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TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
10
13
Shaw Warren Dominates Assistants Championship
Friedman, Leja Leave Avidia Cup Finals With Crystal
2020 New England PGA Skip Wogan Player of the Year Liam Friedman
16
18
22
Seul-Ki Hawley Represents NEPGA in KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
NEPGA Award Winner Spotlight: Paul Coutoumas & Harry Rose
PGA HOPE Keeps Veterans Connected
28
30
Rules to the Max: Free Re-Leaf?
Your View from the Fairway
34
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Chapter Round-Up
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NEPGA OFFICERS
Allan Belden, PGA President allanbelden@gmail.com
Mike Bradshaw, PGA Vice President pgapro@kirkbrae.com
Chip Johnson, PGA Secretary chip.johnson@hatherlycc.com
Ron Bibeau, PGA Honorary President rbibeau@coegolfcars.com
NEPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Bennett, PGA District Director Vermont (802) 244-1800 dbennett@countryclubvt.com
Doug VanWickler, PGA District Director Maine (207) 787-2890 dvanwickler@thewoodlands.com
Jeff Martin, PGA District Director MA Eastern (617) 698-0909 jeffmartinpga@gmail.com
Joanne Flynn, PGA District Director New Hampshire (603) 434-2093 joanne@windhamcc.com
Mark Aldrich, PGA District Director MA Central (508) 853-5087 markaldrichpga@gmail.com
Dan Gillis, PGA Senior Director (978) 692-4606 dangillis.nlcc@gmail.com
Lou Rivers, PGA District Director MA Southern (508) 543-4661 lourivers@pga.com
Dave Donnellan, PGA District Director Cape Cod (508) 362-2606 daviddonnellan@pga.com
Dave Tiedemann, PGA District Director Rhode Island (401) 322-2107 dtiedemann@shgcri.com
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Allan Belden, PGA President New England PGA
NEPGA Officers President Allan Belden, PGA Vice President Mike Bradshaw, PGA Secretary Chip Johnson, PGA Honorary President Ron Bibeau, PGA Board of Directors Central Mass Mark Aldrich, PGA Cape Cod Dave Donnellan, PGA Eastern Mass Jeff Martin, PGA Southern Mass Lou Rivers, PGA Vermont David Bennett, PGA Rhode Island Dave Tiedemann, PGA Maine Doug VanWickler, PGA Seniors Dan Gillis, PGA
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Greetings NEPGA Members, I hope this letter finds everyone in good health and spirit. Without question this was the golf season to top all golf seasons. I think back to late March when the Executive Committee was constantly discussing the state of the golf business. Even being the eternal optimist, I never thought that we would still be here in the latter part of the season still dealing with COVID protocols. At least things have “normalized” to the degree that we aren’t worrying about state COVID protocols being changed again before lunch. This season has certainly provided unique challenges. Many practices that we implemented because of COVID will outlive the virus and its protocols, as necessity is the mother of invention. The increase in play and the growth that golf has seen has certainly provided a welcomed fiscal boost to the golf industry, given that golf had struggled to find ways to grow the game in recent years. I believe the family element that golf offers has been a key to golf’s growth this season. With youth activities being cancelled, vacations being delayed, Mom and Dad working from home and families looking for an outlet, golf has been that one activity that they can do together. We’ve all been saying that “golf can be enjoyed by all, regardless of ability,” for years, but maybe we didn’t really believe it until this year. This is certainly not how I would have bet that
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We must start to plan for 2021 and create programs to make sure that we keep those golfers next Spring and Summer.”
golf would benefit, but here we are. Now, we must start to plan for 2021 and create programs to make sure that we keep those golfers next Spring and Summer. We were given a boost in the late 90’s and early 2000’s in the form of one Tiger Woods. But we as an industry did a poor job of capitalizing on that interest. Hopefully this time around we have learned from the past. Our annual awards banquet, which would normally be held in the Fall, is being moved to the Spring of 2021. Dates and details will be shared as soon as possible. We understand that the recognition of our recipients is very important, and we will honor our 2020 award winners when it is safe to do so. I truly hope that you all know that I have never been prouder to be a PGA member than after what we have all accomplished in 2020. Anyone who did not understand what a PGA professional can bring to their facility is sure to have a
We’ve become accoustomed to the long list of COVID-19 protocols that have dictated our golf operations in 2020 better understanding following the 2020 golf season. I appreciate all that each and every one of you has done this season on behalf of your members, customers and club leaders and owners. I know that many of us are tired and worn out and I hope that all of you will be sure to take some time this Fall to take care of yourselves. Your health and the wellbeing of your families should be your number one priority. Stay safe and be well. I hope to see all of you in person soon. Respectfully, Allan Belden, PGA President, New England PGA nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 5
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Mike Higgins Executive Director New England PGA
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As I write my article for the November Newsletter it appears that Covid numbers are again on the rise and the second wave that was predicted to arrive this fall might beat any vaccine or cure. New England is not alone in this rise. The unprecedented scope, speed and depth of this health crisis continues to linger and in my humble opinion we will more than
likely still be talking about it in the November 2021 newsletter. The approach we took when starting to navigate the pandemic, the way we continue to navigate and certainly how we plan to navigate this fall and through the winter was a bit like the coaching staff for an NFL franchise. We made adjustments on the fly and called quite a few audibles this season, but if we know that our Spring golf season will more than likely look very similar to right now, or even similar to last spring, should we use the off-season to build a strong offense or defense? Whether it is on the golf course, behind the wheel of my car, or even on the craps table in Las Vegas, I
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We were not ready or prepared for golf during a pandemic, but now we know what to expect, and we have no excuse not to prepare. have always taken the defensive approach and believe a strong defense wins championships. Defensively I may make more pars on the golf course than I do birdies, but I also make fewer bogeys and avoid the big number. I may not get somewhere as fast as someone else with my defensive driving, but I will hopefully have fewer speeding tickets and less accidents. And I certainly may never get upgraded to the penthouse suite with my defensive bets at the craps table, but I never put myself in a position to lose more than I can afford.
The stakes have already been raised, and over the next few weeks and months we are going to find ways to gain ground on the Covid surge in golfers. They are here, and they still will be here in the spring. This crisis has disrupted previously established barriers in our industry, as well as completely upended other industries entirely, but just as new threats emerged, so will new opportunities. Now this is where my defensive nature kicks in. In times of great uncertainty, I tend to proceed at a manageable pace and act incrementally, but I plan to think big and revolutionary for the NEPGA! I know the Board will help manage this planning by thinking holistically, and with a broader perspective, but moving at an aggressive yet manageable pace.
I tell you all this because I hope you are thinking about your approach over the next few months. You may be more of an offensive planner than I am, but there is no mistaking that Covid created golfers. It created interest in our game and is providing customers at a level we haven’t seen since the Tiger Boom! Sustaining these levels over a long period of time will be difficult, but if you don’t evaluate and plan for ways to stay engaged with your members and customers over the winter months, when golf rolls out in spring, and especially when we are up and running on all cylinders, you will miss an enormous opportunity. We were not ready or prepared for golf during a pandemic, but now we know what to expect, and we have no excuse not to prepare.
