New England Golf Monthly - April 2012 by New England Golf Monthly

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PACK UP SOME WATERFRONT MEMORIES. ENJOY YOUR SEAPORT EXPERIENCE. Take time to explore the HarborWalk. Take time out for a massage. Take a few minutes to let our expansive harbor views rejuvenate you like a fresh sea breeze. And if you want to get in a round of golf, ask about our preferred Stay & Play rates at Granite Links, one of New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spectacular golf courses. Just ten minutes from the Seaport Hotel. Enjoy your stay with us. Complimentary WiFi | 5,000 SF Fitness Center & Pool | Complimentary Bicycles

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4 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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From the Editor The Path To A Better Game Golf as with all things in life is measured by ability and results. In life and in golf our most difficult challenges always turn out to be ourselves, not the obstacles. There is simplicity to the game that is almost ironic. So often in life I have heard, choose the right path and the journey will be rewarding. The game is timeless and will never allow us to dwell on what happened last, it is all about now and being in the moment. I once heard Dave Pelz say,” golf is all about the path traveled. Your motion, your club and the ball are the variables but the path must always be true for consistent results”. He elaborated by saying “a 3 foot put is a 5 foot path from beginning to end when we factor in swing distance and roll of the ball”. The worse mistake in putting is being short you never get to see true line. In This Issue you will find our game improvement section called “30 Days to a Better Game”. It too is about a path to a better understanding of our game and what need to do to improve. There are thousands of teaching philosophies and game improvement theories that are out there today. Golf is full of gadgets and training devices, many of which really are effective. I have always had trouble reading golf magazines that break down the golf swing into such a science that you need a master degree in physics to understand the point. I think golf should be simple and if you find something that works, you should stick with it. I never want to get too far away from the simplicity of the game and the enjoyment it brings me when I play. Golf’s strength is and always will be about the great friendships and wonderful places the game brings us. It is, in every sense of the word, a path and a journey of learning and playing the game. The most telling moment of the game may be the final score but it is the path along the way that will be remembered long after the numbers fade away. It’s hard for me personally to remember all the details of the best rounds I have ever played. On the other hand I remember clearly all the details of a round a few years ago when I shot 92, I made a hole in one that day and I remember everything.

CONTENTS

The Perfect Life by Katherine Dyson

Good Looks on the Course

9 13

by Elle Brec

by Emily Kay

Couple of Travelers

Kay's Korner

by Alice and Danny Scott

Celebrity Golfer

by Leigh MacKay

Molori Unplugged

by John Molori

by Jack Ross

30 Days To A Better Game

Ross' Rulings

with Dennis Sales

Player’s Perspective

by Ed Travis

MyNEGM Lesson Tee

by Steve Riggs

Palopoli's Picks

by Jeff Palopoli

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

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

6 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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The Perfect Life by Katherine Dyson

Perfect Places to Learn, Play & Stay After a winter where the loneliest implement in your garage was your snow shovel, many golf courses have opened early. But are you ready for the tournaments, the leagues, or that match game with the big guns in your company? is might be a perfect time to take charge and jump-start your golf with some new game-enhancing products and places where you can take some instruction, maybe bring your family and help your kids get into the game as well. Here are some ideas for you. Annika Power Near the top of Annika Sorenstam’s list —outside her family that is — lies a passion for fitness and health.“I have been interested in this since I was a kid," she said. is passion is revealed in the emphasis on fitness and kind of instruction at the Annika Academy, a boutique school catering to individuals and small groups. Here you can be sure you will receive personalized instruction both in golf and in fitness and health issues. Located in a 5,400 square-foot facility on the

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grounds of Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida, the fitness facilities are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment while the ambiance evokes a private health club. On the golf side you have hitting bays, video analysis and Callaway Golf club fitting equipment as well as a driving range and practice areas. “e Player’s Package” at $1,900includes three hours of instruction on three consecutive days; 54 holes of golf; and breakfasts. Other packages add personal attention from Annika. One even gives you oncourse instruction and lunch with the champion

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while the Soren-Slam Package at $9,245 (think Mother’s Day) includes nine holes of golf with Annika.Add on a stay at Reunion, a Grand Golf Resort of Florida where the condo accommodations are perfect for you and the other golfers in your group. Play three courses designed by Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus and take time for a treatment at the spa.theannikaacademy.com

Ultimate Golf Fix For that perfect buddy jump-start, go to e PGA Learning Center at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida, the mother of all golf teaching schools. If you can’t find a way to improve your game here, you should be declared hopeless.

Just look at all you have to work with on this 35acre playground: high-tech virtual playing simulator, Sirgul 180 and analysis tech equipment like the Trackman to see how you’re striking the ball. ere are more than 100 Full-Swing Practice Stations, nine practice bunkers, pitching and chipping practice areas, 7,000 square feet of practice putting greens and a three-hole Teaching Course plus a 6-hole Short Course. And perhaps most important of all, you will be guided by quality teachers like Mark Drenga, Mark Peterson and Rafael Floriani, along with David Donatucci who will evaluate your fitness and health issues and give you a program to take home. Here you can play three super courses:Pete Dye's links-style track;Tom Fazio's Wanamakerand Ryder Courses. An impressive Historical Center is a mustvisit where you can see everything from the major golf trophies to vintage photos of golfing greats. Also check out the big-time golf reference library. Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn a five-iron shot from the teaching center. e surprise? Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern serving up phenomena: oak-grilled steaks. Or share a Perfect Drive Villa. Stay & Play packages are priced f rom $102; a 21/2 day golf school from $835 with several other programs available including play & Stay with instruction. Fly into Jacksonville. pgavillage.com

Perfect Family & Golf Getaway Take miles of white sandy beaches, condo accommodations and more than 100 golf courses and you have a perfect getaway formula for the entire family.One company that really pushes the importance of family golf is NGM (National Golf Management) that is serious about promoting junior golf.We’re talking Myrtle Beach in the Carolinas where NGM manages more than 23 courses including top tracks like King’s North, Tidewater Golf Club and Pawley’s Plantation.

eir “Kids Play Free” program invites juniors age 16 and under to play free with a paying adult. So here’s the plan.You play golf in the morning when everyone is as frisky as young colts, maybe take in a

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clinic or lesson, then in the afternoon you head to the beach. At night there are so many fun things to do like taking a spin on the SkyWheel or swooshing down 11 diﬀerent slides or zipping around in go carts at Wild Water & Wheels. NGM sponsors junior tournaments throughout the year. For example for anksgiving, bring your golfing junior(s) to Myrtle Beach to play in the George Holliday Memorial — think Lucas Glover and Kristy McPherson who have participated in this tourney in the past. Mbn.com

staying on plane. e Vision Track helps you establish the proper swing path to eliminate slicing and hooking. It’s so easy, even cave people can use it. Sweet. ($19.95) Medicus.com

Perfect Spa Treatment

Perfect New Tools to Pump Up Your Game

It might seem everyone has a new bright idea for improving your golf game, a bent piece of metal manufactured in a garage to keep club handles dry; a golf bag that opens from the front; a tee that will give you 10 more yards.So here’s a nifty idea from Medicus Golf that’s more basic common sense than hardware.“e 5 Simple Keys to Consistency” acknowledges there are five things all great players have in common: a steady head; weight forward at impact; flat left wrist; sweet spot path; and club face control. Medicus’ VisionTrack PRO, helps you reach that perfect swing. It’s a simple four-piece aid with long flat “arms” that fold up so you can stick it in your bag.You simply place it on the ground and line up the directional pieces. ere is the stance line you set parallel to the target; the alternate target line indicating the direction the sweet spot on the club travels; the stance line indicator let you know where ball position should be relative to your body; and a short travelling arm that serves as a check to see if you are

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Leave it to someone from California to come up with a spa product utilizing a golf ball: the new SPAball Kaddy. e Kaddy was developed by a massage therapist after a client told her he received relief by rolling around on a ball to self-massage. In a nut shell, a golf ball is placed in a cup-like device allowing the massage therapist to roll the ball comfortably into the muscles.SPAball Kaddy results in much less wear and tear and better maneuverability for the therapist and more relief for their clients.($14.95) KaddyBACK is a takeoﬀ on the common practice of putting a golf ball in a sock, placing it against the upper back area, and pushing it against a wall to allow the ball to massage hard to reach back areas. KaddyBACK does the same thing without a therapist allowing you to work your muscles hands-free while in a car, chair, etc. .And the good news: You don’t have to be a golfer to benefit from these products.GolfBallMassage.com

Eye on Transitions After seeing the sunglasses-by-night craze take hold about three years ago, it’s time to get real with lenses that can work both day and night and still allow you to see without cracking into a pole. And when you’re playing golf, going from bright to twilight on those long days can be a tricky business as far as sunglasses go. Instead of turning a blind eye, turn to Transitions. Like magic the lens change as the light changes. No more glare. No more blaming the sun for a bad shot.

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One of the coolest looks is the Nike MAX Transitions Golf Tint, a light violet lens known to enhance contrast and ideal for golf, accentuating the contours of the green and amplifying the white of the ball. It’s called “photochromic” technology. Transitions adap-

Founded in 1969 by Arnold Palmer, the school occupies 22 acres with classrooms, weatherproof hitting areas, video technology, and excellent teaching professionals. ere’s even a place to practice going over water and after your instruction you can put what

tive sun wear glasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays promoting good eye health. Transitions has also partnered with Callaway and Oakley for other fashion-forward styles. Here’s lookin’ at you.

you’ve learned to use on Stratton’s three nine-hole loops, Mountain, Forest and Lake. Designed by Geoﬀrey Cornish and Brian Silva,Lake to Mountain, site of LPGA and Futures tournament play, is the most requested but each layout has its share of challenging holes. Ask about special programs for women, juniors and families as well as stay & play packages.A one-day golf school starts at $199 including golf, unlimited facility access while two and three day rates from $379 give you after school play on Stratton’s courses.www.stratton.com

Mountain Highs e hardest thing about Vermont’s Stratton Golf School is concentrating on golf.e Green Mountain views can steal you away and the golf instructors make learning so much fun, it’s easy to forget why you are there.

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EVEN SLIPPERS WISH THEY WERE THIS

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Where Will You Play in 2012?

NEJGTour.com

The NEJGT is playing 18 ranked events from New Jersey to Massachusetts. No flights, no extended stays, for players aged 11-19.

For More Information: 203-542-0882 Register Online at: NEJGTour.com

12 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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Good Looks on the Course

Brighten Your Game

by Elle Brec

with colorful apparel and accessories TaylorMade - Adidas - Ashworth

Play Bold with the adidas Fashion Performance golf line debuting for Spring/Summer 2012, finally available for purchase at adidasgolf.com. Vibrant color combinations make for a dynamic, confident look with each piece offering a tailored, comfortable fit without sacrificing performance. Featuring bold colors of turquoise, lime green, royal blue, purple, and orange in stripes, solids, and unique patterns, the line combines tour-proven performance technologies with contemporary, fashion-forward styling. Adidas athlete Justin Rose earned first world golf championship victory to place him in the top 10 official world golf rankings wears Climalite apparel, adicross footwear, and the tech flat front pant. A division of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Ashworth Golf offers bold reds, sky blues, and dark plum in a variety of styles and patterns. Ashworth announced that Fred Couples signed again for his 24th year, they have also added a vast array of talent, personality and style to its already impactful team with 30 new brand ambassadors from the PGA, Nationwide and Champions Tours, with notable newcomers that include Justin Leonard, Rory Sabbatini and Johnson Wagner. LPGA Tour stars Creamer and Natalie Gulbis both fashion adidas TaylorMade apparel and accessories, mostly in the color pink. e genetically endowed ladies made special appearances to help launch TaylorMade's white metal woods this spring - the R11 and the Burner Superfast line of drivers. TaylorMade's new R11 driver

features Adjustable Sole Plate technology, Flight Control technology as well as activates the three dimensions with distance Movable Weight technology. Creamer's bag also includes the Tour Preferred CB irons, one of three new forged irons. Visit Taylormadegolf.com (for equipment) or adidasgolf.com (for apparel) for a chance to win the Fantasy Foursome opportunity to play a round with professional golfers and Sports Illustrated models, Natalie Gulbis and Julie Henderson.

