- Tales from Augusta National - Pinehurst ProAm Recap - Nantucket on the Map - Chapter Round Up & More!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
6
11
Letter from NEPGA President Allan Belden
Letter from NEPGA Executive Director Mike Higgins
Player of the Decade Recap
14
18
20
NEPGA Pinehurst ProAm Recap
“A Sunday Like No Other” Tales from a first trip to Augusta
US Mid-Am to visit Miacomet & Sankaty Head GC in September
21
26
30
2021 Partners Overview
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PGA REACH New England
Rules, Membership & Chapter Roundup
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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 Fellow Professionals, I hope this message finds all NEPGA Professionals in good health and ready to embark upon the 2021 season. At this time last season we all faced many unknown challenges and a landscape that was in constant flux. As PGA CEO Seth Waugh had said “ We are building the plane as we are flying it.” Certainly a very true statement. With the dedication and hard work by the members everywhere, we were able to fly that plane in 2020 and keep it airborne. During certain stretches of the season, we flew that plane at warp speed. We now all have a much better idea of what is coming day to day. We know that golf is booming and the growth of the game we have been working for, is now being realized. Nobody could have predicted that the growth would come as part of a global pandemic but here we are. Now it is imperative that we all successfully manage that growth. Being able to have the support staff and levels of help that coincide with the amount of traffic we are all seeing is crucial to sustain these levels for the long haul. I hear from all of you in my travels that staffing is difficult and round counts are right back to levels of last summer. There seems to be a belief that activity at the golf course will diminish once COVID restrictions are relaxed further. I do believe that to be true to a certain degree, but I think we must all prepare for the notion that we are not going right back to pre-COVID levels. There must
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We are off to great start having raised over $40,000 dollars already thanks to the generosity of our members, friends and Section partners. These funds will help to support the expansion of our Foundation programming as we continue to positively impact lives through the great game of golf.
be an understanding that baseline for activity is going to be at a “new normal”. Your Section and National leaders are well aware of the challenges that are being faced in regard to staffing and I am hopeful we will have some tangible solutions for the future. I have the utmost confidence in our members. What you did last summer was herculean in your efforts however this summer will certainly pose some challenges as well. I am encouraging everyone to make sure they are taking time for themselves and family. As difficult as it may be to take time away from your facility, it is imperative that everyone try to create a balance between work and personal life. This is not a sprint but rather a marathon and I encourage everyone to pace themselves and block time in their schedules to take a breather and relax.
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activities and programs that we have planned for 2021. There is much to be excited about as the NEPGA Foundation has really started to gain momentum. Thank you to Rob Jarvis and Michael Packard for leading that charge. I hope everyone will take the time to participate and get involved this summer. There are many rewarding opportunities available and those details can be found on the NEPGA website. I also hope that all members will become familiar with the Cornerstone Capital Campaign we launched at the Spring meeting. We are off to great start having raised over $40,000 dollars already thanks to the generosity of our members, friends and Section partners. These funds will help to support the expansion of our Foundation programming as we continue to positively impact lives through the great game of golf. Thank you to all the members that took the time to write to the USGA regarding the potential changes to amateur status and prize distributions. I am confident that the efforts by the PGA and its members will have an impact on the decisions going forward. I wish everyone the best for the upcoming summer season. I look forward to seeing everyone in person this Fall. Allan Belden, PGA NEPGA President Director of Instruction Salem Country Club
Hopefully by now everyone is aware of the NEPGA Foundation nepga.com | SPRING, 2021 | 5
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time the NEPGA’s world was not only upside down, it was being tossed around in a dryer on permanent press while our heads were spinning. The stress and uncertainty of 2020 has now been replaced by positivity and excitement. We have met the Mike Higgins Executive Director challenges head on, and not only do I feel that golf New England PGA is positioned for success, the New England Section is positioned for success as well. This off season has been the one of the busiest in my 25 years with the NEPGA. Prepping to manage the thousands of rounds of golf our NEPGA Professionals, juniors and amateurs play, producing content for our NEPGA University, working closely with our employment consultant for one of the most active employment seasons I can remember, increasing our communication through all our different vehicles, creating and planning three flagship fundraisers for our Foundation, finally launching the construction plan for the new homesite for the 6 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
The Cornerstone level will place bricks with names of each PGA Member, Associate or staff member within the foundation of the NEPGA Golf House, literally holding up the home of our Section. These cornerstone bricks are reserved and designated only for New England PGA Members, Associates and staff, nobody else. Section/Foundation, and the launching a Capital Campaign of one million dollars, (which will be used to fund life-altering foundation programs that are impacting lives through golf ) has kept us pretty busy. If you like to play golf and compete, we have quite the line up for you! Our Major Championships are headlined by the Section Championship at Worces-
FULLswing these funds through a capital campaign. There are multiple contribution levels for corporate partnership and individual donors, but there are two levels that I am very excited about. They are the Notable and the Cornerstone levels. The Notable Level provides the opportunity for NEPGA facilities to contribute $1000 to the NEPGA Foundation and be eternally recognized as one of our Founding Foundation Facilities on a visible Plaque inside the building.
ter CC and Marlborough CC this August. Our Stroke Plays have multiple ways to cash with more sponsor money than ever! Our Pro-Am’s promise to be the perfect opportunity to entertain your members, and our season long points races surely promise to keep the excitement flowing right through October. The next generation of PGA Tour greats earn their keep on the Korn Ferry tour and for the first time in over 20 years the New England Section will be hosting a Korn Ferry event this June at Falmouth CC in Maine. If you like to give back and help others, we have so many opportunities for you! Michael Packard, PGA and New England PGA Reach have all our programs returning for 2021 and the fundraising opportunities are extremely exciting. Rounds for Reach, Birdies to Benefit, Fore the Foundation and the NEPGA Credit Card are all proving life changing revenue to impact lives through all our Foundation programs. These programs will contribute to our very aggressive goal to raise $1 million dollars for the NEPGA Foundation. Our Drive for a Million! We are trying to grow the scholarships for your children, fully fund our PGA Hope Programs, as well as fund all our Foundation programs for years to come. We are going to try and utilize the building of our NEPGA Golf House to also help raise
The Cornerstone level will place bricks with names of each PGA Member, Associate or staff member within the foundation of the NEPGA Golf House, literally holding up the home of our Section. These cornerstone bricks are reserved and designated only for New England PGA Members, Associates and staff, nobody else. These $500 contributions can be made one time, or over a period of 3 years. I truly believe that we can all afford that, and I urge you to consider contributing at this level. All Cornerstone donors will be recognized in perpetuity on the donor recognition wall inside the headquarters. The NEPGA Staff has a few new faces in 2021 and we are all excited for this season to be in full swing. Our goal is to provide the highest quality events and programs for our PGA Professionals. All we ask is for your support and participation. Please come and join us this season. Play in an event, help us raise money for our foundation or volunteer and give back. We are going to do our best to showcase our NEPGA Professionals both on and off the golf course. Follow us on social media, enjoy our weekly Friday Forecaddie and be sure to read our monthly newsletter. There is no better time to be a New England Section member and I am proud to serve the greatest Section in the country. If either myself or any of your talented staff can ever be of service, please do not hesitate to reach out. Have a successful 2021 season! Respectfully, Michael J. Higgins Executive Director New England PGA
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10 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
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BOYLSTON, Mass. — Before a new decade of golf in the New England PGA approaches the first tee, there’s one last 19th-hole celebration of the old one as the NEPGA recognizes Rich Berberian Jr., PGA (Vesper CC) as its Player of the Decade for 20112020. Berberian was dominant not only within the New England Section, but throughout the entire PGA of America during the decade, winning the most coveted tournaments and recognition that a PGA Professional can strive for. He claimed three NEPGA Skip Wogan Player of the Year awards (2016, ‘17 and ‘19), three NEPGA Section Championships (2014, ‘15, ‘18). While fellow NEPGA Professional Shawn Warren, PGA (Falmouth CC) had a similar resume to Berberian within the Section over the span of the decade, hoarding three Section titles (2013, ‘19, ‘20), four Wogan Player of the Year honors (2013, ‘14, ‘15, ‘18) and four NEPGA Assistants Championships (2011, ‘16, ‘17, ‘20), it was Berberian’s accomplishments on the national stage that earned him the edge. Berberian collected two PGA Professional National Player of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017, the former thanks to his 2016 PGA Professional National Championship which also afforded him six PGA TOUR starts the following season, of which he made three cuts. Berberian also played on the victorious USA PGA Cup Team in 2019 and holds the longest active streak of PGA Championship appearances of any PGA Professional in the country at five, qualifying each year since 2016. Additionally, Berberian qualified for the 2015 US Open, starting a run of six consecutive years playing in at least one of golf’s four major championships. Fan Vote Fun The Player of the Decade also had a fan vote component which took place on social media in conjunction with March Madness, giving our followers a chance to chime in and vote for their favorite NEPGA Professional. The top-16 seeds were determined based on New England PGA criteria (Major Championships, Stroke Play Series, Player of the Year) and pitted against one another in a bracket format while highlighting their various playing accomplishments over the past 10 seasons. The finals were a showdown between Berberian, Jr. the Director of Instruction at Vesper Country Club, and Boston Golf Club Head Golf Professional Boomer Erick, who had a Cinderella run through the bracket as the 9-seed. He defeated 8-seed Eric Barlow, PGA (Winchester CC) in the round of 16, 1-seed Shawn Warren (Falmouth CC) in the Elite 8, and 4-seed Kirk Hanefeld (NEPGA Life Member) in the Final 4 before taking out Berberian by a 51-vote margin in the finals. While Boomer’s on-course accomplishments were strong with four stroke play series victories, solid finishes in Player of the Year races and Section Championships which qualified him for five PGA Professional National Championships (2012-2014, 2017, 2019), it was his rabid social following that propelled him to the Player of the Decade Fan Vote title. The fan vote social engagement data proved the most successful of any social media campaign since the NEPGA began to have a social presence in 2011. With a collective reach close to 40,000, more than 25,000 impressions and over 1,000 comments it was evident that golfers are tuned into and supportive of their favorite PGA Professionals!
