Ocean City Golf Getaway See pages 30-31 Talamore Golf Vacation Guide pg. 21- 27 & 56 - 65
Best of the PGA Show 2013
A PGA TOUR player favorite, second only to Augusta National. —2012 Golf World Survey
Heron Point by Pete Dye
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Ocean Course
Starting at
$162 per golfer, per night
18th Hole, Harbour Town Golf Links, Home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage
The Sea Pines Resort
Villa Golf Package Play Heron Point by Pete Dye, Ocean Course and Harbour Town Golf Links and enjoy: • Private villa accommodations • Unlimited replays based upon availability • 10% retail discount at The Sea Pines Resort’s golf shops • And much more!
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC
1.800.SEAPINES • seapinesgolf.com March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 3
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Conveniently located within an hour from Boston and Providence, WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY CLUB in Plymouth, Massachusetts is New England’s Best Kept Secret! This premier and gated residential golfing community consists of 130 acres of waterfront and golf course property overlooking the picturesque Cape Cod Bay, and on the door step to Cape Cod...simply a perfect location for your retirement or second home. Amenities include the challenging and meticulously maintained Gary Player designed 18-hole course, private and sandy ocean beach, tennis, 4-season pool, sauna, health club, putting green, pro shop and clubhouse with restaurant offering casual to fine dining, social activities and much more. Townhomes, condominiums and single-family homes (many with ocean and/or golf views) range in size from 1,000-4,200 square feet and priced $110,000 to $675,000.
START ENJOYING THE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE. Call us TODAY! 34 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Office 508-746-0051 Shari.Marquis@NEMoves.com Marta.Doherty@NEMoves.com
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617-201-5782 508-341-5488 March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 5
From the Editor
CONTENTS
9
Travel & Lifestyle by Katherine Dyson
Good Looks on the Course
15
Kay’s Korner PGA Show Review
20
Couple of Travelers
36
Two Good Rounds
38
Celebrity Golfer
40
by Elle Brec
Welcome to the 2013 Golf Season in New England and our season launch of New England Golf Monthly. For the last 5 years it has been our mission to bring you the very best in golf both locally and globally. Our award winning editorial team will be there all season long to share their take on local golf, travel, fashion, equipment and trends in the game. We will take you around New England and across the globe following all things golf and bring it to you in print, digitally, online and through your mobile devices while your on the go and out on the links. We will cover local golf, The PGA Tour, The Champions Tour, The Web.Com Tour, The LPGA Tour and Legends and Futures Tour so that you may stay in touch with all your favorite players at home here in New England and around the world. Our official tour staff photographer Ken Dennis and videographer Chris Hunter will once again be providing weekly photo and video coverage all season long and we will bring it all to you weekly though all our platforms. Our teams will be here to cover the Opens and the Amateurs here in New England and weekly coverage from all the tour action including all the Majors. The season we will be adding to our models The New England Golf Trail a comprehensive guide to golf courses and resorts throughout New England with full online and mobile access to golf facilities and seasonal specials. On the golf fashion side we have launched Golf Fashion Weekly for a season long weekly view of the golf fashion industry. All our regular staff will be back again this year to bring you their take on the game and everything that surrounds it. It time to dust off the clubs and “Get Golf Ready” for the 2013 Season. It’s a great time to visit the many indoor facilities throughout New England and connect with your local pro and practice facility. See you on the tee, all the Best!
Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher
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by Emily Kay
by Alice and Danny Scott
by Elisa Gaudet
PGA President Ted Bisop by Leigh MacKay
Ross’ Rulings
53
Player’s Perspective The PGA Show
69
Team N.E. on The Tours
77
Gorman vs. Geary
92
by Jack Ross
by Ed Travis
by Steve Riggs
by Tom Gorman & Tim Geary
New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 357 Swansea, MA 02777
800-736-9020
Affordable, Accessible, Incredible Packages start at
99
$
www.theplayerschampionshiptravel.com
Come see the greatest field play in the greatest stadium. stay all week and CheCk out our stay and play paCkages
Amelia Island • Jacksonville & The Beaches • St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra Beach Clay County • Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches
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The Perfect Life Swing south into spring & tune up your golf game with some super play & stay packages by Katherine Dyson
So you’ve had it. It’s finally gotten to you: Icicles so large you need an ax to cut them down from your eaves, melting snow turning ground to mush. Nor’easters — the full Monty. One sure-fire cure to shake out the winter crotcheties is to head south where the sun shines warm and golf courses are in full swagger with the cart girls doling out Bloodies and the latest TaylorMade drivers all shiny on the rack.
Escapes 17th Hole
When you’re ready to go, consider these exceptional warm weather stay and play packages in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Where? HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC What? Sea Pines Plantation The 60-room Inn at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort is perfect for those looking for a smaller boutique-style hotel. Located within a wedge shot of the Harbour Town Golf Links and Yacht Basin, the inn was recently renovated and named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 150 Resort” in the World.” In addition to playing Harbour Town, venue for the PGA RBC Heritage tour event, the resort offers two additional 18 hole courses, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Ocean course along with 23 tennis courts, incredible seascapes and hiking and biking in the 605acre Forest Preserve. How? Inn & Villa Packages The Sea Pines Resort’s Inn Golf Package gives you
Harbor Town Golf Course
accommodations at the Harbout Town Inn and golf starting at $186, per person per night. A Villa Golf Package starting at $162 includes unlimited golf on Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point and Ocean Course and villa accommodations plus range balls, pro shop discount, food and beverage discount, and use of Fitness Center. Seapines.com A Hilton Head Spring Fling Package playing Old South Golf Links includes two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn with breakfast and three rounds of golf from $365 per person. Play Old South Golf Links, Crescent Pointe and Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club. Hiltonheadisland.org
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The Palmetto Dunes Group Golf Special gives you four rounds of golf, free replays including the RTJ Oceanfront Course from $253 per person for groups of more than nine while the Heritage Collection StayAnd-Play Golf Package includes three nights and three rounds of golf (choose from seven Hilton Head courses) from $134 per person. Hiltonheadisland.org
Fitness fanatics can get into their outdoor training programs on the fabulous beach encompassing weight training, exercises and even navigating an obstacle course. And for sure, ask about their golfer-friendly treatments, motivational programs and tennis. How? Stay and Play Unlimited Golf You get: Luxury accommodations at The Cloister;
Sea Island Luxury Lodge
Where? SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA What? The sweet southern state of Georgia is a peach. Or so they say, especially so when it comes to golf along the southeastern coastal islands. Particularly sweet is the storied golf community on tiny Sea Island, Georgia where the place to stay for golf, spa and the good life is The Cloister Hotel or The Lodge at the Sea Island Golf Club. You play historic Seaside by Tom Fazio; Retreat by Davis Love III and his brother, Mark; and Plantation, a par 70 layout winding through marshland and forest and get your swing grooved at The Golf Learning Center, home base for several pro touring golfers. After golf sit back with a cool drink on the Lodge’s wide porch and listen to the plaintive sounds of the bagpipers at sunset. For a real treat, book a treatment at Sea Island’s Spa renown as a preferred retreat for guests who don’t need to ask “How much?” but thanks, to some fabulous specials, accessible to those ready for an upscale experience without blowing the budget. And ask about a service incorporating the spa’s baths to refresh mind and body after a decadent night starring a fine Cab and crème brulée.
daily breakfast; unlimited golf; forecaddies for one round a day and cart; choice of play either on arrival or departure day. Cost: From $530 per night/single; $from 665 per night double. Other packages available with stays in The Lodge. Seaisland.com Hammock Beach Ocean Course
Where? FLORIDA: Coast-to-Coast What? New Legends of Golf Trail Looking for the ultimate high combining great golf, great resorts and top destinations? Imagine this: Nine
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Sandestin
courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Larry Packard and three first-rate condo resorts with just two or less of driving between destinations. Fly into Jacksonville, Orlando or Tampa, rent a car, and let the people at Salamander’s Grand Golf Resorts of Florida do the rest. A logical way to go is to start at Hammock Beach Resort on Florida’ eastern Palm Coast where there are two spectacular courses; then drive to Orlando to Reunion Resort and play the tree superb tracks there; and end your odyssey in Innisbrook near Tampa on west coast by teeing up at four extraordinary tracks including Copperhead, venue for a PGA Tour event. Play all nine tracks, stay two nights in each place where your condo amenities include luxuries like wet bars, Jacuzzi tubs, pillow-top beds and large kitchens and living rooms and sharpen up your game with daily clinics. At the end of each day, there are plenty of places to eat and drink within each of the resorts ranging from macho-size steaks at Innisbrook’s Packard’s to the Sushi bar at Hammock Beach. You can also unwind with a spa treatment or take a lesson at the Annika Sorenstam Academy. How? Legends of Golf Trail Package You get: six night condo accommodations in Innisbrook, Reunion and Hammock Beach resorts; nine rounds of golf at different courses at three resorts
from $292 per golfer, per night. And for the ultimate flexibility, (you can use the package consecutively or break into three separate trips); breakfast daily; $20 credit per each resort stay; advance starting times; use of practice and fitness facilities, daily one-hour golf clinic and club storage. GrandGolfResorts.com Where? SANDESTIN, Florida’s Panhandle What? Whereas many courses in Florida’s golf-rich areas like Naples and Palm Beach can cost $100 or more to play, several reasonably-priced tracks are available in the Pensacola Bay and Destin area stretching out into the Choctawhatchee Bay. One of the most popular golf and family destinations, the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort along the northwest Gulf Coast, has four excellent
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Sandestin
Sandestin
Reunion South Course
Sandestin
courses including The Raven Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed layout and a stop on the Champions Tour; Burnt Pines by Rees Jones; and The Links and Baytowne by Tom Jackson affording magnificent water views. And if those aren’t enough, there are several great tracks within easy driving distance. Sandestin has just about everything you could ask for when it comes to off-course activities from tennis, beach, spa and fitness center to biking, shopping, water sports galore, dining, entertainment — you name it. This is a great place to enjoy even if you don’t play golf, so it’s popular with families. While you golf others in your group can have a great time doing other things. Stay in Beachside, Bayside, Lakeside or The Village in condos and villas, most with spectacular views of the long, white sand beach. How? Swing into Spring You get three rounds of golf (Raven, Links and Baytowne) with lodging in your choice of a two-bedroom condo in Baytowne Wharf or a three-bedroom condo at Bayside from $172 per person, per night along with use of the practice facility and ball, a $20 beverage cart credit, a Nike wedge and use of golf cart. Sandestin.com Where: ORLANDO, FLORIDA
What? Grand Cypress Resort With 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus signature golf and newly renovated villa accommodations, Grand Cypress is a win-win for golfers and non-golfers alike. In addition to the18-hole New Course, there are three additional 9’s: North, South and East. While Nicklaus has crafted the 18 holes of the New Course as a tribute to Scotland’s Old course, including evoking the Swilcan Burn Bridge on the 18th and a version of the “Road Hole” on the 17th with the small but treacherous pot bunker in front of the green, the New course combines replicas of holes and holes designed in the spirit of the St. Andrews classic. All you need is the rolling mist, the drizzle and the bagpipes and you could almost forget the Cinderella Castle is right down the way. How? Grand Golf Experience Go with your pals or your family and stay in one of the Villas of Grand Cypress accommodations, either a Club Suite or a Villa. You get one round of golf per adult, per night (unlimited June-September), cart, use of golf range. Rates depend on your dates. So break out your clubs, book some reservations and get ready to play some golf where come spring, the sun shines warm in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
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Good Looks on the Course
PGA Show Style 2013
by Elle Brec
PRODUCTION MANAGER
CREATIVE MANAGER
The major trend at the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show is the transition from golf specific apparel and gear into a complete lifestyle focus. The most prominent evidence is in the golf shoe market, expanding to the most diverse and versatile it has ever been. Now that golf shoes can be worn on and off the course, we are seeing them influenced by running sneakers, skater shoes, boat shoes, dress shoes with added comfort, even Vibram five fingers! The notion that pain equals beauty has been left in the pages of history, now beautiful style is what is most comfortable. It is so great the numbers of women, teenagers, and young children are growing so quickly. The increasing popularity of the game, advancement of technology as well as gear have all contributed to a positive paradigm shift from golf remaining in it’s own subsection of athletic apparel to infusing golf into all personalities and lifestyles.
