In this ISSUE Welcome by Jacy Settles … 2 NEPGA Jr. Champ Recap … 3 Competing Together … 4 by Chris Carpenter, PGA Player Spotlights … 5, 6 Junior Tour Events … 7, 8 Contact Jacy Settles Director of Jr. Golf Operations New England PGA jsettles@pgahq.com Phone: 508-869-0000 ext. 204 Fax: 508-869-0009
Mental Matters … 9 Rules by Ron Green ,PGA … 10
Connect with us on www.nepgajuniortour.com
Welcome
with Jacy Settles, NEPGA Director of Jr. Golf Operations & Player Development Dear Junior Golfer, I hope the summer is treating you well. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the NEPGA Jr. Tour as the season is in full swing. I’ve witnessed great golf so far, but most importantly, I’ve seen many new friendships created at our events. We’ve set new records for the NEPGA Jr. Tour as we’ve reached over 800 junior tour members! Also, don’t forget that there are still many opportunities to play and I anticipate an exciting second half of the season that includes the Boda Memorial Championship, The Match Play Championship, and The Remy Cup Qualifier. On another note, our first “College Golf Seminar” turned out to be a huge success as we had over 100 attendees. We had amazing guest speakers (college coaches, student athletes, parents of student athletes) as well as a phenomenal host site – Nashawtuc Country Club. Needless to say, the event was educational from all points of view. We hope to continue this program again next year. Last, I’d like to provide a few reminders about the junior tour which may help answer a lot of questions. Please reference the questions below to help navigate your way through the rest of the season. Sincerely, Jacy
Jr. Tour Policy Reminders How do I cancel an event? Log onto your Players Club and click the cancel button next to the event you need to withdraw from. If you know you are not going to attend, please cancel, even if it’s the morning of the event. This allows us to properly use the waitlist and help with walk-ons on the day of the event. What happens when a tournament is full? Once a tournament is full, all players that then register will be placed on the waiting list. Players on the waiting list will be placed into the event on a first-come, first-served basis according to age division. Players can be placed into a tournament from the waiting list up to the day before the event. After which, no players from the waiting list will be processed into the event. What happens if it rains? The New England PGA will conduct junior golf events during foul weather conditions including rain, wind and extreme heat. However, in the event these conditions become a dangerous situation or render the course unplayable, we will delay or cancel the event. The host facility has the final say on whether the course is deemed playable. If weather appears to be questionable the day of any event, please check our website or your email account prior to calling the Section office. Other than extreme situations, all decisions regarding weather related cancellations are made the day of an event. Unless otherwise specified, we will not reschedule an event. The NEPGA reserves the right to cancel an event under any conditions. 2
NOTE: MOST IF NOT ALL DECISIONS TO CANCEL AN EVENT DUE TO RAIN WILL HAPPEN THE MORNING/DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ANY CONTACT (EMAIL, PHONE CALL, OR WEBSITE UPDATE) ASSUME THE EVENT IS ON. How does the Walk-On policy work? Any member can go to an event without being a confirmed participant of that event as a walk-on (as long as they meet age/ tour eligibilities for that event). The walk-on list will be first-come, first-serve and the junior must sign in with a New England PGA Staff member. We recommend that players show up an hour before the scheduled tee times for their event. Any names submitted to the club staff will not be valid. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. Any cash entries will be denied. Also, the NEPGA reserves the right to not allow players to take the place of another in a different division (i.e. NEPGA Staff members will make the decision where/when to put Walk -ons in the event). For example, if a 16-18 year old wishes to play at the late tee time which is the 9 hole division with boys 11 & under, etc. There are no guarantees that any or all standbys will be able to play. The NEPGA Staff does not know the “chances/likelihood” of players entering the tournament from the waitlist or as a walk-on as it solely depends upon other juniors/families cancelling or not showing up on site.
Lazor, Gudas Capture 2013 NEPGA Junior Championship Allen Kubicki, Head Coach of Nichols College Men’s Golf team took the time to answer a few questions about collegiate golf. When should High School students start their college search?