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FULLswing The next decade of New England PGA competition tees off this month and the competitive slate for Berberian, Boomer, and every NEPGA Professional will be wiped clean for a new ten-year run. Only time will tell if an NEPGA Professional will dominate on the Section and National levels the way Berberian did over the last decade, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Thanks to everyone who followed along with this fun contest!
ERICK
BARLOW
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BERBERIAN
BRUSO
DULLY
FRIEDMAN
HANEFELD
HICKSON
K
KIRBY
FULLswing WE SAW RECORD ENGAGEMENT ACROSS MULTIPLE NEPGA SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS DURING THE PLAYER OF THE DECADE FAN VOTE CONTEST...
BOOMER TOOK OUT A COUPLE OF JUGGERNAUTS IN THE ELITE 8 AND FINAL 4 THANKS TO SOME SOLID PLAY AND A RABID SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING!
RICH BERBERIAN BESTED JEFF MARTIN BY 1 (!) VOTE TO ADVANCE TO THE FINALS
MARTIN
PARE
PHILO
SEAVEY
WARREN
VENEZIO
ZDON
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And the Cradle will Rock! New England PGA Pinehurst ProAm - worth the wait New England is no stranger to Donald Ross gems, in fact when you think about his impact on the game of golf in the United States, it is easy to gravitate towards the northeast. It seems as though countless courses in the region have the Donald Ross stamp on them, often times making it hard to believe if he even spent any time on-site constructing due to the available methods of transportation during the height of his reign as the premier course designer. Regardless of whether he lived adjacent to a tee box like he did at Essex County Club or if he never stepped foot on property, his fingerprints are embedded in the golf landscape across the country. Wollason Winners: Led by PGA Professional Jeff Martin, John Wood- Donald Ross was originally brought to the sandhills of man, Paul Rooney & Raj Pathak fired 20-under par across three Pinehurst by James Tufts to be their golf professional, and instead ended up designing courses one through four and rounds to win by 17 shots subsequently becoming an instrumental part of the golf boom in the United States in the early 1900s. Since then the resort has hosted multiple major championships and a Ryder Cup, and was recently named the “Anchor Site” for the United States Open Championship, continuing a legacy of challenging the best players in the world. 22 teams from New England had the opportunity to experience this challenge firsthand last month during the NEPGA Pinehurst ProAm contested over four days in the ‘Cradle of American Golf’. Our New England PGA teams, many of which were slated to attend the 2020 edition before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, came out of winter hibernation ready to take on the best that Pinehurst had to offer. With lodging at the famous Carolina Hotel and courses 1, 2, 4 and 8 on-tap as well as The Cradle short course and Thistle Dhu putting course, our Professionals and amateurs were provided the full experience and it did not disappoint. With players arriving on Sunday morning, an afternoon practice round on Pinehurst No. 1 hit the spot and welcomed everyone to the resort with a beautiful afternoon getting acclimated to the Bermuda grasses and green speeds. Originally built by Dr. Leroy Carver and John Dunn Tucker in 1897 and 1898, Donald Ross put the finishing touches on this layout in 1901 and it proved to be a fun test. Following play that evening the teams were treated to a welcome dinner reception at the Carolina Hotel. The next morning course No. 4 awaited our teams, the recently renovated design still had Donald Ross vibes throughout with strategic bunkering and elevated greens, however renowned architect Gil Hanse did a spectacular Course No. 4 is a must-play at Pinehurst Resort job melding his philosophy with some of the existing bones. The product is a top-100 routing that tests every facet of a player’s game while providing ample room and playability. It was here that Wollaston GC began their dominance with a 7-under par gross plus net score. Following play, we headed over to The Cradle, arguably the greatest use of 10 acres that exists in golf today. With nine holes ranging from 56 to 127 yards long and green complexes providing various ways to get near (or 14 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
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far from) hole locations, the golf experience is pure fun. Add in the speaker system playing music across the property and the well-positioned “Pine Cone” refreshment station, and one could argue this is all you need. Following The Cradle, teams gathered nearby at Thistle Dhu for a two-person best ball putting contest which called on the imagination of each player, as there are not many straight lines to be had on this piece of turf. Its location in the center of the action calls your attention as soon as you round the corner from the parking lot, and no trip would be complete without an 18-hole round with a beverage in hand. The next morning our teams were treated to the crown jewel of Pinehurst, course No. 2 which Donald Ross completed in 1907 and was most recently restored by Coore & Crenshaw in 2010. It is said that No. 2 has hosted more golf championships than any course in the country, and when you step onto the property you quickly understand why. What it lacks in extreme length and penalty areas it makes up for with tremendous routing, visuals and green complexes that demand precisely struck golf shots. Regardless of the length you play the course at, the real test appears as you approach the greens, with crowns and runoff areas ready to deflect your ball and penalize anything other than precision. Wollaston continued their precision, once again topping the daily leaderboard with a modest 4-under par to extend their lead. The next day we capped off the road to course No. 8, a to celebrate Pinehurst’s Centhan the main resort courses and plentiful sandscape, No. 8 which provides a challenge laid ample elevation change. The following play for a farewell Pinehurst ProAm Champions PGA who fired 9-under in the win by 17 shots. Despite the days of competition and most everyone anticipating a return to
Putterboy sits at the center of Thistle Dhu on a perfect morning
our Pinehurst trip with a drive down Tom Fazio design opened in 1996 tennial. While a totally different feel which feature minimal penalty areas delivers with a fun modern layout out through wetlands yet features expansive clubhouse greeted players lunch, and the crowing of our 2021 from Wollaston GC led by Jeff Martin, final round to go wire-to-wire and lopsided victory it was a great few importantly camaraderie which left the sandhills.