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Adidas & Ashworth
January 29, 2013
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For those who want to stay on course with traditional golf fashion and believe actions on the golf course should speak louder than clothes, Ashworth Golf is ideal with authentic modern style. Ashworth ambassadors foremost identify themselves as golfers, having a unique passion for the game and the lifestyle of golf. This includes Fred Couples, Justin Leonard, Justin Rose, Johnson Wagner, Rory Sabatini and Sean O’Hair just to name a few. Ashworth’s new apparel
is phenomenal in the way it performs, fits, and feels. “I have been wearing Ashworth on the professional stage since the introduction because of the comfort and style,” said Couples. “Each year they improve the quality and look; I am excited to continue being a part of such a popular golf brand.” The highly successful momentum of the Ashworth Cardiff golf footwear model has evolved to become what logic would define as a contradiction – water-
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proof mesh! Perfect for going from the office to the course and everywhere in between, the new version has updated materials like a woven mesh upper to give it a lighter, breathable performance with a 2 year waterproof warranty. Encompassing versatile functionality, the tour-proven performance style with a spike less sole. “I am a big fan of the Ashworth Cardiff because of the comfort and plus I can wear them anywhere,” said Rose. “With the new Cardiff, they’ve made it even lighter and the updated looks are fantastic.” Shop the entire collection at www.taylormadegolf. com/ashworth As part of the light footwear revolution is the wellknown adidas adiZero that debuted at the Farmers Insurance Open with the help of Tour players Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and defending champion Brandt
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Snedeker. Other enthusiasts include Paula Creamer who says, “They are a really light, great change for me with everything I need and nothing I don’t.” Camilo Villegas says “They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn and much lighter than other shoes. They still provide great traction and allow me to move so much easier through golf swing.” Natalie Gulbis also an adidas ambassador pointed out the fact they are more natural as you can still feel the ground through the sole. Another great trend we’re seeing for 2013 is head to toe matching which is possible with the cool bright colors from adidas apparel and their accompanying gear. The Adidas/TaylorMade/Ashworth booth at the PGA Show was as fun as a club, with loud music, bright colors, bars, tons of people, and cool seating areas.
Nexbelt
These belts work well on the course and with a nice suit or a casual Friday outfit. We met with Tom, one of the founders and designers of these innovative belts, at the PGA Show who showed us the new styles. He explained how he set out to design then build the most beautiful, attractive, and comfortable belts. The 2013 line of belts includes four new introductions Gem, Sleek, Heritage, and Reptile with classic colors that are a must for any golfer’s wardrobe. Nexbelt offers the same benefits in the women’s line as the men’s but with a little more panache. The Gem line has buckles encrusted with rhinestones and is a stylish addition to a lady golfer’s outfit. The buckle face flips down for convenient access to the marker available in all different artwork to match any
personality. There are times that call for two different thicknesses, a thick and thin. The Sleek line is a charming and thinner version that also includes the hidden marker. As Americans, we are proud of our flag, people from other countries are as passionate about theirs too, and there are those of us who are proud of our ancestry. Thus, was born the Heritage line, which continues to grow. A great part of Nexbelt is they are customizable for your club or team. The Nexbelt also benefits retailers in many ways with their unique sizing system as they no longer have to be overwhelmed with excess inventory. Also the packaging allows for a clean clutter free presentation and allows for mix and match belt with buckle to reveal a golfer’s true personality.
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Birdy & Grace
A leading edge trend in fashion right now is the retro look that Birdy & Grace has expressed beautifully in their new 2013 golf fashion line. Skyfall blue this season is so cool inspired by 60s icon James Bond’s Twiggy. Kaleidoscope sheek collection parleys retro print with color blocking red and Pink Dahlia. The line is a tribute to Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci, synonymous with geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colors. Birdy and Grace is looking to reach out to women younger and older with popular styles like the Victoria, women are looking for coverage to be protected from the sun. Sophisticated Gray incorporated into both the spring and fall collections, more interesting than black and replacing khaki. Brand ambassador Win McMurray looks gorgeous in Tess logo embroidered polo. Best thing is they are a real pant with an athletic component but constructed woven trouser without the crunchy fabric soft easy care like the so light miracle knit. View the entire collection at www.birdyandgrace.com.
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We met with Sharon Sunoo at the PGA Show who is has a daring ambition of changing the way women dress on the golf course. She believes golf clothes for her should be an effortless balance between practicality and femininity while keeping the spirit of timeless style alive with clean lines, powerful use of color, pattern and texture, super fit and tasteful detailing. Beauty’s source comes from within but outwardly sharing it makes the world that much more special. That is what Birdy & Grace is about. The desire to elevate a woman’s attitude from head to toe, to tickle her with a bit of indulgence, and to share in moments of satisfaction as she catches her reflection in a mirror while she wears Birdy & Grace. The growth of the Birdy & Grace presence in new green grass shops over the last year or so has enabled New lower price points makes it easy for more women to enjoy the Birdy & Grace style.
Fore! Axel and Hudson
Adorable Fedora hats worn by the children of Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie, and Christina Aguilera by Fore! Axel and Hudson shows how cool this new kids brand is for lifestyle and on the course. Designer and golfaddict Paul Nguyen was inspired to create his own line with the birth of his two children, Isabella and Hudson, and his intense love for the game. He came up with the name, as “Fore” is an appropriate play on words signifying both “For” and “Watch out!” — something you always need to do when active children are around! Axel is the middle name that Tiger Woods chose for his young son, Charlie. Paul has a golfing father’s dream that someday, his son Hudson will hit the links with Charlie Woods. A stylish, sharp, golf-inspired collection, the style can
be described as preppy country club meets California cool. An eco-friendly brand, with most of their pieces crafted from ultra-soft and sustainable bamboo/spandex. Bamboo fabric is light, strong, has excellent wicking properties, and is to some extent antibacterial. Many people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers, such as wool or hemp, do not complain of this issue with bamboo so it’s safe for kids. The fiber is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment. Fore! Axel & Hudson draws upon the history of golf and its signature flair for fashion, innovating and reinventing the classic looks with hip, modern style. Another great quality is matching patterns in sibling outfits are available, great for family photos. View the entire line at www.foreaxelandhudson.com
Need to Know What To Wear On and off The Golf Course in 2013?
Sign up for Golf Fashion Weekly By Subscription it’s FREE at golffashionweekly.com
19
Kay’s Korner
Drive for show: Women tee it up in Orlando at PGA Show by Emily Kay
New drivers offer hot colors, cool technology
The snazziest new drivers come in red, white, and almost every other color of the rainbow -- as we discovered at the PGA Merchandise Show
stripe slapped across the crown (why mess with the clean, white look of golf’s most recognizable club?). But don’t let the paint job distract you from what’s
Orlando, Fla. -- Annika Sorenstam nailed it when, as a first-time keynoter at the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show, the World Golf Hall of Famer called the aisles and aisles of the newest and snazziest gear and gewgaws for golfers at the PGA Merchandise Show “a fantasyland.” Fortunately for women of every playing ability, equipment manufacturers displaying their wares were not so much fantasy as reality. With an almost infinite number of products to test drive, we couldn’t help but notice that, now more than ever, thanks to hot new colors and cool technologies, manufacturers want women to drive for show. So many big sticks, so little time. That’s how it seemed as I stalked the driving range of Orange Country National hitting one club after another during Demo Day. The verdict: new drivers from TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cobra are just what the lady ordered. TaylorMade R1. With so many (former) kids waiting to get into its Demo Day candy store, TaylorMade instituted an electronic buzzing system. It was worth the wait to sample the R1 driver, despite the racing
under the hood. With extensive data from TaylorMade’s club-fitting system showing that 80 percent of golfers play the wrong loft in their drivers, is it any wonder that the company lets you adjust yours more than any other in the field? Indeed, you may tune the new R1 to 12 lie, face-angle (from neutral/square to maximum/closed), and loft settings (from 8 degrees and 12 degrees). The No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour has already made it to the 2013 winner’s circle (Dustin Johnson at the Tournament of Champions and Brian Gay/Humana Challenge).
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Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme. Phil MIckelson’s all in on his new Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme driver. Lefty even went so far as to kiss the big dog during the Phoenix Open, in which he shot a near-59 and won by four shots -using the club for the first time in competition. Callaway claims that, thanks to its Speed Frame Face Technology, its second adjustable driver out-drives and generally out-performs its RAZR Fit predecessor by offering a bigger sweet spot, faster ball speed, and better ball flight. You may adjust the hosel to open, square, or closed, and shift the weights for neutral or more draw off the tee. Cobra AMP Cell. If it’s hot colors you’re after, you may have to swing all four freshly coated Cobra AMP Cell Drivers. Cobra’s patented MyFly technology lets you adjust the loft to optimize distance and trajectory. While you may choose from six loft settings (8.5 degrees, 9.5, 9.5 Draw, 10.5, 10.5D, and 11.5), the equally trademarked SmartPad technology promises a square face at address. So, will it be orange (Rickie Fowler’s favorite hue), red, blue, or silver? Nike VR_S Covert. Thanks to the Rory-Palooza announcing that the world No. 1 had joined Tiger Woods as a shill for all things Swoosh, the lustrous crimson VR_S Covert driver was one of the hits of the show. While McIlroy had some issues with his new club (missing the cut in Abu Dhabi, thanks to a slew of errant tee shots), Nike officials claimed it would just take time to tame Big Red. With a white swoosh on the crown and a cavity-
backed bottom (hidden from view at address -- thus, “covert”) for higher speeds and longer, straighter shots, “the most innovative club Nike Golf has ever produced” features 15 adjustable-loft settings and three independent face-angle settings for each loft. On the quirkier side of golf, three new non-club products caught our eye. The tiny Spider Divot Tool from Insta Golf ensures you’ll fix every ball mark the right way. The push/pull action of this little device means no more little dirt patches on the greens from flawed attempts to yank at the grass to repair divots. Just remove the cap, push the spindly legs into the mark, pull up with a twist, and tamp down. Vibram Fivefingers is the closest thing to playing golf barefoot. A spinoff of the company’s popular running
shoe, the spike-less foot glove, in several vibrant colors, earned distinction as one of the top new products at the show and will be available at retail later this year. “There’s a reason golf pros practice barefoot,” says Mike Gionfriddo, chief executive of Vibram USA in Concord, Mass. “That connection to the earth improves stance and stability, which can ultimately improve your game.” The king of golf carts, Sun Mountain displayed an integrated push-cart an d bag called -- you guessed it -- the Combo. Weighing it at 18 pounds, the union of satchel and trolley features full-length club dividers, three wheels, and a built-in seat. Available in July, the model folds up into a bite-sized package of 16 inches by 10 inches. Emily Kay is a regular contributor to New England Golf Monthly. You may follow Kay on Twitter @golfexaminer
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Talamore Golf Vacations to the Historic Village of Pinehurst Area
Welcome New England Golfers Escape Winter for an Early Spring
Reservations: (800) 552-6292, Option 2 TalamoreGolfResort.com
30+ Golf Courses
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Luxurious Lodging
PINEHURST PIN
Village of
The Most Historic Place in American Golf No other place in the United States shares the rich golf history of the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina. Golf is not a separate feature of the town - it’s part of the culture and way of life. Today, the Village of Pinehurst and surrounding area continues the rich tradition of outstanding golf, showcasing more than 30 championship courses. Every major golf architect has left his stamp on the Sandhills area, including Donald Ross, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Gary Player, Mike Strantz, Ellis and Dan Maples, Davis Love III, Gene Hamm, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Quite simply, the Village of Pinehurst area has more top-ranked courses within a 10minute drive than any other area in the country! Since the 1930’s, champions from every generation have played their way through this golfing mecca in such events as the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur and the Ryder Cup. Come walk in their footsteps and make your own golf history. Talamore Golf Resort is a respected author off lasting golf memories. Stay in the area’s finest golf course accommodations and tee it up with greatness. Talamore Golf Resort has it all and looks forward to sharing the best golf experience in the Country with you and your golfing friends!
The Sandhills’ Golf Vacation Experts The travel professionals at Talamore Golf Resort know golf. When you offer access to some of the greatest golf courses in the Country and exquisite accommodations, it sets the stage for one of the finest experiences found anywhere in the world. Talamore can customize trips that include our 36 championship holes, as well as golf at 30+ partner courses in the area. Planning your vacation could not be easier! Call our staff of experts to get started today or visit us online for special offers and more!
Customized Golf Trips - www.TalamoreGolfResort.com
Toll Free: (800) 552-6292, Option 2
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SPRING 2013
FREE NIGHT STAY Promo Code: FNE13S 3/16/13 - 5/18/13
SUMMER 2013 FREE REPLAYS
Promo Code: FNE13DD 7/01/13 - 8/31/13
FALL 2013
WINTER 2014
FREE GROUP LEADER
FREE GREEN FEES
Promo Code: FNE13F 9/15/13 - 11/15/13
Promo Code: FNE14W 1/01/14 - 2/28/14
Upgrades available to include the exquisite Lodges at Mid South. All starting at prices are per person and based on quad occupancy. Toll Free Package Reservations: (800) 552-6292 Offer valid on Talamore Golf and Travel Packages Only. Not valid with any other specials or promotions. Promo Code is required at time of original reservation. Spring Special: Offer valid for Talamore Golf Villas only and subject to blackout dates. Book a 3-night golf package and receive an additional night free of charge. Complimentary night must be booked at time of original reservation. Summer Special: Offer valid on the Rees Jones-designed Talamore Resort Course Only. Book any 18 hole round of golf at Talamore and receive a second round on the same day for free. Second round must be booked at time of original reservation. Fall Special: Offer valid for Talamore-owned lodging and golf courses only. Winter Special: Offer valid on Rees Jones-designed Talamore Resort Course. Offer good anytime Monday - Thursday, after 11:00 am on weekends and holidays. Cart fee is required and would be paid at the course.