Look, many of our decisions needed to be made in real time this year. We couldn’t wait for statistics every day to come in The industry has changed, and as President Belden said in before we drafted up a detailed plan. It his letter, many of these changes will outlive the virus. “The just didn’t make sense. As leaders in our secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting industry we wanted to be out in front with the old, but on building the new.” our PGA Professionals, our partners, our staff and our customers. We knew that the I wish you much success for the remainder of 2020 and as difficult decisions being made about the always, if there is ever anything either myself or your talented Section’s survival in the short-term were NEPGA Staff can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to going to sow the seeds of strategy for the reach out. longer-term. The NEPGA Board of Directors has been hypervigilant analyzing the Respectfully results of these decisions to see how it may affect the Section’s strategic position going Michael Higgins forward. nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 7
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LEARN MORE & ENROLL 8 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
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nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 9
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WARREN DOMINATES ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP
There was simply no catching Shawn Warren, PGA, over 36 holes at Renaissance. Warren, the assistant professional at Falmouth CC, entered the final round of the New England PGA Assistants Championship at Renaissance Golf Club with a three stroke lead after posting the only under-par round on Monday, a 3-under 69, and followed it up with a 6-under par 66 on Tuesday, the low round of the day by four strokes. Warren’s two-day total of 9-under par sealed a seven-stroke win and his fourth NEPGA Assistants Championship, adding to his 2011, ’16 and ’17 titles. Warren had the putter working all day, converting six birdies and an eagle with just two bogeys on the scorecard in the final round. “It’s championship golf and the way Max (Doctoroff ) has been setting them up, it’s difficult out there,” Warren said. “I think the scores reflect that you really have to golf your ball. There’s a lot of trouble waiting out there.” Playing in the final group alongside Warren, Liam Friedman, PGA (Nashawtuc CC) did his best to keep the pressure on, but couldn’t match Warren’s 66, much less overtake him. Friedman eagled the last hole to go with four birdies and post 2-under par 70 for the day. He finished the tournament alone in second at 2-under.
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Jake Kramer (Bass Rocks) also played in the final group and shot 3-over par 75 to finish 5-over for the tournament. Kramer’s solo fifth-place finish secured his first National Car Rental PGA Assistant Professional Championship berth. “Congratulations to everyone who qualified, I think that’s a huge deal,” Warren said. “I played with Jake today and he grinded it out and it’s going to be his first Assistants Championship and I’m proud of the way that he came in.” Ryan Moseley (Manchester CC) shot 73 on Tuesday to finish the tournament 3-over par and alone in third. 2018 Champion Robert Bruso, PGA (Blackstone National GC) improved by eight strokes from Round 1 with a 2-under par 70 to finish fourth at 4-over.
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MOVIN’ ON! Shawn WARREN Liam FRIEDMAN Ryan MOSELEY Robert BRUSO Jake KRAMER Todd SCARAFONI
Jeff Seavey, PGA (Goose River) finished alone in sixth after shooting 70 but will forego the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Instead, the Section’s sixth and final qualifying spot will go to Todd Scarafoni, PGA (Bass Rocks), who finished tied for seventh at 8-over and secured the spot by virtue of a 4-for-1 playoff. Malcom Oliver (Weston GC), Kyle Dobbs (Bay Club at Mattapoisett), Kyle Puzzo (Hyannisport Club) and Dan Shepherd (Newport CC) are the NEPGA’s four alternates, in that order.
“It’s championship golf and the way Max (Doctoroff) has been setting them up, it’s difficult out there. There’s a lot of trouble waiting out there.” Shawn Warren, PGA
The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is Nov. 12-15 at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Warren’s win adds to an already spectacular year on the course. Last month he competed in the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park then cruised to a 5-stroke victory in the NEPGA Championship, his third Section title and second consecutive. Thank you to Renaissance GC and head golf professional Rhett Bishop, PGA, for hosting the Championship. The Championship would not be possible without presenting partner National Car Rental, and supporting partners Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO/Asics, Avidia Bank, John Deere, Mohegan Sun and the PGA TOUR.
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LEJA WINS AVIDIA CUP FINALS, FRIEDMAN TAKES TWO SEASONLONG TITLES Three titles were on the line at the New England PGA Avidia Cup Finals at Rochester Country Club on Sept. 28, and Liam Friedman, PGA (Nashawtuc CC) left with two of them. Friedman shot 3-under par 69 to finish second at the NEPGA Avidia Cup finals and win the season-long Avidia Bank Cup and the NEPGA Omega Skip Wogan Player of the Year award. Meanwhile, Frank Leja, PGA (New Seabury) won the Avidia Cup Finals with a 4-under par round of 68. Leja was 2-over through four holes with bogeys on the first and fourth but erased the damage with back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth, and kept the momentum alive with another birdie on the ninth and three more on the back to post 4-under. “I struck the ball as good as I’ve struck it in many years off the tee and into greens and I started seeing a couple putts go down and I was able to use my length to attack a lot of these pins,” Leja said.
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“I was hitting pitching wedge or sand wedge into most of the par 4s.” Leja’s win boosted him into a second-place finish in the season-long race for the Avidia Bank Cup. Friedman, who entered the finals as the Avidia Bank Cup points leader for the second consecutive season, won his second Avidia Cup by finishing in a three-way tie for second at 3-under. He carded five birdies with bogeys on the seventh and eighth proving to be his only blemishes. With his second-place finish, Friedman also secured his first Wogan Player of the Year award. He entered the day in second place, narrowly behind Shawn Warren, PGA (Falmouth CC), and edged Warren by a stroke Monday. “I’m a thinker anyway, so there’s no way I could block it out,” Friedman said when asked if the Wogan award was on his radar throughout the round. “The only thing that I can do is focus shot to shot and try to hit good shots and find a way to make birdies. I played with Shawn (Warren) in the final round of the Assistants Championship and he beat the brakes off me, he played great. That actually freed me up today because he’s playing so well.” Rich Berberian, PGA (Vesper CC) and Jeff Seavey, PGA (Goose River) joined Friedman in the tie for second with rounds of 3-under. Warren
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2020 Avidia Bank Cup Final Standings 1. Liam Friedman 2,833 Nashawtuc CC
Click the image above to watch Avidia Cup Finals highlights & reaction!
and Kyle Dobbs, PGA (Bay Club at Mattapoisett) tied for fifth at 2-under. Dobbs was off to a hot start, making the turn at 5-under par, before playing the back-9 3-over to finish at -2. Warren birdied all four par-5s, offset by two bogeys. Thank you to Rochester CC and head golf professional Mitch Jefferson, PGA and assistant professional Brett Smestad, PGA, for hosting the Avidia Bank Cup Finals. The NEPGA also thanks Avidia Bank for making the entire Stroke Play Series and Avidia Cup Finals possible, along with partners Bushnell Golf, Harbor Hemp Company, Omega and the PGA TOUR.
THANK YOU TO THE PARTNERS WHO SUPPORT THE NEPGA STROKE PLAY SERIES!