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PUMA Cobra

Rickie Fowler outfitted in extreme green Puma headwear to soles for the Waste Management Open in Phoenix, along with many other players who donned green apparel to show their support for the environmental initiative. Rickie Fowler also tossed out green monoline hats to fans showing their green support at the grandstand on the 16th hole. Innovative product introductions in apparel and footwear further boosted PUMA’s mark in a sport that had long been perceived as too traditional for cutting-edge fashion. Puma athlete Lexi ompson is familiar with breaking barriers as the youngest winner in LPGA history and the talent to be the next megastar. She dresses her age with cute bright colors such as the multi-stripe matching shirt and skort to appear as a dress, pictured here. We look forward to viewing her in more LPGA events this year and the Puma outfits she’ll be wearing. In her duel role as Golfer/Model, Blair O’Neil not only demos Cobra Drivers, she is also the face of the Cobra marketing campaign. Pictured here with Puma baseball athlete Johnny Damon who also loves to golf, Blair is modeling the new line in the lime green attire with the magenta pink military cap. e new Spring Summer 2012 Collection, features Coolmax technology to keep you insulates during cool morning tee times and wicks away sweat when the heat’s on. TransDry Moisture Management Technology by Cotton Incorporated: Fabric provides moisture wicking, enhanced horizontal spread, fast drying, and reduced cling for the utmost comfort. Stay fresh with Pure by HeiQ Silver Anti-Microbial technology and an industry high in protection against UV rays with UPF 50+ shirts. Dri-Release Moisture Wick-

14 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

ing Finish with Fresh Guard Odor Neutralizer is a sustainable, recycled Polyester/organic cotton blend drying four times faster than cotton alone. It has durable wicking qualities, resists pilling and wrinkling, neutralizes odor, and is great for layering.

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Saturday

Sunday

Keegan Bradley's Outfits by Tommy for The Masters Weekend 2012

Tommy Hilfiger Keegan Bradley will be wearing the best of the best of Tommy Hilfiger for the Master’s this year. Wearing many nice shades of blue paired with heather gray, navy, or khaki, and one day wearing bold cactus green pants. Vintage Modern oﬀers sophisticated golf classics, including striped polos and argyle sweaters if it’s cool, rendered in bright pops of color. Urban Picnic features tailored pieces in a jewel tone color palette of mazarine blue, cactus, sunset golf, fuschia, and orange are grounded with midnight navy and white. Winter Beach infuses nautical inspirations in a muted palette of black, heather grey, charcoal and blue with accents of forest green. Key to the collection are designs that incorporate three technical performance fabrics. TH Cotton is a 100% cotton fabric used as the foundation for the golf collection to ensure superior quality and comfort. TH Tech is a 100% polyester fabric with moisture wicking capabilities that keep garments dry and provide the anti-odor properties essential in a technical garment. TH Comfort Tech is a hybrid cotton fabric that combines style and comfort with the functional properties required in performance driven garments. rough a licensing agreement with e Fletcher

Leisure Group, the men's and women's golf line is available in the U.S., Canada and Europe at private and public golf clubs, golf specialty stores, sport specialty stores, and select resorts, as well as in the corporate channel and on tommy.com. Tommy Hilfiger launched men's golf apparel in 1994 and expanded into women's golf apparel in 2000; in 2004 the collection was introduced in Europe. e collection oﬀers a wide selection of garments with approximately 100 styles for men and 75 versatile styles for women with expected retail prices ranging from $65 for short-sleeved polos to $120 for sophisticated outerwear options. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality menswear, womenswear, and children's apparel collections. rough select licensees, the Group oﬀers complementary lifestyle products such as sportswear for men, women and children; footwear; athletic apparel (golf, swim and sailing), eyewear, watches, handbags, socks, small leather goods, fragrances, and luggage. Merchandise under the Tommy Hilfiger brands is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of Tommy Hilfiger retail stores, leading specialty and department stores or on tommy.com.

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Glove It Queens, Princesses, and even Princes have shown that Purple is the color of royalty. Tail has a color story called Purple Reign for women encompassing shirts by the names of Glamorous, Invincible, Incredible, and Precious. For young girls just learning the game they have a new line available in Purple Smash with violet and light green, Nantucket Preppy with fun light pink, navy and grass green plaid, or Palm Beach Princess with raspberry and sea green. Or women Party Animals style the shirt Links like a lynx with a glimpse of leopard print, or the Courage shirt with a jacquard stripe, and pristine Alive shirt paired with the Power Short available in Grenadine or Dove. In the Rough line with the Determination pedal pusher paired with a Brave skort will help breakthrough the tough shots, and the Time to Shine line with sunny beaming yellows and shimmering golds in Cheer and Tremendous shirts or Gorgeous Dress are perfect for warm afternoons or for bright, cooler mornings the

Fierce Vest or Elegant Sweater. Tail Activewear is located at the intersection of performance and fashion. ose that want the best will appreciate the way the garments are designed to perform. Maintain the critical balance between fit and function with keen attention to things like moisture management, wind and rain protection, anti-microbial fabrics and constructions that minimize friction and fabric creep. Self-assuredness will translate into a measurable advantage on course or court, as Tail is also available in a tennis line. Determined to perpetuate legendary style in apparel that allows today's player the freedom of movement and flexibility to excel, Tail Activewear relies on the over 2,000 private clubs and specialty retailers to provide clientele with the latest products or purchase at www.tailactivewear.com. Tail Activewear is proudly aﬃliated with the EWGA, the Executive Women’s Golf Association, visit www.ewga.com to connect, learn, play, or belong.

Abacus Freedom of Motion is the main focus of the 2012 season for the successful Swedish golf brand Abacus as they introduce a new invigorating collection for active lifestyles. Superb function combined with contemporary style is the natural foundation for Abacus. Relying on the highest standards of fabric and function, focusing on keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable when the elements on the golf course challenge you, Abacus rises above the rest. eir style is taking simple classic looks to the next level with fantastic designs and beautiful fabrics. is year, their outerwear is available in a variety of fun colors such as royal blue, red, olive green, ad purple for the ladies. Debuting this year is the new Barton, the diﬀerentiation in this jacket is the beehive pattern

16 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

in the material with top of the line 10,000/10,000g waterproof to breathability ratio, guaranteeing you stay dry and comfortable. It is extraordinarily light, easy to pack, and of course, allows for the freedom of motion with its extreme flexibility. Abacus markets and sells leisure clothing with golf at the heart of its inspiration. e company has been the oﬃcial European Solheim Cup team apparel provider since 2007 and will continue in this tradition in 2011. e goal is to continue developing Abacus into an international lifestyle brand that reaches beyond the world of golf. FairwayStyles.com carries the wide range of Abacus golf apparel including golf belts, golf shirts, stylish golf pants, rain gear and more.

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Tifosi Tifosi Optics sunglasses feature fun colors for men, women, and kids. With colorful blue, reds, and pink golf sunglasses available with interchangeable lens technology, protecting your eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays has never been so fun. 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. On the tee, fairway to the green, the GT tint is designed to help keep your eye on the ball. Available in Golf/Tennis Interchangeable models and as a Fototec lens. e Tifosi Optics EC lens tint is designed for athletes seeking an edge in distinguishing terrain details. e hue of EC increases

light contrast by filtering the blue light spectrum that is responsible for optical blurring and decreased contrast in bright light conditions. Use this lens tint for spotting the subtle breaks of a putting green or the lines of your local single track. Available in Golf/Tennis Interchangeable models and as a Fototec lens. Some of the great features of the sunglasses are the frames are made of Grilamid TR-90, a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density, and high resistance to chemical and UV damage, hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces for a no-slip fit, and adjustable ear pieces for a customizable, comfortable fit.

Tail Freedom of Motion is the main focus of the 2012 season for the successful Swedish golf brand Abacus as they introduce a new invigorating collection for active lifestyles. Superb function combined with contemporary style is the natural foundation for Abacus. Relying on the highest standards of fabric and function, focusing on keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable when the elements on the golf course challenge you, Abacus rises above the rest. eir style is taking simple classic looks to the next level with fantastic designs and beautiful fabrics. is year, their outerwear is available in a variety of fun colors such as royal blue, red, olive green, ad purple for the ladies. Debuting this year is the new Barton, the diﬀerentiation in this jacket is the beehive pattern

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Kay’s Korner

Golf after bankruptcy:

Five New England success stories

Peter Harrity knew the wolf was at Casey Bierer, a former Golf Channel business rethe door. Recognizing early the finan- porter, and his brother Don, a successful commercial cial crisis facing his industry, the owner real estate manager, to manage the short, but classiof New Hampshire’s Candia Woods cally New England, 18-hole facility. e Bierers recby Emily Kay Golf Links and e Oaks Golf Course ognized that the formerly private and semi-private made some unusual choices. club had to cater to its working-class demographic. “We saw this coming five or six years ago,” Harrity “You can’t really charge $80 to play a smaller golf told us last September. “A lot of course were facing course,” Casey Bierer said, “unless you have a Donald foreclosure and default when we saw demand dip, so we made a conscious decision not to cut rates, prices, or cart fees.” Courses by the score were about to go under, others were slashing fees just to survive, yet Harrity stood firm, explaining that the business had come to a fork in the road. “We could cut rates and...trim maintenance budgets, reduce staff,” Harrity wrote in a well-circulated white paper, “or we could...focus on creating an exceptional golf experience.” Harrity chose the latter and his strategy paid off. In the two-plus years that he’s offered the inWentworth Hills novative, no-fee EvergreenPlus Card membership concept, in which golfers use a debit card to pay for greens fees and more, 700 new players have enlisted with Harrity. Many of his competitors have been less fortunate, as course after course heads to the foreclosure-auction block. With supply outpacing demand for the sixth straight year, some 158 18hole operations in the U.S. shut down in 2011, compared with 19 launches, according to the National Golf Foundation. e trend, which has seen almost 360 clubs shuttered since the market’s peak in 2005, will continue for the foreseeable future in New England and elsewhere, NGF said. Atkinson Resort Clubhouse Yet, while Hickory Ridge Country Club was the most recent Massachusetts track to change hands via foreclosure auction, new owners Ross name attached to it.” across the region were taking cues from creative opIn addition to hitting the pricing “sweet spot” ($32 erators like Harrity and injecting new life into for- for weekday walkers, $42 on weekends), the new merly moribund properties. After all, as Casey owners have controlled costs by outsourcing the food Bierer, co-general manager of Wentworth Hills and beverage operation and offering lessons with an Golf Club, told us, “It’s not rocket science. If you off-premises instructor who uses the Wentworth fapay close attention and do the little things well, you cilities. “We have a PGA professional without having can turn out a very good product.” to pay a PGA professional,” Brierer said. As the spring season kicks off unusually early this As for bottom-line results, the course, which puryear, here are five clubs proving that golf can, indeed, chased 70 new carts, is “way ahead” of last year’s pace flourish after bankruptcy. in booking outings and tournaments, said Brierer. Wentworth Hills Golf Club, Plainville, Mass. -- “Our phones are ringing off the hook.” Last year, when Wentworth Hills Property bought the Lakeville CC, Lakeville, Mass. -- e public course club with a history of financial woes, the firm hired that gained national renown when vandals carved a

18 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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Pleasant Valley Country Club swastika on the 18th green dodged a foreclosure auction last year after a town selectman bought the property for $3.2 million. Derek Maksy will reportedly sink $400,000 into renovations and has already made so many changes to the property just this side of Cape Cod that long-time pro shop manager Lou Mincone hardly recognizes the 43-year-old facility. “I’ve been here for 12 years and I never knew there was a stone wall underneath the 18th tee box,” Mincone said. “Since October, Maksy’s done more than I’ve seen in the last six or seven years.” A cranberry grower, Maksy brought in his own equipment to renovate the cart paths and some fairways. But the dark, outdated clubhouse will undergo the most extensive redo in the club’s eﬀorts to win back golfers who went elsewhere during Lakeville’s tumultuous upheaval. Mincone was pleased with the results of a concerted membership drive at the end of 2011 that netted 400 new affiliates, each of whom bought a two-year pass for $198 (covering weekday green fees, excluding a mandatory $20 cart fee) or $348 (weekends, same deal). “I have a feeling we’re going to be very, very busy because the course looks great,” he said.