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Extended Stay Vacations Your Vacation Home Without the Mortgage!
Looking to get away for a few weeks or even a few months? Talamore Golf Resort now offers an Extended Stay Golf Vacation unlike any other. This unique program features unlimited access to incredible golf by Rees Jones and Arnold Palmer while staying in a luxurious golf villa or lodge. In fact, you could say it is a golf vacation home without the mortgage!
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t (PMGJOH 1SJWJMFHFT BU 5BMBNPSF BOE .JE 4PVUI UIBU JODMVEF - Unlimited green fees with cart - Playing privileges anytime Monday-Thursday & after 11 am Friday-Sunday - Make tee times up to a week in advance
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This getaway offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Village of Pinehurst/ Southern Pines area for an extended period of time with unlimited golf privileges.
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Perfect for the couple with only one golfer. While the golfer enjoys a round of golf, the non-golfer can sit back and relax, or venture into town to enjoy the local flavor.
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Double the fun! Break away from playing the home course and bring four players to America’s golf mecca!
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REGISTER TO WIN! GOLF GIVEAWAY Talamore
WIN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME FOR YOU & 7 FRIENDS! t 5 Rounds of Golf at Talamore Resort t 5 Night Stay at The Mid South Lodges t 8 ‘Laguna II Putters’ (Putter for Each Player)
Register at www.TalamoreGolfResort.com Drawing to be held November 1, 2013. Scotty Cameron Giveaway Open to U.S. Residents Only. For rules visit www.TalamoreGolfResort.com/rules
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ćF 7JMMBHF PG 1JOFIVSTU area is home to great golf in North Carolina...
Talamore is your key to enjoying it all.
Talamore
North Carolina’s Premier Golf Resort Experience. Talamore Golf Resort is a first-class getaway like no other. Enjoy legendary golf by Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Donald Ross, Mike Strantz, Gary Player, Coore-Crenshaw, Tom Fazio and more! Relax in one of our beautiful Talamore Villas or the luxurious Lodges at Mid South. All guests have access to over 30 of the area’s best courses. Live Your Dream Golf Vacation in the Village of Pinehurst at Talamore.
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SUPPORT THE JIMMY FUND
GET INVOLVED AND CONQUER CANCER • Start a golf tournament • Fundraise at your country club • Run a mini golf tournament • Organize a golf marathon • Become a sponsor Hit the golf course and support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s lifesaving mission. When you combine your favorite pastime with raising funds to support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care, everyone wins.
JimmyFundGolf.org 866-521-GOLF GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER®
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Golf Specials Senior Special – 55 and older
Monday thru Friday: 7:00am – 1:00pm 18 holes w/ cart & $5.00 food voucher – $41.00
Weekday Golf Special
Monday thru Friday: 7:00am – 1:00pm 18 holes w/cart & $5.00 food voucher – $47.00
Weekend Afternoon Special
Saturday thru Sunday: Starting at 12:00pm – 2:00pm 18 holes w/cart and a $5 food voucher- $53
Weekend Golf Special After 2:00pm 18 holes w/cart & $5 food voucher $45.00 9 holes w/cart & $5.00 food voucher $30.00
Season Passes - $1875 Single - $2575 Couple - $400 Juniors ***These Specials are only in effect when the restaurant is open
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 29
Ocean CitybyGolf Getaway NEGM Staff Welcome to Ocean City, Maryland... ...the hottest vacation spot and now the newest golfing destination on the East Coast! Ocean City Golf Getaway is pleased to provide you with one stop hassle free shopping for your golfing vacation. As you review our web site you will see we have made your choices simple. Included are varieties of all inclusive service oriented packages with hotels, golf package companies, condominiums, restaurants, golf schools and courses, and entertainment.
CAN THERE BE such a thing as too much of a good thing? Potential visitors to the beautiful barrier island of Ocean City, Maryland, might be asking themselves just that as they ponder the seemingly endless array of great golf courses found here. The roster includes more than 17 championship layouts, with designs from top architects including Jack Nicklaus, Pete and P.B. Dye, Arthur Hills and Dr. Michael Hurdzan. Ocean City’s superb course options include Bayside Resort Golf Club, Baywood Greens, Bear Trap Dunes, Eagle’s Landing, Glen Riddle Golf Club’s Man O’War and War Admiral layouts, Heritage Shores Club, Links at Lighthouse Sound Golf Club, Nutters Crossing Golf Club,
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Ocean City Golf Club, Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club, Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links and The Bay Club. Ocean City Golf Getaway is pleased to provide golfers with one-stop, hassle-free shopping for your golf vacation. OceanCityGolf.com simplifies your choices and offers a variety of all-inclusive service-oriented packages with hotels, golf package companies, golf schools and courses, condominiums, restaurants and entertainment. Like your best golfing buddy, Oceancitygolf.com is there whenever needed. When you’re so excited trying to decide which 36 holes to tackle on Day One that you can’t sleep, it’s there. When you’re at work, figuring out the perfect time to make your escape, it’s there.
www.OceanCityGolf.com (800) 4-OC-GOLF
At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your golf getaway in Ocean City, MD 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today in Ocean City, MD by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.
“Close to Home....Close to Perfect.”
Ocean City, Maryland March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 31
Fiddlesticks CC: Just Another Day in Paradise! I have two recurring golf dreams, one within reach, and one being the impossible dream. My favorite involves turning 50; playing golf on the Champions Tour, while depositing huge paychecks with lots of zeros. If dreams come true, this ranks No. 1 from fantasyland! by Tom Gorman
The more realistic dream involves Fiddlesticks Country Club, a private, gated 36-hole country club situated in Fort Myers, Florida, conveniently located minutes from the airport, hospitals, shopping, Gulf beaches, boating, fishing, dog track, Interstate 75, Jet Blue Park, home of Red Sox spring training. With each passing year, particularly harsh New England winters, this scenario involves purchasing a condo at Fiddlesticks for about $100,000. A golf buddy bluntly says, “Do it now, before you’re old and gray, and running out of shopping days!” In southwest Florida, from Naples to Port Charlotte, there are 100 choices of gated, golf communities that snowbirds flock to to enjoy 300-plus days of sunshine, 80-degree average temperatures, and, most important, a daily tee time available, if that’s the choice of recreation for the day. With 5,000 baby boomers retiring daily, Fort Myers consistently ranks among the top destinations in the world to retire for golfers, and boaters. What’s special about Fiddlesticks? Over the past seven years, let’s share some extensive research about gated, golf communities in southwest Florida after interviews/conversations with hundreds of home
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owners, golf pros, real estate brokers, international visitors, investors, renters, sellers and buyers. “Since its inception in 1982 Fiddlesticks Country Club has maintained the reputation as the premiere gated, golf community in southwest Florida,” said Michael Parent, CEO of Fitcorp Boston, and frequent-flyer to his two bedrooms, two baths, 1,165 sq. ft. condo bought in April 2007 for $159,900. “There are great opportunities at Fiddlesticks to make lifetime friendships both on and off the course. Prospective owners should tour the new state-of-theart 7,000 sq. ft. Fitness and Tennis Center and buy now before prices rise again.” According to Jim Kurtzeborn, Director of Golf for 13-years, there are 575 homeowners and about 450 golfers, and booking a tee time is easy on either of the two championship Ron Garl-designed courses. Garl is an award-winning, golf designer savant notching 250 courses worldwide, in 10 countries and 23 states. “It is nearly impossible to visit Fiddlesticks and not fall in love with it,” states Kurtzeborn, who handles 45,000 rounds annually, and hosted the 49th USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 2010. “The course is special because Ron Garl has cre-
ated each hole on the Long Mean with impressive, memorable characteristics. Bunkering, water holes and green size make it challenging. The scenic 9th and 18th island greens, which front the clubhouse, appeal to every player’s passion to play well and play it again and again.” Beyond the attended 24/7 gatehouse and golf, Fiddlesticks is comprised of a wide range of custom estates and single family homes ranging in price from $350,000 to $1.4 million. Entry level pricing for 60 condos start at $75,000 with fifty-percent snowbird members and fifty-percent year-round. The majority of owners hail from New England, New York and Ohio. A hefty equity payment is required upfront (80% refundable) and dues of $1,000 monthly include two golf courses called Long Mean and Wee Friendly, clubhouse, casual and formal dining rooms, pro shop, cart barn, fitness center, eight Har Tru tennis, Olympic pool, spa, driving range, chipping area, two putting greens, men’s and women’s tournament schedules and more. For information: www.fiddlestickscc.com I beg to be called a snowbird and for this dream to come true soon, well before my shopping days run out, and where excellence in golf and country club living finds a home. Toss in my personalized golf cart, emblazoned with Fiddlesticks logo of two Scottish bagpipers and the best that private country club living has to offer. To golf or not to golf what a silly question.
FEATURED FIDDLESTICKS COMMUNITY PROPERTIES:
Water to Golf View, 3 Bed + Study, 4 Bath, Pool & Spa
Lake View, 4 bed + Study + Bonus Room, 3 Bath, Pool
Water to Golf View, 3 Bed + Study, 3 Bath, Pool & Spa Visit the Virtual Tour of these and other fine golf course homes at
THEGOLFCOURSEEXPERTS.COM
Debby Hahn Welsh, ABR Broker Associate 239.292.8839 cell | dhwelsh@comcast.net Serving Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Sanibel and Captiva Islands Florida WestShore Realty
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 33
The Sea Pines Resort Welcomes All
by David Wood
Hilton Head Island’s The Sea Pines Resort (www. seapines.com) and its flagship course, Harbour Town Golf Links, are two of the most iconic names in golf travel having welcomed the world’s best players and thousands of fans for over 40 years at the RBC Heritage. When asked why players see this venue as one of their favorite stops, PGA TOUR stalwart Matt Kuchar says, “Everyone seems to stay within the confines of Sea Pines. I don’t know of any other place on tour where people don’t leave the general resort area.” 2012 RBC Heritage winner Carl Pettersson said shortly after his victory, “Sea Pines is such a great family place. Everyone loves coming here.” A wonderful aspect of the Lowcountry destination is, like the world’s best players, travelers are more than welcome to stay and play there and see what all the fuss is about. With its eminent red- and white-striped lighthouse standing sentinel, Harbour Town Golf Links is one of Pete Dye’s seminal designs. Called “nothing short of a work of art” by famed golf writer Dan Jenkins, the 18-hole masterpiece has continually
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ranked in the highest echelons of championship courses. Two highly praised courses complete Sea Pines’ trifecta of superb resort golf. Heron Point by Pete Dye is not to be missed. This is a splendid, shot-makers’ layout with penal bunkers and dramatic swales and mounding and again showing the handiwork of Mr. Dye’s considerable genius. The Ocean Course is an attractive and not-overly-intimidating combination of lagoons, bunkers and fairway contours creating a contemporary 6,906-yard layout. To complement golf, Harbor Town itself, with tranquil ocean vistas, is the activity hub for the entire 5,000-acre Sea Pines Resort. It offers boutique shopping, an array of restaurants for all tastes and luxurious villas bordering the Yacht Basin, easily one of the most recognizable harbors in the boating world. Accommodations range from ocean-side villa retreats and the award-winning Inn at Harbour Town to an array of beachfront cottages and homes. For more information about The Sea Pines Resort and its wide-variety of golf packages visit www.seapinesgolf.com, or call 866.561.8802.
Custom Wine Cellars And Humidors Since 1994, Vintage Makers has been designing, building, and installing wine cellars. We have recently formed Smokin’ Betty’s Cigars to pair our quality in climate controlled humidors with the offering of premium hand rolled cigars. Ask about our Cigar Consignment Program for retailers or our quality climate controlled humidors for the cigar aficionado. Our commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction has been our foundation and our trademark.
Vintage Makers Consult
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www.VintageMakers.com
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15 Park Avenue Hudson, NH 03051 Ph. (800) 246-0150 www.SmokinBettysCigars.com
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35
Coupleby Alice of Travelers and Danny Scott Island Golf, Jamaica Style
Once you go, you know, Mon, that Jamaica is an island of golf treasures. In Montego Bay, the turquoise blue waters of Jamaica captivate an idyllic golf setting at the White Witch, Cinnamon Hill, Half Moon and Tryall Clubs. There is no vegetation depravation as the hilly jungles burst with exotic foliage, flowers and birds, framing superior ocean views. White Witch Golf ’s thick lush terrain follows the natural slope of hillsides and streams longing for the shore. From the driving range stations perched high overlooking the Caribbean Sea, a deep valley swallows the shots as the scenery sets the tone for an exhilarating ride through the jungle on this Robert Von Hagge and Rick Baril designed course. A pair of green parrots flew over the tee box of the first hole, giving a great white hope of a birdie on the challenging White Witch’s par 5. The course name’s reference is to the murderous Annie Palmer, whose “Rose Hall” plantation Great House of long ago is a nearby tourist attraction. Cinnamon Hill Golf Course wraps
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around Annie Palmer’s Rose Hall, journeying into the mountainside where the waterfalls off the famous number 15 green served as a backdrop in the James Bond film, “Live and Let Die”. The final holes are a quest to the sea, divided by streams and jungle, demanding math skills, as addition morphs into multiplication with errant shots. Hole 17 ends at the 18th-century aqueduct, separating the green from the tee box of the long finishing hole. Moses has been the caretaker at Cinnamon Hill Golf Club for over 30 years. In his rubber boots and maintenance cart, his private tour of Johnny Cash’s former homestead a short iron away from Rose Hall, included singing en route, the ballad Johnny had penned: “On the Island of Jamaica quite a long, long time ago At Rose Hall Plantation where the ocean breezes blow Lived a girl named Annie Palmer the mistress of the place And the slaves all lived in fear to see a frown on Annie’s face… ”
Moses shared all of Cash’s favorite spots. He crumpled a leaf from the pimento tree and gifted it for a sniff that blew us away with its mixed sweet aroma. Jamaica is spicy with pimento the key ingredient of smoky jerk seasoning and homegrown nutmeg and cinnamon flavoring fresh fare of seafood and produce. You must taste Jamaica and drink it in. Wake up to Blue Mountain coffee. Hydrate with coconut water, sipped from the shell and enjoy the Jamaican rum mixed with fresh juices. The IBEROSTAR Rose Hall serves the local flavors and international cuisine, all-inclusive with pristine beaches, extraordinary amenities, and a butler. What does the butler do? The mini bar is stocked with your top shelf choices (yes, no charge), clothes ironed and baths drawn upon request. No worries, Mon, so head to the pools or beach with water so warm that sharks are never a threat. Kayak, catamaran or join the “Star Friends” in activities like pool scuba lessons, aerobics, beach volleyball and more. When the sun goes down, the excitement goes up with entertainment venues for dancing, Broadway shows and musicals. Now, back to golf. Legendary for its heritage and spectacular setting, the Tryall Club is built around the former sugar plantation’s Georgian Great House.
The 18th century waterwheel is still in working order off the tee box, standing as the focal point of one of the Caribbean’s finest golf venues. Jamaicans take pride in their simple island life. Passing through town and the Hip Strip, famous for arguably the first Margaritaville restaurant, our driver passionately described the transformation of Jamaica into a unique and welcoming vacation spot. From the 1600’s, invasions by the British, French, Spanish and pirates influenced the culture, architecture, and language. So much history of strife and conflicts inspired the famous Bob Marley songs and push for “One Love.” The soft reggae beat permeates the culture reflecting an attitude of peace. Caddies and everyone you meet exhibit a happy, healthy contentment that is contagious. A 90- minute flight from Miami transports to this island of happiness to golf, swim with the dolphins, and hike to the waterfalls, snorkel, dive or lounge. Check out the Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am – “Annie’s Revenge” at www.thegolf-connection.com or www.iberostargolfevents.com. For all about Jamaica see www.visitjamaica.com. Once you go, you know you must return to this island of golf treasures. No pressure, no problems, Jamaica style, ya Mon!
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37
Two Good Rounds Presented by NarragansettBeer.com by Elisa Gaudet
Living the American Dream:
Where you can buy a Zoo or a Golf Course
In the movie We Bought a Zoo the father, Benjamin has lost his wife and as a way of starting over for himself and his two children he purchases a house on a large property that includes a struggling zoo in California. The premise of the story is the zoo is in need of renovation so Benjamin goes about refurbishing the zoo with the rest of the zoo staff. The project and expenses are greater than he imagined and the zoo soon runs into financial trouble. The staff must get the zoo back to its former glory, pass a zoo inspection, and get it back open to the public. This movie was based on a real life story of the Mee family and a real zoo in Devon, England known as the Dartmoor Zoological Park. When I learned of Errol Estate Golf & Country Club in Apopka, Florida and took a visit to meet the new owners their story and the history of the club immediately reminded me of We Bought a Zoo. This once flourishing club with 800 members was built in 1973 and the 18-hole, 6,505-yard golf course was designed by Joe Lee. With an additional nine holes added in 1975 called The Grove. When Errol Estate opened in 1973 the grand opening featured a friendly gender competition match between a PGA team comprised of Tour stars Frank Beard and Charles Coody against Judy
Trulock and LPGA legend Kathy Whitworth. The men won the match, posting one-under par 71s. Interestingly the Pro golfers had a stake in the club. Coody, the 1971 Masters champion, also served as Errol’s director of golf, and Whitworth and Trulock owned the Errol pro shop. The history goes back even further with the estate being the home of John Thomas Pirie, a New Yorker who moved to Apopka in 1886 and named the estate Errol after the Scottish village where he was born. Just as many other clubs in America, over the years Errol Estate suffered from the numerous new course openings, the declining economy and various management changes which led to a gradual deterioration of the course and clubhouse. Fast forward to December 15, 2011, after years of neglect the estate was purchased by Phillippe Weydts-Caesens and Patrick Daoust, two friends from Belgium. Daoust moved his family of five from Belgium to Apopka and began overseeing and doing the day to day management and renovation to bring the club back to its former glory. “I was in management consulting for large multinationals and decided to use my expertise towards something I am passionate about and love, golf. I am living the dream” said Daoust. Both Weydts-Caesens and Daoust have sons that are
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heavily into golf and Daoust’s youngest son Gary recently won the FCWT Mystic Dunes tournament. EEGCC is the home of the first Lee Westwood Golf School in the USA. Another great story perhaps built on dreams is Lee Westwood, a native of England who began learning the game at the age of 13. He recently moved his family to Old Palm Golf course in Palm Beach just a few hours down the road from Errol Estate Golf & Country Club. I am sure it would have been impossible to imagine when Lee was 13 that he would achieve number one status in the world for golf, move to America and have his own golf schools. This Lee Westwood Golf School has created a world-class purpose built practice facility, driving range and access to the most advanced golf performance technology and turned the 9 holes known as The Grove to three short game areas and five practice holes exclusively for the school. Currently nine students are in the program and it seems to be a dream opportunity for any young person wanting to play golf. Study from 8am to 12 then hit the links for instruction and playing golf. Errol Estate Golf & Country Club is a charismatic facility nested North West of Orlando in the hills of Apopka. Play the Highland and Lake nines that make up 18 gratifying holes played through a combination of hills, dramatic vistas and lakes making golf at Errol Estate Golf & Country Club a unique experience in Florida and proof that dreams do come true.
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39
Celebrity Golfer: PGA President Ted Bishop by Leigh MacKay
As the 38th President of The PGA of America, Ted Bishop, 58, has had a whirlwind first few months since his November induction. One of his first official acts was to name Tom Watson as the captain of the Ryder Cup team, a very popular move. Bishop next entered the maelstrom created by the USGA’s proposed “anchoring” ban and emphatically said the PGA is opposed to it, again a very popular move, especially among recreational golfers nationwide. Third, he presided over the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January and told his membership that he was in office both to perform their will and to improve their job security and working conditions. His popularity continued unabated. The GM and Director of Golf at The Legends GC in Franklin, Indiana, since 1991, Bishop has previously been the PGA’s national spokesman for the Get Golf Ready new player development program and is devoting his presidency to growing the game. Bishop is a graduate of Purdue with a degree in agronomy, a four-time qualifier for the Indiana Open, and the 1998 Indiana PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He lives with his wife Cindy in Franklin and has two married daughters, Ashely and Ambry, both working in the game, just like Dad. NEGM: May I put in print that Tom Watson and Ted Bishop will return the Ryder Cup to this side of the pond? TB: No! But you can put in print that Tom will put the U.S. team in a position to win it back. He brings a successful Ryder Cup per-
spective to the matches at Gleneagles in 2014. As a player, his record was 10-4-1. As a captain, Tom won in 1993 at The Belfry, our last victory on foreign soil. With four [of five] Open and three Senior Open championships in Scotland, Tom is revered there, and he’s got a tremendous understanding of the culture, the country, and its people. NEGM: How much credence do you give to the saying, “Golf is too difficult, too time consuming, and too expensive”? TB: I agree with it, and The PGA of America is trying to remove barriers from the game to make it more fun all the way around. With the Get Golf Ready initiative, our teaching professionals introduce newcomers to the game with five 90-minute lessons for only $99, and we provide the equipment, too. We are also promoting both nine-hole rounds to shorten the day and the Tee It Forward concept to lower scores, heighten the pleasure, and keep pace of play moving. NEGM: Will golf in the 2016 Olympics have a major effect on the game? TB: I think it’s going to have a greater impact worldwide than in the States, with many more countries getting exposure to the game. But just this exposure, of course, will have a positive effect on the game everywhere. NEGM: What is most important about the PGA Merchandise Show? TB: No question, the week is the gateway for the upcoming season. Year in and year out, this is where new technology
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is introduced and where people will come for the latest and greatest in golf equipment. For the PGA professional, the educational programs we offer are extremely worthwhile, as is the exchange of ideas among the membership. The Show offers a full menu of activities and options that should interest everybody who’s in golf. The PGA of America also recognizes our 2012 national award winners for their contributions to the Association and to the game of golf. NEGM: How can you insure that your 27,000 pros stay current with the changes in the game? TB: Again, we offer several outstanding educational programs. For example, our innovative Golf 2.0 is a long-range strategic plan that addresses various ways to grow the game and generate revenue. Also, each PGA professional has access to up-to-date information on topics like equipment/ technology, teaching techniques, marketing, and agronomy, to name a few. NEGM: Why is the PGA of America opposing the USGA’s proposed “anchoring” ban? TB: We polled our membership before Thanksgiving, 4,228 responded, and 63% did not support the ban. Our mission is to grow the game. Therefore, we are concerned with any legislation that would have a negative impact upon people’s enjoyment of golf and the overall growth of the game. If I lose just one member from my club as a result of this action, then I lose, too. We are asking the USGA and
the R&A to seriously consider the negative impact that this ban will have on recreational golfers. NEGM: Who are your two favorite touring professionals? TB: Steve Stricker, a first-class guy who hit rock bottom, worked hard on his return, and restored himself among the game’s elite. Tom Watson, a great role model, always with a positive demeanor. I was so depressed when he lost the Open in 2009. NEGM: What are your two favorite courses? And one favorite in New England? TB: Augusta National and The Old Course. Okemo Valley in Ludlow, VT, the beautiful home course of my good friend Jim Remy [36th President of the PGA]. NEGM: Who would be in your Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period? TB: Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, and Davis Love III. JFK, Ike, and Bill Clinton. NEGM: What do you hope your legacy will be? TB: History will have to judge my two years, but I’m off to a good start, I think. I hope we’ll be successful in the Ryder Cup, and I’m very proud of choosing Tom Watson as our captain. I would like to be viewed as someone not afraid to stand up to the tough issues, such as the anchoring ban, and not afraid to take a stance in line with how the The PGA of America membership felt. I would like these professionals to say, “You know what! There’s a guy who really cared about what my opinion was.” I’d feel good about that.
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 41
Molori Unplugged by John Molori
Burton a class act on air and on course Since 1994, Steve Burton has been entertaining audiences as a sports anchor/ reporter, and now sports director, at WBZTV. In that same time frame, the game of golf has been entertaining Burton, but it did not start out that way. “I started golfing about 20 years ago with my father in law,” says the 51-year-old Burton. “I hated it, thought it was a horrible and boring game. Once I started playing more, I was addicted. After I shoot a great round, I can’t wait to play again the next day.” A former quarterback at Northwestern University, Burton has crossed paths with some big names on the golf course. He relates, “I’ve played with guys like Bo Jackson and Lawrence Taylor. You can build relationships on the golf course. 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. This happens to Mario Lemieux? It was terrific.” Burton has a soft spot for some excellent local courses. “I belong to Hopkinton Country Club and play often at Shining Rock in Northbridge,” he explains. “I also play a lot at Maplegate in Bellingham. The course is narrow and tough. I like to take good players there because it can be humbling.” It was at Shining Rock that Burton achieved golf nirvana. “I was playing in a tournament to benefit cancer research. It was great because I was playing with some old high school buddies. They were all lined up watching me shoot about a 200 yard drive off the tee. It rolled right in the cup for my first hole in one!”
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Great moments are the norm for the Burton family. Steve’s father, Ron Burton, who passed away in 2003, was a college football All-American at Northwestern, a CFL and NFL star, and a member of the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame. Moreover, he founded the Ron Burton Training Village (ronburtontrainingbvillage. com) nearly a quarter-century ago. The Village teaches kids from low income communities the values of racial harmony, leadership, selfdetermination, respect, and love. Golf is a big part of the curriculum. Says Steve, “Every year, the Country Club in Brookline sends a golf pro to the Village to teach kids the game. Dad always wanted all kids to have access to golf.” For many in the media, golf is either an amusing activity or an agonizing addiction. Burton is somewhere in the middle. “It’s a getaway that I take seriously,” says the Framingham native. “When I play with Doug Flutie, we compete end to end, straight up, no strokes regardless of anyone’s handicap, and we have to putt out. There are no gimmes.” Like Flutie, Burton moved from the gridiron to golf, but what is the connection between these two very different sports? Burton responds, “It is the mentality, the ability to focus and calm down when the game is on the line. I played quarterback and it is really about slowing the game down. Golf can be intimidating. It is a game for risk takers and smart players.” John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players,” to be released in the fall of 2013. Email John at molorimedia@aol.com.
