April 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR

A New Beginning In the 23 days from January 24th to February 15th 2015 ninety inches of snow fell on us here in New England, it set a record that may never be broken. Putting this is prospective that much snow would be six inches higher than the average flagstick on a green. At that point it may have seemed like we would not be playing golf until June here in New England. Just the same it’s April and almost all the snow is gone with the exception of Northern New England, which still has 10-24 inches of snow cover. For those of you that have not gone south this winter to play golf, it for sure has been a long winter.

The traditional beginning of golf each year arrives with the first major, The Masters. Easter Sunday will kick off the Drive Chip & Putt competition, which is now celebrating its second year at Augusta National during Masters week. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds will be held and on Wednesday night the Champions Dinner will be held. Thursday morning, Arnold Palmer will kick off the opening round as the honorary starter once again this year for the 9th consecutive year. The early favorites are Rory Mcllroy, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth and Jason Day with Patrick Reed close behind. There is no mention of Tiger Woods as a favorite on any poll for the first time in almost 20 years. If he plays this would be Tiger Woods 20 appearance in the Masters. Tiger will need to find the competitive eye in his game or should I say his mind to contend.

With the immense growth of indoor golf facilities in New England over the last few years there are now plenty of facilities for us all to enjoy and utilize. If you have never played golf on a simulator then your missing out on some of the greatest innovation in the game today. Today simulators offer very realistic environments to enjoy the game and train in any weather. The new rage is indoor golf are weekly leagues which are available at all levels of the game. Playing golf on a simulator provides vast amounts of game information for improvement and progress.

Lets play golf,

Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher

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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

GOLF COURSE LIVING 12

Katharine Dyson / Fairways Lifestyles

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY 16

Good Looks for 2015 / Green Grass Showcase

GOLF TRAVEL

12

22

Couple of Travelers / Mission Inn Florida/ Southern California

COURSE TRENDS 26

Timothy Branco / The New Alpine CC

CELEBRITY GOLFER

22

36

Leigh McKay / On Charlie Rymer

42

John Molori / Scott Zolak

TINKER’S NEST 50

Paul Mignosa / Bags & Carts

53

Ed Travis / GPS’s & Lasers

53

Greg Sampson / Launch Monitors

OPINION 92

Gorman Vs Geary / Will Tiger Win in 2015

CONTENTS

50 Download Our FREE Course Finder & GPS App & Register to Win FREE rounds, equipment, apparel, vacations & more all season long!

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GOLF COURSE LIVING

Good living and Golf in

Georgia and the Carolinas

Georgia and the Carolinas entice those who love golf with mild winters, beautiful pine-clad rolling landscapes with large moss-draped oaks, flowering shrubs, and beautiful historic courses as well as new layouts by world-class designers.

Those who live here, many in gated communities, enjoy a social climate modified

by Southern hospitality with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities along with social and educational activities.

GEORGIA

Home of the Masters, Sea Island and Reynolds Plantation, Georgia surely quickens the pulse of golfers.

Living Golden Isles Four barrier islands just off the coast, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Little St. Simons Island plus Brunswick, make up the “Golden Isles of Georgia� where there are more than a dozen highlyrated courses like Sea Island, King and Prince and Sea Palms on St. Simmons; Jekyll Island

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Golf Club; and Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Coastal Pines and Brunswick Country Club in Brunswick.

Among the upscale golfing communities is the Frederica Club on St. Simons Island with a golf course, an Adirondack-style boathouse, freshwater lake, tennis, Equestrian Center and lakeside firepit. Here lot sizes range from 1-1/2 to more than four acres.

Estate homes are blessed with marsh views and vaulted ceilings, private pool complexes and elegant dining rooms along with details like coffered ceilings, marble foyers and balustrades.

GOLF COURSE LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON Playing: Frederica Club residents and guests tee up at a private Tom Fazio stunner featuring sprawling sandy waste areas, water, live oaks and views of the Intracoastal Waterway while The Inn at Sea Island and Sea Palms invites guests to play on the resorts’ golf courses and be pampered in their spas.

Off Track: Take a day trip to Little St. Simons Island where you can explore the pristine maritime forests, deserted beaches and amazing birdlife.

Nitty Gritty: The Inn at Sea Island Golf Package: Includes golf on Plantation, Retreat and Seaside, accommodations at The Inn at Sea Island, breakfast daily, forecaddie for one round per day, practice facilities, advance tee times, daily club storage, cleaning, locker and shoe service plus transportation to and from courses. The package is priced from $285 per night.

Also ask about golf packages at Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort.

Reynolds Plantation located between Augusta and Atlanta, is set on 19,000 acres along 374 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee and six courses.

Living: Reynolds Plantation has been evolving for more than 30 years and each community has its own character. For example Horseshoe Bend is located on a high bluff overlooking Lake Oconee while Angel Pond offers sites on the lake, pond and golf course. Founded by Mercer Reynolds on family land, Reynolds found itself in shaky financial shape about six years ago, but was given new life when it was purchased by MetLife more than two years ago. Since then Reynolds has been slowly recovering and real estate is selling. It’s a good time to acquire property here with reasonably priced lots and homes.

Playing: Courses include Jack Nicklaus’ famed Great Waters playing around Lake Oconee; Rees Jones’ stunning Oconee course; Tom Fazio’s 27-hole National course; and Bob Cupp’s two masterpieces, The Plantation and The Landing. The Creek Club by Jim Engh is another striking course for members only.

Off Track: Lake Oconee offers some of the state’s best fishing, swimming and boating, There is also camping, hiking trails, four marinas, pools,

clubs and The Lake Club Wellness Center and Tennis Center. Get fit for clubs at the Reynolds Golf Academy along with Charlie King’s Kingdom at the Academy affiliated with TaylorMade.

Nitty Gritty: Traditions Package includes accommodations in a cottage or condo; one round of golf each day; free replay on same course, same day; discounted round on day of departure/arrival ($99); use of practice facilities and Southern breakfast daily from $279 per person. Another option: stay at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 251room lakefront resort and spa.

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee Set on Lake Oconee, the Harbor Club, a mid-sized golf and boating community occupies 1,600 acres about 75 miles east of Atlanta.

Living Family-owned and operated Harbor Club sits amidst ponds, creeks, rolling hills and trees. Debt-free with a total of about 900 homes anticipated, Harbor Club dates from 1992.

Choose from Cottage, Southern Traditional, Craftsman and Mountain Rustic styles in single homes and townhouse with prices from $200,000 to more than $1 million. Homesites start at $20,000.

Playing The well-rated Harbor Club course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Moorish (1991), celebrates lovely lake views. It was awarded 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play.

Off Track In addition to playing golf there is tennis, fishing, swimming, yoga, boating from the Marina and hiking. A 15,000 square foot clubhouse overlooks fairways and croquet courts.

Nitty Gritty The Southern Hospitality Package invites you to see what the Harbor Club is all about—play golf, have fun on the lake and dine in the popular restaurant. A Master Week Package is priced from $199 for golf and cart, divot took range balls and Harbor Club hat.

Replays are $90 . Also ask about the Stay-andPlay for Four” including a 3-bedroom cottage (sleeping four), golf for four people, cart, and special gifts at $1,336 per day. harborclub.com

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GOLF COURSE LIVING

THE CAROLINAS

North and South Carolina are green gold to golfers with areas like Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Brunswick Islands, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston.

Myrtle Beach is like catnip to golfers along with

spectacular ocean beaches. From the Brunswick Islands, NC, to Pawley’s Island and Murrell’s Inlet in SC, the area known as the “Grand Strand” has more than 100 courses along with a huge array of resorts, golf communities, restaurants, shopping

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venues and water sports.

Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort in Calabash with three classic nine-hole courses designed by Willard Byrd, spreads over 1,750 acres in north Myrtle. Also find Brunswick Forest, St. James Plantations, Bald Head Island, Porters Neck Plantation, Winding River Plantation and Sea Trail Resort & Golf Links on Sunset Beach.

In Central Myrtle Beach check out the Dunes and the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club while in the south try Pawley’s Island and Litchfield Beach.

Charleston/Kiawah Island Kiawah Island, about 20 miles south of Charleston, SC, is a glorious sanctuary of marshes, tidal creeks, live oaks, beaches, ospreys, herons and other wildlife along with seven championship golf courses and a 10mile beach. Tee up at The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point and Oak Point and choose a home that most likely will overlook one of these courses. Kiawah has six neighborhoods with cottages, villas and estate homes and residents enjoy two high end private courses (The River Course and Cassique), three clubhouses, two restaurants a spa and soon a sports center..

Pinehurst & Southern Pines Pinehurst, NC, has more than 40 courses including the nine top tracks at the Pinehurst Resort. There are several golf communities in and around Pinehurst including the Mid-South Club on 545 acres of pine

RETIREMENT INVESTING IS LIKE PLAYING GOLF The closer you are… the more accurate you must be.

forests lakes and hills. The Club’s Arnold Palmer signature golf course is a valued amenity for residents of the Lodge, a cluster of 16 luxury condominiums with views stretching from the first fairway all the way across to hole #9 and #18.

Each low-country four-unit building has a huge front porch, welcome fountain, and a southern spiral staircase to the second level with prices ranging from $300,000 to more than $600,000.

Jack Nicklaus has designed a course for another gated residential development in Southern Pines, the National Golf Club. Occupying 514 acres, you’ll find estate homes and cottages overlooking lakes and woods. Homesites of ½ acres start at $65,000.

Hilton Head Island Hilton Head has more than 20 high caliber courses and several golforiented communities including Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, a 2,000 acre playground with three golf courses, tennis, beach and marina.

Low country magic happens when you move into Callawassie Island, the first residential community in South Carolina designated as a “Community Wildlife Habitat.” Residents living in this coastal environment play 27 holes of Tom Fazio golf, kayak on the saltwater marshes and boat on the Colleton River to the Intracoastal Waterway. In addition to Callawassie Island, nearby is another superb course, Chechessee Creek Club, a Coore & Crenshaw course where most players are encouraged to walk with caddies. On site find cottages and home sites for sale.

Get your FREE, No Obligation Copy of Bill’s book Senior Safe Money Strategies His 288 page ebook will be sent directly to your inbox.

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EstatE and InvEstmEnt PlannIng REtIREmEnt suRvIval foR sEnIoRs (888) 800-1881 April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 15

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY | BY GFW STAFF

GREEN GRASS

SHOWCASE

Fairway & Greene

Fairway & Greene is an industry leader that focuses on high quality golf apparel. The company has recently announced that for every shirt sold in their ‘Made in the USA‘ line, they will contribute $1.13 to Folds of Honor with the 13 cents representing the number of folds in a folded U.S. flag.

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or disabled while they are serving. Folds of Honor has awarded over 7,500 scholarships since 2007 when it began.

Chad Delp, CEO of Fairway & Greene, states, “We are honored to stand with Folds of Honor in their important work recognizing the incredible sacrifices of America’s heroes. For the first time in the history of our brand we are thrilled to present shirts Made in the USA and this partnership honors

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our commitment to our country and our veterans.”

Folds of Honor’s scholarships help to support private education tuition, tutoring as well as educational summer camps for children from K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and children.

Colonel Jim Ravella, Folds of Honor President, states, “Folds of Honor has deep ties to the game of golf and we are excited for Fairway & Green to join our team. With the support of partners like Fairway & Greene we can continue to honor and support our military families through essential annual scholarships.”

Fairway & Greene’s ‘Made in the USA’ line maintains the company’s high standards of quality, performance fabric as well as color and pattern. The shirts in the line are perfect for ease of motion as well as moisture wicking!

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY Stance

As golf apparel brands wake up to the fact that there is a substantial market for golfers who just want to have fun, some are even making it their sole priority.

STANCE Links golf socks is among the best in providing an outlet for self-expression that is also functional.

When a man’s kaki-colored slacks hike up on the tee box, revealing an intentionally unique sock choice, it makes an impressionable statement about that person. What statement are you making?

STANCE features unique ankle, mid-calf, and knee-high socks with a variety of original and custom design prints.

The design choices range anywhere from famous images of golf legends in their prime to colorful folkloric prints and Hawaiian shirt patterns. Women looking for cute knee-highs or color coordinated sport fit socks have an endless number of options to choose from as well.

Whichever styles and prints suit the eye, STANCE gives everyone a reason to want to show a little leg.

Betenly Golf Betenly

Golf’s

‘Fashion-Performance’ collection focuses on modern styling as well as a bold, unique use of color with natural fiber fabrications. The designs and fabrics that are used for this collection are influenced by

the Aristo 18 and A-18 collections. Within the ‘Fashion-Performance’ collection is outstanding apparel and accessories that are both stunning and affordable! What is better than quality apparel that is at an unbeatable price?