Hickory Ridge Country Club

Lakeville Country Club Great Neck CC, Waterford, Conn. -- A name change was the first priority for the caretakers of this private club overlooking the Long Island Sound. “We wanted to get away from any reference to Waterford or New London,” said Ann Mortimer, who co-owns the former New London CC with her husband Dave. “We [wanted] to let people know it’s a new venture and not just a continuation of the old.” With superior customer service the goal and the Mortimers expecting most profits from food and beverage sales, much of their $1 million investment has gone into clubhouse and pro shop renovations as well as an expansion of the restaurant and banquet facilities. e 18-hole course remained in excellent shape, thanks to the previous owner’s recent addition of a high-end irrigation and sprinkler system. With 180 current members, Great Neck will be well ahead of last year’s headcount of 185 if all 50 golfers who say they’ll join actually do so. “We’re really pleased where we’re at already,” said Mortimer, who noted that each golfer pays an annual fee of $2,600 ($3,600 for a couple), with no bonds, initiation fees, minimums, or other dues. Black Swan CC, Georgetown, Mass. -- Also reopening under a new name was the formerly private Georgetown Club. Thanks to a $1 million infusion of cash, Black Swan Country Club LLC began in 2010 to revamp each bunker and rebuild all the tee boxes and the practice range at the nowpublic course. e heavy lifting worked its magic, as Black Swan golfers played 26,000 rounds last year and head pro Anthony Martinho expected to exceed that number in 2012. e facility also sold out its 115 inner-club memberships and has a waiting list for the $3,000 unlimited-play spots. New England Golf Monthly | April 2012 | 19

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Poland Spring, A bit of history, great golf and value

by Dave Irons

One hundred years ago, Donald Ross was hired to redesign a nine hole layout and add another nine to what was the first resort golf course in the United States.e first nine had been laid out by Arthur Fenn at Poland Spring, a resort that grew out of the waters that flowed so abundantly from the natural spring on the property.By the time Fenn laid out that first nine in 1897, the resort had already been receiving guests for more than a century, and the golf proved so popular that Ross was brought in to create a course that would attract even more golfers.It was the first Ross course in Maine. It worked.During the first half of the century, the list of celebrities who played this 18 hole championship course included Babe Ruth, Walter Hagan, Bobby Jones, Joe Kennedy, Harry Vardon, President Taft, Jack Parr and Ben Hogan.Boxer Sonny Liston trained at the hotel before his devastating defeat in nearby Lewiston at the hands of then Cassius Clay.Of course, he is better known as Muhammed Ali, and the fight ended before many found their seats. In those years before the expansion of golf in Maine, Poland Spring was the place to play for championships. Over the years the Maine Amateur and many others were contested at the resort.e local players enjoyed

the same features that attracted golfers and guests from all over the country. e hill top location provides views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains in the distance and nearby of lakes and the Western Maine Mountains.After about 20 years of restoration and improvements Poland Spring is as close as possible to the original Ross design, with some holes playing tricks on the eye.Believe the scorecard yardage, not your eye, but be aware of small greens such as the first. At 340 yards, the hole seems short especially with plenty of room to hit the driver, but the green slopes away and anything long will be oﬀ the back and it’s critical to be on the same tier as the flag. e first three holes are open, but the fourth drops straight downhill through the forest.is combination continues with water in places and woods to avoid as the fairways climb back toward the clubhouse after the eleventh hole.Course knowledge can really help the score and the resort’s “Unlimited Golf” packages make it easy to gain. How does a weekend package of three days of unlimited golf, two nights lodging two breakfasts and one evening meal sound for $204.99 pp/do.ere are more options depending on the accommodations.e resort

20 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012 | Golf Travel

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has the Maine Inn, Presidential Inn, e Lodge, Cottages, e Roosevelt House and the Beach House giving the flexibility to fit any size group or budget.e meals in the dining room are all you can eat buﬀet style and no golfer can hit the links hungry after the breakfast available each morning, and no one can leave the dining needing more after the evening meal. Over the pro shop Mel’s hilltop Restaurant is a great place to relax between rounds and the veranda features views out over the golf course with Mount Washington as a backdrop.In the evening Rick’s Pub in the Maine Inn has a large flat screen TV to watch sports.ose preferring a lakeside setting can drive to the bottom of the hill along Rte. 26 to Cyndi’s Dockside restaurant. In recent years the golf has been expanded and emphasized at the resort.A golf school has been formed under the direction of PGA Professional Allan Menne and across Rte. 26 is a brand new range with both grass and mats to hit from and it will take a smash of 330 yards to reach the woods.A practice bunker is available for learning those escape shots. For most, the golf, the lodging and meals for the money would be enough, but there is a lot more at Poland Spring.In 1893 the World’s Fair in Chicago had a beautiful granite Maine State Building.e building was taken down, trucked back to Maine and reassembled at Poland Spring, where it houses a museum showing the history of the resort dating back over 200 years.e golf section has pictures of the celebrities when they played there along with some of the clubs they swung.e building is also home to the Maine Golf Hall of Fame where visiting golfers can learn about past champions and those who built the sport in the state. Looking for more?Opening in June is the new Oxford Casino.Just seven miles up Rte 26, this brand new casino will have slots, table games and a restaurant.

18 Hole par 71, 6,178 yards, Slope 124 www.polandspringresort.com

207-998-4351 For day trippers the rates are reasonable Mon-ur $35 | Fri-Sun $40 Second round same day Half price Pro Shop207-998-6002 Golf Travel | April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 21

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Couple of Travelers by Alice and Danny Scott

Fabulous First Coast of Florida

Like first explorers, delight in the treasures of Amelia Island where renovations at the Ritz Carlton have birthed a new paradise for the salt of the earth.Literally, salt is the theme, inspired by the sand dunes gracing the boardwalk to the ocean. The only rock we eat, familiar table salt is void of minerals that the Ritz has fixed with over 50 natural salts, infused with flavor and paired with cuisine by the “Salt Sommelier.” Flavor permeates the resort, from the towering oaks laced with Spanish moss, a welcoming staff attending to every need, storing golf clubs, retrieved at a moment’s notice for a round on the McCumber and Littler designed course. Fun, challenging and beautiful with ocean breeze and sounds, it begs for replay. Wake to the sun rising over the sea. Grab coffee and comb the beach or explore the quaint island where the shrimp industry began 100 years ago. Spanish history and Victorian architecture in Fernandina lead to the marina. Shop, eat, banter with locals or take a boat tour, returning home to the Ritz where everybody knows your name. First class but laid back like the island, every pool and Jacuzzi pulses with a soothing waterfall. Therapists at the spa customize service with a passion, bringing the salt theme back to foot exfoliation and Moroccan

oils for hair hydration. 42 chefs and cooks raise the delectable bar. Farm fresh to the table, every dish is more exquisite than the last. Even sports bar sliders are gourmet. Recipes are shared, but techniques and technology can’t be duplicated. You just have to go to taste the best cuisine worldwide. Dance in the evening or say good night after a beach fire pit with s’ mores, fine cigars and libation along crashing ocean waves (blankie provided if needed). Just south, the backdrop to PGA headquarters is TPC Sawgrass, designed by Pete Dye and host to The Players Championship. The infamous 17th island green has swallowed the best golfers’ spheres, but the 16th and closing 18th are equally testy with watery graves along fairways. Professional caddies share course strategy and entertaining stories. Guest names are engraved on deluxe bag tags for proof after the round while shoes are shined. Famous courses may seem nice but not as expected. TPC Sawgrass is everything and more! Happy hour on the veranda offers gourmet appetizers for $5 and ½ off drinks -scallops, brisket with caramelized onions, and chorizo filled calamari. Thrifty pricing in contrast to the green fees is a bonus if you play but if you can’t afford 18 holes, still go for the 19th. You might catch pros like Jim Furyk hanging out. Or

22 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012 | Golf Travel

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pretend to play the replica 17th at the World Golf Hall of Fame. It is a quick stop or long study. The Bob Hope memorial room is inspiring with wife Delores in ‘66 singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve to soldiers in Vietnam. Tour the locker rooms, trophy tower, take your photo on a swilcan bridge, play with old balls, putters, greens and sign Nancy Lopez’ book. The beachside Ponte Vedra Inn Resort and Golf Club has also conjured memories for over 50 years. Walk, surf, kayak, spa, relax or golf. The Ocean Course links the inter-coastal waterway with a fun run of fairways. On number 9, one of the first island greens, guests watch the ensuing folly from waterside restaurants. But for the ocean breeze, the name is a bit of a tease, so dine at Oceanside after the round for the view. In Palm Coast at Hammock Beach, the dramatic

drive lined with tall palms presents a palatial welcome. Secluded in nature with architectural style it claims two of the top courses in Florida. Jack Nicklaus’ designed Ocean Course meanders around typically Floridian flora and water until the striking close of seaside holes, aptly named the Bear Claw. The Conservatory, a traditional links course by Tom Watson, originally private and the longest course in Florida, appeals to players with upmost discretion of design and difficulty. Don’t worry about rushing to the beach as there are plenty of bunkers. But when you go, the awesome nature where turtles hatch and star fish sparkle between rocks is astounding. Purchase or rent this Salamander resort luxury experience. Common along the first coast are balcony sunrises and virgin style beaches. Our first time at first coast will not be our last. See www.floridagolf.org for one stop vacation planning.

Golf Travel| April 2012 | 23

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Celebrity Golfer: Tony Jacklin

by Leigh MacKay

“The Ryder Cup breeds incredible team unity, responsibility, and pressure. You are no longer playing simply for yourself: you are playing for your country, your team, your Tour, and your Captain. It is the ultimate professional golf experience.” Tony Jacklin won the ’69 Open and the ’70 US Open. He was the first Brit ever to win a PGA Tour event, the Jacksonville Open in ’68, and he was the best player of his generation in Europe. His name, however, is most often linked with the Ryder Cup, where as a player and captain he has left an indelible mark. He played on seven teams and captured the attention of the world in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus conceded him a two-foot, match-halving putt on the 18th hole that led to the first tie in Ryder Cup history. Jacklin then captained four teams from 1983-89. After losing by a point in ’83, he won at e Belfry in ’85, then made history again when he won for the first time ever on US soil in ’87 at Muirfield Village in Nicklaus’s backyard. Finally, he retained the Cup in ’89 at the Belfry with his second tie. Jacklin’s rapport with the indomitable Seve Ballesteros and a formidable British/Irish/Euro nucleus turned the once predictable American victory into one of the most anticipated competitions in professional sports. Tony Jacklin, with his 28 international victories and Ryder Cup captaincy, almost single-handedly revitalized both the golf fortunes of the British/Europeans and their pride in the Ryder Cup. In 1990, Queen Elizabeth recognized his contributions and awarded him the status of “Commander of the British Empire” (CBE). In 2002, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. is June the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association will present him with the Gold Tee Award, its highest honor, for his

24 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

achievements and leadership in golf. Not bad for a bloke who was born in Scunthorope, England, and grew up in a working class family, the son of a truck driver. Jacklin, now 67 and a US citizen along with his wife Astrid, expressed those sentiments about the Ryder Cup on the veranda of e Concession Club, which opened in 2006 to rave reviews. Jack Nicklaus designed the course in association with Jacklin, and it was named the “Best New Private Course” by “Golf Digest” and one of the “Top 100 Courses in the US” by “Golf Magazine.” NEGM: How did the The Concession Club, named after Nicklaus’s grand gesture, come to be? TJ: When I stopped playing competitively in 2004, I wanted to create a private golf course that would commemorate the sportsmanship of the 1969 Ryder Cup and pay homage to the grand tradition of the game. With the help of several backers and Jack’s enthusiasm for the project, we have built a marvelous facility in Bradenton, FL. e logo is the famous image of Jack with his arm around my shoulder as we walked oﬀ that final green. e result has exceeded my expectations.

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NEGM:What are your favorite golf courses in the world? TJ:Augusta National, Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Royal Melbourne, St. Andrews, Wentworth. NEGM:Who were the three best players in the world, not including you, during your prime? TJ:Jack, Gary, Lee. NEGM: Who are the three best players in the world now? TJ: Rory McIlroy is a precocious talent. For the other two, pick whomever you want from the top of the world’s rankings. There is no dominance at this time. NEGM: Who would be in your dream foursome of today? Of any time period? TJ: My son Sean, Jack, and Arnold. Bobby Jones, Harry Vardon, and Jack again. NEGM: What do you remember about your golf in New England? TJ: The Tour stop at Pleasant Valley and the Senior Tour at Nashawtuc. I loved the incomparable seafood and the area’s sense of history. At the 1999 Ryder Cup in Brookline, Corey Pavin and Craig Stadler took me to a great restaurant and then to see Tony Bennett perform. We had a lot of fun. The outcome at The Country Club could have been a little different, however. NEGM: What was your favorite tournament? TJ: The Open, the oldest major—links golf at its finest and toughest. You have to battle the elements and the course. You have to make up shots, improvise, and determine what you have to do to score.

Winning the 1969 Open at Royal Lytham was my finest moment as a professional golfer. NEGM: Winning the US Open the next year at Hazeltine wasn’t too shabby either! TJ: No, of course not! I had a magical week. I played the best golf of my life under some very daunting weather conditions. A wonderful triumph. NEGM: What did Nicklaus’s giving you that twofoot putt mean to you? TJ: It proved to me what a great sportsman Jack is, and it was the beginning of a marvelous friendship. We had just had a tremendous match, and Jack knew it was fitting that we and the teams finish all square. Jack exemplified the sportsmanship and camaraderie that began the Ryder Cup in the first place. By the way, Jack supported the inclusion of the European golfers and was instrumental in getting that change initiated in 1979. NEGM: What’s going on with your golf course design business? TJ:I started Jacklin Design Group to design original courses and to remodel existing ones. Besides working in the US, I have a presence overseas in Cyprus, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain. I am looking for opportunities to expand into China, Asia, India, Vietnam, and Cuba. NEGM: Describe your life now that the tournament/Ryder Cup golf has ended? TJ: I have never been happier or more satisfied with my life than I am now. I am living life on my own terms.