Port Royal Golf Course Home of The Grand Slam March Avg. Temp 70 Degrees and Golf Course Conditions are Perfect!
March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 43
BGA - (441) 295-9972 e-mail bdagolf@logic.bm
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Contact Anthony Mocklow - (+441) 239-6663 Anthony.Mocklow@Fairmont.com
myNEGM.com/BermudaGolf
| 1-800-Bermuda
Bermuda has more Golf Courses Than any Island in The World! Golfers have always been drawn to our island’s gorgeous scenery, highly agreeable climate and sophisticated array of before and after activities. But the greatest enticement is our seven championship courses and the Bermuda Golf Academy & Driving Range. Conceived by some of the game’s most renowned course designers, each offers a stunning array of challenges and spectacular ocean vistas. March 2013 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 45
Welcome to the
2013 National Golf Expo!
After a long winter we are all eagerly anticipating spring weather and the official start of the golf season ahead. The cure for cabin fever is at the National Golf Expo in Boston, bringing tons of opportunities for New England’s golfers to get ready to hit the links. Shop a selection of your favorite retailers. Sample the newest products. Plan a golf vacation to a new destination or an old favorite. The Golf Expo is your resource to try the newest equipment, shop the best bargains, learn the latest tips, and simply enjoy an entertaining day out. Learn from some of the best at the Golf Expo! On Saturday meet Michael Breed from the Golf Channel’s “The Golf Fix”. Check the Amica Demonstration Stage schedule and stop by one of the informative presentations to pick up helpful tips. Eric Lastowka, 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion, will be on site during the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship qualifying round held on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Eric will also take the stage on Sunday. Don’t miss the 25 station indoor driving range where you can loosen up that swing, and while you’re at it get some personalized advice from the NEPGA and their “Tune Up With a Pro” program. This is our sixth year at the Seaport World Trade Center and we’re thrilled to be back here. This spectacular location in South Boston with its variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment provides the perfect atmosphere to get us all excited for the golf season ahead! Thanks for attending the National Golf Expo. Enjoy your visit!
Garry Edgar
President, Paragon Group gedgar@paragonexpo.com
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2013 Demonstration Stage Schedule Friday March 1, 2012 1:00 pm
TBD
2:00 pm
Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game”
3:00 pm Kevin Walker, Golf Academy Director, Willowcreek Golf Academy at Atkinson Resort & Country Club, PGA “The Stack & Tilt Golf Swing” 4:00 pm
Daren McKinnon, Director of Club Fitting, Joe & Leigh’s Performance Center “Importance of Club Fitting”
5:00 pm
TBD
Saturday March 2, 2012 11:00 am
Michael Breed “The Golf Fix”, The Golf Channel
12:00 pm Terry Felty, Director of Instruction, Big Sticks Golf “Casting and Releasing the Club: Top Problems Golfers Have When Striking the Ball, Why We Do It and How to Fix!” 1:00 pm
Michael Breed, The Golf Fix, The Golf Channel – Group Lesson on the Range
2:00 pm Kevin Walker, Golf Academy Director, Willowcreek Golf Academy at Atkinson Resort & Country Club, PGA “The Stack & Tilt Golf Swing” 3:00 pm
Michael Breed, The Golf Fix, The Golf Channel
4:00 pm
Norman Miller, The Beer Nut Columnist, Blogger & Author “Beer Lover’s New England”
Sunday March 3, 2012 11:00 am
Eric Lastowka, 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Chamapion “The Long Drive Champion Experience”
12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Bob Beach, PGA, Braintree Municipal Golf Course “How To Keep the Golf Swing Simple”
2:00 pm
Daren McKinnon, Director of Club Fitting, Joe & Leigh’s Performance Center “Importance of Club Fitting”
David DuPriest, Certified Jr. Golf Fitness Coach, FitGolf “Functional Movements in Golf & Their Affects on Your Swing”
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Golfsmith
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2013 National Golf Expo Exhibitor List 3 Up Golf 5-Hour Energy Adams Golf Aline Systems Ameriprise Financial Services Amica Insurance Annandale Golf Atkinson Resort & Country Club Audi of America Axis 1 Azores Golf Islands Barbados Tourism Authority Basin Harbor Club & Resort Bat-Caddy-Electric Golf Caddy Birdie G Media BirdieBall, Inc. Brookmeadow Country Club Cape & Islands Golf Shop Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Central New York Golf CJ’s Golf Apparel Cleveland Golf ClubRunner/ Lectronic Kaddy Cobra-Puma Golf Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club CVS Caremark Charity Classic Cyprian Keyes Golf Club Deutsche Bank Championship Ecco Retail LLC Energy Now FitGolf Performance Centers Flagship Private Wealth Florida Golf Gina Cigar Go Ahead Tours Golf & Ski Warehouse Golf Ball Retrieval Golf Gruva Golf Maine Golfing Magazine Golfsmith Golftec-Boston Great Northern Catskills, NY Golf Greater Ocean City Golf Assoc. Green Mountain NTL Golf Course Happy Feet Huntington Park Publications Inc. IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts Inferno USA ING Financial Partners Jay Peak Golf Club
414 528 828 540 312 349 444 & 446 621 356 611 409 538 626 513 646 652 & 654 656 818 506 & 508 434 640, 642 & 644 848 650 824 545 511 633 433 & 435 521 & 523 504 314 438 639 517 318 854 404 & 643 530 510 612 & 614 834 527 & 529 526 618 622 420 411 427 413 412 620
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Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop Kings Creek Lake Morey Resort LeaderBoard of Boston Magic Massage Therapy Maine’s Golf Trifecta Massachusetts Golf Association Maui Jim Musty Putters MWVCC-Road to the Links Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday New England Custom Putting Greens New England Golf Guide New England Golf Monthly New England PGA New England PGA Golf Pass Nike Golf Nonesuch River Golf Club Okemo Valley Golf Club, Ludlow, VT Omni Mount Washington Resort Orange Whip Trainer Orchards Golf Club Palmers Global Magnetic Therapy PlayACGolf.com Point Sebago Resort Power Home Remodeling Group Rolling Stogies Sands Ocean Club Saratoga National Golf Club Silverleaf Resorts St. Kitts Tourism Authority State Treasury/Unclaimed Property Stowe Country Club Sugarbush Resort Golf Club Sugarloaf Golf Club T & S Golf Teecil The Bethel Inn Resort The Ledges Golf Club The Links at Outlook Golf Course The Ultimate Coastal Golf Experience Touch of Purple Tour of Greater Boston Turning Stone Resort Turtle Hill Golf Club Vintage Makers Wellzher Corp. Who’s Your Caddy Zipfizz
803 428 & 430 628 Beer Tasting 324 512 519 533 503 502 424 437 & 439 509 607 & 609 201, 203 & 304 535 842 518 627 623 & 625 320 539 421 & 423 418 636 322 544 629 505 403 429 537 624 630 524 608 & 617 543 522 634 635 & 637 417 419 546 436 824 328 & 330 534 & 536 610 405
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5 Rounds for the Price of 4 - Only $200 (May be applied to membership for 2013 Season)
2013 Membership Specials Single Full $2700 Intermediate Plus 31-35 $2000 | Internediate 19-30 $1500
Allendale Country Club 1047 Allen St. North Dartmouth, 02747
508-992-8682 | AllendaleCC.net
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Ross’ Rulings The Bifurcation Debate by Jack Ross
The current buzzword in the golf rules universe is “bifurcation”: the adoption of different rules for different levels of play. The bifurcation debate was spawned by the release last November by the USGA and R&A of proposed rule 14-1b, which would ban the anchoring of a club in making a stroke. The USGA and R&A have long been firmly committed to the principle that the retention of one set of rules for all golfers, irrespective of ability, is one of golf’s greatest strengths. While not required to do so, the PGA Tour and LPGA have generally adopted the rules of golf promulgated by the USGA and R&A. A recent survey of serious amateur golfers by Golf Datatech LLC found that 68% favored the retention of one set of rules for all golfers, while 25% felt that amateurs and professionals should play by different rules. At a State of The Industry Forum at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando last month, PGA President Ted Bishop expressed concern that the anchoring ban could deter people from playing golf. “As our mission is to grow the game, we are asking the USGA and the R&A to seriously consider the impact this proposed ban may have on people’s enjoyment of the game and the overall growth of the game,” said Bishop. When asked whether he could envision PGA professionals encouraging golfers to deviate from the anchoring rule, Bishop was guarded but did admit that one of his biggest concerns is that “from a day-to-day standpoint we are going to have a segment of the golfing population that is basically going to choose to
ignore the rules.” He further observed that “there’s a whole can of worms that’s opened up with this discussion,” notably handicapping issues. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has also weighed in on the bifurcation issue, and has not dismissed the possibility that the Tour could diverge from the USGA on anchoring. “Our objective always has been to try our best to follow the rules as promulgated by the USGA and the R&A,” Finchem said recently. “We believe in the notion that one body of rules is important. We just reserve the option not to, if we have overriding reasons not to do so.” In his speech at the USGA annual meeting recently, USGA president Glenn Nager fervently reaffirmed the organization’s opposition to any bifurcation of the rules of golf. He noted that multiple teeing grounds and the Handicap and Course Rating Systems allow golfers to play within their own physical abilities, yet also compete across ability levels while playing each shot by the same set of rules. “Creating multiple sets of rules would undermine both these great traditions and the needs of modern golfing populations, as well as threaten the value and integrity of the Handicap System,” explained Nager. The bifurcation debate no doubt will heat up when the USGA and R&A announce their final decision on the anchoring ban, which is expected in late March. There is little doubt anchoring will be banned by the rules, but whether belly putters and long putters will disappear from golf clubs and the PGA Tour remains to be seen.
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Furnas Golf Course, located on the Ilha de S達o Miguel
Just fore hours from Boston With the winter season setting in, many golf fans begin looking for warm places to play. Golf fans needing a fresh new place to go should consider the Azores. Just four hours by plane from Boston, the Azores Islands are the closest point in Europe to the United States.
Azores Stay & Play Package starting at just $1,089 non-stop air from Boston 3 nights hotel w/ breakfast 3 rounds of golf Includes all taxes & fees Call 800-762-9995 to book today!
The Azores are nine Portuguese islands, traditionally known for a year-round Spring climate, sea cliffs, long beaches, fishing villages and ancient palaces. These volcanic islands are mountainous inland, and partially forested. There are also several hot springs and spas. Island areas range between 400 square miles on São Miguel to nine square miles on Corvo. With three courses, golf is special here. Azoresgolf on São Miguel operates two world-class courses, the 1939 Furnas course, and the new Batalha course. The golf course at Furnas on São Miguel has been described by travel writer David
Sayers as, “ one the world’s most intimate and exquisitely beautiful courses, given its mountain setting with sheltering forests and numerous elegant tree ferns.” Built in 1996 and refurbished with nine new holes in 2003, Golfe da Batalha has long fairways and large greens, with views over the sea on the first nine and superb landscapes on the second nine. Both courses take advantage of vistas and natural features to offer a unique golfing experience. Terceira has an newly expanded 18 hole course that is near the sea on the North Coast.
AzoresGolfIslands.com/en
Talamore Golf Vacations to the Historic Village of Pinehurst Area
A golf destination
unique from its beginnings.
O`Yl EYc]k LYdYegj] ?gd^ J]kgjl Kh][aYd In 1991, famed golf course architect Rees Jones linked his name forever with the great golf of the North Carolina Sandhills when he debuted Talamore Golf Club. Since receiving the designation as Best New Course in the South by Golf Digest, Talamore has been consistently ranked at the forefront for outstanding courses in the Village of Pinehurst area. Talamore’s clubhouse, pool and cabana are all conveniently located next to the Talamore Golf Villas, which were constructed shortly after the club’s opening. The Talamore Golf Villas have long been a favorite among golfers vacationing to the area for their wonderful amenities and panoramic views of the Resort Course’s sign ture finishing hole. The second facility added to Talamore Golf Resort was the Mid South Club, originally known as Pinehurst Plantation. A private club, Mid South features a fantastic layout designed by “The King” Arnold Palmer. In 2005, the Lodges at Mid South opened, offering the most well-appointed amenities in the Sandhills and giving the Resort more than 200 rooms of luxurious and cofortable accommodations, most featuring expansive golf course views.
Talamore Golf Resort - Village of Pinehurst Area, NC
Where llamas can be seen
on the storied fairways and...
where life takes a break
with great golf & relaxing amenities.
Gf] Ljah Yf\ Qgm :][ge] >Yeadq Talamore Golf Resort has grown to be the premier golf vacation in the Sandhills. More than 90% of our customers repeat or refer new business. That is unheard of in the resort industry and is a tribute to Talamore’s unwavering commitment to the total customer experience.