The Bellingham Men’s Golf Shorts that are Flat Front Hybrid-Tech have a classic fit with a flat front short with cutaway “Western” style pockets. These shorts are expertly tailored with a luxurious two-ply dress shirt quality pocketing.

On the front are 3 buttons for extra closure. The shorts are made out of cotton, nylon and a spandex micro-twill fabric.

For pants, the Reno Men’s Golf Flat Front Tech-Hybrid Trousers are comfortable and stylish. These pants have a contrast color topstitching and are available in both hemmed and un-hemmed sizes. These pants have a dress trouser construction as well as two-ply cotton dress quality pocketing!

To accessorize, grab one of Betenly Golf’s Palm Beach-Leather/Nylon Insert Belts! This belt has a “stretch” buckle design along with a laser-etched logo that adds up to another inch for extra comfort on your waistline. The belt has a removable leather strap as well as a colored nylon insert that can be trimmed to create the perfect unique fit for you!

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 17

GREEN GRASS SHOWCASE | BY GFW STAFF completely hand made and are created for high performance while still capturing a rich and traditional feel.

For the soon-to-be warm weather, grab a pair of the Luxury Dry Stretch Shorts! These shorts are available in a Black LDS/British Red/Pure White Jocky Stitch. These shorts have a pure classic Bermuda line style with a unique, modern twist. The shorts have a longer leg length tapered fit with a mid/low waistline.

Trending; RLX GOLF bouquets and bugs for Men

Iliac Golf

Iliac Golf is a company that solely focuses on making customers feel good and look good!

Bert LaMar, the Golfer, Designer and Founder of the company, utilizes his love and passion for the game of golf to drive the absolute success of the company.

In regards to Iliac Golf, LaMar states,

“Something unique, something special, something not available everywhere, something ready to meet the demands fueled by your passion, real core golf with roots to the past and arms in the future.”

The designs have a vintage yet modern feel and are stunningly unique. Iliac Golf’s shirts are

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Since when did men choose to wear ladybug prints and floral patterns? When did multiple passers-by also stop to ask where to get their own? Since RLX GOLF decided to bring Hawaii, the Bahamas, and everything springtime to the golf course! RLX GOLF, we’re loving it!

When looking for the latest fashion trends, don’t just trust the mannequin; trust what you see others wearing. At last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, there were a surprising

number of men wearing typically feminine patterns. From Hawaiian print hats and pastel polo’s to shorts covered in ladybugs, somehow the intention behind the style made the A list on the sidelines. It just so happened that RLX GOLF was responsible for most of it.

For a brand that is steeped in the traditions of yachting, race tracks, and country club attire, Ralph Lauren has become much more versatile with the addition of its RLX sports lines. RLX GOLF focuses on a combination of quality knit polo’s and cotton shorts as well as form fitting athletic wear, carefully designed with every type of golfer in mind.

Men, don’t be afraid to throw a little spring into your step with some of RLX GOLF’s seasonal fashion trends. Trust me, the guys wearing it look great and so should you.

Visit 2UNDR.com and use code NEGM20 for 20% off

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Welcome to Ocean City,

Maryland...

...the hottest vacation spot and now the newest golfing destination on the East Coast! Ocean City Golf Getaway is pleased to provide you with one stop hassle free shopping for your golfing vacation. As you review our web site you will see we have made your choices simple. Included are varieties of all inclusive service oriented packages with hotels, golf package companies, condominiums, restaurants, golf schools and courses, and entertainment.

CAN THERE BE such a thing as too much of a good thing? Potential visitors to the beautiful barrier island of Ocean City, Maryland, might be asking themselves just that as they ponder the seemingly endless array of great golf courses found here. The roster includes more than 17 championship layouts, with designs from top architects including Jack Nicklaus, Pete and P.B. Dye, Arthur Hills and Dr. Michael Hurdzan.

Ocean City’s superb course options include Bayside Resort Golf Club, Baywood Greens, Bear Trap Dunes, Eagle’s Landing, Glen Riddle Golf Club’s Man O’War and War Admiral layouts, Heritage Shores Club, Links at Lighthouse Sound Golf Club, Nutters Crossing Golf Club, Ocean City Golf Club, Ocean Pines

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Golf and Country Club, Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links and The Bay Club.

Ocean City Golf Getaway is pleased to provide golfers with one-stop, hassle-free shopping for your golf vacation. OceanCityGolf.com simplifies your choices and offers a variety of all-inclusive service-oriented packages with hotels, golf package companies, golf schools and courses, condominiums, restaurants and entertainment.

Like your best golfing buddy, Oceancitygolf.com is there whenever needed. When you’re so excited trying to decide which 36 holes to tackle on Day One that you can’t sleep, it’s there. When you’re at work, figuring out the perfect time to make your escape, it’s there.

Golf Ocean Cit y, Maryland

At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your next golf getaway to Ocean City, Maryland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.

2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / F Weekday all s$ Weekend 153 s $175

“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” Ocean City, Maryland www.OceanCityGolf.com April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 21

GOLF TRAVEL

Mission Inn Resort & Club

By Alice & Danny Scott

Our mission, and we chose to accept it, was to explore Mission Inn Resort & Club at Howey-in-the-Hills. Yes hills, who knew? Central Florida really does have varied elevations in Lake County. This hidden gem is where sand cranes reign and ospreys return to nest with camcorders ready for online observance at www.missioninnresort.com Bald eagles soar too, perhaps landing on the scorecard of smart and lucky golfers hitting the links on two fine courses. El Campeon Golf Course has a tropical breezy feel. It is the signature course at Mission Inn and as such, golfers are usually given an aviary welcome to the first tee by one of the aforementioned feathered friends. The unusual rolling hills of flat Florida create a fantastic design that wraps around expansive waterways. Stone bridges complement the Spanish colonial architecture of the property connecting ponds and streams.

Bring your camera and your A game. You’ll see why starting with number 3’s uphill task over water. Spanish moss sways in the wind, hanging from massive pin oak trees. Pines too permeate the landscape. Homes framing a few holes accentuate rather than detract. Number 7 looks like a lofty goal to reach with a stream separating the fairway down in the valley. Stop for balls in the water or a picnic but keep your eye on the floral tree in the distance by the green as a target back up the hill.

As the fern grows, a bit odd and whimsical on the palm trunks, so does the anticipation of peninsula greens with wooden walls, starting on number nine. Are you all in or all on?

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Either way you might be stepping up to a gallery on the 10th tee along side the San Diego building where guests lounge on their patios or balconies. 15 ‘s par 3 presents the second peninsula opportunity followed by 16’s par 4 green wrapped with bunkers and water, not a bow.

The crescendo builds to number 17 named The Devil’s Delight where the fairway takes a sharp left turn at the top of a blind hill. Look down to see a large old tree smack in the middle of the fairway before a small lake that is a natural ball magnet.

Swing all you might and stay to the right. Without good luck, say good night.

Hole 17 is also the departure point for two hikes referred to as Trails of the Conquistador – a great way to enjoy fresh air, rack up the Fitbit counter and learn a little history about early Spanish explorations along the way. Make a note to return later.

El Campeon has surprises at every turn. Between 17 and 18 it is difficult to choose focal points for photos with all the brilliant flowers and features. As she was shooting some flora with the lens, the guys were shooting from their tee box targeting to land just past the “stone” across the lake. When we hopped in our carts the stone came into focus taking the shape of an alligator, gaining length as we approached.

GOLF TRAVEL This Big Daddy was at the water’s edge with one ball 30 yards ahead, safe distance. Cameras readied and a video ensued approaching the statuesque reptile to ten yards when he lifted his head and looked back, swinging his mighty tail. All golfers hightailed it to their carts and the gator slid into the water with a toothy grin.

It is no wonder that the conversations at the nineteenth Nicker’s Restaurant & Bar involve as much wildlife as golf. While lunching a bald eagle is likely to perform a flyover through the window.

The food at each of the five restaurants on premise is very good beginning with the breakfast buffet and a view of the golf course. They are most famous though for the seafood buffet in La Hacienda Restaurant where culinary delights line every wall. Take a walking tour before loading the plate.

Grazing through this dinner takes as much strategy as golf. You’ll find oodles of sushi, crab legs, all kinds of seafood, veggies and even prime rib to satisfy the fish averse. Save room for desserts that do take the cake and make a reservation because the event draws locals from the famed Villages (yes you now have the jingle in your head, sorry for that), just 18 miles away. Pack in the smorgasbord without packing on pounds by exercising any of Mission Inn’s fun fitness options.

Tennis anyone? How about everyone? Clinics are available from Cesar Villarroel (remember to trill the rrs) for beginners or experts who want to hone their skills, front and backhand. From tennis to volley ball or basketball courts, sports are well covered. They even have El Cazador (hunter in English) Trap & Skeet Range. There is just something about the power of firing gunpowder at inanimate targets. If you’ve never tried it, give it consideration.

Cesar doubles as the personal trainer in the fitness center to establish or tweak your attack on troubled areas. The Gary Gilchrist academy picks up for golf where Cesar leaves off. Former world number one LPGA Yani Tseng practiced here.

Water lovers can slip into the Marina del Rey with their own boat or rent one there. Pack a picnic on a party pontoon or fish a lazy day away on a trawler. If that’s not lazy enough, make a reservation at the Spa Marbella for pampered treatments or hit the pool deck, place an order at La Chiquita Cabana Pool Bar & Grill, swim or soak in the hydro-spa or just sit and be. Yeah, how about make that your mission for a little bit?

Mission Inn is situated equal distance between the east and west coasts, so day trips are easy to the beach. To the west is Crystal River

and due east is Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Less than an hour from Orlando, guests can visit any or all of the attractions without feeling stuck 24/7 in the middle of Disney traffic. You won’t miss the fireworks with the star gazing opportunity at Mission Inn. Mt. Dora is a nearby lakeside town with an inland lighthouse. When you arrive, you can hear the train a coming with the same whistling tune of Petticoat Junction. It’s the Orange Blossom Cannonball. Follow a slew of stars by hopping on this steam engine powered Movie Train or stroll the hillside streets filled with boutique shops, and art galleries, a bit like Carmel. Eat at the garden cafes, take a sunset cruise and enjoy a show in Mt. Dora, which could be short for Adorable and such a short drive back to Mission Inn. Simply dining and golfing between El Campeon and Las Colinas will be enough for most golfers. The Gary Koch designed Las Colinas opened in 1992. Awarded “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, the routing within the community allows for wide fairways among gently rolling hills of Bermuda bliss. The good weather conditions and maintenance crew produce exceptional putting greens. It is quite a contrast to the challenging sister course of El Campeon. The lack of dramatic elevation changes makes this Floridian style track fair and enjoyable to play. Voted “Top Fairways” by Golf For Women, the front nine journeys through housing with a little uphill par 3 over water and back down the hill to a long par 4, before making the turn. The par 5, 12th is a long one. Called “Alligator Alley”, a sweeping right dogleg, guarded by bunkers to the left, opens up to a long second shot over a water hazard in front of the green.

Massive rock lined walls repel anything short back into the water. The finishing par 5 narrows into another water hazard, so beware of yardage off the tee. The wind can howl in Howey as the sun shines bright. In any weather it is a pleasure to play either course. And it never snows!!!

The iconic Mission Inn Resort & Club was built in 1929. Renovations have updated and up scaled the guest rooms. Exceptional bedding is the cornerstone of all the comfortable amenities provided. Courtyards, lawns and the marina make perfect wedding settings and the conference center is complete for corporate outings.

In fact the International Network of Golf chose Mission Inn for their 25th reunion conference to be held in May. Make it your mission possible to check out this positively quaint Spanish setting in Howey-in-the-Hills.

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GOLF TRAVEL

Southwest Scenes:

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

By Alice & Danny Scott

Southern California has the perfect climate year round to enjoy golf, sand and surf. From San Diego’s Sea World to Anaheim’s Disneyland, popular attractions draw millions of visitors but here are destinations where long lines are never an issue starting with the Anza Borrego State Park, in the California desert. Tom Fazio’s Rams Hill overlooks the expansive valley. Fazio created a picturesque flow of up and down routing along ponds, streams and waterfalls with mountains circling the horizon. Every tee box evokes a “wow.” La Casa del Zorro in Borrego Springs has been resurrected to the serene retreat of old with new luxury rooms and fine dining. Stay and play packages start at $190/night/pp at www.lacasadelzorro.com.

Drive or hike around the State Park to see 130 life-size sculptures by Ricardo Breceda for an otherworldly experience.

The 90-minute drive between Borrego Springs and the coast traverses valleys and Roadrunner cartoon canyons. Trade the desert sand for surf at Oceanside’s Spring Hill Marriott across

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the street from the longest pier in California. It’s a nice stroll over the water to chat with fishermen and watch waves with a 40’s diner at the end. Brand spanking new for dining is Hellooo Betty Fish House, named for how surfers in the 50s and 60s greeted cute chicks on the beach.

