New England Golf Monthly - March 2011

2 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

In this issue myNEGM.com March 2011 | Vol IV. Issue I

Editor / Publisher Timothy R. Branco Design & Production CollectiveThoughtMedia.com Administration Mary L. Hullett Contributors Tom Gorman Greg Sampson Tim Geary John Molori John Lyon Robert Skura Pam Borges Larry Gavrich Bob DiCesare Matt Manco Robert Martin Alice Scott Bill Geiring Laura Ebrecht Kathleen Dyson Steve Riggs Matt Adams Jeff Palopoli Jim Hammond Rob Baxter Dennis Sales Emily Kay PGA TOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Ken Dennis kendennisphoto.com Inset cover photo by Ken Dennis

FASHION WRITER

Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com

SALES & MARKETING

Greg Sampson - Manager gsampson@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com

NATIONAL SALES

Jim Smith jsmith@mynegm.com

REAL ESTATE SALES

Betsy Griffin betsy@NEHomefinder.com

NE Golf Life - Metropolitan Golf Good Looks on the Course - 2011 Preview Couple of Travelers - PGA National Molori Unplugged - Bob Lobel National Golf Expo - 2011 Show Guide Players Perspective - Hybrids Keegan Bradley - PGA Tour Interview Team New England on the Tours Gorman vs. Geary

6 17 28 33 42 52 56 60 66

FROM THE EDITOR

A New Beginning Each year most feel the golf season begins in April when the weather warms and the grass begins to green up for the season. It may be true for most but the real beginning of the season for thousands of golf professional is the PGA Show in Orlando every January. The PGA Show is an expose of technology, style, fashion and innovation that each year offers us all new ways to look, feel and play the game of golf.

It is the stage where companies facilitate change at every level from the ball you play to the driver you use and even the colors you choose to wear.

In New England we have seen an old fashion winter drop over 60 inches of snow at our doorsteps and the cold temperatures have kept courses covered since mid-December. It is now a time for preparation and education so we can improve. Golf, just like life, requires attention to detail and time to excel and improve. There are no short cuts or quick solutions that make the journey any shorter and the task any easier. We get out what we put in and luck is only where preparation meets opportunity. If you step on the tee for your first round of the season what you will get is what you had last season with rust on it.

Like all great journeys in life golf to requires a plan to get from one level to the next. Knowing that, it is critical to find out where we are first, so we may choose the correct path. Your local golf professional is a great place to begin; he is trained to see first where you are, then make recommendations. Let’s face it, you would never fix a gas leak in your home thinking you may blow the house up. So the same may be true with your scorecard, get the right help for the right job and play better golf this year. At $50.00 a dozen for golf balls I am pretty sure there is value here in the investment, not to mention that accidental broken shaft that just seemed to snap!

Play well, work hard, live strong and enjoy, All î ’e Best!

Timothy R. Branco Tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com

New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 357 Swansea, MA 02777 800-736-9020

New England Golf Monthly is published 10 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved.

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4 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

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March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 5

New England Golf Life

by Katherine Dyson

Metropolitan Golf Great courses in or near great cities

Granite Links, Quincy

It takes about 120 to 200 acres to build a golf course, so it's no surprise most courses are built outside city limits. So typically we head to "Greater" Boston, Hartford and Providence to tee up. There are some exceptions of course, especially with older courses like Wannamoisett' Country Club in Rumford, RI. Designed by Donald Ross in 1916,105 acres was simply all the land he had to work with and the city has grown up around it. Here's a look at some of the best courses in the "Greater" regions around New England's major cities.

Greater Boston Turning the corner of the fifth hole on the "Milton" nine at Granite Links Golf Course at Quarry Hills, you catch views of the Boston skyline which are more than a pretty face. Aim between the John Hancock and Prudential towers and your shot should be right on target.

Just seven miles south of Boston in Quincy, Granite Links three nines include Granite, Milton and Quincy. Designed by John Sanford (2003), the course made Golf Digest's list for the "100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America."

A private membership club with limited nonmember access, the Scottish links-style layout features fescue, water, sprawling bunkers, pot bunkers, granite outcroppings, tree and rock-lined fairways. (617) 689-1900; granitelinksgolfclub.com A 100 year old granite quarry has morphed into a first-rate golf course at the Black Rock Country Club in Hingham 20 miles south of Boston. Designed by Brian Silva, the Black Rock course is the centerpiece of an upscale golf course community. e unique landscape of quarry, woods, wetlands, hills, tall granite walls, rolling meadows, and craggy rock outcrop-

6 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

pings contributes to a memorable golf experience..

(781)749-1919; blackrockcc.com Going north to Ipswich, a grand brick clubhouse is an imposing landmark for Turner Hill Golf Club and a gathering place for this upscale private golf community. Ranked by Travel + Leisure Golf as “One of the 10 Best New Private Courses in the U.S” (2005)., the course, designed by Hurdzan/Fry, stretches to 7,021 yards and rolls out spectacular vista and elevation changes, wide fairways, generous green complexes and glaring white bunkers.

In Haverhill, Southworth Development's Renaissance Golf Club boasts the first Brian Silva Signature Golf Course, runner up as Golf Inc.'s Private Club "Development of the Year” (2006). Recalling a19th century Scottish links style layout, find feathery fescue, wide swathes of sand, squadrons of trees marching along fairways and elevated green.

Members enjoy a magnificent 30,000 square-foot clubhouse and a nine-acre practice facility. (978) 5560900; renaissancegolfclub.com e Country Club in Brookline just outside Boston, is a well established private facility with 27 holes and a lot of history. One of the oldest country clubs in the

Wintonbury Hills, Bloomfield, CT

Black Rock Country Club, Hingham, MA

United States (1882), it was one of the five charter clubs that founded the United States Golf Association.

Many designers have had a part in the layout, but the last significant renovation was done by Rees Jones in 1988. It is arguably at the top of the list as the best course in the state. e Main Course includes the Clyde and Squirrel nines while the other nine, an executive course, is called Primrose.

Many USGA tournaments have been held here including the 1913 U.S. Open won by Francis Ouimet and the 1999 Ryder Cup. Today, the club is one of the largest of its kind in the northeastern U.S., with about 1300 members. (617)566-0240; tcclub.org Cyprian Keys Golf Club in Boylston was built in 1997 but its roots go back to 1734 when the grounds were part of a large estate. Open to the public, there is a Mark Mungeam-designed 18-hole championship course and a fun 9-hole Par-3 plus a golf school, the Callaway Performance Center (CPC) fitting center, golf school, and colonial- style clubhouse. (508)8699900; cypriankeyes.com For knock-out views of central Massachusetts' countryside, tee up at Shaker Hills Golf Club designed by Brian Silva and Mark Mungeam.

Pay attention to your surroundings on the 13th tee which sits 90 feet above the fairway and green below with Mount Wachusett in the distance.

Water is in play on eight holes while there are several dog legs and tricky greens. (978)772-2227; shakerhills.com Pine Hills & Plymouth CC deliver a powerful onetwo punch thanks to Rees Jones and Nicklaus design.

Pinehills, set on more than 300 acres of rolling hills accented by glacially carved kettles and kames, has one of the most extensive practice areas in New England while the Pinehills Golf Academy, provides quality PGA instruction.

If you want to sharpen your game, this is a good place to come. (866)855-GOLF (4653); pinehillsgolf.com In Plymouth, the rock here is Waverly Oaks Golf Club's Championship Course, an upscale pubic-play track designed by Brian M. Silva (1998). Known for its large undulating Bent grass greens, wide, tree-lined fairways and elevations, it's a good bet for all levels of golfers. e Championship track rated 4-1/2 stars from Golf Digest and was listed by Golf Magazine in

the Top 100 You Can Play. ere is also the par 33 Challenger nine hole course. (508)224-6700; waverlyoaksgolfclub.com e International in Bolton is a 700-acre golf destination with two world-class courses: e Pines, designed originally by Geoffrey Cornish and later updated by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and e Oaks the first Tom Fazio course in New England. ere is also e Lodge & Spa, restaurants, the new Rick Smith Teaching Center and Twin Springs, a 9- hole course along with other businesses including a Fitness Center and a Taylor-Made Performance Lab for club fitting and swing analysis.

While most of the facilities are open to the public, e Pines which was voted 2nd toughest course in America 2007 by Golf Digest and e Oaks are restricted to members, guests of e Lodge and Spa, special event guests and guests of e GolfRite Academy. (978)779-6911; theinternational.com A classic Donald Ross (1921) course is the centerpiece for the private Charles River Country Club in Newton ( 617)527-8300; charlesrivercc.org)

Greater Hartford ree miles from the center of Hartford in Berlin, Timberlin Golf Course, is a muni winner. At the base of Ragged Mountain, this pretty track is graced by tall stands of trees and rolling terrain cut by streams. Designed by Al Zikorus (1970) the course received a $2.1 million upgrade to make it harder for low handicappers and easier for higher handicappers. It's known for its excellent conditioning, tricky greens and is often the venue for state tournaments. With green fees under $50, it's no wonder it's a favorite track for both locals and visitors.

(860)828-3228; timberlingolf.com For the price (around $35) Pine Valley Golf Course in Southington offers a good value. Designed by Orrin Smith in 1960, it often serves as a venue for group outings. Pine Valley features mostly roll-up greens, not a whole lot of bunkering, some water, tall trees and a few doglegs.

(860)628-0879; pinevalleygolfct.com Pete Dye's first course in New England, Wintonbury Hills in Bloomfield, just 15 minutes from Hartford, combines an interesting mix of traditional links-style holes and Connecticut-style tree-lined fair-

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 7

Wannamoisett CC Providence, RI

Carnegie Abbey, Portsmouth, RI ways. Course conditioning is excellent and the track has received several accolades since it opened in 2005 including being named by Golfweek Magazine as the #1 Municipal course in New England and #11 in the national municipal rankings.

Managed by Billy Casper Golf, Wintonbury Hills provides private club quality at public prices ($50 to $60) and has been declared a Cooperative Sanctuary

by Audubon International. Ask about membership programs. (860)252-1401; wintonburyhills.com At Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, you can play the mature, kinder Robert Trent Jones track or tee off at the newer Gary Player course where you’ll need to hit over water, target drives through narrow woodlined fairways and negotiate blind shots. All good depending on your mood and skill level. And you get a bonus: the views of the Lyman Farm and the countryside. (888) 99-LYMAN; lymanorchards.com Venue for the PGA's Travelers Championship tour event, the TPC River Highlands Course in Cromwell, a private non-equity track, is a gracious beauty, especially holes 15 and 16 which play around a large pond. Dating from 1928, the course received a major redo by Pete Dye in 1982 with additional work by Bobby Weed in 1989. Almost as impressive as the course, is the $4.5 million 23-acre practice facility with nine target greens, an 1,000 square foot putting green simulates speed and 13,000 square foot chipping area.

(860)635-5000; tpcriverhighlands.com e only Arnold-Palmer designed golf course in Connecticut, Gillette Ridge Golf Course in Bloomfield, playing 7,191 yards from the tips, is not the eas-

8 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Newport National G.C., Middletown RI iest track in the state with streams, lakes and dramatic elevation changes. But with four tee boxes, you can choose just how difficult you want your round to be.

Named by e Best of the Northeast Magazine as the best conditioned golf course in Connecticut, the course serves as a venue for several state-wide tournaments including the CIGNA Golf Classic. (860)7261430; gilletteridgegolf.com

Greater Providence Just 10 minutes from downtown Providence, Metacomet Golf Course, a Donald J. Ross classic dating from1901, is set on 105 acres of rolling land overlooking Narragansett Bay. Where golfing legends like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen and Glenna Collett Vare once played, today PGA pros including Brad Faxon and Brett Quigley tee up when not on tour. e integrity of Ross' original design remains viable. Holes are close to each other as are the greens and tees.

Greens are fast-running, course conditioning excellent even after a century of use. (401)438-1122; metacometcc.org e private Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, another Donald J. Ross-designed track, dates from 1898. Set on just 105 acres, this par 69 plays 6,661 yards from the tips. But like all Ross layouts, the challenges are subtle and real with clever bunkering and routing. e course was included in the top 50 courses in the nation by Golf Magazine, GolfWeek and Golf Digest. 401-434-1200; wannamoisett.com

TPC River Highlands Cromwell, CT Donald Ross also designed the Rhode Island Country Club course (1911) in Barrington, his canvas: forest, seaside and rolling terrain with views of Narragansett Bay. Host to four USGA championships, the course has been updated over the years.

Fairways are now Bent grass and there is a 15-tee driving range and lovely clubhouse. (401)245-7370; ricc.org Another private historic track, Agawam Hunt located in Rumford, was established in 1897. Designed

by Willie Park Jr., the course is short on length playing 6,370 yards from the tips but big on perfection from the greens and fairways to the layout. (401)4343254; agawamhunt.org A private family-friendly club in Cranston, Alpine Country Club in Cranston, has hosted a number of state golf tournaments. e 6900-yard course was designed by Geoffrey S. Cornish opening in 1960.

(401)944-9760; alpinecountryclubri.com Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, is an elegant private facility with a fine course and newly renovated clubhouse. Although the course is private, the extensive banquet facilities as well as the pro shop voted RI's PGA Merchandiser of the Year (2010) is open to the public.

Surprisingly, the course is on the short side from the tips at 6,549 but long from the forward tees at 5,761 making it a test for shorter hitters. is year Kirkbrae will serve as the venue for the RI Open.