2. Frank Leja New Seabury
2,288
3. Greg Farland Marlborough CC
1,970
4. Steven Hausmann 1,746 Amherst CC 5. Frank Dully Kernwood CC
1,560
6. Nick Jagoe Allendale CC
1,388
7. John Hickson 1,372 Chequessett Yacht & CC 8. Shawn Warren 1,220 Falmouth CC 9. Jeff Seavey Goose River
1,185
10. Rich Berberian 1,041 Vesper CC
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11. Eric Barlow Winchester CC
960
12. Jeff Martin Wollaston GC
786
13. Kyle Dobbs The Bay Club
756
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2020 Omega Skip Wogan Player of the Year Standings 1. Liam Friedman 8,905.39 Nashawtuc CC
FRIEDMAN SNAGS WOGAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Only two players, Rich Berberian, PGA (Vesper CC) and Shawn Warren, PGA (Falmouth CC), had won the New England PGA’s Skip Wogan Player of the Year award since 2013. But Liam Friedman, PGA (Nashawtuc CC) broke through in dramatic fashion to add his name to that list in the final event of the 2020 season. Friedman entered Avidia Cup Finals trailing Warren by less than 40 points, and edged Warren by a single stroke, finishing 3-under par and tied for second, while Warren finished 2-under and in a tie for fifth. That was enough to overcome the minute deficit and secure the Wogan Award. It is Friedman’s first Wogan award, and the second consecutive year Warren, the 2013, ‘14, ‘15 and ‘18 winner, has finished second. Rich Berberian won the Wogan Award in 2016, ‘17 and ‘19. “First Player of the Year anywhere. It feels really good,” Friedman
said. “The whole year was good. I played well most of the year. I had a couple events where I didn’t finish great but I stuck through it and it was a great year. I’m proud of myself.” The Wogan race was whittled down to a handful of events in 2020. The cancelation of the PGA Professional National Championship, US Open Qualifying, New England Open, and state opens in all five states within the NEPGA boundaries left the NEPGA Championship, Stroke Play Series and Stroke Play Finals as the qualifying events. “I thought maybe there’s an asterisk because we didn’t play the Mass Open, we didn’t play many state opens, we didn’t play the Club Pro,” Friedman said. “But I would have played in the Club Pro, I would have played in the Mass Open and who knows how that would have turned out. Once I worked that through in my head, I was able to realize that this is a big honor.”
2. Shawn Warren Falmouth CC
8,756.62
3. Jeff Seavey Goose River
7,615.00
4. Rich Berberian, Jr. 7,062.00 Vesper CC 5. John Hickson 6,841.07 Chequessett Yacht & CC 6. Robert Bruso 6,776.82 Blackston National GC 7. Kirk Hanefeld Salem CC 8. Jeff Martin Wollaston GC
5,982.50 5,706.17
9. Frank Leja 4,41372 New Seabury on Cape Cod 10. Danny Kish Atkinson Resort
4,302.16
a sixth-place finish at the Section Championship, which accounted for more than one-third of his total Player of the Year points. He did not shoot a score higher than 74 in any round of a Wogan event, including the Section Championship where the scoring average was over 80.
Friedman adds the Wogan Award to his growing resume of accomplishments in the New England Friedman performed consistently Section. He also claimed his second Avidia Bank Cup this year, throughout those seven tourand won the NEPGA Section naments, collecting four top-3 finishes (including ties), to go with Championship in 2017. nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 15
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OPPORTUNITY KNOCKED AND DELIVERED FOR CLUB PROFESSIONALS AT 2020 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP From PGA of America
For the eight PGA/LPGA Club Professionals in the field for the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the journey to Aronimink Golf Club and the opportunity to measure their individual games against the world’s best players was the real reward. Jennifer Borocz, PGA; Ellen Ceresko, LPGA; Joanna Coe, PGA; Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA/ LPGA; Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, LPG; Jordan Lintz, LPGA; Samantha Morrell, LPGA; and Seul-Ki Park Hawley, PGA each missed the cut. And while that is not welcome news for the eight who qualified last August via the 2019 LPGA Professionals National Championship, it did not spoil their experience or tarnish their lofty status as Club Professionals to play in an LPGA Major Championship. Eiswerth of Fleming Island, Florida, finished as the Low Club Professional at Aronimink, but her two-day total of 149 was three shots shy of enabling her to play through the weekend. She was encouraged by her play, yet felt she had more to give.
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“Sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit to the number of hours I spend teaching my students but also grinding on my game, working on my game.” Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA (Winchester CC) “I have so much experience really playing tournament golf that I really have to trust that I’ve been here and believe in myself a little bit more,‘’ reflected Eiswerth, who is the twotime defending LPGA Professionals National Champion. Sometimes ‘being there,’ in the arena, is special enough. “It is really nice to even just be here … That’s what I say. Just to be nominated (is) great,” said Morrell (159), who settled in on Friday and posted a second-round 77 that was a five-shot improvement on her opening-round score. For others, the journey, or even the story behind it, is greater than the destination. “I had an eight-year hiatus from golf, just due to a back injury and family life,” said Borocz (161), who works for the North Florida PGA Section and is the former head women’s golf
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coach at Jacksonville University. “(Last year) was my first year back playing, so what an incredible thing to be able to do on my first try to make this championship. Just an incredible experience, and it’s really surreal.” How does a PGA or LPGA Club Professional measure themselves when the 36-hole leaderboard at Aronimink yields 13 players, including five Major Champions, within three shots of the leader, Sei-Young Kim? The LPGA’s depth of talent is equal parts obvious and overflowing. “The LPGA is an excellent product,” said Coe (159), the 2019 Women’s PGA Professional of the Year and Assistant Director of Instruction at Baltimore Country Club. “I always tell people, they just need to put eyeballs on it and realize how good they are. Everyone is focusing on Bryson hitting it 370, but these girls weigh 115 pounds and are hitting it 270. I mean, yards per pound, LPGA wins. It’s absolutely incredible what they can do.” When playing alongside the world’s best, perhaps an appropriate perspective is the greatest gift of all? Along with an understanding that the balance of playing golf at the highest level and teaching the game can be elusive. “Sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit to the number of hours I spend teaching my students but also grinding on my game, working on my game,” said Hawley (160) of Winchester, Massachusetts, who was playing in her third straight KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. “You’ve only got 12 hours a day, and I know that every one of (the eight PGA/ LPGA Club Professionals) that were here have spent our time diligently, productively to be where we are and to have this opportunity.” For Curdt (151), the Vice President of the LPGA Professional Division, the comfort came from the company of her fellow Club Professionals and PGA Cup teammates. “For me personally, what’s most special is to have a couple of teammates from the PGA Women’s Cup here. … It’s (also) great to be able to network and meet some of the Club Professionals … and make new friends. But over the past two days I think that I’m pretty pleased with my showing for being a Club Professional here. I still had a great week, loved the golf course, and really enjoyed my time.” nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 17
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“If I had to choose one word to best express my feelings, I would shout
INCREDIBLE!”