Adjoining the hotel, it brings surfing upscale with live surfer action from the 2 way open air bar, upstairs deck or videoed from around the world on indoor screens. Chef Nick’s diverse menu from deep-fried to grilled morsels from the deep is delicious. The open nautical décor and fun staff will rope you in.

Aviara Golf Club is 10 minutes south where the LPGA KIA classic is played. This Arnold Palmer design is in pristine condition for the gals and all golfers. Starter Joe describes it as, “A botanical garden where they just happened to drop in a beautiful golf course.” It is stunning and truly the most colorful course we ever played.

Oceanside Harbor is a short walk from Spring Hill Marriott. Rentals are available to sail the

GOLF TRAVEL sea, kayak or SUP among the yachts. We were up for SUP (stand up paddle boarding), a great way to work muscles you never knew you had while communing with sea lions and pelicans, which brings us to the piece de resistance in Southern California: The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Beach has invented a new form of B&B – Bentleys and Butlers. Reserve a Villa and those options are yours along with a courtyard and exquisite 2-4 bedroom accommodations for a family or group to retreat together Tuscan style. Bungalows perched on the hillside below are not too shabby either. Homey single bedrooms are plush with cushy balcony lounges to laze the day away watching golfers play or vessels sail the ocean blue. By night, cruise lights or those of Avalon sparkle on Catalina Island. Gastronomical diversity abounds in the restaurants.

Situated next to the golf course, Pelican Grill’s Chef Luke Turpin is introducing new seafood flare to match the ocean view. It is popular with locals, tourists or golfers after the round.

Before the round, the practice range aims up the hill to where Glenn Deck instructs golfers hitting down toward the ocean. Tell him about your game, get ready for stroke reduction and get golfing.

Rated the number one golf resort in the world, Pelican Hill’s Tom Fazio courses are perhaps his most fabulous, laid out so that every one of the 36 holes (like almost every resort angle) has at least a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean in one of the most affluent zip codes of southern California.

From the moment you enter Pelican Hill, grandiosity is balanced with serenity in the genius of architecture and décor.

After golf, relax and tan by the largest circular pool in the world, take the complimentary shuttle to the beach at Crystal Cove or indulge at The Spa at Pelican Hill.

Prices reflect the opulence of Pelican Hill and are worth it. The Fazio Unlimited Package includes Bungalow or Villa accommodations with a two-night minimum stay, unlimited golf for one guest on three of Tom Fazio’s designed and re-perfected courses, the Ocean North, Ocean South, and Oak Creek, complimentary forecaddie (at Pelican Hill Ocean courses), golf cart and golf club rentals. All stays at Pelican Hill include complimentary parking, Internet access and use of pools, fitness centers and spa amenities. Starting from $835 per night, excluding tax and gratuity, based on double occupancy. www.pelicanhill.com

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 25

THE PRIVATE CLUB SCENE // BY TIMOTHY BRANCO

A New Direction for :

ALPINE COUNTRY CLUB

BY TROON PRIVÉ

$750,000 in Renovations is Step One at Alpine Throughout New England private golf facilities are struggling to re-invent themselves to meet the needs of new generations in the private golf industry.

While many industries have evolved with changing times, private golf clubs have remained stuck in a model that has not changed at all in decades.

Enter Troon Privé, now the largest private club management company in the world with over 100 private clubs managed globally. Troon has taken a very holistic approach to private club management by creating innovative new connective advantages that allow members a host of additional benefits. Their collaborative third party approach to club management has become a competitive advantage for clubs throughout the country and elevated the success of their client clubs.

At Alpine, Troon set the stage quickly with $750,000 in renovations to the restaurant, dinning facilities, locker rooms, pool and a new state of the art aboutGolf PGA Tour simulator and sports entertainment lounge. It is the first step in many to bring Alpine to the forefront as one of the finest private clubs in the region.

Complementing the renovations, a number of additional changes have been made at Alpine. The club introduced vertical member privileges for stockholders, which allows grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren to utilize the club under the stockholder’s membership for no additional fees. Members also enjoy the privilege of having access to many

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other private Troon courses worldwide, often for only the cost of cart fees. The club also relaxed its denim policy to allow jeans in the club and has expanded the times members can walk the course instead of taking carts.

If you talk with Jeff Beier, General Manager of Alpine Country Club, he will tell you, “ Our philosophy at the club is to improve the entire country club experience for the members while creating vertical growth for the facility. We want to bring families back to private clubs for new generations and old to enjoy golf and the country club’s amenities. While other private clubs are facing their own unique challenges, Alpine is positioning itself for the future.”

Private clubs throughout New England will be faced with difficult decisions in the years ahead with an ever-changing golf marketplace. Troon believes that both developer owners as well as, member board run facilities are going to have change their age-old management practices to compete in the new private golf industry. It would be no surprise to see Troon managing many more facilities throughout New England in the years ahead.

PAWTUCKET

COUNTRY CLUB The Best Membership Deal in Rhode Island “Fast Greens, Fast Rounds, Fast Friends”

• Dues of $4800 per year for the first two years • Golfing spouses/domestic partners can become Class C restricted members for $1300 • Children under the age of 18 are free • Family pool membership is included in every membership besides the Class E social • Locker room, bag storage are free • No tee times necessary • PCC’s pick up games are the best way to meet new people • Group discounts and social memberships available • Great golf course conditions are the norm

Join PCC Today Pawtucket Country Club has a long and proud tradition of offering members regularly scheduled games without the hassle of tee-times.

Founded in 1902, the club offers members and their guests the opportunity to relax in an unhurried, family friendly atmosphere. In addition to a classic par 69 golf course, the club has a full dining and banquet facility and an Olympic sized swimming pool. The club located at 900 Armistice Boulevard is situated in both Pawtucket and Seekonk.

(401) 725-2918 | www.pawtucketcountryclub.com Pawtucket Country Club | 900 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket, RI 02861

FALL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB

Make Your Own Mark in Golf History A N D P L AY W H E R E L E G E N D S P L AY E D

Celebrate 120 years of Great Golf at Fall River Country Club

October 20th, 1900 Harry Vardon Tees it up at FRCC

Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet and Ted Ray 1913 The Country Club

Bobby Jones Newport Country Club 1930

Celebrate 120 years of Great Golf at Fall River Country Club The history of Fall River Country Club is as rich as the game of golf itself. Founded in 1895, its 9-hole course was considered one of the best layouts in New England by some of golf’s most famous and legendary players, including Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet and Bobby Jones, to name just a few. In fact, many players would stop to play the Fall River CC on their way to the U.S.Open Championships in Newport and in Boston in the early years of the game in New England.

A welcoming membership and beautiful

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clubhouse offers members and guests a wonderful New England country club experience with a full service restaurant that presents first class menu offerings including; White Glove Din¬ner Service, Hors D’oeuvres, Brunch Menus and Banquet Services for Business Meetings, Weddings and Reunions.

A staff with decades of experience caters this active club membership. Whether a wedding, business meeting, golf outing, family reunion or private party; the staff at FRCC is graciously waiting to serve you. Fallrivercc.com

PRIVATE GOLF

Fall River Country Club C O M E P L AY, R E L A X A N D E N T E R TA I N

S P R I N G P R O M O T I O NA L R AT E S No food minimums for six months

Category A Full Single Membership $2,595 Get a free Jr membership for one year with a new Cat A membership Category A Senior Full Single Membership $2,395 Family Membership $4,240 | Family Senior Membership $3,915 Young Professional-Ages 27-35 $1,845 | Young Adult-Ages 19-26 $1,295 12 Month Memberships Available

New Categories and Promotions for 2015 Social golf-limited membership. $600 plus greens fees. Maximum play-2 eighteen-hole rounds or 4 nine-hole rounds per month. Limited to first 25 who sign up.

Category B-$2,195 Play anytime Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays when the course is available. Wednesdays-Must tee off on any given nine before 11:00 a.m. Satur-

days, Sundays and Holidays. May tee off starting at 11:30 a.m.

Weekend Membership $1,200 (Includes greens fees). Teeoff after 2:00 pm on weekends only. Limited to the first 25 members who sign up.

For membership information please call 508-678-9374 or E-mail Jim Downs upsidedown1@msn.com

MEMBER FOR A DAY PROMOTION SPRING 2015

(Includes Cart) April $45.00 May $50.00 | Call 508-677-9828 to Book Tee Times

Fall River Country Club

4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA 02720

MEMBERSHIP AT ONE LOW PRICE TO JULY 2016 If you are a golfer and you love the game then finding the perfect place to hang your spikes is sometimes one of the most difficult decisions to make. Today players who enjoy private club membership have a multitude of choices with so many private clubs looking for members. Lets face it if your joining a private club then you are obviously looking to play more golf, so choose to play on a great golf course.

Segregansett Country Club has a rich history dating back to 1893 and is the fourth oldest established golf club in Massachusetts. The original 9-hole course was redesigned to its present 18-hole layout by Geoffrey Cornish in the 70’s. The course is

just less than 6700 yards and is a par 72 rated 73.3 at a slope of 133 from the blue tees.

Segregansett is a players club with a wonderful layout a range and also a short game practice facility. There is pro shop a full clubhouse with locker rooms, saunas and a gym for members. There is also a full service restaurant and function facility with a great outdoor deck and dinning area overlooking the course. The staff is friendly and helpful as are the members at the club. There is never a problem finding a game or getting out to play, and there are plenty of club run tournaments for all levels of players.

Beginning March 1st new members can

Segregansett Country Club offers innovating 2015-2016 membership special and continues its “Member for a Day” Program through the year in 2015 “New Member Program is only Available for a Limited Time” Join Now to be Locked in for Golf Until July 2016 Call Segregansett CC at 508-824-9110

New Membership Special for 2015-2016

Single $2950 March 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Family $3200 March 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Young Adult 21-29 $1500 March 1,2015 - June 30, 2016 Mid Adult 30-35 $2100 March1,2015 - June 30,2016 For more information on memberships contact Gary Palmer at GARYL53@verizon.net or call @ 508-942-5873 or call the main office at the club at 508-824-9110 For tee-times contact Rob Baxter at 508-824-9144 mynegm.com/tauntongolf

join the club for $2950.00 that would cover their membership fee the full year in 2015 and to July 1st in 2016.

Aside from being the best deal in golf in the region for a private club member the new members on this program are exempt from monthly assessment fees and only are required to pay monthly food minimum of $55.00, the MGA handicap fee of $40.00 yearly and locker fee of $35.00 yearly.

Segregansett is also offering a full Family Membership for $3200.00 and new lev-

els of Young Adult Memberships, 21-29 at $1500.00 and 30-35 at $2100.00 that offer full playing privileges.

Segregansett will continue to offer its “ Member for a Day” program, which will allow single players, groups and families to enjoy the club for a day and meet some of the members and the staff.

Weekday tee times are available for only $40.00 with a cart and $50.00 weekends.

The program will be extended throughout the 2015 season.

Come Play one of New Englands Best Kept Golf Secrets “ Seggy”

Segregansett Mondays Spring Golf Special Member for a Day Mondays | $37.50 18 Holes With Cart Same Day or Advanced Tee Times Available Groups Included Call The Pro Shop @ 508-824-9144 Member For A Day Pricing for 2015 | Weekdays $40.00 Weekends $50.00 All MFAD Guest Includes Access to Club House for Food & Beverages

PUBLIC GOLF

Ponkapoag Golf Course

HAS OLYMPIC DREAMS

by Tom Gorman

CANTON – When you think of championship golf played in the Bay State a few courses rise to the top of the list – Pleasant Valley, Nashawtuc, The Country Club, TPC Norton, Blue Hill CC, Salem CC, The International, Granite Links and Ferncroft County Club. With varying degrees of success, all have hosted a professional golf tournament. Unlike Beth Page Park in New York, the two state-owned courses are in disrepair, and, until now, you never hear of public courses mentioned in the mix.

With the right amount of money, marketing and an expert team of golf advisers, the Bay State may soon be adding another impressive chapter of golf lore to its 120-year old history.

After all the adoration, attention and braggadocio of hosting a championship tournament, there is a down side for the private club involved. First, it’s an inconvenience to paying members; then there is the onslaught of unruly fans trampling precious landscape for seven consecutive days; pros will pulverize the golf course and range; a mandatory requirement is ample space to host corporate tents; then you have transportation logistics and parking issues for players, fans, media and volunteers. In short, it is a very complicated planning process, which requires attention to detail!

A topic of daily conversation on everyone’s tongue presently is “Will Boston be chosen as host city for the 2024 Summer Olympic games?” That official decision will arrive in August 2017, but if you’re a golfer, you speculate on one thing: How do I get a ticket to the Olympic golf games? Who cares where they play,

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real golfers will want to be there to see and feel the action. We love our golf in the Bay State, and as they say in ‘Field of Dreams’ “If you built it they will come.”