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New England Golf Monthly | April 2012 | 25

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Shelter Harbor Golf Club Named to Golfweek’s List of Top 100 Modern Courses in U.S.

With debut at No. 65, Shelter Harbor becomes the only Rhode Island course, and one of three New England courses named to prestigious list. Shelter Harbor Golf Club, in Westerly, RI is the only private golf course along Rhode Island’s southeasterly shores to open in the last half century, was named for the first time to Golfweek’s annual list of the Best Modern Courses in the U.S. Shelter Harbor debuted at No. 65 in the rankings released in the March 9 issue of Golfweek, and is the only Rhode Island course and one of only three courses in New England to make the list. e magazine’s rankings are available able at golfweek.com and search for “best modern courses.”

“We’re thrilled with the honor and believe this confirms what we hear from so many golfers - that Shelter Harbor is one of the finest courses in the area,’’ said Shelter Harbor general manager Gerard O’Callaghan. “We take great pride in providing a unique experience for our members and their guests, and this honor reinforces our eﬀorts. We will continue to work on enhancing the reputation of the course.” Designed by architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, Shelter Harbor is set upon one of the state’s highest promontories and winds through various terrains. For information on the club, visit www.shgcri.com

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45th Ouimet Tournament at Ipswich, Turner Hill and Woodland

e Forty-fifth Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament opens at Ipswich Country Club on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, continues at e Club at Turner Hill on ursday, July 26, and concludes at Woodland Golf Club on Friday, July 27. “is is our first time visiting both Ipswich and Turner Hill and we are really looking forward to having these two wonderful sites for our first two rounds of this year’s Ouimet Memorial. Both golf courses will present a challenge to our outstanding amateur field, and both clubs are fine Ouimet Fund supporters as well. As always, it’s also great to go back to Woodland, where Mr. Ouimet played as a member, for our final round,” said Richard F. Connolly, Jr., the Ouimet Memorial Tournament Chairman who is serving in his 34th year in that role. Ipswich Country Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, was opened in 1990, while e Club at Turner Hill was designed by Hurdzan/Fry and opened in 2005. Mr. Connolly explained that the Ouimet Memorial

28 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

would again have three divisions in 2012 – the Championship, Eddie Lowery (seniors), and a limited field women’s group. e Ouimet Tournament is a 54-hole stroke play amateur invitational for players with handicaps of three or less. It is played on a rotating series of courses in Eastern Massachusetts with the field cut to low 40 and ties for the final round at Woodland. Proceeds of the event benefit the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund. The Ouimet Memorial started in 1968 after the death the preceding year of Francis Ouimet. Ben Murphy of Norfolk won the inaugural. Champions over the years have included prominent national-level players such as Ed Tutwiler (1969), and Jerry Courville (1973). Ouimet Champions who went onto the PGA TOUR include Bill Mallon (1972), Bruce Douglass (1976), Brad Faxon (1980), and Fran Quinn, Jr. (1987). Bob Bradley (1985 & 1988), Frank Vana, Jr. (1998, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2010), Jim Renner (2003 & 2005) and Gilmartin are the only multiple winners.

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New England Golf Monthly | April 2012 | 29

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Molori Unplugged by John Molori

Coast to coast with Mr. Mallicoat Popular news and sportscaster Frank Mallicoat is truly bi-coastal. Born and raised in Orinda, CA, about 15 miles east of San Francisco, he came to New England in 1986 and remained here for the better part of 26 years as a broadcaster for WMUR-TV 9, WLVI-TV 56, and FOX25. e 52-year-old Mallicoat is back in San Francisco now as a news anchor for KPIX-TV. 26 years in California and 26 years in New England, he truly has looked at golf from both sides now. “My parents belonged to a municipal course in the East Bay,” relates Mallicoat, a University of California Berkeley graduate. “I was six years old when I started playing. I had a little plaid Scottish bag about the circumference of a grapefruit. “When I was in high school, I started playing at Tilden Park in Berkeley, a very hilly course. Another course that I really liked was Lake Chabot in Oakland. Chabot had a par 6 downhill. I would hit a 3 wood about 250 yards to reach the green in two. If you over shot, the ball would run into a gully. It was challenging.” Mallicoat’s west coast golf exploits remain vivid in his mind. “We used to play Spyglass. After 3:00 p.m., it was only $30. e only problem is that by the time you got to 17 and 18, it would be dark, but we never lost a ball. e ocean views were incredible.” A long ball hitter with a self-proclaimed “not so hot” short game, Mallicoat often hits a 7 wood around 200 yards. His game was well-suited to a bevy of New Hampshire courses. “Campbell's Scottish Highlands was my favorite. I lived about 200 yards from the second hole. e front nine is very forgiving. “I also liked Windham and Atkinson. Playing golf in the fall on those courses was beautiful. I still have a lake house on Arlington Pond about two miles from Atkinson Country Club.” An 18 handicap, Mallicoat’s approach to the game diﬀers from many of his golfing brethren. He states, “I

play with a bunch of guys who are very intense. If they have a bad front nine, they get upset. For me it's more of a fun thing. I like to get out there and shoot the breeze. If I have a great round, that's a bonus.” Mallicoat rifles through a myriad of golf recollections, from an entertaining Channel 56 golf tips segment he taped with area pro Tom Gillis, to a near hole-in-one for a Saab convertible at Ferncroft, to walking Pebble Beach as a youngster following the likes of Bing Crosby and Jack Lemmon, to winning the KPIX-TV Invitational Tournament. One memory stands out from the rest. He explains, “It was 1986 and I had been working at Channel 9 for only two months. I was invited to play as a celebrity in the Bedford Rotary Tournament at Manchester Country Club. I showed up and was told that I had not been assigned to a group. ey said that one of the other celebrities couldn’t make it and that I could play with his group. “at foursome included Dana Quigley, one of the best ever from New England.As it turns out, the celebrity I was replacing was Carl Yastrzemski. Stepping to the tee, I was so nervous, and Quigley yells, “All right, Yaz. Let’s see what you got!” I hit a perfect shot 270 yards right down Broadway. at was exciting.” ese days, Mallicoat plays around six times a year, and lives in San Francisco with wife Monique. He is a California boy at heart, but the east coast remains in his mind. “I remember playing tournaments with Ray Bourque and Jim Rice,” he relates. “It's good to be around athletes when they are out of their element, just to chill and get to know people. It was always my dream to come back home, but I lived in New Hampshire for 26 years. ere's still a lot of New England in my bones.” Columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and appears regularly on AM 1110 WCCM. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Ross’ Rulings A Primer On Match Play Rules For League Competition by Jack Ross

With golf leagues across New England starting to organize, it’s a fitting time to take a look at the match play rules that govern many league competitions.A prevalent format is “four-ball” competition, in which two partners (called a “side”) play their better ball against the better ball of their two opponents. (Typically this is a “net” competition with strokes given to players with higher handicaps.) Match play is scored by holes. If a hole is tied it is “halved.”If one side wins the first hole, it is “one up.”If the match is even it is “all square.” If a side is two up with two holes to play, the match is said to be “dormie” – the best the opposing side can do is tie the match.If a side is three up with two holes to play, it wins the match by a score of 3&2. Knowing how many strokes your opponent has taken on a hole is essential to match play strategy. You are entitled to ask your opponent for such information, and if he provides wrong information (and does not correct himself in a timely manner) he will forfeit the hole. Failure to disclose that a penalty has been incurred is also considered wrong information. In four-ball play, only the player who provides wrong information is disqualified for the hole; his partner may continue. Normally in match play, the player farthest from the hole must play first.However, partners in fourball competition may change the order of play, which

32 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

might provide a strategic advantage. For example, if your partner sinks his 4-foot putt for par, you can be more aggressive with your 25-foot birdie putt. A player may not ask for advice from an opponent, or give advice to an opponent, during a match. Assume A and B are playing C and D in a four-ball match.A asks C what club he just hit, and C replies “a 7 iron.”A and C are disqualified for the hole, but B and D are not. Similarly, while the general penalty in match play for playing a wrong ball is loss of hole, in four-ball play if one partner plays a wrong ball (even if it was his partner’s ball), he is disqualified for the hole but his partner is not. One unique feature of match play is that a player or side may concede a hole at any time, or may concede an opponent’s putt.If a putt is conceded, the opponent is deemed to have holed out with his next stroke.A concession may not be revoked or declined.So, if A concedes C’s putt and C proceeds to putt the ball and misses, it has no impact.However, C may not putt out if by doing so his partner, D, would gain some advantage (such as seeing the line) on his own putt. Jack Ross completed an intensive PGA/USGA rules workshop and has oﬃciated at state amateur competitions.Rules questions may be directed to rossgolf@charter.net.

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Two Good Rounds

by Elisa Gaudet

Tavistock Cup has developed a reputation as one of the most exclusive Pro golf events. Not oﬃcially a part of the PGA Tour schedule this event is an intraclub championship played between Isleworth, Lake Nona, Queenwood and Albany. Not your average club championship as each of the four clubs happens to be home to the top touring Pro’s in the world of golf. is year it was played at Lake Nona, the defending champs, and the opposing teams arrive by helicopters on fairway #18. ese four clubs have a concentration of top ranked golfers that collectively have won more than 860 worldwide victories and 62 major championships. Isleworth is a private home development in Orlando and this year’s team consisted of: Robert Allenby, Daniel Chopra, Charles Howell III, Sean O’Hair, Bo Van Pelt and Bubba Watson.Lake Nona, where the event was played this year, is also located in Orlando and representing their team were: Graeme McDowell, Ben Curtis, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson and Gary Woodland. Albany is a stunning new luxury resort community in the Bahamas with 600 acres of oceanfront property and a gem of a golf course designed by Ernie Els. e team representing Albany was: Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Tim Clarke, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose. Queenwood Golf Club is nestled in the heart of the Surrey countryside just outside of London, England. is year’s team included: omas Bjorn, David Howell, Soren Kjeldsen, Tom Lewis, Paul McGinley and Adam Scott. A dress code was created in the spirit of the Tavistock Cup competition and the players wear a signa-

34 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

ture polo shirts in their team color created annually for each team. e spectators are also encouraged to wear the colors for the team they are supporting. Team Albany - pink, team Isleworth - red, team Lake Nona- blue and team Queenwood -green. One of the most remarkable aspects of this event, should you be fortunate enough to attend, is that there are not any ropes and you can literally walk alongside the players as they take each shot. One of the reasons I love the Tavistock Cup so much and why it is a Two Good Rounds favorite is that they have developed their own signature cocktails. Not only do these players and spectators enjoy great golf they also enjoy a signature cocktail representing each of the four teams. Isleworth Bloody Mary (pitcher) mixes20 parts Grey Goose, 32 parts tomato juice, 1 part fresh lemon, 1 part fresh lime juice, 4 tsp tabasco, 2 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tspcelery salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 lemon or lime wedge. Lake Nona Blackberry Lemonade (glass) 1 ½ parts Grey Goose La Poire, fresh-squeezed lemonade, 5 blackberries, 1 tsp sugar, 1 lemon slice. Albany Breeze (glass) 1 ½ parts Grey Goose L’Orange, 2 parts orange juice, 1 part cranberry juice, 1 orange slice. Queenwood (glass) 1 ½ parts Grey Goose Le Citron, 1 small lime, 1 part simple syrup, splash of seltzer. is year raise your glass to Team Lake Nona as they again get to bathe in champagne after winning the Tavistock Cup.

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TrackMan Comes to Rhode Island By DennisSalesGolf.com TrackMan Golf is the industries best golf swing and ball flight-tracking software. is revolutionary technology has changed how many coaches look at the golf swing because it has changed how we now look at the ball flight laws. TrackMan accomplishes this by focusing more on the one single aspect that makes the golf ball do what it does, impact. As it stands now, I’ve found too many golfers thinking the complete opposite of what really happens. is makes it extremely diﬃcult for a golfer to improve since they don’t understand what really happens. From my experiences golfers who have become knowledgeable of what they are doing at impact and understanding of ball flight laws, have been able to make the subtle adjustments necessary to improve control over their ball flight. Using TrackMan for practicing helps a golfer truly understand their tendencies in ball flight. Having this knowledge of how far a golf ball travels in the air, and knowing their dispersions patterns of each club is vital to improve golf scores. If each golfer plays to their specific strengths, then golfers would find themselves shooting better golf scores. One unbelievable module that TrackMan oﬀers is the Combine Test. is standardized test has made benchmarking a students ball control skills extremely important in being able to monitor ones progression. is test will compare your ball control skills to those from golfers around the world with similar handicaps, a handicap you choose to reach or even comparing it to a touring professional. Any junior golfers looking to play at the collegiate level should take this Combine Test since your scores can be compared to those golfers currently playing at the level you desire.

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MAPLEGATE GOLF SCHOOL

GOLF PROGRAMS ½ Day & One Day Schools A comprehensive one day examination of the Golf swing covering setup fundamentals (Grip, Posture, Ball Position, Target alignment) along with the full swing, short game & putting using the latest V1 video analysis techniques. Dates: Every Saturday starting May 5th. Additional classes can be scheduled by request. Minimum of 2 persons per class.

Mother’s & Father’s Day Group Lesson 3 hour program especially designed for Family Members: Mother/Child, Father/Child, Couples, etc covering setup fundamentals (Grip, Posture, Ball Position, Target alignment) along with the full swing, short game & punting using the latest V1 video analysis techniques. Dates: Mothers’s Day (May 12th) & Father’s Day (June 16th)

Jr Golf Camps Program is targeted at Jr Golfers of all ability levels between the ages of 10-16. Program runs Mondayursday (Rain day Friday) from 9Am to 2PM or 11AM to 4PM. Lunch will be provided in the Maplegate Club House.

36 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

Program will cover basic golf course layout, rules and etiquette along with the fundamentals of the pre shot routine, equipment selection, the full swing and the short game. Time will be shared between the practice area and the Golf course always under the supervision of a Maplegate Staﬀ member. Dates: April 16-19th, June 25-29th, July 16-20 & August 13-16. Additional camps can be scheduled by request. Minimum of 4 persons per camp.

Ladies Only Day School Group Lessons Program will consist of 6 one hour group lessons covering basic golf course layout, rules and etiquette along with the fundamentals of the pre shot routine, equipment selection, the full swing and short game. Dates: Scheduled upon request. Minimum of 4 persons per class.

Additional Information and Enrollment: Contact PGA Professional Greg Dowdell at 508-498-7908 or email gregdow@verizon.net MapleGate.com | 160 Maple Street, Bellingham, MA 02019

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Revolutionary Self-Correcting Golf Balls Transform Hooks and Slices into Longer, Straighter Shots

According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), golf rounds are declining, and more and more golfers are leaving the game. When asked why they left, most golfers said the game was just “too difficult”. e fact is over 85% of golfers struggle with a severe hook or slice and are looking for some sort of “miracle” to help their game. Well, Polara Golf has the answer, and it’s not magic, it’s physics. Introducing the World’s Only Self-Correcting Golf Ball. e unique dimple design of the Polara Self-Correcting golf ball transforms your hooks and slices into longer, straighter shots. It removes the frustration and makes the game of golf fun again. Polara Golf oﬀers four diﬀerent SelfCorrecting golf balls. e original Ultimate Straight™ and Ultimate Straight XS™ golf balls are designed for golfers whose #1 priority is to control hooks or slices. e radical sidespin-reducing characteristics of the Ultimate Straight™ and Ultimate Straight XS™ correct wayward shots by up to 75%. For the player who still needs some help correcting

hooks and slices but is looking for Extra Distance, Polara has the new advanced XD™ and XDS™ golf balls. ese golf balls reduce hooks and slices up to 50% and have a higher, more traditional trajectory than the original ball, resulting in added distance. “We gave the new XD™ and XDS™ golf balls a different lift and drag profile to make the ball fly higher, resulting in more carry distance,” said David Felker, PhD, and Head of Technology for Polara Golf. “Now recreational golfers can choose the ball that is best suited for their game. Depending on how much slice & hook control a golfer needs and how a golfer hits the ball will dictate which Polara golf ball best fits their swing. The good news is either ball is guaranteed to improve your game!” Like the original Ultimate Straight™ and Ultimate Straight XS™ golf balls, the new XD™ and the XDS™ golf balls are designed to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game, and are perfectly fine for the recreational golfer to use every day on the course.

Polara’s Self-Correcting golf balls range from $24.95 to $34.95 per dozen and are available at golf retailers nationwide or can be purchased online at www.polaragolf.com. April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 37

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SKLZ SimStix Golf True-Feel Club for Golf Gaming

Bring the true course or range experience to your home with SimStix Golf. SimStix is recommended for use with Tiger Woods PGA Tour Series or other simulation software to get real-time swing feedback and improve your game. e authentic golf grip and steel shaft help you get real club weight and feel.

Available for Sony Move in early Spring. — Recommended use with Tiger Woods PGA Tour — Works with Nintendo's Wii Remote, Wii Remote with MotionPlus, and Wii Remote Plus — 23.5 inches long, playing weight of 15.5 oz — Includes SimStix, wrist strap, SimStix spacer, usage and set-up instructions — Comes with Motion Plus spacer compatible with new Wii Motion Plus controllers — Reinforced trigger for maximum durability — Wii remote sold separately

MSRP $39.99 | www.sklz.com

HANDS OFF GOLF by Scott Mayer

Hands Oﬀ Golf is unique 53-minute short game DVD that is guaranteed to lower your scores. e two time Maine PGA Teacher of the Year, Scott Mayer will demonstrate 38 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

simple techniques that will quickly improve your short game by teaching you short, mid and long chipping techniques that will increase your consistency and accuracy. You will learn how to easily create high, soft landing pitch shots, and how to handle uphill, downhill and bad lie shots around the green. Scott will teach you his own trick to creating successful long fairway bunker shots with ease and how to handle greenside bunkers. Scott is so sure you will love this DVD, that he is offering a full money back guarantee. e only thing you will lose by purchasing this DVD is strokes off your final score. Order online at www.handsoffgolf.com for only $11.95 + shipping and handling. Or call Scott Mayer PGA Teaching Professional - Nonesuch River Golf Club, Scarborough Maine at 207-838-5731.

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Are you a Golf Purist? If you use a 460 cc driver, a mallet putter or a hybrid iron, then chances are you’re not. So why ignore the latest innovation in the

golf wedge. Introducing the most important innovation since the metal wood. e key to lowering your score is the short game. 60% of the strokes are within 60 yards. No need to learn to hit 2 or more wedges as the One Putt Wedge can be used from the fairway, rough and sand. e patented hosel places your hands in the proper position to strike the ball with a descending blow and the revolutionary sole eliminates the dreaded chunky or thin shot.

You will score lower and be more confident in your short game with Herbie's One Putt Wedge. Guaranteed. Coupon code NEGM for $10.00 savings Website: www.oneputtwedge.com | To Buy: www.shop.oneputtwege.com

Indoor Putting Greens Up To 27 ft. Long e BirdieBall, RollTech, Stimp Controlled, Giant, Authentic Feel, Roll Away Putting Greens oﬀer the truest roll guaran-

teed. Each green is made for you! Practice with the speed you normally play. You specify the greens speed during the ordering process. In recent months we have developed a surface treating technique which allows us to make your green any speed. Municipal courses are slower than private or higher end public courses which are in turn slower than championship courses. Order yours to the speed you desire. Call the course you play and ask them what the "Stimp" reading is on the greens you play.

Slow, Public Municipal: 9-10 Stimp | Medium, Private: 10-11 Stimp Fast, Championship: 11-13 Stimp 50% OFF SPRING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE AT BIRDIEBALL.COM 40 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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Big Sticks Golf Big Sticks Golf is a complete indoor golf practice, training and instructional facility, located just miles outside Boston in Burlington, Massachusetts. BSG features a variety of exciting activities for golfers of all levels - from full swing to short game practice, anyone can learn to play or practice and hone their skills in a relaxed and comfortable environment year round inside our climate controlled facility. From hitting bays, virtual reality courses on our PGA endorsed aboutGolf simulators, to PGA lessons BSG has something for everybody. PGA pro Terry Felty was named 2010 Massachusetts Golf Teacher of the year by the NE PGA and Top 25 Golf instructor by the New England Golf Monthly 2010 and 2011. Big Sticks Golf was named Top 25 practice facility by New England Golf Monthly 2010 and 2011.

Receive 20 % all lessons packages when you bring this ad in exp 4/30/2012 To Book A Lesson Package Call 781.229.2269 www.BigSticksGolf.com 26 Ray Ave. Burlington MA

Golf Gruva Introducing the GOLF GRUVA, the ultimate golf swing training system! e Golf Gruva’s unique, patented design has golfers experience what a professional golf swing should feel like, giving them the confidence to hit the perfect shot, every time. e Gruva is the built on the principle of a multiplane swing. Unlike other swing trainers, the Gruva recreates the professional golf swing, integrating a wide backswing and narrow downswing into one smooth motion. Gruva’s pro-designed swing-path naturally coaches golfers on proper body rotation, wrist technique, and weight transfer. Great for novices and experts alike, the Gruva gives instant feedback to fix bad habits right in its tracks. Achieve your ultimate swing, using your own club, in as little as fifteen minutes a day.

New England, order now and enjoy free shipping! at GolfGruva.com or Call 508.310.3830

2012 Season: The Jane Frost Golf Schools at Sandwich Hollows Are you ready to take your game to the next level? en let's get going and plan some goals for your improvement. Here are the areas that I can help you with: Full Swing, Short Game, Green Reading, On Course Strategies, Golf Fitness, Mental Concentration, Club Fitting, Edel Putter Fitting and NEW in 2012: Edel Wedge Fitting! At the Jane Frost Golf School you are a unique individual and your goals will be reached by finding the correct blueprint for how you make your best golf shots. All appointments can be made online once again this year so get clicking and reserve your lesson time today.

Keep up to date on all the goings on at e Jane Frost Golf School via Facebook, Twitter, Jane’s Blog and LinkedIn. Book Online at JaneFrost.com

April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 41

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ShortGame Golf Courses – Golf’s Newest Chip and Putt Innovation Turn any practice putting green into a FUN GAME with a ShortGame Golf Course (patent pending)! 3 cup markers plus 6 chipping tee markers make an 18 hole course with competitive scoring! e ShortGame Golf Course product is a set of numbered cup and tee markers that allow golfers to navigate around the 18 unique tee and cup combinations that form a par 36 course on one putting green. e markers make practicing the short game fun by making it a game. It’s ideal for: golf professionals who teach beginning golfers, junior programs, or golf teams; any golfer who wants to improve their score, or anyone who is long game or time challenged. It is the perfect gift for the golfer who has a personal practice green.

e ShortGame Golf Course is available online at www.shortgamegolfcourses.com

Billy Bondaruk Golf Most golfers share a common misconception about how their weight shifts in the golf swing: they believe that weight moves from the left foot to the right foot during the backswing (for right-handed players). Actually, the weight-shift in a powerful, on-plane swing is not from side-to-side. If you study today's best tour players, you'll find that they shift their weight upward as with a cyclone or tornado. e amateur golfer’s overlooks how rotation works from ground pressure and how it moves upward through their bodies. Billy Bondaruk 2006 N C PGA Teacher of the Year: At Harmon Golf and Swansea C.C. Lesson packages, Golf Schools, Jr. Programs and Corporate Schools are available. Interested in getting better now.

Contact info: 774-212-4600 bbondaruk@pga.com www.BillyBondaruk.com Harmon Golf 781-871-7775 Swansea C.C. 508-379-9886

Dave Stockton “The Pro Tours’ Hottest Coach” reveals the “Secret” that helped professional golfers win over 60 tournaments in the past 2 years Find out the “Secret” that has helped Tour Players reach the winners circle over 60 times in the past 2 years. It’s all in the new DVD titled, “Unconscious Putting” from Stockton Golf. Simplify your routine with help from golf’s first family of putting: Dave Stockton Sr. and his sons, Dave Stockton Jr. and Ron Stockton. Dave Stockton Sr. is a five-time Major Championship Winner and victorious Ryder Cup Captain. Together they’ve taught more than 50 players on the world tours, and helped thousands of amateurs in clinics around the world, and now, they’re ready to help you. Find out from the Pros themselves why Dave is called “e Pro Tours' Hottest Coach” and why so many of them rely upon his Signature Approach to create wins on Sunday afternoon.

42 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

For more information or to purchase call (888) 8118467 or visit www.DaveStockton.com.

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Shoot Lower Scores with Pelz Golf Dave Pelz has helped some of the game’s best golfers reach their ultimate goals. Ten of his professional students, including three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, have won a total of 19 majors. Join his staﬀ at Maplegate CC (Bellingham, Mass.) July 11 – 14 and see what focused, expert short game and putting instruction can do for your game. Taught by veteran instructors from Pelz’s resort schools, this is the master class in improving your play 100 yards and in. Eight percent of the shots you lose to par are in that critical Scoring Zone. Don’t waste another golf season not playing your best. Join the PELZ staff at Maplegate and start playing with confidence and consistency.

Book today at 800-833-7370 or on www.pelzgolf.com.

Precision Golf Works – Club Repair, Used & New Equipment At PGW we repair and sell all types of golf clubs. We have an extensive selection of used putters, wedges, irons, rescue clubs, fairway woods and drivers. We excel at club fittings, adjustments, repairs, regripping, reshafting and more. Fully qualified and experienced to adjust loft, lie and angle. Huge selection of grips in stock. Hitting net. All types of shafts, heads, grips available. Personalized, friendly service.

