NEGM June 2012

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TIGER WOODS

PHIL MICKELSON

BUBBA WATSON

WEBB SIMPSON

RORY McILROY

LUKE DONALD

RICKIE FOWLER

LEE WESTWOOD

THE TOP 100.

AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME. COME CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF A LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRADITION AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 3.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Go to dbchampionship.com, call 877.TIX.4DBC (877.849.4322), or visit any area Golf Town location.

Player appearance subject to qualification.

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195 Newton Street Brookline, $3,600,000

132 Yarmouth Road Brookline, $4,450,000

50 Yarmouth Road Brookline, $3,490,000

Three spectacular properties abutting The Brookline Country Club.

For additional information contact us today!

Your luxury property specialists DEBORAH M. GORDON | (617) 796-2796 JAYNE BENNETT FRIEDBERG | (617) 431-4141 COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 1375 BEACON STREET | BROOKLINE, MA 02446 WWW.NEWENGLANDMOVES.COM Š2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

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H O L E

O F

T H E

M O N T H

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From the Editor Fairways of Life Links Living and Lifestyles The best of both worlds with golf and life is to live where you play and enjoy all the amenities of living on a golf course. We are all linked to the new age initiative of living green and what better way to do just that then making your home at one of the most beautiful testaments to open space in the world today, a golf course. There are great golf course communities throughout New England and also in almost every region of the country for a second home or retirement property.

Links living is closer to more of us then ever before with real estate prices and mortgage rates at all time lows.

The second home market is leading best value indicators in the U.S. for consumers who have been searching for that perfect second home or retirement home. Right now consumers are able to purchase a mid size home in a golf course or resort community for 30% less than 6 years ago with great amenities including golf and a host of other incentives.

The high-end facilities hold the best opportunities for across the board equity gains in 5 year trending.

New construction custom homes and existing homes over 3000 sq. ft. in some of the most sought after regions will see the largest value gains as the market trends upward. $300,000 buys a lot of home in many elite private communities where this same amount was going rate for a lot only 6 years ago. This market presents obvious opportunity that rarely exists in real estate history, buying below the bottom.

This summer we will launch “Fairways of Life” a publication dedicated to links living and all the lifestyle has to offer. We will cover the entire eastern region of the U.S. and international golf course communities as well. We bring the vision of golf course living to our readers and engage their senses with a taste of lifestyles and living in a place where they play the game they love so much.

See You on The Links,

Timothy R. Branco

CONTENTS

The Perfect Life

by Katherine Dyson

Good Looks on the Course

8 15

by Elle Brec

Couple of Travelers

20

by Alice and Danny Scott

Celebrity Golfer

24

by Leigh MacKay

Donald Ross

by Barry Palm

26

by Jack Ross

42

Molori Unplugged

44

Ross' Rulings

by John Molori

Two Good Rounds

45

Player’s Perspective

54

by Elisa Gaudet

by Ed Travis

Kay’s Corner

by Emily Kay

Gorman vs. Geary

60 76

Editor / Publisher

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

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

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The Perfect Life

by Katherine Dyson

The Lifestyle of Links Living in the Northeast At Pine Hills in Plymouth, Massachusetts, you wake to the sound of birds chirping, trees rustling and views of Great Island Pond and Plymouth Bay. After indulging in a latté from a café on the Village Green, you meet your pals at the clubhouse where you have a choice of golf on two designer courses, one by Rees Jones, the other by Jack Nicklaus.

Named the “Best Master Planned Community in the Nation” (2003 National Associaton of Homebuilders) two thirds of the land has been preserved as open space while homes are clustered in tidy neighborhoods. Yes, you have finally found your Promised Land where living is about as good as it gets. roughout the Northeast, there are so many choices of places to live where golf along with other good things to do like fishing, hiking and tennis are

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part of the deal. Where you ultimately settle depends on what you are looking for.

If you aspire to a casual laid-back life island-style, you might check out Farm Neck Estates, an attractive neighborhood in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard bordering beautiful Farm Neck Golf Course.

Just as the golf is pretty special, so are the beaches, the fishing, the sunsets.

Perhaps you covet a life in Maine with its independent spirit and many beaches tucked along the state’s rugged coastline. Could be Dunegrass, a private gated golf community in Old Orchard Beach is your perfect place or you could opt for Highland Green in Topsham, Maine’s first adult resort where along with golf on a Scottish style golf course, you can play croquet and hike the network of trails.

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Near the Sea On the North Shore of Massachusetts, the Renaissance Golf Club’s Brian Silva-designed track, is the centerpiece for e Overlook a modest-sized community on 65 acres atop the former under Hill Ski Area, overlooking the Merrimack River. Here you are above the course so you will have no golf carts running by your back yard.

Heading south no grass will grow under your feet when you live at e Bay Club at Mattapoisett nearBuzzards Bay. In addition to playing the Brad Faxon/Brad Booth golf course there is a 10,000 square foot Sports and Activities Center and a demo kitchen where celebrity chefs share their cooking

skills. You are mere minutes from Cape Cod with its great beaches and dunes, super courses, seafood restaurants and lazy days on the water. And did we mention whale watching?

If living right on the Cape appeals, New Seabury in Mashpee targets affluent residents who covet a low key yet luxurious lifestyle with golf on two fine golf courses, Ocean and Dunes, 16 tennis courts, a beach and pool club, fitness center, marina and miles of white sand beach and hiking trails. As with many golf-oriented communities, New Seabury offers a number of different membership options.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the Union, but clearly it’s no shirker when it comes to beaches — 100 plus to be more precise. ere are white beaches, tawny beaches, pebbly beaches and wind-swept dunes topped by waving grasses. So it’s no surprise real estate communities like e Carnegie Abbey Club near Newport celebrate the seashore in

its master plan. Its golf course designed by renown British architect, Donald Steel, evokes Scotland with sod bunkers and native grasses. Several holes run along the water offering stunning views of Narragansett Bay. Simply spectacular.

Attracting well-heeled buyers, neighborhoods featuring custom-designed homes appeal to a variety of interests. Golf-oriented buyers may choose to move into a custom-designed Royal cottage in Carnegie Village; horse enthusiasts may prefer a home near the Equestrian Center; and those who want to be close to the water can move into the Yacht Club neighborhood.

Heading out to Long Island stretching 118 miles from Manhattan into the Atlantic, the island’s south coast is a summer haven for upscale New Yorkers who migrate from the city to the Hamptons and Sag Harbor to enjoy the soft sandy beaches and dunes while the more rugged north coast around Glen Cove and Great Neck, is known as “e Gold Coast” because of its exquisite mansions. ink “Great Gatsby.”

You too can experience the panache of toney Long Island living if you move into e Estates and join

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Olde Vine Golf Club on the north fork. Olde Vine also offers its members play on Cherry Creek Golf Links and e Woods at Cherry Creek.

Outside the gates, in addition to mansion hopping, you can tee up at Bethpage State Park’s five courses where heavy hitters will want to tackle Black, an A.W. Tillinghast design and the first public course in the U.S. to host a U.S. Open Championship. With that one checked off your list, there are Bethpage’s other fine tracks and more. e Jersey Shore attracts summer visitors to places like Long Beach Island popular with families and to exclusive enclaves like Mantoloking and Bay Head at the top of the food chain. e Village at Crystal Springs in the Sussex Skylands just 47 miles from Manhattan is especially appealing to golfers with seven courses, two luxury spas, world-class restaurants and a variety of homes from condos to single family estates.

In the Mountains As the snow melts in Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks and Catskills and Pennsylvania’s Poconos, golf courses spring to life. Many like Sugerbush and Stowe in Vermont and Lake Placid in the Adirondacks lie in the shadows of ski lifts. Teeing off, sometimes at elevations close to 2,000 feet, is like driving from the top of the world. Living in the mountains gives outdoor enthusiasts the best of both worlds: a four-season lifestyle where you can ski in the winter, hike and golf in the summer.

In the Green Mountains of Vermont, it doesn’t get much better than calling a place like Quechee Lakes in Vermont, “home” where you get to play Geoffrey Cornish-designed tracks, e Highland Course and the Lakeland Course. Off-course the fishing is superb in the Ottaquechee River and when you go into town, you usually see people you know. Goof stuff. en there is Spruce Peak in Stowe, another splendid year-round community.

In New Hampshire Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club presents a variety of real estate opportunities from condominiums to single family residences and Hale’s Location with an Al Zikorus-designed golf course of the same name in the Mount Washington Valley, is home to contemporary style homes and condomini-

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ums with the White Mountains ever in sight. Nearby are the White Mountain National Forest, Pemigewassett River Valley, the Lakes Region, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington River Valley.

Nestled in the aged Adirondack Mountains on the west shore of Lake Placid with Whiteface Mountain looming in the distance, many of the custom homes at the Whiteface Club & Resort recall the Great Camp era, in particular the Lodge homes featuring rustic details like stone, log siding, high pitched roofs and plenty of wood paneling. John Van Kleek has redesigned the Whiteface Mountain course, a historic track cut through tall trees dating from 1898. ere is also a beach, marina, and a tennis center. e Pocono Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains farther south in Pennsylvania reveal attractive lifestyle options like Penn National, an adult community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with two courses, e Founders and e Iron Forge. e St. Andrews neighborhood is an ideal address for golfing residents.

Courses at Penn National are available to residents initiation-free and amenities like tennis and the pool are a la carte with no master association fees. Additional perks for residents include nature trails and even a community vegetable garden.

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Country Life Anchored by small villages with real downtowns and a couple traffic lights, places like Brattleboro, Vermont, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, New Canaan, Connecticut and Tarrytown, New York are treasured places to live and visit.

In northeastern Connecticut, central New York and Long Island, a winning combo of soil and microclimates has been conducive for growing grapes.

Local wineries mean those who live in golf course communities can take a day off from golf to visit one or more of the wineries practically out their back door. Such communities include Connecticut’s e Residences at Fox Hopyard in East Haddam; River Highlands set at the edge of the Connecticut River in Cromwell where you can live the PGA Tour experience playing the TPC River Highlands course; and e Greens at Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield.

e Hudson River Valley often called “e Hamptons of the North” or “America’s Rhine” because of its great scenic beauty is home to Trump National Westchester, a private gated golf community located in Briarcliff Manor for those who want posh living

near the Hudson along with golf and an easy commute to New York City. Just 30 minutes from the Big Apple, the residences at Trump National Golf Club are designed with luxury features like high ceilings, large windows, marble baths and state-of-theart kitchens.

For sure there is a huge variety of living options in the Northeast for those who want to enjoy both golf and a fulfilling lifestyle. e hardest thing will be making a decision. Shall it be the sea, the mountains or the country?

Or shall it be in a city like New York, brash and full of attitude with warm weather bringing everyone outdoors to the parks, gardens and sidewalks, where vendors sell $5 watches and chess players move their pawns? Or what about Boston, home to the Red Sox and Patriots where outdoor concerts play to crowds under the stars and farmers markets are brimming over with colorful fresh produce?

To help sort it all out there is an exciting new comprehensive magazine and website focusing on living in residential golf communities in the Eastern U.S. from Maine to the Caribbean be launched by our team this summer.

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Villages at Fox Run

by Tim Branco

New England Links Living at Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club

You wake up with sun slashing through your window overlooking one of the best ranked golf courses in the state and slip into your golf shoes for a great round with friends. You are at the Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club, one of the best stay and play destinations in New England. e great news is you don’t have to leave today or call the resort desk to extend your stay; you’re already home.

In our busy and ever pressured lives, we all need to get away as often as possible to decompress from ever demanding challenges; it’s just not as easy as it once was. With single season destinations, airline security issues, extra baggage fees, rental cars etc; travel is tiring, expensive and its impossible to guarantee great weather for your trip. is is why a four season home a few hours away makes a lot of sense and offers families a place to celebrate and share special times. With real estate prices and mortgage rates at all time lows it is a great time to buy that second home.

Owl’s Nest offers an abundance of options to fit almost any budget. From building lots to townhomes to condos to beautifully designed single-family homes such as those at the Village at Fox Run. e residences are constructed to the National Association of Home Builders’ Energy Star Certification program. Energy Star building specs are just the beginning! An optional package that includes solar panels for supplying do-

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mestic hot water and ultra- efficient, air to air heat pumps that can cost effectively draw warmth out of zero degree Fahrenheit outside air for heating in the winter and then reverse cycle itself for inexpensive cooling in the summer months. e Village at Fox Run is a development of 8, super energy efficient single family homes sited within the Owl's Nest Resort, in ornton NH. Garage bays are also available for purchase in the planned adjacent garage buildings. Surround yourself with abundant four-season recreation and breathtaking mountain views! Create the perfect place for your year-round or vacation home in the spectacular White Mountains of New Hampshire. is premier golf course home community offers exceptional value in New England resort living. In addition to the golf course, other amenities include the Activities Center (with outdoor pool, indoor moving current exercise pool, gym and great room with game tables), access to the Pemigewasset River and a year round restaurant (open weekends when the golf course is closed). Our real estate staff is on-site seven days a week to introduce you to our premium golf resort community.

If you are in the neighborhood just stop by our real estate office at the GreenScapes Activities Center! Contact the Master Developer at Owl’s Nest, Tom Mullen, at 603726-3076 ext 219 or email him at tntmullen@owlsnestgolf.com for more details.

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Southworth Purchase of Willowbend Leads to Renewed Interest in Premier Cape Cod Club Community

When it was announced in early March that Newton, Mass.-based Southworth Development had agreed to purchase Willowbend from Paul Fireman, the former Reebok mogul, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. For David Southworth, President and CEO of Southworth Development, it was a chance to return to the Cape Cod club community that had spawned his career in residential real estate back in 1992, when he and Fireman teamed up to create this extraordinary place – and many other luxury lifestyle communities and resorts around the world.

“Willowbend has always been regarded as one of the most outstanding club communities in the country,” Southworth said. “As someone who was there at the very beginning, having the chance to build on that legacy going forward is an opportunity that I value dearly.”

Response to news of the acquisition wasn’t long in coming. Community residents and club members were quick to embrace the new ownership and its plans for Willowbend. Membership applications from former club members and prospective new ones have been flooding in faster than the Willowbend membership team can keep up with them. ere’s similar interest on the real estate side of things. Willowbend’s luxury

estate homes and villas have always fetched top dollar and been in high demand, but with Southworth in control, that interest has spiked just in time for the summer season on the Cape.

“Willowbend is a perfect fit for Southworth Development,” said Joe Deitch, Chairman of Southworth Development and David Southworth’s friend and partner. “It’s an extraordinary property with phenomenal amenities and a truly passionate group of members and residents. Joining together with the Willowbend community to chart a new course for its future is going to be a real pleasure. We’re delighted to be helping to write the next chapter in the story of this dynamic community.”

For More Information: Memberships & Real Estate Eileen Peros 508.539.5311 eperos@willowbendcapecod.com Patrice Hovenesian 508.539.5200 phovenesian@willowbendcapecod.com Willowbend 130 Willowbend Drive, Mashpee, MA 02649 508.539.5000 | WillowbendCapeCod.com WillowbendRealEstate.com

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EVEN SLIPPERS WISH THEY WERE THIS

COMFORTABLE It’s the Slyder from KIKKOR GOLF and yes, they are golf shoes

ANTIGUA ANTIGUA LIFESTYLE PERFORMANCE APPAREL APPAREL

get your pair for $64 at kikkor.com

PERFORMANCE APPAREL APPAREL

www.antigua.com www .antigua.com antigua

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Good Looks on the Course

Summertime Fun

by Elle Brec

Bonobos Bonobos is a unique clothing company focused on delivering great fit, high energy, world-class service, and a superb customer experience. Launched in 2007, Bonobos grew to the largest Internet-only clothing brand in the United States. Excited to introduce e Guideshop in Boston this May, located in the heart of the Back Bay’s famed shopping district on Newbury Street, its Bonobos first store outside the company’s New York City headquarters. Evolving the traditional brick and mortar model toward in-person service, e Bonobos Guideshop is a direct service experience for those who want to see, touch, and try-on the clothing in person.

Leading the experience are Bonobos Guides, experts trained in fit and style that provide the hybrid service of a personal shopper, tailor and stylist in a relaxed, one-on-one private shopping environment without the lines, crowds and hassle of a traditional retail store. e Guides walk customers through Bonobos’ range of offerings, from golf apparel to Italian suits, colorful chinos, comfortable denim, and fun buttondown shirts. With its signature line of better-fitting men's pants, the flattering cut is neither too tight nor too loose with some magic in the seat to be comfortable but not frumpy. Unique scorecard print in pocket liner demonstrates Bonobos playful personality, with functional grip insert in waistband to keep shirts tucked, proving their designers really have thought of everything.

The next innovation from Bonobos is eliminating shopping bags, not only ‘green’ but allowing you to avoid carrying your new wardrobe all around Boston, as their direct shipping service is extremely fast, you can expect your items at your home in the next day or two. Followed by a personalized service known as the Bonobos Ninjas, who welcome customer feedback, change the way people shop for clothes online, treat everyone involved with courtesy, respect, and just a touch of awesome. ey encourage their customers to be straight with them if they are pleased with the apparel, if they have suggestions to make it better, or if they haven’t lived up to their expectations.

“We chose Boston as our launch city because we have a vibrant and amazing group of customers here. Guys in Boston wear color well, love our fit and sense of humor, and have been incredible brand advocates for us since our first pants parties here in 2008,” says Andy Dunn, Bonobos CEO and founder.

"We feel lucky and excited to share with them what we at Bonobos think is the future of retail.”

Advertising Age named Bonobos “One of America’s Hottest Brands” and New York Magazine awarded them the title of “Best Men’s Pants.”

Bonobos Boston is located at 85 Newbury Street, Suite 2E is open 10am-7pm for walk-ins or appointments can be booked by visiting www.bonobos.com/guides. If you prefer virtual shopping, to read customer reviews, view many photos, and to check out all that Bonobos has to offer visit www.bonobos.com.

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Antigua Men

In a bold 360 degree change in direction the Antigua brand of genuine performance golf apparel incorporates a contemporary updated bright color palette and compliments it with innovative golf apparel styling. All over solid tones, engineered chest stripes, modern rib treatments, and filament cover stitching add detail to base layers to water resistant wind garments. ese fresh bright colors introduced first this Spring include Key lime, Berry and Wedgewood, colors that are following for Summer shown here the Melon color story highlighted by a bold summer orange paired with shades of grey and neutrals to form an unexpectedly pleasing palette, an essential component of the single color stories of the 2012 performance collection. An example of the Azalea color story is shown here in the

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Eclipse polo with a black accent piping. Pop accents on argyles Turq color story demonstrated here in turquoise and gray argyle vest, brighter colors are perfect for summer strategically coordinated with darker, richer shades making each piece versatile to be worn any time of year, on and off the course. "e philosophy during the development cycle is that each garment be built to stand alone – as though you were creating someone's 'favorite' piece – and build those pieces out to assemble a full collection of favorites," says Sean Gregg, Director of Product Development. "With the wide selection of shirts, shorts, outerwear and hats offered in each group, any piece may be combined with any others to create a fashionforward golf ensemble that's both simple and stylish."

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Antigua Women

e fashion golf styling of Antigua’s Women’s 2012 collection features a brighter more playful approach to performance clothing. e color palette has been expanded with a total of six hues ranging from rich jewel tones to soft brights. Color names such as honeysuckle, tide and lilac bring about connotations of relaxed summer days while the softer bright colors make any woman feel instantly feminine and comfortable.

Antigua’s uniquely developed, well-established Desert Dry Xtra-Lite fabrics are not sheer and wick moisture quickly away from the body to allow for superior cooling functions. Featured in several styles such as the sleeveless ‘Capture’ and ‘Lyric’ are excellent examples of the super- lightweight jacquard texture & patterned fabrics Antigua has to offer. Short-sleeve polo

styles ‘Vibe’, ‘Fit’ and ‘Adore’ features a subtly feminine styling detail. Based on previous success with the micro-flat pique fabric used for the women’s Exceed polo group including a short sleeve, sleeveless and longsleeved polo the new fashion shades are now also part of Antigua’s essential product offering.

Antigua has continued to bring further innovations in fabric technology expanding on with newness in construction, a softer fabric while maintaining focus on the drape of the piece and how it correlates to the fit of the garment, according to Danielle Dellios, Antigua's Women's Senior Designer. Add to that some simple but elegant style detailing in the way of pop color piping or contrast stitching and the finished garment appeals to each golf style.

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Cobra - Puma

On June 1, PUMA COBRA golf in conjunction with FERRARI will be announcing a luxury line of golf equipment, footwear, apparel and accessories. e Ferrari Golf Leather Shoe is handcrafted in Italy with genuine full grain leather upper and sole. Golf essentials that fuse innovation and performance coupled with impeccable design and handcrafted elegance to fashion the next evolution of golf as a lifestyle. e products, available in July, can be purchased at selected Ferrari locations, online store Trendy Golf, and a range of golf retailers across the nation. e delicate stitching in the shoe is designed after the interior of a Ferrari car and the sleek silhouette is an understated, luxury look that will have heads turning all over the golf course.

Available June 1, PUMA has launched its groundbreaking performance collection evoSPEED, designed under the criteria of light and highly functional materials, increased flexibility, and an optimized fit that en-

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ables a greater freedom of movement without compromising support. With golf footwear providing maximum comfort and the outsole improves balance and lateral stability, combining directionally molded S2Quill spikes for ultimate grip on the course. ese deliver unmatched protection through extremely durable waterproofing, taped seams and high breathability to shield the athlete from external forces. e first time in the sport lifestyle brand’s history a single product will be released with offerings across all categories. Inspired by the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, and key athletes’s in each category, the collection takes performance technology innovations and incorporates them in footwear developed for golf (Rickie Fowler), running (Usain Bolt), football (Sergio Aguero), motorsport (Fernando Alonso), cricket (Yuvraj Singh) and indoor sports (Luc Abalo). To check them out visit www.puma.com/golf.

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ECCO

Danish brand ECCO maker of comfortable, stylish and technically-advanced footwear is season’s offerings merge comfort, quality with the latest advancements in golf shoes.

For Men, shown here is the BIOM Hybrid Performance Hybrid Shoe combining Natural Motion Technology with the award-winning Golf Street outsole. e result is an extremely lightweight shoe with excellent traction and swing power that remains durable,

comfortable and weather resistant.

BIOM Golf, shown here for women but also available in men’s, the ECCO-pioneered Natural Motion shoe that applies the same “barefoot running” principles seen in the performance industry. is shoe provides superior traction and support while bringing players closer to the ground for unmatched feel and traction. For great shoes on and off the course visit www.eccousa.com

TRUE Linkswear

TRUE linkswear founders are dedicated golfers who share a passion for the game walking the fairways with friends, and knocking down pins, while truly feeling the course. PGA Tour player, Ryan Moore, an investor and co-founder in the company, wears the TRUE tour shoe. TRUE footwear is designed to offer a "barefoot"

experience by providing the lightest shoe with the thinnest sole in golf. Crafted for the devoted walking golfer, the TRUE HHH limited-edition stealth available black + electric blue and white + electric blue for $199 per pair available starting this month exclusively www.truelinkswear.com/shop.

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Couple of Travelers

by Alice and Danny Scott

Coasting Along Southern Cal

Elegant swans along the 18th green symbolize luxury at the Grand Del Mar. A hidden gem in Carmel Canyon, minutes from San Diego or the beach, Tom Fazio leveraged nature’s elevation through the lush terrain to make a dream like state of golf until the awakening of the last 3 holes. 16 is a long downhill par 5 lined by dense brush with a lake behind the green that illuminates at dusk. Tee over the water on 17’s par 3 and steady yourself for one of the most beautiful and challenging finishing holes. e fairway rolls into the swans’ stream with cascading waterfalls above the green. Difficult to reach in two, M Club patrons above are entertained by attempts. e sports mix is completed by hiking trails, tennis courts, and an equestrian center. After all that, get stoned at the spa. e 90 minute “Stoney Silence” is a massage treatment with

warm rocks slipped into pockets between sheet and skin, left to transfer heat to muscles. It’s the best rock collection ever. Chaise lounges with soft blankets and a fireplace further relax the body and spirit. Someone is always whispering an offer of a warm neck wrap, tea, fruit or truffles. For a hearty meal, Addison is famous among locals for special occasions but Amaya’s is also exceptional, from the lump crab eggs Benedict with chipotle sauce for breakfast to fruits de mer for lunch, lobster for dinner. Wine sommeliers assist in pairing one of 3600 labels with every exquisite morsel. Listen to live music in the lounge and retire to your lovely palazzo suite, large enough for a family reunion overlooking the golf course and statues. At turn down, rose petals are sprinkled throughout.

Up the coast, La Costa Resort and Spa is a coveted

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destination - close to the beach yet tucked away.

Home to the LPGA Kia Classic and PGA history, tournament memories are etched in wooden signs on tee boxes. Each hole on the south course has special character, with floral, topiary designs and bridged water features. A pear alliance martini pairs with an extensive menu and views after the round. “Spa-tacular” in the Spa at La Costa is the variety of amenities – therapeutic shoulder falls, reflexology path, pools, saunas, café and boutiques. A slide pool, workout room, tennis and golf provide plenty of exercise or zip down to the beach for a hike in the sand.

A few miles north, the realty mantra, “location, location, location” is epitomized by Pelican Hill. Palladian style architecture throughout the Newport coast complex brings nature inside and coziness out. e largest circular pool in the world is accented by chaises and custom equipped cabanas for ocean view lounging. e Pelican Grill gives new meaning to “see and be seen”. People, ocean or sports watching on the largest of screens make this the happening place.

Voted the number one golf resort in the world, these Fazio courses are perhaps his most fabulous, laid out so that every one of the 36 holes has at least a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean on 500 acres in one of the most affluent zip codes of southern California. Golf concentration is challenged by the question of where the ocean will be seen if not from the tee box, then greenside, or a point along the fairway - mesmerizing views of Newport Harbor, Catalina Island and full crashing waves with real pelicans. One on course home is listed for 18 million dollars, making a one month stay in a 2bedroom bungalow for $8500 a bargain, special services included. If you are bent on ultimate luxury, a resort Bentley awaits as well as a personal butler. Sold out for the week, we stayed at their sister property, the

Island Hotel in Newport’s Fashion Island with balcony views of the marina and Catalina Island. Where else could you say the Brussels’ sprouts were to die for along with the Kansas City Steak and Barramundi.

Saiko (pronounced like psycho) means best in Japanese. Saiko performs massage treatments on professional athletes, cirque du soleil stars and you! She is indeed the best in the business with the spa’s “travel rejuvenation treatment.”

Pelican Hill’s sister course is Oak Creek in nearby Irvine, half the price without the ocean but another fully satisfying Fazio design. Drive beside Lamborghinis, maseratis and more exotic cars along the Newport Coast. is playground of the rich and famous is welcome to every wallet worldwide. Reasonable or outrageous packages abound.-

Golf Travel | June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 21

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Northern Exposure

by Dave Irons

Early spring brings mid season conditions ahead of schedule

Most golfers in New England's three northern states consider any golf by the end of April as a bonus and the courses in the far north and mountains are most likely to open in mid to late May. is season is completely different. Following a low snow season, spring arrived with mid summer temperatures in March. When temperatures soared into the eighties golf courses began opening and by mid April most were in operation.

Obviously, the courses always early in southern Maine got off to a fast start and were in mid season form by the end of May, e Ledges, Old Marsh and the Links at Outlook.

Dan Hourihan reported that Nonesuch in Scarborough was in top shape and the other course they are now managing, Dune Grass in Old Orchard was rapidly coming around. One of the highest rated courses in the entire region, Belgrade Lakes, got off to an early start along with the rest of the state.

Even the ski resort layouts, usually the last to open in mid to late May, had record breaking early openings. Better yet, the mild winter was easy on the fairways and greens, with very little winter damage. e result was mid summer conditions by mid May throughout the region and golfers heading north this year will find the best conditions in years.

One course opened as scheduled with its annual Memorial Day Scramble. Sugarloaf was forced to open with

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just 16 holes, not because of winter, but because of two bridges lost to hurricane Irene leaving two holes cut off by the Carrabassett River. e bridges were expected to be replaced by mid June and the course fully open for the summer season. Seven time Maine amateur champion and Maine Golf Hall of Famer, Abby Spector has joined the club as Head Professional.

Sugarloaf's sister resort, Sunday River had a record early opening and has a variety of stay and play packages, some right on the mountain and others nearby. At the Bethel Inn Brad Jerome reported the course, "in outstanding shape, really no winter damage to speak of". ey have a variety of golf packages and looking ahead July 27-29 is the date for their 12th New England Couples Golf Championship, with a special package for the weekend.

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In New Hampshire news was good with the Mount Washington reporting the course in good condition after an easy winter. Further north, another course hit hard by hurricane Irene, Androscoggin Valley CC in Gorham had received the necessary repairs and was in full operation.

Here's a novel idea. e Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce annual fund raising tournament at Province Lake will feature a hypnotist who can help your game. For details contact Mary Seavey at 603-3565701, ext. 305. e ten courses under "Follow the Road to the Links" golfmv.com all reported coming through the winter well. e Omni Mount Washington Hotel reported both its courses, including the 18 hole Donald Ross in top shape.

News from Lake Morey in Vermont is that the resort escaped damage from Irene and came through the winter in great shape. e course is in prime condition for the Vermont open June 10-13, an event this challenging layout has been hosting for over 50 years. Else where in the Green

Mountains, the ski resorts with golf were all open by the end of May and reporting excellent course conditions. e mild winter was tough for skiing but easy on the greens, tees and fairways. Look for stay and play packages at the major resorts, Mount Snow, Killington, Stratton, Okemo, Sugarbush, Stowe and Jay Peak. ese resorts have plenty of beds so lodging is never a problem. Another well known resort the Woodstock Inn was actually cut off by hurricane Irene last year but the roads have been rebuilt and all is ready this summer. e Trent Jones Sr. course was affected by the storm but has been refurbished with 51 new traps and six new golf cart bridges. at same storm did major damage at Killington, but not on the golf course. Nearby Green Mountain National is also a top layout with packages available. ese and a number of other clubs are ready to welcome golfers from points south, and over the next three months Northern Exposure will take a closer look at some of the key destinations.

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 23

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Celebrity Golfer: Dave Pelz

by Leigh MacKay

The short-game woes of a young Dave Pelz should be celebrated by all those golfers whose short-game woes have been assuaged by his expertise. For, had Pelz succeeded on Tour as was his dream, the world of golf would undoubtedly be bereft of his teachings.

Pelz attended Indiana University—majoring in physics—on a golf scholarship and played well, except when he lost to Jack Nicklaus 22 times.

Although Pelz was a quality amateur, he realized that his short game fell, well, just short.

So, Plan B in 1961 was to work for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center in MD, where he became a senior scientist in the Explorer program. In his spare time, Pelz also used his research methods and physics to learn exactly how the mechanics of the putting stroke influence the roll of the ball.

In 1976, Pelz resigned from NASA to form his own company, Preceptor Golf, which marketed his first innovation, the Teacher Putter. He then invented “The True Roller,” which makes a perfect stroke, and was the basis for his exhaustive study of putting. In 1977, he started a three-year analysis of every shot in golf and concluded that 60% of a player’s score comes from within 100 yards, hence the short-game emphasis.

This scrutiny of the game encouraged Pelz to begin teaching, to write articles for “Golf Magazine,” to publish books, to appear on the Golf Channel, and to produce videos. In 1982, he developed his first Short Game and Putting facility, and today he has his Scoring Game Schools located throughout the country and abroad.

Pelz’s methods paid off first for Andy North, who won the 1978 US Open. Other Major winners who sought his advice include Lee Janzen, Tom Kite, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart, and Mike Weir. His most recent student has been Phil Mickelson, of course, who said to his mentor, “I couldn’t have won my Majors without you.”

Pelz has written several best-selling books including his “10 Minutes a Day to Better Putting,” “Damage Control,” “Golf Without Fear,” “Putting Bible,” “Putt Like the Pros,” and “Short

24 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

Game Bible.” Pelz holds 17 patents on golf equipment, but his most recognizable creations are the 2Ball and 3-Ball putters that he has licensed to Callaway Golf for the Odyssey line. With more than 5,000,000 of these on greens around the world, they are the best selling golf club ever.

NEGM: What were your responsibilities with NASA? DP: Basically, we were studying the earth’s atmosphere based on the sun’s radiation and behavior. Weather forecasting was in its infancy in the 1960’s, with an accuracy rate of 7-8%. Today, because of these and continuing studies, it’s around 70-80%.

NEGM: Did losing to Jack 22 times have an impact on your career?

DP: Yes, he helped convince me that Goddard needed me more than the Tour. Of course, I did not know how good Jack really was. I just knew I was not good enough.

NEGM: When you are not doing your research at the Pelz Golf Institute in Spicewood, TX, (near Austin) what else keeps you busy?

DP: I visit all seven of my schools. I get great pleasure from the teaching I do and from watching players improve their short games. I also spend a lot of time interviewing Tour players.

Phil and I work together frequently, and currently we are preparing for the US Open.

NEGM: What is your next project?

DP: A book, planned for 2013, that will be on how to read greens. Too many golfers, Phil included, often don’t see what is really there and under read the breaks. I’ve been doing a lot of research and am excited about the prospects of what I am learning.

NEGM: Which one of your patents or innovations is your favorite?

DP: The two-ball and three-ball putters. Because the ball images on the club’s head are easy to align with the ball itself, golfers are almost automatically better putters. Aiming is the first major step in the putt’s success.

NEGM: How often do you get to play golf now? Do you belong to a club?

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DP: Rarely in past years because I have been so busy. is year my goal has been to play once a week, and I have played about 16 times so far. My short game is OK, but my driving is too wayward. I belong to Summit Rock and Escondido, both near Austin.

NEGM: What are your favorite golf courses.?

DP: Augusta National, Pebble Beach, and Pine Valley.

NEGM: Who would be in your Dream Foursome today?

Of any time period?

DP: Whenever my three sons—David, Eddie, and Mark—can play, that’s a dream for me and lots of fun. Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Gene Littler, and Jack Lemmon. Peter Jacobsen and I so wanted Jack to make the cut at the Crosby Pro-Am. He missed it 30 straight years.

NEGM: Which pros are the best putters?

DP: Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Brad Faxon, and Brandt Snedeker.

NEGM: Is putting an innate ability?

DP: No, putting is not a God-given talent. It can be a learned skill. e most common flaw is that players tend to rotate their forearms and/or break their wrists through impact, preventing the clubhead from being square at impact. is flaw is why the Belly Putter and the Long Putter have become so popular.

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By locking the club against the body, the golfer’s stroke flows through impact without any breaking down. e ball rolls where it is aimed.

NEGM: Any regrets that you didn’t get a chance to play on Tour?

DP: No, not at all. Once I started to do my research, my niche in golf became evident to me. My calling is to teach the short game as effectively as I can. I want players to score better and enjoy the game more.

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"" "# $$$ June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 25

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Donald Ross Is Alive & Well and Living in New England

by Barry J. Palm Why is it that famed golf course architect Donald J. Ross’ courses continue to both enchant, challenge, and befuddle golfers of all levels today 63 years after his rather unceremonious death? It could be he left a catalog of 412 courses in the USA, Canada, and even Cuba and remains among the most popular and emulated designers the game of golf was blessed to have.

Often imitated but never duplicated, Donald J. Ross layouts are considered by many to be the benchmark of golf course design from the so-called ‘Golden Age of Golf Course Architecture.’

Donald J. Ross was born in Dornoch, Scotland but spent most of his adult life in the United States.

Ross served an apprenticeship with Old Tom Morris in St Andrews before investing his life savings in a trip to the U.S. in 1899 at the suggestion of Harvard professor, Robert Wilson, who found him his first job in the America at Oakley Country Club in Watertown, Massachusetts.

In 1900 he was appointed as the golf professional at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, where he began his course design career and eventually designed

four courses there most importantly Number 2 for which he is best remembered. He had a moderately successful playing career, winning three North and South Opens (1903, 1905, 1906), two Massachusetts Opens (1905, 1911), and finished fifth in the 1903 U.S. Open and eighth in the 1910 Open Championship. He later gave up playing and teaching altogether to concentrate on course design running a substantial practice with several assistants in Pinehurst and a summer office in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Ross’ most widely known design is the aforementioned Pinehurst No. 2, as well as courses like Seminole in Juno Beach, Florida, Oak Hill in Rochester , New York, Michigan’s Oakland Hills, and East Lake Country Club in Atlanta.

Closer to home here in New England, Ross’ imprimatur is seen on 90 courses he constructed or re-designed during his career including 49 courses in Massachusetts alone. Among his best and most revered courses are Salem CC in Peabody, Mass., Worcester CC, Brae Burn CC in Newtonville, Wannamoisett in Providence, and Wentworth-by-the-Sea in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Babe Zaharias at Salem CC 1954 U.S. Women’s Open

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Donald Ross

Shennecossett 16th, CT

New England members of Ross courses being the chauvinistic lot they are might take exception to any “best” or “most revered” list when it comes to Mr. Ross.

So be it. Opinions are like noses – everybody has one.

What is certain, however, is that the United States Golf Association thinks highly enough of Ross to have conducted no less than 30 Championships at his New England designs over the years. Surly that stands as a testament and tribute to his greatness as a course architect. [See Table] Ross often created challenging courses moving very little earth, as he observed the lines of nature are never straight. According to Jack Nicklaus, "his stamp as an architect was naturalness." His widely known trademark is the crowned or "turtleback" green, most famously experienced on Pinehurst No. 2, though golf architecture writer Ron Whitten argued in Golf Digest in 2005 that the effect had become exaggerated compared to Ross's intention because greenkeeping practices at Pinehurst had raised the centre of the greens. No matter. Anyone fortunate to putt on Rossian greens and experience the simultaneous feeling of sheer frustration and elation they bring realizes their true genius. One of the game’s greatest putters, Ben Crenshaw, said Wannamoisett has “fascinating greens.” He should know as a past champion at the prestigious Northeast Amateur which has been contested there for more than 50 years.

Ross frequently fashioned holes which invited runup shots but had severe trouble at the back of the

green, typically in the form of fallaway slopes. In the 1930s he revolutionized greenskeeping practices in the southern United States when he oversaw the transition of the putting surfaces at Pinehurst No. 2 from oiled sand to Bermuda grass.

Ross was a founding member and first president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, which was formed at Pinehurst in 1947. He was admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977, a rare honor seldom awarded to anyone other than golfers (mostly PGA Touring professionals) who meet stringent HOF criteria.

Donald Ross is most closely compared to two other leading architects of the early 20th century, Alister MacKenzie and A.W. Tillinghast. Some proffer that Ross's work does not consistently carry the same standard of quality as Mackenzie and Tillinghast. Evidence supporting this argument includes the fact that a much higher percentage of Ross's courses have been altered, redesigned, or destroyed than either Mackenzie or Tillinghast. Ross is unmatched in the quantity of courses he completed, however.

It must be stated, though, that much of the ‘blame’ for that criticism lies with the myopia of self-appointed green committees at Rossian clubs where they thought they knew better than Mr. Ross and set about to “improve” and “modernize” his work over the years. With the improvements to equipment over time, for example, it was believed that fairway bunkers became obsolete and no longer in play, for

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 27

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John F. Kennedy at Hyannisport 1960

Worchester CC instance. What was not taken into account in some cases was the stunning visual effect these bunkers created. In recent years on the other hand, the recent resurgence in faithful restoration to Ross’ original plans at many of these same courses demonstrates why enlightened members at clubs today want their Ross layouts returned to their original glory albeit with modern updated improvements. Nevertheless,

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New England – Massachusetts in particular – is blessed with a plethora of great Ross designs both municipal, resort, and private.

Ross died in April 1948 while completing his final design at Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina.

In future issues of NEGM, we’ll take an in-depth look at some Donald Ross courses of note especially ones that have hosted USGA and prestigious amateur

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Oyster Harbor Golf Club, Cape Cod

Hyannisport CC, Cape Cod

Sakonnet Golf Club, RI

To View a List of the Donald Ross Golf Courses in New England visit:

mynegm.com/ross-courses To View a List of the USGA Championships Held at Donald Ross Courses in New England visit:

mynegm.com/ross-usga

championships. If you are a member of a Ross course – or play on a regular basis – we’d like to hear from you with your thoughts about your course. Tell us your opinion of Mr. Ross and your club by posting a comment on [Face Book or at www.xyzxyz,com.]

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” erefore, if Donald Ross was indeed great, it figures that his work might be misun-

derstood as well. What do you think? Let us know.

Barry J. Palm is a writer and communications consultant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. He is the founder of the Donald Ross Society and was its past president from 1988 to 1998. He also consults with golf industry clients on public relations and marketing strategies. He can be reached at barryjpalm@gmail.com or visit www.bjpalm.com

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 29

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A Unique Symbiosis Of Golf And Disc Golf In Petersham

Tim Bishop - Petersham CC, Head PGA Professional In 2011, the PGA of America hired the prestigious Boston Consulting Group to study the challenges facing the game and help develop its Golf 2.0 initiative, which is intended to resuscitate the stagnant golf industry. Perhaps the PGA should have consulted with Tim Bishop, the professional at Petersham Country Club. Bishop and his staff have embarked upon a bold and innovative strategy for generating additional revenue necessary for the survival of the club: the creation of a disc golf course at the 9-hole Donald Ross layout. e course, Ross’s Run, is the only disc course in New England to share space with a golf course. e 18-hole course, which utilizes space in the woods on the periphery of holes and shares some of the fairways of the golf course, opened in April and has received rave reviews from “discers” (disc golf enthusiasts). e course is also meeting revenue targets.

Bishop explained that the name of the course reflects Donald Ross’ influence and also honors a longtime member of the club, Ross Yanco, who passed away last year. He said that the famed designer would probably like the disc course, which incorporates his philosophy of working around natural elements of the landscape. Some holes on the front nine wind through narrow gaps in the trees. “e

front nine is tight and technical, but the back nine opens up and uses more of the golf course,” said Bishop. Ross’s Run plays to a par of 57 (most of the holes are par 3s). e notion of creating a disc course occurred to Bishop last year when he heard about a large disc golf tournament, the Vibram Open, which is held at Maple Hill in Leicester. He consulted Kevin Donahue, a member and the CEO of Quabaug Corporation in North Brookfield, which manufactures discs for Vibram. “I said to Kevin do you think we could build a disc course here at Petersham? We’ve been struggling to attract golfers.”

Bishop was not in a position to pay the $10,000 a disc course designer demanded to design a course. So he and Glenn Hause, the superintendent at the club, tackled the job themselves with advice from Steve Dodge, who had experience with disc golf. “Glenn and I laid out the basic tract. Steve liked some of the holes but gave us a blueprint of what discers are looking for,” said Bishop. He credited Hause’s enthusiasm and energy for sustaining the project. “We had a mild winter so we were able to clear some trees and brush,” noted Bishop.

Serious disc golfers carry backpacks with as many as 24 discs of different sizes and performance char-

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acteristics; some are used for long throws from the tee, others for short “putts.” The holes are baskets with suspended chains that trap accurately throw discs and allow them to fall into the basket.

The rules of disc golf are adapted from regular golf. A lost disc (a not uncommon occurrence) results in a stroke-and-distance penalty, while a disc that travels out of bounds may be played from the point of exit with a penalty stroke.

Bishop said that his members have enthusiastically supported the advent of disc golf. “It was an easy sell, because they understand the need for revenue if the club is going to survive,” said Bishop. “ey think it’s great – they like seeing the place busy, with more people hanging out on the deck. e attitude here is what makes this possible. We try to think outside the box, and do things that are different and unique.” Golfers and discers appear to be coexisting harmoniously. One couple

playing golf seemed intrigued by the discers, and were curious to learn more. A number of signs warn golfers of “disc crossing.”

Bishop hopes to host a major disc tournament at Ross’s Run. Other ideas are “ball and chain” tournaments, in which contestants play nine holes of regular golf and nine holes of disc golf, and a “no sweat triathlon” consisting of golf, disc golf, and curling (the Petersham Curling Club adjoins the course).

Bishop noted that one of disc golf ’s attractions is that it is less expensive than regular golf. A round on Ross’ Run costs $6 ( $10 for unlimited play). Disc golfers may also rent golf carts for $10. Playing 18 holes of golf with a cart costs $25. On the other hand, losing a disc (which can Ross’ Run - Hole 1 cost $16) is more expensive than losing a golf ball.

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Lyman Orchards to Host Grand Opening Event for The Golf Center and Apple Nine Course on Saturday, June 16

MIDDLEFIELD, CT – Lyman Orchards – home to two celebrated 18-hole golf courses – will host a Grand Opening event for the new e Golf Center and Apple Nine Course on Saturday, June 16 in conjunction with the Lyman Orchards’ annual Strawberry Festival.

Open to the public, festivities for e Golf Center at Lyman Orchards kick-off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. followed by dazzling trick-shot artist Peter Johncke from 11 a.m. to noon and free golf clinics from noon to 3 p.m. Live music, food and beverages run through 4:30 p.m. Prize winners will be drawn throughout the day and complimentary shuttles will be provided between e Golf Center and Strawberry Festival. e Apple Barrel market at Lyman Orchards will host the Strawberry Festival beginning at 8 a.m. with breakfast on the deck. Horse-drawn wagon rides with Foxglove Farm, pony rides, pie-eating contests, face-painting, food sampling, strawberry treats and live music are among the family-fun activities scheduled.

Imagined by the Lyman family, managed by Billy Casper Golf and designed by Mark Mungeam of Mungeam Cornish Golf Design, e Golf Center at Lyman Orchards features Apple Nine, a nine-hole, 1,600yard, par-29 course and the only new layout to open in

Connecticut to date in 2012. Holes are 85 to 314 yards with bentgrass greens built to USGA specifications.

Built for practice and PGA instruction, e Golf Center at Lyman Orchards showcases a 40-stall driving range (grass and artificial turf ) with target greens and sand traps, short-game practice area and 2,000-square-foot clubhouse.

“We’re ecstatic to open e Golf Center,” says Steve Ciskowski, President and CEO of Lyman Orchards. “It goes hand-in-hand with our two courses and reinforces the Lyman family’s commitment to promote the game of golf and attract new players.”

Kevin Cloud has been named Director of Instruction for e Golf Center at Lyman Orchards and will incorporate state-of-theart technology in private, semi-private and group lessons: • Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor measures ball velocity, vertical launch angle, back spin, side spin, total spin and carry distance • V1 Golf Video Swing Analysis Software captures and analyzes students’ swings and develop plans for improvement • Tomi Putting Analysis measures path, face angle and stroke tempo For more information about Lyman Orchards or to book a tee time: www.lymangolf.com, 860.349.6031.

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Family Time. Tee Time.

In Less Time.

Both novice and avid golfers can improve their skills at Lyman’s new Golf Center, a 9-hole, par-29 course. Fine-tune your swing at our new driving range and short game practice area.

When you’re ready to put your skills to the test, our famous Robert Trent Jones and Gary Player courses are both ZagatRated® among the best in the US. These picturesque and challenging courses make every round of golf a thrill.

Middlefield, CT (860) 349-1793 Exit 15 off I-91 lymanorchards.com

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FALL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB From the Ladies’ Tees

by Pam Borges

It’s hard to believe, that in the midst of the busy manufacturing city of Fall River, Massachusetts lies a ‘golfers’ paradise’. Secluded in nature with unique architectural style, Fall River C.C. is a private 18-hole hidden gem, located along the banks of the scenic Taunton River. If you’ve never played this course, you need to add it to your bucket list, as it is one of the most fun yet challenging courses you’ll play. Like an amusement ride, it will entertain you with its sudden twists and turns, dramatic rises and drops in elevation, and stimulate your senses with water views on 14 of the 18 holes.

Built in 1895 as a nine-hole course, it is one of the oldest golf courses in Massachusetts where golf legends like Bobby Jones and Harry Vardon have played. In 1975 it was expanded to a par 70 (par 72 for ladies) layout containing the original nine. e dramatic drive into the country club property awakens your senses as you weave through federally designed wild, over an old wooden railroad-tie bridge leading you to the historic full service clubhouse that offers indoor/outdoor seating, pro-shop and outdoor snack bar. e course features a fun run of fairways that offer layout variety and several distinctive, memorable holes.

For ladies, it’s a long course measuring 5,601 yards with little distance advantage from the ladies’ tees. e front nine starts out tough with back-back par-5s (435-520 yards) and finishes with a 440-yard par-5. Despite the many layout challenges…rolling, sloping fairways, steep uphill fairway shots, elevated tiered greens and blind tee shots, the beauty of the course will distract you and help you forget how badly you may be playing! e surprise vistas and challenges that continually pop-up demand carefully thought-out shots and precision.

Memorable holes? To name a few… the signature par3 third hole features a downhill tee shot over water to a well guarded elevated green. e tenth and eleventh holes meander alongside captivating views of the Taunton River. e par-3 twelfth with its narrow, severely sloped terrain, demands a precise downhill tee shot to the pint-sized green. is lush, well maintained course offers superb playing conditions. It’s the kind of course that once played, begs for replay. Great Membership programs starting at just $1200.00 make Fall River Country Club very accessible and one of the best deals in the region. For more information FallRiverCC.com.com

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Review From the Tee | June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35

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STIX Golf & Baseball Fun Center – North Attleboro

by Bob DiCesare

An Interview with new owner Chris Congdon

When Chris Congdon graduated from Bryant College 20 years ago this spring after starring on the men's golf team, it was easy to picture himself involved in the game of golf. e Foxboro native played the mini-tours, worked as an assistant professional at a private club and as a teaching pro at a golf learning center, and even owned a physical therapy company. However, Congdon never imagined he would be running a golf and baseball entertainment complex at age 42. Yet, there he is at STIX Golf & Baseball Fun Center in North Attleboro, doing whatever it takes to be a successful businessman. at means giving golf lessons followed by retrieving golf balls from the driving range, or making sure the batting-cage machines are operational, or even scooping ice cream in the snack bar. e transformation of the former Airport Golf Fun Center, which had fallen on hard times, has proven to be one of the most handson, multi-faceted endeavors Congdon has ever been involved in. "And I'm still in the golf business," noted Congdon. "I make my own hours, but definitely a lot of them." Congdon bought the business in January and has spent much time and money retooling the place to open in mid-March and celebrate

a grand opening on June 2.Golf is the main theme at STIX, which features 35 hitting stations with turf mats, 15 grass stations, and a lighted miniature golf center. ere are also 10 batting cages, six for baseball and four for softball. "ere was a lot of work to do," admitted Congdon. "e miniature golf area was a nightmare. It needed new carpeting and landscaping, and now it's completely renovated. e netting needed work both on the range and around the batting cages. At the driving range, we put up new dividers, which were expensive, new mats, and we fertilized the landing area. "But the batting cages were, by far, the most work because of the machines.

It's high maintenance, but it's worth it. ey're the only outdoor cages around, and people come from all around to use them." And through it all, Congdon (now an amateur) still managed to defend his Division 1 Cronin Memorial Fourball title at the Country Club of Halifax in April. Congdon had won it two years in a row with his cousin, Scott, but won his third straight this year with Matt Bianchini. Congdon is also one of two low amateurs, along with Brian Higgins, to earn exemptions from last year into this month's Mass. Open Championship. He's also de-

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o

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fending champion of the New England Invitational and the Attleboro Open. "e golf game's been OK," he said. "I've been playing twice a week. I've realized I'm playing more now for me, whereas before it was more for the paycheck. And I certainly don't have to go far to practice now." Which is to say that other than playing in the above tournaments, you won't see Congdon far away from STIX, which is anticipating business to be brisk during the warm weather months.

Congdon knows from the past that the center's business is roughly a 60-20-20 percentage split between the driving range, mini-golf, and batting cages. "e 60-2020 ratio doesn't bother me, as long as the numbers go up in all three," said Congdon.

Congdon has also reduced the price of a bucket of balls to $7 and will be introducing usage value cards. Congdon will also be conducting week-long junior camps during the summer months, as well as beginner/intermediate clinics on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. He has six people working with him, including PGA teaching professional Steve Lauzier, formerly of the Golf Learning Center in Norton. "ere's new ownership and a new facelift," said Congdon. "My philosophy is to give a great product at a great price with great service, so people can have great fun."

Bob DiCesare is the golf columnist for e Patriot Ledger of Quincy and e Enterprise of Brockton. He is also a member of the International Network of Golf.

Review From the Tee | June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37

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Wampanoag Golf Course

by Jim Hammond

Arnold Palmer and I have two things in common.

Both of us were born on September 10th and when we swing too hard on the tee, the shot usually results in a snap-hook into the rough. Subsequently I love courses with wide fairways and a minimum of trees. at’s why Wampanoag Golf Course in Swansea is such a joy to play. e course only plays 2963 yards from the back tees with the longest hole playing at a mere 458 yards. But the greens are small so while you can grip it and rip it you need to hit very precise approach shots if you want to make the par. e first hole is only 320 yards from the back tees so a slight draw with a hybrid will leave you a wedge into the green. e second hole is a short 131 yards from the back so you have a good chance to start off par-par and which is more fun than finding a brand new Pro-V 1 in the rough.

$30 18 holes with cart

Because the course is very flat, distances can be very deceiving. Also the greens were very firm so unless you can get a lot of spin on your short irons I would suggest that you use the old bump-and-run technique. One of the most scenic holes is the 313 yard Par 4 eighth hole that borders the Palmer River, where swans and kayakers cruise along on their way to the open sea.

One of the things I liked best about the course was the friendly nature of all the golfers that I met that day. e owners and the patrons all seemed to know each other and were very glad to welcome new golfers to their local course.

Greens fees are very reasonable at only $21.00 for 9 holes on weekends and seniors can play nine for a mere $15.00

Call about specials at 508 379-9832

Mon-Fri before 1PM - Sat / Sun after 12pm

80th Anniversary 1932-2012 Special 7 Day Full Single Membership $800 508-379-9832 wampanoaggolf.com

168 Old Providence Rd. Swansea, Ma 02777

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Afternoon play for a limited time only Play Allendale, one of Southern New England’s Finest Golf Courses

Call 508-992-8682 for Tee Times and Rates Golf Membership 2012 Rates Single $2600 Young Adult $1400

Allendale Country Club 1047 Allen Street, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

508-992-8682 | www.allendalecc.net

Review From the Tee | June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39

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Ross’ Rulings Match or Stroke Play?

The Rules Can Vary

by Jack Ross

Golf competitions may be conducted under either stroke play format, where the player with the least number of strokes prevails, or match play format, where the players play head-to-head on a hole-byhole basis. While a competitor in match play can protect himself by enforcing the rules against his opponent, the stroke play rules are intended to “protect the field” against rules violations. Accordingly, the rules for stroke play and match play sometimes diverge. Here are some notable examples.

Concessions. A putt may never be conceded in stroke play. In match play, a player may concede a hole at any time, or may concede an opponent’s putt.

A concession may not be revoked or declined.

Order of play. While the rules specify that the player who has honors on the tee, or is farthest from the hole during play, must play first, there is no penalty for playing out of turn. However, in match play the opponent has the option of “recalling the stroke,” and requiring the player who played out of turn to replay the shot. Partners in four-ball competition (a form of match play) may change the order of play, which might provide a strategic advantage.

Playing from outside teeing area. In stroke play, a player who plays a ball from outside the teeing area incurs a 2-stroke penalty. ere is no penalty in match play, but the opponent may recall the stroke.

42 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

Movement of ball by opponent. ere is no penalty if a competitor in stoke play moves a player’s ball (it must be replaced). In match play, a competitor who moves a player’s ball incurs a penalty of one stroke unless the movement occurred during a search for the ball, in which case there is no penalty.

Ball strikes opponent’s ball on putting green. In stroke play, if a player putts from the putting green and his ball strikes an opponent’s ball on the green, he incurs a 2-stroke penalty. ere is no penalty in match play (the rule presumes that the opponent could have marked his ball).

Practicing on course on day of competition. A player in a stroke play competition is disqualified if he practices on the course of the competition on any day of the competition, because he might gain an unfair advantage. ere is no penalty in match play, since each competitor would have an equal opportunity to practice.

Finally, note that many rules impose a general 2stroke penalty for a breach in stroke play, while in match play the corresponding penalty is loss of hole.

Jack Ross completed an intensive PGA/USGA rules workshop and has officiated at state amateur competitions. He is a co-author of “Mastering Golf’s Toughest Shots,” which explains how the rules can be used to the player’s advantage in problem situations.

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Molori Unplugged

by John Molori

D.A. rules at the top of the Hub Damon Amendolara is the brightest star to hit the Boston sports radio waves in decades. His up tempo, contemporary style is a huge reason why 98.5 e Sports Hub has supplanted WEEI as the top rated sports radio station in the region. Amendolara’s “D.A. Show” (weekdays, 6-11pm) is a refreshing upgrade from the tired, old Boston sports radio fare.

Amendolara attended Syracuse University (class of 2001) and has worked in Florida, Kansas City and the Big Apple. Boston is known for devouring media outsiders, but Amendolara, a New York native, jumped in head first.

“I always wanted to work in Boston,” says the 33 year-old evening host. “My cousin went to BU and my brother went to Emerson, so I had been to the Garden and Fenway many times. I worked in Miami, and people really didn’t care about sports. When I had the chance to come here in 2009, I asked CBS Radio if they were OK with me being an outsider. I told them if they trusted in me, I would love to give it a shot. e fans here never have turned on me. It has never been antagonistic.”---------

Amendolara says that he was impressed with e Sports Hub immediately. “ey really had a plan. It wasn’t about WEEI being exposed or anything like that. I mean, how can you not like working in a city where every major sports team is expected to win a championship every year? I’m a special teams gunner on a 151 team. It’s like I won the freaking lottery.” is zest for the media business is what led Amendolara to golf. He relates, “When I first started working in Fort Myers, I knew I had to learn the game. at was my first job out of college, and golf was the thing to do.

Of course, in Florida, you can play year-round.

44 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

“If you are in sports media, you have to hack. At first, I had fun with golf, but then developed a real love for the game. I don’t have a handicap, but I wanted to get to the point where I wouldn’t embarrass myself.”

Amendolara’s golf game has benefitted from his media gig. He explains, “e great thing is that, in this business, you get to know a lot of golf pros and golf shops.

We did a remote at Golf Town in Natick, and I ended up spending the money I made from the broadcast on new clubs. I love it.”

As for local courses, Amendolara lists his favorites. “I like Woodland in Newton and Putterham in Brookline.

Veterans Memorial in Springfield is a good value, and the course is well kept. It’s also a good meeting point for my golf buddies who live in Albany and Connecticut.”

Amendolara’s list of golf buddies is growing by the day, along with his popularity. “Golf is a great ice breaker,” he relates. “At 98.5 e Sports Hub, there is always an event of some kind with the Bruins, Patriots, radio executives, advertisers, or listeners. If you don’t play golf, you are on the outside looking in. It is such a great bridge to build relationships.”

It is also a great source for philanthropy, namely, Amendolara’s “Team D.A.” charity, which has raised thousands of dollars for numerous youth-related charities. “I find that golf is the most subversive way possible to get donations from people,” says Amendolara, whose original career goal was to play pro soccer. “Guys have no problem dropping $200 if they can get out on the course, miss work, and have a good time golfing. It’s the best money they can spend.”

Amendolara has worked at WFAN in New York and WQAM Miami. He is the sideline reporter for New England Revolution soccer on Comcast SportsNet and is a frequent contributor to NFL Network. Even with this packed schedule, he is finding more time for his golf passion. “I will get out and play maybe a couple of times a month,” he relates. “I’ve already been out five or six times this year, so it’s shaping up as a real summer of hacking.”

Columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and is a contributor to several radio stations.

Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.

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Two Good Rounds Have Sand…

GOT CAMEL

by Elisa Gaudet Tunisia might be the hottest new golf destination, and we are not just taking temperature. If you want a location with a bit of adventure, history and exotic allure then Tunisia is your place. With ten varied courses and ideal weather conditions you will be most impressed with the quality and diversity of the golf.

Tunisia has a history of golf including hosting the Tunisian Open, part of the European Tour's official schedule from 1982 to 1985, the European Tour's first venture outside Europe. As well the Tunisian Seniors Open was hosted at Port El Kantaoui GC in 2001.

Within two hours of the Tunis airport you have four great courses: Kantaoui Golf Club - e Sea Course, this course borders on the Mediterranean Sea and features beautiful sea views. It is located within walking distance of the Port El Kantaoui Marina. Citrus Golf Club - Le Foret (e Forest Course), this hilly course features narrow tree lined fairways and well bunkered greens so bring the sand wedge and “Shakira”. e Residence Golf Club a Robert Trent Jones II design is Tunisia’s newest golf course located in a beautiful natural reserve with an abundance of birds and wildlife. It is also adjacent to the luxurious Residence hotel, a Leading Hotel of the World property. My personal favorite was the Yasmine Golf Club. Apart from the elevated tees and multi-tiered greens and spectacular views that test your skills, the management went above and beyond by indulging my cliché desire to ride a camel before I left Tunisia. ey brought an adult camel “Shakira” and the baby to the 18th green. I had the pleasure to ride Shakira, sand wedge in hand, down the 18th fairway. Given my propensity to find sand on any course it seemed very appropriate. After a well-deserved cold Celtia, the local beer made in Tunisia, was waiting for me on the 19th hole terrace overlooking the course.

Rich in history Tunisia has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Carthage, founded in 814BC, it was the home of an extraordinary civilization and trading empire throughout the Mediterranean. In 146BC, the original Carthage was destroyed by the Romans who established a second namesake city, Roman Carthage, on the ruins of the first. You can visit these sites and so many more.

One place I am sure to visit on my next trip is on the south west part of Tunisia. e Tozeur Oasis Golf Course, Located in the Palm Oasis of Tozeur, is a truly unique 18 hole desert landscape course on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Film fans will love that Star Wars Episode I: e Phantom Menace was filmed in Chott el Gharsa and Tozeur, also a location used for e English Patient. is trip far exceeded my expectations. Even better than the great golf I played while in Tunisia were the collection of memorable experiences. Viva Shakira !

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com| 45

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Golf Shoes -- Comfort and Performance

by Ed Travis

Today golf shoes are an integral part of a player’s performance enhancing equipment with more than a modest nod to style and fashion, but it hasn’t always been that way.

For the first several hundred years the game was played there were no “golf shoes.” Players teed it up wearing what they wore any time they went outdoors such as hob nail soled shoes or boots. e idea of golfspecific shoes became accepted early in the 20th century and finally shoes came to be thought of as much a part of golfers’ equipment as clubs and balls. But golf shoes still pretty much looked alike and were not designed necessarily to help the wearer score lower.

Over time metal spikes gave way to plastic cleats

but that was about it with only occasional individualizations for style or performance. Famously, pro golfer Doug Saunders was said to have a pair of shoes matching every pair of slacks in his closet…and he had a big closet, while Ben Hogan had a 12th spike in the sole of his right shoe for added stability.

So, performance enhancing, stylish and comfortable describes today’s golf shoes and to help you be an informer buyer New England Golf Monthly takes a peak at some of the models currently on the market.

Oakley doesn’t just make sunglasses but also golf shoes such as the Full-Auto Tour ($170). Designed with the serious amateur or professional in mind they have a full grain leather upper and liner and are truly waterproof.

Oakley Poromeric construction provides breathability and the insole wicks moisture away while the shock absorbing qualities make the Full-Auto Tour comfortable the entire round.

Nike Golf has Tiger Woods under contract and over the years the former world’s number one has made lots of news but in the hotly contested shoe business arena the news was him switching from a traditional golf shoe to one based on the Nike Free running shoe. Recently he is wearing a modified but similar sneaker-looking shoe called the TW ‘13. e change of course, was not for the sake of starting a new fashion trend but to help Woods’ surgically repaired knee. Should you like to get in the swing with Tiger, the TW ’13 is $220.00.

FootJoy, owned by Acushnet Golf, has popular models in every shoe category and the youthful looking style orientated FJ Sports are no exception. ough modestly priced (online for $69.99) the Sport has full grain leather uppers, an external heel stabilizer and 2-year waterproof warranty. ey have a breathable liner and an EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) comfort bed that remains the same for the life of the shoe.

Dawgs Golf Ultralite Golf Shoes ($49.95) for men and women combine a forward-looking style with extremely light weight. Made from a highly quality plastic resin, they are shock absorbing and protect both heel and foot. Non-replaceable cleats provide lots of traction and the Velcro closure is quick to adjust.

48 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

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Adidas’ Samba line gained fame in the 1950s as an indoor soccer shoe and now days it has evolved into a classically styled leather golf shoe. Samba’s feature a suede toe-guard, a tan gum sole and are equipped with six cleats plus adidas’ low profile inTech technology to improve traction and stability. Street price is $100 a pair.

When you hear “Puma Golf,” Ricky Fowler pops to mind decked out in an orange ensemble and Ricky’s shoes are Puma’s Super Cell Fusion Ice model. ey have waterproof leather uppers, a decoupled heel/toe for a smooth transition from swing to follow-through plus a lightweight outsole. SRP is $220 a pair and yes, they come in orange.

Kikkor Golf, of Abbotsford, British Columbia, makes shoes targeting fashion-minded younger golfers who want style, looks and performance. e Tour Class shoe for example has a leather upper, a waterproof warranty, a mid-sole designed for stability and a foam lining under the tongue and around the collar. Traction is provided by what Kikkor calls the VEKTRboard Traction System comprised of several dozen undercut angled cleats placed across the sole. Tour Class shoes offer a cutting edge golf look plus comfortable performance and two pairs of laces for $109.99.

Etonic Golf shoes have a reputation for quality and the new Difference line enhances that reputation. is athletic-inspired design features a microfiber upper lining for comfort and a special material to reduce heat and moisture more than 40 percent to help the foot stay cool and dry even in the hottest weather. e out sole makes use of Etonic's best-in-class PowerUp Technology Outsole System for traction, flexibility and stability. Reasonably priced at $100

Ryan Moore is one of the hottest golfers on the PGA Tour and wears True Linkswear shoes. e True Tour model uses the company’s very comfortable “Barefoot Platform” introduced a few years ago along with waterproof leather uppers, memory foam heel and cleat-less sole. Interestingly, all True’s come in only one width with the TRUE Tour designed to accommodate men's widths B-EEEE. is is made possible because the wearer’s heel is kept snugly in place while the sock-fit liner holds the mid-foot secure and the wide-toe box allows toes to spread out.

Look for the True Tour at $149 a pair.

Oregon Mudders Winters are not your average golf shoe…in fact they don’t even look like golf shoes.

Winters are made for cold weather, wet weather golf. ere are two models the Six Inch ($99.99), which is really a boot and the Oxford ($89.99) and neither is anything but stylish but they do keep your feet warm and dry when playing in bad conditions. ey have a microfiber upper, a breathable waterproof membrane and a light weight five-piece, dual-density golf traction foot bed plus durable small metal spikes.

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com| 49

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Lady golfers have the chance to choose the fashion and performance of Tip Tee Toe wedge heel shoes golf shoes. Spike-less with magnetic strap closures, they have leather uppers plus “all-day wearing” comfort. e wedge shape promotes proper balance during the swing and conforms to the Rules of Golf. Contemporary, innovative and stylish are only some of the descriptive words from women who play in Tip Tee Toe shoes. $95 at several online stores.

Sandbaggers Golf Shoes make a variety of ladies shoes and one of their newest models is the Jenny ($114.50), just the thing for summer golf. is comfortable golf sandal features a Lycra and leather upper with a molded foot bed providing support for the entire foot. In addition there’s an adjustable heel strap and TR grip soles.

Callaway Golf is heavily promoting the new RAZR club line and have branded their new line of shoes with the same name. RAZR shoes have waterproof leather uppers, foam microbial insoles and a moisture wicking lining making them a good choice in the mid-price range category at $184.99.

Danish shoe maker Ecco’s line of shoes includes a unique model with uppers made from yak leather, the Biom Golf Hybrid ($190). Yak leather is not a gimmick in this sporty light weight shoe but used for its breathability and performance in even difficult weather. Ecco designed the Biom to be cleat-less, and to ensure a good grip uses instead 150 traction bars across the sole.

Ashworth Golf ’s Cardiff line ($99.95) introduced last year has become extremely popular for good reason. Cardiff has the performance features of high quality traditional golf shoes, the comfort of a casual shoe and a trendy stylish look. Suede accents the tumbled, full-grain leather upper while the soft molded-rubber outsole provides a lowprofile fit without the sensation of traditional spikes. With a 2-year waterproof warranty, Cardiff combines performance, style and comfort at a great price.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE GOLF SHOE, BAG, CART, ELECTRIC CART FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

Visit myNEGM.com/vote Look for the results in an upcoming issue of NE Golf Monthly Order Your Swag Bag at Molhimawk.com 50 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

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Swag Bag...

It Ain't Your Grandpa's Golf Bag. OnlY $119!

Molhimawk has stuck to its mission of bringing back classic patterns with a modern and refreshing twist by launching the SWAG BAG. This lightweight carry/cart hybrid fits in your trunk, on the bus, or on your souped-up beach cruiser. It has an incredibly strong stand, three standard pockets, a valuables pocket lined with soft material, and a water bottle holder. let’s not forget that this is the best looking bag on the planet! You play your best when you look your best. Are you confident enough to play with a Swag Bag?

Order Your Swag Bag at Molhimawk.com

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com| 51

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Sampson’s Spotlight presented by GolfTrainingAids.com x36 Pro Putt Trainer by Check Point Golf Systems The Claim: e x36 Pro Putt Trainer is designed as a simple way to practice putting like a pro and see measureable improvement almost immediately. e concept is that the x36 can be set up in about a minute with 8 putts around a circle of exact lengths of 3 and 6 feet allowing the golfer to work on alignment and speed control while practicing a drill that the pros and accomplished amateurs have been working on for decades. Golfers of any skill level can perform 24 – 48 quality putts in as little as 10 minutes and measure the results on tracking sheets to measure weaknesses and improvements.

The Test: As a former professional golfer and division one college golfer I am very familiar with the 3 and 6 foot practice drill that we have always had to pace off or use our clubs to measure. With the x36 I can setup these drills in about 60 seconds. I practiced for an entire day using the x36 from both distances stroking 24 putts per length and performed this three

rounds each distance. After each round I recorded my makes and misses as well as where I missed each putt depending on slope.

The Verdict: roughout my day of practice with the x36 I noticed a few weaknesses and was able to improve on them almost instantly. e first of my faults was my tendency to aim the putter face left which was easily correctable using the tether strings. My second fault was noticed by studying my tracking sheets in which I noticed that I miss more left to right putts then right to left and have a tendency to miss them on the high side with too much speed. By days end not only did these two weaknesses improve dramatically, but I noticed huge improvement in my confidence to stroke putts rather the steer them. If you already practice these drills or you are looking for a way to make more of the critical “scoring putts” then the x36 is the practice aid for you. Plus the x36 features three other important uses and over 200 different drills. It will be the best $99.99 you’ve ever spent and your handicap will love you for it!

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June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 53

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Player’s Perspective It has been said putting is an individual thing and putter selection involves some very personal factors. While this may be true it certainly doesn’t explain the popularity of classic putter shapes

by Ed Travis year after year.

Some shapes have been copied by almost every putter company and some, after minor tweaking, are reintroduced over and over again. ere’s nothing wrong with this, the marketplace at

Putt for dough work, but it does create confusion in the minds of golfers and who can blame them. At last and by no means accurate count, there were over 500 putter choices on the market. is month NEGM takes a look at several putters that fall into the “somewhat different looking” category and that have two important things in common. Each is of high quality design and manufacture and each offers a unique or new solution to the problem of putting a small white sphere into a somewhat larger hole in the ground.

To start we admit the Axis1 Umbra doesn’t look like any other putter. e milled head is neither heel nor toe weighted but weighted so its center of gravity is at the point of contact with the ball – not behind it but on the face right where the ball is struck. is is ac-hieved by distribution of weight in the head but most obviously by the “J” shaped hosel design. Inventor Luis Pedraza, an industrial designer with a passion for golf, hit on the idea several years ago when he found putters generally did not balance on the putter face. His solution was the Umbra and its predecessor the Eagle. Street price for the Umbra is $299

Another small company with a unique product is Rife Putters makers of the original and innovative Two Bar Putter who, after running into financial trouble were purchased by ball maker Innovex Golf last year. Rife has won kudos at every level of the game and the center shafted blade Trinidad model is a wonderful example. Like all Rife models the Trinidad has a grooved face to generate forward roll more quickly with a minimum of skidding and since groove ridges are all that make contact the feel is very soft. e Trinidad with the new for 2012 Tropical finish has a SRP of $194.95.

Sticking with the smaller manufacturers the next putter on our list is the Yes C-Groove Callie-12. Yes however will soon no longer be a small manufacturer. ey became part of Adams Golf when purchased by Adams while Yes was in bankruptcy and recently Adams was purchased by TaylorMade Golf. How the Yes models fit into the TMaG lineup is yet to be announced but the Callie-12 is worth a look in any case. Sharing the concentric groove face pattern with other Yes flat sticks this heel-toe weighted design reduces skidding after impact due to the grooves being inclined at a slight upward angle. For vibration dampening and better feel there’s a plastic insert filled milled slot behind the face. e Callie-12 has a street price is $149.99.

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“Innovative” is an appropriate word to describe the Pearl Putter introduced at the PGA Merchandise Show. While most putters have a lie angle of 70° to 72° the Pearl’s may be adjusted from 60° to 80°, sufficient to meet almost any individual’s preference. It accomplishes this using a gear and clutch arrangement at the base of the shaft inside the milled aluminum head. Additionally, because of the weighting of the pod-shaped mallet head the sweet spot is very large, running almost the entire width of the face’s milled grooves. Lastly, and before you ask, the Pearl conforms to the Rules of Golf. It is available on line at pearlprosports.com and the basic metallic series Pearls are $199.99.

Another popular putter in the “somewhat different looking” category is the TaylorMade Ghost Spider. It combines the head construction, size and high moment of inertia of the 2008 model Monza Spider with the white alignment benefits of the 2010 Corza Ghost. When people first see the Spider, comments such as “a nice piece of plumbing” are often heard but the distinctive shape does have immense stability. Combined with a Surlyn face insert the Spider produces dead solid impact with a nice soft feel. It may be found at most retailers for $179.99.

Finally, there’s the Callaway Golf Odyssey Flip Face Putter #1. It may not appear different from other blade putters but as the name says, the face may be flipped or rotated 180°. One side of the dual face insert has Odyssey’s new Metal-X construction while the other side has the old standby White Ice insert. e Flip Face family consists of three models, each with a satin chrome finish: the #1, a rounded heel-toe weighted blade putter with a crank-neck hosel and full-shaft offset; the #5, a rounded mallet putter with a single bend shaft and full-shaft offset; and the #9, a toe-weighted, heel-shafted, flanged blade putter with a long hosel and half-shaft offset. All carry a $349 SRP.

June 2012 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 55

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Kay’s Korner

Think before you play

Annika Sorenstam advises New England golfers

by Emily Kay Hudson, N.H. -- When Kevin Na’s frustratingly snaillike pace at this year’s Players Championship revived golf’s age-old problem of slow play, the words of wisdom that LPGA Tour Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam shared with everyday hackers during her recent sojourn to New England came quickly to mind. “e key to good golf is you have to control what’s between your ears,” Sorenstam told some 800 fans avidly hanging on every word during the retired legend’s ball-striking exhibition at Golf & Ski Warehouse in Hudson, N.H., in April. “When you think too much, a lot of things can happen.”

Anyone who witnessed Na’s tortuous pre-shot routine -with its infinite twitches, tics, intentional whiffs, and stepbacks -- during his stint at TPC Sawgrass understands that Sorenstam knows whereof she speaks. If one could have placed a thought bubble over Na’s head as he brought play to a near standstill, the words could have been Sorenstam’s.

“Is it a pitching wedge, is it a 9-iron?” said the 10-time major champion as she rattled off several variables that can run through a golfer’s mind as she hovers over an approach shot with little idea of what she intends to do. “Is it uphill, is it windy?”

Sorenstam’s remedy for what clearly ailed Na and, most likely, anyone who’s ever picked up a golf club, was so stunningly straightforward, it’s a wonder that more LPGA and PGA Tour pros haven’t made the pilgrimage to Vision54 gurus Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott (who have coached Sorenstam and LPGA superstar Yani Tseng, among others, and from whom their student borrowed the “think box/play box” concept). To illustrate, she placed a golf club down from left to right a few paces behind the peg she stuck in the turf.

“Behind the club is the think box and in front is the play box,” explained Sorenstam. “I know it sounds really simple but I’ve seen a lot of people play in the think box and...so many people think in the play box.”

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Sorenstam directed golfers to “think as much as you want about wind, distance,” and other variables while behind the prone iron. “In this case,” she said, eyeing one of the flags of many countries marking the distances and billowing in the breezes on a blustery spring day at Golf & Ski’s outdoor driving range, “the wind is right to left, [my target is] 170 yards, and take a practice swing, just feel the shot, go behind it, and visualize a perfect 170-yard wedge.” e women, men, girls, and boys who overflowed the bleachers chuckled as Sorenstam -- four years retired from competitive golf -- quipped that she couldn’t hit a wedge that far on her best days on tour.

“I’m visualizing my best pitching wedge I’ve ever hit because when you stand here in the think box you want to have a good vision,” she said. “You don’t want to stand here and think about a wedge that you’ve topped, hooked, or...hit fat.”

Her mental imaging complete, Sorenstam crossed the imaginary line between think and play and addressed the ball. “All you need to do now is line up the club and the body and then swing,” she said, cautioning players to set their brains on neutral.

“There’s no need to think anymore because if you start to thinking, ‘hmmm, I don’t have enough club, maybe I put the ball further back, or the wind stopped, I’ve got to aim more to the right now,’ and then you go, ‘there’s a lake on the right maybe I should go back to the left....’”

Sorenstam admitted she had made such mistakes herself (really, if you haven’t, then you’ve never played golf) and the end result from such over-thinking in the wrong place at the wrong time is usually less than outstanding.

“I guarantee,” Sorenstam concluded, “if you’re committed to a shot, you’re going to hit more god ones than when you stopped to hesitate.”

Emily Kay is a regular contributor to New England Golf Monthly. You may follow Kay on Twitter @golfexaminer

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#DevoStrong at The Misquamicut Club Interview with Dana Quigley, Paul and Jason Parajeckas At Help Hope Live Charity Golf Tournament For Devon Quigley

by Steve Riggs

Larry Lambrect Photography

I met Dana Quigley recently at The Misquamicut Club in Watch Hill, RI. He was there for the Help Hope Live Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Southeast Traumatic Brain Injury Fund in honor of his son, Devon Quigley, 26, who suffered a traumatic brain injury last December in an automobile accident.

Dana is known as the ‘Ironman’ for his streak of 278 consecutive golf tournaments between 1997 and 2005 while playing the Champions Tour. Dana played on the PGA Tour for three years between 1978 and 1982 earning just over $92,000 but caught fire after joining the Champions Tour. He has earned $14,821,241 and currently ranks 4th on

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the all time Champions Tour money list.

I stood on the practice range with two New England Golf Hall of Famers Dana Quigley and Paul Parajeckas and Jason Parajeckas, 26, winner of the 2010 NEPGA New England Open, who is in the early stages of his competitive golf career. What we talked about had little to do with golf and more to do with faith, courage and conviction in the face of tragedy. The conversation was also about the generosity, caring and warmth of complete strangers and the love men show for each other in times of crisis.

NEGM: It has to be a great feeling to know you have so much support for Devon and his recovery.

raphy

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Paul Parajeckas, Dana Quigley & Jason Parajeckas Dana: Phil, (Phil Korteski is General Manager of The Misquamicut Club), did all of this, soup to nuts and he doesn’t even know Devon. I had nothing to do with putting this together. Phil is responsible for the entire thing. It is fantastic and gratifying to feel such love and support for our family. Phil, who also works at the Dye Preserve Club in Jupiter, Florida upon hearing of Devon’s accident and injuries decided he wanted to see if he could do something for him at The Masquamicut Club so he sought approval, got it and here we are. Again, Phil has never met Devon. That is absolutely amazing!

NEGM: How is Devon doing?

Dana: He seems to be moving in the right direction, but his recovery is going to take years and years. We just moved him to a neurological facility in central Florida. The facility is a long term facility specializing in long term neurological rehabilitation.

We hope it will agree with him. The doctors don’t tell us he’s improving at all. We don’t see it that way.

He answers questions with his eyes so we know his brain is working even though his motor skills aren’t hooked up to his brain yet. My ex wife, Devon’s mother, has literally been with him 24/7 and sees everything. We have a lot of faith God is going to do it for us and take care of him.

NEGM: Paul, how long have you and Dana known each other?

P.Parajeckas: We’ve been friends for at least 40 years. We used to compete against each other. I learned how to compete from Dana. Actually I caddied for him in his first two Champions Tour events when he started his career out there. Dana’s strength and belief in the Lord is an inspiration to all of us.

Dana won’t tell you this but I will. He reads every single one of the “CaringBridge” posts and emails that come into Devon’s site. He doesn’t answer them, but I know he reads every single one of them. Dana, how many hits has Devon’s page had?

Dana: As of this morning, (May 17th), we’ve had 199,420 hits. We’re going to pass 200,000 hits today. e number of people praying for Devon is amazing and a tremendous source of strength for us. I have never seen anything like it. People that don’t know Devon or our family are sending us prayers and good wishes

through his web page. I actually had a guy come up to me in Houston recently and tell me he that he has never prayed so hard or so often for someone he doesn’t even know. I mean people come up to me everywhere I go to tell me how Devon has given them strength and they are praying for him.

NEGM: Jason, you and Devon have grown up together and actually turned pro together after college, right?

J.Parajeckas: Yes. Even though we grew up together, I started playing golf as a youngster while Devon didn’t take it up until he was probably 16. He picked it up fast. We both played college golf. Devon played for URI and I played for UCONN. Shortly after graduation we turned professional at the same time. We’re like family. e fact that Devon survived the accident has been nothing less than inspirational for me personally. I mean it has changed my life in so many ways.

I realized as I chatted with Dana, Paul and Jason how important friendship is. How faith makes us stronger.

How much we all need each other to strengthen our resolve, particularly in times of such tragic circumstances and how golf is so much more than just a game. e sun was truly shining on e Misquamicut Club in Watch Hill that day. $37,000 was raised in Devon Quigley’s name for the Southeast Traumatic Brain Injury Fund. A special acknowledgement to Misquamicut’s General Manager Phil Koretski, Assistant Manager Tom Finocchiaro, Head Professional Jim Corrigan, Assistant Professional Matt Doyle and the entire staff for such a successful event.

If you would like to follow Devon Quigley’s progress, send thoughts, share a story or make a donation go to caringbridge.org/visit/devonquigley.

Steve Riggs is a retired teaching professional with over 30 years experience working with students around the U.S. and Caribbean. Steve is a member of the GWAA (Golf Writers Association of America) and Producer/Host of the myNEGM Lesson Tee Show streaming live each Wednesday from 10:05-11am ET at wnri.com

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Team New England On The Tours 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 Keegan Bradley, (VT) so far in 2012 has made 12 cuts in 14 starts with1-2nd place. 3 top 10s and 10 top 25 finishes to date. Keegan’s earnings of $1,710,477 is slightly less than at this point last year. Bradley’s Scoring average is up from last month and is 70.00.