Expect the 2024 Summer Olympic golf games in Boston to be golf pallapoluza, like nothing golf in the Bay State has ever experienced, or will ever see again. It’s guaranteed to get crazy with about 35 countries sporting a maximum of four-man teams competing for Olympic gold. The top 60 players in men’s and women’s will compete individually in 72-hole stroke play competition with a country limited to the four best players in world ranking. Who can forget the wild celebration after Justin Leonard holed a 60-foot putt on the 15th green at TCC in the 1999 Ryder Cup? Golf memories are made here and golf aficionados will turn out in the tens of thousands, so the host course had best be prepared.

This leads us to the premise of this article.

What Boston area course is able, capable and available, and has the courage to host such a strange golf phenomenon such as the Olympic golf games?

With momentum building for the start of the 2015 golf season NEGM polled many major players in the golf industry, local and national, about Ponkapoag Golf Course being considered as the future site to host the Olympic golf games. The response was overwhelmingly positive. All liked the idea, but most included a disclaimer, that to be viable it needed many immediate improvements to the property .

For those not familiar with the public course

PUBLIC GOLF affectionately known as “Ponky,” it is owned and maintained by the Commonwealth under the direction and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The facility is almost 80 years old with two 18-hole courses, a 200-acre pond and about 800 acres adjacent to the Blue Hill Reservation in Canton. Ponkapoag Director of Golf Joseph Leary promises to reopen nine holes in September that have been closed for reparations.

The New England Golf Guide offers this description of Ponkapaog GC Course No. 1 “A great design by Donald Ross suffering from neglect. Rustic.” Course No. 2 states “A great design suffering from neglect. Playing here is roughing it. Don’t bring new clubs.”

So why is this municipal, what some refer to as “cow pasture” worthy of Olympic consideration? Are 60 of the best men and women players in the world, representing about 35 countries, ready to grip it and rip it for 72-holes of stroke play competition at Ponky? That’s what we asked the experts and here is a sampling of answers.

Karen Polito – (Lt. Governor- MA) “From what I know of Ponkapoag, I think it would be a great location to host a large golf event. It’s state-owned land and near the city and it has great potential.”

Larry Kelley – (President NEPGA) “If Ponkapoag hosts the Olympic golf games, then that event would certainly be another revolutionary chapter in golf in Massachusetts, which we know already has an impressive golf history.

The event would not be as earthshattering as say the Francis Ouimet story, but it will change the way public golf is viewed in Massachusetts.

There are a lot of pluses for Ponky to step up and get into the mix of courses being considered.”

Jesse Menachem – (Executive Director of the MGA) “Wow, what a great opportunity and great story that would be if Ponkapoag is chosen. The face of public golf in Massachusetts will change for the better. Ponkapoag has a reputation of being a no-frills, everyman’s course that everyone has played at some point in their life. With the right combination of improvements to the course, I think it’s possible.”

Michael Higgins – (Executive Director NEPGA) “If Ponkapoag hosts the Olympic golf games in 2024, now that’s story worth talking about! The NEPGA is holding its fall pro-pro

tournament at Ponkapoag as a testament to it reopening its 9 new holes. From all the courses we have to choose from, playing there is something we all look forward to. Do I think it’s possible? Yes.” Gil Hanse – (World class golf course designer who designed the Rio deJaneiro, Brazil course, site of the 2016 Summer Olympic golf program) “I will be happy to schedule a walking tour of Ponkapoag in the spring when I visit Boston. I have familiarity with that area, but not specifically Ponkapoag. That is something I will look forward to when I am in Boston again. Let’s set it up.”

Ron Garl – (Golf course designer with over 250 world-wide projects) “There are so many great golf courses in Massachusetts with a unique history, and that includes some public courses like Ponkapoag. If invited, I will certainly be glad to offer my professional opinion on what improvements Ponkapoag should make to be considered an Olympic site golf course.”

Jimmy Noris - (Dedham Country & Polo Club head pro & former president of the NEPGA) “I think there is a wonderful story to tell if Ponkapoag is chosen as the host golf course for the 2024 Olympic golf games. There’s work to done on the course to be set up for the first-of-its-kind international event, but I think it can be accomplished, and I would support the idea.”

Michael Fleming – (Ponkapoag golf professional) “This would be a dream come true. And aren’t the Olympics made for heroes and for dreams coming true?”

Tom Gorman, a Boston-based golf writer, has been in the golf-writing business for 23 years.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 33

Spectacular course layout…

Exceptional Clubhouse design…

Overwhelmingly unique experience.

For $10 OFF Your Next Round email golf@shakerhills.com (one offer per email address)

CONTACT US AT:

Now Booking • Golf Outings • Corporate Events

• Weddings • Banquets

978-772-3330 www.ShakerHills.com

The Associate Pool & Golf Membership allows the entire family to enjoy membership at the pool and one designated family member special golf privileges.

508-376-2978 | TheGlenCC.com 84 Orchard St. Millis, MA 02054 April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35

CELEBRITY GOLFER // BY LEIGH MCKAY

Charlie Rymer A Georgia Tech graduate and former touring pro, Charlie Rymer keeps Golf Channel’s popular Morning Drive in high gear. With his sharp wit, golf insight, and affable demeanor, the co-host brings as much entertainment to the show as he does information.

Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1967, he won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 1985, and he received the first Robert Tyre Jones Scholarship at Georgia Tech, named for the Tech alumnus and golf’s greatest amateur player. At Tech, Charlie won five collegiate events and twice achieved All-American status.

As a pro, Charlie had a first and second on the Nike Tour and qualified for the PGA TOUR in 1995, where his best finish was a third and his best money-list finish was at 103. His short list of accomplishments during his five-year professional career prompted Charlie’s good friend David Feherty to remark on air, “Charlie Rymer is the best seven handicap to ever play on the PGA TOUR.” Therefore, in 1998, with Feherty’s help, he traded in his spikes for the microphone and started working as a commentator for ESPN, joining Golf Channel in 2008.

Charlie and his wife Carol now live in the Orlando area with their two boys, Charlie Duke, 18, and Hayden, 16.

When I asked Charlie what he considers his major responsibility at Golf Channel, he immediately replied, “To keep everyone around here laughing.”

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So, with that in mind here’s the latest Rymer Reason!

NEGM: How did you become a co-host of Morning Drive?

CR: When I first joined Golf Channel, I was the utility guy and filled many roles. When Morning Drive was about to be launched [in January, 2011], however, I thought, “That show’s perfect for me.” But I was not part of the original team. When I heard two years later that Morning Drive was to undergo a format change, I went to Executive Producer Molly Solomon. Now, I’m not normally aggressive by nature, but I said, “Molly, you’re crazy if you don’t put me on this show! I want to do this show!” Well, she looked at me as if I were the crazy one, but she gave me a shot.

NEGM: You graduated from Georgia Tech in 1991.

What was your major?

CR: Industrial management—if you need any big industry managed, I’m your guy! If you were an athlete when I went to Tech, you could be an architect or an engineer, or you were put in IM, as I was. I was a good student in high school, but at a school like Tech, where the average SAT score was 1400, I was really challenged.

NEGM: What do you remember about your experience at Georgia Tech?

CR: I wouldn’t say it was an enjoyable experience. Those of us who “got out”—we didn’t use the term graduated—agreed that

CELEBRITY GOLFER Tech was an interesting, demanding school.

The academics pushed you; the golf program pushed you. It was a lot of hard work on both ends. I could have gone to places where I wouldn’t have been pushed so hard, but I am glad I went there.

away from it all, but it was not too far away from Atlanta and the airport. Great Waters is my favorite course on the lake, but all the courses at Reynolds are special.

NEGM: Did you get to play Augusta National?

CR: First of all, about New England, I love Cape Cod and the lobster rolls, the fried clams, and the “chowda.” OK, two golf courses in particular are Wannamoisett, where I played in the Northeast Amateur, and Rhode Island CC. Two other courses are National Golf Links [on Long Island], which is like playing in a living museum and my home golf course, The Honors Course, near Chattanooga.

CR: I got to play Augusta National each year—one of my all-time favorite courses— with members who were Georgia Tech alums.

Always a great day, but to tell you the truth, I was overwhelmed by the whole process.

NEGM: Did you enjoy your life as a professional?

CR: When I played well, it was fun. But it just wasn’t fun often enough. What I discovered was that, when I wasn’t playing good golf, I turned into somebody who I wasn’t. What I discovered was that, when golf is your whole world, you tend to equate how you feel about yourself with how you perform on the golf course.

NEGM: How did you get into golf on television?

CR: I knew my days as a touring pro were numbered so I became interested in the broadcasting end. I’d sit in the CBS production truck after playing my round and watch the leaders on the show. I was fascinated by what I saw and men like producer Lance Barrow, David Feherty, Peter Kostis, Bill Macatee, and Gary McCord were really helpful in assisting my transition.

NEGM: You set the course record at Great Waters when you were the touring pro at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee.

CR: I’m glad you brought that up! I shot 61 there, and I think the score still holds up. Yes, I lived at Reynolds during those years and really enjoyed the entire Lake Oconee area, just a perfect little pocket for golf. I enjoyed Reynolds because in that rural setting I could get

NEGM: What are your two favorite courses in New England? Two in the rest of the country?

NEGM: Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period?

CR: My stepdad Jim McBride, Vince Gill, and Arnold Palmer.

A fivesome with Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead.

NEGM: How would you like your work as a cohost of Morning Drive to be perceived by the viewers?

CR: That’s a pretty simple answer for me: (1) That guy, he’s got a passion for the game. (2) That guy enjoys his job.

NEGM: What is something that your viewers wouldn’t know about you but you will shares with them now?

CR: When I’m away from the studio and my job, I try to disengage myself from the world of golf and try to lead a normal life, a civilian life.

I don’t want the job to consume me—as much as I love it—and the job doesn’t define who I am as a husband and a father. There are other things I do that are more important.

NEGM: Who’s your pick to win the Masters? Others to watch?

CR: Bubba. Then Rory, Henrik, Phil, Jordan, and Rickie.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37

TWO GOOD ROUNDS // BY ELISA GAUDET

Sheila Johnson

The passion and vision Sheila Johnson, owner of Salamander Resort properties, possesses goes well beyond golf and business.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Fla., is the fact that Innisbrook is owned by one of world’s most dynamic female entrepreneurs. The co-founder of the BET network, Sheila Johnson also has a stake in three sports teams - the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals - and is the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. In addition to Innisbrook, the Salamander golf portfolio includes Reunion Resort and Hammock Beach Resort in Florida. Johnson also has her hands in movie producing and designing her own line of scarves, the Sheila Johnson Collection.

Combined, the three properties offer nine golf courses, with the best-known the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook. This par-71, 7,340-yard beauty is home to the Valspar Championship.

Also at Innisbrook are courses called Island, North and South. Reunion Resort in Orlando has three courses designed by famous golfers named Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus and is home to the Annika Academy. Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast offers two layouts: Conservatory and, most notably, Ocean.

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Johnson is a dynamic and fascinating woman constantly on the go with her many diverse interests and passions. While she does not have a great deal of time to golf she picks up a club now and then. Her favorite course is Copperhead, designed by architect Larry Packard, who describes it as the “ultimate test of fair.”

Given her great accomplishments and contributions to golf Sheila was featured in my latest book, “Two Good Rounds TITANS- Leaders in Industry & Golf.” Here are a few thoughts offered

by Johnson, including her best golf memory, business experience and tips, and her first visit to the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club.

Best Golf Memory: “During the first two days (of the Masters), I was with Condoleezza Rice and watched the reverence with which people hold her. I also got to go in and out of the clubhouse. But, on the third and fourth days, I had to walk through the back gate like everyone else and briskly walk to my favorite hole to place my chair.”

How are Golf and Business Related?: “While the game of golf is a big business in its own right, it is the mechanism that the game provides which sets it apart. Where else can you spend a casual four hours in the company of a client, and alternate so effortlessly between business discussions?”

Best Business Tip you Received or Would Give: “Surround yourself with people you can trust. It’s taken me a long time to have people in my life who allow me compartmentalize. Whatever the

TWO GOOD ROUNDS issue, I know certain people within my circle will give me some alternative suggestions – from close friends to business partners to industry experts to educators; it can be anybody. I go to these people when I need advice.”

How Did you get Started in your Career?: “I now consider myself to be in the ‘third act’ of my life. My ‘first act’ was as a music teacher.

My ‘second act’ was to co-found Black Entertainment Television and develop communityminded programs. Now, I own a luxury resort company and am a partner in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns Washington’s Wizards, Capitals and Mystics.”

Greatest Business Achievement/Biggest Deal: “Without a doubt, opening Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va., in August 2013 was my greatest business achievement. It took 11 years from concept to completion, and involved me overcoming opposition to the project.”