“Golf should be a pleasure, not a penance.” -Donald Ross
Even Putterboy ended up with a tee gift The Cradle - possibly the most fun 10 acres in golf
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT QUALIFIERS Nationwide Local Qualifying Returns May 1
ChipandPutt.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The USGA, Masters Tournament and PGA of America announced today that registration for 2021 -2022 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying is now open on Drive-
Local qualifying begins May 1, 2021, and will continue throughout the summer with 330 events in all 50 states for boys and girls, ages 7-15. The full schedule of qualifying events includes 10 notable venues set to host regional qualifiers this fall for participants who advance. These regional venues, featuring several USGA and PGA Championship sites, include: Medinah Country Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Colorado Golf Club, Quail Hollow Club, TPC River Highlands, Pebble Beach Golf Links, TPC Scottsdale, Alotian Club, The Bear’s Club and Oakland Hills Country Club. Prioritizing the health and safety of participants and everyone involved, all qualifying events will follow protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. These include wearing face coverings, social distancing and minimizing spectators; additional protocols are detailed on DriveChipandPutt.com. “Drive, Chip and Putt serves as a fun and engaging gateway to the game of golf for junior golfers across America to showcase their skills,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “We’re proud of the PGA Professionals who will host these qualifying events, as Drive, Chip and Putt returns nationwide. Through a special partnership with the Masters Tournament and USGA, the PGA of America is excited to grow the game at the grassroots level through Drive, Chip and Putt.” Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September/ October, respectively. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 3, the eve of the 2022 Masters Tournament. Qualifiers are conducted by all 41 sections of the PGA of America across the country. New England DCP Qualifying Schedule DATE SITE STAGE June 5
Biddeford Saco (Saco, ME)
Local
June 12
Button Hole (Providence, RI)
Local
June 19
Cyprian Keyes (Boylston, MA)
Local
June 24
Cranberry Valley (Harwich, MA)
Local
July 1
Pease GC (Portsmouth, NH)
Local
July 6
The Bay Club (Mattapoisett, MA)
Local
July 13
Windham CC (Windham, NH)
Local
July 21
Granite Links GC (Quincy, MA)
Local
July 29
The Kwini Club (Shelburne, VT)
Local
August 8
Renaissance GC (Haverhill, MA)
Sub-Regional
August 11
LeBaron Hills (Lakeville, MA)
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A Sunday in April Like No Other Words and Imagery provided by Chris Clayton, NEPGA Assistant Tournament Director
NEPGA Assistant Tournament Director Chris Clayton during his maiden voyage to Amen Corner
It’s six-thirty on an unusually chilly morning and the fog is slowly lifting as the sun starts to burn its way through. You hear the birds chirping loudly and rumbling of golf carts cruising by every so often. You’re standing by the practice facility as you wait for golfers to arrive and begin to check in. It’s just another normal Sunday at work in the golf business. You’re fidgeting around with your radio when it becomes apparent that you forgot your tablet in the operations room. No worries, just run back quickly to grab it. After you do so, you return to the practice facility to wait for the golfers to arrive. On your walk back, you look up briefly and realize, you’re standing on Magnolia Lane. In Founders Circle. All by yourself. With no one around. That’s when it hits you, how in the world did I get here?
Well, it starts back in February with a random call from your boss. You think he’s just checking in on various projects you’re working on. You answer and say “hello?”. “Hey, are you comfortable with traveling and getting on a plane?” ‘Yeah, I don’t mind that. Why, what’s up?’ “Well, would you want to go to Augusta for the Drive, Chip & Putt Finals?” ‘Uh, yeah I think so.’ What do you mean you think so? Of course you will! So boom, you’re in. A Section staff volunteer for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, held the Sunday before the Masters. You book your flight, they set up the hotel for you, and it becomes a waiting game.
One of many large scoreboards throughout the ANGC property
Fast forward to the Friday before Masters week begins. You get there, head straight to the COVID testing facility and wait for your results. You know you’re fine, but it still runs through your head, what the heck am I going to do if it’s positive? Well, good news is, you don’t have to worry about it. Negative. You head off to the hotel to check in and meet the Augusta/ DCP staff for uniform pick-up.
The Drive, Chip & Putt Ceremony conducted by Chairman Fred Ridley 18 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
That afternoon is training for the National Final, which takes place on the practice area and 18th Green of Augusta National Golf Club. You get on a shuttle with the other Section staff volunteers, and ten minutes later you’re on property. Everything moves fast, and you just try to follow along with the procedures as closely as possible. They break you off into groups for each skill station and you head over with the crew to chipping. The Assistant with your group says, “have at it”. You are basically the test dummies to make sure the scoring for Golf Channel is working. So, you
FULLswing are literally chipping at Augusta! A downhill, tight lie to a slightly elevated green. You get in about a dozen chips and it’s a huge victory because none were bladed, and they all find the surface. Who cares that they are twenty feet away?! Once the scoring gets situated you get a run of show walk-through, and then you are done for the day. Saturday is a day to yourself, so you explore Augusta a bit, get some food and relax before the big day. You get to bed early, making sure you’re well-rested for that 5AM alarm. You’re not really a nervous person, but you beat that alarm by quite a bit. Three-thirty rolls around and you’re wide awake. You toss and turn, but it doesn’t matter, you’re up. So you get into uniform, head downstairs for breakfast, and then get on the shuttle to head back to Augusta National. So, here we are again, alone in Founders Circle. Looking at the massive clubhouse to the right, and down the tree-line entry road to your left. Your brain is frozen in awe, but your legs keep moving. I mean, you do still have a job to do. You have the pleasure of being the Boys 7-9 chaperone, and they let you be the one to welcome them to Augusta National, which feels a little obscure itself, but you roll with it. The nervous excitement from the boys is tangible, but they are well-prepared for the day. You get them into their positions and off you go. The next hour and a half is spent watching them warm-up and compete, and let me tell you, you should be jealous of their swings. Imagine ripping it 240 down the center on national television at nine years old? But that’s why your group is the best of the bunch. Their sheer fearlessness is on display and they are not fazed by the moment. PGA of America Section & National Representatives in the Founders Circle
You get the enjoyment of watching them pull off amazing shots, and then returning to their parents with huge hugs and big high-fives. You watch the nicest little guy, Lucas, fulfill a dream and win the Overall championship for his age division. Plus, you get to walk him over to Bubba Watson for a celebratory knuckle-bump and a mini-signature party. Even selfishly, you get to sit there and watch all your hard work at the local qualifier level come to fruition with the perfect day for these young girls and boys. The next day you are lucky enough to have Monday Practice Round tickets. You Champion Golfer of the Year Shane Lowry cover every square inch of the property, regardless of who’s playing. Truthfully, during Monday’s Practice Round you don’t really watch all that much golf. You just walk aimlessly, truly appreciating every hole location, tee shot, and undulation Augusta National has to offer. You get to test out the Pimento Cheese Sandwich (A+), figure out the domestic beer of choice (Miller Lite), and walk around with the other Section staff volunteers whom you’ve become great friends with. You get to have the perfect day and fulfill your own lifelong dream. And on the plane ride home that night, you don’t reflect on the Monday you just had. Instead, you reflect on what you were just a part of. A Sunday in April like no other.