PAUL COUTOUMAS WINS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD It’s not often the benefits package that comes with your first job will pay dividends for life. But in a way, that’s what happened to Paul Coutoumas, PGA. Shagging balls for PGA Professional Jack Sullivan at Fresh Pond Golf Course, Paul was compensated with free lessons and access to the course, which built the foundation for his passion for golf that has lasted to this day. These days Paul is instilling that same passion in his players at D.W. Field GC, and has been recognized as the 2020 New England PGA Player Development Award winner for his work. NEPGA: Who inspired or mentored you? PAUL COUTOMAS: There have been numerous PGA professionals that took the time to guide me on my career. Each one had unique strengths in managerial techniques and the golf game. If I had to select one person that was most influential to me in golf, it would be Mr. Bob Beach. Initially, I had difficulties understanding his unselfish and tireless efforts to advance the game of golf, especially among young people, while simultaneously managing golf facilities. But, as he began to mentor me, it became clear to me that he possessed a deep love for golf. He also saw it as an obligation to not only advance the game but ensure that each individual had an excellent golf experience through the professional management of the course facility. I can say without hesitation that 18 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
his commitment to advancing the game, as well as his fastidious attention to proper golf course management, have had a profound effect on my professional golf career. NEPGA: What other interests do you have outside of golf? PC: While I enjoy playing golf and appreciate the competition, what it offers pales in comparison to spending quality time with my lovely wife. I particularly enjoy traveling with her during the offseason! Her presence in my life is powerful. The time I spend with her is truly a blessing. I also enjoy spending time with my extended family. Being the middle child of eight children, we all learned the value of perseverance together at a very young age. NEPGA: What motivates you as a golf professional? PC: Teaching young children life-long lessons through the game of golf is a significant motivator for me! The look that someone gives you when something you
FULLswing have said or done helps them immensely with their golf game; the expression of appreciation when I assist a customer in organizing a golf tournament and every participant in the event had an excellent time. All those are a few of the motivating situations I have encountered during my PGA Professional Career. NEPGA: What have you accomplished as a PGA Professional that you are most proud of? PC: My work to improve the golf experience at D.W. Field Golf Course, Brockton, Mass. is a monumental accomplishment. Before my employment as the golf professional at the course, the facility was in poor condition and offered no golf programs to any demographic in the Brockton community. To date, the D.W. Field Golf Course is known as one of the best municipal golf facilities south of Boston. It has multiple golf teaching programs, up to and including programs for seniors, women, people with special abilities, and Junior golfers. Citizens of Brockton as well as residents in surrounding communities are welcome to attend any golf training program offered at the facility. I am very proud to be among the many individuals who worked inexhaustibly to resuscitate a previously distraught inner-city golf course and to make it the gem it is today. NEPGA: What does it mean to you to be recognized with a New England PGA Section Award? PC: Words alone cannot accurately express the joy I feel inside to be recognized out of the 1,000 superb PGA professionals throughout New England. If I had to choose one word to best express my feelings, I would shout “INCREDIBLE!” I never thought
this would be possible! The very thought of being recognized by my peers for a job well done never occurred to me! NEPGA: Are there any people who have contributed to your success who you would like to recognize? PC: I would be remiss in my duties as a manager if I failed to recognize the dedicated staff of seventeen (17) people that make it possible for me to endure the daunting workload we experience every day, seven days a week. Their commitment and unwavering support were deeply appreciated during a season plagued with COVID-19. Yet they continued to come to work daily and ensured that golfers had a wonderful golfing experience at the DW Field golf course. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Rick Baptist who gave me my first job; Mr. Eric Stevenson who taught me humility; Mr. James Antonelli who inspired me as a PGA Pro., and Mr. Tim Carpenter & Mr. Kurt Calderwood who continually challenge me to be a better Professional every day. Last on this list, but at the forefront of heart, I owe a debt of gratitude to my lovely bride, who stood by me and encouraged me through this challenging journey. NEPGA: What else would you like to share? PC: I believe it may have been mentioned however I’d like to reiterate my WHY. At the risk of sounding like a Ted Talk my personal most rewarding program to run is my clinics provided for the Brockton ARC (Autistic Resource Center)and the ARC of the South Shore.
D.W. Field GC nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 19
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“I am humbled beyond words but all I really feel I did was go to work and do my job.” HARRY ROSE IS DEACON PALMER AWARD RECIPIENT When an assistant golf professional position at Needham Golf Club opened up in the late 1990s, a 40-something Harry Rose decided it was time to turn his passion for golf into a career. Over the ensuing 20-plus years, Harry demonstrated his dedication to the profession time and time again. When he was getting started in the golf business, Harry had a large section of his left thigh removed after discovering Stage 4 melanoma. Ten years later he underwent major surgery for prostate cancer, but again did not let the diagnosis deter him. Another decade later in the winter of 2018, Harry was diagnosed with another form of cancer, neuroblastoma. A 12-hour surgery to remove a brain tumor was followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Again, Harry returned to work that spring, as motivated as ever to help others overcome their own limitations. He used his experience to develop a teaching method that addressed students’ limitations so people of all ages and abilities could truly enjoy the game at Needham GC. Because of the outstanding dedication, character and leadership Harry displayed in the face of adversity, Harry has been recognized as the 2020 New England PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient.
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NEPGA: When did you decide to become a PGA Professional, and why? HARRY ROSE: I entered the PGA program in 1998. I alway enjoyed the game and I really enjoy working with people. I soon found I loved not only the game but the business of the game as well. NEPGA: Who inspired or mentored you? HR: Richard Hasenfus, the long time professional at the Needham Golf Club. I will forever be indebted to him for taking a chance on an inexperienced middle aged guy. We’ve been working together now for over 20 years. NEPGA: What other interests do you have outside of golf? HR: I have always been interested in all sports and fitness. I’m also very interested in art and antiques and have owned my own auction business for years. I try to be involved in as many charitable events and organizations as time will allow. Fortunately charity and the golf business seem to go hand-in-hand.
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NEPGA: What motivates you as a golf professional? HR: Growing the game, introducing new people to the sport both young and old. Trying to make sure that each individual that comes to the club each day leaves having had a positive experience. NEPGA: What have you accomplished as a PGA Professional that you’re most proud of? HR: I am most proud of the feedback I have received through the years from members, students and guests. The support from everyone during my recovery was more than I could have ever imagined. NEPGA: What does it mean to you to be recognized with a New England PGA Section Award? HR: I am humbled beyond words but all I really feel I did was go to work and do my job. NEPGA: Are there any people who have contributed to your success who you would like to recognize? HR: Obviously Rich Hasenfus for being my mentor through the years. Also fellow professionals like Joe Carr, John Theo, Tim Bishop, Tom Rooney and the list goes on and on. Most importantly every member of our staff at Needham Golf Club and each member as well. Some of the finest people I’ve had the opportunity to know.
Harry Rose, PGA, tees off in the first round of the 2020 NEPGA Senior Championship
CELEBRATION OF 2020 NEW ENGLAND PGA AWARD WINNERS In order to safely celebrate the 2020 New England PGA Award Winners, the annual NEPGA Awards Dinner has been postponed to the Spring of 2021. Details about the site and date of the Awards Dinner will be announced soon.
NEPGA: Is there anything else you would like to share? HR: I just feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to make a career out of this fabulous game.
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PGA HOPE KEEPS V E T E R A N S CONNECTED
Having dabbled in golf growing up, Army Veteran Charlie Bennett decided he would check out the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) clinic at Atkinson Resort & Country Club. Afterall, there was nothing to lose, the PGA HOPE program offers free golf clinics to military Veterans like Charlie. Like so many others who find a club in their hands, Charlie was quickly hooked on the game.
Programs like PGA HOPE give us access to reconnect with Veterans to get out and do these things and I really enjoy it.”