What Advice Would you give your 20-year-old Self?: “It is a privilege to be asked for advice. I always tell people to accept the challenges

that come your way, meet them head on and use those experiences to succeed. Make sure you are keeping company with other successful people that you admire and from whom you can learn. Then, once you have succeeded, support those in similar circumstances in which you once found yourself.”

Favorite 19th hole Drink: “I enjoy a Grey Goose on the rocks with a twist.”

The name sake for Johnson’s company, Salamander, was inspired by a property Johnson purchased from Mr. Bruce Sundlun, a war hero, successful businessman and leading politician.

During WWII he evaded capture and was given the code name “Salamander” after the amphibian that can mythically walk through fire.

Johnson discovered that for centuries the salamander has symbolized strength, courage and fortitude - traits with which she has identified throughout her personal and business life.

To Purchase Two Good Rounds Titans is available on www.amazon.com / www.bn.com / www.twogoodrounds.com

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39

EVERYTHING’S HOTTER IN VEGAS AND WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER

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MOLORI UNPLUGGED

Unicorns, Show Ponies, Super Bowls, and Golf!

Scott Zolak, has become a Boston sports media folk hero. The Pittsburgh native was drafted by the Patriots out of the University of Maryland in 1991. He spent the next 8 seasons as a backup and spot-starting quarterback known as much for his personality as his passing prowess.

After short stints with the Jets and Dolphins, Zolak retired in 1999 and used his personality to embark on a New England media career. Now the successor to Gino Cappelletti in the Patriots’ broadcast booth and co-host of “Zolak and Bertrand,” weekdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Zolak’s scratchy-voiced game calls and blunt opinions have become a favorite of local fans and national networks alike.

Zolak’s first love, the gridiron, gave him the entrée into his second sports love, golf. “We would play in the off season on Tuesdays,” says the 47-year-old Zolak. “We made friends with Titleist, a local company, and we’d hook up with those guys. I play mostly in tournaments now.”

Many of these tournaments take place at some of Zolak’s favorite local courses including New England Country Club, Wentworth Hills, Pocasset Country Club, The Brookside Club, and Shining Rock.

On the field and behind the microphone, Zolak is known for his playful ebullience. Fittingly, he does not waste much heavy thinking on golf. “I do not take it seriously,” says the man who completed 124 of 248 passes for 1,314 yards with 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and

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a passer rating of 64.8 in 55 NFL games.

“Golf is simply a hobby on a nice day. I enjoy the game, but if I have the choice of going on a boat or to the beach, I’d choose the boat or beach 10 out of 10 times.”

The 2014 Patriots season did not begin as a day at the beach, but certainly ended quite sunny. Zolak reflects on the team’s Super Bowl winning season. “The schedule was the highlight, with no cupcake games, and the signing of Darrelle Revis was crucial.

“The most fun was probably the Baltimore playoff game when they were down twice and came back to win. That was the first time ever I’ve felt the booth and the stadium shaking. Calling the games is the next closest thing to playing.

You can tell I get pretty emotional. There were so many times I shook (broadcast partner) Bob Socci.

Man, it was fun, a great ride.”

A regular-guy duffer, Zolak recalls an oddly successful moment on the course. He relates, “The worst shot I ever had was a par 3. I used a choke

MOLORI UNPLUGGED

down on a 7 iron and skulled the ball into a boulder.

It hits a tree and rolls back like 3 feet to our pin. It was a terrible shot, but I came closest to the pin. It was truly a Happy Gilmore moment!”

Not surprisingly, Zolak does bring some mischief to the course. He wryly explains, “There is nothing like playing behind Joe Weekend Guy with two gloves on, taking a swing, getting out a viewfinder, taking more swings, and then shanking his shot. I’ll hit into their group. That’s how they know to get moving. I like a fast game.”

Zolak also enjoys using golf to help others, especially those causes close to his heart. “My daughter has Type 1 diabetes, so I’ll get involved with anything to do with JDRF.org. The Sports Hub tournament with Tony Massarotti and the pediatric hospital that he supports is very dear to me as well. Anything that helps out kids, those are the ones that get you.”

John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players.” Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia.

Email molorimedia@aol.com

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 43

TOUR SNAPSHOT // BY JACK ROSS

THE RITES OF SPRING AT AUGUSTA Public Golf Editorial

The big news going into last year’s Masters Tournament was the demise of the Eisenhower Tree, which guarded the left side of the 17th fairway and snared so many of the former president’s tee shots that he lobbied to have it removed. This year, the lead story is the demise of Tiger Woods. As of mid-March, the four-time champion had not committed to play at Augusta pending a satisfactory rehabilitation of his game.

But just as the 17th hole has survived the loss of the tree, the Masters would survive the loss of Woods.

The tournament, conducted over the exquisitely manicured grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club famous for its dogwoods, forsythia, and azaleas that seem synchronized to bloom at tournament time, has always epitomized the rites of spring.

Most touring professionals consider the Masters to be the most revered event of the year, given the mystique and traditions surrounding the tournament. It is the only major that is played at the same venue every year. Gary Player once remarked about Magnolia Lane, the stately driveway that leads to the clubhouse: “The Masters is the only tournament I ever knew where you choke when you drive through the front gate.”

CBS has televised the Masters since the 1950s, but for decades was restricted to showing only the back nine. Although all 18 holes are now televised, any Masters fan will tell you that it is still only the back nine that matters. The drama on Sunday begins to build at the legendary Amen Corner, consisting of the par-4 11th hole, the par-3 12th hole, and the par-5 13th hole.

Players who attack a hole location on the left side of the green on the 505-yard 11th hole risk finding the menacing water hazard on the front left of the hole. Club selection on the 155-yard 12th hole is often complicated by swirling breezes which are best judged by the flag on the 11th green. A ball striking the steep bank in front of the green almost surely will trickle into Rae’s Creek (Fred Couples was

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once miraculously spared from this fate.)

The dogleg left 510-yard 13th hole is easily reachable in two for most players, but once again errant shots may find Rae’s Creek, which meanders along the left side of the hole before cutting in front of the green. Two-putts are hardly routine for balls finding the back of the green, which slopes steeply from back to front with huge swales.

The 465-yard 18th hole is one of the classic closing holes in golf. Players must negotiate a narrow chute of trees on the tee shot to a dogleg right fairway.

The approach shot up a steep hill to a small green is a severe test for a player in need of a birdie.

Players to watch at this year’s Masters include Rory McIlroy, the number one player in the world, and of course Woods if he is in the field for the first time since withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open in late January. Can Bubba Watson repeat as champion? Two younger players who might make a move for a green jacket are Jordan Spieth, winner of the Valspar Championship, and Patrick Reed, who has been consistently playing at a top level this year.

But don’t count out a couple of older players who perennially play well at Augusta: Angel Cabrera and Couples. Freddie will almost surely dazzle the patrons with his magical putting touch on Thursday and Friday, but has had trouble sustaining his play through the weekend. And, as we all know, the tournament doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday.

Joey D Golf Big Sticks ½ | Broken Tee ½

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TEAM NEW ENGLAND | BY STEVE RIGGS

Team New England Update: Top 10 Players for April 2015 With all the talented players representing Team New England on various professional tours and many upcoming amateur venues, the result will be the Top 10 players for TNE as they compete regionally, nationally and internationally.

Team New England Player of Month Brad Adamonis Cumberland, RI Brad’s performance on the Minor League Golf Tour in south Florida since mid October, (matching the start of the PGA Tour’s 2014-15 season), is impressive. He has competed in 26 events playing 29 rounds. Brad has posted an impressive 12 rounds in the 60s including a 64 and two 66s. He has 5 wins, 4-2nds, 16 Top-10 and 22 Top 25 finishes. PGA Tour players including 2015 Phoenix Open champion Brooks Koepka, TNE’s Jon Curran, Daniel Burger and others have competed on the Minor League Tour. It gives veteran players like Adamonis a way to keep his game sharp on his journey back to the PGA Tour.

On The PGA Tour Jon Curran, (MA) is playing well in his rookie PGA Tour season and his statistics convey that. A scoring average of 71.024 is a direct reflection of his numbers. Not a long hitter, (198th), Curran is 28th in Driving Accuracy and 69th in GIR, (Greens in Regulation). Having made 6 cuts in 13 starts, Jon has earned $555,322 and is ranked 62nd on the money list through the Valspar Championship.

The 28 year old from Hopkinton is making his mark on the PGA Tour.

Keegan Bradley, (VT) remains our most recognizable player for TNE on the PGA Tour with a scoring average of 71.072. Having made 6 cuts in 7 starts through the Valspar Championship Bradley has earned $504,289. Ranked 15th in Driving Distance, his Driving Accuracy rank is 117th with a GIR ranking of 140th and an overall Putting Average of 170th. I can report at this writing, through 3 rounds of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Keegan’s statistics reflect solid improvement as he prepares for the Masters coming up in just a few weeks.

Scott Stallings, (MA) posts a scoring average of 71.581 through the Valspar. Scott, in defense of his 2014 Farmers Insurance Open finished T-2nd after a playoff earlier this season.

Making 8 cuts in 10 starts with earnings of $822,963, Scott has become a consistent top TNE player. With up and down performance numbers, perhaps matching his outwardly relaxed persona on the inside might just yield improved his core stats. That said we may see Stallings in the FED EX PLAYOFF finals this year for the first time.

J.J. Henry, (CT) could be considered TNE’s elder statesman having been on the PGA Tour consistently since his full time debut in 2001. Henry found himself on the outside of the all important money list number of 125 for the first time in 14 years only to play himself back via the Web.Com Tour playoffs in the Fall of 2014. A scoring average of 71.279 finds Henry making 8 cuts in 12 starts earning $245,599 with statistics indicative of a player on a mission to improve. We wish J.J. continued success.

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TEAM NEW ENGLAND

On The Champions Tour Billy Andrade, (RI) is off to a great start as he takes on the second season of his Champions Tour quest after taking time away from competition to work on the CVS Charity Classic for a few years. Billy is back and playing quite well. His rookie year generated earnings of $747,435 in 2014. A scoring average of 71.50 after two events this year and Andrade has earned $23,504 and at this writing is in the thick of the hunt at the third Champions Tour event, the Tucson Conquistadores Classic. Billy’s statistics look very good as the season gets underway.

The European Tour Peter Uihlein, (MA) finds himself struggling in his third full season on the European Tour. A scoring average of 70.35 may be good in the U.S. but not in Europe. Peter’s Driving Accuracy is at 41.43%. While his GIR percentage has improved to74.44% his putts per round has slipped to 30. Peter, 2013 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, is hanging tough on a much more demanding program in the European Tour. With his talent I am anxious to see Uihlein put in a full season on the PGA Tour soon.

LPGA AND Symetra Alison Walshe, (MA) is ranked 70th in Driving Distance on the LPGA Tour but ranked 112th when it comes to Driving Accuracy. A steadily consistent player, Walshe is ranked 62nd with a scoring average of 72.83 and a GIR rank of 70th. Alison’s earnings thus far in 2015 are $58,151 putting her in 32nd position on the LPGA Tour’s money list.

Rookie of the year in 2010, Walshe has been stuck in the middle of the tour’s pack for the past few years. It is all there and Alison only needs a top finish. At this level of play, a little confidence can go a long way.

Brittany Altomare, (VT) remains our TNE standout on the Symetra Tour.

Altomare’s scoring average after three events is 72.333 ranking her 15th with earnings of $3,913 generating an overall ranking of 13th on the Symetra Tour’s money list. With a putting rank of 4th, once TNE’s top Symetra player improves her Driving Distance stats, her GIR rank of 95th will improve. This may well be the Vermont native’s break out year.

TNE Top Amateur to watch in 2015 Megan Khang, Rockland, MA finds herself one of the most sought after, uncommitted young players in America. Ranked No. 5 in Golfweek’s class of 2015, Khang is still weighing her collegiate options. As reported in last month’s NEGM, Khang, 17, captured a division title in the Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic winning the 16-18 year old division by an amazing 14 shots with scores of 73, 70, 72 for a total of 215.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 47

THE BENRUS OPEN AT THE PRESERVE Public Golf Editorial

The Greatest Day in Golf

By Paul Kenyon

The Benrus Open at The Preserve, an event that will be televised on NESN, which is being coined as the “Greatest Day In Golf” – features over $20 million in cash and prizes. Each tee shot on the 18-hole par 3 course configuration comes with one breathtaking opportunity after another for golfers to win $1 million for scoring a hole-in-one. This event is a true open, no handicap required and open to all players; men, women, professionals, amateurs, and non-PGA professionals. The professionals will be vying for a guaranteed one-day purse of $100,000, with $25,000 going to the winner. To run a one day tournament for such a large purse and have all these incredible hole in one prizes is so different, that it is not surprising that this event is attracting amateurs from all handicap groups (+3 to 30), PGA professionals from all over the country, mini tour players and even some Senior PGA Tour players. `The course has been designed so that players can use every club in their bag, with holes back to 265 yards,’’ Mihailides pointed out.