ALL NEW CUSTOMERS RECEIVE 20% OFF ANY SERVICE Peter Cinieri – 401.723.9998 – peter.pgw@onecommail.com 651 Cottage St. Pawtucket, RI 02861

April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 43

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Practice Pro Putters

As we are often told, the best way to lower your handicap is to reduce the number of putts in a round. e problem is, practicing your putting is a mundane and unrewarding task. at is until now. e PracticePRO is a revolution in the way you practice. Off center contact negatively effect both distance and direction. e PracticePRO forces you to correctly strike the ball, or the putt will leave the face at a severe angle. Our unique face geometry is CNC milled into the stainless steel clubhead, offering INSTANT POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FEEDBACK. Because the face design is integrated with the head, shaft and grip,

putts that are struck correctly roll online and feel solid. Putts that are struck oﬀ center, or with an open or closed face, make contact with a corner of the patent pending face geometry. is incorrect contact feels soft and causes the ball to leave the face severely oﬀ line. Without looking up, you know you have mishit the ball, and can continue with your next putt without breaking form. is allows you to quickly groove a consistent stroke and improve ball striking. e PracticePRO requires no tape, assembly, or bulky mechanisms, and will therefore be the one putting aid you will use over and over again.

20% OFF for New England Golf Monthly Readers with Code NEGOLF212 | PracticeProPutter.com/BuyIt “ ...the place to go for golf training aids. They are always on the cutting edge.” Martin Hall -PGA Teacher of the Year 2008 Golf Digest Top 50 Visit GolfTrainingAids.com to Improve Your Game Today!

Enter Promo Code NEGMFREE For Complimentary Shipping. The World's Largest Selection of Golf Teaching and Training Aids 44 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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Official Golf Ball & Putter of New England Golf Monthly

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Golf Fitness

What’s the key to increasing club head speed? e answer is in developing golf specific fast twitch muscles regardless of your physical strength and limitations. At just over 1lb and portable, the Inside 80 is specially designed with resistance tubing and is a simple and eﬀective way to achieve higher club head speed anywhere, even in confined areas. You do not need a special fitness training program or complicated, time consuming sessions to develop faster club head speed. e Inside 80’s instant results can allow you see the diﬀerences the next time you go out.

Combined with the Leverage Discs the Inside 80 will not only improve club head speed to hit longer but will also improve dynamic stability for straighter, more solid shots. e Inside 80’s unique cross handle system allows you to turn your shoulders with minimal tension. At the same time your core and hips will be synchronized through impact which is essential for distance control without using too much hands. Increase your golf longevity by helping to prevent pain and injury.

SmartBodyGolf.com | Use code “NEGM10” for 10% discount 46 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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NEGM looks at drivers for mid-range handicap golfers Every year there are lots of new drivers and trying to find just the right model is often bewildering if not down right confusing. is month we look at number one woods meant for golfers with By Ed Travis handicaps in the mid-range – above a “scratch player” but below a “bogey golfer” – to give you some insight about which of the newest crop are worth considering. The ones that caught our attention utilize both state of the art technology and innovative design to help players hit drives to maximize the results for their ability, i.e., drivers that will produce good distance and control. First though a note of caution, do not spend several hundred dollars on a new driver without a club fitting. I know, I know you’ve heard it before but that doesn’t make less true. Even if you don’t care about the money (yeah, right!) why play with a driver that doesn’t give the best results for your particular swing? You’re not “imposing” by wanting to be properly fit. Many golf course pro shops as well as “big box” retailers have computerized swing analysis and after all they want

to sell you a driver. If they make you happy maybe you’ll tell your friends. It’s just basic marketing and if you should find a shop that won’t take the time to go through a fitting, run not walk for the exit. ere’s too much at stake and too much technological variation to go through the process hit or miss (pun intended). Begin by explaining what you are looking for and your current ball flight (“I want more distance” – who doesn’t! – “and I usually hit a high fade”). Ask the sales person, who even in oﬀ course stores may be a PGA Professional, to suggest three drivers and then go hit them. See which one you like the best. Don’t simply go by the swing analyzer numbers for carry distance, roll and shot shape but get a sense of the feel by hitting a suﬃcient number of balls. If none of the first batch seem to be “the one” move on to another three. At least you will have an idea of what you don’t like. So heed our advice, take some time to make an informed purchase. Do not plunk down your money for this season’s “gotta-have” model or the driver your buddy uses. Remember it just could be worse than what you’re hitting now. Having said all that, here are our suggestions of drivers that should be on your short list.

TaylorMade Golf R11S ($399) e latest version of the R11, 2011’s runaway winner, keeps the distinctive white clubhead and has the adjustability (there are 80 combinations of club settings or 140yards side to side adjustment) to fit most any golfer. TMaG has added two more face angle settings (making a total of five) and 20cc to the head making it 460cc. is gives an enlarged the sweet spot that means more forgiveness on oﬀ center hits plus improved head aerodynamics produces higher club head speed and therefore more distance. e TP tour version (an additional $100) has 25 high-end shafts options which oﬀer even more customization. 48 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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Adams Golf Speedline Fast 12 ($299) Adams was among the first to design drivers taking into account aerodynamic drag and it’s become their trademark. For 2012 the new Speedline Fast 12 has three “speed slots” at the rear of the silver matte finish crown and nine percent larger clubhead for a bigger sweet spot. According to company data the improved airfoil has 14 percent less drag than last year’s Speedline F11 which translates into three more mph club head speed. e Fast 12 also has a LS (for Low Spin) variant for $399 with an adjustable hosel that allows an addition of one half inch to the shaft length. is hosel configuration also gives plus or minus one degree to the lie or the same to the loft. Since lengthening the shaft causes the LS’s swing

Mizuno MP-650 ($399) For those players at the lower end of the “midrange” handicaps Mizuno’s new MP-650 driver is a worthy candidate. ey call it a ‘Tour-Level’ club but that’s due to a large degree to the slightly open club face and most players think the slightly pear-shaped head oﬀers better eye-candy at address than the previous model. e face has also been made deeper and an internal 12 gram weight added low towards the back plus a 6 gram internal weight towards the heel for a fade bias

weight to increase, Adams engineers have provided for the weight plug in the rear of the head to be changed to maintain the same swing weight.

preferred by better players. Mizuno also is using a five layer proprietary Cortech face with multiple thicknesses that combined with the weighting delivers a mid-height launch angle with lower ball spin rates. The crown is very thin which pushes the center of gravity lower, more towards the sole. All of this means the MP-650 produces a flatter and penetrating trajectory…again, something desired by low handicap players. The stock shaft is the 65 gram Fujikura Orochi 65 D. April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 49

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Cleveland Golf Classic ($299) Over at Cleveland Golf the look of earlier days is alive and well. Last year this division of Srixon reintroduced the Mashie line of hybrids and irons and for 2012 there’s an exciting look – some may call it “retro” – in the Cleveland Classic line of drivers. e titanium head’s finish looks like persimmon wood and the sole looks like an old-time brass sole plate. ey also have taken a page from their popular Ultralite line and made the Classic’s two models, the 270 and 290, very light. e theory being of course the lighter the club, the faster it can be swung, therefore the higher the club head speed and the ball will go further. Some weight savings were achieved in the head but the 270’s shaft is only 39 grams and the 290’s 43 grams. When combined with very light grips (25 grams in the 270 and 36 grams in the 290) it makes for a very low overall weight. Cleveland also has made the Classic 460cc club face as large as the Rules of Golf will allow so there’s plenty of forgiveness built in.

50 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

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What the Pros are Saying About Belly Putters: "Right now I'm glad they haven't banned it. As long as it's legal, I'll keep cheating like the rest of them."

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"It's like the two-handed backhand in tennis, twenty years ago, it was not the norm. Now it's the better way to go. The belly putter and the long putter are going to trend that way. Young kids are not going to be afraid to switch." - Brad Faxon

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myNEGM Lesson Tee Your Missing Link To Better Golf While the golf swing is as unique as the person swinging the golf club, the trained eye of an experienced teaching proby Steve Riggs fessional might be your missing link to better golf, regardless if you are a beginner, intermediate or low handicap player. Even golfers of many years who are self taught often think nobody can help them because they wouldn’t understand their swing or would simply criticize what the self taught player has done. is could not be further from the truth.A good teaching pro’s job is to help a seasoned player understand what they do right as much as what they do wrong, not tear down and rebuild the swing from the ground up unless that is what you desire. Below are a few simple steps to help you choose the right professional. 1. Compile a list of 4 to 5 teaching pros in your area that you think might help you.ese could be: someone a friend has recommended, someone you have heard is a good teaching pro, someone you have simply seen teaching at your course or driving range and someone you just happened upon one day at the range. Be sure they have a relationship with a facility and are, in fact a teaching professional. 2. Take the time to watch each pro as they work with a student. How? Simply get a basket of balls and get as close to the teaching area as you can so you can hear and see what is going on between the teacher and student.Listen to see if you understand what the pro is communicating.Does it make sense to you?Does the pro seem engaged and genuinely interested in helping the student?Are they too technical?How do they use their technology if they have it?Are they using the equipment as an adjunct to teaching or does it appear the technology is actually the mainstay of their instruction? If so, I suggest you be wary.

3. After observing and selecting 3 final candidates, ask questions of your potential teaching pro.Questions like: What is the cost of a private lesson? How long do

lessons last? How frequently do you suggest lessons be taken?Do you, (teacher), subscribe to any particular swing method? How long have you been teaching? 4. Be honest with the professional about what you are doing. Tell them you are looking for a teaching pro to help you with your swing. Most teaching professionals will understand and respect that.If you get the sense they do not understand or resent what you are doing, I suggest you move on to another candidate. 5. Ask the pro for 3 references. (Note: it would be nice if you could check with a beginner, intermediate and low handicap or better player, as this will give you a good array of students.) 6. Schedule a lesson with each of your top three choices before making your final decision. You are going to be surprised at the diﬀerence in the approach of each professional. While you may think the above a bit cumbersome, very few people I have suggested this approach to have been disappointed with their final choice of teaching professional. Further, every person felt it was time and money well spent. Good Golfing! Steve Riggs is a retired teaching professional with over 30 years experience working with students around the U.S. and Caribbean. He designed and consulted on several swing improvement training aids like the Grip Trainer Golf Training Glove and the Sindelar Putting System. Steve is a member of the GWAA (Golf Writers Association of America) and Producer/Host of the myNEGM Lesson Tee Radio/Internet Show now in its 4th year.e show, on WNRI 1380AM radio, streams live Wednesdays 10:05-11am at mynegm.com and wnri.com

April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 53

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Palopoli’s Picks The Masters

by Jeﬀ Palopoli

e first Major of the year is upon us and all seems to be right in the golfing world. Tiger seems to be back, or at least closer than ever before. Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald have been duking it out for the World #1. And we had quite a warm month of March, allowing many of us up here in New England to hit the course sooner than we normally would.

Is there a better week on the PGA TOUR than Master’s week? I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of one. It always seems to have that extra layer of excitement. e first Major of the season, the beauty of Augusta National, and the exclusiveness of the tournament all add to the drama. Last year’s Masters saw Rory McIlroy squander the lead and shoot an 80 on the final day, leaving the door open for Charl Schwartzel to claim his first Major. is year’s tournament is sure to have its own drama, with the state Tiger’s game and his recent victory, Rory’s continued consistent play worldwide, and Luke Donald and Lee Westwood both vying for their own first Major. No question it will be fun to watch as usual.