“I had played golf when I was younger and really got away from the game of golf when I was in the service,” he said. “After I retired I started to get back into it, and through some of the programs like this, I started getting a little more instruction and started getting more interested in it. Now it’s all I want to do.” Before long, he was not only looking forward to his next PGA HOPE clinic, but making golf plans with fellow Veterans outside 22 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
of the program. It’s not just the golf that keeps Charlie coming back. The camaraderie and relationships with other Veterans are equally as meaningful. “Golf is a great venue for Veterans to reconnect with other Veterans,” he said. “A lot of times when we get out of the service we start losing that connection with other Veterans. Golf is just a great
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AVIDIA BANK GIVES $25,000 DONATION TO NEW ENGLAND PGA REACH venue for that. Programs like PGA HOPE give us access to reconnect with Veterans to get out and do these things and I really enjoy it.” The Atkinson program is just one of a growing number of PGA HOPE programs within the New England PGA Section. Since 2019, seven different facilities have hosted full 6-8 week PGA HOPE programs, in addition to multiple one-day PGA HOPE clinics. The goal is to introduce golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. At least for Charlie, that’s exactly what’s happening. “We can get that escape from whatever’s going on, get away from all that, get to a golf course and reconnect with Veterans,” Charlie added. “Each guy can disappear on their own, they might be thinking about their golf shot, they might be thinking about life, whatever. Then we meet up on the green and get connected.” PGA HOPE is funded by PGA REACH to ensure the programming is free for Veterans. PGA Professionals who facilitate PGA HOPE programs complete PGA HOPE training to ensure they’re equipped to teach golf to Veterans who may be battling physical or mental disabilities. PGA HOPE training is offered by the New England PGA each spring.
Avidia Bank continued its commitment to PGA REACH New England by presenting the Foundation with a $25,191.22 donation at the NEPGA Avidia Bank Stroke Play Series Finals held at Rochester CC (Rochester, N.H.) on Sept. 28. Avidia Bank donates a percentage of every purchase made with the Avidia NEPGA MasterCard back to PGA REACH New England, resulting in the recent donation. Founded in 2016, PGA REACH New England, previously known as the NEPGA Foundation, supports a variety of programs for Juniors, Military Veterans and their families, and diverse populations throughout the NEPGA Section borders. Some of those programs include the NEPGA Junior Tour; PGA Junior League; Drive, Chip and Putt; PGA Hope; Clubs for Vets, and Adaptive Golf. In 2018, the New England Section had the greatest PGA Junior League participation of any of the country’s 41 PGA sections. The New England PGA Charitable Foundation is designed to encourage fellowship, good sportsmanship, continued skill development, honesty, integrity and etiquette.
PGA Professionals interested in attending the training and hosting a PGA HOPE program should contact NEPGA Foundation Director Michael Packard, PGA at mpackard@pgahq.com. Veterans interested in finding a local PGA HOPE program should visit our website. Programs will begin again in the Spring of 2021. nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 23
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As the calendar turns to November, much needed R&R is on the horizon for many of our Section PGA Professionals. It is also this time of the year that the sticky notes, dry erase markers and sound boarding sessions are in full force, focusing on new Foundation events and programs for the upcoming season. While we all know of the challenges and obstacles presented during the season, some Pillars of PGA REACH New England were active and quite effective at impacting lives through the game of golf. Specifically, our Junior and Military Pillars saw steady participation in the second half of the season and continue to be the core of goodwill that takes place across New England. PGA REACH New England is excited to announce a new and monthly spotlight piece, dedicated to sharing the goodwill and support of local communities by our PGA Professionals. Chipping-In will trumpet the story of individual PGA Professionals and their efforts to differentiate their facility and personal PGA Brand within the community. This month, we share the story of Head Golf Professional Steve Sheridan, PGA of Meadow Brook Golf Club. 24 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
Steve Sheridan, PGA Head Golf Professional Meadow Brook GC
I grew up in Wakefield and started my golf experience at the old Colonial Golf Club in Lynnfield. I was introduced to the game of golf by my Dad and his brother Richard who bought lessons for me for my 12th birthday from the legendary Bob Baldassari Sr. After completing high school, I went on to The Golf Academy of the South, where I received an associate degree in Business & Golf Management. Upon graduation, I started my career at Lexington Golf Club, working for Kevin Wilczweski for six seasons. I moved onto Kernwood Country Club to work for Frank Dully II for five seasons before I accepted the Head Professional position at Meadow Brook Golf Club in Reading. I have been at Meadow Brook Golf Club for the past eighteen seasons. I have been a PGA Member for twenty-five years, certified in four different areas, and working towards my PGA Master in Player Development. NEPGA: What motivated you to give back to your community? Steve Sheridan: I got involved with charities a few years back because of my personal experience with the Children’s Hospital. I have a 17-year-old son name Jared who had a lot of medical issues
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over the years and after seeing other volunteers come and entertain the children while in the hospital, I felt that it would be great to be involved and give back. During the winter, while coaching hockey, I take my team in and we sign autographs, bring toys, and hang out with the kids. The 90 minutes we spend with the kids allows them to enjoy themselves and keep their minds off why they are there. It is also truly a learning experience for my hockey team that you cannot take life for granted and it makes them realize how lucky they are. Every summer, my family and I host a Family and Friends Barbeque & Cornhole Tournament which raises money for the Children’s Hospital Toy Room. When the donation is made, it puts a smile on everyone’s face who is involved with the fundraiser because they know the charity means a lot to Jared and how much Children’s Hospital has done for him. NEPGA: What organization or program would you like to highlight? SS: The Reading Food is a local food pantry that is in heart of downtown Reading. Since the 1980’s the pantry has been housed in the Old South Methodist Church, sponsored by the Reading Clergy Association, staff by volunteers, and stocked by the monetary and nonperishable food donations of townspeople. Approximately 100 households are served by the pantry. Folks come twice a month. Right now, due to the pandemic, the number of families seeking help is at an all-time high.
NEPGA: How long have you been active with your charitable organization? SS: Meadow Brook has been involved with the Reading Food Pantry for the past eleven years. I was approached by a member with the idea of helping those in town and doing a food drive for the pantry. I did not even realize the town had a food pantry or even a shortage of food. When I visited the pantry, I saw a sign on the wall that really woke me up, the sign said, The current euphemism for hunger is “food insecurity”. It still means not knowing where your next meal is coming from or if you will have enough to feed your kids. NEPGA: What is the most rewarding thing about giving back to the community? SS: The biggest reward about giving back to the community is seeing the difference that your efforts can make. Giving back to the community, however, gives you a greater sense of purpose. It is a great feeling knowing you are doing something meaningful with your services. You look forward to each time you affect positive change on people who have been touched. You may not feel like your making an impact with your time and efforts, but I can assure you that your making a big one on those who are running the charity and those who are benefiting from the charity. NEPGA: Do you have any recommendations on how someone can start to support their community? SS: My advice is to get involved as the difference that you can make in your community is an eye-opening experience. Do some research to see what charities are in your area. Once you have a list, pick one that you would enjoy helping. Being involved teaches you a better sense of community and widens your network, creating more opportunities for you in the future.
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2020 AVIDIA BANK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Jillian BAREND Saint Francis (PA)
Cameron MARTIN Rhode Island
Liza ARMSTRONG
Thomas GRANDON
NYU
Xavier
Joseph PAOLUCCI
Trevor JANIS
Clemson
St. Anselm
HOW PGA.COACH AND THE MODERN COACHING SERIES LED TO A RENEWED ENERGY AND A MINDSET SHIFT By Hayley Wilson Tony Chavez has been a PGA Member for 20 years. But his path in golf hasn’t always been straight-forward. “I only made the switch back to golf because of COVID,” Chavez said. “I got the campaign from PGA about continued education. I had free access to courses that I’d started and never finished, so I poured myself into them.” As part of that education, he found PGA.Coach and became American Development Model (ADM) certified. Chavez –– originally from Indio, California, but raised in Mexico –– was introduced to golf at 6-years-old. After coming to the states, he was blown away by the sheer access kids had to the best courses and latest equipment. And yet, his former club produced Esteban Toledo, who became the first Mexican to win on the Champions Tour in 2013.