Using about 50 acres of the several hundred acres now on the property (the club is looking to acquire even more land in the future), the basic course is an impressive layout. The property features many dramatic elevation changes that make for picturesque short holes.

The elevation changes are less of a factor and figure to make for a more playable course while preserving the gorgeous views on so much of

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the property.

What makes this property unique is not only the hybrid golf experience, (you can play it as an 18-hole course or a par 34, 9-hole course), but the other activities that are also offered on the same grounds. There are not many golfing facilities that offer zip line experiences with drops of more than 140 feet, snow sledding areas with hills more than 100 feet high, miles of mountain biking trails, six ponds stocked with six different types of fish, and a rock climbing area. The Preserve has all that, and plenty more. Walking trails, ATV riding, bird hunting, hiking, sledding, swimming, tennis and snowmobiling all are among some of the activities offered.

The idea is so different that it likely would not work at a public facility where someone pays money, then wants to be able to tell friends what his score was. ``But at a private facility where there are so many things to do, so many ways to enjoy yourself, we think it is an idea that will work,’’ McNeil said. Mihailides loved his interaction with McNeil and Mario Poirier from NMP Golf of Canada. Mihailides stated, “This is the best golf development team I have worked with,” Mihailides, a career developer, who has done more than most. “I have been very fortunate to do the things I truly enjoy, most of them with my family, which comes first. Much of the canvas I’ve dreamed of has become a reality,” he added. From his involvement with Foxwoods to the development of high-speed yachts, golf

and hunting adventures, Mihailides will certainly make an interesting grandfather.

And then there are the animals, big ones.

The always animated Mihailides becomes even more excited when he speaks about perhaps the most unusual aspect of all. There will be animals roaming the property, not just the deer and other wildlife native to the area, but bison, elk and several types of sheep, as well. ``The Preserve at Boulder Hills is the perfect escape from everyday life,’’ Mihailides said. ``Here, you can visit as frequently or as infrequently as you like, on a whim or a planned golf outing. One of the luxuries of this property is that it is always waiting for you to come take your next adventure.’’

The sections of the course not in play will be maintained as heather and fescue to provide grazing land for the animals as well as give the course a European feel. The plan is that while the animals will be fenced in on the property, they will be allowed to roam free, including at the golf course. Mihailides has a picture in his mind of what he would love to see. ``What we’d be able to have is to have someone lining up a shot to a high plateau

framed by rock outcroppings and meadow grass. As he gets ready to hit, he looks up and sees a group of bison come walking across his path so he has to wait to take in the view,’’ Mihailides said.

Other amenities golfers like also will be included. A 19th golf hole has been built as a practice area. It is a pretty par-3 directly behind the clubhouse and adjacent to an area that eventually will become a large swimming pool. The clubhouse is filled with stuffed heads of animals, each that has another adventure story from Mihailides.

Mihailides is excited that Phase One is coming to an end and is looking forward to people enjoying what he has created. It is a legacy for a lifetime, something to pass on when you are gone. Not just another building or bridge; Mihailides has constructed a unique place where people will be able to call their own and have what he calls “Serenity Now.” If you’d like to inquire about membership, please contact Troy Pare, PGA at 401-539-4653. If you’d like to register for The Benrus Open, please go to our website, www.thebenrusopen.com.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 49

BAGS & CARTS 2015

by Paul Mignosa

The game of golf has many pleasures that come with the sport. Whether you are with a group of friends chatting it up about the latest tour event, member tournaments, with your son or daughter teaching them the game or just taking in the beautiful landscapes and sounds of the course. One way to truly observe nature’s masterpiece is to walk the course during your round. Walking the course is one of life’s true pleasures and is good for your health, good for the course’s health and good for the games health. Below are some great Push Carts and Carry Bags for you walkers as well as Cart Bags for those of you who enjoy the pleasure of riding in a cart.

Alphard

The Alphard Duo Cart Evolution is a new edition to the Duo Cart family. It has an external putter well that caters to large grip clubs. Like all Duo Carts, the clever integration of cart and bag makes it extremely compact and it takes just seconds for a complete set up. The new and improved main lath locking system coupled with the hydraulic assisted back wheel system make folding and unfolding a breeze.

The Evolution comes with 9 pockets including an insulated cooler pocket, 14 way full length dividers, height and angle adjustments, detachable skins, handle operated braking system and an accessory tray and mesh storage net. The Evolution comes in three color schemes. $379.95

Bag Boy

C3 Push Cart - The C3 line has an easy one-step handle adjustment to accommodate golfers of all heights, has an extra deep scorecard holder that has a golf ball storage and smart phone holder, oversized storage bag, integrated beverage holder, umbrella holder and tee and ball marker holder. The C3 can be folded in three-steps for compact storage and weights only 15lbs. The C3 will make your walk far more enjoyable and far less exhausting. $219.95 Quad Plus Push Cart - The Quad Plus offers a lightweight, weather resistant aluminum frame with 9.5” front and 11.5” rear oversized, maintenance free wheels that will cut through wet grass with ease and with it’s handle mounted parking brake, your cart will never run off on you again. The Quad Plus has a new and improved oversized scorecard holder, oversized storage bag, new integrated beverage holder, tee, ball marker and umbrella holders. The Quad Plus can be folded for east storage and transportation. $239.95

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ClicGear

Model 3.5+ The Clicgear 3.5+ is Clicgear’s 4th generation of finely engineered 3-wheel pushcarts. Using oversized aircraft aluminum tubing and powder coated finish, the Model 3.5+ weighs in at just 18 lbs. The oversized Maintenance Free tires create a smooth ride. The Model 3.5+ includes a Positive Lock Brake, Oversized Storage Net (50% larger than previous nets), Large Cup Holder, Updated Bag Strap System and Improved Umbrella Storage Bracket. Still measuring at 13” x 15” x 23”, the 3.5+ is the original compact pushcart. $220.00 Model 8 - The Clicgear Model 8.0 is very unique. The Model 8.0 features the new and patented 4XFOLD™ technology that allows all four wheels to fold, making for ultimate compaction. This also allowed for the front wheels to open wider for greater stability. Two major design improvements on four-wheel cart design include dual front brakes and dual front wheel alignment.

The Model 8.0 is one of the best-looking Push Carts we have seen in a while. $250.00 Accessories: Clicgear offers many accessories that come in handy during your round. A few of our favorites are: The Mitts makes playing golf on cold days much more comfortable by keeping your hands warm and dry between shots. The GPS Holder is designed to install in the standard umbrella mount on your Clicgear cart and securely hold your GPS unit while on the course. The Steering Knob is designed to make turning or steering your cart much easier. The Shoe Brush clips on easily to the standard wheel strut for easy shoe cleaning. Heavy nylon reinforced plastic, with sturdy bristles for cleaning cleats or clubs.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 51

TINKERS NEST

Datrek

Go Lite Pro - The lightweight Go Lite Pro is engineered for the walking or riding golfer. This full-feature bag is equipped with a 14-way mesh padded organizer top with full-length individual dividers, Ergonomic padded double shoulder straps for walking comfort, 5 total pockets, Insulated beverage sleeve, fleece lined valuables pocket, nylon material, Towel ring and Velcro® glove holder and weights only 5lbs. The fact that a 14-way divider stand bag can weigh only 5 lbs with everything else it provides is impressive. This lightweight bag may not be the flashiest but it certainly is an all-around performer where it matters most- on the course. $159.95 Lite Rider - The ultra-lightweight sporty Lite Rider cart bag features a14-way organizer top with full-length individual dividers, soft-grip oversized putter well integrated into organizer top, 7 total pockets provide ample storage including a large ball pocket and fleece lined valuables pocket, oversized insulated cooler pocket, cart strap loop, bag bottom with rubberized feet for stability, 2 large apparel pockets, umbrella holder, rain hood and weights under 5 lbs. If you prefer a cart bag to a stand bag, check into the Datrek Lite Rider when choosing your next bag.

This bag has it all. The Lite Rider is available in 8 different color combinations with embroidering available from Datrek for an additional charge. $179.95

Golfer Pal

EasyPal - The EasyPal is the world’s first electric folding golf trolley. The true highlight of the cart is its one touch button, zero work feature. Just simply press and the cart opens for you, and you’re ready for the course in seconds! The Easy Pal has said to be proved to be easier to push and run farther with the same amount of force applied than of similar brands. That is because the angle of the frame is designed to distribute the weight of the bag across all four wheels. You put less effort into tilting, pivoting and pushing the cart. This, coupled with the four large wheels allows the EasyPal to run smoothly on any terrain.

The cart comes with a lightweight, rechargeable 12V lithium ion battery weighing 0.4 lbs. The battery will last up to 25 rounds, which equates to nearly 6 months of regular play. It also comes with the standard console, scorecard holder, cup holder, umbrella holder and brake. The EasyPal easily packs all of these features into a compact size of 26.4”x15.75”x11.5”, smaller than the majority of carts on the market. $279.99

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TINKERS NEST

Molhimawk

Shamrock Stand Bag- Molhimawk’s concept of bridging the gap between old and new is the nucleus of their culture. Made for the dapper golfer preserving the integrity of classic patterns, without sacrificing flare. Molhimawk is a licensee of Loudmouth Golf offering the best and brightest in Loudmouth’s most popular patterns. Say hello to their new Loudmouth Shamrock golf bag line. The Stand Bags feature a custom Loudmouth hip pad, Over-sized carry strap with reinforced padding, 6-way dividers, 6 total pockets including velour-lined valuables pocket to keep items safe and secure, Rain hood keeps items dry in wet conditions weighting only 5 lbs. High quality, durable, fun and functional designs are the heart and soul of Molhimawk’s product line.

The 2015 catalog offers more than 50 patterns in stand, cart, and staff bag models. Get yours today!! $132.00

Sun Mountain

Reflex Push Cart - Sun Mountain’s newest cart, Reflex is distinguished by its innovative folding method. When open, its wide stance is extremely stable. When closed, it has a small footprint. The deluxe accessory console includes two padded valuables trays, separate storage for golf balls and a beverage holder. The E-Z Latch System simplifies folding and unfolding the cart and adjusting the handles height, which allows the arms and shoulders in their most natural position. This lightweight cart weights under 17lbs and can be folded to 25” X 15” X 11” for easy storage. $259.99 Three 5 Stand Bag - Sun Mountain’s most popular stand bag, the Three 5 is updated for 2015 with a new top which is flared for easier club retrieval, a new score card pocket plus new body styling and colors. Built to carry, the Three 5 golf bag has the patent-pending Auto-Fit Dual Strap System, which is easy to adjust and easy to get on and off. The Three 5 includes seven pockets, including a full-length clothing pocket, beverage pouch, scorecard pocket and a velourlined valuables pocket. The bag can bought in 14 different color options. $199.99

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 53

TINKERS NEST

How Far Is It? GPS’s & Lasers

By Ed Travis

It’s one of those self-evident things that as soon as it’s said, everyone agrees.

The distance from where you are to where the pin is located is important---you have to know which club to hit. And since most amateurs are poor guessers of yardage combined with having an optimistic idea of how far they hit the ball, knowing the correct yardage really is a key to better scoring. Remember the flag stick is where you want the ball to end up not fly to.

New England Golf Monthly took a look at the new GPS and laser distance measuring devices to give our readers a head start in the selection process. Whether you settle on a handheld or wrist watch using GPS technology or a laser rangefinder depends on your preference, the convenience of each and how the price fits your pocketbook.

Bushnell

The latest from Bushnell is the TOUR-X laser ($500) with the ability to toggle between a red display or super crisp black display and provides pin distance out to 450 yards. When the golfer aims the short vibrating bursts are felt to confirm locking on to the proper target. The TOUR X comes with two faceplates--black that conforms to USGA rules disallowing elevation change readings and red that includes slope adjusted distances. Their new NEO Ghost ($100) is a pocket sized, wearable GPS unit that comes preloaded with over 33,000 courses. This unit is super easy to use with front/center/back measurements and up to four hazard distances per hole. Its sister unit the NEO XS ($200) has the same features, however this watch features an odometer and shot distance calculator.

Callaway Golf

The Callaway GPSync watch ($300) displays yardage to front, center and back of the green and to hazards plus shot distance and score keeping functions. The ECLIPSE is a small wearable GPS device with a clip for belt or cap and a 10-12 hour battery life retailing for $200. Both come with over 30,000 courses preloaded. The compact Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder ($280) measures out to 1,000yards with 6x magnification.