(401) 333-1300; kirkbrae.org Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingston, another classic private track on Narragansett Bay designed by Geoffrey Cornish, comes with a beautiful clubhouse and pool. e course opened in 1960 with a legendary match between Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer with Snead eventually edging out the young Masters champ by one stroke.

(401)884-1100; quidnessett.com One of the most stunning tracks in New England, the Orchard Course at Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, has it all: views of e Sakonnet Passage, Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay which

don't quit; the panache of Classy Newport; a renown course designer, Arthur Hills and his associate Drew Rogers; and superb course conditioning.

Playing 7,244 yards from the tips, Orchard, built on more than 200 acres of a former nursery, is characterized by feathery fescue, seaside Bent grass, tight sloping fairways, elevated greens and some wellplaced bunkers. Winds coming off the water can up the challenge.

Higher handicappers could find it difficult, especially if they play too far back.

Facilities for this semi-private course are spare with no driving range and a temporary clubhouse but outings can be accommodated. High season rates are steep for the area, but low season, a bargain for the quality of the course. Ask about packages. (401)8489690; newportnational.com Highly rated Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, a private club just over the Rhode Island border, has been the venue for several state and local tournaments. Designed by Alfred Tull, it's known for its fine conditioning and excellent layout. (508)7618739; ledgemontcc.com Ken Venturi designed the neat 9-hole Louisquisset Golf Club course in 1983. Located in North Providence, the course winds through mature hardwoods, rolling hills, and wetlands. (401)353-1620; LouisquissetGolfClub.com Donald Steele, a well respected British course architect, designed the Carnegie Abbey Club in Portsmouth. Steele, known for using the natural assets of a site to the best advantage without dramatically altering the landscape, has created a truly beautiful layout evoking Scottish links-style courses including those indomitable pot bunkers.

With its woodlands, wildflowers, peaceful ponds, stone walls, brooks, and the shoreline, this is one you will want to play again and again.

A unique feature of the track is the route to the 18th green and fairways which are reached by playing across the beach and an inlet. (401) 682-6000; carnegieabbeyclub.com

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 9

Skins Game

by Katherine Dyson

Intercontinental Boston

Big City Hotels add up to Big Time Facilities Boston e 16,000 square foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Boston may be in Boston, but its style is pure Asian. e only Forbes Five-Star awarded Spa in Massachusetts, this sophisticated, smartly decorated oasis just across from the Prudential Center, is a soothing place to relax after golf or any activities like shopping. Boylston Street's great shops are just outside the door.

Soft white, browns and neutrals blend with light wood sophisticated design to set the mood, while a wide range of treatments from hot stone massages to Vichy shower therapies and facials provide whatever you crave. ere's even a Luxurious Sanctuary Suite for couples with a steam sauna, soaking tub and private changing facilities.

You can work out in the fitness center and satisfy your hunger with healthy fare at the Spa Café. e New Direction package from $615 includes a private yoga session, a personal trainer for one session, a spa treatment, spa lunch, use of spa facilities, and special gifts. (617) 535 8820 mandarinoriental.com/boston/spa

10 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Stay at the Intercontinental Boston and your views will be of historic Boston Harbor or the dazzling city skyline. You're right next to the Financial District and a five iron shot from Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and the North End. e Spa & Health Club is there for you 24/7 with weight and cardio equipment, a heated indoor lap pool, steam rooms, and a range of treatments and services.

Dine at Miel "Brasserie Provençale" featuring French cuisine; Sushi-Teq, a very cool salsa bar specializing in vintage tequilas; and RumBa, a sizzling rum-themed bar serving distilled rums and appetizers to a Latin beat. e Boston Spa Package starts at $349. (866)493-6495; intercontinentalboston.com Start your day with a pre-golf yoga class, work out with a personal trainer in the enormous fitness facility, take a swim in the pool and later unwind with a massage at e Sports Club/LA at e Ritz-Carlton Boston. e Ritz is within walking distance to Boston Common and the eatre District. (617)574-7100; RitzCarlton.com/Boston e Fairmont Copley Plaza has that old world lux-

Providence, RI

ury as well it should. It's been welcoming guests since 1912. Known for its elegance and full array of services including the famed Oak Room and Oak Bar, this hotel has gravitas. Love beer? Ask about the Samuel Adams behind the scenes brewery experience starting at $429 for accommodations, brewery tour, beer pairing dinner in the Oak Room, and a "Bucket of Cheer" gift. (800) 441-1414; fairmont.com/CopleyPlaza

Providence If downtown Providence is where you want to be, check into e Providence Biltmore, a historic hotel evoking old world ambiance and near all the exclusive shopping and restaurants. Book a table in McCormick & Schmick’s featuring more than 30 varieties of seafood and fish on the menu. e Red Door by Elizabeth Arden, the only full-service salon and spa in Providence, offers a full range of treatments in candle-lit rooms. (800)2947709. providencebiltmore.com

Hartford In Hartford all the major hotels are represented including Hartford Marriott Downtown, Hilton Hartford and Hyatt.

In Connecticut’s northeastern coastal region about 40 miles from Hartford and close to many golf

courses, salty sea air, long beaches, the rivers and the sea as well as the rolling countryside, provide a variety of things to do après golf including sailing, hiking, and taking a spin on the tables or slots at the casinos at Foxwoods Resort & Casino or Mohegan Sun plus visiting Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport.

For a different kind of lodging, try the nine-room Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic where you and your golfing pals can enjoy one big house party.

“Capt.” Dave Labrie, owner, can even take you for a cruise up the Niantic River in his boat, “Inn Style.”

(860)739-0331; innharborhill.com Whether you’re perched high above the harbor in the Greek revival mansion or ensconced in one of the fireplace rooms in the Gate House or Motor Inn, the Inn at Mystic is a great place to unwind. Refresh with a swim in the outdoor pool, sip drinks at the Flood Tide Restaurant’s bar or outdoor terrace, then dine by candlelight. Kayaks, canoes, putting green, and tennis court come with the rates. (800)237-2415; www.innatmystic.com Guys dig the classy 18-room Inn at Stonington where decor is fresh, sophisticated, not cutesy. Kingsize beds, balconies overlooking the water, fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs raise the bar for style. (860)5352000; www.innatstonington.com

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 11

Home on the Course

by Larry Garvich

No time like 2011 to purchase a golf community home

e stars are aligning to make 2011 a likely turnaround year for sales of properties in golf communities in the southern U.S. For those who have been waiting to “time” the market, it looks as if their time is at hand.

Prices will not rise quickly to the levels we saw before 2007; the national unemployment situation and lingering consumer skepticism will keep any improvement at a slow, if steady, pace. However, we see plenty of signals that prices may have reached bottom in southern golf communities. Baby boomers sense it, and the numbers of exploratory visits to communities we follow have increased more than 10% in recent months. Sales are up as well. And over the last couple of months at my web site, GolfCommunityReviews.com, I have received more requests for advice and assistance in finding a golf community home than at any time in the last five years. We see other evidence of a renewed interest in southern migration: e stock market rebound has re-established value in 401Ks and given baby boomers renewed confidence in their financial security. at makes the decision to relocate a little easier.

After holding out for a market rebound, boomers are now pricing their primary homes to sell. e mass media reminds us often that 30% of American homes are “under water,” but that means 70% have equity in them. With southern golf properties at their lowest prices in years and boomers choosing to downsize as they move into retirement, accepting market price for their primary homes seems more attractive. e smart money has entered the leisure residential golf market. Representatives of investor groups looking to gobble up distressed golf communities before prices begin to rise have contacted me for information in recent months. When smart, organized investors buy into the market, smart individual buyers cannot be far behind.

Private golf club initiation fees have dropped, and some have vaporized completely. For those baby boomers and vacation-home owners looking for a lowor no-risk golf membership in a private or semi-private club, the choices have never been greater…or cheaper.

If you would like more information on specific golf communities in the southern U.S., please contact me through my web site, GolfCommunityReviews.com.

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EXCLUSIVE RHODE ISLAND HOMES

SO. TIVERTON: Majestic 2006 built home on 4+ acres. 7,200 sq. ft. Of living areawith 11 rooms. 4 BR’s, 4 full, 3 half baths. Two story high entrance & living room with sweeping stairway. Media room, Study, Family/Game room. Dream kitchen with every amenity. Superb master wing. Radiant heat. Top quality throughout. 3 car garage plus additional garage entrance to the huge basement level. $1,199,000 | CHEE 401-835-5021 | www.85knottypine.com

SOUTH TIVERTON: Superb 4 BR, 4 ½ bath home on 1.7 acres. Energy Star rated home built in 2007 withevery luxury amenity. Hydro air heat.

C-Air. Surround sound. C-vac. 2 fireplaces. First floor master suite.Finished walk-out level w/ 9' ceilings, lots of windows. Great neighborhood with easy access to Rte 24. $749,000 CHEE 401-835-5021 www.seetheproperty.com/62985

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Good Looks on the Course

Adidas

by Elle Brec

Adidas / Taylor Made Men shop.adidasgolf.com e Spring/Summer 2011 line from Adidas provides optimal fit and comfort as a result of their sport specific engineering. Climacool technology provides superior moisture management and breathability for a perfect first layer for Spring in New England. ere is nothing worse than sweating through the first layer, then feeling that cool breeze against your skin. e colors for spring range from bright blues and greens to reds with new innovative detailing designs.

Endurance enhancing performance features include mesh configuration in critical heat zones to keep golfers comfortable and dry for all 18. Created with specifically formulated fibers combined with moisture wicking fabric, odor preventing antimicrobial fibers, and anti pilling technology, creates the ultimate quality and performance. e Climawarm technology keeps golfers warm on cool spring days. e Formotion pants are a favorite on the PGA tour. ey allow for golfers to look classy while maintaining comfort and allowing for the ability to get low to read the greens. Maybe not as low as master Camilo Villegas as TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company announced 2011 plans with the PGA Tour player and international icon.

Adidas / Taylor Made Women

Adidas was convinced that both Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis had the athleticism, charisma and personal style to help them launch a new generation of

women's footwear and to represent their women’s apparel on tour. ey worked closely with Paula and Natalie throughout the entire process of creating their own shoes and found inspiration from each of their lives both on and off the course as they contributed to the project at every stage of creation. e end game was to present a new approach to the trade that would give female golf consumers a line of shoes that look and perform great alone, and coordinate well with our leading apparel lines. Both shoes have the functionality of tour level performance by providing more power and better footwork engineering. e signature Paula, inspired ribbon graphics, available in multiple colors, with special inlay sole, TPU outsole, and heel. Additionally, each pair comes equipped with exclusive ribbon lacing or optional performance shoelace. e Spring/Summer 2011 line has many shades of pink undoubtedly inspired Paula herself. Adidas maintains its superior level of performance fabrics. New designs this year include outlined floral patterns, sleek shapes, and new looks from the classy adiPure line.

Incorporating sleek styling and intricate detailing, the signature, Natalie, is a unique blend of tour-level performance and fashion-forward design. Reflective of Natalie's personality, this shoe features contrast deco stitching throughout with rhinestone inlays. Another key feature is the removable lace tag embraced with Natalie's Signature swan logo and an original artwork print. Natalie’s bold shades of whites and pinks influenced the Adidas/Taylor Made lines.

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Lauren Sequeira

Stylist | Jacqueline Philip Salon & Spa Paul Mitchell The School, Rhode Island \\ Gram Webb & Wella, New York Vidal Sasson Academy \\ Bridal Specialist and Avid Golfer

461 Angell St., Providence 401.641.2583 JacquelinePhili pSalon.com

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Callaway

Callaway Men e world-renowned R&D teams of Automobili Lamborghini and Callaway Golf have formed a unique and powerful alliance. e first collaboration of this strategic partnership is a co-developed material called Forged Composite. For Callaway, employing carbon composites in place of steel and titanium offered engineers the ability to design increasingly advanced clubheads with a greater transfer of power upon impact with the ball and more accurate trajectories.

Callaway puts the same amount of research and development in their apparel. ey strive for maximum comfort performance with their dry fabrics and features including moisture wicking, UPF 15+, anti-microbial. Made for men who are driven to compete but maintain a classic approach to dressing, performancedriven c-tech combines advanced technology with uncomplicated style. A strong, masculine collection based on uncompromising design reflects the characteristics of both confidence and ease. eir sweaters also maintain the same level of class and performance. With a cotton polyester blend, XSeries brings state-of-the-art apparel engineering and

design to the course for a heightened playing experience. Make the most of Callaway's technical edge via pure performance-driven athletic wear. is is the look that says it's all about the game.

Callaway Women e Women’s short sleeve ruffle neck keyhole mock is an example of how Callaway marries advanced technical features and of-the-moment fashion trends. e Spring/Summer 2011 women’s line makes big waves on or off the green. Flirty layering pieces and a mix-and-match sensibility align for a sophisticated look that lets you line up that putt or kick up your heels.

Silver heat transfer Chevon on the bottom hem and enhancing spandex, may inspire more women to start playing golf. ey are extremely comfortable and stylish. Available in mardi-gras purple and green, these tones usher out the dark colors of winter to make way for even a brighter spring.

Of course if you play golf in the spring in New England, you’ll still need a jacket for the unsuspecting cool breeze. Callaway offers jackets for women in many fun shades including bright pinks and reds.