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FULLswing “I realized it was possible to become competitive in the world of golf even if you’re coming from no means,” he said. “ADM defies the notion of how kids used to learn… it’s not handing a kid a 5-iron, telling him to hack at it, and come back when he’s done hitting four buckets of balls. It builds athletes for life.” With PGA.Coach, the switch flipped. “What really convinced me that I was on the right path was the Modern Coaching series [in PGA.Coach],” he said. “For the first time in the years since I’ve been a PGA Member, someone shifted the focus onto what should’ve been done all along. Focus on the people, rather than on technique.” Chavez reflected on what coaching looked like when he embarked on his PGA Membership in the late 90s. It was a very traditional picture of a coach on a driving range, turning down lessons because he wanted to play more or do other work. There was no engagement, no retention and seemingly nothing to show for it.
“I watched coaches sell lesson packages, and two weeks later those coaches were gone. IT BOTHERED ME TO NO END.” “I watched coaches sell lesson packages, and two weeks later those coaches were gone,” he explained. “It bothered me to no end.” So he set out to become a general manager, and another familiar pattern emerged. His members were telling him they loved it when they saw him on the first tee or putting green, but he retreated back to the piles of paperwork in his office. Watching PGA Professional Will Robins, CEO of WRGolf and RGX, in the Modern Coaching series within PGA.Coach gave him a new perspective. “The head pro, the GM, the director of golf, even the first assistant has so much power in the club,” he said. “I saw them relinquish that to others or to the members to look after each other because of the excuse of ‘we have too much to do.’ Now I get it.” In 2017, he found himself burned out in the GM role and yearned for a switch into coaching. His first thoughts went to tradition, technique and technology. He thought through going to the bank for a loan to buy a TrackMan and tablets. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this mindset, there’s something major missing: human connection. “The Modern Coaching series was a paradigm shift for me,” Chavez said. “We often forget the core value
of the PGA Professional, which is to promote the game of golf through touching lives.” Chavez dove right into cultivating relationships, becoming a passholder at a local club in Indian Wells, California, and meeting as many people as he can. His warm demeanor, ease and sense of humor make it easy. “By the pure power of me being a decent golfer, being friendly and relating to people, it’s going to build a database,” he explained. “And that is going to create a ROI beyond my expectations.” When talking to him, Chavez’s positivity and hope is infectious. He’s inspired by the change he’s seen in the PGA of America leadership, particularly with PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA, and CEO Seth Waugh at the helm. He wants to keep that momentum going. “I’m coming back to this with renewed energy, because I know that the way I saw coaching before to the way coaching is now is totally different,” he said. “I want to be part of it.” If you are interested in getting started with PGA. Coach please reach out to Brian Bain, PGA your Regional League Manager to get started: 617-820-4411 or bbain@pgahq.com
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FREE RE-LEAF? #RulesToThe Max
What if the maintenance crew is unable to keep up with the falling leaves, and you’re As golf is an outdoor game, some of the challenges we find on the course have a tendency to change with the experiencing seasons. The springtime rains can leave us with tempoproblematic areas rary water and washed out bunkers, the summer heat can dry out the course and burn out the grass, and where the leaves in the fall we’re faced with added debris and the fallout from routine maintenance practices. As such, the are collecting and leaf-covered ground and aeration holes can cause us more difficulty than usual, but not to worry: the Rules, causing trouble for as usual, are here to help. your players? Let’s start by dealing with the falling leaves that are Max Doctoroff, PGA Tournament Director New England PGA
so familiar this time of year in New England. Most grounds crews are keeping very busy blowing and raking the leaves, to be removed from playable areas of the course. As this is an ongoing process, you’ll likely find piles of leaves on the golf course, which could 28 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
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interfere with play. Fortunately, golfers have some recourse under the Rules if they happen to face interference from these piles of leaves. The Definition of Ground Under Repair explains that “grass cuttings, leaves, and any other material piled for later removal” are automatically ground under repair, even if they’re not marked as such. Therefore, players are entitled to relief from the leaf piles if they experience interference. However, the Definition follows up with the caveat that “any materials left on the course that are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless the Committee defines them as such.” So it would be good practice as a professional to find out what the maintenance crew plans to do with the piles, so that you can make the most accurate rulings possible for your members. But what if the maintenance crew is unable to keep up with the falling leaves, and you’re experiencing problematic areas where the leaves are collecting and causing trouble for your players? There’s an optional Local Rule to help with that as well. Model Rule F-14 tells us that “At certain times of the year, piles of loose impediments such as leaves, seeds, or acorns may make it difficult for a player to find his or her ball. A Committee can choose to treat such piles of loose impediments in the general area or in a bunker as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.” If you’d like to put that Local Rule into place for the fall, the
USGA recommends the following language: “During play of [specify hole number], any ground with temporary accumulations of [identify types of loose impediments] in the general area or in a bunker is treated as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. Finally, a friendly reminder about aeration holes, since there’s a lot of confusion on the subject: players do not automatically get relief from aeration holes, and are not allowed to repair them on the putting green! The best available recourse is instituting Model Local Rule E-4: “if a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole [in the general area], the player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. If the ball comes to rest in another aeration hole, the player may take relief again under this Local Rule. [On the putting green], the player may take relief under Rule 16.1d. But interference does not exist if the aeration hole only interferes with the player’s stance or, on the putting green, on the player’s line of play.” nepga.com | NOVEMBER, 2020 | 29
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Your View From The Fairway
Joan Stuart NEPGA Director of Accounting & Finance
UPDATE ON PGA DUES PROCEDURES In accordance with tax rules applicable to 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organizations, the PGA of America must collect annual dues. Please note that we will do so under revamped procedures that take into account the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic for our Members and Sections. PGA Professionals had two payment options: 1. Could have paid the full dues amount any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee (or) 2.
Could have paid in two installments:
o Paid Section amount only any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee. o Paid National, Life, Liability and MAP any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee. Please note that those who were unable to pay the full dues amount by October 31, 2020, will be moved to nonactive status, and can still pay the full dues by June 30, 2021, to “re-establish” Membership (per the Bylaws), and the PGA of America would waive the late and reestablish fee. If not able to re-establish by June 30, 2021, individuals would need to reinstate their Membership. If the one-time reinstatement option has been previously used, approval has already been granted for a second reinstatement for those affected by COVID-19. “During these extraordinarily challenging times for so many PGA Professionals, we have worked closely 30 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
with our 41 sections to find the best path forward regarding 2020 dues payments,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “While we wish it was possible to waive dues for all members, as a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organization, IRS regulations do not allow us to take such an action. Please note your PGA Board of Directors has approved delaying the $100 national dues payment until October 31st and is also moving up the annual Section funding payments from late June to April 1st to immediately help the business continuity of the 41 Sections. We understand the incredible pain that is being felt in the field. As you likely know, we are constrained as an Association in many ways by the rules of being a non-profit entity but pledge to continue to explore every avenue possible towards helping our PGA Professionals and Sections through these unprecedented times.” If you have any questions or concerns, please call the PGA Membership Department directly at 800.474.2776.