Approach to 15th Green
Famous Scoreboard adjacent to 1 Fairway
Amen Corner from 11 Fairway nepga.com | SPRING, 2021 | 19
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Miacomet, Sankaty to host US Mid-Am Championship Story provided curtesy of Sankaty Head GC
The winner goes to the Masters and the U.S. Open. The players are true amateurs, talented golfers who go to work at their day jobs when they are not on the course. The U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship is different from the U.S. Amateur, which is dominated by young players on their way to turning pro. The Mid-Amateur is a collection of the top golfers in the world, over the age of 25, who don’t golf for a living. In just over five months, they will compete at Sankaty Head Golf Club and Miacomet Golf Course for the right to play in the two most famous major tournaments in America. “From a golf perspective this is a giant event for Nantucket,” said tournament general chairman Richard Durkes, also the vice president of Sankaty. “This is the truest amateur tournament (in the country).” The 40th annual U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship will take place on Nantucket Sept. 25-30. Although it was announced nearly two years ago, the United State Golf Association and local tournament directors officially confirmed that it is going ahead on schedule with the tournament this year after last year’s Mid-Am was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The qualifying rounds will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Miacomet and Sankaty. Over those two days, the 264 players who qualify for the tournament will compete in a stroke play event and be whittled down to the top 64. On Monday the event moves exclusively to Sankaty, where the final 64 will play a series of head-to-head matches until the championship match on Thursday, where the final two golfers left standing will battle it out over 36 holes for the title. The public Miacomet Golf Course will be closed for play during the first half of the tournament, while Sankaty, a private club, will be closed the entire tournament. Both courses are expected to be open to spectators who can follow the action free of charge, Durkes said. “At this point we are planning to allow spectators,” he said. “It is outdoors and we are expecting hundreds, not thousands. But if (restrictions) don’t get relaxed then we won’t.” This is the 40th year of the mid-amateur tournament and also the 100th anniversary of Sankaty. Durkes said this is the biggest golf event ever held at Sankaty and possibly the biggest on Nantucket, a national championship where the winner earns the right to play in the Masters and the U.S. Open. Brockton firefighter Matt Parziale, the 2017 Mid-Amateur champion who made the cut in the Masters in Augusta that year, has played at Miacomet and said co-hosting the Mid-Amateur this year will help boost the course’s profile. “I think (Miacomet) is one of the best public courses we have in the country,” Parziale said.“You’re going to have 260 guys from all over the country playing there and then going home (and spreading the word). I think it’s a benefit for not only the golf course but the island.” It’s a sentiment Miacomet Course manager Al Costa shares. “We will get national recognition in various golf magazines and so forth and it lets people know Miacomet is a well-respected course that can co-host a major USGA event. It’s definitely a feather in our cap,” he said. Parziale spoke in favor of co-hosting the event to the Land Bank in 2018 as it was debating the issue. Ultimately the Land Bank Commission voted in favor of co-hosting by a vote of 4-1. Durkes said he expects the tournament to be a one-time event for Nantucket, not a regular occurrence, based on the level of planning and fundraising it takes to host a major amateur tournament 30 miles out to sea, everything from lodging to transportation of the competitors as well as the hundreds of staff and volunteers needed to run the event. Championship Director Mark Heartfield, PGA asks NEPGA Members or associates looking to volunteer to please visit Sankatyheadgc.com and click on the Championship logo or email volunteers@2021USMidAmateur.com 20 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
PRESENTING PARTNERS
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PARTNER GRAPHIC 1
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HOWDY, PARTNER!
New England PGA Celebrates Partner Appreciation Month
On any given year, the New England Section puts on hundreds of events and programs for PGA Professionals, Amateur Golfers or Junior Golfers – basically if you are picking up a club in New England from the months of April through November, there’s a good chance you have come across a New England PGA event or program. And without the help of our partners from around the golf landscape and beyond, we would not be able to successfully put on these events for our golfing constituents. April was NEPGA Partner Appreciation Month, and wanted to take the opportunity to use our Full Swing News Magazine to acknowledge all of the brands that have committed to supporting the New England PGA, its Professionals and Programs during the 2021 season! As you will see, these companies span across many industries and areas of the golf business, however all have the same objective – to support the game of golf and those who are growing the game every day at the grassroots level. Our NEPGA Presenting Partners are some of the most recognizable names in their respective industries, and many have local ties making their support of the New England PGA all the more appreciated. Hudson, MA based Avidia Bank returns for their fifth season as the premiere partner of the NEPGA and its programs, as they will support the Stroke Play Series, Las Vegas ProAm, NEPGA Junior Tour and PGA REACH New England, providing significant resources that allow every area of the New England PGA to flourish. New Bedford based Ahead USA makes its triumphant return to the Stroke Play Series, and joins Bushnell Golf and Seekonk, MA based New England Golf Cars/Yamaha who once again will return as a presenting partner of the season-long Stroke Play Series. Joining these companies are Connecticut-based CBD company and “Preferred CBD of the NEPGA”, Harbor Hemp Co., as well as Tagmarshal, the South African based pace of play tracking technology being used by courses around the world. Also having a presence at the Stroke Play Series and throughout the season will be SCNS Sports Foods, maker of the popular 1st & 10th Tee Energy Bars and Beef Jerky, who will return to headline the 1st & 10th Tee Challenge contested throughout the season. Ludlow, VT based Five Star Golf Cars/EZ-GO/Cushman continues its longtime support towards each corner of the Section, with a multi-event Section partnership featuring the Pro-Officer, Pro-Superintendent and Las Vegas ProAm’s, as well as supporting events in each chapter throughout the season. Boston-based Pinned Rangefinders will be building off their 2020 momentum and supporting the ProAm Championship and Pro-Pro Stroke Play. Bermuda-based Goslings Rum returns for their fourth year as the “Official Rum of the NEPGA”, and will be supporting select ProAm’s during the season here in New England, while the NEPGA will be running their two marquee events, the Goslings Father’s Day Classic in Pinehurst, NC and the Goslings International Invitational the week after Thanksgiving on Bermuda. On the Section side, last but not least of our Presenting Partners is Titleist & Footjoy, the Fairhaven, MA based titan of the golf manufacturing industry who will again host the NEPGA Pro-Assistant Championship next month at The Bay Club at Mattapoisett. While our Section has exceptional support from partners, our Foundation, PGA REACH New England, is just as fortunate to receive significant support from many partners. In addition to Avidia Bank supporting our Junior Tour and REACH as mentioned above, four other companies are stepping up to impact lives. Tournament Solutions will embark on another season of “Fore the Foundation”, their PGA REACH New England specific fundraising program which directs 10% of all purchases in New England back to our Foundation. Additionally they will be supporting our PGA REACH New England Outing on September 20th at Vineyard Golf Club. Women’s Golf Day, a new initiative of PGA REACH New England, is presented by Lincoln Motor Co. and Connecticut based Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, both providing resources to our four marquee host sites during Women’s Golf Week, May 31 – June 6. Our Junior Tour will once again feature Junior Golf Hub as a presenting partner which provides outstanding resources to junior golfers who are looking to take the next step and play at the collegiate level. 22 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
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FULLswing In addition to our presenting partners, the NEPGA has an even greater amount of supporting partners who are just as important to the success of the hundreds of events and programs that take place each season. Springfield based Callaway Golf continues their longtime support of the NEPGA and its Professionals with six-chapter specific partnerships reaching every corner of the Section. Cap Patrol, the new handicap tracking software for clubs will be supporting the Pro-Pro Scramble this spring and helping Professionals efficiently track their member handicap posting to ensure fair competitions. Boston-based Cintri Media has joined the NEPGA as a digital media partner and will be creating various advertisements and social content to help the NEPGA promote various Section & Foundation programs as well as our PGA Professionals. Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO/Asics will be supporting Professionals and Amateurs throughout New England as a supporting partner of the New England Series Amateur Tour, multiple chapters and the Assistant’s Championship. Cobra Puma Golf once again brightens the palette as supporting partner of multiple Stroke Play Series events. Tewksbury-based DGI Communications joins the NEPGA for the first time and will be providing all printed and digital branding solutions for the 2021 season. Our neighbors to the north, Dormie Workshop based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, have also joined the NEPGA for the first time and will be supporting the 101st NEPGA Championship at Worcester & Marlborough with a custom headcover for all players as well as providing a par 3 cash pool. Evolve Golf returns for a second season of support and will be supporting multipl Pro-Pro events in 2021, and GolfMax continues their long-time support of the NEPGA by supporting the Senior/Junior Championship. Hole in One, USA, recently acquired by Hole in One, International has returned to support the NEPGA by providing preferred pricing for PGA Professionals looking to include insurance for their golf tournaments. Jack Jolly, Inc. joins the NEPGA for the first time and will be supporting the Pro-Pro Match Play Championship in May. Jeff DiBona Golf Sales will be once again providing significant support to NEPGA Professionals by supporting the NEPGA Assistants Association, the Hudson Cup as well as the Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship with Kirk & Matz and Turtleson Apparel. Nexbelt is also joining the NEPGA partner ranks for the first time and will be supporting the Pro-Pro Match Play Championship with tee gifts for all players as well as a cash contribution. Joining Nexbelt in our rookie class is Pin Butler, a flagstick company which gained momentum during COVID however thanks to their leading liftable ball retrieval product built into their flagsticks. Aguably one of the longest running partners for the NEPGA is Norwood-based Prize Possessions, who continues to provide all of the beautiful award crystal for NEPGA Championship events during the season in addition to supporting the Pro+1Am Invitational and the Pro-Pro Match Play Championship. PTE Golf is joining the NEPGA once again and providing tournament products of the highest quality, such as table covers and coolers for use during NEPGA events throughout the season. Whitman, MA based RJ Shepherd continues their longtime support of the NEPGA and will be headlining the NEPGA Senior Championship this summer. Taylormade Golf will once again be a supporting partner of the next generation as they team up with the NEPGA Jr. Tour, as is Boston-based TeeCommerce which will become the official online pro shop partner of the NEPGA Jr. Tour. Tommy John will be a supporting partner of the Stroke Play Series #2 and provide a tee gift for all players. Travis Mathew will once again support the NEPGA Las Vegas ProAm by providing high quality tee gifts for all the players, and Connecticut-based Vineyard Vines will be supporting the NEPGA Assistants Championship as well as an early-season Pro-Pro event. The COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty for almost every business and industry around the world, and golf was not left behind. The 2020 season presented many challenges across the industry, and despite those challenges many of our partners stood tall in support of PGA Professionals and facilities, utilizing a true “in this together” mentality. As you can see above, we are fortunate to have such great support and look forward to continuing to work together in 2021 and beyond to support our Professionals and this great game we work in.