BOYLSTON, MA - John Lazor of Westwood, MA and Elizabeth Gudas of Osterville, MA won the 2013 New England Junior PGA Championship presented by Under Armour and Hotel Fitness Monday-Tuesday, July 8-9, 2013 at Marlborough Country Club in Marlborough, MA.
AK: Students should start their search in their Junior year of high school. First they should match their academic abilities to the schools of their choice, and then inquire about the golf program. They are called student-athletes for a reason. How should students communicate with coaches and what should they send? AK: Email is the best method of communication. Prospective students should send their golf resume (handicap, tournament results, home course) to each college coach and always make sure to follow up if they do not hear back within a week. What benefits can a Division 3 school offer serious golfers? AK: Less pressure and more opportunity. Division 3 players do not have to worry about maintaing scholarships and athletic ability. They also allow students to participate in more than one NCAA sport if he/she is a multi-sport athlete. Typically Division 3 schools are smaller and have a better faculty to student ratio allowing for more 1 on 1 time for academics. What is an average individual score for New England Division 3 schools? AK: Average players in New England Division 3 shoot between 78-80 on any course and in any weather conditions. The winning teams will have 4 players who consistently shoot 75. What do you recommend as a summer routine for any serious golfer? AK: Any serious player should plan to participate in 8-10 Jr tournaments and devote at least two hours a day on their short game. In collegiate tournaments the short game is the first thing to breakdown in a players swing. Players should dedicate one hour pitching and chip shots into the green and the other hour to putting. NEPGA Note: Remember, there are three areas noted for scholarships – need, academics and playing ability. The Ouimet Fund offers tremendous scholarship opportunities. It is the second largest golf scholarship provider in the United States. It awards financial aid (based on need) to college students who have worked for a minimum two years at Massachusetts golf courses. Visit: http://www.ouimet.org/ for more information. 3
By winning the boys’ and girls’ divisions respectively, Lazor and Gudas qualified for the 38th Junior PGA Championship presented by Under Armour and Hotel Fitness, July 30-Aug. 2, 2013, at Trump National Golf Club – Washington D.C. in Potomac Falls, Va. Lazor, 17, posted a final-round 73 for a twoday total of 145 and a 1-stroke victory over Jake Shuman of Needham, MA. Gudas, 18, had a final-round 77 for a two-day total of 150 and a 1-stroke victory over Julia Ford of Shrewsbury, MA. The Junior PGA Championship, Presented by Under Armour and Hotel Fitness, is open to one boy and one girl champion from each of the 41 PGA Sections, winners of the nine PGA Junior Series events and a few other national junior tournaments conducted throughout the year and special invitees who have yet not reached their 19th birthdays as of the final round of the championship. The Junior PGA Championship has traditionally been a stepping-stone for many of today’s PGA and LPGA Tour professionals as well as current collegiate stars. Past Junior PGA Championship competitors who have gone on to successful professional careers include: In-Bee Park, Jim Furyk, Luke Guthrie, Trevor Immelman, Cristie Kerr, Justin Leonard, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson, Grace Park, Dottie Pepper, Jordan Spieth, David Toms, Alexis Thompson. Michelle Wie and Tiger Woods. Click here to view the complete results.
Competing Together
with Chris Carpenter, PGA, NEPGA Junior Golf Committee Chairman The memories could not have been more vivid when I drove around the course to watch a few holes of an NEPGA Junior Tour event last week. Having played in similar events as a youngster in Texas more than thirty years ago, the experience of playing in junior golf tournaments is something I will never forget. Golf was, and still is, the reason everyone continues to gather for these events. However, what stood out to me the most as I was driving around were the friendships that I made during these competitions. Golf is unique. We play the course, not our opponents. Watching the young men and women “Competing Together” last week was exactly what I hoped to see as a PGA Professional. Knowing how important the relationships I created through junior golf have been to me, I want to pass along a few tips for those looking to be competitive and friendly.
Here are five ways to make the most of your junior golf experience: Get to the first tee 10 minutes before your starting time and introduce yourself to your fellow competitors. When possible, find out everything you want to know about each other (age, hometown, school, home course, etc.) prior to teeing off. On the first three holes, worry about yourself and your game. Help players watch and find their balls to speed up play, but really focus on getting into your round. Learn to manage yourself and your distractions. Don’t get caught up in conversation and lose the focus required to play your best. Develop a pre-shot routine that clears your thoughts and separates you from what may have been the topic of discussion walking down the fairway. Spend a few minutes after the round with your playing partners to exchange information or share a few stories. Chris Carpenter is the PGA Head Golf Professional at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. Mr. Carpenter is the 2013 New England PGA Professional of the Year, 2011 NEPGA Junior Golf Award Winner, 2002 & 2004 North Texas PGA Junior Golf Award Winner. Mr. Carpenter is also the Northeast Region Director of the USA Junior National Golf Program.
Meet the 2013 NEPGA Interns!
Claus
Quigley
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Wyman
Burke
Erlichman
Marcoulier
Bennett
Castellano
McBride
Click on each picture to learn more ab out our interns! Their bios can also be found on www.nepga.c om/juniorgolf.
Junior Golf Q) What High School do you go to? AY) Currently I am enrolled at Falmouth High School.
Q) What High School do you go to? TH) Fairhaven High School, Fairhaven, MA.
Q) What Year are you in High school? AY) I am in the class of 2016, currently ending my freshman year.
Q) What Year are you in High school? TH) Finishing my Junior Year.
Q) What is your favorite Ice Cream? AY) My favorite ice cream is ginger ice cream. It's hard to come by, but luckily there is a store in Falmouth that has it.
Q) What is your favorite Ice Cream? TH) Fudge Swirl.
ALEXANDRA
Q) What are your plans for the sumYAROSH mer? AY) My summer consists of mainly two things; playing in golf tournaments and practicing to play in those tournaments. However, other than golf I love going boating and taking day trips to Martha's Vineyard with my friends. Cape Cod truly is a beautiful place to live in the summer.
Q) Are you planning to go to college? If so, do you have a few you would like to get into? AY) I am definitely planning to go to college, but I haven't put too much thought into where I want to go. However, it is part of my goal in life to be able to play golf for a division one school. Boston College and Notre Dame sound great, but being only a freshman I'll dream big and say Stanford or Princeton. Q) What's your greatest moment in golf? AY) It’s hard to pick only one, but my most memorable moment was when I was playing in a partner tournament last summer along side my dad. We came in and were tied for first place and ended up going into a sudden death playoff that lasted for 5 holes. We ended up winning, but it certainly was a challenging, nerve racking experience. Q) If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome? AY) I would play at Augusta because it is such a difficult course and it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. To complete my foursome, I would play with my Grampa because any round is enjoyable with him. I'd bring my Dad because he loves to golf. Lastly, I'd love to play with Michelle Wie as she is my inspiration! Q) Besides golf, what else do you enjoy? AY) Besides golf, I really enjoy playing the piano and singing. Also in my school I actively participate in Student Government and love having the opportunity to help our class.
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TYLER HEMINGWAY
Q) What are your plans for the summer? TH) Golfing and going to the beach. Q) Are you planning to go to college? If so, do you have a few you would like
to get into? TH) Yes, UMass Dartmouth, Bentley and URI. Q) What's your greatest moment in golf? TH) Breaking 30 on the front nine at the Reservation Golf Course. Q) If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome? TH) Augusta National Country Club with Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and my Dad. Q) Besides golf, what else do you enjoy? TH) Fishing, tennis and hanging out with my friends.
More Junior Golf Spotlights on the next page!
We’ll be featuring more of our junior golfers in future issues of this newsletter. Be sure to check them out!
Junior Golf
2013 NEPGA Boda Memorial Tournament of Junior Champs The NEPGA John E. Boda MemorialTournament of Junior Club Champions will be held this year on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Andover Country Club in Andover, MA.