L`] Ogjd\%J]fgof]\ LYdYegj] DdYeYk Talamore’s Resort Course opened its doors in 1991 with significant press coverage. Yes, the opening of the exciting Rees Jones design was highly anticipated in the Sandhills, but it was the lovable llama caddies that stole the show. Offering llamas as caddies proved to be an instant hit, especially with the press. Over 5,000 articles were written and published all over the globe. Suffice it to say, the Talamore llamas put the club on the international golfing map.
Today, our llama caddies are available for your round throughout the cooler months. Although not required for your round at Talamore, one trip around the links with Dollie, Tallie or any of our other special friends makes for great memories. Also, see Dollie’s special offers and words of wisdom on Facebook and Twitter!
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TALAMORE By “The Open Doctor” Rees Jones
Talamore Golf Resort - Village of Pinehurst Area, NC
The Resort Course at Talamore No ordinary golf course receives the kind of acclaim and international praise that has been given to The Resort Course at Talamore since it’s opening in 1991. Talamore has been ranked in the forefront of outstanding courses in the Village of Pinehurst area; an area which has been known for its golfing traditions for over a century. Architect Rees Jones brought his considerable talents back to the Sandhills area to design a course that would be visually striking and exceptionally enjoyable. The result was a 7,020-yard course that was ranked in the Top Five New Courses in America and Best New Course in the South by Golf Digest. Talamore’s layout features an 180-foot elevation change, offering a rare glimpse at some of the area’s rolling topography. You will enjoy this stroll through the pines and the many challenging shots the course presents.
Talamore’s Awards & National Recognition Twice awarded North Carolina Golf Course of the Year - NGCOA Top 100 Courses in America - GolfLink.com Best New Golf Course in the South - Golf Digest Top 5 New Courses in the Country - Golf Digest 4-1/2 Stars - Golf Digest One of America’s Best Courses - Golfweek Top 3 Resort Courses in the Village of Pinehurst Area - Pinehurst Magazine
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mid south By “The King” Arnold Palmer
Talamore Golf Resort - Village of Pinehurst Area, NC
Ea\ Kgml` ;dmZ Located across the street from the Resort Course at Talamore, the exclusive Mid South Club was started in the late 1980’s with a vision to be one of the Village of Pinehurst area’s premier private clubs. The rolling terrain allowed the legendary Arnold Palmer to put his stamp on the fabled Sandhills area with a design many say is simply his best work ever. Pinehurst Magazine ranked the Mid South course the #1 Private Course in the Area and second overall only to Pinehurst #2. Complementing the course is the 25,000 square foot clubhouse that provides sweeping golf and water views of the 9th & 18th holes.
Mid South’s Awards & National Recognition #1 Private Club in the Village of Pinehurst Area - Pinehurst Magazine Top 20 Best Courses in North Carolina - Golf Digest Top 18 US Newest & Best Golf Communities - Robb Report
Danny displays his first-place trophy after shooting a final-
round in 64America on Bethpage Red at the U.S. Challenge Cup Top 100 Courses - GolfLink.com Northeast Junior Classic on Oct. 7.
Top 100 Courses to Play - Golf Magazine 4-1/2 Stars – Golf Digest Host to Qualifiers for the U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open & U.S. Amateur
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e Lodges at Mid South Club
Talamore Golf Resort - Village of Pinehurst Area, NC
The Lodges at Mid South is a grouping of 16 high-end luxury condominiums located in the clubhouse compound with fabulous views stretching from #1 fairway all the way across to #9, #18 and the new 19th hole. Views of great golf and lots of water! Designed with a Lowcountry feel, each 4-unit building boasts 1,800 square feet of living space, granite and stainlessappointed kitchen, plasma TV, custom millwork, a huge front and rear porch, welcome fountain and a gracious southern spiral staircase to the second level.
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Gol V ll s at the Resort Course at Talamore
Talamore Golf Resort - Village of Pinehurst Area, NC
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Golf Villa Amenities
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Sampson’s Spotlight - presented by GolfTrainingAids.com The Portable Launch Monitor and App ES12 Digital Golf Assistant
The Claim My “Best of the PGA Show,” is the innovative technology in the ES12 Portable Launch Monitor by Ernest Sports. Introduced last year, this smart phone app assisted product brings game improvement data that can easily be shared with your PGA Professional to the forefront of techno golf at an affordable price. Golfers from the junior level to the scratch amateur can now improve their golf performance with Range Data, Scorecard, Video Analysis, Bluetooth feedback, the Weather and more! The Test I tested the ES12 at last years National Golf Expo in Boston, but at the #PGAShow13 I had the opportunity to play with it on the range and on the course at Mystic Dunes Resort and Spa. On the range I recorded shots with various clubs to the 2000 shot capacity of my free app, listening to the instant Bluetooth audio feedback. I also recorded
a few videos for analysis from different angles. My favorite function, the Course Caddy used my range data based on my range performance assisted me in choosing a club after factoring variables like wind, elevation, pin placement etc. For $249 and a free download on the Apple or Google Play stores, not bad right? The Verdict This washed up ex-mini tour pro has to agree with the tweet of Butch Harmon or the testimonial from NFL Hall of Famer, Joe Theisman. The ES12 is the best consumer launch monitor on the market today. For a nominal investment golfers of all abilities should capitalize on the technology of the ES12 The free download app is not only a game changer but valuable swing data for your next lesson with your PGA Golf Instructor or a round with your golf buddies. The ES12 portable launch monitor “Listens, Learns and Reports a better Golf Game!”
Visit GolfTrainingAids.com
and search “LAUNCH”
Enter Promo Code NEGMFREE For Complimentary Shipping. The World’s Largest Selection of Golf Teaching and Training Aids 66
Try our...
Indoor Club Fitting Our expert staff will help you find the perfect equipment to improve your game. Try our indoor custom club fitting with a portable launch monitor, a great way to learn about your swing!
NEW!
Visit our new website & blog! www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com Find us on Facebook!
CAPE Golf & ISLANDS GOLF SHOP At Cape & Islands Shop we provide Custom 1019 IYANNOUGH ROAD, HYANNIS, MA 02601 Club Fitting for our Customers Free. (508) 771-4653 | www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com Get the right equipment fit properly to your game by our expert staff
Try our...
Indoor Club Fitting
Visit us at The National Golf Expo Booth 818 in the Club Testing Area
Our expert staff will help you find the perfect March Season Kickoff Special and equipment to National improve your game. Try10% our indoor at The Golf Expo off custom club fitting with a portable launch all equipment! monitor, a great way to learn about your swing!
NEW!
Visit our new website & blog!
Come on by and visit the store we would love to talk www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com about your game and any help you need! Find us on Facebook!
CAPE & ISLANDS GOLF SHOP 1019 IYANNOUGH ROAD, HYANNIS, MA 02601
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HYBRID IRONS › More Forgiving › Extra Distance › Higher Flight
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99+sh 49 89 value $
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99
Best of the PGA Show 2013
by Ed Travis
At the PGA Merchandise Show in January club manufacturers as usual displayed an array of new products. This month we are covering a few of these new clubs, ones that caught our eye because of the results they produce based on their design or materials or both. Our goal is to provide information that cuts through the advertising claims should new sticks be on your to-do list for the new season. In addition (and as we will do throughout the year) this is a preview of clubs that may be in the running for our 2013 Equipment Awards at the end of the year.
Fourteen Golf
Though known for their wedges Fourteen Golf has some new irons and a new driver for this season. The TC-330 irons offer a low and deep center of gravity that compliments the extra wide sole but the real story is the longer shafts and strong lofts. Stock lofts are approximately 8 degrees stronger than normal making the 5-iron 22 degrees versus the more standard 30 degrees. The combination shafts and lofts produces lots of added distance. A six piece set of 5-iron through pitching wedge comes in at the upper end of the price scale, retailing for $1,259. Fourteen’s new CT112 Driver is specifically for long hitters and those who want to be. The stock shaft is an extra long 47-inch CS-001d graphite while the four piece titanium head has a multi-layer cup face construction and only is available in 9 or 10.5 degree lofts.
Rife Golf
Rife Golf has a new series of putters named the Vault 001. There are 14 new models as part of the series and each has the Rife patented horizontal groove pattern which the company says does a better job of gripping the ball at contact and producing a truer roll. Vault 001 models are available in blades, mallets and everything in between including mid-length and long putters. They also changed the name of the award winning Innovex Golf ball into the Rife Golf V-Motion and E-Motion featuring slick new packaging with the same quality and performance at unmatched price points.
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Callaway Golf
The Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme driver ($399) is also new and received a big boost when Phil Mickelson was effusive of how well he drove with it during his runaway win in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February. Drivers are all about distance and rather than staying with the face technology used in the RAZR Fit, the RAZR Fit Xtreme is all new. The center of gravity has been lowered even further and Callaway says the face construction produces more ball speed. The crown is made of lightweight carbon fiber which gave engineers the opportunity to redistribute weight and accomplish the center of gravity repositioning. The RAZR Fit Xtreme’s adjustability combines hosel settings for open, closed and neutral while the 13- and 1-gram weights shift the clubhead’s center of gravity to promote draw or neutral ball flights. There are several lofts available with the 8.5-, 9.5- and 10.5-degree clubheads being 440 cc and but becoming 460 cc in the higher lofts.
Cleveland Golf
Cleveland Golf for 2013 adds an adjustable version to the Classic XL driver line, the Classic XL Custom ($249). The XL Custom hosel has 12 settings and there’s also a port with interchangeable weights to adjust swingweight. The clubface is somewhat larger than the older model which means the hitting area is also bigger. Additionally Cleveland made some modifications to the design of the variable thickness face and report this gives more forgiveness. Cleveland’s new 588 RTX Wedges are an update the original 588 model with a modified sole grind and are slightly wider in the heel and narrower towards the toe. The U-shaped grooves are larger (16 percent) and the face has laser milling with a directional pattern Cleveland calls ROTEX. The 588 RTX wedges are available in satin chrome or black pearl at $120.
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ScorGolf
Scor4161 ($135) wedges are a rethinking of short yardage clubs by Terry Koehler after the USGA significantly reduced the size of allowable grooves. The result was a new weighting of the Scor4161 heads which combined with the multiple bounce angles of his patented V-Sole design and proprietary short game shafts produce outstanding performance from any lie. Available in lofts between 41 and 61 degrees, each Scor4161 wedge is made to order.
Cobra – Puma Golf
COBRA has received a lot of attention over their AMP CELL Driver ($299) which comes in four colors (Silver, Directoire Blue, Barbados Red and Vibrant Orange) and makes use their MyFly technology. The AMP CELL has loft adjustments between 8.5 and 11.5 degrees including a draw setting for 9.5 and 10.5 degrees. The AMP CELL Pro ($399) has fade settings at 9.5 degrees. Both use a SmartPad which, according to the company, means the sole plate does not have to be changed even though the loft is adjusted. Additionally there’s the COBRA’s E9 Face Technology - a dual roll design for better distance on mis-hits from heel to toe and above and below the centerline.
Nike Golf
The VR_S Covert driver ($300, Tour $400) from Nike is quite innovative compared to competing clubs. It’s the first driver with a cavity back construction similar to that found in game improvement irons and it produces the same benefits, namely more forgiveness on off center hits and enhanced stability from clubhead weight redistribution. There are loft and face angle adjustments and Nike’s NexCOR face with variable thickness.
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However TaylorMade’s big hit of 2013 may not be in metalwoods but in irons with the introduction of the RocketBladez line. TMaG says this new design, which could be even called a breakthrough, hits the ball further with more control and feel, claims backed by extensive testing. Taylormade Golf
TaylorMade is king on the mountain when it comes to metalwoods and they are following up with the success of the past two years (R11/R11s and RocketBallz) with new white headed models, the R1 and RocketBallz Stage 2 Drivers. The R1 ($400) can be adjusted to fit virtually any golfer with 168 combinations of 12 loft-sleeve settings, 7 different face angles and two movable sole weights. There’s also a TP model with additional choices in stock shafts for better amateurs and professionals. The RocketBallz Stage 2 Driver ($300) has the Loft-Sleeve Technology of the R1 and a slightly longer stock shaft (the 50-gram Fujikura RocketFuel) than last year. Paired with a lightweight grip, the total club weight comes in at less than 300 grams. There was also an eye-pleasing redesign of the head shape and the clubface was enlarged to 4,100 square millimeters to help better players get more distance – up to nine yards additional according to TMaG by producing a flatter trajectory.
However TaylorMade’s big hit of 2013 may not be in metalwoods but in irons with the introduction of the RocketBladez line. TMaG says this new design, which could be even called a breakthrough, hits the ball further with more control and feel, claims backed by extensive testing. To accomplish all of this TaylorMade figured out how to put a 2mm polyurethane-filled slot behind the clubface, a first in irons, and similar to the slot found in the RocketBallz fairways everyone raves about. This slot or ‘Speed Pocket’ is used in the 3- through 7-irons and works in conjunction with their proprietary inverted cone shape behind the clubface and high MOI from redistributed weight. At impact the Speed Pocket allows the clubface to flex providing a trampoline effect to the ball which launches higher than other iron designs and goes further too. The heads of both the Tour ($900 steel shafts) and regular RocketBladez ($800 steel and $900 graphite) models are cast rather than forged to allow for inclusion of the slot.