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J.T. POSTON
OUR GAME IS ALL ABOUT
PER-FORE-MANCE
Pro-approved styles for the course and beyond.
vineyard vines proudly supports the New England Professional Golfers’ Association in its mission to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and the golf industry.
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PGA REACH New England is excited to continue its spotlight piece dedicated to sharing the goodwill and support of local communities by our PGA Professionals. Chipping-In trumpets 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 Matt Walsh, PGA of Warwick Country Club. Matt Walsh, PGA Head Golf Professional Warwick Country Club (Warwick, R.I.) I have been a member of the PGA since November of 2004. I have worked at clubs on the Cape, Central Mass., Florida and now am currently employed at Warwick Country Club in Warwick, R.I. I laughed because the question asked to list my accomplishments and awards. I frankly don’t have any, at least none that are golf related and that you could put in a frame and hang on a wall. Nothing against awards or being recognized for your efforts by your peers but that shouldn’t be the impetus for giving back, it doesn’t move the needle for me. I realized that the annual philanthropic endeavors consistently gave me a sense of fulfillment and just simply made me feel better about myself, all while helping others. What events at Warwick Country Club support the Rhode Island community? There are two annual events that we have been doing for years at Warwick: The WCC Turkey Shoot and the Gingerbread man day at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. The Turkey Shoot is a fall tournament at Warwick where half of all entrance fees go to the R.I. Food Bank. Members are also asked to donate canned goods and non-perishables. Since 2013 we have donated over $20,000 and hundreds of pounds of food. The other annual event involves a partnership with Johnson & Wales to benefit the Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Every year at Christmas the members at Warwick would donate candy and the Culinary staff at Johnson & Wales would donate gingerbread men to Hasbro. On the day of the event, we go to the hospital and visit the kids and present them with Gingerbread Man kits where they can make their own. They have an absolute blast. Some of the children are very sick; to see what these parents are dealing with is truly heartbreaking. Having three healthy kids at home myself this day really resonates with me. I find myself holding them a little longer that night, trying unsuccessfully to hold back the tears. Are there any other charitable endeavors at Warwick CC that support the community?
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FULLswing ButtonHole Golf in Providence is an organization geared towards introducing inner city kids (and their parents) to golf. They have a 9-hole executive course and a full-size driving range on property. Warwick member Tom Stone is their current president. Tom is very active in the community and is extremely generous with his time and resources. As an organization Button Hole relies on equipment donations as well as financial gifts. In my eight years at Warwick the membership has donated hundreds of clubs and golf balls to ButtonHole. Last Spring alone the membership filled a full-size pick-up truck twice with all types of golf equipment. It truly is a fantastic organization that is making a difference in kids’ lives. How long have you been involved in these charitable organizations? Since 2013 in R.I., while at Mount Pleasant we had a great relationship with the Worcester County Food Bank in my 4 years there. What is the most rewarding thing about giving back to the community? I’ve never gone to bed hungry. I’ve never had a serious illness nor have my kids or wife. I have two phenomenal parents who gave my sister and I all we ever needed growing up. I’ve led an “easy” life if I compare it to the kids we encounter at Hasbro or the gut-wrenching stories from the Food Bank where kids don’t know where their next meal is coming from. I feel compelled to give back. We try to instill giving back to our kids. This past Christmas my two oldest asked if we could help the sick animals they see on television in the Humane Society commercials. We made a small donation in their names. The seed is planted in them and hopefully they grow up and continue to give to the community and the less fortunate. How has giving back to the community helped to raise awareness of your facility? By their nature the Warwick membership is one of the most generous I have worked for. For example, there is a Ladies Twilight League that annually give to local charities through season-long League donations. The Club has also participated in toy and coat drives and has adopted several families at Christmas time through the years. Any recommendations on how someone can start to support their community? There are so many worthy organizations out there that need our help. I would suggest finding a cause that resonates with you and your club and try to form a relationship with them. I have found that giving your time, not necessarily just your money, is most rewarding.
For previous editions of CHIPPING IN, click here.
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New for 2021, Women’s Golf Week (WGW), will occur annually the first week of June, overlapping the official Women’s Golf Day global initiative. During that week, PGA REACH New England in a collaborative effort with our five regional State Golf Associations, will provide marketing, promotion, prepared social media images & content to existing or new programs created for female golfers. As a Partner Facility, our Allied Association communication effort is designed to drive interest in support of your programs. The best part is that you design the program that is the right fit for your facility! There is no cost to join this campaign, the only thing asked is to sign up and share as much content, success stories, pictures and video across all media platforms, tagging #womensgolfweek. Rounds for REACH is an online Spring Auction that supports PGA REACH New England, our charitable foundation and all of its programs across three main pillars - Youth, Military and Diversity & Inclusion. Launched on April 19th, the auction has already raised 50% of its $30,000 fundraising goal just over a week in. Our auction items are unique experiences being offered by PGA recognized facilities across New England, in one of two categories - A playing experience WITH the facility Head Golf Professional (plus winning threesome) or A foursome with golf cars included. To learn more on how to bid or donate a playing experience, click here.
MSRs will be awarded to facilities who host registered WGW events. Encouraged Facility Requirements: - Be able to staff this effort properly - Have or create a social media presence - Be willing to promote the program via PGA REACH New England provided marketing materials - Have a supplemental program for the Women to ‘graduate’ to - This can consist of a discounted opportunity in a women’s golf league, another clinic for women, or a growth of the game program. - Be able to get at least (8) Women to participate in the program LEARN MORE HERE!