Q) Favorite Course? DM) TPC Boston Q) Favorite Pizza Topping? DM) Pepperoni Q) Dream Job? DM) To be a Pro Golfer and a golf course architect. Q) Favorite Golfer? DM) Phil Mickelson
DREW MULLEN
Q) Favorite Sports Team? DM) Boston Bruins
Q) If you could play any course & with who? DM) Merion Golf Club with Michael Jordan, Arnold Palmer & Phil Mickelson. Q) Favorite Course? KT) In Massachusetts, Farm Neck on Martha's Vineyard. In the world, The Challenge at Manele (Hawaii).
Eligibility: Open to male and female 2013 junior club champions from New England PGA recognized facilities. If a 2013 champion cannot be determined prior to July 26th, then the 2012 junior club champion may represent the club provided they are 18 years of age or younger as of August 1, 2013. Applications, Entry Fees and Deadlines: Every player shall pay an entry fee of $50. Checks should be made payable to New England PGA, Inc. Applications must be received by Friday, July 26, 2013. Deadline for entries means time of receipt at NEPGA office. Entry fee will be refunded regardless of reason if the New England PGA is notified prior to July 26, 2013. No refunds will be processed after July 26, 2013 unless approved by the tournament committee. All refunds will be subject to a $5 administration fee. Starting Times: Starting times for the Championship will be posted online at www.nepga.com and emailed to all participants. Format: The Championship will be an 18-hole Stroke Play competition consisting of an open boy's and an open girl's division. Click here to download the registration form!
Q) Favorite Pizza Topping? KT) Pineapple Q) Dream Job? KT) Helping others strive to be their best.
KRISTINA THIMME
Q) Favorite Golfer? KT) Bubba Watson
Q) Favorite Sports Team? KT) New England Patriots... Go Pats!
U.S. Amateur Free Access for Junior Golfers
Q) If you could play any course & with who? KT) Augusta National with Bruno Mars, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine. Don't know if they even play golf, but, it would be inspiring, and fascinating to talk to such big stars in the music industry, and see what brought them here to this day and what their inspirations were as children.
The 2013 U.S. Amateur Championship is coming up next month on August 12 – 18 at The Country Club in Brookline, MA. All juniors under the age of 17 are granted free admission if accompanied by an adult. Please keep the junior-toadult ratio to a maximum of 3/1.
By the way...here's a video from my last show a few weeks ago! View Video
U.S. Amateur tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.
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July Schedule Event/Location
Date
NEPGA Jr. - Cyprian Keyes Cyprian Keyes GC - Boylston, MA
16-July
NEPGA Jr. - Triggs Memorial GC Triggs Memorial GC - Providence, RI
16-July
NEPGA Jr - Campbells Scottish Scottish Highlands - Salem, NH
17-July
NEPGA Jr. - Hyannis GC Hyannis - Hyannis, MA
17-July
NEPGA Jr - Brockton CC Brockton CC - Brockton, MA
17-July
NEPGA Jr - Little Harbor CC Little Harbor - Wareham, MA
18-July
NEPGA Jr. Holden Hills CC Holden Hills CC - Jefferson, MA
18-July
NEPGA Jr - Bradford CC Bradford CC - Bradford, MA
18-July
MPC at Hillview Hillview - N. Reading, MA
22-July 23-July
NEPGA Jr. Wanumetonomy Wanumetonomy G & CC - Middletown, RI
22-July
NEPGA Jr Pembroke CC Pembroke CC - Pembroke, MA
23-July
NEPGA Jr. - Robert T. Lynch Robert T. Lynch GC - Brookline, MA
23-July
NEPGA Jr. - Leo. J Martin Leo J. Martin - Weston, MA
24-July
NEPGA Jr. - Gardner GC Gardner Municipal GC - Gardner, MA
24-July
NEPGA Jr. - Mt. Hood Mount Hood GC - Melrose, MA
24-July
Qualifier RemyCup (ELITE Tour) Glen Ellen CC - Millis, MA
25-July
NEPGA Jr - Maplegate CC Maplegate - Bellingham, MA
25-July
Boys 16-18:
Jordan Dahl 39-38--77 +7
NEPGA Jr. - Winchedon GC Winchendon - Winchendon, MA
26-July
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13:
Harry Theodore 38-41--79 +9 Mark Turner 43-42--85 +15
