Outside Cover

INVESTME NT PROPERTI ES

Deon Raymond - Weichert Realtors.......................................................21 Diane Beckmann - Imagine Properties..................................................23

IV THE RAPEU TI CS

Healthy Therapeutics Medical................................................................19

LICENSED REA L ESTA TE AGENTS

LUX URY HOMES

ONE-ON-ONE PERSO N A L TRAINING

Fitness Together - Montvale.....................................................................07

PAINTING

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PER S ONALIZED PRIVA TE TRAINING

Fitness Together - Montvale.....................................................................07

PEST C ONTRO L

Village Exterminating LLC.........................................................................15

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LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY PRIV ATE PE RSO N A L TRAI NING

Fitness Together - Montvale.....................................................................07

REAL E S TATE

Deon Raymond - Weichert Realtors.......................................................21 Diane Beckmann - Imagine Properties..................................................23 Joseph Sclafani - Joyce Realty.........................................................15, 24 Key Commercial Realty...........................................................................09 Sharon Kushner - EXP Realty..............................................Front Cover, 19 Sharyn McTigue - Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty.................. 11, 17

REALTORS

RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE

United Hospice..........................Front Inside Cover, Back Outside Cover

RESIDENTIAL PEST CON TROL

Village Exterminating LLC.........................................................................15

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTA TE

Sharon Kushner - EXP Realty..............................................Front Cover, 19

SELLE RS AGEN T

SPECIALTY CO A TI NG S OF CONCRETE

Hudson Valley Epoxy Flooring............................................................11, 24 THE BACK NINE OF ROCKLAND COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 47

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY STUC C O REPA I R

ZD Stucco Repair Inc...............................................Back Inside Cover, 03

STUC C O RESTORATI ON

ZD Stucco Repair Inc...............................................Back Inside Cover, 03

TR AD ING CARDS

C & I Collectibles Inc..........................................................................17, 41

VETERANS (REAL ESTA TE)

Sharyn McTigue - Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty.................. 11, 17

VIR TUAL PE RSO N A L TRAI NING

Fitness Together - Montvale.....................................................................07

W ELLNE S S

Healthy Therapeutics Medical................................................................19

W INDOW WA SHIN G FO R COMMERCI AL PRO PERTI ES

City Wide Facility Solutions.................................................................13, 25

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The Back Nine of Rockland County - 2021

Articles inside

HOW FAR IS “AVERAGE”?

HOW TO FIND A GOOD GOLF PARTNER

BOOMERANG PUTTING TIPS

SOLVING YOUR DRIVER SHOTS

CONQUERING THE GREENS

SMART GUIDE TO ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEYS

BE A GOLF MENTOR

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

HOW TO PLAY A LINKS COURSE

IMPROVE YOUR SHORT GAME

GOLF INSTRUCTIONS 101

MEET CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS