Come on Down for Great Food, Refreshing Beverages & a Fun Atmosphere The games are on and the pool tables are rolling!
Weekly Lineup Sunday Funday! Build a Bloody Mary, Mimosa Specials & Screwdriver Specials Monday Wing Night $.50 Wings & Domestic Pitcher Specials Nacho Average Tuesday Free Pool All Night & McBlarney Nacho Specials Quizzical Wednesday Team Trivia & Build a Blarney Burger Specials Thirsty Thursday: 1st & 3rd Thurs. Ladies 80’s Night w/ Guest DJ & $5 Martini Specials and 2nd & 4th Thurs. Scholar Night w/ guest DJ & $2 Draft Specials Friday & Saturday McBlarney Live Music Series
401-289-0887 | McBlarneys.com | Open Daily 12pm to 1am 632 Metacom Ave. Warren, RI |
December 8th – 12th December 2014 Come to Bermuda and enjoy the camaraderie and competition that is the Bermuda Goodwill Golf Tournament This four person, team event includes one professional and three amateurs from your home golf club, scored in both gross and net divisions. Come and play Bermuda’s best courses, Port Royal Golf Club, Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club, Mid Ocean Club and Tucker’s Point Club. Enjoy catching up with old friends and making new ones while you vie for the title of the Bermuda Goodwill Champion. Fantastic accommodation packages available at some of Bermuda’s finest hotel properties.
Fox Ridge | Auburn, ME
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Northbridge, MA r 508.234-0400 www.shiningrock.com
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Public. Like no other. Spectacular course layout…Exceptional Clubhouse design… Overwhelmingly unique experience.
Now Booking • Golf Outings • Corporate Events
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978-772-3330 www.ShakerHills.com
Live Coverage of the 18th Green Televised at the Gallery Lounge
Launching this July
Monsta Golf started as an idea back in the spring of 2013 by 2 working dads from Boston who love the game of golf. Ken and Dave, the founders of Monsta Golf, realize the key to an exceptional golf game is consistency. Using the same golf ball while honing your skills is an important factor in being consistent. Almost every brand of golf ball performs differently, especially around the green. This causes variations in accuracy and performance. The top performing brands currently on the market retail for $48/dozen or more. “We need to create a ball that’s really good and affordable so it can be used every round you play, which allows the development of a more consistant game. We don’t want to cringe every time we lose a $4-$5 ball in the woods.” (Yes, this will probably happen no matter what ball you use!) Fast forward a year later and Monsta Golf is born. What started out as conversation on the golf course, is now a reality. We believe our
3 piece cast urethane golf ball is a “premium performance golf ball without the premium price”. The Monsta ball is affordable. Bringing accuracy and constancy to your game. One of the biggest challenges was keeping true to our original mission of bringing a premium performance ball without the high price point. Manufacturing a cast urethane golf ball was key to the soft feel and superior spin we desired, but that comes with a cost. So we made a conscience decision from the beginning to sell direct to the customer, via online, social media, etc., with no retail ‘brick and mortar” stores that require significant markups. Also, unlike the ‘big boys’ we will not have the usual overhead the large companies carry. All of these factors enables us to keep our promise of an affordable pro- performance golf ball. For more info on product release, pricing, etc you can email Ken or Dave @ info@monstagolf.com
This is
MonstaGolf.com
FROM THE EDITOR
PAY IT FORWARD Do you remember the first time you were introduced to the game of golf? The first time someone passed on the gift of the game to you and gave you a few tips on just how to get started, it is something most of us will never forget. It may have been when you were very young or possibly like many of us that never found the time for golf early on, not that long ago. Bringing the game to others is something we soon forget as we become stuck in our routines and matches with friends. There is lots of talk today about growing the game and endless proposals for funding programs that will make the game more accessible, none of which are having any impact or showing significant results. To me there seems a much simpler solution to all of this. There are 29 million golfers in America alone in 2000. Golf boomed to over 30 million in 2005 which many say was part of the “Tiger Woods Factor.” Can one person make a significant lasting change in the game of golf, I think not. From 2005 – 2010 the total number of golfers declined in the U.S. by nearly 5% or, 1.5 Million golfers. If only 20% of all golfers each year introduced the game to just one person it would be resoundingly significant. Imagine 600,000 new players in the game each year and the impact it would have on the game and the industry. It’s time for the “ Pay it Forward Factor” to help the game of golf. When you buy that next set of clubs and a new bag, pass the old ones on to another. Give that shag bag to someone to learn the game, balls are expensive and your local driving range doesn’t need more. At least once a year pass on that old putter and a few balls to another. And by all means take a few afternoons to go out and play a few holes with someone who has never experienced time on a golf course, it’s a great thing to do and a great place to be. It’s up to all of us to “Pass it On”, “Play it Forward” and “Pay it Forward” for the game of golf. Get Out and Play
Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
TRAVEL 16
Couple of Travelers / Ireland / Italy
22
Katharine Dyson / Northeast Golf Travel
FASHION & STYLE
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10
Elle Brec – Winning Colors on The Tours
15
Pro Quip USA
NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF GUIDE 26
Stay & Play Northeast
CELEBRITY GOLFERS
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44
Leigh McKay / Peter Jacobsen
52
John Molori / Boston Media Golfers
GOLF COURSE LIVING 54
Tim Branco / Live Where You Play
ON THE TOURS 67
Steve Riggs / Team New England
AMATEUR GOLF
54
68
Ben Larsen / Top Amateur Events for 2014
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GOOD LOOKS ON THE COURSE //
BY ELLE BREC
Winning Colors on The Tours J.B Holmes
In TaylorMade-adidas apparel, J.B. Holmes wearing our favorite color aqua Puremotion solid jersey polo and Adidas Golf 3-stripes pant when he won the Wells Fargo Championship Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC. Followed by a spectrum of watercolors from solar blue to vivid for the stylish adidas 3 stripes sleeve polo. His footwear adidas Golf Adicross Gripmore ClimaProof rich soft premium leather upper, the ultimate in durability, protection, great cushioning, versatility, and performance continues to grow more popular. This was his first win in six years at the after coming back from multiple serious injuries and traumatic brain surgery.
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Martin Kaymer
Similar to aqua was the Hugo Boss Paddy MK Pro Open Blue polo but Martin Kaymer won in Pro Diva Pink Hugo Boss polo. The TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional 29-year-old German won wire-to-wire victory at THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Wowing the crowd with the new Ashworth Encinitas golf cleats Ashworth Encinitas Wingtip Spikeless Golf Shoes feature a classic wingtip silhouette with modern and sophisticated color pop-details. All that combined with the TaylorMade-adidas SLDR clubs helped him achieve the championship including a course-record tying 63 in the opening round.
Brendon Todd
Ashworth Performance Ez-Sof Solid Golf Shirt apparel in Tee Green was what Brendon Todd wore when he won the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Palace Blue was the hue of choice for both Thursday as well as Saturday paired with the Performance Solid Stretch Trousers. FootJoy’s DryJoys Tour golf cleats are his shoe of choice, blending the traditional styling with cutting edge technology to enhance platform stability.
Adam Scott
Adam Scott won the Crowne Plaza Invitational Colonial in Fort Worth, TX wearing Uniqlo apparel their new line of LifeWear apparel where the public can buy the exact same apparel as professional athletes. with FootJoy D.N.A. Shoes, FootJoy StaSof Glove, Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses and Titleist clubs. Uniqlo congratulates their global brand ambassador for his first time achieving world’s best golfer.
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LPGA Stacy Lewis
The Antigua Group congratulates Stacy Lewis, Antigua Tour Staff Player on her victory at the North Texas LPGA Shootout Presented by JTBC in Irving, in her home state Texas. Winning while wearing pink helps her seal the deal in ink as Stacy Lewis will represent Antigua on the LPGA Tour for three additional years through 2017. This win solidifies her in the number two in the world Rolex Rankings. In our view she is the top player in the world by virtue of her incredible record and incredible consistency,” said Ron McPherson, president and CEO of Antigua. “With Stacy wearing our Performance Collections in competition, we receive excellent feedback on style, design and performance.”
Lizette Salas
The Antigua brand congratulates Lizette Salas, Antigua Tour Staff Player on her first victory on the LPGA Tour at the Kingsmill Championship at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. Liz loves the Antigua Breathe polo in Navy as well as the Elite polo in Grape Desert Dry™ Xtra-Lite D²XL moisture management polo. Her favorite color is purple and she wears matching Footjoy golf cleats, even embroidered with purple Iris’. On days where she wears red Antigua polos, she wears the embroidered ladybugs.
Jessica Korda
Jessica Korda wearing white Adidas-TaylorMade wins the Airbus LPGA Classic in Mobile, Alabama, the Floridian excited to be close to home. Comes from a family of athletes, both of her parents were professional tennis players father, Petr, won the 1998 Australian Open tennis tournament and mother, Regina Raichrtova, also played pro tennis, as well as her brother playing in tennis tournaments and her sister trying for a U.S. Open qualifier. Michelle Wie also loves her because she’s tall, they are both close to 6 feet in height, and tower over everyone at formal events.
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Champions Tour Bernard Langer
Bernhard Langer wearing TaylorMade-adidas won the Champions Tour’s Insperity Invitational in The Woodlands, Texas for the third time, closing with a 1-under 71 on Sunday for a one-stroke victory over Fred Couples. The German is also sponsored by the luxurious Bogner brand, more common with skiers, Bogner has expanded into golf jackets and polos.
Kenny Perry
Wearing a polo in a beautiful shade of royal blue, Russell athletic congrats Kenny Perry for winning the Regions Tradition for his third Champions Tour major victory in less than a year! Kenny won a one-stroke victory over Mark Calcavecchia on Sunday wearing his recognizable Adams golf visor and utilizing Titleist clubs.
Colin Montgomerie
Colin Montgomerie Won the Senior PGA Championship wearing Callaway Golf polos and using their clubs as well. Designed exclusively by Colin Montgomerie in a partnership with The Edinburgh Woollen Mill is an exciting new range of golf clothing. This is the luxurious knitwear worn on course. Lambda Golf shoes made with high quality leather are Montgomerie’s preference., the company has 40 years of shoe manufacturing experience, expertise and know how Designing uncompromising classic golf footwear. www.lambdagolf.com
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13
TWO GOOD ROUNDS /// BY ELISA GAUDET
For the Love of Golf National Golf Day was May 21, 2014. There are so many great things about golf that extend far beyond the actual sport. Those that play golf want others to experience the many positive benefits including being one of the last frontiers you can spend four hours without a cell phone connecting with friends new and old. The idea in writing the Two Good Rounds book series is to invite anyone to explore the fun, feel-good, interesting stories and memories so many golfers share. Most notably, to share the interesting stories and reasons why PGA Touring Pros, celebrities and titans of industry enjoy and cherish the game of golf. So while our friends in the golf industry are on Capitol Hill discussing WE ARE GOLF with lawmakers in hopes of acknowledging the importance of the game of golf to the economy, especially the 15,000 golf courses, and change the dialogue about golf there are plenty of Superstars and others that have already discovered the joy and importance of golf. Before recently jumping back in the pool Michael Phelps spent a good deal of time practicing his golf game during his retirement. The most decorated Olympian of all time notes his most memorable golf moments as playing in the Phoenix Open Pro-Am with Bubba Watson and playing the famed 16th hole with thousands watching and the crowd was chanting U-S-A. Phelps also sunk a 159 foot putt at Kingsbarns recording the longestever televised putt. Ray Allen, former Celtics now Miami Heat 2013 NBA Champion superstar is a scratch golfer. Clearly he takes his golf game as seriously as he plays basketball. He has had three holes in one which you could expect from the king of three pointers. His dream foursome is Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley (for comic relief). Allen’s advice and life tip “What determines your success is how you handle adversity”. Kelly Slater, the most successful champion in surfing history, is a three handicap compares the two sports and notes in both you need to be completely focused for hours while in a competition. In both sports you have to think about technique. His favorite 19th hole memory was on the 17th hole at St. Andrews, where he claims the burgers are
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amazing and because he walked in and there was Ernie Els. 54 elite athletes shared their stories in Two Good Rounds SUPERSTARS – Golf Stories from the World’s Greatest Athletes, of their passion for golf and why they are hooked. We encourage everyone to join us on this journey to connect and enjoy the beauty that is golf – before, during and especially after a round. Stop and smell the Bermuda grass and perhaps occasionally do it with a martini in hand.
Two Good Rounds SUPERSTARS
Golf Stories from the World’s Greatest Athletes
Available on Amazon.com
GOLF SEASON IS HERE.
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COUPLE OF TRAVELERS ///
BY ALICE AND DANNY SCOTT
You’re Very Welcome
in Ireland Arrive in Ireland on a North & West Coast Links golf tour to hear “You’re very welcome,” before you even say thank you. It’s the Irish way. No worries about driving on the wrong side with Spirit of Ireland executive travel handling transportation. Gaelic immersion at Harvey’s Point over looking the Lough (lake) Eske in the County of Donegal mixes lavish suite accommodations with Irish cheer and great food. First round at Narin Portnoo eases us into the true links style of golf with a couple mundane green fairways. Hills get steeper, grass gets taller and the scenery takes a coastal shape with a par 3 over a gorge and the sea beyond. We push our trolleys with a skip in our step – wahoo! We’re golfing in Ireland! Difficulty increases in parallel with beauty as waves crash against the sandy beach of the panorama far below. In Ireland a round is wrapped up with soup, sandwich and a fresh pint of Guinness capped by a caramel foamy head – cheers or solange!
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Next up is Donnegal for nine holes that finish again on the ocean and our best dinner at their clubhouse. Slow roasted lamb and sautéed Pollack made an Irish surf and turf. Full, tired and having passed by countless sheep on rocky hills where the Psalms could have been written, we slept well at the Radisson and awoke to a waterside breakfast buffet. A short ride to County Sligo at Rosses Point passes a marina, a lighthouse on the Atlantic and the original Coney Island off the coast. It has the slickest of greens, ditches to maneuver, and
ocean to mountain views. Unusually warm and sunny weather was our lucky charm. Cities of the world herald Irish Pubs but the real deals in Ireland are distinguished by the smiles and song. A group of ladies filed in to The Station House in Clifden, which served rail riders back in the day and still welcomes travelers with a mini village. They ordered their brews and filled the place with melodies and memories. Carne’s new nine was best described by Kaia from Finland – a bit unfinished. The second nine of the championship course brought us back the Wild Atlantic Way, the hilliest of rounds with ocean sights. It was a roller coast romp among subtle blooms of violets and primrose. For a target sports trifecta, stay at Mount Falcon in the lodge or lakeside suites. Robert is renowned for fly tying and teaches the graceful technique of whipping the line like a conductor’s baton to reel
in fish. Stewart teaches clay shooting - a steady motion, lock eye with flying target, squeeze the trigger; follow through, much like golf. A driving range provides practice before play at nearby Enniscrone Golf Club. This course reflects all Irish aspects with pastures of blatting sheep prancing to mama ewes, donkeys braying, skylarks singing, ocean waves roaring, breezes blowing, slight rain and sun, played with a good Irish couple, Gordon and Jenny. Number 12 is one of the rare holes where the view is best
from the ladies tee box, in this case a 360 take of ocean and dune splendor. Under the highest point of mounded dunes lie the remains of a Viking raiding party that came ashore and met their demise when the Irish warlord dispatched his fighters. It’s imaginable. Connemare Golf was a special day with John McLoughlin, CEO of the highly recommended North & West Coast Links and his wife Teresa. From the opening ocean hole scene when fog mystically rolled in to the back nine with clear dramatic views of rugged terrain, and on the sunny clubhouse balcony it is a classic panorama at every turn with Connemare ponies, stone cottages, a pirate witch’s castle and plenty of ocean. For a grand finale the GlenLo Abbey in Gallway has narrow halls, high service and nine more holes. Burning peat in the hearth permeates the air. The actual Pullman car from “Murder on the Orient Ex-
press” with lace curtains, linen dressed tables and fine cuisine stages an unforgettable dinner followed by a musical farewell in the pub. If laying over in Dublin, the hop on/hop off doubledecker bus tours the city. Generous ambassadors Frank and wife Ethelle surprised us with a drive to the ancient Glendalough monastery. We must double back to Dublin and explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way. Any road you take, Ireland is an intoxicating adventure and “You’re Very Welcome.”
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SCOTTISH OPEN /// BY NEGM UK STAFF
Fowler the latest American star to tackle Royal Aberdeen Rickie Fowler, a Ryder Cup team-mate of Phil Mickelson in 2010, is the latest big-name American golfer to accept the challenge of Royal Aberdeen in next month’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. With five-time Major Champion Mickelson set to defend his title from July 10-13 over the fearsome Balgownie links, Fowler has added his considerable talent and charisma to the truly international field, which currently includes 23 of the world’s top 60. The 25-year-old Californian, instantly recognizable on Sundays in the vivid orange colors of Oklahoma State University, won the Wells Fargo Championship on the US PGA Tour in 2012, two years after making an impressive Ryder Cup debut at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. Fowler memorably birdied the final four holes on that dramatic Monday finish to snatch a half point with Eduardo Molinari, which almost secured The Ryder Cup for his country. It will be Fowler’s debut appearance in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and he said: “I am really looking forward to playing in the Scottish Open for the first time and checking out one of the great Scottish links courses which everyone is talking about.
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“Phil set the standard last year when he won the ‘Scottish’ and the ‘British’ back to back and it will be fun to play in these two tournaments in Aberdeen and Liverpool and see what I can do.” Fowler is part of a formidable American challenge for the title, which Mickelson captured, in swashbuckling style last year following a play-off with South African Branden Grace. Mickelson finally succeeded after several years of trying, including a play-off loss to Frenchman Gregory Havret at Loch Lomond, but he returns once again to pit his wits against the links terrain in Aberdeen before moving on to Liverpool for his Open defense at Hoylake. Mickelson and Fowler are joined in the world-class line-up by Jimmy Walker, a three-time champion on the US PGA Tour this season and fellow countrymen Ryan Palmer, Matt Every, Kevin Streelman and rising star Mike Miller. Another American with a big chance is Peter Uihlein, the 2013 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, who enjoyed a tremendous debut season on The European Tour, including a tie for tenth in last year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 | 6:00pm-9:00pm. You will receive a one-night-only 15% DISCOUNT(standard restrictions), a Putting Contest for a chance to win A $50 GOLFSMITH GIFT CARD If you spend $50, you will automatically be entered to win a trip for 2 to Lisbon, Portugal. 2 round trip tickets economy class tickets and 3 nights at Vila Gale Cascais standard room-double occupancy with breakfast and 2 rounds of golf!
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COUPLE OF TRAVELERS ///
BY ALICE AND DANNY SCOTT
Via La Golf Italy An offer we couldn’t refuse sent us to golf in Sicily and the southeast coast of Italy where Justin Timberlake and Jessica Beale were married at Borgo Egnazia. They rented the whole property but you can secure a room or a villa for 14 people costing up to $60k beside the San Domenico Golf course – a challenging track along the Adriatic Sea. We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort, 45 minutes away, more understated but elegant under the nightlights with spacious accommodations. Dana Fry designed the property’s Acaya golf course, host of European Challenge Tour events, with excellent routing through natural vegetation. Fly into Brindisi or Bari or take the highspeed train as we did; a five-hour hillside tour of vineyards, olive groves and the sea from café seats with snack service. Raileurope passes work with Tren Italia and throughout Europe. Rome is a perfect hub for transportation and historical sites between the many regions of Italy. Hotels
20 | International Subscribe at myNEGM.com Golf Travel | June | June 20142014
are abundant in walking distance to everything on the tourist map. We checked in at 10pm and stepped right into the cobblestone street scene. Passing cafes and shops, a couple blocks and the Trevi fountain was lit like a movie scene, igniting romance. Never were we more awestruck in our travels as in the heart of Rome; the magnificence of ancient architec-
ture, standing at the forum and coliseum where gladiators entertained Romans to their death. A short train trip transports from Rome’s throng of tourists to tranquility as “Under the Tuscan Sun” draws us all to Cortona. We were under the Tuscan umbrella but the essence still shined. Both author and actress Diane Lane frequented Portole’s restaurant and hotel, where we stayed. Owner Franco pointed out the famous villa on our mountain descent to hop the train to Florence. A pilgrimage of art aficionados line up for cathedral and museum entrances but a whole day can be spent admiring the outer art and intricacies of Florence. Inside is Michelangelo’s little David but outside the masters’ dominating sculptures are magnificent to behold in the piazza. Across the river is Michelangelo’s rose garden. Renting a car is the way to really see the sprawling vineyards and olive groves in artistic rows with grand villas that define the beauty of Tuscany. Roads are narrow and stick shift is standard so put on your driving gloves and go, not slow. While this could be the most famous wine trail, we discovered exquisite Sicilian wines due to the lavaenriched soil from the active volcano Mt. Etna. Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa has the first course built in Sicily, a short flight from Rome and situated on the lower slopes of Mount Etna. The holes traverse blindly up and down the mountain with a smoking (literally) view of the volcano, spewing fire or lava. Helicopter excursions offer the birds eye view of volcanic activity if you dare. Il Picciolo’s spiced gallinella fish paired so well with Patria Rossi
that we stopped at their winery for a tour where ancient French Oak barrels are climate controlled naturally in the volcanic underground caverns. Danny shifted the Renault Twingo expertly around sharp curves and breath-taking views, stopping to hike the Gorge of Alcantara. The winding road leads to Taormino, a touristic enclave of boutique hotels perched high on the cliff side overlooking the Mediterranean with Gondola transport to sea level. Further south, Donnafugata Golf Resort and Spa in Ragusa is a relaxing retreat on 800 acres with well-manicured floral grounds and Italian Baroque architecture. Gary Player designed the Parkland and Franco Piras the Links courses to be the best in Sicily. Accommodations, cuisine and service are world class. Back in Rome before home, we were honored by a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Father Richard Wolak. Passing over our apostles’ tombs, taking in all the sculptures, murals, mosaics and domes; to discover the origination and interpretation of each is an enlightening experience, Catholic or not. The best Italian farewell came with dinner at Ivan Torresi’s Il Tartarughino (turtle) restaurant. His son Sergio in Indian Wells insisted that sister Serena and husband Marco take us to their Daddy’s restaurant. Aperitivos, pasta, seafood, desert and wine made us friends forever. Limoncello led to laughter and singing, “Volare” in the piano bar with the soccer nationals. In Italy the pasta-bilities are endless. What’s not to like when a “Bar” sign means, food, alcohol and gelato, the creamiest of ice creams? Arrivederci Roma and Grazie.
June June 20142014 | Subscribe | International at myNEGM.com Golf Travel | 2113
THE PERFECT LIFE ///
BY KATHERINE DYSON
Get ready to swing into summer
with golf and fun The Old Farmer’s Almanac was head on: we did have a “frigid winter with bitter cold and heavy snow.” Now if the Old Farmer’s got it right, summer will be hotter than normal with slightly below-normal rainfall. That certainly bodes well for all of us who love to get outdoors, play some golf and enjoy summer pursuits like cookouts, boating and vacationing in the mountains and at the lakes. So fasten your seatbelts, pull up your knickers and pick a place to kick up some fun on and off the course.
VERMONT The Equinox
ing School and The Spa at Equinox. Also shop the dozens of upscale factory outlets like Anne Klein, Liz Claiborne, and Donna Karen. Stay | Set in the tidy village of Manchester, The Equinox, an imposing white-pillared inn offers all the amenities of a full service resort. Next door is the Charles Orvis Inn, the 1811 House, Townhomes and Dormy House.
Stowe Golf | Originally designed by Walter Travis in 1926, and updated by Rees Jones (1991), catch the view from the elevated 8th tee and the 13th greens, the highest points on the course, where you’re staring straight at the mountains. For another historic golf experience play the Rutland Country Club course dating from 1902. Off Course | Go biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and check out the Orvis Fly Fishing School, the LandRover Experience Driving School, the Orvis Shoot-
Golf | Stowe Golf Course, the oldest of the mountain courses, hunkers at the foot of massive Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, climbing up
22 | Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides
and down the slopes and along the valley while the Stowe Mountain Club at Spruce Peak skillfully crafted on a rocky site by Bob Cupp, is all about wilderness, streams, lakes and trees. Off Course | Pamper yourself in the Spa and Wellness Center, swim in the pool, and walk or bike along the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path. Stay | Rooms in the luxurious Stowe Mountain Lodge treats you to goose down feather beds, Simon Pearce lamps and fine art. Also try the Inn at the Mountain, a charming country hotel or book a condo.
Stratton Mountain
flanked by more than 80 bunkers, trees and some nasty water hazards, this course was designed by Robert Trent Jones (1961). Off Course | In addition to the usual outdoor pursuits, you can tour local breweries, go white water rafting and river tubing. Visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park and take a carriage ride at Kedron Valley Stables Stay | The stately Woodstock Inn & Resort has just enough spit and polish to make it a top-rated property yet is not pretentious nor stuffy. Dine in the Red Rooster or the more casual Richardson’s Tavern.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Lake Winnipesaukee
Golf | Stratton Mountain’s three nine-hole loops, Mountain, Forest and Lake were designed by Geoffrey Cornish and Brian Silva. Lake to Mountain ,a sixyear stop on the LPGA Tour, is the most requested. The Stratton Golf School offers classrooms, weatherproof hitting areas and video technology. Off Course | The great outdoors offers a plethora of activities plus Stratton hosts many music and cultural festivals. Stay | Stratton has a number of small lodges, chain hotels and condominiums.
Woodstock Inn & Resort
Golf | Owl’s Nest Golf Club sculpted into the contours of the Pemigewasset River Valley in Campton, features some serious elevations and incredible views, especially from atop Sunset Hill on hole #14. Off Course | Go paddleboating or kayaking on Squam Lake, go horseback riding, take a ride aboard the Cog Railway, take in the New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair, enjoy a concert at the Silver Arts Center in Plymouth or sail from the Weirs on the Queen of Winnipesaukee. Stay | Stay on site at the Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club where vacation homes and town homes allow you and your golfing pals to spread out. In Holderness there is the Manor on Golden Pond on Squam Lake where each room is uniquely furnished and you rise to a full gourmet breakfast.
Quechee Lakes Golf | With challenges like the Kedron Brook requiring about a dozen carries and narrow, tight fairways
Golf | At the Quechee Lakes Country Club, just north of Lebanon, find two fine Geoffrey Cornish-
Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides | 23
with things to do kayak, play golf, take a golf lesson, and catch the entertainment. Stay | Stay in a Park Home, a Resort Cottage or one of the pretty two bedroom, Vacation Homes with large kitchens and decks. There is also Migis Lodge, a luxurious rustic hideaway with swimming, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing, pedal boating, and fishing. designed courses, Lakeland set around the Ottauquechee River and Lake Pinneo and the Highland Course cut through the pine-clad hillsides.
Sunday River
Off Course | Fish in the pools of the Ottaquechee River; explore the gorges, trails and picnic areas at Quechee State Park; and visit the Simon Pearce headquarters. Stay | Guests staying in one of the eight rooms at the historic brick Parker House Inn & Bistro, get full privileges to amenities at the Quechee Lake Country Club.
Omni Mount Washington Hotel & Resort
Golf | The Robert Trent Jones Jr. course at Sunday River Golf Club in Newry, follows the river valley defined by distant mountain views all around. Drama abounds with dramatic elevation changes yet wide fairways make this an enjoyable play for all. Off Course | Cycle in the Sunday River Mountain Bike Park, fish, go canoeing, take an ATV tour, go ziplining, hike one of the many trails, try your skills on the Climbing Wall and play some disc golf.
Golf | New England’s revered historic gem designed by Donald Ross (1915) was restored by Brian Silva from Ross’s original plans. Also skirting the Ammonoosuc River, the 9-hole Mount Pleasant Course (1895) restored in 1989 by Cornish & Silva, provides another golfing option. Off Course | Go to the spa, hike, bike or soar over the countryside on a canopy tour with a ride on the Williwaw Racing Zip line. Stay | The Omni Mount Washington Hotel & Resort recalling a European castle, has been welcoming guests like Winston Churchill, Babe Ruth, and Bobby Jones for more than a century. It’s grand. It’s lovely.
MAINE Lake Sebago Golf | The relatively flat Point Sebago golf course winds through 500 acres of white birch forest. Off Course | Point Sebago Golf Resort, a 775-acre holiday extravaganza on Sebago Lake is packed
Stay | Play & Stay packages are available at the lodge-style Snow Cap Inn, the Jordan Grand Hotel and the Grand Summit Hotel as well as condos.
Samoset Golf | Fourteen holes on Samoset Golf Course have views of the Atlantic while seven are along the ocean on this century’s-old course, considered
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nah Country Club; and the easily walkable Cranwell Resort Golf Club designed in 1926 by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. Greenock Country Club in Lee, is a nine hole jewel designed by Donald Ross. Off Course | The Berkshires has close to 40 concert halls and theatres, a dozen museums like the The Norman Rockwell Museum and several historic buildings and sites including Mass MoCA the largest contemporary art museum in the country. Special events include the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Shakespeare and Company, Barrington Stage, Jacob’s Pillow dance company and Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox featuring outdoor summer concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
one of Maine’s historic treasures. Off Course | Book a spa treatment, laze by the pool or beach, work out in the fitness center and play some tennis. Hey you can also add on a windjammer cruise. Stay | The Samoset Resort’s guest rooms offer private balconies or terraces most with views of the water. Stay in the hotel, the guest cottages or condos.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Stay | There are many small inns and B&Bs in the region like the Historic Merrell Inn in South Lee, a former stagecoach stop and the Applegate Inn right across from the Greenock Golf course. For ultra stately digs, stay at the Cranwell Resort where life revolves around an elegant 19th century mansion and a 35,000 square foot Spa. And at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge history lives on in the inn’s creaky old floors, cozy tavern and hallways lined by memorabilia.
UPSTATE NEW YORK The Sagamore Resort Golf | Teeing off into the early morning sun on this historic track can be a blinding experience, but Donald Ross was so taken by the view of tall pines and Lake George straight ahead, he made an exception to his rule never to build a first hole facing east. Other holes on the course climb up and down over hill and dale, making this a delight to play. Off Course | Fish right off the dock, hike, hang by the pool. play tennis, work out in the Fitness Center
Golf | The rugged but gentle Berkshires in western Massachusetts has many fine courses with farreaching views. Good plays include Waubeeka Golf Links set beneath the shadow of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the Berkshires; Egremont Country Club in Great Barrington with tight fairways and some funky elevations; the high-end Wahco-
and veg out in the Spa. Take a complimentary lake cruise on the Morgan, a 72 ft. replica of a 19th century touring vessel. Stay | Set on a knoll above the lake, this grand dame with its terraced gardens, patios and pool leading to the waterside boathouse, is a grand experience. Stay in one of the elegant rooms in the main hotel or in one of the lodges or condos.
Saratoga Springs
highly rated Saratoga National designed by Roger Rulewich. Off Course | Year ‘round Saratoga Springs is a happening place along Broadway, the main drag and other side streets with boutiques, galleries and bistro-style restaurants. In August hit the races at Saratoga Race Track. Stay | Saratoga’s grand streets are home to some fine B&Bs like Union Gables and the Batcheller Mansion Inn. There is also the Gideon Putnam Hotel located on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park where you’ll also find a restored spa and the Saratoga Spa Championship Course. Longfellow Hotel is close to Saratoga National and the historic Adelphi Hotel is in the heart of town..
Whiteface Club & Resort
Golf | Saratoga Springs has been called one of the top two “Best Golf Towns in America” looking at accessibility, value, scenic beauty, quality and range of the courses as well as off-course things to do. Great tracks incude the Saratoga Spa Championship Course, McGregor Links Golf Club and the Golf | Situated in the Adirondacks on the shores of Lake Placid, the Whiteface Club & Resort evokes the Great Camp era that brought the well-heeled to this rustic area to unwind and cool off. On site play one of America’s oldest courses (1898) redesigned by John Van Kleek. Take note of the cloverleaf greens and bunkers. Off Course | Play tennis, hike the huge network of trails nearby, go boating, swim, or just relax and take in the mountain views. Stay | Play & Stay packages are available with accommodations at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, the sister property to the Whiteface Club; High Peaks Resort with its popular Outdoor at Dancing Bears restaurant; and the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort with a private sand beach on Mirror Lake.
s el ot H st Be ure ’s s ld Lei or l + W e ave Th Tr 4
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Vermont’s Most Beautiful Address Woodstock is the quintessential summer vacation destination. Golf on our Robert Trent Jones Sr. Course, hike through the National Park, shop through town or just sit back & relax in our beautiful spa. We have something for everyone — come and see for yourself!
UNLIMITED GOLF PACKAGE | WOODSTOCK - QUECHEE GOLF PACKAGE | SPA & GOLF PACKAGE Luxury Accommodations Unlimited Golf & Golf Cart Use of the Practice Facility Yardage Booklet Rates Starting at $329
Two Night Luxury Accommodations Two Rounds of Golf One Round at The Quechee Club & One at our Course with Golf Cart Use of the Practice Facility Rates Starting at $429
Luxury Accommodations $100 Spa Credit Per Night Unlimited Golf Golf Cart Breakfast Daily Use of the Practice Facility Yardage Booklet Rates Starting at $395
WOODSTOCK, VERMONT
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866.569.3536
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WWW.WOODSTOCKINN.COM
OPEN
The Bethel Inn Resort provides the perfect combination of golf, resort activities, dining options and country elegant accommodations. Located in the mountains of Maine, ideal for golfers, couples and groups alike. Renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish designed the 6,663 yard, par 72 course to take maximum advantage of the mountain vistas and natural beauty of the area. Tree lined fairways, well-trapped greens and five tee positions make play challenging for golfers of every ability. The Guaranteed Performance School of Golf boasts 7,000 satisfied graduates, on-course instruction, video analysis and a unique 3:1 student/instructor ratio. Two day programs with lodging, 5 hours of instruction per day, unlimited golf and all meals are just $499 per person! But the summer fun doesn’t end with golf. The health club with saunas, fitness room, outdoor heated pool, lake house, spa services, lawn games and tennis, plus two restaurants offering fine & casual tavern dining, provides ample diversions after your round. Join us this summer and experience a complete & affordable getaway in the heart of Bethel, Maine. For the best golf deals in New England, visit bethelinn.com or call (800) 654-0125.
Bethel Inn Resort Escape to the Mountains of Maine!
(800) 654-0124 | www.bethelinn.com
Bethel Inn Resort Bethel Inn Resort
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OPEN Inn Woodstock
Come play The Links at Outlook golf course for a unique golf experience on a true link-style golf course. Located in South Berwick, Maine, the course is just a little over an hour from downtown Boston. We are only a 15–20 minute drive from all Southern Maine tourist areas including Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, & Kennebunkport. The course features undulating bent grass fairways and greens, which are surrounded by rolling dunes and scattered sand bunkers that come into play throughout this 140-acre course. Golfers will enjoy many spectacular and breathtaking views that will captivate them while playing our Par 71/6,500 yard championship course. We also offer indoor golf on our two XDream Golf Simulators year round. We invite you to host your next wedding or function at The Red Barn at Outlook Farm. Our facility offers several unique venues to host your guests at a function site they will remember for years to come. Enjoy a meal and beverage after your round at The Outlook Tavern or on the 18th Green Patio. Our Golf Shop carries a full-line of ladies and men’s apparel, featuring the latest fashion and accessories. Our helpful staff will provide the highest quality of customer service including certified PGA Professionals to schedule individual and group golf lessons or clinics.
Links at Outlook 310 Portland St. Berwick, ME 03901
Links at Outlook
(207) 384-4653 | www.OutlookGolf.com
Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides | 29
OPEN
There is no finer place to play Vermont golf than at Green Mountain National Golf Course. Our unique and challenging design features have received numerous awards. Carved out of the majestic Green Mountains, our course offers solitude and a “private� golf experience that will challenge players of all abilities. In 2014, we will host The Vermont Open on June 16th-18th, featuring some of the best professional and amateur talent in the region. We will also once again host the best junior golfers in the country at the AJGA Killington Junior Golf Chmapionship. GMNGC offers gently sloping fairways that feature generous landing areas, distinctive changes in elevation and undulating greens provide natural beauty. View the centuries old rock formations carved by the glaciers, and be sure to take a moment on the 16th tee, as you enjoy the panoramic views in a spectacular setting. Families, couples and many golf groups book their golf vacations here for many reasons beyond golf such as the amazing outdoor activities, events, restaurants and shops.
Green Mountain National Golf Course Barrows-Towne Rd., Rte 100 Killington, VT 05751 (802) 422-4653 | www.GMNGC.com
Green Mountain National Golf Course
30 | Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides
Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides | 31
the Courses, the Resorts, the Dining,
There Are So Many Reasons to Play Golf on Cape Cod!
the Shopping, the Beaches, the Weather Hotel Golf Package Partners: Bayside Resort
Dockside Hotel Group
(866) 970-GOLF 225 Route 28 West Yarmouth, MA 02673 www.capecodgolfvacation.com
(800) 992-2340 452 Route 28 West Yarmouth, MA 02673 www.capecodgolfpackages.com
Centerville Corners Inn
Heritage House Hotel
800-242-1137 1338 Craigville Beach Road Centerville, MA 02632 www.CentervilleCorners.com
(800) 242-7829 259 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601 www.stayandplaycapecod.com
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Bass River Golf Course
Captains Starboard Course
Holly Ridge Golf Club
(508) 398-9079 62 Highbank Road South Yarmouth, MA 02664 www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com
(877) 843-9081 1000 Freemans Way Brewster, MA 02631 www.captainsgolfcourse.com
(508) 428-5577 121 Country Club Road Sandwich, MA 02563 www.hollyridgegolf.com
Bayberrry Hills Golf Course
Chequessett Yacht & CC
Hyannis Golf Course
(508) 760-4877 635 West Yarmouth Road West Yarmouth, MA 02673 www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com
(508) 349-3704 680 Chequessett Neck Road Wellfleet, MA 02667 www.cycc.net
(508) 362-2606 Route 132 Hyannis, MA 02601 www.hyannisgc.com
Blue Rock Golf Course
Cranberry Valley Golf Course
Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds GC
(508) 398-9295 48 Todd Road South Yarmouth, MA 02664 www.bluerockgolfcourse.com
(508) 430-5234 183 Oak Street Harwich, MA 02645 www.cranberrygolfcourse.com
(508) 420-1141 1460 Route 149 Marston Mills, MA 02648 www.obfgolf.com
Captains Port Course
Falmouth Country Club
The Brookside Club
(877) 843-9081 1000 Freemans Way Brewster, MA 02631 www.captainsgolfcourse.com
(508) 548-3211 630 Carriage Shop Road East Falmouth, MA 02536 www.falmouthcountryclub.com
(508) 743-4653 11 Brigadoone Rd Bourne, MA 02532 www.thebrooksideclub.com
Everything & More at PlayGolfonCapeCod.com
10% OFF * One per customer, mention NEGM at time of purchase. Excludes all PING products except G25. Good through June 30, 2014
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A Must Play Cape Cod Golf Course Host of the 2014 MGA Amateur Public Links Championship
• • • •
18 Holes of Championship Golf Fully Stocked Pro Shop New Practice Facility Club Rentals & Lessons
Three Easy Ways to Book Your Cape Cod Round of Golf 2 Days in Advance - Call 508-430-7560 10 Days in Advance, Pre-Pay - Call 508-430-5234 Online at CranberryGolfCourse.com
183 Oak St. Harwich, MA
Northern New England Golf Guide 2014 | Follow All Year at mynegm.com/guides | 35
Fall River Country Club PAM BORGES
Implements the “Tee It Forward”
Initiative to Attract New Members
Amidst the busy manufacturing city of Fall River, MA lies a golfer’s paradise. Secluded in nature with unique architectural style, this private 18-hole gem, located along the banks of the scenic Taunton River, is one of the oldest golf courses in Massachusetts where golf legends like Bobby Jones and Harry Vardon have played. The dramatic drive onto the property awakens your senses as you weave through federally designed wild, over an old wooden railroad-tie bridge leading you to the historic clubhouse complete with pro-shop, multi-level indoor/outdoor dining, two bars, outdoor concession stand and stationary on-course beverage cart. Like an amusement ride, this fun, yet challenging course will entertain you with its sudden twists
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and turns, dramatic rises and drops in elevation, and water views on 14 of the 18 holes. The course is not lacking in layout challenges…rolling, sloping fairways, steep uphill fairway shots, elevated tiered greens and blind tee shots. Bedazzled by the architectural beauty and surprise vistas that continually pop-up to test your golf skills, you will never get bored playing this course! You will walk away with several distinctive, memorable holes in mind that will haunt you to replay. To name a few…the signature par-3 3rd hole featuring a downhill tee shot over water to a well guarded elevated green. The 10th and 11th holes meander alongside captivating views of the Taunton River. The par-3 12th with its narrow, severely sloped terrain demands a precise downhill tee shot to a pint-sized green.
Play as a Member for a Day with Cart for Only $65
Compared to newer courses that are designed with more tee box options to accommodate all player levels, Fall River CC has implemented the “Tee It Forward” initiative by placing an additional set of tee markers (white) on each hole to provide more manageable distance for junior, senior and female golfers. The PGA advocated this initiative a few years ago to help “Grow the Game” by making it more fun, decrease playing time, recoup older players who have left the game and attract female and junior golfers. The overall yardage from the previous forward tee markers measured a long 5,601 yards (par 70), offering little distance advantage for your higher handicapped players. The new forward tees offer an overall yardage of 4,459 yards, changing par to 66 for men and 68 for women. Ben Kilborn, head Pro, commented, “The new tee markers should be a lot more friendly to an often neglected segment of the golfing popula-
tion that all clubs should be trying to cater to.” Play from the new markers will be sloped and rated soon and integrated into the scorecard. This lush, well-manicured course offers superb playing conditions and now with the more manageable distance, is an attractive golf venue for women. They currently have approximately 50 active lady members and are looking to increase that number. Thursdays are designated ladies’ day at the course which begins with an informal ladies’ league in the morning. Instructional clinics for ladies will begin in June. “Member For A Day” program with rates of only $65. with cart allows golfers to sample the club’s amenities. A variety of membership options are available to suit individuals of all ages. Call Pro Shop for details…508-677-9828. Check out their website to view each hole with advice on how to strategically play each one. www. fallrivercc.com
June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37
BY JIM HAMMOND
Allendale Country Club Many PGA club professionals are like gypsies: They travel the country and set up shop at a number of different clubs hoping to establish a good career at the perfect golf course. Stephen Brown came to Dartmouth, Massachusetts and took over the duties as head pro and director of golf at The Allendale Country Club 28 years ago. He is still there today. “Allendale is a great course and the members are great people. They love golf and they are friendly and welcome new players to their home course. At some clubs the members can seem aloof. You won’t find that attitude here at Allendale.”
you will probably be playing your second shot from a side hill lie. “When people want a lesson on how to play side hill shots I take them to the fourth fairway,” said Brown.” “If they can hit it clean and carry the pond they know they have mastered the shot.” The seventh hole is a 414 yard par 4 with another large pond protecting the green. Most of the greens look similar to a Donald Ross design, so if you can give some thought to your short-iron shots you can score well at Allendale. If you have a bad day on the links there is a very friendly lounge overlooking the course. If it is a hot day, and you really want to drown your sorrows, you can take a plunge in their Olympic size pool.
Allendale Country Club is an 18 hole Championship course that was opened in 1956. It was designed by famed architect Geoffrey Cornish. Cornish courses are always very challenging but also fair and can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The first hole is a par 4, only 391 yards from the blue tees, and has a very generous fairway. But your approach shot is to a large green that has a dramatic slope so plan your approach shot carefully. Because of this, it’s advised to keep your shots below the hole so it leaves you with an uphill putt. Also to keep things interesting, water comes into play on a number of holes. The 418 yard Par 4 fourth hole is a dogleg right. You need to fly a large pond that guards the green and
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Allendale was a private course but has now changed their status to a semi-private club. They are enticing new members with a number of membership specials. Full single memberships are only $3395.00, for other options call or check out their website. Check out the club with their Member for a Day special - $55.00 gets you a round of golf and a cart. For other information call 508 992-8682, or check the web at AllendaleCC.net.
ALLENDALE A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY WWW.ALLENDALECC.NET
Allendale is Now Semi-Private *Pro Rated Memberships Available for 2014 Weekday Rates – AM $55.00 12–3PM $50.00 | After 3PM $40.00 Weekend Rates - AM $65.00 PM $55.00 Select Rates for Large Groups & Outings Call Pro Shop for details 508/992-8682 5 Rounds for the Price of 4 Only $225.00 includes a bag of Range Balls (May be applied to 2014 Membership) *Limited Availability for Golf Outings and Small Groups
Allendale Country Club 1047 Allen St. North Dartmouth, 02747
508-992-8682 | AllendaleCC.net June JJu un ne e2 201 20 2014 01 0 014 14 1 4 | Subscribe Su SSub ub ubsscr sc crriib c ibe be b e at at my m myNEGM.com yN NE NEG EGM EG M..c M.c .co om m | 39 39
BY PAM BORGES
SEGREGANSETT COUNTRY CLUB…
Welcomes The Ladies
2013 RI State Womens Club Challenge Host site “Seggy”, as it is referred to by its members, is one of New England’s most historic venues in the game . This Geoffrey Cornish design is long from the forward tees… measuring 5,521 yards, features five par-5s with most over 400 yards and par-3s that many require a driver to reach in regulation. There are water hazards on eight of the eighteen holes demanding forced carries and layup shots. So, what is it that is so appealing about this club that attracts ladies to join? I posed this question to club Pro, Rob Baxter, who got feedback directly from his lady members: “You never get tired of playing this course… each round brings new challenges…the diversity of holes give the course character”; “Challenging but beautiful with its natural settings, wildlife, wildflowers”; “SCC is female-friendly starting with it’s membership structure of “family” vs. “AB”; “Women can play any time of the day without gender restrictions. Seggy offers ladies “skins games” four days a week allowing them to come out and play without having to make up their own foursome”; “Many social opportunities are offered, like the couples Friday nt. Scotch Games twice a month and the ladies organization provides many tournament opportunities throughout the season.” So what can be said about the playability of the course for women? Although Segregansett is a long course for ladies it offers a peaceful setting with many scenic wonders and surprise vistas along the way, such as the babbling waterfall on the 2nd hole, hidden brooks intersecting many fairways, marshes and environmentally protected areas that harbor unique wildlife…yes, my friend and I saw the club’s blue heron! Challenging water hazards that require forced carries off the tee and lay-up shots, add equally to
the ambiance. The wide, tree-lined fairways are mostly flat, well groomed and easy to hit off. The “quirky” back-and-forth design layout on some holes (#3-5) made it tough for us newcomers to navigate without a visual course layout. Especially true for hole #5 , which requires a blind tee shot over water through trees that lead to a fairway (we had no idea where it was) that doglegs right to a small green tucked away behind a bunker. Memorable holes…this was one of many on the course. Lucky for us, we befriended Michael, a lone golfer who turned out to be a “godsend”, as he helped us navigate the doglegs, blind shots, and upcoming hidden hazards on the remaining holes. The diverse layout and varied green shapes and contours made playing this course intriguing. Segregansett is a shotmaker’s course that poses plenty of risks and rewards forcing thoughtful planning and precision in executing shots. So many beautiful holes on this course, but hole #17 takes the prize…a short par 3 that demands all carry over marshland to a small green surrounded by bunkers. Other club amenities include a magnificent driving range and short-game practice areas. The clubhouse has a welcoming atmosphere with a banquet hall, back-to-back bars offering members a cozy more formal dining or light and airy snack bar setting that opens up to outdoor patio seating. The ladies’ locker room welcomes with a cozy, at-home feel complete with comfortable furniture, refreshing toiletries and snacks. “Member for a Day” tee times are available 7 days a week for only $40 weekdays and $50 weekends. Also, new membership special at one low price to July 2015: Single $2950/Family $3200 and other age group specials available.
Segregansett Country Club Drop In For Some Of The Best Golf in Southern New England!
Summer 2014 Golf Specials At Segregansett Country Club • • • • • •
Memberships for 2014-2015 season Single Adult $2,950 Family $3,200 Junior $625 to age 21 Young Adult 21-29 $1,500 30–35 $2,100
Call Gary Palmer for Membership info 508-942-5873
Come Play Segregansett with Your Friends Member For A Day Summer 2014 Pricing $40.00 with Cart weekdays / $50.00 with Cart Weekends
Summer Galla Week at Segregansett Country Club July 7th – 11th Come join us to celebrate 4th of July Week $40.00 with Cart for 18 Holes Public Invited Includes Free Pizza
For this promo call the Pro Shop @ 508-824-9144 Segregansett Country Club | segregansett.com 84 Gulliver Street Taunton, MA | 508-824-9110 June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 41
41
BY NEGM STAFF
Pawtucket Country Club:
“Membership Menu”
Pawtucket Country Club offers a full range of membership opportunities that will allow single golfers, couples, women, young adults, juniors and corporations to become part of one of Rhode Island’s best private country clubs. David Spencer, Membership Chairman at Pawtucket said, “Making members new and old feel welcome may be a lost art in the industry today but at Pawtucket we excel at this. We want to bring the private club experience to our members and make them feel that we are here to make that experience a memorable one. We offer a great conditioned golf course, a wonderful clubhouse with excellent quality food service and banquet facilities and a full Olympic size pool. It truly a great member club and a wonderful place to be part of”. Pawtucket Country Clubs Class A membership allows members full access to the clubs pool, banquet and dining privileges for the entire family. Golfing, use of a locker and voting privileges for Class A members are for the individual member only. Pawtucket CC also offers a Class A Couples membership which allows access to the club facilities for their families but golfing and voting privileges are for the member and spouse only. PCC offers membership options for golf enthusiasts between
the ages of 18 and 39 for a discounted rate. The Junior Executive memberships have full privileges of the club without voting privileges. The Class C Intermediate membership is available for singles and couples. Class C memberships are for those golfers who do not have a lot of spare time, yet want the private country club experience for when they can get out and play. Class C consists of golfing, pool, locker, banquet and dining privileges. Golfing privileges have been restricted to certain times and access to the pool can be added for an additional one time annual fee each June and are excluded from voting. Class E-Social memberships have use of the club’s dining facility and access to the golf course twice a month. Members must pay guest green fees when playing and have no voting rights. A family pool-only membership is available as well. PCC’s new Evergreen corporate membership is designed to fit the needs of the 21st century corporate/business golfer. This very unique member option at Pawtucket requires no annual or monthly dues; instead, those accepted to membership in the Evergreen corporate category make their financial commitment to the club in the form of a deposit. What makes Pawtucket Country Club so great
“Fast Greens, Fast Rounds, Fast Friends” www.PawtucketCountryClub.com 900 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket, RI 02861
are the many different activities and games that take place on a weekly basis at the club. There are never any tee times needed and you can finish your round in 3.5 hours. PCC has a monthly 1 day member/guest tournament, 2 annual member/ member round robin events, a 3 day member guest tournament, Opening/Closing Day Tournament where all member classes play together in an ABCD Scramble format. Each spring PCC hosts a pre-season golf fitness clinic taught by a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) professional trainer. PCC’s social activities include; member cocktail parties, cigar nights, lobster fest, casino night which
includes professional table games and a chance to win great prizes, craft beer and wine dinners just to name a few. The beautiful function room overlooking the 18th green can host up to 180 people and is a common spot for weddings and events. Pawtucket is a family friendly club which hosts many family activities including, family day at the pool, Breakfast with Santa, Children’s Halloween Party and Easter Bunny Brunch. With the many different games and activities the club offers, new and old members can meet and mingle and enjoy our “Fast Greens, Fast Rounds, Fast Friends” for life!!
Introducing the PCC Three Round Trial Membership $199 for 3-rounds w/ cart, full use clubhouse & dining Call the Pro Shop for available days/times at 401-726-6320 For Membership Info Call David Spencer at 401-965-9099
CELEBRITY GOLFER //
BY LEIGH MACKAY
Peter Jacobsen One of the most popular and colorful touring professionals since 1977, Peter Jacobsen was honored for his career at the Tour Championship in Atlanta last fall when he was named the PGA TOUR’s recipient of the 2013 Payne Stewart Award. Note the iconic knickers and cap on the trophy’s image in the photo (courtesy of the PGA TOUR). The award “given to a player sharing Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game” is most fitting because Jacobsen was a close friend of Stewart, who died in that 1999 airplane tragedy, and has devoted his life to making the world of golf as entertaining and as meaningful as he can. And who can forget “Jake Trout and the Flounders” with Stewart on harmonica, Jacobsen on vocals, and Mark Lye on guitar? (Photo courtesy of Peter Jacobsen Sports.) Jacobsen, now 60, was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and played college golf for the
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Oregon Ducks. He won seven times on the PGA TOUR, has won two majors on the Champions Tour, and has played in two Ryder Cups. Although Jacobsen will play in 14 Champions Tour events this year, he will be spending much of his time as a golf commentator for Golf Channel and NBC sports, and his well-liked “Jake’s Takes” add a little levity to the broadcasts. He is currently on the Cleveland/Srixon staff and gives clinics—which include his uproarious impersonations of well-known players—around the country. In 1989, he established Peter Jacobsen Sports, a sports marketing and management firm that has produced more than 250 events worldwide, including the CVS Caremark Charity Classic in Rhode Island, and has helped to contribute more than $40 million to charity. He has been married to Jan since 1976, and they have three children, Amy, Kristen, and Mick.
NEGM: What do you enjoy most about your work for the Golf Channel and NBC? PJ: I’m a golf fan. I love to play golf, and I love to watch it. As a player, I am involved in the story. When I sit in the “catbird seat” at a telecast, I am the storyteller, and that fulfills the fan in me. From my experience as a professional, I can describe the actions of the players and give the viewers a different perspective of what goes on inside the ropes.
NEGM: What motivated you to create your hilarious impersonations? Who are you most often asked to portray? PJ: It all started when I was a kid and would view golf on TV and my dad would say, “Watch each player as he hits his shots.” When I was around 1314, I just morphed into doing their swing impressions and never stopped.
The King, Arnold Palmer. NEGM: With what other projects are you involved? PJ: I’m working with Srixon to design a set of irons, and I love the chance to experiment with lofts and lies and swing weights. Also, Peter Jacobsen Sports keeps me busy throughout the years with a wide variety of projects. The big ones now are working with Lexus on their USGA partnership at this year’s back to back men’s and women’s U.S. Opens as well as the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, both of which happen in June.
NEGM: You do realize what an important event the CVS Caremark Charity Classic with Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade is for Rhode Island? PJ: Yes! Plus it is the most unique format in professional golf today with its two days of two-person, best-ball golf and players who come from the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, and the LPGA Tour. Our relationship with CVS has raised millions of dollars for charity, and I can’t tell you how rewarding it has been to work with CVS, Brad, and Billy.
NEGM: The Open at Pinehurst #2 will remind us again of Payne Stewart’s victory there in 1999. What will you always remember about your close friend? PJ: His big smile, how he chewed his gum, his wardrobe, and his vibrant personality. How he loved his family and friends. How much he enjoyed playing practical jokes and being mischievous and going to ball parks, football
games, and concerts. How he loved to live life to the fullest. His friendship to me. And what an opportunity was lost for Payne, his wife Tracey, and their two children.
NEGM: What were your two most important victories on the regular Tour? PJ: My first one in 1980 at the Buick-Goodwrench Open stands out because I then realized that I belonged on the Tour. My fifth in 1995, the AT&T Pebble Beach National ProAm at my most favorite course in the world, was so very special for my family and me.
NEGM: What are your recollections, and does Seve Ballesteros make them, of your two Ryder Cup appearances in 1985 & 1995? PJ: My two Ryder Cup experiences were incredible! Representing your country has to be one of the most rewarding roles in the sporting world. Oh, yes, Seve was a real swashbuckler and brought all the Euros together.
NEGM: Who would be in your Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period? PJ: I’d like to be in a threesome with Arnold Palmer and Danny Ainge. Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and President Eisenhower.
NEGM: What are your special charities? PJ: The First Tee, Folds of Honor, Independence Fund, Wounded Warrior Project, Cascade AIDS Project, Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation, CVS Caremark, and local charities in Portland, Oregon, and Naples, Florida.
NEGM: What professional sports teams do you follow? PJ: The University of Oregon Ducks, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Philadelphia Eagles now that Chip Kelly, the former Ducks mentor, is the new head football coach.
NEGM: In 2006, you were awarded the Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf? What was your reaction? PJ: A very special and memorable moment for me. I am very proud to be a part of the Francis Ouimet fellowship that is so concerned with helping deserving young men and women succeed in life. That’s always been an important concern of mine.
June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 45
Fathers Day Flash Sale The Putter Cube + Free Putting DVD | $19.95 The Putter Cube teaches you to set your wrist in the correct position and maintain that position throughout the putting stroke. Attach the Putter Cube to your putter, set your wrist in the slot, and practice putting. Within a few weeks you’ll have your putts rolling online and will feel more confident on the greens. Our free putting DVD: 5 Steps to Perfect Putting provides valuable putting tips and drills to help reach your potential on the greens. You’ll also receive free shipping and our 30 day money back guarantee.
Contact: 888-568-6770 | www.theputtercube.com
Precision Pro V400 Rangefinder How precise is your golf game? To play your best you need to know your exact distance. The Precision Pro V400 Rangefinder gives you precision distance without spending an arm and a leg. The Precision Pro V400 is a tour quality rangefinder that is accurate within one yard and measures up to 400 yards. It also features flag seeking technology to ensure precise measurement, a 30 day money back guarantee, and a 1 year warranty. Know your distance, hit closer shots, shoot lower scores. $199.95
888-568-6770 | www.precisionprogolf.com
Your #1 Dad Deserves The #1 Golf Training Aid Why scramble for a last minute gift for Dad, when you can choose one of the Tour proven game improvement products from Orange Whip? We have developed a game improvement system that has been tested and proven by over 300 major Tour Players and over 75% of the top 100 Rated Golf Instructors. We have two more products to add to the game improvement system: the newly designed Orange Peel and the Orange Whip Putting Wand. Please visit our
website www.orangewhiptrainer.com for more information. To receive $10 off each product you purchase on our Buy Now page, use promo code NEGMdad.
Volvik Golf Balls
Kevin Walsh, Comcast Sports Net
The new White Color S3 from Volvik is a premium, next-level ultra-performance “super” ball that is the first of its kind to the US market. In play by Tim Petrovic on the PGA Tour and several of Volvik’s LPGA Tour staff, the White Color S3 is a new tour ball that has everyone talking. The name White Color derives from the fact that the golf ball is a hybrid of a white and color golf ball. A white base with a proprietary pearlescent color makes this a color ball for even the most traditional golfer, providing better visibility in light.
Volvik is currently offering a Father’s Day special that offers FREE PERSONALIZATION and FREE SHIPPING until June 18th on their website and Shop.Volvik.Com.
Fathers Day Vacation at Woodstock Inn & Resort It’s that time a year again, to Celebrate Father’s Day & what better way than a get away to the Woodstock Inn & Resort. How about our Spa & Golf Package? This Special Father’s Day Gift will have him playing a challenging round of golf on our Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course and with a $100 spa credit he could enjoy a spa treatment of his choice maybe even after a hot steam? (Or mom could always use the Spa credit while Dad is on the course!) Rates start at $395 with breakfast daily.
Book Dads Golf Vacation at www.WoodstockInn.com
Laser Link Golf
Lower scores begin with accurate information. The XL1000 Laser Rangefinder from Laser Link Golf gets you the information you need to hit it close. Distance to any landmark on the golf course is yours at the touch of a button. • AccuFLAG Technology means you’ll get the to-the-flagstick information you need every time • 6x magnification gets you close to your target • Range: 5- 1000 yards • Measures in yards and meters • Waterproof
The perfect gift for the golfer in your life. Use discount code FD2014 to take an additional $25 OFF all Laser Link rangefinders at store.laserlinkgolf.com! PLUS – Up to $50 OFF via mail-in rebate! AND – FREE SHIPPING!
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV
Fathers Day Flash Sale Gift Dad a Better Short Game – Pelz Golf 1-Day Clinics Pelz instruction has helped some of the best players in the world, including five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, perform to their peak potential. Meet the Pelz staff at Pinehills Golf Club (Plymouth, Mass.), June 25-28 and see what proven instruction does for YOUR game. Learn the essential chipping, putting, wedge and sand play skills you need to play, and score, with confidence and consistency.
To Enroll Call 800-833-7370 or at PelzGolf.com $50 OFF with NEGM at Call In or Code TROON at checkout
Snap-Hookz Golf – 15% OFF Spend your time on the golf course playing golf instead of rifling through your golf bag looking for your range finder, another towel or your extra glove. With this new and unique accessory hanger, everything you need for your round of golf will be on the OUTSIDE of your bag! (What a concept, huh?) Simply snap our accessory hanger onto any 2 existing rain hood snaps and all of your accessories are exactly where you want them. This one golf product in almost any color, has 4 separate hanging areas so separating, organizing and placement is a snap.
15% Off Your Entire Order USING NEGMHOOZ until July 1, 2014 at www.snaphookzgolf.com
The Greens Professor at GolfTrainingAids.com The Greens Professor is a putting alignment training aid to check putter face alignment at address and impact. Using laser technology, the Greens Professor provides immediate feedback if your putter face is open, closed, or square to the intended aimline. The alignment is indicated by a bright red dot that is visible in the alignment viewing window. One of the best features is it is easy to see if the putter face is open, square, or closed as you stroke through impact. There’s not a better way to check your true putter face alignment!
Buy yours today from www.GolfTrainingAids.com for only $20! Use NEGMFREE at checkout for free shipping in USA.
Kevin Walsh, Comcast Sports Net
Just In Time For Father’s Day! Nikon’s COOLSHOT Golf Laser Rangefinder Promotion Brings Huge Savings Nikon has announced a promotion on COOLSHOT and COOLSHOT AS Rangefinder models just in time for dad’s big day. This promotion offers $50 of instant savings off the COOLSHOT AS model and $30 instant savings off the COOLSHOT rangefinder. The promotion runs through June 30, 2014.
Shop Now at Nikongolf.com
3Up Golf – 15% off entire order Are you looking to give your golfer something more than just a box of golf balls this Father’s Day? Designed in Nashua, New Hampshire, the 3F12 by 3 Up Golf is the gift everyone is talking about this season. Offering maximum distance, superior spin and the best feel, the 3F12 is truly an amazing golf ball. Did we forget to mention the unique packaging? Each dozen comes in a velvet bag with tees, a poker chip, a tee shaped pencil, and a pen.
Use the code “FathersDay2014” at checkout for 15% off your entire order at 3upgolf.com.
Joey D Online Coaching – 20% Off Exclusive Father’s Day Savings on the most complete game improvement package around! This incredible opportunity combines Coach Joey D’s complete home golf fitness system, plus personalized online video coaching from the Joey D Golf Performance Center LIVE via Skype! Lucky fathers get a 6-week follow-along golf-specific fitness program on DVD (equipment included) to activate their golf body, adding flexibility, club head speed, and distance. Then, after a live interactive golf body/swing analysis on Skype, they’ll get a personalized 8-week workout plan optimized for their own swing!
Use “NEGM” at Checkout by 6/15 to save 20% www.JoeyDGolf.com May 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 49
Fathers Day Flash Sale NEW TOM WATSON INSTRUCTIONAL DVD MAKES IDEAL FATHER’S DAY GIFT Tom Watson Lessons Of A Lifetime II Debuts Just In Time
It’s only fitting that World Golf Hall-ofFamer Tom Watson just released the Lessons of a Lifetime II revision of the best-selling original DVD set that now includes more than 20 new lessons. After all, Father’s Day is just around the corner. And it was Ray Watson who first introduced his 6-year-old son Tom to the game.
The new 2014 lessons can be purchased in two ways:
Now it’s time for sons everywhere to help give back to their own fathers, with instruction directly from the foremost expert of the game.
These DVD programs are available for sale TomWatson.com, Amazon - U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan and select golf and sporting goods retailers. Both programs are can also be purchased by telephone at 800-993-5589.
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• The first, Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime II With New Advanced Lessons ($49.95), features three discs (including the original two-disc DVD set) and a 20-page booklet. • The second, Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime II: The New Advanced Lessons ($24.95), features one disc (only the new lessons) and a five-page booklet.
NexBelt | 20% Off
Dad deserves a belt this year and we’re talking the one he can wear around his waist plus you can save 20% off the price! Nexbelt is being worn by Tour players such as Kevin Na and Marc Leishman. They love the Nexbelt for the convenience of the
built in ball marker and how it fits their bodies precisely with its 1/4” adjustment, allowing better comfort which means a better golf game. Nexbelts are cut to size and will fit up to a 50” waist so you don’t have to know your dad’s waist size.
Use code NEG20 to get 20% discount at www.NexBelt.com June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 51
BY JOHN MOLORI
Golf puts media and athletes at an even par It is not a stretch to say that there is an antagonistic relationship between sports reporters and the athletes they cover. So, what is the key to melting this often icy feud? Look no further that that metal stick and little white ball. At the very least it gives us something to talk about,” says 98.5 The Sports Hub host Tony Massarotti. “It’s a nice way to get to know someone and to talk about the game without probing for information. “Starting pitchers are usually golfers because they have four days off between starts. One time out in Anaheim, I ran into a Mariners’ scout who happened to be playing with Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe. I asked if it would be OK if I played with them and Lowe said he didn’t care. Lowe was an amazing golfer. He could hit it a mile. He had very long swing arc.” W B Z - T V sportscaster Steve Burton is no stranger to joining athletes on the course. “I’ve played with guys who are very competitive, guys like Bo Jackson and Lawrence Taylor,” says the former Northwestern University quarterback. “You can build relationships on the golf course. It breaks down barriers. I played with Mario Lemieux in Michael Jordan’s tournament in Vegas. He talked about coaching youth hockey and how parents call him and ask about playing time for their kids. “When I play with Doug Flutie, we compete
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end to end. No matter who we are playing, we play it straight up, no strokes regardless of anyone’s handicap, and we have to putt out. There are no gimmes.” Burton’s predecessor as WBZ’s top sports gabber is Bob Lobel, whose rise to the apex of Boston sports was, in no small part, thanks to his links aptitude. He explains, “From Derek Sanderson to Bobby Orr, so many great athletes play the game. Every situation improved because of golf. It is the universal language and the great equalizer. “Golf helped me establish relationships with guys like Jim Rice and Roger Clemens. Looking back, it was a big part of working in the Boston sports arena.” Like many of her peers, NHL Network anchor and former NESN personality Kathryn Tappen has used her golf prowess to break down that wall between athlete and reporter. She relates, “The players have a chance to get to know you better and see what your likes and dislikes are. I can remember being paired up in a foursome with Ray Bourque. We were poking fun at each other at every hole. It was great to have that kind of rapport.” Pete Sheppard of BostonSportsTalk.com agrees stating, “Hockey players are absolutely the best to play alongside. I played with Jim Rice once and the last thing he wanted to do was talk about was baseball.
Kevin
“On the course, athletes might tell me some inside stuff, but I never violate that trust. When fans play with the media, they want to show you that they know about sports. It’s very flattering, but it can be overwhelming.” Like many in the media biz, sports reporter Jayme Parker sees golf as some kind of common ground. “The game truly creates a level playing field. Golf humbles everybody. When Boston College was in a bowl game out west, I actually had a chance to play Pebble Beach. It was very difficult, but every hole is so picturesque and so beautiful.”
always an event of some kind with the Bruins, Patriots, radio executives, advertisers, or listeners. If you don’t play golf, you are on the outside looking in. It is such a great bridge to build relationships.” Like these other media hackers, FOX25’s Mark Ockerbloom has used golf to enhance his media chops. “I had the chance to play with a lot of football coaches and assistant coaches when I was working in Oklahoma.
Comcast Sports Net’s Mike Giardi had a brush with one of his boyhood heroes on the links. “He explains, “I played a round of golf with Dwight Evans once. He is an avid golfer. He told me a lot of stories, and I asked him some questions. Dwight is probably my favorite alltime Red Sox player. That was really cool.”
“I once played in Canton, MA with former Bruins’ coach Brian Sutter. He was very serious about golf, but this sport is very disarming. On the course, coaches and athletes mete out info as they gain your trust. It’s like being a fly on the wall.”
CBS Radio and former 98.5 The Sports Hub star Damon Amendolara’s list of golf buddies is growing along with his popularity. “Golf is a great ice breaker,” he relates. “At The Sports Hub, there was
John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players.” Follow him on Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@aol.com.
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 53
FAIRWAYS LIFESTYLE & LIVING // BY TIM BRANCO
New Trends Indicate Strong Value In Present Market The second home market is leading best value indicators for consumers who have been searching for that perfect second home in the Northeast the Carolina’s, Florida and numerous other southeast and southwest states. Highest value base is in golf course communities, which presently shows strong inventory choices and cost basis of nearly 65% of 2006 values. If you have dreamed about living on a golf course, today’s market conditions are very advantageous whether it be a first or second home. Mid to high end golf course facilities hold the best opportunities for across the board growth gains in 5 year equity projections. Amenity rich developments are high on the list of buyers who are looking for well-planned communities to fit into their active lifestyle. New construction custom homes and existing homes over 3000 sq. ft. in some of the most sought after regions will see the largest value gains as the market trends upward. This market presents obvious opportunity that rarely exists in real estate history, buying below the bottom.
The Bay Club Mattapoisett, MA At The Bay Club in Mattapoisett, MA one of New England’s most prestigious golf course communities home-sites are available fro $200K - $400K and complete custom homes starting at just $600K. The Bay Club offers and to a unprecedented gated community with a full range of activities and ame-
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nities from championship golf to fitness and much more. The location is perfect for both Providence and Boston commutes and just off Cape Cod as well. Similar properties in private gated communities with far less amenities in the South Shore and on Cape Cod are priced much higher. The Bay Club is well kept secret that is fast getting out in the luxury home market south of Boston. For info bayclubmatt.com
Turner Hill Ipswich, MA Turner Hill is one of the finest estates communities on Boston’s North Shore. Located in Ipswich, Massachusetts with a grand Elizabethan mansion at its center, Turner Hill is where New England charm meets English style. The entire community is over 300 acres and is distinguished by a highly acclaimed championship golf course, restaurants, recreational activities, and a 120 planned residences forming a core community set among century–old grounds, towering pines, formal gardens, rolling lawns and swan ponds. At Turner Hill, residents enjoy the ultimate in estate lifestyle and breath-taking views, with optional club memberships, and an unparalleled level of service and amenities. For Info turnerhill. com
White Cliffs Plymouth, MA If you are looking for a value based golf course community with golf then White Cliffs in Plymouth, MA is a great waterfront community that is an affordable popular choice on the South Shore. Condo’s are both on the golf course and have beautiful water views of Cape Cod Bay along the South Shore. Gormanassociates.net
The Villas At Pleasant Valley Sutton, MA In Sutton, MA the Villas at Pleasant Valley offer unsurpassed golf course living on a championship 18 golf course. Luxurious condominium homes from 2500-3500 sq ft are designed with opulent style and design to provide privacy and well planned buffer zones. Eight models offer diversity in both design and living options. Located just 25 minutes from Boston these properties are a great living option for families looking to enjoy country life with easy city access. They are priced from the high 500’s. Info at villaspv.com
Reynolds Plantation Greensboro, GA In the south there are great choices in Florida, the Carolina’s and Georgia that offer endless choices in all price points. The Robb Report named Reynolds Plantation the “Best of the Best” Golf Community. Reynolds Plantation is located between Augusta and Atlanta, is situated on 19,000 acres along 374 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee. Known as a vacation and retirement destination for affluent Atlantans, Reynolds has a lot to offer its more than 3,500 owners besides a whopping six golf courses. For info reynoldsplantation.com
PGA Village Verano Port St. Lucie, FL Planned and imagined by Kolter Homes, PGA Vil-
lage Verano, is an all-inclusive, full-service, luxury resort-style community featuring Club Verano which offers all of the facilities and amenities of your dreams. Verano will offer a groundbreaking selection of programs and facilities sure to please the tastes and match the interests of almost anyone fortunate enough to call it home. If you are looking for a new home in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, then look no further. Life at PGA Village Verano will include stunning championship golf and a fully equipped wellness center offering classes and programs in an imaginative range of athletic and learning activities, special interest clubs and lifelong learning programs. For info pgavillage.com
Tuckers Point, Bermuda Internationally Tuckers Point Bermuda one of the world’s most magnificent destinations has launched a new fractional ownership for 5-week ownership in luxury villas for only $199,500 for 2-3 bedrooms in private residence club. Owning property in Bermuda was once literally impossible and only available to a very privileged few. Today programs like Tuckers Point have given so many more access to the beautiful island of Bermuda through creative options. For info tuckerspoint. com For everyone that loves the game of golf the ultimate dream is to live where you play. For many it means a home right here in New England and for others it’s a place to escape the cold northern winters in Florida or beyond. Like every journey in life, it begins with first step and that is visiting properties that fit your own criteria. A few years back I looked at a home located on a private club in Eastern Massachusetts that was a great house. To this day I wish I bought that property, it is now worth double what they were asking only 10 years ago. The lifestyle and amenities of living in a golf course community is more attainable now then it has been in decades and investment wise one of the best markets in years to jump into.
June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 55
Bay Club Mattapoisett ( Use Bay Club AD page 95 June Issue)
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THE RESIDENCES AT TURNER HILL
where there’s no such thing as an ordinary day
available now. priced from $689,900 to $849,900. There are no ordinary days, no ordinary amenities and certainly no ordinary homes at Turner Hill. The Residences at Turner Hill offer pastoral sophistication and the opportunity to reside in one of the last of New England’s great estates. Whether your preference is a villa or a townhome, you’ll love the peaceful, tranquil setting with stunning views of the mansion, championship golf course, and gardens.
THE RESIDENCES AT TURNER HILL
3 Manor House Lane I Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938 I Phone: 978-312-3010 I liveturnerhill.com June 2014 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 57 Exclusive Sales and Marketing by William Raveis The Dolores Person Group & Raveis Marketing Group
This is the Life... Make it your home.
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Grand, Gated Entrance • Social Membership to PGA Golf Club with Access to 72 Championship Holes Designed by Fazio and Dye* • Clubhouse Fitness Center, Yoga & Aerobics Studio • Tennis, Basketball & Bocce Courts Resort-Style Pool • Junior Olympic Size Indoor Lap Pool • Bike Paths Wellness Programs & Social Events • Dog Park • Kolter Design Gallery
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Call 888-717-1345 or visit LiveVeranoToday.com Take I-95 to Crosstown Parkway (Exit 120). Turn west at stoplight then turn right into entrance.
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• Estate Planning • Wills & Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Life Insurance Trusts • Supplemental Trusts • Charitable Trusts • Lifetime Asset Transfers • Powers of Attorney • Medicaid Planning • Health Care Proxies and Advance Directives LĆĜ OċċĎĈĊĘ
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Tel: 978.769.5383 | FAX: 978.769.5441 www.westmainlaw.com
White Cliffs Country Club
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PALOPOLI’S PICKS: THE U.S. OPEN
On June 12th the U.S. Open will return to beautiful Pinehurst No. 2 for the first time since 2005. Most fans will more than likely forever remember the previous time Pinehurst No. 2 was the host track in 1999, when Payne Stewart and Phil Mickelson battled down the stretch until the 72nd hole, where the late Stewart made an incredible par putt to seal his victory and handing Mickelson one of his many runner-up finishes at the major. Pinehurst No. 2 will play every inch of its more than 7,500 yards and as with all U.S. Opens, fairways will be tight and the rough will be thick and long, penalizing players for finding it off the tee more so than any other tournament. Last year England’s Justin Rose took home his first major victory at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania, beating Jason Day and Phil Mickelson by two strokes.
1. Rory McIlroy He’s already won one U.S. Open, and did it in fashion by an amazing eight shot margin. His game looked incredibly strong while recently winning the BMW PGA Championship by overcoming a seven shot deficit to start the final round. McIlroy definitely has the length to tame Pinehurst but the trick for him will be keeping it in the short grass.
2. Phil Mickelson The U.S. Open remains the only major championship to elude Phil Mickelson, and nobody has more 2nd place finishes (6) than he does. While his game seems to be struggling so far this year, without a top 10 to speak of, it’s hard to bet against the success he’s had at this championship.
3. Adam Scott Adam Scott is now the top ranked player in the world, and it looked like he wasn’t planning on relinquishing the title any time soon after a strong victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Scott ranks 1st in the All-Around Ranking on TOUR and 5th in Scoring Average.
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The only thing working against him is that his best finish ever at a U.S. Open is a T15 in 2012.
4. Graeme McDowell McDowell started the season off hot, but has since cooled and hasn’t picked up a top 10 since late March. But the 2010 U.S. Open champion has a bit of success at this major, also placing T2 in 2012. Known as one of the straightest drivers out there, he ranks 10th in Driving Accuracy, but also 5th in Strokes Gained Putting. Two of the most important stats at a U.S. Open.
5. Bubba Watson Furyk is no stranger to success at the U.S. Open, with a victory in 2003 and five other top 5 finishes, most recently a T4 in 2012. The 44 year old took back to back 2nd place finishes just a few short weeks ago at The Wells Fargo, and then at the Players Championship. He ranks 12th on TOUR in Driving Accuracy and is still one of the best ball strikers out there. Jeff Palopoli is a frequent contributor to NEGM. His Fantasy Golf Picks can be found weekly on www.mynegm.com as well as on his blog at www.goodwalkreviews.com. He can be reached at jeff@goodwalkgolf.com
Want to Play Golf with James Driscoll?
At the end of August 2014 three lucky winners will win: - a round of golf & lunch with PGA Tour Player and MA Native, James Driscoll at Charles River CC - a new outfit from Trendy Golf USA - a matching New England Golf Monthly Hat - a new TaylorMade SLDR Driver & dozen Project a Golf Balls
Enter Today at mynegm.com/JD14 Jun June ne n e 201 20 2014 014 | Sub 01 Subscribe SSu ub u bssc scr cr criibe b be e at myNEGM.com myNEGM M.c M ..com | 6 63 3
TEAM NE UPDATE: JUNE 2014 TRACKING OUR PLAYERS ON THE TOURS //
BY STEVE RIGGS
Many of our TNE members continue to struggle as their respective season’s progress. One rising star is moving closer to her LPGA Tour card in just her second year on tour. That standout is young Brittany Altomare, Shrewsbury, MA who is playing on the LPGA’s Symetra Futures Tour. Brittany joined the Symetra FuturesTour after taking medalist honors in the 2013 ACC Championships. She made the cut in her 6 starts finishing the 2013 season 57th with earnings of $10,080. So far in 2014 Brittany has made 8 cuts in 8 starts with 4 top 10 finishes and is 8th on the tour’s money list with earnings of $20,478 and a scoring average of 71.480. Congratulations Brittany!
PGA TOUR Keegan Bradley, (VT) finished 2nd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and 8th at the Zurich Classic with earnings of $1,684,860. He has made 12 cuts in 15 starts and a scoring average of 70.335. Bradley needs work taming his length off the tee as his driving accuracy has him ranked 113th. Scott Stallings, (MA) is struggling, making just 6 cuts in 16 starts since his Farmers Insurance Open win in late January. Scott’s earnings are $1,216,000 with a scoring average of 72.296. Improve his driving accuracy, (167th), and Greens in Regulation, GIR, (149th) will go a long way for Stallings. Jim Renner, (MA) regained his PGA Tour card for 2014 via the Web.Com Tour. Jim has made 5 cuts in 16 starts. With his T-2nd at the AT&T National Pro-am, Renner’s earnings are $672,792 with a scoring average of 72.083. Ranks of 111th in Driving, 166th Driving Accuracy and 158 in GIR indicate work hitting fairways is needed. JJ Henry, (CT) has 11 cuts in 20 starts his belt. A scoring average of 71.745 has generated earnings of $326,405 and a scoring average of 71. Stats in single digits off the tee and GIR, Henry’s flat stick and short game need work with ranks of 152nd in putting, 190th birdie average and 169th in sand saves James Driscoll, (MA) has made 10 cuts in 18 starts at this writing. Driscoll’s earnings are $358,339 with a scoring average of 71.181. James’ best finish is T-14th at the Puerto Rico Open. Short game stat rankings in the single digits, Driscoll, not a long hitter, is 182nd in Driving Accuracy and 179th in GIR. Tim Petrovic, (MA) continues to play where he can on the PGA Tour and the Web.Com Tour in his quest to regain his playing privileges. Combined Tim has made 6 cuts in 13 starts with earnings totaling $105,289 and a (total) combined scoring average of 70.90.
CHAMPIONS TOUR Brad Faxon, (RI) has played all 6 events thus far with earnings of $62,938 and a scoring average of 72.69. Brad’s strong suit, putting, continues to improve. His current putting rank is 19th. Brad’s work on his driving accuracy will pay dividends going forward.
Billy Andrade, (RI) is one of TNE’s standouts in 2014, his rookie year on the Champions Tour. Billy’s earnings are $273,823 with a scoring average of 70.55 after 7 events on the Champions Tour. It’s good to have him back playing.
Dana Quigley, (MA) has started in 5 events earning $13,857. At 66 Dana may have lost distance off the tee box over the years, but he’s replaced distance with accuracy. Quigley is ranked 6th in driving accuracy. Dana’s remarkable story of overcoming adversity is one every golfer can learn from.
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LPGA TOUR Alison Walshe,(MA) has made 7 cuts in 11 starts with earnings of $60,435. Walshe’s scoring average has improved over last month and is currently 72.647. A rank of 130th in driving accuracy indicates improvement in this area is needed.
EUROPEAN PGA TOUR Peter Uihlein, (MA) is not having a good season as he divides his time between the American and European PGA Tours. Combined, Peter has made 5 cuts in 16 starts with earnings of $280,962 with a scoring average of 71.25
WEB.COM TOUR Jon Curran, (MA) has made 5 cuts in 9 starts including his victory in the Brasil Champions earlier this year. Jon is 4th on the Web.Com Money List with $201,857 in earnings with a scoring average of 60.15. Curran’s stats look good. In fact he is 4th in the scoring average department. The only area needing a little work would be his 119th ranking in Sand Saves. Jeff Curl, (CT) has 4 cuts in 7 starts with earnings of $21,930 via a scoring average of 70.13. Jeff’s driving accuracy rank is 105th making his GIR rank 99th. A scrambler who is ranked 11th in Putting, with a better percentage off the Tee, Curl’s earnings are sure to increase. I still sense Jeff is destine for the Winners Circle. Brad Adamonis, (RI) has competed in just 2 events on the Web.Com as of this writing, missing both cuts. While I’m sure it is a bitter pill for Brad, it is my hope he continues his quest as he is truly one of our most talented players.
Trevor Murphy, (VT) has made the cut in the 4 events he’s played including a T-9th and T-8th in the WNB Classic and South Georgia Classic respectively. Trevor fired back to back 66’s in the BMW Charity Pro-Am. A scoring average of 70.00 has generated earnings of $36,412 ranking Trevor 51st on the money list.
LPGA SYMETRA FUTURES TOUR Brittany Altomare, (MA) has made the cut in all 8 of her starts thus far with earnings of $21,478. Brittany has 4 top 10 finishes and is ranked 8th on the money list. Her stats are impressive and we may see Altomare in the Winners Circle before season’s end. Her scoring average is ranked 4th overall at 71.840 Natalie Sheary, (CT) is at 5 cuts made in 7 starts with a scoring average of 74.474 and earnings of $3,652. Ranked 7th in Driving Accuracy, Sheary is hitting just under 60% of the greens in regulation,(GIR). This indicates she needs work on her fairway game and could be the reason she only tested the LPGA Tour waters in 2 events, missing the cut in both. Molly Aronsson, (VT) has 3 cuts in 9 starts under her belt this season earning $1,758 with a scoring average that continues to climb and currently is 75.650. Putting is still Molly’s biggest issue needing improvement. She is ranked 130th in the Putting Average category.
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Summer Golf Camps & Lessons Teaches Kids Golf Skills: • USGA rules and etiquette of the game • Practical links of golf lessons to life lessons • Goal setting and self-evaluation
Exeter ½
Call the Pro Shop today to learn how to sign up for Summer Camps and Lessons One Button Hole Drive - Suite One Providence, RI 02909 (401) 421-1664 www.buttonhole.org
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• Course respect and management • Outfit our kids with clubs to keep • Most import to Have Fun!
NEW ENGLAND AMATEUR GOLFF ///
BY NEGM STAFF
CAMERON WILSON WINS NCAA INDIVIDIAL TITLE Seven-time MGA Champion Cameron Wilson of Rowayton, Conn.wontheNCAA Division I Individual Title at Prairie Dunes, Kansas. The Stanford senior won after making a birdie on the third playoff hole against Georgia Tech’s Ollie Schniederjans. Wilson shot a 63 in the second round of the tournament, recording the second best NCAA score ever by a Stanford Cardinal. This is Wilson’s third individual title this season. With this win, the
2009 MGA Player of the Year and 2013 & ‘12 Ike Champion is the third Stanford Cardinal to win - Tiger Woods won in 1996 and Sandy Tatum in 1942. Wilson is only the third left-handed player to win the title, adding his name to list with past champs Scott Langley in 2010 and three-time winner Phil Mickelson in 1992, 1990, and 1989. One of the best Met Area amateurs, Wilson has his name scattered throughout records since he was a junior golfer. He was the MGA Player of the Year in 2009, nationally, he was T-5th at the 2013 Northeast Am and 5th at the Sunnehanna Am. He finished fourth when he traveled to Australia for the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January of 2014. Wilson is currently the fifthranked amateur golfer in the world.
Rockland’s Megan Khang Advances to 2014 U.S. Women’s Championship at Sectional Qualifier Held at Thorny Lea GC A group of amateur and professional golfers took their shot at the “Road to Pinehurst” on Tuesday, as Thorny Lea Golf Club played host to U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier. Megan Khang (Rockland, MA) posted a 4-under par 140 to capture the second and
final qualifying spot. This marks Khang’s second U.S. Women’s Open Championship appearance as she qualified back in 2012 when the event was held at Blackwolf Run Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin. Last year she competed in both the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and U.S. Girls Junior Championship. She currently ranks 31st in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), and last year made history as the first ever female champion at the Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier.
MGA Links at Mamantapett (Norton, MA), an 18-hole, par 3 facility, is the home of The First Tee of Massachusetts and is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Golf Association. As the home of The First Tee of Massachusetts, MGA Links provides many instructional programs for junior golfers throughout the year. From spring and summer programs to after-school opportunities, the staff at MGA Links continues to introduce children of all
ages to the game of golf by providing programs that focus on fun and making sure everyone enjoys the game.MGA Links & The First Tee Summer Junior Golf Program! Program runs thru the month of July. Week-long and weekly sessions available for MGA Links junior members and nonmembers! Sign up today! Contact Pete Walsh at pwalsh@mgalinks.org or (508) 2220555 for more information.
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NEW ENGLAND AMATEUR GOLFF ///
BY BEN LARSEN
Major Events in
Junior Golf for 2014 In these parts, junior golf has long been an important part of the game. Following Francis Ouimet’s miraculous U.S. Open win in 1913, which helped mainstream golf across the country, the junior game grew here in New England. And the same growth -- and focus on the game -- remains to this day, more than 100 years later. Players like Keegan Bradley, James Driscoll, Peter Uihlein all built their games as junior golfers here in New England and as we speak, the next crop of golfers are doing the same. As the final weeks of school are being completed across the region, the regional and national junior tournament schedule is set to take off. Here’s a look at the key events in New England and beyond this summer on the junior circuit:
Francis Ouimet Junior Stroke Play June 30-July 1 | Stow Acres, New England Country Club Among the biggest events for juniors in the New England states, the Ouimet Junior is run by the Challenge Cup. A large field, which includes players from outside of the region,
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will ascend upon Stow Acres Country Club and New England Country Club. Rhode Island collegiate star Jamison Randall won the collegiate division last year and the field is already shaping up to be of high quality this season. The event awards exemptions to qualified AJGA players.
The Optimist International Junior July 19-24 | PGA National Many of the world’s rising juniors will take aim at the 2014 Optimist crown. Lucas Hicks of Milton, Mass. is one of only five players exempt into the 2014 event thanks to being named to the 2014 Optimist International AllScholastic team but more from the region will surely be added at one of three qualifiers in the northeast, including a June 21 qualifier at Rehoboth Country Club run by the U.S. Challenge Cup Junior Golf Foundation. When the field is finally ready to head to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., it will surely hope to be added to the list of illustrious winners that includes Tiger Woods, Notah Begay, Lorena Ochoa, Pat Perez, Billy Mayfair, Brittany Lincicome and Massachusetts native Jim Renner.
US Junior Amateur Championship July 21-26 | The Club at Carlton Woods New England area golf fans will still remember the impact of the U.S. Junior when it came to The Golf Club of New England in 2012. It will head to the beautiful Nicklaus Course at Carlton Woods this year with
perhaps the finest field of juniors assembled in the world. Qualifiers in the area include: Cohasset GC (Mass.) on June 26 and Tashua Knolls GC (Conn.) on June 30.
Stan Trojanowski Northern Junior Aug. 4-6 | New Haven Country Club One of the rising events for juniors here in New England, the Northern Junior Championship is a nationally-ranked invitational considered by the Golfweek and the Junior Golf Scoreboard as one of the premier events in the region. Last year, Evan Grenus of Glastonbury, Conn. and Amy Ding of Lexington, Mass. took home titles. Past winners have gone on to collegiate golf and beyond and include local favorites Andy Mai, Cody Paladino, Brent Paladino and Megan Khang.
23-24), Massachusetts (Beverly Golf & Tennis, June 24; Thorny Lea Golf Club, June 25; State qualifying at The Kittansett Club, The Bay Club, July 14-15), Maine (Cape Arundel Golf Club, June 25) and Vermont (TBD) qualifiers to gain entry into the prestigious championship in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
New England Junior | Aug. 18-20 Ledgemont Country Club This World Amateur Golf Rankings event is one of the best regional junior events in the country. Competitors play individually for the overall title and represent their states in the team competition. Last year, Clinton (Conn.) Country Club golfer Brian Carlson won for a second straight year when he finished 4-under for the title while Team Massachusetts took the team prize at Connecticut National.
AJGA Tour Events
Big “I” Trusted Choice National Championship Aug. 5-8 | Pete Dye Club Among the oldest junior golf events in the country, the Big “I” Trusted Choice Championship is entering its 46th year. Players from across the country battle competitors from 39 states, AJGA tour exemption and AJGA rankings points. With Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard, Hunter Mahan, David Duval, Christie Kerr and Grace Park among its past champions, the qualifying for Big “I” is a major event in itself each and every year. In New England, junior golfers are looking at Rhode Island (Potowomut Golf Club, June
Each year, the prestigious American Junior Golf Association stops off in New England. This year, important events include The Wyndham Cup, scheduled for July 7-10 at Old Sandwich Golf Club in Plymouth, Mass., Killington (Vt.) Junior Championship (June 23-26) and the CocaCola Junior Championship at Sugarloaf Resort (Carrabassett Valley, Me.) Aug. 18-21. Many juniors -- of all ages and skill levels participate in the tour stops which annually help foster competitive youth golf across the country.
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ROSS’S RULES /// BY JACK ROSS
Don’t Touch That Ball! One of the fundamental principles of the Rules of Golf is that you put your ball in play at the start of the hole and don’t touch it until you remove it from the hole. Generally, a player who lifts or moves his ball, or even just “touches it purposely,” incurs a 1-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a. However, the rules provide a number of exceptions whereby players may lift balls without penalty. Here are some of the most common. 1.
A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in any closely mown area may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped. Local rules may extend this rule to balls embedded in other areas (but not hazards).
2.
A ball resting on the putting green may be marked, lifted, cleaned, and replaced.
3.
Where there is interference by an “abnormal ground condition” (ground under repair or casual water) the ball may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped within one club-length of the nearest point of relief.
4.
A ball that lies in or on a movable obstruction may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped as near as possible to where it lay (after the removal of the obstruction).
5.
Where there is interference by an immovable obstruction, the ball may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped within one clublength of the nearest point of relief.
6.
If a player determines that another player’s ball (on any part of the course) might interfere with his play, he may request that the ball be lifted. In this case the ball may not be cleaned. However, except
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on the putting green, lifting a ball in the mere belief that it might cause interference, absent another player’s request, results in a 1-stroke penalty. 7.
If a player declares his ball unplayable, he may lift, clean, and drop his ball pursuant to the options provided by Rule 28, but will incur a 1-stroke penalty.
8.
A ball in a water hazard may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped outside the hazard pursuant to the options provided by Rule 26, but the player will incur a 1-stroke penalty.
9.
A player may lift a ball if necessary to identify it as his ball, but must first announce his intention to do so and mark the position of the ball.
10.
Generally, if a ball moves once the player has addressed the ball (taken his stance), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a 1-stroke penalty. However, an exception added in 2012 provides that there is no penalty “if it is known or virtually certain that the player did not cause his ball to move.” This exception typically will apply if a gust of wind causes a ball to move on a putting green.
While we might strive to adhere to the principle of not touching the ball we hit off the tee until we remove it from the hole, the game of golf is not always so cooperative. But unless you fall within one of the exceptions, you are best to let sleeping balls lie. Jack Ross completed an intensive PGA/USGA rules workshop.
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Dana-Farber patie nt Allison with her daughte r.
i golf have a min ork. w you can w Ask us ho school or ur yo at t up course se
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COUNTRY CLUB COMEDY
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NEGM EQUIPMENT TEST // BY NEGM STAFF
There are two totally different philosophies in golf that really are miles apart when it comes to equipment. The first is that all golf equipment must be approved by the USGA and be deemed conforming to their standards for competitive play. The second is that golf is truly a game for fun and enjoyment and anything that makes this difficult game easier should be allowed for the average golfer who never going to compete in sanctioned events. Polara Golf’s Advantage Drivers™ are designed to exceed the USGA’s distance limits. Available in four lofts: 10.5, 12, HL1 and HL3. These drivers are specifically engineered to work with the Polara Golf’s self-correcting golf balls, which reduce hooks and slices up to 75%, to deliver the straightest and longest shots in golf. The drivers are 475cc and are designed with an exclusive ultra-thin, betatitanium face. These non-conforming drivers are larger than the USGA allows and have a large sweet spot providing fewer miss-hits. Polara Golf designs products to make the game of golf more enjoyable.
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Recently I took the Polara Advantage driver and the Polara XDS Distance golf ball to the range at Segregansett Country Club in Taunton, Massachusetts. Randomly 8 golfers were chosen to test the Polora Driver and the XDS Ball after warming up with their driver for distance and accuracy comparisons. The handicap range of the golfers who tested the club and ball were from a low single digit to mid to high handicap golfers. We instructed each golfer to hit a few balls with their driver prior to testing the Polara driver and Ball. The first was college golf team low digit player. He hit 3 drives all over 300 yards dead center with a perfectly straight ball flight, his single word comment said it all, WOW! The second golfer was a 12 handicap who hit 3 drives again down the middle well over 270 yards which was 45 yards longer than his average drive. The next 4-5 golfers were equally amazed as the accuracy and distance of the ball and driver. The last golfer tested was a 65+-year-old player who was once a low digit handicap
golfer who had major problems hitting his driver with any length or accuracy. He finished out the 2 sleeves of Polara balls hitting 6 drives over 250 yards which were all in play. I had trouble getting the driver back from this gentleman who actually offered to buy it on the spot. We recovered all 2 dozen hit balls, it was
easy they were all in the middle of the range and gave them back to the testers to play in their rounds that day. I must say, everyone loved the Advantage driver and XDS golf ball combination, especially around the greens and with approach shots.
Polara.com for more information.
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NOW THRU JULY 15TH
Demo Days and Manafacture Events are Constantly be added to our Calendar. Please check in weekly to our site for special and events at Joe & Leigh’s
www.pineoaks.com Or Call 508-238-2320
EQUIPMENT REVIEW // BY ED TRAVIS
Hot Irons for Every Golfer Typically golfers replace their irons every five to six years and if it has been that long for you this year’s models offer a pleasant surprise with irons capable of flexing more at impact, so called “faster faces,” being all the rage. Club manufacturers are using this design for clubs, according to their data, that hit the ball further, higher and with more control. However golfers are faced with what may be a bewildering array of choices so it’s reasonable to have a plan before lining up at the cash register. A good start is to narrow the field first by price since obviously each of us has his own “comfort zone” and then by performance category. Do you need a game improvement model (a good bet for most), a max-game improvement design or is your swing of the caliber
to use one from the players-iron category? Next see what they look like at address. Do they fit your eye—do you feel confident they will produce good shots? Then, once you have settled on three or four possibilities, have a fitting session with a PGA Professional using a launch monitor; it is the proper way to get the information you need to make the right decision. This month New England Golf surveyed the new irons and here is information about the models we like. All the prices shown are street prices with steel shafts at the time this was written unless otherwise noted. Should you want graphite shafts, they add about $100 for a set of eight irons.
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Adams Golf The XTD and XTD Forged models are part of an Adams development program for clubs with a “spare-no-expense mindset” using a weight placement similar to hybrids. The XTD (4-PW in steel $600), for mid to high handicaps have a cross-cavity design and the sole slot Adams pioneered. XTD Forged (3H &4H 5-PW steel $1,100) are for better players and like the XTD have a slot behind the face but the head is a multi-material hollow construction and tungsten sole weights are used to compliment the floating face design.
Callaway Golf X2 Hot irons (4-AW $800) update the X Hot model of two years ago and you will see right away a deep undercut to increase face flex at impact producing, according to Callaway, more distance. There’s also an arch across the cavity to stabilize and reinforce the hitting area. We especially noted Callaway’s Apex Pro model (4-AW $1,100) bringing back the iconic named used by Ben Hogan for his iron brand. Better players will like the look at address of this premium forged iron. The steel face has an undercut cavity producing a hotter hit and the long irons have tungsten sole weights to lower the center of gravity.
Cleveland Golf Cleveland’s CG Black irons (4-PW $900) have striking good looks and offer top notch performance from the combination of the materials used plus the design. A titanium face, which is larger than Cleveland’s previous models in this category, is backed with a cavity to give distance and forgiveness while the face has the company’s Tour Zip grooves first seen on their wedges. The 588 Altitude super game improvement irons have hollow clubheads like a hybrid and they really get the ball up quickly because of the weight placement that pushed the center of gravity low and deep. They have a forged face to help with control and distance.
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Cobra Golf The game improvement Bio Cell irons (3H4H 6-PW $800) have a somewhat larger but confidence producing head and the long irons and hybrids have lots of forgiveness from the tungsten weighting which also provides consistency in the shorter irons. A floating face means higher ball flight from the added rebound at impact with a nice solid feel. Complementing the Bio Cell is the Bio Cell+ model (3-PW $800) meant for lower handicap golfers that make use of the E9 face construction and what Cobra calls “Perimeter Undercut Design.” Tungsten weight in the heel and toe are particularly effective in the long irons giving high resistance to twisting.
Mizuno Golf The new MP-54s (3-PW $1,000) only add to the Mizuno reputation for great irons and these especially work well for 0 to 12 handicap players. Their Step Muscle Design produces a solid feel in these forged clubs and the 3 through 7-irons have a milled cavity for higher launch. In the game improvement category Mizuno’s JPX-EZ irons (4-GW $700) are worth a look. A large pocket in the rear of the 4- through 7-irons makes for a large sweet spot and good launch characteristics. The face is a thin multi-thickness design to give high rebound and distance.
Mirua Golf Miura’s forged CB-501 irons are great looking and have lots of thought behind the design. The mild steel muscle-back heads have a satin chrome finish with a cavity back that gives them the feel of a blade. The PP-9903 (PP stands for Passing Point) design gets top marks for forgiveness and though the head is oversize it doesn’t appear to be making these the choice for any level of player. They also have a Black Boron finish available that wears into a silvery patina producing over time a very attractive look. As all Muira irons, both models are custom made and fitted with a selection of shafts to match any need or preference—besides the standard True Temper Dynamic Gold ($225 per club) there are 14 steel and 23 graphite shafts from which to choose.
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Nike Golf The VR_S Covert Forged model (4-AW $1,100) are the first forged irons to have Nike’s NexCOR face and their proprietary variable face thickness is built-in to provide more distance. The new design also incorporates a cavity back with a lower, deeper center of gravity for better launch angles and forgiveness. In the game improvement category the VRS Covert 2.0 (4-AW $700) also uses the NexCor face and compared to the older model has a higher resistance to twisting for better impact stability. High ball launch is built in so this is a good potential choice for slower swing speed golfers.
Ping Golf The new Karsten irons from Ping (3H-4H, 5-PW $800) are in the game improvement category and named after company founder Karsten Solheim. These are very forgiving and get the ball airborne from virtually any lie and will produce added distance for shorter hitters. Low handicappers have lots to like with Ping’s S55 model (3-PW $1,000) starting with its tour-style blade design and the added distance they give from the marginally stronger lofts. Each has a tungsten toe weight for more forgiveness and a vertical bar in the rear of the clubhead for
TaylorMade Golf TMaG has improved and enlarged the sole slot in their SpeedBlades (4-AW $700) compared to last year’s RocketBladez to give more ball speed, distance and off center hit forgiveness. A very low center of gravity also means higher launch and added control and the company is promoting this one as having the fastest face they have ever made. For those wanting irons designed for more accomplished players we like the Tour Preferred CB model (4-AW $900) which combine the forgiveness of a cavity back construction with a “Speed Slot” in the 3through 7-irons. Lofts are slightly stronger because of the CBs higher launch, a combination that produces more distance with controllable trajectory.
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Tour Edge Golf CB PROh long and mid irons are part hybrid and part iron combining the ease of hitting hybrids with workability by using a hollow clubhead and a super-thin forged face. The shorter irons are a cavity design and made from softer stainless steel to enhance control. They are available in True Temper X-Lite 90 Steel, KBS Tour steel, Project X Flighted steel shafts and Fujikura Fuel Exotics or Fuel Tour Exotics graphite shafts starting at $600 for an eight iron set.
Wilson Staff Golf Wilson is marching down the comeback trail with several new iron offerings starting with the FG Tour M3 Irons (4-GW $800). Forged from 8620 carbon steel with a matte black PVD finish, they have a progressive head design and nice looking thin toplines to give a “player’s look” at address. Longer irons are thinner near the impact area for better distance and shorter irons become thicker for better workability. The long iron design puts mass near the heel and toe to give more resistance to twisting with the shorter irons have a more uniform thickness for shot consistency. In the C100 model (4-GW $600), Wilson finished them with a mirror black PVD look and contrasting face making for a striking look at address. Head size has been optimized and construction makes use of the company’s “Exoskeleton” design showing off the inherent technology features and giving the user lots of confidence. By using a stronger stainless steel Wilson achieved their thinnest-faced yet in a control-type iron. Wilson D100 ES Hybrid/Iron model (4H-6H, 7-GW $600) is a combo-set is a great choice for players with slower swing speeds and who are looking for all the help they can get from their irons. Very light in weight but still with larger clubheads Wilson’s Exoskeleton construction gives lots of stability and forgiveness in this super game improvement model.
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EQUIPMENT REVIEWS // BY TIM BRANCO
The New Miura PP-9003
Cavity Back Irons Miura Golf is located in the heart of Himeji, Japan where they design and manufacture the finest forged irons in the world today. The city of Himeji Japan hundreds of years ago was best known for Himeji Castle or the White Egret Castle, where master craftsman forged iconic samurai swords for the Royal Guard who protected the Emperor of Japan. The tradition, pride and craftsmanship of forged steel remains today at Miura Golf where Katsuhiro Miura and his two sons create Miura irons for golfers who are passionate about their game. Getting fitted by Tom Spargo at Spargo Golf in Cranston, RI was the beginning of my journey for my new Passing Point 9003 Straight Neck Irons. Tom is well known throughout the golf industry as one of the best club-fitters in the country and is the only authorized Miura dealer in Southern New England. In about 90 minutes everything I thought I knew about golf clubs, flex, shafts and designs was completely changed. After hitting dozens of clubs with dozens of shafts under the watchful eyes of Tom he was able to determine the proper fit for my new Miura irons. He also explained clearly to me why the clubs I was currently playing were making it more difficult to play well consistently. I had heard great things about the new 9003 game improvement Miura Irons and seen them at the 2014 PGA Show in Orlando in January. For many players who love the feel of forged clubs and the look of a thin top line it has been hard to find a cavity-back iron that provided the look
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feel and performance of classic designed irons. The Miura 9003 was designed with less offset than traditional game improvement clubs with the Straight Neck version having less than 50% of other standard offset irons. Even golfers who are not looking for a game improvement irons are going to find these new irons a pleasure to play with great ball workability. About a month later my custom-made club heads arrived and were expertly assembled with custom fitted shafts and grips by the team at Spargo Golf. I picked them up on rainy cold spring day and went out to the range to test them out. From the moment I gripped the clubs to my first shot I realized the clubs were a perfect fit for me, they felt better, looked better and performed better than any club I have ever owned. I immediately recognized I could once again shape shots and had more control my ball flight. The top line was clean like a blade but they performed more like a game improvement club. They are quite simply is the best of both worlds in club design that any player could ask for. For years mid-handicap players have had to settle for larger club heads and thick top-line designs to get forgiving results. That no longer is the case, the Miura Straight Neck 9003 irons have brought back beauty, performance and playability to the game. If you are a low to mid-handicap golfer who is looking for a set of new irons you can play for years to come try the new Miura 9003 Irons. Go to miuragolf.com and spargogolf.com your local dealer.
WHAT’S NEWS | JUNE 2014 Oppenheim, Quinn, Renner Qualify for 2014 U.S.Open Championship BY STEVE RIGGS
Rob Oppenheim, (MA), Fran Quinn, (MA) and Jim Renner, (MA), have qualified for the 2014 U.S. Open Championship. Oppenheim and Quinn shared medalist honors finishing what’s referred to as the ‘longest day in golf’ tied at -3/138 while Quinn was 3rd at -2/139 after the 36 hole US Open Sectional qualifier was contested over Old Oaks CC and Century CC in Purchase, New York Monday. Jon Curran, (MA), a 2014 Web.com Tour winner and the roommate of Keegan Bradley finished the day 6 over 147 and T21. It was but one of ten Sectional qualifiers to determine the field for this years US
Open Championship to be played over the famous No.2 Course of the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina June 11-15. Rob Oppenheim has struggled the past few years, missing the cut in Q-School last December. Rob has played the PGA, Canadian and Web.Com tours with limited success. Fran Quinn has likewise had his share of struggles. A stress fracture in his spine in 2010 kept Quinn from taking full advantage of playing privileges on the PGA TOUR he had gained after finishing 25th on the Web.Com’s 2009 money list. Jim Renner regained his PGA TOUR card last year when he finished in the top 25 on the Web.Com’s money list. He started the season with a T2 at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February but has struggled since. It is so great to see three very deserving players from New England join the field in the U S Open Championship being played over a course with so much history. It was Pinehurst #2 in 1999 when Payne Stewart bested Phil Mickelson by a single shot. New Zealander Michael Campbell won at Pinehurst # 2 in 2005, the second time the event was contested there. Rob, Fran and Jim are three players younger golfers can learn from. The lesson? Never give up
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WHAT’S NEWS | JUNE 2014 Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame Set to Honor 2014 Class on October 16 at Blue Hill Country Club in Canton
Bob Toski
Fred Wright
The Curtis Sisters
Joanne Goodwin
Paul Harney
The Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame will officially induct six members of its 2014 class on Thursday, October 16 at Blue Hill Country Club. The members of the 2014 induction class are: Ted Bishop, The Curtis Sisters (Margaret & Harriot), Joanne Goodwin, Paul Harney, Bob Toski and Fred Wright.
Ted Bishop
“We are excited and privileged to bring together members of the golf community to honor these very deserving individuals,” said Tom Bagley, chairman of the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame Committee. “We encourage members of the public to join us at Blue Hill Country Club for a night of celebration and camaraderie.”
2014 Weekday Special Monday – Friday 7AM-12PM
$36.00 Includes Cart & Lunch **Tee Times Recommended League Openings on Tuesday & Wednesday Our Restaurant is Open to the Public for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 8Am-9 Pm Daily
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rehobothcc.com | (508) 252-6259 Rehoboth Country Club 155 Perryville Road | Rehoboth, MA
WHAT’S NEWS | JUNE 2014 Massachusetts Courses Selected for Prestigious Events
Wellsley The USGA announced this month that Salem Country Club has been selected as the host site for the 2017 U.S. Senior Open Championship. The dates for the championship, which will be the sixth USGA championship hosted by Salem, are June 29-July 2. This news comes on the heels of recent announcements that Belmont Country Club will open its doors to the 2015 Constellation Senior Players Championship and Wellesley Country Club will serve as host of the 2016 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. These tournaments will join the Deutsche Bank Championship, which
Belmont CC has been a mainstay PGA Tour event and Labor Day tradition at TPC Boston since 2003, and will result in six major events being held in Massachusetts over the next three years.
Salen CC
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WHAT’S NEWS | JUNE 2014 Alex Stimpson and James Kroeger Capture Second Career Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship; Finish With Two-Round Score of 12-under par 132 Ipswich, MA — They took one year off, but the team of Alex Stimpson (Woods Hole GC) and James Kroeger (Acushnet River) can now once again call themselves Massachusetts Four-Ball Champions. Back in 2012, the good friends and co-workers at the Acushnet Company captured their first career title in what was their third attempt. They came up short last year, but they roared back into the winner’s circle this week thanks to a sensational final round score of 8-under par 64 at the Golf Club at Turner Hill. They finished with a two-round total of 12-under par 132.
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Three-Time Super Bowl Champ Joe Andruzzi Hits the Links for Cancer Patients at Sixth Annual Golf Tournament
Special guest hosts and Patriots co-captains Rob Ninkovich and Matthew Slater link up with current and former teammates, legends and celebrities in support of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation On Monday, June 30, New England pro athletes and celebrities will once again tee off to raise money for cancer patients and their families at Pinehills Golf Club (Plymouth, MA) for the Sixth Annual Joe Andruzzi and Friends Golf Tournament. Hosted by three-time Super Bowl Champion and cancer survivor, Joe Andruzzi, his wife Jen, JAF Executive Director, and Patriots co-captains Rob Ninkovich and Matthew Slater, the tournament will raise funds and awareness in support of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s mission of providing help, hope and a reason to smile for
patients and their families when it is needed most. Last year’s tournament raised a record $278,000, and proceeds from this year’s event – presented by JAF-supporter East Commerce Solutions, Inc. – will once again allow JAF to help alleviate cancer’s financial and emotional impact on patients, as well as fund critical pediatric brain cancer research at Boston Children’s Hospital.
For more information, contact Gillian Furey by email at golf@joeandruzzifoundation.org or online at http://bit.ly/JAFGolf14.
Wampanoag Golf Course
18 Holes - $25.00 with Cart Mon- Friday 7AM-12Noon Sat-Sun After 12Noon (Mention NEGM- WGC for Discount)
168 Old Providence Rd Swansea, MA 02777 508-379-9832 wampanoaggolf.com
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WHAT’S NEWS | BY LEIGH MCKAY
Will Betts Wins 50th Hornblower Memorial Tournament with 18th Hole Chip-in green. I picked out my target on the green where I wanted the ball to land, I played the shot in my mind, and then I used my 58 degree wedge to hit my target. What happened next was crazy wonderful.” The Donald Ross-designed Plymouth CC course was in impeccable condition on this sunny but cool morning. However, the tricky, undulating greens that Stimped at 13 and the blustery northeast winds blowing off Cape Cod Bay proved daunting obstacles, especially for the trio of young guns who led with their opening round 70’s. University of Hartford junior Will Betts parlayed an unimpeachable two-over-par 71 with an improbable chip on the 18th hole to win the 50th Hornblower Memorial Tournament at Plymouth Country Club. His two-day total of 72-71=143 edged Nick McLaughlin by one stroke. One of three overnight leaders, McLaughlin shot 7074=144. Betts, who had never seen the layout until his practice round, said, “This is my most important individual victory to date. It’s unbelievable to me that I won on a course of this magnitude with such an outstanding field. I stayed really patient, ignored the leader boards, and just let the round develop. I hit the ball really well and played smart golf.” The 21-year-old Betts, who lives in the Pittsburgh area and belongs to Longue Vue Club, avoided any of the major catastrophes that befell almost everyone else in the field of 65 and offset his four bogeys on holes 2, 7, 12, and 17 with two birdies. The first came on hole 6 when he drove the short par-4 green and two putted. The second birdie on 18 won the tournament for Betts. “My PW second shot to the green jumped off the club and landed about 30 yards long, just off the back of the
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McLaughlin, 20, from Wentworth By The Sea, shot a one-over par 35 on the front. He birdied 10 to take a threeshot lead on the field. Disaster struck, however, when he went five over par in three holes and never recovered. Evan Grenus, 17, and a member of TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT, carded two 38’s for a total of 146 and a tie for seventh place. Kevin Gately, 19 and a sophomore at St. Thomas Aquinas College just outside NYC, never really played a role on day two and shot a 79. From nearby Pinehills, Herbie Aikens, who began the day one shot back, shot a 74 on Saturday for a third-place tie. Former Hornblower champ Matt Parziale from Thorny Lea tied Aikens at 145 with his 71. The lowest scores of the day and of the tournament—even par 69—were shot by Doug Clapp of Old Sandwich, and Ben Spitz, unaffiliated. With their 76’s from Friday, they joined the tie for third place.
617-689-1900
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GORMAN VS. GEARY // BY TIM GEARY
There is a movement afoot in the golf industry to increase the size of the hole and I am one of them, not for professional golf or even the top amateur events, but for those of us who just want to enjoy the game more. Gorman of course, who has seldom been a traditionalist, is horrified at this notion but what would you expect from somebody who seldom ever finishes a hole? We like to call him Tommy Pick Up. You would think somebody so absurdly poor at putting (he’s used everything from a broom to a branding iron) would be leading the charge to enlarge the hole to the same circumference as the many bunkers he finds with his wayward shots. The rationale for increasing the hole size is strictly a pragmatic one for those in the golfing industry. The demographic is shrinking in size as more and more people are walking if not running away from the game. Some of that is due to a still struggling economy, higher unemployment and under employment, but it is undeniable that people don’t want to spend five hours on a golf course. So a solution, since nothing seems to get people to play faster, could be increasing the hole size. That would result in more one putt greens and thus faster play. It would also lower scores for the hackers (Gorman and I included) and make us happier when we came bounding into the 19th hole. Hey, maybe we’d buy more libations. Some are calling for the hole to be widened from its current 4.25 inches (in diameter) to 15.
That, to me, is ridiculous. It would be like that hole in the insurance commercial where Arnold Palmer taps in a two footer into a canyon sized cup. But there is no reason in my mind why the size of the hole cannot be increased to 4.75 inches. Imagine all those lip outs that would now fall, all those putts that burn the edges that would drop in the side door. You would still need to putt reasonably well and if you did you wouldn’t feel like heaving your putter into the nearest pond after a great drive and superb approach shot, only to three jack from 10 feet. And the hole should have been enlarged many years ago when the size of the golf ball was increased. The old English ball was 1.29 inches in diameter. The ball now used everywhere measures 1.68 inches across. Yet the size of the hole was never enlarged which makes no sense. When professional golfers began destroying the traditional golf courses because of technology and training, the architects began designing courses that were longer and more challenging. Why then was not the hole enlarged to accommodate a larger ball? The diameter of a regulation basketball hoop is 18 inches. Imagine if the size of the standard men’s ball was enlarged. Wouldn’t it make sense to make the hoop larger to accommodate the ball’s increase in size? Traditionalists will argue against any change in the size of the hole and I certainly don’t want to see it increased dramatically, but if golf doesn’t continue to evolve it will die. We no longer play with gutta percha balls or hickory shafts. We shouldn’t be slaves to the size of the hole any longer. Golf is always trying to expand the game. Expanding the hole would help do just that. Tim Geary is a RI based freelance writer. He’d find a way to double bogey a hole regardless of cup size!
Will the game grow by using 15-inch cups?
GORMAN VS. GEARY // BY TOM GORMAN
S o m e times smart p e o p l e come up with dumb ideas. There is no better example of a dumb idea than the proposal to widen the cup from 4.25 inches to 15 inches. In fact this idea is so insane, my guess is that Tim Geary might have something to do with it. Do we really want to putt at cups the size of a pizza? If the imbeciles behind this plan really want to ruin the game, then why not make the cups the size of a trash barrel. How much break do you play in a 20-foot putt if the cup will swallow up a tennis ball, basketball ball or soccer ball? Answer. No break.
“choke”? I strive to test my inner strength to see if I can step up and deliver when the chips (and cash) are on the line. And, nine times out of ten, my delivery is messed up, but I’ll come back and try, try again. I still don’t get it. Why are the PGA of America and the powers that be in golf begging people to play? They’ve gone to extreme measures to try to convince potential players that the game is affordable and fun for everyone. We know that is BS. They fail to mention that it takes five hours to play, there are way too many rules, courses are closing, men and women aren’t playing much, men are frustrated and no one is paying for lessons to get better. Do you think more people will play basketball if the rim were lowered? No. It’s also silly to think that more people will play baseball if they moved in the center field wall so hitting a home run is easier. TaylorMade CEO Mark King has been a proponent of the 15-inch cup claiming it will “reinvigorate the golf experience to ensure the game continues to thrive in the 21st century.” More BS. Call me a traditionalist but Mark King should stay focused on developing quality irons and metal woods, and not start promising me more fun, faster play and lower scores because of a 15-inch cup. I’d probably shoot a smooth 88 even with the 15-inch cup, but it’s more challenging the old-fashion way.
Will the game grow by using 15-inch cups?
I’ve heard of farfetched ideas to grow the game, but this borders on lunatic, which qualifies Geary’s reckless position. It’s not the size of the hole that’s driving people away from the game, it’s the expense. Every year the cost of equipment and greens fees rise higher and higher. If you take the fear of missing humiliatingly short putts out of golf, then you are taking away its soul. Yes golf has a soul. How do I know? Because I’ve lost a ton of dough missing 3-foot putts, profusely sweating, knees-knocking and putter yipping when the match is on the line. With 15- inch cups, everything inside 10-feet will be a gimme. If everything is a gimme then the suspense, the fun, the excitement and the “choke Factor” will be gone from the game. After all, isn’t one of the reasons we play is because we want to see if we are going to
The only problem the golf industry has is that it is not making enough money, which is the real reason they want more participation. The sport is fine and it’s flourishing and the truth-twisting, hypocrites like King should chill out and stop complaining that the game is not growing. We don’t need more players & we definitely don’t need gimmicks like 15-inch cups. Tom Gorman has never had a gimme putt from 15-inches, even in a friendly match.
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