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Lauren Sequeira

Stylist | Jacqueline Philip Salon & Spa Paul Mitchell The School, Rhode Island \\ Gram Webb & Wella, New York Vidal Sasson Academy \\ Bridal Specialist and Avid Golfer

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461 Angell St., Providence 401.641.2583 JacquelinePhili pSalon.com

Abacus

Abacus Men For a golfer there is no such thing as bad weather, just the right or the wrong clothes. When playing golf it is not enough that your outfit looks good. Every garment must work in the right way to ensure that you stay dry, warm and comfortable. is is what is called function, and function is Abacus' hallmark, from inside and out. e abacus collection is divided into four groups, rain, wind, warm and on tour. Each group offers a unique level of performance and weather protection features.

If you want a functional high quality jacket, you can count on abacus. eir stretch fabric is like nothing ever seen before and the attention paid to details is remarkable. eir jackets have sealed seams and waterproof guarantees ranging from two to four

years. ey are also windproof while remaining extremely lightweight and flexible.

Abacus Women While Golf is at the heart of Abacus’ inspiration, their style is simple, elegant, leisure apparel with collections that combine functionality, design, and quality. eir Spring 2011 line was inspired by the pure Scandinavian backdrop of the crisp, clean wind of the sky and sea.

Starry white glistening over shining indigo tones or as a marine palette explodes in white stripes on a sky blue backdrop. On the course off the course wardrobe favorite is the Kate long sleeve Rugger with the velvet collar detailing and metal buttons. e fabric is incredibly soft and with one touch you know the quality of the garment will remain in tact for a long time.

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19

fairway & Greene

Fairway & Greene e 2011 Spring lines include Palm Springs with tones of liberty blue, wisteria purple, pewter, and vanilla. Palm Springs brings elegance to the golf course. Within Palm Springs you’ll find a polo shirt collection that mixes elegant stripes with clean prints and subtle jacquards. e Key Largo line with colors encompasses classic blue, tropical blue, fuscia, grass, papaya, and white, a four button applied placket herringbone jacquard polo with a chest pocket. We round out the collection with beautiful woven shirts and a luxurious sweater collection that include both cashmere and merino novelties. Cape Cod with navy, red, malachite, lemon, sky, and white and Sedona with shades of dusk, boysenberry, moss, butterscotch, and flax. ese shades will be available in their

signature knits, polos, and sweaters. Fairway & Greene based out of Shelton, Connecticut is the high-end greengrass apparel market’s unparalleled leader in product quality. Fairway & Greene apparel is currently sold in many of the finest private clubs, resorts and pro-shops in the world. It can be found in such high-end pro-shops in New England as the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Connecticut and the Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Fairway & Greene’s style is timeless and classic. Pima Cotton is their signature fiber and the base of most of their golf shirts and cotton sweaters. eir luxurious fibers have a silky soft feel and brilliant luster. e colors are vibrant and rich.

OffICIAL SPONSOR

Lauren Sequeira

Stylist | Jacqueline Philip Salon & Spa Paul Mitchell The School, Rhode Island \\ Gram Webb & Wella, New York Vidal Sasson Academy \\ Bridal Specialist and Avid Golfer

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461 Angell St., Providence 401.641.2583 JacquelinePhili pSalon.com

IJP Design

IJP e ethos behind IJP Design is to create high quality, unique, funky and distinctive apparel that fuses functionality with fashion, letting you reflect your own personality and style. For Ian, looking good and playing well go together – “Look good, feel good, play good has always been my mantra.” Ian began sketching designs as he toured the world, dreaming of the day he could wear his own creations. e dream is now reality. Ian is focused on quality and attention to detail so it will come as no surprise to learn that each garment has been

tried and tested prior to production. Ian and trouser’s go together, the IJP brand philosophy is to ‘lead with the legs’ by designing the trousers first and then co-ordinating the rest of the outfit around them. e Poulter Tartans are all licensed under the Scottish Tartan Authority. e new line this season is beautiful sky blue Tartans paired with baby blue cashmere sweaters. Bold greens accompanied with black tartans and sweaters make a statement on or off the green. A limited edition this season is Ian’s white wash look, a classy elegant look sure to impress at any country club.

Birdy & Grace

Founders of Birdy & Grace, Sharon and Teress, hope that you will find this season’s Signature, Sweater, CORE, Monaco and the Amalfi Coast Collections exciting, fresh and powerful. e collections are about classic, European-esque sensibility combined with Birdy & Grace’s commitment to novelty.

Birdy & Grace has proudly started its own tradition. e “It Could Be You” campaign was launched earlier this year as a way to find the Birdy & Grace Golf Woman of the Year.

Shannon Hall stood out as the lady and an inspiration to us all. She is a passionate golfer, full-time registered nurse, wife, volunteer and cancer survivor. Shannon brings to life

passion for the game, family, community and healthy living.

Shannon accounted her photo shoot, “I liked how the Birdy & Grace line looked, but I was instantly taken by how they fit and the quality of the fabrics. I was reluctant to hand them back over to them!” She reflected, “[Her and her family] have conquered a lot together, balancing the struggles with the celebrations To me, that’s the key to moving forward: balance. Build your wings with life’s joys, love and hopes and use them to keep you balanced. When the road gets rocky or the ground seems to be caving in beneath you, “Take Flight” and trust the angels around you.”

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21

LIJA

Lending influences from the world of fashion, sport and lifestyle, we offer feminine and versatile collections that enable women to play beautifully.. She puts her heart, mind and soul into everything she pursues and believes the greatest achievement in life is to realize her full potential. Her clothes reflect her determined nature, and personal dedication to quality, grace and style.

Leading Golf Fashion Brand, Linda Hipp LIJA’s President and Principal Designer Launch new Golf line LABEL 3. LABEL 3 is a directionally forward line with

unique, future-focused silhouettes designed to pioneer a bold and brave new movement for what’s possible in golf fashion while still maintaining the integrity of the tradition of the sport.

For Spring 2011, LIJA will be introducing four new fashion collections for Spring 2011 under the theme of Awakening. ese four collections titled: Momentum, Pursuit, Elevate and Focus, exude LIJA’s signature design aesthetics with a fresh perspective on runway fashion for the fairways this Spring.

Travis Mathew

Travis Mathew apparel is a progressive golf brand providing an exclusive line of lifestyle wear and accessories. Based out of Southern California, the company has evolved to meet the demands of today’s active consumer by blending style, function, performance and innovation. Inspired by fashion, sports, music, and art, the Travis Mathew brand is a reflection of the cultures and lifestyles inherit to its Southern California roots.

e company’s first collection, “A World in Black & White,” was launched in the Spring of 2008.

Reflecting the brand’s vision of providing diversity to an industry filled with homogenized styling and fits, this theme proved to be overlooked and long past due in the golf apparel market. Gathering quick recognition, PGA star Tommy Armour immediately recognized the brand being worn on Tour by one of his good friends, John Mallinger.

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Lauren Sequeira

Stylist | Jacqueline Philip Salon & Spa Paul Mitchell The School, Rhode Island \\ Gram Webb & Wella, New York Vidal Sasson Academy \\ Bridal Specialist and Avid Golfer

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461 Angell St., Providence 401.641.2583 JacquelinePhili pSalon.com

Sunice

Silver is the most thermally conductive element on the planet. e patented technology by Sunice known as Xstatic is now standard issue gear for every NASA mission. Silver is at the core of the technology and is recognized as one of the most natural and effective anti-microbial agents. Silver has great thermo regulating anti-odor and anti-static properties also.

By permanently bonding a layer of pure silver to the surface of a textile fiber, Sunice is able to offer a performance jacket like no other. Sunice holds true to its commitment of being an industry leader as an authentic Gore-Tex supplier with an expanded offering providing more depth to an already broad category. is Gore-Tex Performance Shell is Sunice GORETEX stretch shell jackets are unbelievably soft to the touch now even lighter and quieter. It doesn’t get any better on a technical level than this. e Sunice science is evident in all the added golf-enhancing fea-

tures of this jacket, a full top back stretch panel for ultimate freedom of movement.

Incorporated the Xstatic stretch lining, Patented vcollar with neoprene finish, Sunice is able to offer a lifetime waterproof guarantee on their jackets. Other great features include pro trim waist cinching system, in pocket ball cleaner, lock down zipper pullers, soft touch chin guard, laser cut pockets, and lycra action cuffs.

Sunice allows golfers the ability to focus completely on their game when they’re on the course and not on what they’re wearing. Available in the traditional gray and charcoal but new this year are beautiful bright splashes of blue, red, tangerine, and sleek white.

Official licensed product partner for the 2011 and 2012 PGA Championship as well as the 2012 Ryder Cup. Logoed merchandise will be available at green grass facilities nationwide.

evan Golf Function comes first for golfers who have great appreciation for clothes with quality material and impeccable craftsmanship. Evan wicks sweat away naturally so that sensitive skin doesn’t have to worry about harsh chemicals added to man-made fabric in the process of fabrics. Its natural fibers reduce odor and germ growth all naturally. As a golfer, looking good on the green alone just doesn’t cut it. If sweat changes body temperature, if clothes have static and cling to the body during play, or if the clothes are not comfortable, it interferes with play and experience. Evan is made with buttery-soft materials that comfortably hug my body with flattering contour and fit, a true modern fit. Created while considering all kinds of scenarios on the green and off the green, such as ventilation, static, weather, moisture, and ensured that the clothes fight that battle. en comes the style. Evan is what I can wear through rounds of game on the green, to the clubhouse, to meetings, to movies, and to running errands on weekends. I pack them for golf and business because they’re comfortable and made for people on

the run but style is not compromised. It’s clothes that can go everywhere and anywhere.

Golfers ought to be conscious about our environment because without green earth there is no golf. Evan is made with natural fibers that leave minimum impact on the environment during manufacturing process. All made by the hands of talented professionals sharing this same mission in Los Angeles.

While Evan supports local industry, not shipping goods back and forth around the globe is also our small way of being green.

Designed to perform effortlessly and naturally while reflecting who I am: “I am Game.”

LAuReN’S HAIR STyLING TIPS

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23

Accessories

flora Bella While styles can be worn on and off the course, golfers can also introduce everyday wear into their golf apparel repertoire . Flora bella is a lifestyle collection providing diverse and fashion forward resort wear looks to women of all ages. Spirited, timeless designs with an emphasis on natural materials, color, and functionality, the Flora Bella collection encapsulates luxury resort living. Each Flora Bella piece is identified with the signature flora bella flower. Hats available in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, each lady is sure to find her favorite. Hats and handbags, totes, and jewelry are mix and match as they are all crocheted and available in colors as natural, pebble, thyme, dark mocha, espresso, indigo, and midnight. Hats made of Raffia, a natural fiber made from the raffia palms that are native to Madagascar.

Identity Belts & Buckles is known for delivering the highest quality, innovative technology, and boundary breaking style. A company that truly believes in out of the box thinking and way of life. Not only are their buckles unique, they are tailored to each customer’s Identity. Every buckle made is handcrafted entirely in the USA, and hand polished to the exact specifications of the client. eir belts and buckles have become the premier choice for more than a dozen PGA tour players. As the leader in belt and buckle innovation, they are certain that they design or craft anything imaginable. ey offer numerous combinations and allow you to customize your size, shape or even the finish of your buckle. ere is no substitution for an IBB buckle. Each buckle is a unique work of art that reflects the person wearing it.

An IBB buckle work perfectly with the IBB belt. Each IBB belt is handcrafted individually from genuine full grain leather. is is not your ordinary belt; these belts are made in Texas, where real cows come from.

Tifosi is the Italian word referring to a super-fan, an enthusiast, and that is exactly who we are and who we make our eyewear for. Our mission is to provide technically advanced eyewear to enthusiasts of all sports and outdoor activities. e Tifosi Optics GT lens tint features "object illumination," which enhances your ability to pick up a ball in flight by providing a balance of target and background brightness. Whether you are at net or tee, the GT tint is designed to help keep your eye on the ball. Available in Golf/Tennis Interchangeable models and as a Fototec lens. Tifosi sunglasses are perfect for golf because of their adjustable rubber ear and nose pieces provide a no-slip fit customizable, comfortable fit. Made of Grilamid TR-90 <http://www.tifosioptics.com/technology/lens-and-frame/> , a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density, and high resistance to chemical and UV damage. Tifosi eyewear comes in varies of shapes such as a great overall sunglass with a basic athletic shape, to extremely sporty, to classic style, female oriented with larger frames.

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NORTHLAND JUICES Official Juice of New England Golf Monthly | Proud Partner of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation | Available at all New England grocery and club retailers

24

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The Glove It 2011 Signature Collection higher-end line features rich tonal colors available in three prints, Obsidian, all black collection is dimensional with three different textures detailed with silver metal studs. e Platinum collection with embroidered crystal detail for added sparkle. e Mixed Metals, multi-tonal collection includes bronze, taupe, silver, and a hint of gold that creates a neutral shimmer. Glove It debuted seven new patterns for Spring2011: Riviera, colorful navy, pink and green paisley with bright gingham; Purple Herringbone, metallic deep purple herringbone paired with a jewel amethyst solid; Linen Luster, light Khaki and silver damask print with a shimmering linen colored crocodile; Limoncello Plaid, red, pink and yellow plaid; Aqua Argyle, aqua blue, white and yellow argyle; Zig Zag, asymmetrical black white and yellow zig zag and polka dot; Tribal, detailed tribal print with corals, browns, gold and hints of green, blue and purple. Glove It, based out of Tempe, Arizona, is the leading manufacturer of women's fashion golf accessories; available in the full line of accessories: gloves with matching pouch, visor, cap, accessory bag, tote bag, water bottle cover, interchangeable belts, club covers, shoe bag and towel. Cabretta leather is the only way to go, itis the softest leather there is. Glove It gloves are extremely comfortable and especially made for a women’s hand. Normally it is recommended to always try gloves on before you buy them, but this glove is highly recommended and can be found on www.gloveit.com.