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Through Sets Fore Vets, your unused or gently used set of clubs can be put directly into the hands of a Veteran learning the game of golf! The program is designed to help provide golf clubs and bags to the people who have put their lives on the line for our country. Donation Overview New or gently used golf equipment or golf bags, having recently hit the marketplace, within the last five (5) years WILL BE ACCEPTED. Bundled golf equipment is strongly preferred: Full or Complete collection of (14) clubs with golf bag Individual golf bag Set of fairway woods Set of irons Set of wedges Individual driver Individual putter If you have interest in donating new or gently used equipment, several locations are available for your convenience (below). Please communicate your interest to donate in advance of visiting the site. Atkinson Resort (NH) Peter Doherty, PGA D.W. Field Golf Course (MA) Paul Cotoumas, PGA New England PGA HQ (MA) Michael Packard, PGA The Quechee Club (VT) TJ Anthoine, PGA Riverside Golf Course (ME) Abby Spector, PGA
PGA REACH NEW ENGLAND ‘DRIVE FOR A MILLION’ Our goal is to have an enduring influence in New England over the next fifty years and beyond. Opportunities like having our own standalone building, expanding our programing and enabling us to better support our PGA professionals and all those people who are part of the Foundation through our three pillars. Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities through golf and understanding the significance our campaign will have in doing so, not only for the Central Massachusetts community, but throughout the entire five New England states within our Section boarders. With your commitment, we will enable more young people, students, young professionals, people with different abilities, veterans and active military, families and everyone in between the ability to learn, practice, play and excel at golf, the golf profession and life. Capital Campaign Case Elements • Fellowship enhancements and endowments • Scholarship program expansion and endowments • PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) • Women’s Golf Week • Junior Golf expansion • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program expansion • Children’s Hospital program expansion • New England PGA & PGA REACH New England Headquarters Building
PGA Professional Cornerstone Donation General Capital Campaign Donation
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Golf is a Game for Everybody! As we get closer to the beginning of another hectic golf season, I’m sure your club members are starting to come back out of the woodwork. Re-engaging with your memberships in the spring surely serves as a reminder of the diversity of each club’s golfers – every club’s roster is filled with people of different abilities, and part of the beauty of golf is that it’s accessible to almost everybody, regardless of differences in ability. The Rules of Golf recognizes these differences in the golfing community, and in an effort to offer the joy of the game to as many people as possible, there is a special set of Rules for players with disabilities. To quote the Rules book, “the goal of these Modified Rules is to allow a player with a disability to play fairly with players who have no disabilities, the same disability, or different types of disabilities.” This information will be especially useful to those of you who participate in the NEPGA’s HOPE Program (in which you may be working with wounded veterans) or those of you who volunteer with the Special Olympics golf programs, but I’d also like to spread the word to help you accommodate any of your members who may have a disability and show them a great time at your facility! What follows is a brief summary of the various provisions that can be made for players with disabilities, but for a more complete picture, please take a look at the complete Rules for Players with Disabilities – it can be found in the very last section of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. These Rules are broken down into the following sub-sets, to better accommodate a variety of people: • Players who are blind • Players who are amputees • Players who use assistive mobility devices • Players with intellectual disabilities 30 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
#RulesToThe Max Max Doctoroff, PGA Tournament Director New England PGA
Players Who Are Blind Most of the provisions made for blind players are modifications to Rule 10.2 and 10.3 (Advice/Help and Caddies, respectively). Under these modified Rules, blind players may have an aide to help them during their round, in addition to their caddie. What this means is the player is allowed to ask for and get advice from an aide and a caddie at the same time. Additionally the aide or caddie is allowed to stand behind the player on an extension of their line of play during the stroke, to help them line up (the usual general penalty is waived). A couple caveats here are that the player is only allowed one aide and one caddie at a time, and those two individuals can not share duties (e.g. the aide may not carry the player’s clubs, that’s the caddie’s job). Another allowance these special Rules make is that a blind player will not be penalized for touching the sand in a bunker with their club near the ball or during the backswing. It wouldn’t be fair to penalize someone for touching something they can’t see! They are still not allowed to intentionally test the condition of the sand, however. Finally, the player’s aide is allowed to lift the player’s ball on the putting green at any time, even without prior authorization. Generally this is a privilege only a player’s caddie has. Players Who Are Amputees The modified Rules address some challenges that amputees will face on the golf course as well, to help level the playing field. First things first, they clarify that prosthetic devices are not abnormal equipment subject to penalty under Rule 4.3. They also allow for amputees to anchor their club during
FULLswing a stroke, if the player would be unable to hold and swing the club without anchoring. The penalty under Rule 10.1b is waived in this case. Finally, since amputees may have difficulty with dropping, placing, or replacing their ball, these modified Rules allow an amputee to authorize any person to drop, place, or replace their ball without limitation (generally only the player is allowed to take these actions, with a few exceptions). Players Who Use Assistive Mobility Devices Assistive Mobility Devices (hereafter AMD’s) are becoming more commonplace at golf courses, which is great news for many disabled golfers! With their popularity rising, of course the Rule Book needed to address them. The first provision that the modified Rules make is that players using AMD’s may get help from any person (including another player!). Such a person could help the player by lifting their ball on the putting green, return a ball back into play by dropping or placing, and positioning the player or the AMD. While we’re on the topic of help, players using AMD’s are also allowed to have an aide, with the same privileges and restrictions as in the section about blind players above. Since players using AMD’s will often not be standing on their feet while making a stroke, the definition of “stance” has been modified under these special Rules to allow players to make a stroke while sitting on an AMD without penalty. Fair warning though: most other Rules regarding fairly taking a stance still apply (the player still may not build a stance or improve the conditions affecting the stroke beyond what is necessary for the AMD to help the golfer make a stroke. Another notable difference under these modified rules has to do with taking lateral relief from the point of entry from a red penalty area: the relief area is expanded from two club-lengths to four club-lengths, to allow enough room for the device while still allowing the player to make their next
stroke. For the sake of brevity, I’ve left out a handful of other provisions for players using AMD’s, so please consult the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf if these apply to any of your players. Players with Intellectual Disabilities The modified Rules for players with intellectual disabilities are based on the understanding that the amount of help needed can vary significantly depending on the nature of the individual’s disability, so they offer a broader range of help that the players can receive from other people. Under these Rules the player may have an aide, a caddie, or both, subject to the same restrictions as above, but the Committee can also appoint supervisors for the competition. While an aide is someone who helps an individual player, a supervisor is not assigned to any specific player – they are there to help any player as needed. A couple other differences when applying the Rules is that a supervisor is treated as an outside influence, and a player may not ask for or get advice from a supervisor. All Categories of Disability No matter the type of disability a player has, the USGA encourages officials to use its discretion on applying unreasonable delay penalties, as certain disabilities can cause slower play through no fault of the player. As long as the player is doing their best, the Committee should use a more relaxed interpretation of what constitutes unreasonable delay. The last point that the modified Rules make when officiating players with disabilities is that it can often be difficult or impossible for a player to drop a ball in the correct way. For example, if a player has no way of knowing whether they dropped from knee-height, the Committee should accept the player’s reasonable judgment that they have done so. On top of that, any reasonable effort to drop the ball in the correct way should be accepted, since some disabilities can make this process painful or impossible. Thank you for reading this, I hope it was illuminating since this is not a topic that gets too much recognition in golf discussions, and it’s important to the game of golf that we don’t marginalize anybody who’s interested in playing. Hopefully this will help you provide some fun opportunities for any disabled members at your club, and create a rewarding competitive environment for any outside programs you may be volunteering for. -Max Doctoroff, PGA
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Your View From The Fairway
UPCOMING 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. The PGA of America will begin billing on May 1, 2021 for all PGA Professionals with the due date extended from June 30, 2021 to August 31, 2021, with no late fee or suspension. Those unable to pay the full dues amount by August 31, 2021, would be moved to non-active status, and can still pay the full dues by June 30, 2022, to “re-establish” Membership (per the Bylaws), and the PGA of America will waive the late and reestablish fee. If not able to re-establish by June 30, 2022, 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. While PGA of America 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. The PGA is 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. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the PGA Membership Department directly at 800.474.2776
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Joan Stuart NEPGA Director of Accounting & Finance
2021/2022 ANNUAL DUES BILLING
The dues promotional plan has been put into action. The March 10th and March 24th weekly edition of 5 Things to Know contained a reminder/request to Members and Associates to review and update their contact information. These reminders will continue in the month of April. Also in addition, there is a similar announcement on the PGA.org Dashboard to access ‘My Official PGA Records’ and submit any necessary changes via the online Change Form. If you have any questions, please call the New England PGA Office 508.869.0000 or call to Joan Stuart at jstuart@pgahq.com.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND TOURNAMENTS NOTE: Due to no or limited fan opportunities at golf events in 2021, PGA Member complimentary access policies may not be in practice. Please contact the hosting entity for current PGA Member complimentary access policies prior to planning on attending an event. One of the more popular benefits of PGA membership is complimentary access to golf’s biggest events. Click here to see how you can attend any of the PGA’s spectator championships including the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup for free. For admission to The U.S. Open, The Open, PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, click here.