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Adams Golf
Adams has two new families of clubs, the SUPER S and SUPER LS. The SUPER S is the first club family from Adams brought to market all at the same time and aimed at the average player. Starting with hybrids, clubs for which Adams is best known, the Idea SUPER S Hybrids ($149) have a Cut-Thru sole slot for more ball speed which should produce more distance. Easy to hit, they also fill in nicely as replacements for long irons. SUPER S Fairways ($199) have stainless steel construction and the standard Adams crown slot with a slightly modified design plus a Cut-Thru sole slot; a combination that gives the SUPER S Fairways a very “hot” face. Idea SUPER S Irons (steel-$599 & graphite-$699) are a blended hybrid-iron design with thinner faces and balance has been reworked compared to previous models. Finally the Speedline SUPER S Driver ($299) has loft adjustments between 9.5 degrees and 11.5 degrees, a sole slot plus tweaked clubhead aerodynamics.
Taking a page from parent company TaylorMade Golf, the SUPER LS Driver ($399) has a white crown and is adjustable (Fast Fit technology) but it is specifically designed for low spin (that’s what the LS represents) to produce distance with a penetrating ball flight. The sole slot has been made deeper towards the heel and toe to give a little more flex to the face while enlarging the sweet spot at the same time. Another very handy feature is the length of the SUPER LS driver may be adjusted plus or minus ½-inch with a sleeve at the end of the shaft. The SUPER LS Hybrid ($149) has a new crown slot that improves deflection across the clubface for higher launch angles without creating additional spin and that generally creates more carry distance and better accuracy. SUPER LS Fairways ($299) employ the new Cut-Thru sole slot with a similar slot in the titanium crown. These in combination with a titanium face make for a great feel. Adams also puts their Fast Fit technology in the SUPER LS Fairways for adjustment to loft/face angle, length and swing weight.
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The Tour Scene Team New England
by NEGM Photographer Ken Dennis
Bill Belichick signs a new Defensive Back
Berman goes Back Back Back Back Back
The Affable Bill Murry
Everyone use to Love Raymond Not Haney
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Huey Lewis / No News
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Keegan Bradley With Phil The Thrill
Billy Andrade At Pebble Beach
James Driscoll at The Waste Management Open
Everyone use to Love Bradley in his summer Raymond Not Haney whites in the Desert
Tim Petrovic At Pebble Beach
Scott Stalllings At The Waste Management Open
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Team New England On The Tours The PGA TOUR got underway in Hawaii in early January and our own Keegan Bradley, (VT) and Scott Stallings, (MA) are making New England proud so far in 2013. Both players have 4th place finishes and are off to great starts this year. Actually, Scott leads Keegan in earnings by just $1,007 at this writing.
PGA TOUR Keegan Bradley (VT) appears to be on track to have another great year. Competing in 4 events Keegan has missed 1 cut in 4 outings earning $365,793 with a scoring average of 69.38. Getting plenty of television time, Bradley’s game seems to be operating on all cylinders as he seems to be in contention at some point in most events he has played so far this year. J.J. Henry (CT) has suffered just 1 cut in 5 starts so far in 2013. J.J.’s scoring average is 71.29 with earnings of $171,123. Henry has been consistently on Tour since 1999 and our steady, consistent player for Team New England almost from the beginning. Scott Stallings (MA) has earned $366,800 completing 3 of 5 events with a scoring average of 69.54. Stallings is on track for a great year in spite of his coming up short on the 72nd hole at PGA WEST during the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation. James Driscoll (MA) has 1 cut in 4 starts so far this season with earnings of $203,389 and a scoring average of 70.20. Bubble Boy, as Driscoll is known, is off to a good start this 2013 season. It is our hope James can shake that name which grew out of his making cuts by slim margins week in and week out. Brett Quigley (RI) while still listed on the PGA Tour roster will spend his time competing on the Web.Com Tour for another year after while playing in PGA Tour events he is able to compete in. Brett fell out of the top 125 in 2010 hence losing his playing privileges. Like several of our TNE players, Quigley is not done winning!
CHAMPIONS TOUR Brad Faxon (RI) enters year two on the Champions Tour with $35,200 in earnings after the first two events of the Champions Tour season. Brad’s scoring average is 71.0 with earnings in just a year and a half of $712,120 on the Champions. Faxon’s putting has always been his key to success. Dana Quigley (MA) deserves credit as he continues to compete while remaining focused on son Devon’s rehabilitation from a brain injury suffered in an auto accident. Our prayers continue for the Quigley family. Dana’s earnings in his solo start was $1368 with a scoring average of 74.67 Allen Doyle (RI) at 64 continues to compete. Allen competed in the Allianz Championship earning $801 and a scoring average for the single event of 76. Allen’s Champions Tour career earnings are $13,383,636 for the Woonsocket, RI native.
LPGA TOUR
Alison Walshe (MA) had a good year in 2012 earning $194,519 with 1 top 10 finish. Walshe is competing in the Australian Open, the first LPGA event of 2013. Anna Grzebien (RI) earned $23,341 in 2012 and is on the LPGA Tour roster for 2013 even though she is not competing in the Australian Open.
Tim Petrovic (MA) failed to regain his playing privileges in Q-School in December, thus he will be competing on the Web.Com Tour this year in an attempt to regain his card on the PGA TOUR. Tim is a solid player with a good swing.
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WEB.COM TOUR
LPGA SYMATRA FUTURES TOUR
Brad Adamonis (RI) continues to regain the form that will vault him back to the PGA TOUR. Brad’s 2012 Web.Com earnings were $46,933. Trevor Murphy (VT) competed in just 4 events in 2012 earning $28,409. Trevor did not qualify for the PGA TOUR via Q School in December and has yet to commit to playing the Web.Com this year. Jim Renner (MA) earned $99,500 in 2012 on the Web.Com after losing his PGA Tour privileges. Jim is expected to play a full schedule on the Web.Com according to his agent.
Rob Oppenheim (MA) had a good season on the Web .Com finishing in 41st position, earning $132,065 with a scoring average of 70.17. Rob also finished 1st in overall putting in 2012 on the tour. Justin Peters (MA) competed in a small number of events last year on the Web. Com earning $1711 making 1 cut in 3 outings. Justin is one who has yet to show up on the Web.Com roster for 2013. Jeff Curl (CT) earned $28,890 on the PGA Tour and $46,733 playing on the Web.Com making 10 cuts in 21 starts in 2012. Total 2012 earnings were $77,623.
Natalie Sheary (CT) earned $11,198 in her second year on the Symetra Futures Tour. Competing an entire season, Natalie missed 6 cuts in 15 stars in 2013.
Libby Smith (VT) has been competing since 2004 with career earnings of $51,114. In 2012 Smith made 7 cuts in 14 starts on the Symetra Tour. Briana Vega (MA) made $1805 in 14 starts in 2012 missing 9 cuts in 14 starts. Briana’s career began in 2005 and she has career earnings of $57,043. Susan Choi (MA) competed in just 4 events in 2012 missing 3 cuts in those 4 starts. It is our hope Susan joins the Symetra in 2013. Joining the LPGA Futures Tour in ’08 she had her best year. Chelsea Curtis (MA) did not compete in 2012. She is still on the Symetra roster for 2013. Chelsea’s rookie year was 2010 when she earned $26,719. We really hope to see Chelsea this year. Kim Augusta, (RI) veteran of both the LPGA Tour and the LPGA Futures Tour is not listed on the Symetra or LPGA rosters at this writing. Additionally, Haley Gidea, (RI) and Amber Richardson, (RI), have been dropped from the LPGA Futures roster.
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Palopoli’s Picks by Jeff Palopoli
Fantasy Golf Picks for the World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championship
Each year there are three World Golf Championships events that attract the best players in the world. Outside of the four majors, these are the next three events that bring all the top talent together. The first of these WGC events is the Cadillac Championship, which has taken place at the TPC Blue Monster at Doral since 2007. The field consists of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings from the previous two weeks, and approximately 20 other players qualifying in different ways. With the limited field, there is no 36-hole cut, so this can always pose a challenge to Fantasy Golf players who strategize their starts around the cut lines. Last year Justin Rose edged Bubba Watson out by a stroke, and Rory McIlroy by two. Tiger Woods withdrew after a round of 68 on Saturday, citing an achilles injury. A Group: Whenever trying to make selections for events that feature all the top players in the world, it’s creates many difficult decisions. It would be really hard to leave off the hottest player on any Tour right now, Brandt Snedeker. With two runner-up finishes, a third place, and a win at Pebble Beach, it’s hard to discount the confidence that he’ll be playing with. B Group: Matt Kuchar hasn’t finished worse than 8th at this event dating back to 2010, so he’ll get the
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nod for one of my starts in the B group. He played well in the two Hawaii events earlier in the season and since then hasn’t done much. But I look for him to right that ship at Doral where he’s had plenty of success before. Starting alongside Kuchar will be Luke Donald who always seems to play well in WGC events. Donald has back-to-back T6 finishes in his last two WGC-Cadillac Championship events. C Group: There could be a case made that Brandt Snedeker has some competition for “hottest golfer in the world”, and that competition would be Charl Schwartzel. Schwartzel is coming off of a 3rd place finish at The Northern Trust Open, and before that, playing internationally his prior four starts went like this: 2nd, win, win, 2nd. He had many chances at Riviera a couple weeks ago to notch his 2nd PGA Tour title, but couldn’t sink a couple needed birdies down the stretch and had to settle for 3rd. Starting Foursome: Brandt Snedeker, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel On the bench: Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Webb Simpson, Hunter Mahan, Adam Scott Follow Jeff’s weekly Fantasy Golf picks on www.mynegm.com, and also be sure to check out his blog at www.goodwalkgolf.com. Jeff can be reached at Jeff@goodwalkgolf.com.
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What’s News 2013 Winter weather does a number on Augusta National Augusta National chairman Billy Payne admits that, as recently as a month ago, he worried whether the golf course would be in its usual shape for the Masters because of the unusually harsh winter. All of the South experienced rain, frost and low temperatures in recent months, and there was one day when 4 to 6 inches of snow blanketed Amen Corner. Crews are hard at work to repair damage and get Augusta National ready for the Masters in Early April.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Pulls Out a “Massachusetts Miracle” at the 19th Annual GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition
University of Massachusetts Amherst represented by Peter White, Evan Bradstreet, Kevin Shewmaker & Sean Raposa
Congratulations to the team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst which captured first place at the 19th annual GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. This event was held at the GCSAA’s Education Conference in San Diego. The victory was impressive given that 247 students divided into 68 teams representing 35 schools took part in the competition.
USGA To Add Four-Ball Championships In 2015 Amateur Public Links Championships to be Retired from competition roster after 2014
Starting in 2015, the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championships will give men and women a chance to compete for a team national championship.
Far Hills, N.J. – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the introduction of two new championships, the first national championships to be added to the USGA’s competition roster in more than 25 years. The addition of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship and the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship, which will be played annually between mid-March and late May with the inaugural events scheduled for 2015.
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Pat Granese - Champion of the 1960 Massachusetts Amateur Championship - Passes Away at the Age of 91 Golf historian Gary Larrabee and author of The Green and Gold Coast: The History of Golf on Boston’s North Shore paid tribute to a past Massachusetts Amateur Champion who recently passed away at the age of 91.Granese won the 1960 Massachusetts Amateur Championship which was held at Tedesco Country Club.
The First Tee of Massachusetts’ Matthew Naumec Gives Back to the Game Through the Leadership Links Program
Doug Hutcheson (head golf coach at Wilbraham & Monson Academy), Matthew Naumec, Joe McCabe
Giving back to the game is a constant for many golfers, but when it comes from a junior golfer it is all that more special. The First Tee of Massachusetts was the recent recipient of a donation from a talented junior golfer who’s on course success should come as no surprise. Matthew Naumec, a native of Wilbraham, MA, is the latest junior golfer to demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the game through the Leadership Links Program offered by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).
Former VGA President Bill Hill Passes Away It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Bill Hill on February 12, 2013. A long time supporter of the VGA, Bill proudly served as President of the Association, in addition to all of his other voluntary contributions. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Quechee Club sometime in June or July. We will post further updates here.
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What’s News Evan Ryan From The First Tee of Massachusetts Earns National Designation of The First Tee Scholar - Class of 2013 Evan Ryan, from The First Tee of Massachusetts, has earned the national designation of The First Tee Scholar - Class of 2013. The First Tee recently announced that 101 young people from across The First Tee Network were chosen for this distinguished honor. Ryan, a native of Norton, has been involved with The First Tee of Massachusetts since its inception in 2003. He has participated in all aspects of TFT programming and has even spent many hours serving as a mentor to many of the young participants in The First Tee of Massachusetts.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Pulls Out a “Massachusetts Miracle” at the 19th Annual GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition
University of Massachusetts Amherst represented by Peter White, Evan Bradstreet, Kevin Shewmaker & Sean Raposa
Congratulations to the team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst which captured first place at the 19th annual GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. This event was held at the GCSAA’s Education Conference in San Diego. The victory was impressive given that 247 students divided into 68 teams representing 35 schools took part in the competition.