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TINKERS NEST

Garmin

The Approach S5 GPS watch really stands out in a crowd. It is slim as wrist distance measuring units go and has a first class high resolution color display. Preloaded with 38,000 courses the S5 ($350) allows touching the screen to create a target and also manually position the pin on the display for better accuracy.

GolfBuddy

The leader of the GPS industry never disappoints us. The new BB5 GPS band ($300) is like nothing on the market. This unit combines fashion with comfort including a time, play and pedometer mode. The BB5 comes preloaded 37,000 courses, measures front/back/middle and is available in two sizes with six color choices. The new WT5 GPS watch ($250) offers all the capabilities of the previous model but on a sleek colorful unit. GolfBuddy also has new laser models the LR5 ($300) and the LR5S ($350). Both offer three scanning modes: normal, scan, and pin modes. A unique feature is the auto shut off after 10 seconds and the ability to access “last used” settings. The LR5S offers the ability to measure slope.

IZZO Golf

There a lot of reasons to like IZZO products and for the new season there are two more with their new (and affordable) GPS devices both loaded with more than 30,000 courses. Swami Sport, at just $80, is slim to fit in a pocket and has an easy to read bright display. The Swami 4000+ ($120) is an update of the 4000 model with a color display, automatic hole advancement and a shot distance measurement feature. IZZO also has a GPS game tracking unit called the Swami GT. Besides keeping score it tracks distances for each club using club tags and suggests what club to hit based on recorded distances. The 2 ½ inch color display is a very nice and so is the price at $200.

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TINKERS NEST

Leupold

Known for their 100 years of optics experience and top quality products, Leupold is showing the GX-1i2 laser distance measuring device with an advanced infrared laser that picks out the pin against most every background. The display is high-contract LCD and there is a very handy “fog mode.� Retail pricing is $300.

Nikon

The Coolshot 40i and Coolshot 40 are brand new and have many of the same features except the 40i measures slope adjusted distance.

Both have 6x lenses and measure out to 650 yards. Pricing for the Coolshot 40 $250 and for the Coolshot 40i $300. They come with 34,000 courses preloaded.

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TINKERS NEST

Tom Tom

The Golfer ($250) watch takes advantage of Tom Tom’s extensive experience making automobile navigation products with this golf specific wrist unit that has a nice readable graphic interface. The distance to lakes, bunkers and other hazards are shown next to their images and the Golfer also shows layup distances in addition to the usual yardages to the front, back and center of the green.

Voice Caddy

The Hybrid Golf Watch T1 ($169) comes with some 30,000 courses preloaded, a scorecard and score history to track your game and a very handy swing tempo readout. The T1 even can tell you how fast you’re walking, the distance traveled and calories burned. The VC300 ($149) is a good looking clip-on that speaks distances by clicking the Voice Caddy logo and to the back and front by swiping the logo plus it has a shot-distance measurement feature.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 57

TINKERS NEST

How Far Do You Actually Hit It? Personal Launch Monitors

By Greg Sampson Most golfers have absolutely no idea how far they actually carry each club in their bag. Instead when they have 150 yards to the flag for example, the common statement is “7 iron is my 150 club.” The question is: Do you carry your 7 iron that far or does it finish that far? There are many options on today’s market ranging from $270 to $25,000. The more expensive units will provide you with club head data along with better accuracy and more consistent readings. Each can be used as a personal launch monitor depending on how much you want to coin up but the norm is that the higher price points are used by professional club fitters and instructors. Let’s take a look at the models designed for personal use more closely.

Voice Caddie SC100 ($270)

The SC100 is a stand alone device providing swing/ball speed, smash factor and distance. This is the markets most affordable personal launch monitor featuring practice, target and random modes to utilize on the range or indoors. The unit even comes with a remote control. This device does not provide spin, launch angle or total distance, however the unit is surprisingly accurate considering the price point.

Ernest Sports ES14 ($700)

The ES14 features a new bluetooth phone/ tablet interface available free in the app store.

This launch monitor comes in two colors providing ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, smash factor, club speed and distance. To get the best results be sure to place the unit in the correct position from the ball.

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TINKERS NEST

SkyTrak ($2000)

The SkyTrak provides the best data for your dollar. The unit only lacks a smash factor, a built in display and requires an ipad. It is light weight and completely portable for use indoors or out. The company is releasing a simulator option that will include putting and online gaming.

FlightScope ($2500)

The Xi model is designed to be the ultimate golf training device for your game.

The 3D Doppler radar tracking system features auto-leveling feet, a built-in rechargeable battery and built in wi-fi to connect to any smart device. This unit even provides a virtual representation of your swing and allows the user to use a skills app to improve their distance control and accuracy. The best part about this unit is the club data provided including angle or attached and swing path.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 59

TINKERS NEST

Get Analyzed

Shot Tracking Devices

by Greg Sampson

The hottest technology in golf right now is on course statistic tracking. These devices track every shot on the course and store the data on a mobile/web interface for you to analyze. Some provide advanced statistics such as greens in regulation or the percentage of shots left/right. All of them however provide your average distance per club so you can make better club selections on the course.

Let’s take a look at your options so you can improve your on course game this season!

Arccos Golf ($399)

The Arccos, endorsed by the 2014 Fed Ex Cup winner, Billy Horschel is the only real time device on the market today that’s send data directly to your iphone. Once the sensor is paired to the device there is no touching or tapping like other devices require on the market.

Game Golf ($199)

Game Golf is the original shot tracker and is endorsed by PGA Tour superstars Grame McDowell, Lee Westwood and Jim Furyk.

Game Golf provides the most in depth statistics on the market and even let’s you create challenges shots as low score or longest drive, invite players to play and compete online for bragging rights.

Golf Pad GPS ($99)

The app is completely free and the golf tags are extremely affordable. The combination of the two provides you with a complete GPS and on course stat tracking system. Simply put a tag on each club and tap your smartphone before each shot. You can keep score and also share all the data with your friends. The Golf Pad even works with smart watches.

Swami GT ($199)

This innovative device by Izzo Golf is a complete GPS and Game Tracker. You get the best of both worlds knowing the distance the shot plays and the knowledge you need to choose the correct club. The tracker tags inserted to the end of each club are paired with the GPS unit and then can be analyzed online.

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TINKERS NEST

From The Gym to the Greens

Stay in Tune With Music

By Paul Mignosa

AmpCaddy The Ampcaddy is a portable Bluetooth

speaker intended to provide a great audio experience on the golf course. The speaker quickly mounts on to any golf cart frame in just a few seconds. For the first time, you are able to fasten and detach the Ampcaddy to the golf cart and listen to music wirelessly, or through an auxiliary cord. With battery life that is sure to last you up to two rounds and a mount that enables you to swivel the direction of the speaker 180 degrees, the Ampcaddy is sure to elevate your experience on the course. Ampcaddy offers a life-time warranty on the mount and a return policy as listed on their website. $129

Bang & Olufsen - H3 Crafted from a solid block of metal,

BeoPlay H3 is an ultra-light earphone that stands on the shoulders of its predecessors, carrying forward the traditions of precision acoustics and craftsmanship, of building products that are able to reproduce the original sound material as authentically as possible. It’s a design that honors tradition but meets today’s demand for style. $199

Beats by Dre - Powerbeats2 Wireless From the street

to the range, Powerbeats2 Wireless gives you the freedom to take your music anywhere. Don’t let sweat stop you. Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones are IPX4 sweat and water resistant from the ear buds to the flat tangle free cable wrap around, with RemoteTalk™ control for a no-slip grip when changing volume, switching tracks, and making hands-free calls. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity gives you the ability to connect up to 30 feet from your Bluetooth-enabled device, and a rechargeable battery with 6-hour playback. $199.95

Oontz - Angle Plus The OontZ Angle PLUS connects and

plays wirelessly over Bluetooth, to your iPhone, iPod, Samsung, Android and most other smart phones, tablets, MP3 players, and the latest laptops. You can connect and play wirelessly over Bluetooth up to 30 unobstructed feet away from your device.

You can also listen to your non-Bluetooth devices and computers simply by using the included 3.5mm audio cable connected to the speaker from the headphone jack on your device. The OontZ provides bigger volume, extra bass and is weather proof.

Get yours today. $49.98 62 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | April 2015

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AROUND THE GAME

“We are Golf” Massachusetts Golf Day 2015 NORTON, MA -- On what was the first official day of spring, a collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the state’s golf industry celebrated “Massachusetts Golf Day” at the State Capitol.

Industry leaders met on Friday with members of the House of Representatives and Senate to discuss the industry’s economic impact, growth of youth development programs and charitable contributions.

A recent Golf 20/20 economic report reported golf’s direct economic impact in Massachusetts was $2.7 billion in 2012. The state’s golf industry supports 25,500 jobs and $796.8 million in wage income. Massachusetts is home to more than 370 golf courses with more than 70% open for public play.

The economic impact study, entitled The

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Massachusetts Golf Economy - Full Report, also reported that golf generates roughly $74.3 million in charitable giving and continues to be the home of some notable golf equipment manufacturers that “With today being the first official day of spring, we would like to forget about the 108 inches of snow that has fallen this winter and focus on the 24 million rounds of golf that were played within 150 miles of this State House in 2014,” said Becky Blaeser from the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO). “The individuals in this room are the people who mow and tend the grass, teach your children, operate businesses that employ thousands of workers, raise money for life-saving charities and manufacture a golfer’s equipment. We are Massachusetts golf.”

To learn more about how big the Massachusetts economy swings for golf, visit www. massgolfeconomy.

AROUND THE GAME

Play Great Courses, Raise Money For Turf Grass Research Through Tee-Up New England For the fourth straight year, you have an opportunity to access great courses and help the game of golf by improving the playing conditions through turfgrass research.

As part of the Tee-Up New England program, a research-funding initiative to be held this spring, golf clubs from across

New England have donated rounds of golf that will be auctioned off online from April 13 through April 20, 2015 online at Tee-UpNewEngland.com All proceeds will benefit turf research in New England. For More information contact Gay Sykes 401-841-5490 of gsykes@nertf.necoxmail.com

Fall River Country Club Appoints Don Daley New Head Golf Professional Fall River, MA - The Fall River Country Club is pleased to announce that Don Daley (PGA) has been chosen as the new Head Golf Professional at the club. For the last eighteen years, Don has been employed at Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts from 1997 to present as Head Golf Professional. He was First Assistant Professional for Fall River Country Club under the leadership of Tom Tetrault from 1987 – 1997.

Don has had a variety of experiences including coordinating golf events, managing budgets, developing staff, and has instructed young and established golfers in the game of golf. He has also coached the golf team at the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth from 1994 – 1996. This same team won the Southern Maine Invitational in October of 1995. Don has been a winter-season Assistant Golf Professional at Boca Lago Country Club, in Boca Raton, Florida and Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Florida from 1988 – 1994 respectively.

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April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 65

AROUND THE GAME Two Great Guys- Two Great Golf Writers

Jack O'Leary 1947 - 2014

Two Great Golf Writer who were icons in New England Sports recently passed away. They were colleagues, friends and together they loved the game of golf and covered it for decades in New England. All of us at New England Golf Monthly would like to acknowledge the major contributions to New England Golf they both had and honor there lives and love for the game, they both will be dearly missed.

Joe Gordon a longtime Scituate resident was a fixture at the Patriot ledger and the Boston Globe, he not only covered golf but also all New England

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Joe Gordon

1946 - 2015

sports. He will be remembered by all of for his love for his passion game of golf. Joe was only 69 year old at passing.

Jack O’Leary a native of Salem,MA the GWAA member for decades was best known in the golf world as the “Godfather of Golf Writers”. Jack was a true golf journalist and covered it all from local golf to the majors.

He was a good friend of former Red Sox slugger, Ken “Hawk”Harrleson as well as two time major winner Fuzzy Zoeller. Jack was only 67 years old at passing.

AROUND THE GAME

Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund BOSTON MARATHON CHEERING PARTY

This year, The Fund has four dedicated runners fundraising & racing 26.2 miles as a fundraiser for Ouimet Scholarships! Come cheer on Amy, Matt, Chris and Scott under the Ouimet tent as they take on the world’s most beloved race! Refreshments will be provided. Registration is FREE! Monday, April 20 Heartbreak Hill 1-4PM.

Support Team Ouimet At

www.crowdrise.com/francisouimetboston2015

Bob Grant Passes GCSANE Past President

It is with sadness that I inform you of the passing of Bob Grant, a Past President of the Association and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Bob was a wonderful person with a calm demeanor who represented our Association and Members with class and garnered respect and admiration from all who came in contact with him.

He was one of the first Superintendents to become a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS). Bob came to the Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, MA as the Golf Course Superintendent and left as the General Manager.