PGA OF AMERICA CAREER SERVICES Below is the first part of a series regarding Career Advancement. The PGA Career Services team helps the golf industry and PGA Professionals advance into higher level employment opportunities including general management roles and non-traditional career paths; assists employers throughout the hiring process; promotes the immeasurable benefits of employing a qualified Professional and provides resources for individuals seeking to gain employment in the golf industry. With an expanded team of 19 PGA Career Consultants, Career Services offers a toolbox of invaluable resources to meet the hiring requirements demanded by employers today. Core services, which span your entire career, include career planning, coaching, negotiating, resume writing, interviewing, networking, compensation, education, certification and reporting.
FULLswing professionals to find a wide variety of different job openings within the sport. Thousands of open positions are posted each year. PGA Education: From virtual education seminars at the Section and Chapter level to the education opportunities that will be available during the 2021 virtual Merchandise Show – as well as a wealth of information available on PGA.org – PGA Education is a valuable resource in the career paths of Golf Operations, Executive Management and Teaching & Coaching. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, educational opportunities are now virtual. For additional information and more career advice please reach out to your Career Consultant The next edition will highlight “Career Seekers Tool Kit.” For more in-depth information please click here.
PGA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Your Career Path The PGA of America offers a variety of resources to help all golf industry professionals build their careers. Here are some of the resources available to help reach short- and long-term career goals: PGA Career Consultants: There are 19 PGA Career Consultants serving geographic regions around the country. Making an appointment to talk with your PGA Career Consultant is a strong first step in career planning. Your PGA Career Consultant is Jim Remy, PGA. Jim is Past President of the PGA of America, a Member of the PGA of America’s Hall of Fame and also Past President of the NEPGA and a Member of the NEPGA Hall of Fame. For his contact information, please click here. Career Planning Handbook: This resource, created by PGA Career Consultant Michael Mueller, is a workbook that helps golf industry professionals navigate a straightforward eight-step process to setting goals and enhancing their careers. This handbook is only available from PGA Career Consultants. PGA Job Board: Along with PGA CareerLinks, the new PGA Job Board is available at PGA.org for golf industry
Applications for the 2021 PGA Scholarship Fund will be available starting Dec. 1, 2020. The fund is open to children and grandchildren of PGA Class A or Life Members in good standing with a minimum of a 3.4 GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale). Complete timeline of the process is below. Dec. 1, 2020: Apllications Available March 23, 2021: Deadline to submit application and supporting documents May 2021: Notification of Selection Results July 2021: Funds Disbursed August 2021: Deadline for photo submission October 2021: PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship recipients will be PGA Magazine
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PGA OF AMERICA TEAMS WITH SUPREME GOLF The PGA of America and Supreme Golf, a leading tee time marketplace and golf course software company, have entered into a multiyear relationship to launch a new tee time booking marketplace: PGA Tee Times. The marketplace is slated to launch in early 2021 and will be available on PGA.com, SupremeGolf.com and their respective mobile apps. This relationship gives golf course owners and PGA Professionals a new option for managing their tee sheets and inventory, and provides golfers the benefit of knowing they are getting the best rates available directly from the course. PGA Tee Times will be developed on Supreme Golf’s state-of-the-art GolfBook technology platform that connects directly to a golf course’s tee sheet. This marketplace will be open to all tee sheet providers. Supreme Golf is waiving all tee sheet integration fees to ensure all golf courses have the ability to list their tee times for sale on PGA Tee Times through their existing tee sheet provider. In addition, the PGA of America will use its media assets to promote the PGA Tee Times marketplace. The fundamentals of this marketplace are based on the National Golf 32 | NOVEMBER, 2020 | nepga.com
Course Owners Association (NGCOA) guidelines for online distribution of tee time reservations that were issued in 2015 and endorsed by the PGA of America. “Our relationship with Supreme Golf will provide important new options to golf courses looking to sell tee time inventory, while also making it easier for people to get out and play,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “We have worked closely with the Supreme Golf team to ensure we have created the right business and technical solution for our PGA Member courses—and for the golf industry. We also consulted with our Members, so we could choose a solution that’s a win for PGA Professionals, their facilities and their customers. Choice and course-based tee time inventory and rate management are important for a new tee time marketplace to be successful, and PGA Tee Times provides the solution for operators of all sizes.” “We are delighted with our new relationship with the PGA of America on a new tee time booking site designed to provide new options for golf course owners and a new destination for golfers,” said Supreme Golf’s Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Wride. “A key component for both the PGA of America and Supreme Golf is our ability to create a marketplace where every golf course in America is welcome, without having to change their tee sheet software to participate. Supreme Golf will provide PGA Member Courses several new features. This starts with the best available fees for services across our entire product offering.” All inventory in the PGA marketplace will be structured under a commission relationship, and the cost for all courses will be at the best rate available on the Supreme Golf network. Cutting-edge marketing options are among the tools provided. In addition, all PGA Member courses will have complimentary access to Supreme Golf’s revenue management team, to help golf course owners maximize revenue.
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES NEWLY ELECTED PGA MEMBERS Ronald A. Margeson Jr, PGA Ould Newbury Golf Club
A-13
Tanner B. Ginn, PGA Sankaty Head Golf Club
A-8
James C. Nussbaum, PGA Turner Hill Golf Club
A-8
Joseph S. Porrello, PGA Boston Golf Club
A-8
Christina Ricci, PGA Atkinson Resort & Country Club A-6
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Bryan M. Hunt, PGA Lynx Fitness Club
A-6
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES
EMPLOYMENT CORNER
Andrew T. Rueve Boothbay Harbor Country Club
B-8
Victoria J. Tamash The Ridge Club
B-8
Gregory T. Martin Boothbay Harbor Country Club
B-8
ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES
Nathan A. Durant Wellesley Country Club
B-8
Eric R. Dugas J.W. Parks Golf Course
B-8
HEAD PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Michael S. Rich Acushnet Company Madeline A. Belden Brae Burn Country Club
B-20
Use the links below to explore assistant professional, head professional, and golf industry jobs.
GOLF INDUSTRY POSITIONS
B-8
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CHAPTER ROUND UP
NEWS AND NOTES FROM AROUND THE SECTION MAINE submitted by Don Doyon Since our last news magazine, our Chapter Championship was held at Rockland GC & Samoset Resort on September 1-2. A nice field of 31 players teed it up for this annual event. There was a total of 56 Maine Pros that played in any Maine Chapter event this year, and seeing over half of them at one event was outstanding. On day one at Rockland GC, all players received a nice Ahead zippered, canvas and leather toiletry bag, thanks to Dan and Melissa Dempsey. Day two saw Joe Tierney handing out Pukka hats on the first tee at Samoset Resort. Thanks to these partners and all those that supported the Maine Chapter this challenging season. Both courses were in great shape and Mother Nature was gracious enough to deliver two nice days.