NEPGA Jr. - Newton Commonwealth GC Newton Commonwealth GC - Newton, MA
29-July
NEPGA Jr. - Shaker Hills GC Shaker Hills GC - Harvard, MA
29-July
Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Clark Saunders 41 +7 Sarah Daley 47-44--91 +21
Girls 13 & Under:
Anne Walsh 43 +9
NEPGA Jr. - Furnace Brook Furnace Brook - Wollaston, MA
30-July
NEPGA Jr. - Blackstone National GC Blackstone National GC - Sutton, MA
30-July
ELITE TOUR Trull Brook & Indian Ridge Indian Ridge CC - Andover, MA Trull Brook GC - Tewksbury, MA
30-July31-July
NEPGA Jr. - Twin Springs Twin Springs - Bolton, MA NEPGA Jr -Widow's Walk GC Widow's Walk GC - Scituate, MA
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Results from June 15th—July 9th
ELITE Tour Green Mtn Natl GC June 15th-16th Overall Boys
Drake Hull 75-77--152 +10
Overall Girls
Lina Kim 84-82--166 +24
New Bedford CC June 17th Boys 16-18:
Jim Brunone 40-36--76 +6
Boys 14 – 15:
Stephen Vye
Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Davis Kelliher 50-41--91 +21 Maxwell Clemens 52 +16 Cora Bernier 44-47--91 +21
Girls 13 & Under:
Allison Paik 49 +13
47-43--90 +20
Allison Paik, Maxwell Clemens, Jim Brunone & Davis Kelliher
New Gannon GC June 18th
CC of Billerica June 19th Boys 18-21:
Michael Alario 39-43--82 +13
Boys 16-18:
John Froberg 32-38--70 +1
31-July
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13:
Richard Murphy 36-41--77 +8 Andrew Michienzi 39-43--82 +13
31-July
Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Clark Saunders 43 +9 Lauren DeJoe 39-41--80 +11
Girls 13 & Under:
Anne Walsh 44 +10
Cape Arundel June 20th
Ballymeade CC June 26th
Boys 16-18:
Lukas Linemayr 37-40--77 +8
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Nicholas Kovalchik 47-40--87 +18 Nicholas Grimbilas 44-48--92 +23 Collin Costello 54 +19 Monica Austin 38-44--82 +12
Louisquisset GC June 24th
Boys 16-18:
Raymond Dimestico 36-41--77 +5
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Andrew Card 35-40--75 +3 Harry Grosso 41-38--79 +7 Kyle Furey 46 +10 Alexandra Yarosh 40-42--82 +10
Needham GC June 26th
Boys 16-18:
Tyler Hemingway 41-39--80 +12
Boys 16-18:
Brian McMahon 40-36--76 +4
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13:
Nicholas Kovalchik 42-42--84 +16 Theo Montalbano 40-43--83 +15
Boys 14 – 15:
George Mead 39-39--78 +6
Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Michael Fay 53 +19 Caroline Rubino 37-40--77 +9
Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
David Rogers 37-40--77 +5 Henry Harrison 55 +19 Skylar Frankiewicz 48-43--91 +19
Girls 13 & Under:
Anne Walsh 44 +8
Cranberry Valley GC June 24th Boys 16-18:
Jim Brunone 34-37--71 -1
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13: Girls 14-18:
Matt Daley 42-41--83 +11 Rory Casey 49-43--92 +20 Lindsay Sullivan 46-47--93 +21
Girls 13 & Under:
Kristina Thimme 44 +8
Tewksbury CC July 8th Boys 16-18:
Ryan Cronin 34-34--68 +2
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Cameron Lemire 44-36--80 +14 Connor Hill 47 +14 Gabrielle Shieh 39-38--77 +11
Milton Hoosic Club July 8th
Falmouth CC June 25th Boys 16-18:
Michael Pergola
39-36--75 +3
Boys 14 – 15:
Andrew Card
39-40--79 +7
Boys 12 -13: Girls 14-18:
Justin LaVoie 39-37--76 +4 Elizabeth Gudas 38-38--76 +4
Girls 13 & Under:
Kristina Thimme 37 +2
Beverly Golf & Tennis Club June 25th Boys 16-18:
John Froberg 40-36--76 +6
Boys 14 – 15:
Drew Gerety 45-39--84 +14
Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Peter Bowie 41-41--82 +12 Henry Harrison 48 +11 Sarah Daley 42-46--88 +15
Girls 13 & Under:
Anne Walsh 46 +9
Boys 16-18: Michael Boys 11 & Under and Girls 13 & Breviglia Under are36-37-73 9-hole events Boys 14 – 15: Alex Yun 37-38-75 Boys 12 -13: Tyler Forbes 39-39-78 Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Maxwell Clemens- 50 Sage Lee 51-45-96
Windham CC July 9th Boys 16-18:
Lukas Linemayr 36-39--75 +3
Boys 14 – 15: Boys 12 -13: Boys 11 & Under: Girls 14-18:
Drew Gerety 39-38--77 +5 Nicholas Grimbilas 47-43--90 +18 Colin McCaigue 45 +10 Courtney Otto 47-51--98 +26