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 67

AROUND THE GAME Thorny Lea Golf Club Set to be a Symetra Tour Stop in 2015; W.B. Mason Championship on August 14-16

Shrewsbury Native Brittany Altomare (top) and Caroline Powers - both Symetra Tour members - will compete in the 2015 W.B. Mason Championship at Thorny Lea GC.

Brockton, MA — It was an exciting day for Bay State golf on March 6!

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of club members, Tour personnel, players and local administators, the Symetra Tour, Road to the LPGA, announced the addition of the W.B. Mason Championship at Thorny Lea Golf Club to the 2015 schedule. The event will take place the week of August 10-16.

The three round, 54-hole stroke play format, will begin on Friday, August 14 and conclude on Sunday, August 16.

The 144-player field will consist of the top up-andcoming women’s professional golfers from all over the world. They will compete for their share of the $110,000 tournament purse with the winner earning

68 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | April 2015

$16,500 and taking a significant step towards an LPGA Tour card for the 2016 season.

In addition to the W.B. Mason Championship, which begins on Friday, the early part of the week at Thorny Lea will feature the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts’ (WGAM) Amateur Championship and Presidents Cup, the most prestigious event of the year. The winner of the amateur championship will earn a spot in the W.B. Mason Championship field.

The W.B. Mason Championship will be the first Symetra Tour event in the state of Massachusetts since 1993, when the Tour held an event at Shakers Farm Country Club in Westfield.

Follow the Symetra Tour on the web at www.SymetraTour.com

AROUND THE GAME Please Support This Great Cause: 2015 Golf Fight Cancer Golf Marathon June 19th Stowe Acres

Golf Fights Cancer’s Golf Marathon Challenge is an incredible day of golf, fundraising and camaraderie! Join us as a great group of people, some good golfers, some not so good as we come together in the fight against cancer. The Golf Marathon Challenge is a unique fundraising event where a

group of dedicated golfers will play 100 holes of golf or more in a single day and raise thousands of dollars in the fight of cancer. Join us at Stow Acres Country Club on Friday, June 19th, 2015 to help us on our course to a cure!

To donate or play this year go to golffightscancer.org

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 69

AROUND THE GAME National Golf Courses Owners Recognize Foot Golf As you know, FootGolf has gained widespread traction as one of the most popular alternative play options for golf courses among players and course owners. FootGolf is a proven revenue generator for golf course

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operators and they are seeing more millennials, women, children and young families after introducing the sport.

What is FootGolf: A combination of golf and soccer played with a regulation soccer ball on a shortened golf course, FootGolf is played much like golf, with the goal being to get the soccer ball into a 21-inch hole with as few kicks as possible. It is played on golf courses with the 18 holes located away from the golf putting surfaces.

The NGCOA has recognized the American FootGolf League (AFGL) as the “Governing Body for the Sport of FootGolf in the U.S.” and its “Official FootGolf Organization.”

To get involved or learn more visit www.FootGolf.net or call 760-501-0100, ext 104 or email courses@footgolf.net.

AROUND THE GAME New Englander’s Connor Willet & Matt Camel at Augusta National and the Masters For The Drive, Chip and Putt Finals

Eighty junior golfers representing 30 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces have earned an invitation to Augusta National Golf Club to compete in the second annual Drive, Chip and Putt Championship National Finals, to be played on Sunday, April 5, 2015, prior to the start of the Masters Tournament.

A joint initiative by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free nationwide junior competition focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf, tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys, ages 7-15.

Five competitors from last year’s National Finals will be back again this year including Conner Willett in the Boys 10-11 group, of Wellesley, Mass. Mat-

thew Camel of Greenwich, Conn, made the finals by scoring the most points in regional qualifying with 169 – 69 in the Drive, 40 in the Chip and 60 in the Putt.

Both will get to enjoy tickets to the Monday practice round of the Masters.

At the National Finals, one champion will be named from each age/gender division. Each final will be scored based on a 30point system, offering the player with the longest drive 10 points, the player with the closest cumulative chips 10 points and the player with the nearest cumulative putts 10 points, in each separate skill. The highest total composite score will determine the winner.

To Become on of this years qualifiers for the event go to: drivechipandputt.com/find-a-competition

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 71

Volunteers join Tou rnament Director Gab riella Gracef fa-Bunker (fou rth from left) at the 2014 Whole Foods Marke t Annual Golf Classic .

or t fun and supp t way to have g mission.

Golf is a grea ute’s lifesavin tit Jimmy Fund Ins er nc Ca Dana-Farber

72 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | April 2015

Give new meaning to the corporate outing Honoring a colleague with Jimmy Fund Golf Whole Foods Market’s Annual Golf Classic has long recognized the special relationship between its vendors and the community. But when the company lost one of its own, the outing took on added meaning.

One of Whole Foods’ regional vice presidents was a patient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. When he passed away from bladder cancer far too young, his colleagues rededicated their golf tournament in his memory by partnering with Jimmy Fund Golf.

Tournaments like the Whole Foods Classic make a big difference in the fight against cancer and you can, too.

Contact Jimmy Fund Golf to start your tournament in honor of a colleague or loved one. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Start a golf tournament today at

JimmyFund.org/NEGM Ace Sponsors:

GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER® April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 73

GORMAN VS GEARY

It was sometime in February when I made the big decision. About the time we had 80 inches of snow on the ground, but before setting the dubious record of getting hammered with the most snow ever in a winter. I remember sitting in my recliner watching the Golf Channel, from someplace where it never snows, and dreaming “What would it be like to hit a 300yard drive?”

The decision to buy a new driver was a gamechanger for me and for many weeks played games with my feeble and gullible golf mind.

“Do it. Don’t do it. Will it help me break 80? Is it wise to spend $400? Should I be fitted? Will this be the season I finally win some hardware? WTF is a launch monitor? Do I keep my trusty five-year old Taylor Made Burner around as backup? ” Nothing can get you stoked for the golf season quite like shelling out $400 for a brand new high-tech driver, completely furnished with 460 cubic centimeter head, eight adjustable loft settings each marked and numbered, sleek black coloring attached to a regular graphite shaft with custom synthetic leather grip. Did you understand that driver description or was it a little too high tech for you?

Did you know “Real Innovation. Tour Validated” is exclusive to Srixon? “Building a Better Game” and “Engineered without Sacrifice” and “Get Fast or Get Passed” logos belong to Ping. I like the Titleist mantra which reads “Introducing Distance without Compromise” and in small print “High speed. Low spin. Exceptional Forgiveness. New Titleist 915 Drivers.” Callaway makes two ridiculous claims: “Up to 2 Clubs Longer” and “Built for Outrageous Speed.” Cobra

weighs in with “More Roll. More Carry” and “Flip It & Rip It” offering “revolutionary FLIPZONE technology delivers two unique flight patterns.”

WTF does that means? Nonsense from Nike Vapor reads “Precision Tuned Distance” and “there’s only one thing better than a whole lot of distance. More distance.”

When it comes to marketing golf clubs the undisputed kingpin is Taylor Made, which owns about 40 percent of the driver market. Is this hype or BS? “The R15 Has Everything” and “Made of Speed” and “MisHits Happen” and “Timeless Shaping – Next Generation Performance.”

Since I know nothing about drivers or belting a 300-yard drive, we asked Clem Lamarre, a sales rep for Cobra Puma Golf, with 22 years in the golf industry, a few questions. “When players are looking to purchase a driver, distance is everything. They want to know what driver will help them hit the longest and straightest drive. There’s a lot of technology that goes into making these drivers and it’s all designed to help players hit for distance. Before buying, most consumers will do some homework beyond the marketing phrases and TV commercials and ads and they will study the Golf Digest “Hot List” edition (March) which rates the golf club driver manufacturers. The best way to buy a driver is to first get fitted at a demo day and then hit 20 or 30 balls. You’ll know what’s right for you after that. ” The new technology in drivers is confusing to me. I don’t need a driver wrench in my bag to adjust my club’s hosel and weight to see how shots change. I can shoot 88 anywhere, but my goal is to shoot 78 and be happy! The high tech options are overwhelming. No idea what these terms mean nor do I care: “gravity core” or flight pods” or sliding split weights” or “flip zones.” Call me old-school but I have great familiarity with golf terms such as “hook” or “slice” or “off-center hit” or “worm-burner” or “sky ball.”

In the game show “Who wants to be a millionaire?” the last question asked of contestants: Final answer? So I “invested” heavily a/k/a bought the Power Built Air Force One, promoting “nitrogen charged technology” with the promise (there’s that word again) of giving give me 23 yards more that had been missing from my old driver!

Does driver technology help my game?

by Tom Gorman

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GORMAN VS GEARY

I have to hedge my answer a bit here, because truthfully I cannot say that the new technology that has come to golf over the past several years has actually improved my game.

I used to carry a 5-handicap and for most of my golfing life I was a single digit player, using wooden headed drivers that were not the size of Colorado and irons on which an F16 could land.

Today my handicap is a very unlucky 13 and I don’t hit the ball nearly as far as I did in my younger days.

That being said, without the new technology, without carbon steel shafts, oversized clubs made out of space age materials and balls that you no longer have to replace after just three holes of use, my game would probably be much worse.

I believe that technology has allowed a person of my diminishing physical skills to at least tread water. I think it has really changed the game for the elite players and not necessarily for the better because it has made so many of the great, classic courses, obsolete.

But golf does not exist for the professionals or even the excellent amateurs. It exists because of and for the rest of us, who enjoy getting out with our friends and having a good time.

Hopefully we’ll hit enough good shots to keep us coming back.

That is the essence and the reason for technological advances..................that and making oodles of moola for the golf manufacturing industry.

Now Tom Gorman has taken the position that technology has not helped his game.

For once he and I are in complete agreement. Nothing short of military grade targeting systems could help Gorman.

And for now the USGA and the Royal & Ancient do not allow bazookas to launch drives from the tee, laser-guided mortars to drop approach shots onto greens and nobody but Rodney Dangerfield has ever used a putter with a scope that reads, “no, no.........YES”.

That kind of technology would probably help old Tom, who despite his argument that technology cannot help, has spent half of

his life’s earnings on a variety of clubs and putters in search of something resembling a golf game.

He has used the long putter and the belly putter. He visits the PGA Show in Orlando almost every year in search of a golf game. Nothing helps, so you can understand his stance.

The truth is that no matter what advances are made in the equipment, it still takes a good, solid, repetitive swing to produce good shots on a consistent basis. Same is true in putting. If you can putt well, you can put the ball in the hole with a hockey stick as well as a putter made of 24 karat gold.

Most amateurs do not have those swings, but without those players (the average USGA handicap is somewhere around 17) the game would certainly die.

The average weekend player wants to be able to hit the ball a reasonable distance. They want clubs that are forgiving because the sweet spot and their golf ball seldom become acquainted.

I have used forged blades and admit that when you strike a ball on the sweet spot the ball reacts much more positively than it does on most cavity backed irons. The problem is I don’t hit that sweet spot often enough. I need the forgiveness of cavity backed irons.

So does Gorman, even if he won’t admit it.

Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer.

His first golfing experience involved a Louisville Slugger baseball bat.

Does driver technology help my game?

by Tim Geary

April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 75

myNEGM.com

April 2015 Vol 8 | Issue 2

Editor / Publisher

Timothy R. Branco tim@nepubinc.com

Reach Over 700,000 New England Golfers Monthly

Graphic Design & Production

Chris Hunter

CollectiveThoughtMedia.com

Administration

Mary L. Hullett

mary@nepubinc.com

Contributors Tom Gorman John Molori Tim Geary Alice Scott Pam Borges Laura Ebrecht Bob DiCesare Steve Riggs Robert Martin Jeff Palopoli Kathleen Dyson Emily Kay Matt Adams Jack Ross Jim Hammond Danny Scott Ed Travis Leigh McKay Becky Blaser Elisa Gaudet Greg Sampson Matt Ward

Contributing Photographers Ken Dennis | kendennisphoto.com Rich Gagnon | Taunton, MA sales & Marketing

Greg Sampson - Manager

greg@nepubinc.com

Paul Mignosa – Asst. Manager Paul@nepubinc.com

New England Golf Monthly is published 9 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved.

For product marketing, distribution and/or direct mail information contact 800-736-9020

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY FOR THE...

Tee-Up New England

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April 13-20, 2015

Bid on Rounds (foursomes) of golf on some of your favorite courses in New England to help Turf Research and the game of golf.

Go to our website to see a list of courses,

Tee-UpNewEngland.com SOME RESTRICTIONS ARE LISTED AND WILL APPLY

Tee-Up New England is a fund-raising initiative organized for the benefit of the NERTRT (New England Regional Turfgrass Research Trust), which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

All proceeds will benefit turf research in New England. For more information go to: nertf.org

Better Golf Through Turf Research!

2016 Conference and Show February 29th-March 3rd , 2016

Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI For Information call 401-841-5490 or gsykes@nertf.necoxmail.com April 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 77

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