Shawn Warren proved again that he is the man to beat by firing a 1-under, two-day total of 139 to win by 3 strokes over perennial contender Jeff Seavey. Seavey made it interesting by putting together a stretch of birdies on holes 3, 4 & 5 during round two, but double bogeys on holes 13 and 18 sunk any chances of catching Warren. Eric Higgins turned in another nice performance to finish solo third at +5. The Chapter thanks Rockland host professional Keenan Flanagan and Samoset Resort’s Gary Soule for again opening up their facilities and making all players feel welcomed. Another course always in great shape was Waterville CC, the venue for the 2020 Maine Pro-Am Championship on Tuesday, September 8. Host professional Don Roberts had a six-birdie round to help his team finish in a tie for first place team honors. Co-Champions were the Waterville team of Don Roberts (p), Drew Glasheen, Paul Wiggin and Nick Pelotte, tied with the Falmouth CC team of Sean Barrett (p), Patrick Bucklin, Stephen Holt and Nick Wissemann. The end of our season brought us to our Annual Meeting on Monday, October 19th. Over forty Maine Professionals were in attendance to hear presentations from Chapter officers as well as NEPGA special reports. Zach Zondlo, head professional at Sugarloaf GC, was elected to the Maine Board of Directors and will assume the role of Scholarship Chair. Casey Cox was named as 2020 Player of the Year. Maine had a total of 18 events this abbreviated season and Casey played in all of them. He finished in the top five in 15 out of 18 events and had four 1st place finishes. Casey is a teaching pro at The Woodlands Club and is co-founder of Sports Science Solutions, an athletic performance and injury prevention company.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Liam Friedman, PGA (Nashawtuc CC) rattled off four back-9 birdies to shoot 5-under par at Ipswich CC to claim the 2020 New England PGA Massachusetts Chapter Championship. Friedman was unconscious from the start and found himself 3-under par through four holes. A double-bogey on the fifth and a bogey on the eight – sandwiched around his fourth birdie of the front-9 on the sixth – left him at 1-under at the turn with just three pars on his opening nine. His final nine, however, brought the same birdie count as the front, without the setbacks. Friedman birdied the 10th, 11th, 14th and 18th without dropping a shot to post 67 and finish two strokes clear of the field. Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA (Winchester CC) finished alone in second at 3-under par. After three straight birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes she was 4-under par, but played her final 11 holes 1-over to come up just short of the Chapter Championship. Robert Bruso, PGA (Blackstone National GC) finished third at 2-under with four birdies and just one blemish – a double-bogey on the par-3 fifth hole – on the card. Ipswich CC’s own assistant professional, Aaron Harper, finished fourth at even-par. Thank you to Ipswich Country Club, head professional Dan Dwyer, PGA, and general manager Frank LaVacca for hosting the Mass Chapter Championship, and to partners Avidia Bank and Tournament Solutions for supporting the event.
VERMONT submitted by Jim LeClair, PGA Since the Vermont chapter kicked off the 2020 tournament season at the Quechee Club Highland Course on July 6th, the Chapter has successfully conducted eight professional events and four Junior Tour events. Participation in these events has increased compared to previous years with all but one event surpassing expectations (in both participation and financial partnerships). The individual professional winners are: JULY 6TH THE QUECHEE CLUB Peter Weatherby (69) JULY 13-14 MANCHESTER CC & DORSET FIELD CLUB David Bennett (Stroke Play Championship) AUGUST 3RD CC OF VERMONT Dave Jankowski and David Bennett (70) AUGUST 24TH VNCC Ekwanok CC (Peter Weatherby team in the Pro 3-Am) AUGUST 31ST DORSET FIELD CLUB David Jankowski (64) SEPTEMBER 9-10 EKWANOK CC David Bennett (Match Play championship) SEPTEMBER 14TH STOWE CC David Jankowski (66) SEPTEMBER 21ST CC OF VERMONT Peter Weatherby and Michael Slayton (Pro-Pro champions) SEPTEMBER 28TH OKEMO GC Dave Jankowski (68) The Vermont Chapter would like to congratulate David Bennett for once again qualifying for the PGA Professional National Championship in 2021. Good job David! The Vermont Chapter would also like to thank of all its partners this season. In a very trying year the Chapter still had great support (over $14,500 plus numerous tee gifts), the main reason for all of the success we had with our events. A special thanks goes out to dealer.com, Northstar Fireworks, W&B Golf Cars, Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles, Callaway Golf, Taylormade Golf, Avidia Bank, and the PGA Tour.
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CAPE COD & RHODE ISLAND submitted by Mickey Herron, PGA ISLAND WINDS: Thirty Cape Cod PGA teams travelled to Nantucket in early October to compete in the 28th annual Island Classic, a 36 hole Pro-Am at windy Miacomet GC (Rd 1) and Sankaty Head GC (Rd 2). The 30+ mph winds never stopped, and coupled with a pair of courses with terrific greens, made scoring extremely difficult. To that, the winning team over two days was the host foursome. PGA Head Professional Mark Heartfield invited partners Nathan Coe, Tom Cunningham & Matt Dennison who edged out runner-ups from the Ridge Club, led by Patrick Hurrie, PGA along with Rich Marooney, Mike Alberico & Ridge Club superintendent Parish Pina by a score of 279 to 280. Individual Pro scores were not as close. By virtue of an incredible 67, -4 under par, by The Bay Club’s PGA Assistant Kyle Dobbs, who fired a 78 at Sankaty Head and still won by six shots over his work-mate John Paesani, PGA, who shot 77-76 for a total of 153. Dobbs had recently captured the Cape Cod Chapter Championship at New Seabury and has performed admirably in Section events as well. Finishing the top five: The Ridge Club’s Matt Baran, PGA (81-73), Sanwich Hollows GC Tom Tobey, PGA (78-78) and Zach Sweet, PGA at Cape Cod National (8175). Dobbs leads the Dutch Wessner POY points race with just one event remaining. Dobbs and his fellow chapter members represented well in the NEPGA Avidia Cup Finals held at Rochester (NH) GC which was won by New Seabury’s PGA Assistant Frank Leja (former president of the now defunct Western Mass Chapter (CT Section) who returned the winning score of -4 under 68. Dobbs checked in with 70 (T-5), while current CCPGA President Ben Egan from The Bay Club shot 71 (T-7). Other chapter members firing even par or better: Tom Tobey and John Hickson, Chequesset PGA Assistant both were T-11 at evenpar 72. Well done lads!
NEW HAMPSHIRE submitted by Ken Hamel, PGA Congratulations to Matt Arvanitis, PGA (Southern New Hampshire University) on winning the 2020 New Hampshire Chapter Player of the Year award. Arvanitis tallied 190.08 points in the POY standings over the course of the year to top Jay Pollini, PGA (Ridgewood), who finished second with 175.92 points. Daniel Wilkins, PGA (Laconia) finished third with 160.83 points, Jason Malcolm, PGA (Nashua CC) finished fourth with 143.00 points and Cory Mansfield, PGA (Derryfield CC) rounded out the top-5 with 104.42 points.
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UNCLAIMED MONEY! The following people have unclaimed purse payouts. If your name is on this list, use the link below to complete your ACH Direct Deposit form for prompt payment. TIMOTHY J BOUSH FRANK J LAVACCA THOMAS A CAVICCHI DANIEL L LIMAURO MIKE DEMAKOS JAMEY G MAGAS PEITER K DEVOS MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN ERIC R DUGAS MARK D NEWTON TOM A ELLIS MITCHELL R OTTEN DOUGLAS M ERRHALT WALTER REEVES WYATT J FRAZIER KEVIN J RHOADS BRIAN D GARA PATRICK W SAUNDERS JEREMY M GOULET PATRICK J SHARRON MICHAEL T GRAVELESE ERIC W STEINDEL MIKE N HASS-ZANGHI PATRICK A THORNELL BRYCE B HUNT MATTHEW T WALSH EDWARD T KIRBY RONALD W YARDAS III
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