Girls 13 & Under:
Lily Walsh 50 +15
Boys 11 & Under and Girls 13 & Under are 9-hole events 8
Mental Matters with Adam H. Naylor, EdD, CC-AASP
The Roots of a Great Mental Game A sound mental game is at the foundation of a golfer’s striving and thriving throughout life. This being said a consistent mental approach to practice and play can be quite elusive. Golfers are regularly reminded, “Think positive, “Imagine the putt dropping in the hole,” and “Trust your swing.” All nice advice but rarely insights that help a player lay the deep roots necessary for a mental game that leads to optimal learning, persistence, and scoring. The following are three ideas to keep in mind when sinking healthy roots for a consistent mental game:
Practice Creatively and Competitively. Hitting buckets of balls on the driving range may hone a pretty swing, but creative and competitive practice habits shape the mental game of a player. Without such an approach to practice, too often the smooth swings on the range cannot be found on the course. It is valuable to harness one’s creative juices in practice, whether it be experimenting with new shots or using a scorecard and varying clubs to play an imagined course while on the range. Competing with one’s self (i.e. How many 3-foot putts in a row can I make today?) or with one’s friends (i.e. putting, chipping, and closest to the target games) helps prepare the mind for the course. The golfer who makes creativity and playful competition part of every practice develops positive emotions that compete well during tournaments.
Focus in the Moment and Play with Perspective. It has been said many times, play one shot at a time. Along with this wisdom should be the reminder that there are many shots to be played over the course of every round of golf. Eighteen holes will be filled with a few good swings, a few not so good swings, and many in between. Each shot on the golf course is benefitted by the player having a clear target in mind. After each shot, it is wise to remember that it is just one of many and there are many ways to post a solid score. Each shot is simply that… one shot. The quality of the round cannot be determined until a few hours after the round is over and every shot has been played.
Develop Settling Skills. Standing a bit uncertain and a bit uncomfortable over the golf ball is normal. It is a deceptively challenging task to get a small white ball into a small white hole hundreds of yards away. Add the fact that we often try to do it in competitive settings and tension tends to creep from the mind to the body. Tight muscles change posture, swings, and smoothness. Building a simple settling skill – such as a long sigh, rolling of one’s shoulders, or finding a nice knee bend for an athletic stance – into the pre-shot routine will allow the body to find some comfort to which the mind can follow. The right grip, nice tempo, and good alignment are important to a good round of golf, but none of them reach their potential without a solid mental game. Consider the above concepts and take time to grow the roots of your mental game. Preparing and practicing positive perspectives and behaviors will lead to consistent swings, lower scores, and regular enjoyment on the course. Dr. Adam Naylor leads Telos Sport Psychology Coaching and is a clinical assistant professor at Boston University. He is currently the mental game consultant for The Bay Club (Mattapoisett), Nashawtuc Country Club, and Carpenter Golf. He has counseled golfers to state championships, through play in major collegiate conferences (e.g. ACC, MAC, SAC, MAAC, Patriot League), and onto professional golf careers. He is the author of A Quick 9 for the Mind: Reflections from Public Links to the US Open, a contributor to the Titlest Performance Institute, and a part of the American Junior Golf Association U faculty. He can be reached for consultation at adam@telos-spc.com. Follow him on Twitter @ahnaylor.