Spartina is available in a variety of handbag styles including drawstring, hipster, hobo, satchels, wristlets, beach bags and more. New this year mini backpacks, iPad covers, and more golf accessories. Spartina utilizes the finest all natural fibers in vibrant patterns to create pieces that are luxurious and distinctive. Product lines include New in Needlepoint, Warm and Wonderful, Fresh and Fabulous.

Kay Stanley and Curt Seymour sold their successful scrapbooking company K&Company in 2007 and started their Spartina accessory line short after in Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. ey contribute a portion of their proceeds to protect the historical and cultural heritage of the island. Spartina, the inspiration for the name, is the native marsh grass that graces the shores and protects the pristine beaches.

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APPLE & EVE

Fruitables – one combined serving of Fruits & Vegetables and 1/3 less sugar.

Available at all New England grocery retailers and club stores.

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Woman’s Golf

by Trish Davis

Twenty years is a drop in the bucket by New England’s history yardage book. Yet it’s remarkable for a golf organization that started with one woman’s vision. Nancy Oliver saw the need for a group with which to learn and play golf to build skills and confidence in order to use golf for business.

2011 marks 20 years of the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) which sprang from that idea. Since then, 100,000 women have learned the game or become avid golfers by their EWGA experience. Today, tens of thousands of members enjoy organized play, competitive formats, learning programs, and social gatherings (to name a few), at over 125 local groups throughout the U.S. New England is home to seven EWGA groups.

ere’s league play and local activities and when traveling, members are welcomed wherever EWGA is.

EWGA is a community of people from all life and professional stages, of all golf skill levels – who share a love of golf, staying active, staying connected, building business and friendships, and having fun! is is your invitation to join us and do something special for yourself. Look for season kick off events coming soon to a town near you and join the community of wonderful, supportive people who will cheer your great shots and keep you connected in our changing world. Two things that never change are the need to belong and the desire to have fun. Let EWGA be there for you! (Learn more at www.ewga.com)

From the Forward Tees

by Pam Borges Are New England courses “female-friendly”? What criteria make a course “female-friendly”? Why should this information be important to course owners?

Although more women play golf now than in the past, they continue to be a portion of the golfing public that is underrepresented and underserved. Perhaps unintentional, but inequity lurks in areas such as course playability, customer service experience, inequitable access to programs and services and inequitable amount of women’s apparel and equipment in pro shops. It is well known that women wield significant economic power; businesses know to increase sales they must appeal to the female. So why hasn’t the golf industry caught on?

How can golf courses better market their facility to women and ultimately increase course play and profitability?

A comprehensive research study funded by the Little Family Foundation and conducted on behalf of the National Golf Course Owners Association, aimed to find out what needs to be done to increase women’s golf participation and satisfaction.

26 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

ey interviewed women to find out what their “ultimate” golf facility and experience would be like and tested the results against 600 “female-friendly” courses to see what they provide. e results suggest three key areas impact women’s course experience: course playability, customer service experience and equal access to programs and services. Go to www.golfwithwomen.com for the entire study and “how-to” guide.

What is lacking on most courses is a set of tees for players with slower swing speeds regardless of gender and age. e distance a golf ball travels is directly proportional to club head speed. us, the “average woman golfer” (based on stats from a leading equipment manufacturer) with a club head speed of 65 miles/hour will average approximately 140-145 yards with her best drive.

In support of the recent research, e Executive Women’s Golf Association has launched “Fair Way Forward”, an advocacy initiative on how to get more women into the game. www.ewga.com

Top 5 reasons ®

to play golf at Innisbrook

5. 72 holes of championship golf and no surcharge to tackle the famed Copperhead Course – home of the PGA TOUR’s Transitions Championship.

4. We’re only 30 minutes away from the superb Tampa International Airport and we’ll even pick you up.

3. We offer spacious suites, with kitchens, dining and living areas, balconies and patios – and have dining covered with sports bars, a poolside grill, a steakhouse & gourmet market.

2. Need we remind you about Florida’s perfect year-round golf climate?

Well, we just did.

1. Our unbeatable rates – packages begin at $144* or we’ll customize a trip to meet your budget.

Offer Includes: • Deluxe accommodations • One round of golf per night of stay from check-in until check-out PLUS extra bonus round (including the famed Copperhead*)

• Full breakfast daily • $20 Retail credit to any pro shop • Advanced starting times • Unlimited use of practice facilities • Unlimited fitness center access

*rates are per person based on double occupancy; subject to availability.

For reservations: 800.492.6899 or innisbrookgolfresort.com 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbrook, Florida 34684 -1239 Book by 05/31/11, Stay by 08/30/11, Mention code: NE GOLF

Couple of Travelers

by Alice and Danny Scott

Plenty of Play at PGA National

His beady eyes leered lustily at the redhead. She was so nervous, she squawked. No, this was not a scene at the lobby Ibar, but in one of the many waterways at the PGA National Resort and Spa where a gator was scouting a common moorhen during our leisurely stroll on the spacious grounds. Unless you are a native Floridian, there is nothing common about the variety of beautiful birds in this sanctuary. On our return, both the bird and gator had disappeared, nature’s secret, much like the resort itself. Somewhat overlooked on lists, this is an over the top destination for any conference, family or friends to consider. e long, lush entrance drive sets the stage for plentiful pleasures. e wide open reception area blends into the lobby Ibar that is abuzz with sports screens, mingling and live music. e entire length is open to the terrific view of the palm lined stately pool outside, the centerpiece of the resort, with its immense Roman archways and sculptured lizards on columns.

90 holes of golf afford a fairway view from every corner and what can be better than walking a tournament course with a caddy that includes the famous Bear Trap?

At time of publication, the winner of the Honda Classic will be awarded and we will have watched with new enthusiasm, remembering on each hole, where our ball lied in comparison with the legendary players. It’s always exciting when the grandstands are going up and the employees regale with stories of past events. e Champions course is a Tom and George Fazio original, re-designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1990 with the Bear Trap paying him tribute. e series of holes 15-17 sandwich a long par 4 between two par 3s all requiring carries over water. Any famous golfer may succumb to its claws. Add wind and you have a perfect combination for nerve tightening swings that either devour or delight.

After golf, work your kinks out at the European Spa, starting with the Waters of the World. First enter the warm Dead Sea salts pool for muscle relaxation, then the Pyrenees Mineral waters from France for skin toning and finish with the pulsation of the Jacuzzi, indoors

28 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

or out. More tension is relieved by the dry and wet saunas along with a shower that has umpteen nozzles.

Among the many treatments offered, the Swedish massage will leave you bumping into walls with limpness.

Hungry? Nine restaurants answer the question, “What do you get when you cross an Irish chef with one from New Orleans?” Cuisine choices without boundaries and delectable flavors, such as the blackened snapper with the perfect blend of spices and texture, bacon wrapped shrimp that are huge and sweet, or tenderloin that melts in your mouth.

Burn the calories on the tennis courts, booming with pairings or at the most comprehensive workout facilities we have experienced, with the latest equipment, activities, and personal trainers. Or back to golf, e Squire course has more birds wading through the water and a chance on every hole for errant balls to become a gator gulp. Flat as most of Florida is, the sporadic wind is the only elevated element. Hole 13 is tricky as you may hit the ball over the water, just to have it sucked back in. Rounding out the golf challenges are e Haig, e Palmer and the Estates Courses. You will want to play them all.

“Not a bad shot” on any of the courses means dry and particle free. If you find yourself in too many bunkers, it may be a sign to head to the beach. e luxurious zero entry pool setting is so divine, you don’t need the beach, but five miles away, you can go for it.

Jupiter Beach is the closest for a quiet encounter or Del Rey Beach has more “action”, while Palm Beach Island is the place to admire the latest Bentleys.

Instead, you could stay and hone your golf skills with a lesson at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy or Dave Pelz Scoring Game School. Multiple driving ranges and putting greens facilitate practice to perfect your swing. e PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens has so many acres of recreational options, you never have to leave and never get bored. Conveniently close to 3 airports, for more information about PGA National Resort & Spa, please visit www.pgaresort.com, or call (800) 533.9386.

PGA National Resort and Spa

New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 29

30 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

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New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 31

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32 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

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Molori Unplugged

by John Molori

Lobel’s legend grows with heart, soul and golf

For more than three decades, Bob Lobel regaled Boston sports fans with knowledge, humor and a raised eye brow look at sports. As WBZ-TV’s lead sports anchor, he won numerous Sportscaster of the Year Awards and became the best and most accomplished sports media personality in Boston history. rough all of his work, golf has played a key role in Lobel’s life. His love of the game started slowly, but eventually blossomed. “I started playing in high school in Ohio,” says the 67 year-old Lobel. “ere were a couple of good courses, but I was not very good. I really didn’t know the game and didn’t play at all in college.

When I moved to Boston, I began playing a lot. My handicap slowly fell from 18 to 14 to 12 and 10. e lowest it ever got was 7.”

Lobel became a fixture on New England courses, as adept with the club as he was with the microphone. ese days, his approach to the game, and to life, has changed. He relates, “I had back surgery three years ago and I haven’t been able to walk without crutches since then. I use a SoloRider golf cart that helps me continue playing. e people at Granite Links have been great to me. I keep my cart and trailer there.”

SoloRider.com has been Lobel’s golf savior. It drives onto greens and tees, takes on rough terrain and allows users easy entrance and exit with the swivel seat. e seat also elevates when needed. Moreover, it has kept Lobel close to the game, and the people, he loves.

“It’s all about the friends I play with,” says Lobel, whose historic run at WBZ ended in 2008. “I approach the game differently now. I still want to play well, but it’s more of a social situation. People are so understanding, and great shots have a different meaning now.”

Lobel’s rise to the apex of Boston sports was, in no small part, thanks to his links aptitude. He explains, “From Derek Sanderson to Bobby Orr, so many great athletes play the game. Golf is the universal language

and the great equalizer. It helped me establish relationships with guys like Jim Rice and Roger Clemens.

Looking back, it was a big part of working in the Boston sports arena.”

While his love for the game is obvious, Lobel has some tongue-in-cheek advice for golf neophytes. “Do yourself a favor, forget it! It’s a drug, really. ere were plenty of days when I left the course replaying shots in my head. It gets a grip on you. I am not as hard on myself since the surgery, but I still get pissed off.”

A member at the International, Lobel counts Salem CC, Myopia Hunt Club, Oyster Harbors, Granite Links and Pinehills among his favorite New England courses. He states, “I love them all so much that I really don’t know a good course from a bad one. I’ve played St. Andrews and Carnoustie. at was the hardest course I ever played.”

As for Lobel’s greatest golf moment, it warms the heart of any weekend duffer. “I got a hole in one on the 17th hole at Nashawtuc. I hit a 7 iron. e ball skipped off the water, bounced onto the green and into the hole.

Can you believe that?!” ese days, Lobel does a radio show with longtime partner and friend Upton Bell, Sundays at 9:00 a.m. on Rush Radio 1200 in Boston. He also does a daily 1:00 p.m. show at WTPL 107.7 e Pulse in New Hampshire. Clearly, his injuries have not slowed his desire to be heard or his love and zest for the golfing life.

Says Lobel, “I know that I probably will never walk again without at least a cane. It’s not a pain thing, it’s a strength thing. I can still hit it 180 or 200 yards, so am doing fine. I just love the game. You are an independent contractor in golf. You play yourself, the course, and no one else.”

Syndicated columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and appears regularly on AM 1110 WCCM. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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34 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Celebrity Golfer: Patrick Warburton

By NEGM Staff

Patrick Warburton was born in Paterson N.J. and resides now in Ventura County California. His career began as a model for Bugle Boy cloths before heading to Hollywood. Patrick is currently in the midst of filming the 5th season of CBS’s top-rated Monday night comedy “Rules of Engagement’s” alongside costars Oliver Hudson and David Spade. He is known to many as the busiest voiceover artist in Hollywood for his many characters and lends his voice to the 9th season of Fox’s Emmy nominated “Family Guy” as the paraplegic and over-zealous cop, Joe Swanson. He is also widely known for the character of “Puddy” on the hit series “Seinfeld,” and has had successful runs on “News Radio,” “Dave’s World” and the live-action adaptation of comic-book cult classic “e Tick.”

An avid golfer, Patrick can often be found teeing off at some of his favorite golf course in Los Angeles. He even refers to himself as having a “pretty serious golf habit.” Well known around the celebrity golf circuit, Patrick plays in such tournaments as e Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge and e Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Patrick’s “Golf For Kids” Tournament will be held at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA. Celebrities and pro-golfers alike will come together to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where all proceeds from the celebrity tournament will go directly to help it continue its mission.

Recently NEGM caught up with Hollywood actor for an interview, here is what Patrick had to say about Life and golf.

NEGM: When Did You first Start Playing Golf?

PW: I probably started playing golf around the age of 26 or 27. I considered it to be a great excuse to go out and drink beer in a parklike setting.

NEGM: What is your current Handicap and how often do you play?

PW: My current handicap is about 16 and I typically play once every couple of weeks, I’m trying to get out there more with my tournament coming up though!