USGA To Add Four-Ball Championships In 2015 Amateur Public Links Championships to be Retired from competition roster after 2014 Far Hills, N.J. – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the introduction of two new championships, the first national championships to be added to the USGA’s competition roster in more than 25 years. The addition of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship and the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship, which will be played annually between mid-March and late May with the inaugural events scheduled for 2015.
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Paul Quinn of Longmeadow Country Club to Be Honored at the 2013 Western Massachusetts Tee Party
Paul Quinn, manager of golf operations at Longmeadow Country Club, will be honored at the 2013 Western Mass. Tee Party.
Congratulations are in order for a Bay State golf professional from Western Massachusetts. Paul Quinn, who has spent more than 47 years at Longmeadow Country Club, was named the 2013 Tee Party Honoree. Since 1947, the Western Mass Tee Party has been recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to Western Massachusetts. Quinn will be honored on Thursday, May 9 at Twin Hills Country Club.
Peter Costello Receives Andrew J. Blau MGA Volunteer of the Year Award at the MGA’s Annual Salute to Champions Dinner More than 250 representatives from the golf community came together on Thursday evening at Wellesley Country Club to honor the champions from the 2012 golf season. One of the many highlights of the evening came when Peter Costello
Peter Costello (second from right) accepts to the Andrew J. Blau MGA Volunteer of the Year Award from (left to right) Chris Blau, Kelly Blau and Dr. Paul Burke.
(Cohasset GC) accepted the Andrew J. Blau MGA Volunteer of the Year award. The award was established in 2012 to honor Andy Blau, an MGA volunteer for nearly 30 years who passed away in January 2010. Also receiving a special award on Thursday was Robert G. Dowling III, who accepted the Frank H. Sellman MGA Distinguished Service Award. Dowling, a life-long resident of Cape Cod who is a past president of the MGA and Hickory Shafts, is only the 14th recipient of this award since it was introduced in 1988.
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What’s News Golf Channel’s Big Break Series Heads To Iberostar Playa Paraíso Resort & Spa In Mexico For 19Th Season
The popular Big Break reality competition series has chosen Mexico as the next competition grounds for its 19th season, premiering May 13, 2013. The luxurious, all-inclusive IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso and the accompanying Playa Paraíso Golf Club in Riviera Maya will serve as the backdrop for Big Break Mexico, providing the opportunity for the ultimate winner to compete alongside the game’s best on the LPGA Tour or the PGA TOUR. “We are thrilled to be the host partner for Big Break Mexico. Golf is an important growing segment for IBEROSTAR and Golf Channel’s audience aligns well with our target guest; therefore, it was a natural fit to partner with Big Break,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for IBEROSTAR, John Long. “It is our hope that Big Break Mexico will inspire travelers and golf enthusiasts to
visit IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso and experience the luxurious amenities and unparalleled services we have to offer guests.” Big Break Mexico will feature a guest appearance from former LPGA World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, who surprised the cast during the filming of the series and competed alongside the players in one of the challenges. “I love having Big Break in my home country of Mexico and am proud to offer an exemption to the Lorena Ochoa Invitational,” said Ochoa. Big Break is very popular, and I want to help the sport of golf in my country as much as I can. This is a win-win situation for all of us. It was great to meet all of the players and see how excited they are to be on Big Break.” For resort information on The IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso in Riviera Maya,Mexico www.iberostar.com
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2013 US Amateur Golf Tournament Coming to Brookline, MA Over 200 amateur golfers will compete next August to be the best, as Brookline’s Country Club will host the 2013 Amateur Tournament-along with the Charles River Country Club in Newton. Slated for Aug. 9, 2013, and running through Aug. 18, the tournament will attract mostly college-aged kids coming from 18 different countries around the globe, according to Sandy Tierney, head of the event planning committee. Country Club General Manager David Chag commented, “Some of the players, today, we don’t recognize their name; but soon enough they will be the Phil Mickelsons and Tiger Woods of the world.”
Volunteer Positions Are Still Available
Although the official volunteer recruitment deadline of Friday, January 25 has passed, a number of volunteer positions are still available on the marshal and access control committees. Register now to secure one of these remaining spots. The volunteer fee of $125 includes a championship golf shirt, hat or visor, and belt, as well as breakfast or lunch during any shift, a week-long championship credential, off-site volunteer parking, and access to the volunteer headquarters facility. Please contact jsingleton@tcclub.org with any questions about the championship.
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Francis Ouimet Scholarship Celebrates 100 Years in 2013 The Ouimet Fund announced that it will launch a major celebration of the centennial of Francis Ouimet’s historic 1913 US Open victory – “Ouimet 100”. “Mr. Ouimet’s 1913 US Open victory is the most significant moment in American golf history, and we are honored to be carrying on his legacy. It is thrilling to be able to get started on so many phases of Ouimet 100 – and have a lot more to go,” said Ouimet Fund President Dick Reilly. He also announced that The Fund will award $1.5 Million in scholarship in 2012 -2013 and that will bring it to the milestone levels of $25 Million in awards 5,000 students receiving scholarships since its founding in 1949. “We think Mr. Ouimet would be absolutely delighted that so many wonderful young people have been helped in his memory.” The official “kickoff” to the centennial will took place in a special celebration on November 14, 2012 at Fenway Park’s State Street Pavilion. Two great Boston sports institutions – Fenway Park and Mr. Ouimet’s US Open victory. Centennial programs will be announced that include the Ouimet 100 logo, the Honorary Chair and Ambassadors group, the Centennial Committee, a communications program, a special Alumni activation social media program, sponsorship initiatives,
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Club Relations programs, a drive for corporate partnerships and endowed scholarships, special events, and a possible Ouimet license plate and other commemorative items. Still being developed are involvements with the 2013 US Amateur Championship and logoed clothing. All of these programs are geared toward a great increase in annual scholarship awards. The Ouimet Fund is extremely proud that Arnold Palmer has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of the Centennial. Joining him, as special Ambassadors are many of our prior Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf Banquet honorees and other honored Ouimet friends. Ambassadors who have joined to date are Annika Sorenstam, Former President George H.W. Bush, Ben Crenshaw, Greatest Game Ever Played author/movie producer Mark Frost, Peter Jacobsen, retired Sports Illustrated Editor/Publisher Mark Mulvoy, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Curtis Strange, Ken Venturi and Tom Watson. For Information www.ouimet.org 774-430-9090
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Gorman vs. Geary by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary
Is Tiger Back?
He Says He Never Left by Tom Gorman
Sugar. Honey. Ice. Tea. Look close to find a message in those words. Is it true the low-intelligence golf mind of Tim Geary is at work spinning that Tiger Woods has forever lost his groove? That could be amusing or foolish: you make the call. With three wins in 2012 and one win, so far, in 2013, how dare the zany, butterfingered Mr. Geary question the recent track record of the greatest golfer of all time? I’ve said it before and will say it again; Tiger Woods is the best ever, because of his dominance the likes of which the game has never seen. Let’s begin the opening salvo with a reminder of Wood’s unprecedented four-consecutive professional major championship triumphs over the 2000 and 2001 seasons, to his 15-shot rout at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2000, his record 12-shot victory at the Masters in 1997, and his masterful eight-shot victory at St. Andrews in the British Open in 2000. In match play, Woods’ record is unmatched winning three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateurs and three consecutive U.S. Amateurs and winning the PGA Tour’s Accenture Match Play Championship three times. Only the indomitable Jack Nicklaus has more major championships, 18 to 14. Now, at age 37, with 75 career wins and five or six twilight years remaining, the question is can Tiger win another major? My fuzzy crystal golf ball prediction shows a Masters victory on Sunday afternoon April 14, for major No. 15, which will bolt Woods back to world No. 1 again , a thrown he has owned on and off since June 1997. Although 2010 produced zero victories, Woods won six times in 2009; four times in 2008: and eight times in 2007. Does being “back” mean Woods has to win four times or more? Well, that might happen this season because his ball striking is solid; he is healthy, confident and hungry; but most important his putting stroke has returned. Since 1998, his first full year in professional golf, Tiger Woods dominated and rose to World No. 1 and 16 years later he ranks World No. 2, behind Rory McIlroy. McIlroy, an immature 22-year old lightweight, flash-in-pan
who had a lucky 2012, won four times in 2012. He earned player of the year over Woods, but he is destined to be a David Duval-type train wreck. He missed the cut in three of 16 PGA Tour events and averages 310 yards off the tee, but has no idea where it’s going, ranking 156th in driving accuracy with a 56% average. McIlroy will fall mightily from the top in April because his scrambling statistics are unimpressive showing Greens in Regulation only 66% and Save Percentage a weak 56%. (More on McIlroy’s career free-fall in another debate.) The case can be made that Tiger Woods off-course marital problems in fall of 2009 resulted in a slump, causing a 107-week winless streak, and no majors since. He fell to world No. 58 in November 2011, but the resume shows that after Woods’ signed the final divorce check of a reported $200 million to the gold-digging, Swedish nanny, Elin Nordegren, his game got back on track. Forbes magazine estimates he is the first $1 billion athlete consistently grossing $100 million annually, even after his off-course hiccups. It is a question that trails Tiger Woods at every turn like teeming galleries that crane for a glimpse of the world’s most iconic athlete. Is Tiger back? Yes, Tiger Woods is back. In his season debut on the PGA Tour, Woods became the first player in Tour history to win eight times at the Farmers Insurance Open on January 20 at Torrey Pines. With a record 10 player of the year titles and 16 World Golf Championships, there are many more chapters to add to his career, and put to rest any rumors that he’s lost his winning touch. If skeptics have doubts as to whether Tiger Woods, the most important athlete in American sports history, is back, please send comments to the “Garbage man” a/k/a Tim Geary! He is full of Sugar Honey Ice Tea! Tom Gorman, a Boston-based golf aficionado, shows signs of rust with the keyboard, his confidence is so-so, but his hunger to crunch his opponent in future debates is unwavering. His email is teetalk@aol.com
Is Tiger Back?
He Says He Never Left by Tim Geary
Our first debate of 2013 is centered around the epicenter of golf, the corporation known as Tiger Woods Inc. It’s been a few years since El Tigre had the worst drive of his career, using the square grooves of his SUV’s transmission to spin back into a real life hazard (known as a “Hurricane Elin”). With the strains of Hank Williams crooning “Your Cheatin’ Heart” echoing in his back swing, Woods all but disappeared from public view. He tumbled out of the top spot in the world rankings and many of his sponsors said adios. Our question has two parts; Is Tiger finally back and did he ever really leave (Tiger says no to part two.)? I say maybe to part one and he’s delusional to part two. Speaking of delusional, the clinical definition resides to my immediate left, with the columnist who actually believes he can play golf. For most mortal beings winning four tournaments, as Woods did last year, not only would qualify you for Comeback Player of the Year but also for Player of the Year. And Tiger would have won that award had it not been for that mop topped leprechaun from Hollywood, Northern Ireland. But all Rorys aside, Woods entire career has been built on winning major championships and it’s been five years now since he beat Rocco Mediate on one leg in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Back then it didn’t seem a matter of if he would eclipse Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 professional majors but when. Now you couldn’t find a bookie in Vegas dumb enough to back that wager. So if our argument follows ordinary lines I will concede to Gorman that TW is indeed back as an elite, money making PGA touring ATM.
But if we are debating as to whether the old “I’ll grind the field into stone dust” Tiger, the one everyone believes can win the grand slam, then Gorman is as nuts as Woods when he says he never left. Never left? His picture was on a milk carton in Tim Finchem’s fridge for a couple of years. So I will contend that the real Tiger is still trying to get out of that SUV. I don’t think he’s ever going to approach his former level again, mainly because his body is no longer what it was. Knee surgeries have felled many a mighty athlete. Age has defeated all comers and Tiger is no longer that kid who first showed the world his fist pump at TPC Sawgrass in ‘93. He’s 37 now. That’s the prime of life for most of us, but it’s getting long in the tooth for a professional athlete, even if he is a golfer. There’s a reason most pros disappear sometime in their 40s and then reappear when they hit 50. Can Tiger win golf tournaments again? Certainly. He won four last year and already has one in the bank this year (as of this writing). Can he win a major again? Why not? His game is just as good as anyone’s on any given week. It all comes down to the putter. But that was never a question before the “accident”. It was not ‘if’ he could win a major but ‘when’ and ‘how many’. Winning one in a year was almost a given. People expected Tiger to win multiple majors every year. So if that is the standard to judge if he is indeed back then the answer is NO, NO, NO! Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer. He’s never had to come back because he’s never been anywhere.
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