The Picks: A Group: Phil Mickelson has had a bit of an up and down start to the year. He almost had back to back wins back in February before losing in a playoﬀ at the Northern Trust Open to Bill Haas. Since then he’s been soso, but it’s hard to deny Phil’s track record at the Masters (3 victories). Backing him up I have to go with New England native, and Masters rookie Keegan Bradley. Bradley hasn’t finished outside of the top 25 at a tournament all year, and has two top 10s in there as well. His length (currently ranked 13th in Driving Distance) will certainly help him at Augusta. Bradley also ranks 7th in scoring average, as well as 22nd in strokes gained

54 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

– putting, a stat that will certainly come in handy on Augusta’s slick greens. B Group: I’m going out on a real limb here and taking Tiger and Rory to start in my B group (please sense my sarcasm). All signs point to Tiger’s game being back to form with a dominant victory two weeks ago at Bay Hill, and Rory continues to impress with a victory earlier in the year at the Honda, a runner-up at the WGC Match Play, and a 3rd place at the WGC Cadillac Championship. Rory will be looking for redemption after that historic collapse on Sunday last year. C Group: Last year Charl Schwartzel amazingly birdied the final four holes at Augusta to beat Jason Day and Adam Scott by two strokes. In 2012 Schwartzel has continued his stellar play, worldwide. He’s only missed three cuts worldwide in his past 37 events, and so far in 2012 he’s finished T4 (WGC Cadillac) and T5(Honda Classic) out of only four U.S. events entered. I like Schwartzel’s game at Augusta and look for him to put up a good Green Jacket defense. Starting Foursome: Keegan Bradley, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Charl Schwartzel On the Bench: Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Hunter Mahan, Jeﬀ Palopoli is a frequent contributor to NEGM. His Fantasy Golf Picks can be found weekly on www.mynegm.com. He can be reached at jeﬀ@goodwalkgolf.com

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NEGM Talks with Alison Walshe at The Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup In Phoenix, AZ

By Alice & Danny Scott

Born in Ireland, raised in Massachusetts, a graduate of the University of Arizona, Alison engaged in a Q&A session with NEGM at the RR Donnelly Founders Cup at the JW Marriott Wildfire course in Phoenix. NEGM: Is there an advantage for a UA grad on this desert course? AW: It feels good here, comfortable, nice to be familiar, but I haven’t played in the desert for a while. NEGM: What about an advantage to rising to number one after fellow grads Annika and Lorena? AW: ey are really good role models. It’s nice to take over where they left oﬀ. NEGM: What’s your favorite New England spot? AW: I grew up in Westford but live in Jupiter, Florida now. I’m obsessed with Boston. Great friends are there. I played junior golf at Vesper Country Club and love spending time there. If I didn’t play golf I would totally live there.

Once a New Englander, always a New Englander. NEGM: What advice do you have for young NE gals? AW: Work hard. e season’s pretty short so log the hours in the summer. Travel if you can. I played e Challenge Cup in Rhode Island and got noticed by recruiters. NEGM: What is your fitness focus this season? AW: I’m working with Coach Joey D in Jupiter on core stability, balance, leg work, flexibility. A lot of golfers have back injury so you try to prevent that. NEGM: How do you feel about the coming year, any mental tips? AW: I had a good off season and have a good team. Mentally, I keep charging along. It’s all about being positive, having a good mind set. It sounds so simple but it’s difficult. Alice and Danny Scotts NEGM Staff Writers comments: What a positively delightful professional from New England!

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Team New England On The Tours

#teamnewengland

All U.S. professional tours are underway, at this writing, and Keegan Bradley, 2011 winner of the PGA Championship and Byron Nelson in his rookie season is off to what could be an even bigger year for the Woodstock, VT native. A total of 30 players on the PGA, Champions, LPGA Nationwide and Symetra Futures tours make up our Team New England for 2012. TNE stands to make a significant contribution to professional competitive golf this year thanks to our talented players.

PGA TOUR

CHAMPIONS TOUR

Keegan Bradley, (VT)so far in 2012 has made 8 cuts in 8 starts with1-2nd place and 2 top 10 finishes. Keegan has been in the top 25 each of his 8 starts earning $1,316, 642 thus far. His scoring average is 69.25 and Keegan appears poised for another stunning year.

Allen Doyle, has started 3 times so far this year earning $4,988. e Woonsocket native has a scoring average of 74 at this writing.

Scott Stallings, (MA) has made just 1 cut in 6 starts this year with earnings of $74,500 and a scoring average of 72.64. Scott is having a slow start after a stunning year in 2011.

Dana Quigley, has started 4 times this season earning $11,169 with a scoring average of 73.92. e Iron Man and his family remain in our prayers for a full recovery of their son.

Tim Petrovic, (MA) earned $60,750 making 2 cuts in 4 starts thus far in 2012 with a scoring average of 71.17. While Tim had his problems last year, losing his full status on the PGA Tour, he is one of TNE’s best players.

Brad Faxon, Champions (RI) in his first full year on the Champions tour has 5 starts with 2 top 25 finishes. Brad’s earnings are at $68,823 with a scoring average of 71.60

James Driscoll, (MA) has earned $126,525 making 5 cuts in 8 starts. James’ scoring average sits at 70.96. Known as ‘bubble boy’, barley retaining his full tour card for this year, Driscoll could have a breakout season. J.J. Henry, (CT) is oﬀ to a slow start this year making just 3 cuts in 9 starts earning $118,575. Henry’s scoring average is 71.5. Again, J.J. is one of TNE’s ‘steady eddy’s’ on the PGA Tour.

P.H. Horgan III, (RI) has 4 starts earning $40,804 to date with a scoring average of 72.25. Horgan is playing well as he continues his full time status on the Champions Tour.

LPGA TOUR

Brett Quigley, (RI) has made the cut in his solo start this year earning $31,858 with a current scoring average of 68.75. If Brett keeps up his averages we’re sure to see him earn his PGA full playing privileges this year. Fran Quinn, (MA) playing both the PGA and Nationwide tours did not make the cut in his solo appearance this year on the PGA Tour. Fran’s scoring average is 76 after his solo start which is not reflective of his talent. Patrick Sheehan, (MA) has made 2 cuts in 5 starts after regaining his PGA Tour status via the Nationwide Tour. Patrick’s earnings are $37,760 with a scoring average of 71.2

August 29 - September 3 2012 deutschebankchampionship.com

June 18 - 24 2012 travelerschampionship.com

56 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

Anna Grzebien, (RI) has 1 start this far in 2012 with no earnings.

Alison Walshe, (MA) has made 3 cuts in 3 starts this season with earnings of $33,917. Allison earned $60,772 in 2011 and is oﬀ to a good start on the LPGA Tour this year.

2012 New England Tour Events

June 17 - 19 2012 cvscharityclassic.com

June 21 - 24 2012 thelegendstour.com

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2 m

NATIONWIDE TOUR Jim Renner, (MA) while suiting up for 4 events has missed the cut in each event so far. Jim’s scoring average is at 71.75 in his first 4 events of 2012.

Trevor Murphy, (VT) has yet to begin his 2012 season on the Nationwide Tour after earnings of $42,352 in 2011.

LPGA SYMATRA FUTURES TOUR While none of our TNE ladies have started their 2012 season on the Symetra Futures Tour, it is early. e first event of the season was March 23-25 and the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. Below are our TNE Symetra Futures Tour 2011 statistics from 2011.

Natalie Sheary, (CT) begins her 2nd year on the Futures circuit after posting 3 top 10 finishes and earning $15,011 starting in 11 starts her rookie season. Going to be fun watching this West Hartford youngster in 2012.

Rob Oppenheim, (MA) has made 2 cuts and 2 top 10 finishes in his 4 starts this year. Rob has earned $41,750 and currently has a scoring average of 69.33.

Chelsea Cutis (MA) starts her 3rd season on the Futures Tour. A stunning rookie season saw Chelsea stumble with her swing and game in 2011 earning only $4,416 last year in 15 event starts.

Geoff Sisk,(MA) earning $38,655 in 2011 has yet to start this year on the Nationwide as of this writing.

Libby Smith (VT) struggled after earning $3,578 in the ailand Ladies Open Libby competed in just 4 events earning a combined total of $4,138.

Justin Peters,(MA) like Sisk and Murphy has yet to suit up this year on the Nationwide.

Julie Erekson (MA) completed three years on the Futures earning $3,789 in her 10 starts out there. With her new life in Texas things could improve for Julie in 2012.

Brad Adamonis,(RI) has made 3 cuts in 4 starts with 1 top 25 finish thus far with earnings of $10,189 and a scoring average of 70.86 as he continues his climb back to full PGA status. Jeff Curl, (CT) made the cut in his solo event this year earning $1,625 with a scoring average, after the single event of 69.75. Curl’s 2011 earnings were $11,691.

Show Your Team New England Pride!

Kim Augusta (RI) is a veteran of competitive golf having played on the LPGA TOUR for several years.Kim has been working on her game and swing the past couple years earning $2,087 in 15 starts last year. Briana Vega (MA) had 16 starts in 2011 earning $5,238 for her eﬀorts.Recall Briana was the 2006 Golf Channel’s Big Break Challenge winner with a lot of talent to get it done in 2012. Haley Gidea (RI) did not compete in 2011 event though she’d been playing competitively since 2008. We hope to see Haley and the big stick in 2012. SusanChoi, (MA) suited up for 3 events in 2011 missing the cut in all. We do hope to see her out there in 2012

#teamnewengland

Amber Richardson (RI) l) did not compete in 2011.e Alliance Bank Classic in 2010 was the last event she played on the Futures Tour.

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College Corner Boston College Eagles Finish Second at George Washington Invitational e men's golf team finished second out of eleven teams at the George Washington Invitational in March. e Team shot a combined 881, +17 in three rounds of play on the par-72 course. Kyle McCartan led the team shooting a 216, E and tied for second overall. Luke Feehan followed shooting a 221, +5 and tied for sixth overall.

The Eagles full results and schedule can be followed at bceagles.com/sports

URI Rams Finish 3rd in Season Opener, Homewood Suites Invitational e men’s golf team finished third out of seven teams in their season opener at PGA Village, Dye Course in Port St. Lucia, Florida. Rams junior and CT native, Branden Chicorka fired the lowest round of the tournament in the final round to finish in 4th place overall. Look for them to fair well in the New England DI Championship, April 6 – 7 which is held at two courses they are very familiar with in Newport National GC and Green Valley CC. e Rams full results and schedule can be followed at - gorhody.com/sports

Boston College Eagles Finish Second at George Washington Invitational e Bulldogs went with the “swing into spring” mentality for their first event of the season with an individual title and a team second. Spencer

Sweitzer (Lunenberg, Mass.) finished 1 under at the Hurricane Fusillade Challenge for his second career college title and the team followed in suit. eir head coach, Charlie Blanchard has invaluable local knowledge at both the New England DI Championship courses so look for his team to compete for the title. Follow the Bulldogs at bryantbulldogs.com/sports

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What’s News First time patrons find Masters exhilarating Tickets hard to come by, but worth the trouble Jonathan Richman wanted one thing for his 50th birthday: Masters Tournament tickets.

The avid golfer from Pinehurst, N.C., had never been to Augusta National Golf Club before Monday morning. Standing behind the ninth green, Richman watched Kyung-Tae Kim, Rory Sabbatini and Brendan Steele practice shots to possible cup locations for the tournament. “See how he got under it and made it spin backwards like that?” he said to his wife, Liz Richman. She nodded in response as Sabbatini chipped a shot on the sloped green. “The changes in elevation on the course are not as evident on camera,” she said. The Richmans play golf in Pinehurst, where the 2014 U.S. Open will be held, and plan to attend that major as well. While visiting Augusta, they are bunking with friends in Aiken. “It was such a good opportunity to come here,” she

said. “We are very excited. It’s a beautiful course.” Jonathan Richman said he was enjoying his present even though his birthday was in February. “It’s OK,” he said. “I’m a patient man.” Brandon McGuinnes, of Boston, was also in Augusta for the first time. “The anticipation of these tickets was excruciating,” the Rory McIlroy fan said. He secured his tickets through luck. A couple of friends won four tickets at a charity auction and drew names to give away the other two. e two who won the drawing backed out, and he was next up. “It’s been a long flight for one day on the course,” he said, adding that he purchased a last-second flight into Atlanta that was not cheap. “But you won’t hear us complain.”

He came with his co-worker and friend Matt Brown. “This is, seriously, the coolest thing I have ever done,” Brown said as he watched Geoff Ogilvy tee off on the sixth hole. “We watch these guys on TV all the time and now, I can almost touch them.”

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What’s News Golfers Encouraged to Tee-Up New England Play Top New England Courses AND Help Improve Playing Conditions Through Turfgrass Research Norton, MA — If you haven't heard of the Tee-Up New England! program, you are missing out! Coming this spring to a computer, smartphone or iPad near you is a special opportunity for golfers to access great courses and help the game of golf by improving the playing conditions through turfgrass research. is initiative invites the golf facilities to donate a round of golf for 4, to be then advertised throughout the golf community and to finally be auctioned online to the public on dates determined (April 9-16th, 2012 http://www.tee-upnewengland.com/

Representatives From Golf Clubs Across New England Welcome the Golf Season at the 2012 New England Green Section Seminar

Speakers from the USGA Green Section and representatives from Bay State Clubs took part in the 2012 New England Green Section Seminar on March 20th.

Canton, MA — With temperatures soaring into the 80s in some parts of Massachusetts, representatives from golf clubs located across New England

took a break from pre-season preparations to come together to take part in the 2012 New England Green Section Seminar.

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EPGA and MGA Come Together at the Country Club of Halifax to Host the 2012 NEPGA/MGA Rules of Golf Seminar Halifax, MA — e recent weather has welcomed the golf season early here in the Bay State. More than 60 attendees many avid golfers looking to learn more about their favorite pastime - participated in the 2012 NEPGA/MGA Rules of Golf Seminar held at the Country Club of Halifax.