NEGM: What was your favorite event you played in?

PW: Either the AT&T Tournament or e Bob Hope Classic; it’s a tossup between two. e AT&T Tournament is fantastic because of its location and because of the event itself. But e Bob Hope Classic is just as fantastic because of its history, heritage and desert location.

NEGM: What is your Favorite Golf Course and are you a current member at a club?

PW: I am not a current member of any club, but there are tons of great public courses in Ventura County, where I live. As for my favorite golf course? I’ve played at many, but the one I would love to play at most is Augusta.

NEGM: Have you ever visited New England and have you played golf here?

PW: I have visited New England. In fact, I played in a tournament one year at Bally Mead on a course designed by ChiChi Rodriguez.

NEGM:What would be your Dream Foursome?

PW: Myself, Eddie Vetter, Bobby Jones, and my dad… even though he doesn’t play golf.

NEGM: Who is your Favorite PGA Tour Player?

PW: e PGA Tour has always been a great experience, and I didn’t have a favorite until recently at e Bob Hope Classic. I played with Rocco Mediate, what a great experience! He gave me tips and pointers while we played!

New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 35

Kay’s Corner

New England private clubs must innovate and evolve to survive and thrive

by Emily Kay

For years, e International catered to the rich and famous as an exclusive golf sanctuary in the heart of Massachusetts apple country. Its two championship 18-hole courses were must-plays among golfing connoisseurs. e Pines and Oaks courses remain the club’s crown jewels. But president/CEO Daniel Weadock intends to take his business to the next level.

“We are...evolving from more than a just a private club to a world-class golf and culinary destination,” Weadock said.

Private golf enclaves may be playgrounds of the wealthy, but the industry -- like most businesses -- continues to labor against a weak economy and changing mores. e New England market may be on the comeback trail, however.

While some 400 of 4,400 private clubs in the U.S. went public between 2000 and 2009, private preserves in New England enjoyed a 3.6% uptick in rounds played last year, according to the National Golf Foundation. “Private clubs are absolutely not going away,” said Greg Nathan, NGF’s senior VP of membership.

Even so, “Private clubs need to make aggressive changes to remain relevant,” observed Jon Last, president of Sports & Leisure Research Group.

Not business as usual. “It’s certainly not business as usual,” averred Bob Stearns, head pro/GM at Vermont’s Manchester CC, where affiliation has been dropping.

36 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

“We used to focus on what kind of tuna fish we had in the dining room. Now it’s all about membership -- not just attracting new ones but retaining those we have.”

Even such high-end retreats as Golf Club at Turner Hill -- whose roster includes A-listers Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley -- have tweaked their dues structures. An equity member-sponsored prospect may play for two years without paying the $25,000 initiation fee, Turner Hill president Bob Talbot noted.

Flexible plans, discounts, and outside play are ways clubs hope to boost membership and revenues, but family-oriented offerings are key. “You have to have strong social and fitness programs and recreational opportunities,” said Tablot.

Turner Hill now offers comedy nights, bowling, and child care. For $20 per child, parents may leave their kids with an educator on Saturday night or golf on ursday mornings.

Flexible options. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Hop Meadow CC (Simsbury, Conn.) will waive its initiation fee for the first 50 prospects who enlist for two years. e club will give three guest coupons to

golfers who pay dues early and 3% discounts on annual rates to those who pay in full. Head pro Jason Waters also offers golf shop incentives -- a $1,000 spending card earns an extra $200, a $750 card $115, and a $500 card $50.

Manchester, which boasted 390 dues-payers in 2001 and now has 250, will let individual and family prospects play for a year at 80% of the $4,000 (single) and $6,000 (family) annual dues. e club will waive the $2,500 initiation fee (down from $15,000 in 2001) for those who join by August 15.

As members age, venues like Manchester aggressively target younger golfers. Stearns aims four membership options at the under-40 crowd. Manchester (N.H.) CC and Segregansett CC (Taunton, Mass.) offer similar packages. Manchester provides “young executives” with unlimited play, deferred payments, and savings, while Segregansett provides a “young adults” option for $1,625 per year and no entry fee.

Reciprocity is another popular trend. Under an arrangement with several nearby clubs, Hop Meadow lets members from other courses play its track for just $50.

In cooperation with local tennis and fitness clubs, Vermont’s Manchester CC members receive discounts if they join the non-golf groups, and gym-goers and tennis players may pay to golf at Manchester up to five times during the season. Troon Golf-managed Man-

chester CC in New Hampshire offers members discounted play at other Troon properties worldwide.

Outside play. If there’s one thing Waters loathes, it’s an empty tee sheet. He employs the Boxgroove booking network to farm out unused times and receives 80% of each greens fee that Boxgroove sells. “It’s minimal cost to us [to bring] in incremental revenue,” Waters said. e International will also deploy Boxgroove, but Weadock’s vision extends beyond the golf course. In addition to a fitness center, spa, on-site TaylorMade Performance Center, and 50-room lodge, e International has added a Rick Smith Golf Academy and gourmet cuisine.

“It’s a...holistic approach -- from the mental game, to nutrition, to the swing, the whole thing,” Weadock said.

“We are trying to bring best-in-class golf products and services to our golf and culinary destination.”

With its restaurant open to the public and 36 holes available to golfers who stay at the resort, e International has redefined the private course.

“As the world and the private club industry changed and the economy went upside down,” Weadock said, “we...evolved out of necessity.”

Emily Kay is a regular contributor to New England Golf Monthly. Check her out on the Waggle Room, Boston Golf Examiner, and National Golf Examiner websites. You may also follow Kay on Twitter.

New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 37

Gulf Coast Open for Play

by Timothy Branco

Lost Key Golf Club

Kelly Plantation

It was about 20 years ago when I first visited the Gulf Coast while on a business trip to New Orleans. I had a convention to attend that week in Orlando and decided to take a few days and drive at a relaxed pace and see the area. From Interstate Route 10 there is not much to see so I went local as much as possible on side excursions along the shore. I visited some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, ate at local restaurants and stayed along the coast in small inns and hotels.

On that trip I slowed down and got a taste of southern hospitality and experienced life along the Gulf. It was not like anywhere I have ever been and I knew at some point in my life I would have to come back. Less than 10 years later I met a wonderful woman who grew up on a cotton farm in the panhandle just north of Pensacola. In 1999 we married in a small church in Mt Carmel, Florida and we spent our honeymoon on Santa Rosa Island. at same weekend we purchased a condo overlooking Escambia Bay on Scenic Highway. For the last 11 years it has been my oasis from life, a very special place with great family, good friends and some of the best golf courses I have ever played. e people are what make this place so unique, they have a way of just making you feel welcome.

It is often said that the destruction from Mother Nature pales in comparison to what mankind has done to our planet. e BP Oil spill, like so many devastating events in our history was preventable. Decisions made regarding profit took away any chance of prevention in the days leading up to the disaster that caused the largest oil spill in history. e vague statistics of the spill fall somewhere between 11 mil-

lion to 49 million gallons of crude spilled into the gulf. What made this event even worse was the over bearing and misleading coverage by the national media that cost the region billions. e Emerald Coast and its white sand beaches are still beautiful ;I can attest to that because I have been there. e Golf courses are in great condition and great deals abound, at all of the resorts. In July during the spill I stood on Pensacola Beach each morning watching an army of cleanup workers who day and night searched for small tar balls and tainted sand. In December I traveled from Gulf Shores Alabama to Sandestin and visited many of the coastal golf courses and resorts. ey were as beautiful as ever and working hard trying to get the word out that things are fine, please come! e effect of the Oil Spill was devastating in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi and in some areas in Alabama. It was hard to find much impact at all east of Perdido Key and Pensacola. Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Sandestin areas were literally untouched.

Because of the circulation of the currents in the Gulf which kept most of the oil offshore but you never would have known that according to the 6 o’clock news.

If you have never visited this region you are in for a treat starting in Alabama you have great tracks in Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club and Honours Golf Course as well Craft Farms in Gulf Shores.

Further east from Gulf Shores you will find great golf at Timber Creek Golf Club and Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope. e jewel of the region is for sure Kiva Dunes Golf and Beach Resort in Fort Morgan.

Kiva is a true links design by local Jerry Pate, and it has been voted top 100 in the U.S. by many.

38 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Burnt Pine

The Links To Towers

Beach Skyline

Let’s not forget in Alabama we have e Robert Trent Jones Trail, which starts out along the Gulf Coast with its Lakewood and Magnolia Grove facilities. Magnolia is a great track and also boast one of the most challenging 18 hole par 3 courses in the world. Lakewood is the southern most of 26 golf courses and 468 holes on the trail from north to south in Alabama. ere are great package deals to play the trail and RTJT owns a number hotels as well to control package pricing.

Moving east toward Pensacola you will find Perdido Key, which boast some great tracks in Lost Key Golf Club and Perdido Bay Golf Club. Once in the Pensacola area there are great courses, A.C. Reed on the base at NAS Pensacola is a waterfront gem. Scenic Hills is a historic course with a great layout. Pensacola Country Club redesigned by Jerry Pate after Hurricane Ivan is over 100 years old, and it is one of the oldest golf clubs in Florida. Also in Pensacola you have Marcus Pointe and Tiger Pointe in Gulf Breeze.

When you reach the far end of Santa Rosa Island you arrive at Destin one of the most developed areas along the Gulf Coast. Destin boast great hotels and resorts that offer a full choice golf packages & family vacations. Destin is a favorite year round playground for a number of cities along the southeast. White sugar sand and emerald green waters abound. Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, Creek / Seminole at Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club as well as Seminole / Choctaw and Bayou are all magnificent facilities. Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is also a great facility.

In December I had the pleasure of visiting Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort for a few days. is is one

of the most impressive golf resorts I have ever seen. e Resort located on over 2400 acres just east of Destin has it all. Sandestin has 72 holes of great golf at 4 courses the Raven, Burnt Pine, e Links Course and Baytowne. e Resort, which is both bayside and beachside, offers one of the most complete resort experiences in North America. Over 30 unique neighborhoods make up the resort featuring 1400 condominiums, villas, town homes, and wide variety of hotel accommodations. e Central Village at Baytowne Warf is a cornucopia of great shops, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. Beachside the resort has 7 miles of pristine white sand beach with recreation rentals and full beachside service.

Sandestin is a great place for the entire family; there is something here for everyone- a full service 98 slip marina, 19 swimming pools, 15 tennis courts, fitness centers and over 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with full resort transportation. When it comes to golf vacations Sandestin is a gem you want to discover and when you do you, will be back for more find them @ www.sandestin.com Just a short ride east to Panama City Beach, a spring break Mecca of years past is the brand new airport Northwest Florida’s Beaches International Airport. e great news is Southwest Airlines has opened operations there and it makes it very easy and inexpensive to fly in. e Gulf Coast has more to offer with great golf, wonderful resorts and some of the friendliest folks in the world. You will find it all here from the most luxurious to the most reasonable, your dollar goes a long way. Come visit the Emerald Coast for great beaches, great golf and watch the dolphins play. Remember to look up e Blue Angels who train most days along the beach and put on quite a show.

New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 39

Christmas Eve 2010 Panhandle Style With Boo Weekley

by Timothy Branco

It’s 3 pm on Christmas Eve and I guess the last place you would think you would find a PGA Tour Player is in back yard of one of his life long buddies cutting trees down and brush hauling with a pickup and a trailer. I guess that may be true for most, but this is home for Boo Weekley and here he can just be himself; he is in his element here which is all about friends and family. Boo and best friend Keith Grubbs are carrying out a yearly tradition and are getting ready for their annual New Years Eve barn fire.

In Milton, Florida where Boo grew up, the simple things in life will always mean more, family, friends and respect for the land. He grew up hunting and fishing and to this day he will tell you that he is more at home with a fishing pole or a rifle than a 9 iron.

Growing up in Southwest Florida is more like growing up in Alabama, this is the Deep South, and there are very few transplants here from anywhere, unlike the rest of the state. In the Panhandle you learn to respect everything around you and at an early age you are taught the value of life and the blessings of the land you live on. e talk here is not as much about making your first buck, but more likely when you shot your first buck. Waste nothing want nothing is what life is mostly about.

Boo and his family were hurt greatly by the effects of the BP Oil Spill, he will tell you that the damage it has caused run deep both physically and psychologically in the region. He has family and friends in the fishing industry in the region that suffered dearly because of this tragedy.

Boo started playing golf at about 12 years old and like most young boys he played all the other sports.

When he was 13 he gave up the other sports for the

40 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

game of golf. He played high School golf with PGA Tour Player Heath Slocum at the same high School as Bubba Watson. Heath’s dad Jack Slocum caddied for Boo at his final stage in Q School. After High school Boo tried college but it was not in his comfort zone, he ended up working at the Monsanto Chemical plant in Pensacola as a hydro blaster. e great thing about the job is Boo could play golf every day after work at Tangelwood the course owned by the plant. It is where Boo learned to grind at the game in heated matches day after day.

In 2001 Boo finished 23 in Q School and took his first shot at the PGA Tour.

Boo will tell you that the year after his son Parker was born he often felt homesick and he was not ready for the PGA life on the road. It took him 5 years to get back on the tour but in 2007 he broke out with his first PGA Tour Win at the Verizon in Hilton Head. at year boo made over 2.5 million dollars and since then over 7 million on the PGA Tour with 2 wins and 38 top 25 finishes in 4 + years.

In a local connection in 2007 Back Offices Associates, from Cape Cod, MA, a world leader in data management signed Boo Weekley. e best part of that deal Boo would tell you was getting to fish off Cape Cod. Boo still has that number in his head when he walks away from e PGA Tour life. As we hang out over the back of a pickup truck on Christmas eve telling stories and laughing, I get the feeling it may not be long.

Boo’s favorite charity is Camp Compass which he got involved in through one of his sponsors Mossy Oak. e Camp is for inner city kids from the Philly area, teaching them about the outdoors and fishing and hunting. To learn more go to, www.campcompass.org.

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www.colesriver.com New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 41

Welcome to the

2011 National Golf Expo Boston is has been an exceptionally long winter for all of us here in New England but especially for golfers who are itching to get outside and on the course. ere is a real pent up demand to get “out there” but our courses are still under a foot of snow. Snow is either threatening to fall again, it is too cold for a melt or it’s raining, all delaying that special day.

April gives us a couple of great days but the courses still need greens repair or even renovation and aeration generally comes right behind that. It’s not until May that the courses are really ready to play. at being said, March offers a special weekend at the Boston Golf Expo. e Show is your resource to try the newest equipment, develop a fitness schedule that will get you in shape for the season, shop for great bargains from our retailers and learn the latest game improvement tips.

Don’t miss the New Club Testing and Fitting Center, our indoor driving range where you can loosen up that swing and try the newest equipment from our manufacturers and even be fitted for that specific driver or even a complete set of clubs.

We offer a great opportunity for you to get more personalized tips from the PGA pros through their “Tune Up With a Pro” offering. We have great Junior Instruction as well.

Our Demonstration Stage will offer some of the best instruction and tips available anywhere from our experienced pros and guest teachers.

If it’s travel you are considering, our exhibitors are able to offer you the most competitive rates and services from the widest variety of championship caliber courses and resorts in the country.

Our location in the Seaport District of Boston provides the perfect atmosphere for a great day out.

Hopefully the weather has cooperated. Be sure to visit some of the great casual and not so casual restaurants within easy walking distance of the Seaport World Trade Center.

anks for visiting with us at the National Golf Expo-Boston.

Garry Edgar Show Director Paragon Group, Inc. gedgar@paragonexpo.com

42 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

2011 Seminar Schedule friday March 4, 2011 1:00 pm 1:45 pm 2:30 pm 3:15 pm 4:00 pm 4:45 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm

Rick DePamphilis, PGA Master Professional Instructor “Learning How to Take Your Game to the Next Level” Jay Wick, PGA “Perfecting Your Wedge Game & What the New Grooves Mean to You” Drew Kayser, PGA Master Professional Instructor “How Your Physical Capabilities Relate to Your Swing” Rick DePamphilis, PGA Master Professional Instructor “Learning How to Take Your Game to the Next Level” Terry Felty, Director of Instruction at Big Sticks Golf “Introducing Juniors & Parents to the Game” Tom Cavicchi, Director of Golf, e Harmon Club “Game Improvements” Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game” Tom Cavicchi, Director of Golf, e Harmon Club “Game Improvements”

Saturday March 5, 2011 11:00 am 11:45 am 12:30 pm 1:15 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:15 pm 5:00 pm

Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game” Matt Walsh, Head Golf Professional at Cape cod National Golf Club “e 5 Most Common Swing Faults & How You Can Avoid em” Sue Kaffenburgh, Bayberry Hills Golf Club “Breaking Old Habits or Beliefs & Establishing New Ones” Skip Guss, GolfRite Performance Center “Determining the Proper Shot to Play Around the Green” Sue Kaffenburgh, Bayberry Hills Golf Club “Breaking Old Habits or Beliefs & Establishing New Ones” Rico Petrocelli, Red Sox Hall of Famer, 3-time All Star & 2 World Series Vet Q & A Session with BoSox Legend Terry Felty, Director of Instruction at Big Sticks Golf “Introducing Juniors & Parents to the Game” Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game”

Sunday March 6, 2011 11:00 am 11:45 am 12:30 pm 1:15 pm 2:00 pm 2:45 pm

Skip Guss, GolfRite Performance Center “Decision Making: Pros vs. Ams” Terry Felty, Director of Instruction at Big Sticks Golf “Introducing Juniors & Parents to the Game” Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game” Skip Guss, GolfRite Performance Center “Determining the Proper Shot to Play Around the Green” Terry Felty, Director of Instruction at Big Sticks Golf “Introducing Juniors & Parents to the Game” Ed Weber, Fitting Specialist, GolfClub Tec “What Custom Club Fitting Will Do for Your Game” New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 43

44 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011 | 2011 GOLF EXPO EXHIBITORS

2011 GOLF EXPO EXHIBITORS | March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 45

National Golf Expo Exhibitor Show Program 2011 Axis 1 642 A & A Services 405 Adams Golf 834 Aline Systems 413 Ameriprise Financial 312 Amica Mutual Insurance Company 245 Audi of America 757 Bat Caddy-Electric Golf Caddy 517 Big Skinny Sports Wallets 310 Birdie G Media 646 Boston Golfweek Amateur Tour 425 Boston Pedorthic 328 Callaway Golf 842 Cape Cod Country Club 418 Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce/CVB 506, 508 Cape Neddick Country Club 639 Central New York Golf 434 Charleston & Resort Islands Golf 638 Cigar Factory 805 Cleveland Golf 818 Cobra-Puma Golf 854 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 537 Cruise Travel Outlet 806 Cyprian Keyes Golf Club 633 Deutsche Bank Championship 756 Dunegrass Country Club 623 Ecco 521, 523 Elite Golf Center & The Wheel Deal 641 Execu Caddy 330 EZ Ball Stamp 643 Five-Hour Sample LLC 812 Florida Golf 711 Golf Ball Retrieval 509, 645 Golf Course Home Network 318, 320, 322 Golf Fitness Magazine 220 Golf Ireland Ltd. 528 Golf Maine 510 Golf 'N Gamble/Gina Cigar 520, 522 Golf Vermont Tourism Assoc.

622 Golfing Magazine 612, 614 GolfNow.com 420 Golfology 733 Golftec Boston 542, 544, 546 Greater Ocean City Golf Assoc.

618 Greene County NY-Golf 524 Historic Golf Photos 309 & 311 Jay Peak Golf Club 620 Jekyll Island, Georgia 530 Joe & Leigh's Discount Golf Pro Shop 433 Juniper Hill Golf Course 410 Killington Golf Course 621 Kings Creek, Williamsburg, VA 428, 430 Lady B New York 407 Lake Morey Resort 628 Lara Bar & Cascadian Farm 543, 545 Links Players International 814 Lulas, Inc. 803 Maine's Golf Trifecta 512 Massachusetts Golf Association 519

46 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Maui Jim 533 Musty Putters 412 MWVCC Road to the Links 504 Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday 608, 610 Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts 526 Bay State Financial 440 New England Custom Putting Greens 511, 513 New England Golf Guide 444 New England Golf Monthly 607, 609, 611 New England PGA 355 Nike Golf 858 Ninety Two Percent 535 NitroText.com 640 Nonesuch River Golf Club 518 Omni Mount Washington Resort 626 Orange Whip Trainer 421, 423 Orchards Golf Club 539 Owens Corning 705, 707 Owl's Head 411 Owl's Nest Resort & Golf Club 613 Palmers Global Magnetic Therapy 427, 429 Peabody & Smith Realty 424 Penguin Windows 529 Perfect Golf Labs 813 Petrocelli Marketing Group 814 Point Sebago Golf Resort 625 Polara Golf 314 Pure Energy Balance Bands 446 Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course 305 Sands Ocean Club 629 Saratoga National Golf Club 414 Shoo! Tag/Energetic solutions, LLC 644 Silverleaf Resort 303 Skeeter Skidaddler 436 Smart Massage 313 Softspikes/Pride Golf Tee 627 Southern New England Golfer 306 & 308 Stay & Play Cape Cod 630 Stowe Country Club 624 Sugarloaf 811 Sunday River Golf Club 809 T 3 Golf 455 T&S Golf 703, 617, 619 Taylor Made Golf Company 852 The Amazing Sticky Pad 527 The Bethel Inn Resort 808 The First Tee of NH 810 The Golf Zone 717 The Hip Check 637 The Ledges Golf Club 634 The Links at Outlook 636 The Net Return 324, 326 The Ultimate Coastal Golf Experience 417 Thorndike Company LLP 540 Town & Country Motor Inn 409 VTS Destinations 419 Vacation Village Resorts & Affiliates 804 Wellzher Corp.

534, 536, 538 Worldwide Golf Vacations 403

NEPGA Profile

by Bob DiCesare

Alignment: You have to start somewhere...

By PGA Professional Mark Warrener

Mike Higgins It seems only fitting that Mike Higgins has been named the new executive director of the New England PGA Section. at's because the 35-yearold Higgins has held nearly every other position within the Section since 1996, when he was a member of the NEPGA's first intern class working in tournament operations.

Upon graduation from Elon University in North Carolina with a degree in sports management, Higgins was first named to the newly-created position of marketing and junior golf coordinator with the NEPGA. He gradually worked his way up to tournament coordinator and director of tournament operations before being chosen for the top administrative job to begin the 2011 golf season. e NEPGA is one of 41 sections that comprise the PGA of America and has been in existence for over 80 years in New England. It benefits over 750 Class A golf professionals and 240 apprentices at over 450 golf facilities in five states. Connecticut is a separate section. e NEPGA also conducts regional qualifying tournaments for amateur golfers and sponsors junior clinics.

With that in mind, Higgins has been busy getting ready to showcase the NEPGA's updated website, as well as new Facebook and Twitter pages and YouTube video for junior golfers. ere are 14 events currently scheduled for this year, including dates at e Kittansett Club, Worcester CC, Turner Hill GC, Renaissance GC, and the Golf Club of Cape Cod. Higgins is fond of Worcester CC, where he caddied there as a teenager before working the bag room and pro shop at Mt. Pleasant CC in Boylston for six years. "e first year of the New England Series was very successful," said Higgins. "It's a great opportunity for higher-handicap golfers to play courses that they would not normally have access to. It was something new in the face of a down economy, and it was wellreceived. In fact, we will be making return visits to places like e Kittansett Club and Golf Club of Cape Cod, amongst others."

(Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for e Enterprise in Brockton, MA, and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf)

ere are many different swings on the PGA Tour from Fred Couples to Jim Furyk. Dustin Johnson to Brad Faxon. Although these and all of the other swings on Tour are unique, when walking down the range at a Tour event you will see one common variable: At some point during their practice session there will be some sort of device pointing these players in the right direction.

Conversely, when strolling the grounds on any local driving range, there are very few people concerned about alignment. Amazingly, people aiming 30 yards right of the target are focused more on the plane of their golf swing than placing a club down or picking up a snow stake at their local home improvement store. Why, you may ask? Because alignment is too simple and too boring! You sound like you know what you’re talking about more when you mention the plane of the swing or the face angle. We watch the Golf Channel and hear the instructors mentioning these things and figure it sounds good for them so why not use it myself. e problem: they have cameras, tripods and laptops and had already gotten the student aligned in the correct position before talking about all that good stuff.

Now I'm not stating that if you are aligned in the correct position that you will not have any swing problems (Too many variables to believe that!) But I do know that you'll have a much more difficult time playing this game if you are not aligned correctly. It's also the easiest and most inexpensive fix in the game.Take your stance and put a club down at your feet and step away. DO NOT take your stance and place a club on your chest in the direction you think you should be heading. You can manipulate the club too easily and will put it wherever you think it should go.

So, when you head out to the range to kick off your 2011 season, get yourself aimed in the right direction. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results. e people who get paid to play this game do it constantly.

And if you have any other questions regarding your golf swing, go see your local PGA Professional.

Mark Warrener, PGA is Head Golf Professional at Segregansett Country Club

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Ross’ Rulings

Will a Rules Change Eclipse the Impact of Armchair Rules Officials?

by Jack Ross

e hot rules controversy of 2011 involves disqualifications attributable to “armchair rules officials” who phone in reports of rules violations after the players have signed their scorecards.

Camilo Villegas was disqualified from the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii after a television viewer noticed that he had flicked a divot out of the path of his rolling ball and violated Rule 23-1, which prohibits the removal of a loose impediment that might “influence the movement of the ball.”

Padraig Harrington subsequently suffered a similar fate at the Abu Dhabi Championship when a viewer watching a broadcast on HDTV perceived that he very slightly moved his ball forward when removing his mark on the green and failed to replace it as required

by Rule 20-3a.

Although such retroactive disqualifications do not sit well with many fans, commentators, and players, Rule 6-6d mandates disqualification in such circumstances. e controversy was further fueled when PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem commented that the disqualification rule should be applied “with fairness and common sense” and might be unwarranted where the player knows the rule but could not have reasonably known he committed a violation.

In interviews with New England Golf Monthly, senior officials at the USGA and the PGA Tour have confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but would not

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speculate as to the likelihood or time frame of any modification of the rule.

Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President for Communications for the PGA Tour, said that the Tours questions whether disqualification is “proportional or equitable” in certain situations, and identified an alternative approach: adding penalty strokes to the player’s score.

Votaw confirmed that the Tour has the ability to adopt policies independently, but generally prefers to work with the USGA. omas Pagel, Director of Rules of Golf for the USGA, observed that the Villegas and Harrington incidents represent different situations -- Villegas was ignorant of the rule, while Harrington simply didn’t think his ball moved. Pagel noted that although viewers have called in violations for years, the advent of HDTV, which permits viewers to detect things (such as the movement of Harrington’s ball) that would not have been observable under analog television, has dramatically altered the landscape. e next rules revision is scheduled for 2012. Pagel said there is some precedent for adopting rules changes outside of the regular cycle, but would not comment as to whether any change to the disqualification rule would warrant such treatment.

Jack Ross is the golf editor of ValleySportsNow.com and a rules official with the Massachusetts Golf Association.

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Player’s Perspective

by Ed Travis

With the white crown and black clubface the TaylorMade R11 Rescue Club is distinctive.

The Powerbilt Air force One Air foil 2 has compressed nitrogen gas in the head.

The Cobra Baffler Rail features and improved rail sole.

In the past ten years the long iron has all but disappeared from golf bags and the reason is no secret; it’s the hybrid, that not-really-an-iron-or-wood. Hybrids are immensely easier to hit than the 2-, 3- and even 4- and 5- irons they have replaced and here are some of the best for the 2011 season.

Adams Golf – Adams made their reputation with the fabled Tight Lies and for the last several years the company has lead the hybrid count on the PGA Tour. is season the Idea Black Super Hybrid is new and described with the sobriquet a “hybrid on steroids.” Its longer shaft length and adjustable sole weight produce a mid-height launch and somewhat lower spin for more distance, Adams says as much as seven yards. Available now at $199.99.

Callaway Golf – RAZR X and RAZR X Tour Hybrids feature the new Zero Roll design Callaway says promotes a higher, longer flight even on those “thin” shots. e Tour model has less offset than the regular version but both have a larger head size for more forgiveness. ey are in shops now for $159 with the RAZR X Hybrid Graphite stock shaft.

Cleveland Golf – With a pronounced dual rail sole and what Cleveland calls a Retro-Raw Finish (the crowns are tumbled to produce a nice looking matte surface), the Mashie definitely doesn’t look like other hybrids.

Matched with the stock shaft, an aggressive Miyazaki C. Kua 59 Series that weights in at just over 60-grams, and the new Mashie lives up to Cleveland’s advertising as, “e Return of the Utility.” Priced at $149.99.

Cobra Golf – e Baffler utility club was a sensation 30 years ago when introduced and Cobra is looking to gain the same popularity with the Baffler Rail

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The Retro-Raw finish on the Cleveland Mashie is a throwback to utility clubs of 20 years ago having function and versatility.

Callaway’s Razr X Hybrids are available in a regular and Tour version.

Hybrid. It boasts a thin, high strength steel face and a sole rail pattern designed to be forgiving while reducing the amount of contact with the ground. Golf shops have them now anticipating the snow melting and grass greening at $149.99 Powerbilt Golf – Powerbilt is one of golf ’s iconic names with a legacy of fine products. eir current designs use compressed nitrogen gas inside the clubhead for support which allows the face to be thinner and therefore hotter. e Air Force One hybrids may have, according to Powerbilt research, the thinnest face in the industry and in our opinion it is one of the best values, a bargain at $119.99.

TaylorMade Golf – TMaG’s R11 Rescue Club not only comes with a lower center of gravity and slightly larger face but has adjustable loft, face angle and lie which means the R11 can be matched to any golfer’s swing. ose attributes though aren’t what’s apparent when you first look at the club. Like the new R11 driver the R11 Rescue has a distinctive white crown and black clubface-a great help with alignment. e regular version is $189.99 (Aldila RIP 65-gram shaft) and the TP version is $219.99 with an 85-gram RIP shaft. ere are many other new models which we hope to cover soon such as the Bridgestone Golf J36 hybrid offering sole weight pads, the Titleist 910H Hybrid designed with a higher moment of inertia, Wilson Golf’s Dxi hybrids featuring a 3-zone variable face thickness and the Tour Edge Golf easy to hit Trilogy hybrid.

Ed Travis is an award winning golf journalist based in suburban Orlando, Fla. who writes extensively about the game, its equipment and the business of golf.

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myNEGM Lesson Tee Check your lines for better ball striking

by Steve Riggs An effective and consistent golf swing depends on many factors. Most of these are found in the foundation of the swing.

One of these is checking your lines. It is one issue tour players are constantly checking because they know how important their lines are to effective ball striking.

Getting your lines parallel will lead to a golf swing that is more effective and consistent, plus making other swing issues easier to resolve.

You need 3 clubs. Two placed off the heel and toe of your practice club that create a lane for the ball and club to the target. e last club is placed at your feet.

Your goal is to reinforce that your shoulders, hips, knees and feet are parallel to each other. One exception: If you flare, or open your lead foot to the target, be sure this

guide club is parallel to the other two. In this case, place a fourth club along the ‘heel line’ of your feet and you will find IT is parallel to the others!

You are checking and reinforcing that: 1. Your shoulders are parallel to each other, regardless of the type of shot.

2. e hips are likewise parallel.

3. Your knees are parallel.

Simply put, it is important to develop the feel for having your ‘trail side’ behind or parallel to your ‘target side’.

Once you become comfortable checking and reinforcing good lines, you may find your golf swing more fluid and your balance improved.

The Road Back For Brad Adamonis

by Steve Riggs

Brad Adamonis of Cumberland, RI placed 93rd on the money list in 2008 earning over $860,000 his first full season on the PGA tour thus retaining his tour card for the 2009 season. But, 2009 saw Brad slip to 157th position with earnings of only $337, 961. Brad’s father lost a long battle with cancer in early October of that year taking a toll on this talented player from New England.

Time often being the best healer of loss, this 2011 golf season finds one of New England’s favorite sons Brad Adamonis on e Road Back to the PGA tour.

Primarily, Brad will compete on the Nationwide Tour this year starting with the season opening Panama Claro Open

then it is on to Bogota, Columbia for the Bogota Open.

While Brad failed to qualify for the Farmer’s Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, he felt good about his swing. “I felt good about my ball striking but not playing too much this winter, my flat stick, (putter), and short game are a little rusty. Overall, I’m feeling pretty good about my swing and game.” Adamonis said during an interview on the myNEGM Lesson Tee Internet/Radio Show recently.

In addition to monthly updates in New ENgland Golf Monthly magazine and the mynegm.com website, Brad will be on the myNEGM Lesson Tee Internet/Radio Show with regular updates on his progress on the Road Back.

Steve Riggs is a veteran teaching professional with over 30 years experience working with clients and consulting around the U.S. and Caribbean. Since his retirement from teaching, Steve has become a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and a contributor to NEGM and mynegm.com. He is the on air host/producer of the myNEGM LESSON TEE Radio/Internet Show airing each Wednesday from noon-1pm ET on WNRI 1380 AM Radio, mynegm.com and wnri.com.

54 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

Palopoli’s Picks: Fantasy Golf Selections

by Jeff Palopoli

Over the past few years we’ve seen a huge surge towards online fantasy sports. It allows the “average Joe’s”, the arm-chair quarterbacks, and the all around sports fanatics another way to get involved along with similarly interested fans in to the sport(s) they love.

Fantasy golf is no exception to this and there is no shortage of outlets or leagues to get involved in. e most popular is the one through Yahoo where you can create your own league, join private leagues, or ones open to the public. rough Yahoo, each week you choose four starters to start the tournament on ursday, and four bench players to switch out as starters for the remainder of the rounds. Yahoo splits these up in to three groups.

You choose one starter from the “A” group, two from the “B” group, and one starter from the “C” group, with the same number of players for your bench from each group. You are also only allotted 10 starts per player, per season, which adds in to the complexity and overall strategy.

Picking winners isn’t as easy as you would think, as you are usually picking players out of a field of 150, and we all know how golfers can be hot one minute

and not another.

So far this year I have one win (D.A. Points – AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM), and 11 other top 10 finishes from my selected players. Not a bad start, but certainly room for improvement.

For this week’s Honda Classic, the Tour visits Palm Beach, FL where Camilo Villegas will look to defend his title. Many times I will be sure to include the returning champion in my lineup, but for this week I’m staying away from Villegas as he’s having a rough year so far. My picks include: *Starting Foursome: Anthony Kim, Graeme McDowell, Bubba Watson, Justin Rose*Bench Players: Ernie Els, Alex Cejka, Brendan de Jong, Mark Wilson Please be sure to check out myNEGM.com each week, where I make my weekly Fantasy Golf picks every Wednesday for that week’s tournament! *At time of press, the full tournament field had not been finalized so some players may or may not be entered.

Jeff Palopoli is a frequent columnist for mhyNEGM.com and also writes at his blog www.goodwalkgolf.com.

He can be reached at Jeff@goodwalkgolf.com

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 55

Interview With Keegan Bradley - PGA Tour Rookie

by Greg Sampson

NEGM: What are some of your favorite memories of growing up in New England golf?

KB: I grew up playing the U.S. Challenge Cup and actually live here in Jupiter with Jon Curran. Out on tour Team New England plays practice rounds together, looks out for each other and the fans yell GO SOX! I am very proud to be from New England.

Keegan Bradley and Aunt LPGA Hall Of fame player Pat Bradley at Pebble Beach 2011

NEGM: You are the #2 rookie on e PGA Tour to date. To what do you attribute this early season success in 2011?

KB: I would have to say I owe a lot to the Nationwide Tour and the great experience it provided me with. I was in contention many times in 2010 and it has prepared me to feel comfortable in contention on the PGA Tour.

NEGM: You have some terrific sponsors in 2011. Can you tell me a little about them and their product?

KB: ankfully after my junior year at St. John’s Mike Dunphy from Cleveland Golf took me under his wing. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened in my career. e tour staff is extremely helpful and as far as I am concerned they make the best equipment in the business. My dad Mark is friends with the XGrass owner, Steve White. Steve played for Clemson and is one of the best mid-ams in the country, which allows him to design great greens. eir product has a great feel; it ‘s the best I have ever used. It even holds an 8 iron.

NEGM: Favorite Courses In New England?

KB: I love Quidnesset Country Club in RI but my absolute favorite is Portsmouth County Club in NH. NEGM: What is your best rookie experience to date?

KB: I held my first ever press conference at Pebble Beach filled with journalists like Jim McCabe who covered my aunt Pat Bradley on the LPGA Tour and can relate to my career. Being around the best players in the world is super gratifying but seeing my name on the leader board at Pebble Beach was the ultimate.

NEGM: Is it nice to be a member of Team New England on the PGA Tour?

KB: I have such support from the fans. Even though I am from Vermont when I am asked I proudly say I am from New England.

NEGM: ank you so much for sharing your thoughts with NEGM and the fans in New England.

Best of luck throughout the season. See you at the Travelers?

KB: anks Greg it was my pleasure. e Travelers is already on my schedule and hopefully the Deutche Bank Championship.

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56 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

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58 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

PGA Tour Scene

Photos by Ken Dennis Photography

John Daly Sporting Loudmouth Golf

Rickie fowler - Pretty in Puma A Team New england Pairing Tim Petrovic and James Driscoll

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JJ Henry Stares Down A Putt

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March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 59

Team New England On The Tours Two of five tours have started play as of this first UPDATE of 2011. e PGA Tour and Champions Tour are underway. e Nationwide Tour gets underway February 24th via the Panama Claro Open, LPGA Tour starts in ailand February 17th with the Honda ailand Open and the Duramed Futures Tour begins March 21st with the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic.

It promises to be an exciting year for Team New England with the likes of PGA TOUR rookie Keegan Bradley, Woodstock, VT and Chelsea Curtis, New Seabury, Ma entering her second competitive season on the Duramed Futures Tour after placing 17th on the money list in 2010. In all, we have 27 players competing for Team New England this year. Good luck to all of them!

PGA TOUR Keegan Bradley, VT after placing 14th in 2010 on the Nationwide Tour money list, this 26 year old from Woodstock, VT is proving to be our bright light for 2011 on the PGA TOUR as a rookie. He’s made all four cuts and is progressing with earnings of $304,925.

Brad Faxon, PGA (RI) still at his broadcasting gig this year will play where ever there’s an exemption or opening. Something tells me Brad is biding his time waiting to hit the Champion’s Tour later this year.

Brett Quigley, PGA (RI) using sponsor exemptions this season to try to get back in the top 125 to regain his Tour status has $34,965 in his solo outing so far at Pebble Beach.

Tim Petrovic, PGA (MA) is having a slow start in 2011 with only one cut in four outings thus far and earning only $17,000. As with J.J. Henry and a couple others, Tim is a work horse.

James Driscoll, PGA (MA) playing in two events as of this report made the cut at Pebble Beach winning $126,000. is could be his year.

J.J. Henry, PGA (CT) While making cuts in his first 4 starts, JJ’s highest finish was at Pebble Beach and a T15th. Currently Henry’s earnings are $318,493.

Kevin Johnson, PGA (MA) has not started this season. I have a feeling he has decided to do a bit more work on the Nationwide tour after his poor year on the PGA. Watch for an update on Kevin next month.

CHAMPIONS TOUR

LPGA TOUR

Our two ambassadors of golf from New England started their 2011 season with the Allianz Classic. Dana Quigley, MA was T-49th taking $5,220 while Alan Doyle, RI was T68th earning $1,692 T68th.

Both men are seasoned players in their 60s and still out there.