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Ron Talks Rules
with Ron Green, PGA, NEPGA Director of Rules & Competitions What’s on Ron’s mind this week? Rule 27 This is one Rule you must understand, but hope to use sparingly. Whether you hit your ball out of bounds, into a water hazard, into an unplayable lie, no matter where it ends up this is the Rule that will allow us to keep playing. Simple fact of the matter is, no matter where you have hit your previous shot from, the teeing ground, through the green, from a bunker, etc. you are always entitled to return to that spot and proceed under Rule 27.a. It will cost you one stroke and a ball must be dropped at a spot as near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was played. (See Rule 20-5) I know we hate giving up all that distance and adding a stroke but it is better than the alternative; without this Rule there would be rounds we could not finish. Remember we talked about Tiger’s drop at the Masters last issue. Well when he chose to go back to where he originally played from he was required to drop a ball as close to the spot from where he had just played, not from two yards in back of that spot. If you were watching the U.S. Open at Merion you saw the perfect example of how important this Rule is. I don’t even like writing about this because of the player who was involved. Steve Stricker is truly one of the nicest guys in the world. So when he had a chance to possibly win his first major, while basically playing a part time schedule in 2013, I really was happy for him. Then he got to the second tee of the final round and...hit his tee shot way to the right, towards an area defined as out of bounds. Stricker wasn’t sure where his ball had come to rest, so he announced he would play a “Provisional Ball.” That provisional ball came to rest in the fairway of the second hole. Stricker went forward to look for his original ball and it was confirmed that it was out of bounds. When it was determined that it was OB, his provisional ball became the ball in play. Two things here, announcing and playing a provisional saved Stricker the long walk back to the tee and it also helped keep play moving. Remember, nothing that happens with a provisional ball counts, until it is determined if your original ball is lost or out of bounds. Also remember the only time you are allowed to play a provisional ball is for a ball that may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds. Now back to Steve Stricker, do we know what he lies in the fairway? Well it’s simple; he has hit a tee shot (which went out of bounds). That is one stroke, when his ball is confirmed
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to be out of bounds he must proceed under Rule 27-1 Stroke and Distance, so he would return to the teeing ground (that’s the distance part) and put another ball in play (adding a one stroke penalty to his score, so far one stroke, one penalty stroke) and since it is the teeing ground, he may play from anywhere within the area defined as the teeing ground. (See Rule 20-5a). So before Stricker makes his next stroke, he has made two strokes and added one penalty stroke so he lies three in the fairway. Not too bad, it was a par five and if he gets lucky he might still be able to make a bogey. Well not so fast. His next stroke produced the worst feeling shot in all of golf as far as I am concerned, the dreaded SHANK. Where did it go? Well to the right and…out of bounds again. Shanks don’t go very far, at least not forward, so Stricker simply walked a few yards to his right and determined that yes, his ball was OB. Back to Rule 27-1 again, any distance gained by his last stroke was lost and he had to put another ball in play adding another one stroke penalty to his score. This time Stricker had played from a spot “through the green,” under Rule 20-5b he now was required to drop a ball “as near as possible” to the spot where his original ball was last played from. Still with me on the strokes? Stricker has made three strokes, two from the tee and one from the fairway (AKA through the green) he has also had to add two penalty strokes, for a total of five so far. After dropping his ball he played two more strokes (with much better results) to reach the green and as Steve Stricker often does made the putt to score. If you get confused just take a minute to count your strokes, Stricker made two from the tee, three from through the green and one on the putting green. Total=6. Under Rule 27-1, he was required to add two penalty strokes for his two balls out of bounds. Total penalty=2. Total for hole=8 (ouch). But what if we didn’t have Rule 27-1, well the eight was tough to take and Stricker did shoot six over par in the final round, but he still finished tied for eighth. Think about it, if Rule 27 didn’t exist what would we do when we have one of those holes like Steve Stricker. Without 27-1 his round would be over, ball lost or out of bounds on the second hole, game over! One last thing to remember, if you do hit a shot that could be lost or out of bounds, please hit a provisional, it will save you time and a long walk if you don’t find your original ball in a playable spot. When you do need to play a provisional please say, “THIS IS A PROVISIONAL BALL.” Hopefully, Rule 27 will be one you have to use sparingly, but when you do need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.