2021 PGA APPOINTMENT CALENDARS There is still a small supply of the 2021 Appointment calendar available. Should anyone wish to place an order, have them call PGA Membership Services at (800) 474-2776.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to the New England PGA Professionals and Associates born in the month of April! Thomas J. Anthoine IV, PGA
John Frizzell, PGA
Christopher W. O'Rourke, PGA
Andrew J. Azzarello, PGA
Thomas Froude, PGA
John D. Oteri, PGA
Donald L. Barrington
William J. Galvin Jr., PGA
Paul J. Parajeckas, PGA
Gregory A. Beans, PGA
Craig G. Gardner, PGA
John Pawlak, PGA
Ashton W. Benn
Matthew R. Gerlach, PGA
Paul J. Politano, PGA
Sean E. Bergeron, PGA
Thomas Giffin, PGA
Dave J. Pollini, PGA
Daniel J. Berry
Michael A Gilbert
David M. Poplyk, PGA
Kenneth E. Bielski, PGA
Zachary A. Girouard, PGA
Philip M Psaros, PGA
Matthew L Blasik, PGA
Kristy M. Gleason, PGA
Timothy C. Roggero, PGA
Thomas D. Borden, PGA
Stephen D. Gonsalves, PGA
Bill Ross, PGA
Robert P. Bruso, PGA
Michael T Gravelese
Peter F. Ruymann
Luke T. Claflin, PGA
Roman S. Greer, PGA
Mackenzie P. Ryan, PGA
Eric M. Colchamiro, PGA
Paul E. Griffin Jr., PGA
Gregory M. Sandell, PGA
Stephen H Colt Jr., PGA
Tom Hanifan, PGA
Steven M. Schultz, PGA
Chris Costa, PGA
Peter E. Hatfield, PGA
Eri Seguin, PGA
Lee Danielian, PGA
Lucas J. Heller, PGA
Ryan J. Stasiowski
Robert Day, PGA
Richard W Karbowski, PGA
Eric Stevenson, PGA
Joseph D. Delorey Jr.
Fergus J. Keane III
Christopher J. Talbert, PGA
Brian P. Doyle, PGA
Francis L Kolarik III, PGA
Peter D. Tasillo, PGA
Sean Duong, PGA
James P. Landers, PGA
Christopher L. Thomas, PGA
Richard A. Durocher, PGA
John A. Lano, PGA
Ryan D. Train, PGA
Michael R. Elliott, PGA
Kevin J. Leskouski, PGA
Daniel W Van Heest
Brian Enman, PGA
Bruce A. MacDonald, PGA
Ryne W. Varney, PGA
Michael P. Farrell, PGA
Connor V. Mangelson, PGA
Michael Andrew Vidal, PGA
Terry P. Felty, PGA
Eric J. McInerney, PGA
Peter T. Weatherby, PGA
Keenan L. Flanagan, PGA
Jay Morelli, PGA
Gavin G. Wilsker
Matthew S. Foley
David F. Moynihan, PGA
Ronald W Yardas III
Vincent S. Forte, PGA
Bethanne O'Kelly, PGA
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MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER Martin and Scarafoni Win at TPC Boston The Massachusetts Chapter 6,6,6 kicked of the 2021 season for the New England PGA on April 5th at TPC Boston. It was a welcome sight to see players back on the course after a long winter. The field was able to shake off the rust and play some great golf on a TPC Boston course that was in excellent condition and provided a solid test for the Professionals. Jeff Martin, PGA (Wollaston GC) and Todd Scarafoni, PGA (Bass Rocks GC) took home the overall title firing an impressive 4-under 68 across the three contests. Martin and Scarafoni separated themselves from the pack on the par 5’s where they made birdie in 3 of their 4 opportunities. The 7 birdies for the duo also led the field for the day. For the full recap click HERE. The following week, Marshfield Country Club played host to the Massachusetts Chapter’s 2nd Pro-Pro in as many weeks. The classic Wayne E. Stiles design, which debuted in 1922, was a hit amongst the PGA Professionals that teed it up on Tuesday. Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club) and John Rainone, PGA (North Kingstown Golf Course) went home victorious after their impressive round of 4-under 66. Starting on the 13th hole, Kirby and Rainone got off to a quick start with a birdie on the difficult par-3 14th. The duo then went on to make birdie on the 17th and 1st hole, good for 3-under in their first nine holes. Their steady play the rest of the way was good enough to keep them one shot ahead of the field. In a three-way tie for second, shooting 3-under 67 were the teams of Jim Clay (New Seabury) and Andrew Stolze (New Seabury), Aaron Harper (Ipswich CC) and Frank LaVacca (Ipswich CC), and Todd Scarafoni (Bass Rocks GC) and Frank Dully (Kernwood CC). Among the highlights of the day was Clay’s eagle on the drivable 304 yard par-4 7th hole. On behalf of the entire Massachusetts Chapter, thank you to Marshfield Country Club and PGA Professionals James Antonelli and Alec Vozzella, as well as Superintendent Tom Harrington for their generous hospitality. The Chapter would also like to thank Vineyard Vines and representative Chip Hayes who provided the field with a fantastic tee gift. Next on the schedule for the MA Chapter is the season’s first Pro-Am at Foxborough CC which will be held on Wednesday, June 9th – to register click HERE!
RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER Kirkbrae CC Announced as Chapter Championship Site The Rhode Island Chapter is thrilled to announce Kirkbrae Country Club as the host of the 2021 Rhode Island Chapter Championship on September 14th. A big thank you goes out to Head Professional Mike Bradshaw, PGA, for hosting the event. The Chapter will kick off it’s tournament schedule on April 28th with the Pro-Pro Scramble at North Kingstown. A friendly early season format at a great course will lead to a fantastic day. The tournament’s entry fee is now $250 per team, all Chapter members are welcome to register now! Also coming up is the Chapter’s first Pro-Am of the season on Tuesday, May 4th at Alpine CC. This will be a great opportunity to take your members out for a great day early in the season. Spots are still available so make sure to sign-up before the registration cutoff on April 29th. RHODE ISLAND EVENT REGISTRATION HERE! 34 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
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CAPE COD CHAPTER
The Cape Cod Chapter will begin it’s season with back to back sold out events at Pocasset GC and Sacconnesset GC on April 29th and May 5 respectively. This is a testament to the Chapter’s desire to return to tournament golf. We cannot wait to see everyone at the course as we begin the 2021 season! Looking for your next opportunity to play? Come join us on beautiful Nantucket for the Pro-Am at Miacomet on June 3rd, or at the Hyannisport Club Pro-Pro on June 9th. Spots are still available for both tournaments, make sure to sign-up now! CAPE COD EVENT REGISTRATION HERE!
VERMONT CHAPTER New Format at Spring Pro-Pro Will Make for a Great Day at Woodstock CC The Vermont Chapter will be introducing an exciting new format of the annual Spring Pro-Pro taking place at the scenic Woodstock CC on May 3rd. Professionals will be paired via a blind draw and will then be paired with a combination of Junior and Senior professionals. This fun new format is sure to make for an enjoyable day on the course. The start time for this event will be a 10:00am shotgun and will include a boxed lunch on the course. Spots are still available, make sure to register before the April 30th deadline! VERMONT EVENT REGISTRATION HERE!