Starting in ailand the jury is still out on the medical status of Anna Grazabian, RI, 64th on the 2011 eligibility’s priority list was given a medical exemption in 2010. Liz Jenangelo, CT is not on the eligibility’s priority list for 2011, meaning she will have to qualify for events she hopes to compete in. Stay tuned.

Allison Walshe played in 7 events on the LPGA Tour in 2010 and earned $37,069. In winnings Walshe went on to finish in the top 125 on the LPGA money list at No. 108 to retain her card for 2011 and plans to play a full LPGA schedule this year and LET events on off weeks.

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NATIONWIDE TOUR e Nationwide had not started it season as of this writing but there is a lot at stake for Team New England in 2011.

Patrick Sheehan, (RI) takes aim at the PGA Tour this year. Last season, Patrick placed 61st in earnings on the Nationwide.

Trevor Murphy, Nationwide (VT) finished 71st on the money list last year and from a check of his stats, he’s just about there.

DURAMED FUTURES TOUR e Nationwide had not started it season as of this writing but there is a lot at stake for Team New England in 2011.

Chelsea Cutis MA Her 2010 tournament record looks a lot like most other rookies, with a mixture of missed cuts, a top five, more missed cuts and a top-15 finish.

Rob Oppenheim, Nationwide (MA) finishing 43rd in the earnings race in 2010 is one of my picks to get into the top 25 this year on the Nationwide.

Libby Smith VT In 2011 I will be playing a mix of LPGA and Futures Tour events. I hope you will follow along best you can and maybe I’ll see you along the ropes somewhere!! ank you for your support. I look forward to a great 2011 season!!

Geoff Sisk, Nationwide (MA) ended his 2010 season in 50th position in earnings and continues to grind toward the ‘big dance’ in the PGA Tour.

Julie Erekson MA In 2011 Julie once again will be playing on the Futures Tour Where she was ranked 57th in 2010. She had 2 top ten finishes in 2010. Best Finish in 2010 t 7 At Mercedes Benz K.C. Championship.

Justin Peters, Nationwide (MA) made cuts in over 60% of events played in 2010 and could be poised to make a big move this year on the Nationwide.

Brad Adamonis, Nationwide (RI) mounts his return to the PGA TOUR using the Nationwide as his access road.

Jeff Curl, Nationwide, (CT) while still formally not on the players list at this writing, started making a move back to full status on the Nationwide in 2010. Son of former Tour Player Rod Curl, Jeff just might be ready for a break out year.

Fran Quinn, (MA) remains on the medical exemption list due to his back problems that were discovered and requiring surgery late last spring. Ironically, it was almost a year ago Quinn won the Panama Claro just a couple months before his back problems were diagnosed. Our best wishes continue to be with Fran.

Briana Vega MA Duramed FUTURES Tour member Briana Vega won e Golf Channel's "Big Break VI: Trump National" show in midDecember last year collecting $21,000. She will return for her third season.

Kim Augusta RI Kim who was a member of the LPGA Tour in 1999,2000,2002, and 2004 will be on the Duramed Tour this year after finishing 103rd in 2009 and 2010.

2004 was her best year competing in 2004 Open Championship.

Haley Gildea RI Haley has been on the futures tour since 2008 playing in 29 event over 3 years. Her best finish was T46 in 2008 and has career earnings of #3,734She will return to the Duramed Futures Tour this year Amber Richardson RI Amber played in just one event in 2010 on the Duramed Futures Tour the Alliance Bank Golf Classic in Syracuse, N.Y. She will return in 2011

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What’s News Kick off Your Golf Season Early at EWGA’s 20th Anniversary Golfpalooza

Hundreds of golfers are headed to Amelia Island, Florida on April 13-16 for the 2011 EWGA Golfpalooza; Leadership Development, Business Networking and Golf Experience. Choose from a wide selection of fun golf tournaments for players of all skill levels and benefit from keynote presentations from business and golf leaders. Held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, the event also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association). Members and guests are welcome. Go to ewga.com events to learn more.

Kevin O'Connor Named USGA Regional Director of New England; Takes Over for Jim Farrell Who Retired in December Kevin O'Connor, a USGA staff member since 1995, has taken over as regional director of New England and will serve as the liaison between the New England associations and the USGA home office in Far Hills, New Jersey.

62 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

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44th Ouimet Tournament at Charles River, Dedham and Woodland

The Forty-fourth Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament will open at Charles River Country Club on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, continues at Dedham Country and Polo Club on Thursday, July 28, and concludes at Woodland Golf Club on Friday, July 29th

Adamonis wins 3 day event in Florida as he preps for Nationwide Tour opener Brad Adamonis took the 3 Day Cumulative event on the Minor League Golf Tour this past week over 3 different courses shooting 7071-68 for a total 209, winning by 2 shots.

While everyone can use $1,520 which is what Brad won, I am sure he'd agree it is about the competition. As he prepares to leave for a swing through Panama and the Panama Claro Open then the Bogeta Open in Columbia, Brad is putting the finishing touches on his swing and game as he ramps up for the Nationwide Tour and his eventual return to the PGA TOUR.

MGA to Partner With the USGA to Host the 2011 Handicap Seminar; Register Today for the Event on Thursday, April 7 at The Brookside Club Massachusetts Pro Golfers Finish This informative and important season kick- 1st and Second on the MLGT off event will be held on Thursday, April 7 at The Brookside Club in Bourne. The goal of the half-day seminar is to educate golfers, golf club staff and personnel as well as board members and handicap chairpersons about the USGA Handicap System.

Connecticut Pro Golfer Goes Bogey Free to Win on the MLGT ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. – Jim Fitzpatrick of Stratford, Conn., didn’t make a bogey and sailed to a five under par 67 and a Minor League Golf Tour victory on the Links at Madison Green. It was Fitzpatrick’s sixth victory since joining the MLGT in January, 2008, his first since last October. He received $1,000 from the $6,790 purse, raising his career earnings to $24,833.72.

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Scott Hawley of Shrewsbury, Mass., eagled the par-5 sixth hole during the second round Tuesday and it may have been the difference as he won on the Fuzion-Minor League Golf Tour at Binks Forest Golf Club. Coincidentally, Hawley made three birdies and two bogeys in each round in addition to the decisive eagle and shot 71-69—140 to win by two strokes.

It was his seventh MLGT victory, his third this year. He earned $2,025 from the $14,543 purse. Second on 7369—142 was Justin Peters of Stuart, who shares the record with 28 career MLGT titles. He received $1,450.

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 63

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Gorman vs. Geary

by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary

q. What’s your choice?

by Tom Gorman

Should fans be involved in rules decisions?

YES. First, it was Camilo Villegas being disqualified for signing a wrong scorecard in Hawaii. en, a few days later, it was Padraig Harrington in Abu Dhabi.

Who’s next?

A “good walk spoiled” for two of the sports high-profile players turned into a tormented walk inside the ropes, due to fluky rules violations, called in by separate television viewers, from the comfortable confines of their own living room. Who could make this goofy golf stuff up? is is not a tale from the darkside, but straight from the truth-is stranger-than-fiction file, and the issue has caused a firestorm of controversy over what the PGA & European TOUR should do about social media whistle-blowers around the world pointing out rules violations via Twitter feeds and Facebook posts!

Not since 1987 when Craig Stadler put a towel under his knees to protect his pants during an awkward shot under a tree and some keen spectator saw it on television, got in touch with the PGA Tour, and we had our first fan-related DQ, have so many golfers got their mojo worked up Because of these fan-intervention cases of “snitching,” we have more questions raised than answered, such as: Do the pros know the rules? Where are the rules officials when you need them? Should a rules official be installed in the TV booth during the entire telecast? Are players shown during the telecast subject to more scrutiny than those not shown? Should there be a time limit after signing the scorecard to prevent DQ? Is it time for the Royal & Ancient to review the scorecard issue? Are TV rules geeks the toast of the golf world?

Let’s go to the tape. Golf is different than other sports and competitors play by an honor code and call penalties on themselves. If rules officials want to go to the videotape after rounds to review potential breaches of the rules, I have no problem with that. Since the chances of this happening again any time soon is rarer than an albatross (double-eagle), I embrace the drama of the never-ending cycle of Big Brother is watching for transgressions.

Remember Dustin Johnson faux pas on the final hole of last year’s PGA Championship? Personally, I think the guy and his caddy “choked” under the pressure and chaos, but if it happened on the sixth hole of the open-

66 | New England Golf Monthly | March 2011

ing round, there’s a chance no one would have noticed and there would be no available video replay.

We’re talking about golf and its rules and rule makers, who treat the game’s 34 rules like the Ten Commandments.

It didn’t take any DQ hungry, armchair quarterback to impose the penalty on Johnson because the violation was obvious and a rules official alertly made the call, imposing the proper two-stroke penalty, before he signed his card. Message to DJ: read Bunkers 101!

Until some of the smart, well paid officials of the PGA Tour have a full-time rules official watch every moment of the telecast in HDTV and be the one that spots the problem, let the fans get involved. Incredible as it seems, golf remains the only sport in which fans can have a direct affect on the outcome.

If they made me Commissioner of Golf, I would DQ more players. I would DQ for using the F-bomb during play, for tossing a club, slamming a club into the ground & for spitting. Yes, spitting. I want players DQd for spitting while playing. Under Gorman’s rules of golf, three spits in 18 holes & you’re out! Immediate DQ and no appeal!

And, please Mr. Geary and other proponents of change please don’t blame the messenger. e Golf Channel & major TV networks are feeding the beast within us that strive to watch as much “live” pro golf as we can! Don’t want to hear the lame excuse that some viewers have way too much free time.

More so than any other sport golf clings to the notion that the game you see played on Tour Sunday is the same that will be played at Everytown, USA and every Municipal on Monday. Disqualifications have been a part of the game since golf went to the big screen, and HD clarity only promises to embolden armchair rules officials in the future!

Is the game being held hostage by rules violations?

Hell, no. Long live busybody television viewers!

(Tom Gorman, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America, is a Boston-based freelance golf writer.)

q. What’s your choice?

by Tim Geary

Should fans be involved in rules decisions?

Ring, ring, ring. "Hello, you have reached the office of the Commissioner of the National Football League.

How may I help you?" "Hi, my name is Tim Geary and I'd like to speak to Roger Goodell please." “One moment please.”

Ring, ring. "Hello?"

"Hi Rog. I hope I'm not taking you away from watching the Black Eyed Peas or anything." "Who is this?" "Well, you don't know me. I'm just a fan watching the Super Bowl, but I had to call because I think I saw Chad Clifton holding during that first quarter touchdown pass that Rodgers threw to Nelson. I think you should take a look at the tape because it was pretty flagrant and nobody threw a flag." Absurd you say?

Certainly it's absurd. Aside from the fact that an ordinary person could never get through to Goodell, it's preposterous to suggest that a fan could call up to point out a missed holding penalty and expect that somebody would review the tape and then after the game announce; "Green Bay's first quarter touchdown has been expunged because of a rules violation. ose points are now deemed null and void and thusly we have no other choice but to proclaim the Pittsburgh Steelers as Super Bowl Champions." It’s ridiculous, yet it happens on the PGA Tour and I would expect has occurred on the LPGA Tour with alarming regularity. Fans watching a telecast observe a rules violation that the people in charge of the event miss and drop a dime on the offending player, resulting in either a penalty stroke(s) or sometimes disqualification.

Yes, Dustin Johnson grounded his club in a bunker during last year’s PGA tournament and needed to be penalized, but it should have been the result of observation from an official, not brought to everyone’s attention by some Joe Six Pack, who happens to have the PGA of America’s 800 number on his speed dial.

Years ago Craig Stadler was penalized when he put a towel on the ground under a tree because he had to knee to address the ball and didn’t want to ruin his pants. Somebody reached out and touched ‘e Walrus’, citing an extreme of the “building a stance” rule.

Fans are the lifeblood of any professional sport and none more so than golf, but watching a tournament and affecting the outcome are two very different things.

It’s up to the officials of a tournament and the organization running the event to police their sport, not the viewing public. It’s up to the other players in the group to make sure their partners are not violating the rules. It’s part of their job.

We certainly want everything to be above board and scoring to be accurate, but if a player has his or her ball move slightly after it’s been addressed, it shouldn’t be you or me, sitting on our couch, who calls it to anyone’s attention.

Why can’t, for example, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem have a rules officials stationed someplace with a monitor, watching the same telecast as us?

And that brings us to the other part of this situation. If Tiger Woods or other top players make a mistake (cheat?), everyone sees it because almost every shot they execute is recorded. But if the 150th player in the world commits the same infraction, they are likely not going to have it shown to however millions of viewers who have tuned in to watch the tournament. Therefore it’s selective enforcement and that in itself is blatantly unfair.

We want our golf tournaments to be contested with integrity and for the winner to be decided honestly and without any reservations, but this practice of the public sticking its two cents worth in has to stop. ere’s a reason why they have ropes on the PGA and LPGA Tours -- separation. It should extend even further than the fairways.

(Tim Geary is a Rhode Island-based freelance writer, who has been covering golf since 1975. He only makes phone calls during tournaments to order Pizza).

Gorman Vs. Geary the battle goes on in 2011. Email special request topics for these two seasoned New England writers. From both ends of the spectrum the Dynamic Duo will give their take on both sides of any golf issue. Tom Gorman's spirited take on the world of golf and life and Tim Geary's ever practical rebuttal.It never gets old between these two spirited writers. info@newenglandgolfmonthly.com or for comments go to www.mynegm.com

March 2011 | New England Golf Monthly | 67

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