Jesse Menachem (left) and Ron Green led the 2012 NEPGA/MGA Rules of Golf Seminar on March 24th at the Country Club of Halifax

The USGA Pays Special Tribute to the Contributions of MGA Past President John English, Who Passed Away at the Age of 101 Norton, MA — e golf world is mourning the loss of one of its great champions.John English, who was considered by many to be the Dean of American Golf Writers. He passed away peacefully on March 6 at the age of 101. English grew up in Massachusetts, where he learned the game at Plymouth Country Club from Henry Picard, who would go on to win two major championships in a Hall of Fame career. During a life full of rich golf experiences, English once played a match against Babe Ruth, became friends with Francis Ouimet and Bob Jones, was a golf writer for the Boston Herald, and served both the Massachusetts Golf Association and the USGA.

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Laconia Country Club Captures The Inaugural Barbados Pro-am Title

Powered by three days of solid play, the four-man team from Laconia Country Club in Laconia, New Hampshire captured the Inaugural Barbados Pro-Am title at the Apes Hill Golf Club with a score of 251 (37 under par). Led by host golf professional Todd Rollins and amateurs Mike Handrahan, Brian Battista, and Tom Haughey, the Laconia team carded three straight days of under-par play in the 54-hole tournament played over the Apes Hill and Sandy Lane Country Club courses. “Barbados is a fantastic golf destination” beamed Todd Rollins, Head Golf Professional at Laconia Country Club at the tournament’s Awards Ceremony, “the golf courses are extremely challenging, the island is beautiful, and the Bajan people were incredibly gracious hosts. is caps oﬀ a week my members and I will never forget.” e team from Sharon Country Club in Sharon, Connecticut led by host golf professional Patrick Aldrich and amateurs Allan Carr, Bob Stair and Chris Lancto finished in second place with a score of 259 (-29 under par). Cranston, Rhode Island’s Alpine Country Club team featuring host golf professional

62 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

Ed Kirby and amateurs Todd Knapp, Andrew Rowe and Tom Jaronski, finished closely in third place with a score of 262 (-26 under par), resulting in a winplace-show trifecta for the New England region. e tournament was organized and managed by e Golf Connection LLC, a marketing and events firm that specializes in developing high-end destination experiences for avid golfers around the globe. “Barbados has everything the avid golf traveler wants in a golf destination,” stated Tom Jaronski, Tournament Director and President of e Golf Connection, “three championship golf courses that are within a 10-minute drive of one another, consistent weather year round, a wide variety of luxury hotel and villa accommodations, and a tourism infrastructure that allows visitors to truly experience the island at their leisure. Few islands in the Caribbean oﬀer the cultural immersion that Barbados does.” For more information on the tournament visit www.barbadosproam.com or contact e Golf Connection at 484-762-1185. Planning for the second annual event is already underway and tentative event dates will be posted soon.

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Country Club Comedy Tour Coming to New England Golf Monthly & myNEGM.com Michael Petit is one of the countries top headlining comedians. With appearances on Comedy Central, E's Talk Soup and NESN this performance is high octane with a steady diet of impressions that appeal to audiences of all ages. Born in Attleboro, MA. Michaels impressions are tastefully performed as he hits the stages of Vegas, Mohegan Sun and at Country Clubs across New England. Michael is a regular guest performer with Taylor Made serving as an MC-Host for their events in Southern California. Serving as an MC or Host for charity golf outings and member events this show is a must see for those who enjoy the game of golf. Ben Hague is one of the hottest young talents on the comedy scene today. After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, he began his comedy career at the age of 21 in Los Angeles. Ben has shared the stage with such stars as Dane Cook, Dave Attel, Louis CK, Gilbert Gottfried and many others. Ben was a finalist in Orange County California's funniest person 2004 & 2005. Closer to home, Hague won the Catch A "New" Rising Star competition in his home state of Rhode Island. He headlines comedy clubs throughout the US, has performed at over 50 Colleges nationally, and performed in the birthplace of golf at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Scotland in 2011. In 2009 Ben won a spot on FOX Providence's e Rhode Show, beating out 300 other contestants. After his one year title ended he was instantly signed by the #1 pop radio show in New England, and is the hilarious voice on the "Giovanni and Kim Show" for 92.3 WPRO FM.

Ben Hague

Michael Petit

Ben Hague & Another Golfer Golfer 1: Hey guess what? I just got a set of golf clubs for my wife! Ben Hague: Great trade. I started taking golf lessons. Now I can get through the windmill. - Michael Petit e Country Club Comedy Tour (Mike & Ben) will have a regular column in NE Golf Monthly and on myNEGM.com. ey are also available for a gig at your golf club, outing, etc. For Information email benhaguecomedy@gmail.com.

April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 63

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EDITOR / PUBLISHER

Timothy R. Branco

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GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Chris Hunter

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ADMINISTRATION

April 2012 Vol V. Issue II

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Mary L. Hullett

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

PGA TOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

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FASHION WRITER

Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@gmail.com

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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. For product marketing distribution and/or direct mail information contact us at info@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com

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Golfers who make a hole-in-one? 1 in 31,000. People who are affected by cancer? Everyone.

Honor someone you love and unite your passion for golf while supporting a good cause: conquering cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. You can start a tournament, run a mini golf event, or fundraise at your country club. Learn more about the many ways you can help conquer cancer through golf. For 30 years, our Jimmy Fund Golf staďŹ&#x20AC; have helped volunteers start and run events. We are on hand to help you with every step. Contact us today or visit www.jimmyfundgolf.org April 2012 | New England Golf Monthly | 67

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Gorman vs. Geary by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary

Who is golf’s biggest underachiever? by Tom Gorman

In so many ways, Sergio Garcia’s 13-year career as a world-class player provides golf fans with spectacular, memorable footage for a highlight film, but with equal parts failure, because with so much raw talent he consistently fails to close the deal when it matters most. Champions are rarely produced by accident, and with seven measly PGA Tour wins, 22 worldwide, and no majors, Sergio Garcia lacks the superstar label. We first saw a phenomenal 19-year old teenage rookie nicknamed El Nino, burst onto the world golf stage, chasing Tiger Woods at the 1999 PGA Championship. After swatting a shot from behind a tree at Medinah’s 16th hole, Garcia joyfully skipped up the fairway hill to see the end result. He stormed into the thick of five Ryder Cup matches with seemingly endless enthusiasm. And, always wanting to be the star, Garcia has a history of choking when a major championship is on the line, the putts refusing to drop! Even though Garcia would probably be on most pundits’ list of underachiever’s, to his credit, he has spent much of his career in the top 10 of the Oﬃcial World Golf Rankings (over 300 weeks between 2000 and 2009). Garcia reached a career high ranking of No. 2 after winning the HSBC Champions tournament in November 2008, second only to you know who. e 32-year old man-child, with the goofy, infectious smile, is approaching $40 million in career earnings. He pilots his own Lear jet and unhesitatingly lives the rich and famous lifestyle, including more notable ex-girlfriends than total career wins (22). He is the envy of many, and living the dream chasing a little white ball. So, if Sergio Garcia has accomplished so much at age 32, why is he an underachiever? Let’s take a look at Sergio’s rap sheet to confirm our worst nightmare that the once personable, happy-golucky Spaniard with swagger has turned into a sullen, at times surly, indulgent egomaniac. Unless a golf transfusion takes place soon, that’s likely how Sergio will be remembered. Going into this year’s Master’s Garcia is 25-1 odds to win. Don’t bet that line because he is 0-53 in major championships, with his best finish a T-4 in 2004 and missing four cuts since 1999. Is Garcia the best player to never win a major! You make the call! At the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie Golf Links,

68 | New England Golf Monthly | April 2012

Garcia led for three days and carried a three-shot lead over Steve Stricker and six-shot lead over the rest of the field into the start of the final round. e last putt on the 18th hole on Sunday, from eight feet, would have given him his first professional major. He choked and then lost a three-hole playoﬀ to Padraig Harrington. For Garcia, 2007 had a few regrets. First, he signed a wrong scorecard after the third round of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills and was disqualified. en, while playing in the third round at the CA Championship at Doral, Garcia three-putted the 13th green and before a national TV audience, spit into the cup, prompting outraged fans to call NBC to complain. Garcia called his behavior inexcusable and apologized later. In May 2008, Garcia won e Players Championship in a playoﬀ against Paul Goydos. But the next three years were all downhill until last October when he won two events in Spain against a bunch of unknowns. Although Garcia was a member of five European Ryder Cup teams in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008, he failed to make the 2010 squad, serving as non-playing vice-captain, trying desperately to share the spotlight. His Ryder Cup record is 14-6-4. Garcia is loaded with talent and loves to hold a pose after hitting his Taylor-Made driver, usually long and straight! With all that talent how did he turn into a slacker and underachiever? On March 11, again at Doral at the Cadillac Championship, the arrogant Spaniard pulled a John Daly. Garcia carded a 12 on the par-4, third hole, taking eight more swings than necessary, and far more than anyone ever owns up to. A rare octuple bogey, required five golf balls, and he ended up with a 76 and T-60 finish, banking $42,000. at 12 may have dinged his wallet but money is not Sergio Garcia’s problem. e problem is his inability to make putts when they count. And, until El Nino starts cashing more first-place checks & hoisting trophies, he’s likely to stand as poster-boy-proof that his career so far is disappointing, not meeting once-grandiose expectations! Tom Gorman is a Boston-based freelance golf writer whose list of horrible mentions of golf’s biggest underachievers include Adam Scott, David Duval, Davis Love, John Daly, Brett Quigley and James Driscoll.

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Who is golf’s biggest underachiever? by Tim Geary

e MacMillan Dictionary defines an underachiever as one who is not as successful as one should be, based on one’s natural ability. Which brings us to this month’s debate, namely who is the biggest underachiever in golf? And, of course, begs another question; who the hell are we, a pair of hackers who find adjoining fairways more often than our own, to question the work ethic and dedication of somebody who earns their living playing golf and who has more talent in their pinky finger than we have in our entire being? Well, that’s never stopped sports writers from pointing out deficiencies in others and truth be told this is one area that Tom ‘e Ripper’ excels. Gorman is loving this topic. Nothing gets ‘e Ripper’ more pumped up than being able to perform a character assassination. But being that this is our debate subject I think I have come upon the one PGA Tour mainstay who rises to the top of pack when it comes to underachieving – John Daly. It seems silly to be bestowing this title on a man who has won five PGA Tour events, including a couple of major championships (the 1991 PGA, where he first burst onto the scene, and the ’95 British Open), but from my humble perspective Daly should have several more major trophies in his case at home and a truckful more PGA Tour titles. is is one of the greatest pure talents we have ever seen, power and accuracy oﬀ the tee that was astounding and a touch around the greens that was surgical. Seldom has anyone been so blessed with both power and finesse as John Daly. But Daly is an enigma. He has been known to just walk oﬀ the course in the middle of a tournament when things are going bad. His bouts with alcohol addiction and his multiple marriages are well documented. And yet he remains one of the most popular golfers of all time, drawing some of the biggest galleries of anyone who has ever played. When he first came onto the stage, at Crooked Stick, he was just a red necked kid from “Anywhere,

USA”, gripping it and ripping it, chain smoking his way to the PGA title. He was one of us then, Walter Mitty whacking a Titleist. After he had won he broke down and cried and yelled, “I love you Jack!” paying tribute to the Golden Bear. How could anyone not love this guy? But it seemed that any time he won an event a different wife was seen bounding onto the green to embrace him. Stories of his abuse were rampant. He was wasting all that talent. With all of his warts I can understand why Daly remains so popular. As long as you don’t have to live with him he’s a great guy to be around. I found out first hand several years back, when I found myself on a bar stool next to Daly in the 19th hole at Bulls Bay Golf Club, just north of Charleston, SC. Sitting two stools over was Darius Rucker of “Hootie and the Blowfish” fame, who had just played 18 holes with Daly. Our group was right behind them and we got to see John Daly destroy a good golf course on a horribly windy day. “What’d you shoot today, J.D.?” I asked. “Dunno, didn’t keep score,” he answered. Rucker, who plays very well, piped up, “he was 8under.” “Whatever,” muttered Daly, totally unimpressed. I, of course, shot about a million that day. Daly wasn’t a multiple major winner sitting on that stool in the grille room. He was just another guy enjoying a beer. We talked about a lot of things. It was no interview, just two golfers discussing the game, the course, the conditions and other things, like hang gliding. I came away that day like most people who meet John Daly, liking him, rooting for him both on and oﬀ the golf course. And I saw, up close, what he can do with a stick in his hands and a little white ball sitting on a peg. Not many things in this life leave me with a sense of awe. Which is why only five PGA Tour wins and two majors leaves me feeling short changed. Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer. He still roots for John Daly every time the big guy tees it up

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