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER
NEW HAMPSHIRE EVENT REGISTRATION HERE!
A sunny, spring like day greeted the 26 teams that participated in the first event of NHC/NEPGA 2021 schedule. Steve Hausmann of Amherst CC and Jason Malcom of Nashua CC shot 1 under 70’s to tie for 1st place in the Professional Division. Taking the third spot was Danny Kish of Atkinson CC, he shot a 74. Jay Pollini of Ridgewood carried over his stellar play of last season and came in with a 75 to end up in fourth place, Thomas Smith of Atkinson also came in with a 75 to share fourth place. Rounding out the top ten Rico Riciputi, Dan Wilkins, and Greg Sandell shot 76’s to tie for sixth place, while Jim Gunnare and Barry Pearson came in at 77 to tie for the ninth spot. In the team play Mr. Hausmann also led his team to first place in the combined 1 Best Ball Gross & 1 Best Ball net contest, shooting a 12 under 130. His team consisted of Pat Dion, Jim Rodriguez, and Sean McSheehy. Coming in two stoke behind them at 132 was the team from Nashua CC with Pro Jason Malcolm and teammates John Cepaitis, Bruce Denner, and Dusty Shippey. The third place teams were from Atkinson CC led by Danny Kish, and Whip Poor Will led by Jim Gunnare, they came in at 134.
MAINE CHAPTER The Maine Chapter is excited to return to tournament golf after a long winter. The Chapter is set to begin it’s season on May 10th with the Falmouth CC Pro-Am. The course which has established the reputation of “ Maine’s premier competitive venue” is making it’s debut on the Korn Ferry Tour this June. Contests will include Individual Professional, Individual Senior Professional, and a team competition of 2 Best Ball of 4. Next on the schedule is the the Prouts Neck CC Pro-Am on May 18th. This Pro-Am, along with the Portland CC Pro-Am in the fall, serves as a fundraiser for the Maine PGA Scholarship fund. Players will be charged an extra $10 at registration which raises $1,200 annually to the fund. Thank you to both Falmouth CC and Prouts Neck CC for hosting, and make sure to check out the entire Maine Chapter schedule nepga.com | SPRING, 2021 | 35 HERE
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Name Current Employer Class Brennan G. Earls, PGA
Montcalm Golf Club
A-8
Tyler H. Cohen, PGA
Somerset Hills Country Club
A-8
Ashton W. Benn
Wawenock Golf Club
B-1
Mitchell R. Otten, PGA
Valhalla Golf Club
A-8
John R. Hickson, PGA
Cape Neddick Country Club
A-8
Patrick J. Fannon, PGA
The Captains Golf Course
A-1
Thomas A. Langstaff III
Cape Arundel Golf Club
B-8
Christopher C. Pollard
Eastman Golf Links
B-8
Donald F. Daley, PGA
Atlantic Country Club
A-1
Daniel P. Gaughan, PGA
Montaup Country Club
A-1
Eric M. Higgins, PGA
Webhannet Golf Club
A-8
Andrew P. Keaffaber, PGA
Mt. Anthony Country Club
A-1
Nathan C. Myers, PGA
Ipswich Country Club
A-8
Gregory M. Sandell, PGA
The Golf Club of New England A-4
Joel St. Laurent, PGA
Sky Meadow Country Club
A-8
Christopher J. Talbert, PGA
Andover Country Club
A-1
Ryan T. Taraskiewicz, PGA
Andover Country Club
A-14
William J. Thornton, PGA
Cape Cod National Golf Club
A-8
Gavin G. Wilsker
Hyannisport Club
B-8
NEW TRANSFERS Name Former Employer Class Troy R. Miller
New Seabury Cape Cod
B-8
Gavin G. Wilsker
Hyannisport Club
B-8
William J. Thornton, PGA
Cape Cod National Golf Club
A-8
Andrew P. Keaffaber, PGA
Mt. Anthony Country Club
A-1
William J. Thornton, PGA
John's Island Club
A-8
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NEWLY ELECTED PGA MEMBERS Name Current Employer Class Eric M. Higgins, PGA
Webhannet Golf Club A-8
Nathan C. Myers, PGA Ipswich Country Club A-8
NEW ASSOCIATES
Name Current Employer Class Thomas A. Langstaff III Cape Arundel GC
B-8
Christopher C. Pollard Eastman Golf Links
B-8
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EMPLOYMENT CORNER Use the links below to explore assistant professional, head professional, and golf industry positions. ASST POSITIONS HEAD PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES GOLF INDUSTRY POSITIONS
NEPGA SELECTS GALLOGLY AS NEW MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
“I’ve been involved with the game of golf my entire life and am very fortunate to begin working alongside everyone involved in the New England Section.” Chris Gallogly will oversee all NEPGA communications efforts, including website, social media, and print media. “I’m excited to join the New England PGA section and cannot wait to hit the ground running this season,” Gallogly said. “I’ve been involved with the game of golf my entire life and am very fortunate to begin working alongside everyone involved in the New England Section.” Gallogly joins the NEPGA after spending nearly four years in Burlington, Vermont, where he most recently served as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at the University of Vermont. In this role, Gallogly served as the primary media contact for several teams, including the men’s hockey and men’s lacrosse programs. In addition to his work at UVM, Gallogly also spent three seasons on the golf operations staff at Burlington Country Club.
A 2016 graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, Gallogly received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and History. While at Colby, he was a member of the golf and club hockey teams, serving as captain for both squads in his senior season. He also served as video coordinator for the men’s hockey program. Prior to his time at Colby, Gallogly spent several summers working and playing golf at Potowomut Golf Club in his hometown of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Chris can be reach at CGallogly@pgahq.com.
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2021 NEPGA SCHEDULE DATE
EVENT
April 20 April 25-28 May 3 May 10-11 May 13 May 17 May 20-23 May 24 June 1 June 7 June 14 June 28 July 6 July12 July 20-21 July 22 July 26 August 2 August 4 August 9 August 17 August 30-Sept. 1 September 7 September 13 September 27-28 October 4 October 12 October 13 October 14 October 15 October 20 November 7-10 November 14-17 Nov. 29-Dec. 2
Stroke Play Series #1 Newport National PGA Professional National Championship PGA Golf Club Portsmouth Pro-Am Portsmouth CC Pro-Pro Match Play Championship Kirkbrae CC Hudson Cup Marshfield CC Pro-1Am CC of New Bedford PGA Championship Kiawah Island Acushnet Pro-Assistant Championship Bay Club at Mattapoisett Pro-Am Championship Ledgemont/Agawam Stroke Play Series #2 Nashawtuc CC Whitinsville Pro-Am Whitinsville CC Senior-Junior Championship Alpine CC Stroke Play Series #3 Presidents GC Thorny Lea Pro-Am Thorny Lea GC NEPGA Senior Championship Woodstock Inn & CC Pro-Lady Kernwood CC Pro-Pro Stroke Play Champoinship The Haven CC Pro-Officer Wollaston GC Pro-Senior Sky Meadow Stroke Play Series #4 Green Hill Head Pro/Teaching Pro Championship Rochester CC NEPGA Section Championship Worcester CC/Marlborough CC Stroke Play Series #5 Granite Links New England PGA Reach Outing Vineyard Club NEPGA Assistant’s Championship Abenaqui CC Avidia Cup Finals Portland CC Cape Cod Fall Fest #1 TBD Cape Cod Fall Fest #2 Eastward Ho! Cape Cod Fall Fest #3 Pocasset CC Cape Cod Fall Fest #4 Wianno Club Pro-Superintendent Franklin CC Las Vegas Pro-Am Cascata, Reflection Bay, Rio Secco Las Vegas Pro-Am #2 Cascata, Reflection Bay, Rio Secco Goslings Intl Invitational Mid Ocean, Port Royal, Belmont Hills
38 | SPRING, 2021 | nepga.com
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