Join the NEPGA Jr. Tour! The Basics • Membership is $125 (per junior). The Sibling Membership is for families with multiple juniors. We are offering a $25 discount to any brother or sister (ages 9-21) of a full paying member of the New England PGA Junior Tour. Full membership is $125 and the Sibling Membership is $100 (additional brothers or sisters) Click here for the application. Benefits of joining the NEPGA Jr Tour include the ability to register online for all NEPGA Jr Tour tournaments and tee gifts. These include a USGA rules book, a NEPGA Jr Tour decal, a Srixon sleeve of golf balls, bag tag, and NEPGA Jr Tour towel.
Elite Tour Exemptions: Overall winners on select Elite Tour events, will be awarded exemptions in to the 2013 International Junior Masters, 2013 Hudson Junior Invitational and 2013 Collegiate Players Tour National Championship. Additionally, on select events overall winners will receive an AJGA Performance Star (Note: Elite Tour must meet certain AJGA requirements in regards to the ability to distribute performance stars).
• Please ALWAYS refer to the tournament information page for details on each event. In the tournament schedule click the info tab next to the event. This is where you will find all starting times/pairings, results, cancellations, delays, etc.
Additional Benefits
• The Junior Handbook is posted on our website, www.nepga.com/juniorgolf. This has all rules & regulations, player of the year point distribution list and will answer most questions. • Divisions: Your division is based on your age as of September 1, 2013. i.e. if you turn 14 before September 1, 2013 then you will play in the 14 year old division. If you need to update your division just email (jsettles@pgahq.com) or call the Section office (508.869.0000). • Elite Tour: NEPGA’s Elite Tour is designed to provide junior golfers in New England top-level competition in a local setting. All of our events will be submitted to National Junior Golf Scoreboard allowing participating Junior Golfers the chance to accumulate points, earn national recognition, and provide them with the resources and experience needed to continue competitive golf beyond the junior years. Boys and girls must be 14-18 years old as of September 1, 2013 and boys must have a 9.9 handicap index or lower and girls 18.1 or lower as of the tournament deadline.
• Florida Trip: The NEPGA Jr Tour will be making a golf trip to Florida in April 2014. We’ll keep you posted as we confirm more information about dates and sites.
• Ping College Golf Guide discount: Normally the price for the expanded version is $79.99, but through your membership with the NEPGA Jr Tour it is only $35! The Ping College Golf Guide is the #1 resource for college golf since 1989; This program is an additional cost to your junior tour membership. If you would like to register for Ping College Golf Guide, email (jsettles@pgahq.com) or call the Section office (508.869.0000). • Free GHIN # (Handicap): NEPGA Jr Tour Members can get a free GHIN# to establish a handicap through the NEPGA. The application is at nepga.com, click “NEPGA Jr Tour” from the Junior Golf Drop down menu and you will see the application on the right hand side. • The NEPGA will administer all events in a professional manner and will provide junior golfers an opportunity to compete at their highest levels. PGA professionals are the leaders of promoting golf and the NEPGA Jr Tour is an avenue to showcase the top juniors in the area while growing interest in the game to our younger juniors. Our goals include promoting sportsmanship, etiquette, and playing by the Rules of Golf.
More Photos from the College Golf Seminar!
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