Brett Quigley, (RI) has made the cut in his solo start this year earning $31,858 with a current scoring average of 68.75. Playing on the Nationwide Tour as well, Brett’s career earnings are $11,048,433.

Tim Petrovic, (MA) earned $72,905 making 3 cuts in 7 starts thus far in 2012 with a scoring average of 71.79. Tim had his problems last year, losing his full status on the PGA Tour. His career earnings are $11,151,931.

James Driscoll, (MA) has earned $560,078 making 10 cuts in 14 starts with 2 top 10 and 3 top 25. James’ scoring average sits at 70.84. Driscoll is quietly improving those playing stats, particularly over the past month, promising a good year in 2012.

J.J. Henry, (CT) is off to a slow start this year making just 9 cuts in 16 starts earning $534,535. Henry’s scoring average is 71.37.

Leading the Bryon Nelson Championship before finishing in 6th place shows he may be ready to make a move.

Scott Stallings (MA) has made just 3 cut in 13 starts this year with earnings of $146,564 and a scoring average of 73.47 that continues to slip. Scott is having a slow start after a stunning year in 2011 with earnings of $1,957,162. He just needs to get on top of his stats.

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 74.75 after his solo start which is not reflective of his talent.

Patrick Sheehan, (MA) has made 3 cuts in 9 starts after regaining his PGA Tour status via the Nationwide Tour. Patrick’s earnings are $50,098 with a scoring average of 72.28.

CHAMPIONS TOUR Brad Faxon, (RI) in his first full year on the Champions tour has 6 starts with 2 top 25 finishes. Brad’s earnings are at $73,943 with a scoring average of 71.89.

P.H. Horgan III, (RI) has 5 starts earning $65,604 to date with an improved scoring average of 72 over last month’s issue. Horgan is playing well as he continues his full time status on the Champions Tour.

Dana Quigley, (MA) has started 5 times this season earning $26,369 with a scoring average of 73.47. As the iron man continues his play, our prayers remain with his family and son.

Allen Doyle, (RI) has started 4 times so far this year earning $8,268. e Woonsocket native has a scoring average of 74 at this writing.

LPGA TOUR Alison Walshe, (MA) has made 3 cuts in 6 starts with earnings of $39,426 and off to a good start on the LPGA Tour in 2012.

Anna Grzebien, (RI) has 1 cut in 3 start earning $6,667 thus far in 2012.

Show Your Team New England Pride!

Au deu

#teamnewengland

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LPGA SYMATRA FUTURES TOUR

NATIONWIDE TOUR Brad Adamonis, (RI) has made 5 cuts in 9 starts with 1 top 25 finish thus far with earnings of $16,529. A scoring average of 71.69 shows improvement over last month.

While the Futures Tour has had only 3 events, taking the month of May off, pickings for TNE have been lean.

Trevor Murphy, (VT) has made 5 cuts in 9 starts with 1 top 25 finish thus far with earnings of $16,529. A scoring average of 71.69 shows improvement over last month.

Jim Renner, (MA) while suiting up for 9 events making 3 cuts thus far in 2012 earning $36,270 thus far. Jim’s scoring average is at 70.88 which is slightly down from last month.

Rob Oppenheim, (MA) has made 5 cuts with 3 top 10 and 4 top 25 finishes in his 9 starts this year. Rob has earned $77,640 and currently has a scoring average of 69.82.

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

Justin Peters, (MA) has started in just 2 events making 1 cut and 1 top 25 finish earning $7,111. Justin’s scoring average for those 2 events is 70.67.

Jeff Curl, (CT) made 3 cuts in 5 starts of 2012 with earnings of $10,213 and a scoring average of 70.94.

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. Natalie has played in all three events thus far earning $480.

Chelsea Curtis, (MA) has not started her 3rd season on the Futures Tour. In two seasons Chelsea has earned $31,135. We hope to see her out there soon.

Libby Smith, (VT) has earned $271 playing in all three events of 2112. Smith’s career earnings stand at $49,191.

Julie Erekson, (MA) completed three years on the Futures earning $3,789 in her 10 starts out there. With her new life in Texas, Julie is not currently listed on the roster in 2012.

Kim Augusta, (RI)is a veteran of competitive golf having played on the LPGA TOUR for several years is currently not listed on either the LPGA or Futures Tour rosters.

Briana Vega, (MA) has started in 2 of the first 3 events of the 2012 season, earning $558 thus far. Ms. Vega’s career earnings are currently $55,796.

2012 New England Tour Events

e!

August 29 - September 3 2012 deutschebankchampionship.com

June 18 - 24 2012 travelerschampionship.com

June 17 - 19 2012 cvscharityclassic.com

June 21 - 24 2012 thelegendstour.com

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Palopoli’s Picks Fantasy Golf Picks – The U.S. Open at the Olympic Club

by Jeff Palopoli

e 112th U.S. Open gets underway on June 14 in San Francisco, California at the Olympic Club. e last time the Olympic Club hosted a U.S. Open was in 1998, where the late Payne Stewart led for most of the tournament, only to squander a four stroke lead to lose to Lee Janzen. Stewart got his redemption a year later, beating a young Phil Mickelson at Pinehurst No. 2, before Stewart’s very untimely death just a few short months later. is year USGA officials have vowed to not let another player do what Rory McIlroy did to Congressional in 2011. Which was light up the host course and win by eight shots. e Olympic Club is hosting its fifth U.S. Open and will surely challenge players with its narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, well-bunkered greens. As always, it will be a true test of golf, and look for players who are grinders and also hit fairways.

The Picks: A Group: Phil Mickelson has finished 2nd a total of five times in U.S. Opens. He’s not getting any younger at 41 years of age either (he’ll turn 42 on June 16), but he’s having a solid year, with a victory and 4 other top 10’s on the season. He’s not known for being the straightest driver around, which worries me a bit with him at a tight track like Olympic, but he’s definitely a grinder, and has every shot in the bag. Backing him up, I like another 40-something, this one just much more accurate off the tee, Steve Stricker.

B Group: e B group presents a lot of difficult decisions. Is this the Major that Tiger finally comes roaring back? Could this be Lee Westwood’s first long awaited Major? Will Rory McIlroy repeat? Out of those three names I only like two, both of which aren’t named Tiger Woods. ere just isn’t enough of a consistent sampling in recent performances that I can bank on. I’ll be starting both Westwood and McIlroy, hoping McIlory’s mini slump and recent missed cuts, were just a fluke

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and he has his game figured out. Westwood ranks 13th in Total Driving, and 2nd in GIR. C Group: ere’s no arguing that Jason Dufner is having a phenomonal year. Two victories and an “almost” at Colonial a couple weeks ago certainly prove that.

Dufner currently ranks 6th on TOUR in Driving Accuracy and T9 in GIR, both which are very important stats for any U.S. Open. I like Dufner to start over another accurate driver (Graeme McDowell), because Dufner ranks 1st in scoring average before the cut (68.52), and 4th overall.

Starting Foursome: Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Jason Dufner On e Bench: Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose, Graeme McDowell You can follow Jeff ’s weekly Fantasy Golf picks online each week at www.mynegm.com. Jeff also writes on his blog at www.goodwalkgolf.com and can be reached at jeff@goodwalkgolf.com

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What’s News

Tame The Tigers

Once Again John Dennis and the WEEI Crew came together with the Jimmy Fund Golf Program at The International Golf Club In Bolton , MA on May 14th to help raise funds for pediatric patient activities.

Jimmy Fund Golf is an incredible example of the good that can be achieved when hundreds of volunteer tournament organizers and thousands of golfers unite by connecting their love of golf to a higher cause: conquering cancer.

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In 2011, Jimmy Fund Golf tournaments raised nearly $6.5 million collectively for groundbreaking research and compassionate care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, bringing their 29-year total to more than $85 million.

To start A Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament Contact: Jimmy Fund Golf Program Phone: (866) 521-4653 or E-mail: jimmyfund_golf@dfci.harvard.edu

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Ted Highberger Recipient of Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award NORTON, MA — Ted Highberger, a former Ouimet Fund President, was presented the Richard F. Connolly Jr. Distinguished Service Award at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s 63rd Annual Banquet on May 7, 2012.

The presentation was a special feature of an evening highlighted by the appearance of Mark O’Meara, who was the guest speaker and recipient of the sixteenth “Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf.” The dinner was held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.

Ted Highberger brought a great business acumen and love of golf to the Ouimet Fund, using those skills to make tremendous contributions to the organization.

Kevin Carey & Ray Richard Come From Behind (Again!) to Win Second Straight Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball Championship Title Bernardston, MA — For the second year in a row, the team of Kevin Carey (Dennis Pines GC) and Ray Richard (Willowbend) saved their best for last and it resulted in a victory at the Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball Championship. e duo posted a two-round score of 7-under par 137 – which included a tournament-low score of 6-under par 66 on Wednesday – to successfully defend their title and lay claim to the James Shea Memorial Trophy.

"Unbelievable," said Carey following the win. "When you sit down and try to figure out the percentages you

have like a two percent chance of winning again. We had it going today, and it was just awesome."

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What’s News

33rd Annual Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Golf Tournament

Monday June 18, 2012 | Indian Ridge Country Club, Andover, MA Join us for a day filled of golf and fun: Contests, Raffles, Silent & Live Auction, Goody Bags, Dinner and Cocktails! Contact Sarah Hogue at 978-683-2747 x128 or shogue@lawrencebgc.com to join NOW! e Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence supports over 3,000 at-risk children and teenagers yearly in one of the toughest cities in Massachusetts. We offer educational and recreational after school programs, in addition we serve dinner to over 300 kids nightly.

Our kids come to learn, compete, and grow – their great futures start here.

70 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

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NEGM’s Sampson & Gorman advance in World Amateur Qualifier

NEGM’s Greg Sampson & Tom Gorman Advance in World Amateur Qualifier

GREENVILLE, S.C. – For more than a decade the World Golfers Championship has inspired amateur golfers from around the world to take on the challenge of competing within their own skill levels and receive the same status as professionals.

Participation in the World Golfers Championship (WGC) gives amateurs the proud experience of representing their country in a world championship final, individually, as well as in a team format. e 18th WGC final will be held at the 5-star Fairmont Zimbali Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa October 27 – November 2, 2012. National teams from around the world challenge each other for the World Team Champion title, as well as the title within their flight.

Over the next few months, WGC qualifying sites from around the United States will determine the field for the finals for the five-player U.S. team, which

is scheduled for Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana on September 20 – 22, 2012. Winners from five handicap flights (5.4 or less; 5.5 -10.4; 10.5 – 15.4; 15.5 – 20.4; 20.5 – 25.4) will compete over 54 holes for the right to represent the U.S. team.

At e Preserve at Verdae in Greenville, South Carolina, two New England players both associated with New England Golf Monthly, Greg Sampson and Tom Gorman, advanced to the U.S. finals. Sampson, competing in Flight 1 shot 4-over, 76, on the difficult 6,669-yard course with slope rating of 133. e World Golfers Championship will soon be announcing a local qualifying site for New Englanders wishing to participate. Results from the Greenville qualifier can be found at: gtggolf.com/events/voqz/leaderboard For more information on the World Amateur Golfers Tour go to: www.wgatusa.com.

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What’s News

Mark O’Meara Honored at Ouimet Banquet

NORTON, MA — Mark O’Meara, a tremendously consistent player and winner of two major championships, was the guest speaker and honored with the 16th Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s 63rd Annual Banquet. e banquet was held Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. An audience of 1,350 attended. e Connolly Group of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney was presenting sponsor.

“We are honored that Mark accepted our invitation. He had a great record and is now one of the top players on the Champions Tour,” said Dick Reilly, Ouimet Fund President.

O’Meara Highlights: Mark O’Meara was one of the top players on the PGA TOUR and

abroad. He won 16 times on the PGA TOUR, and 14 more times around the globe. e capstone to his career is his two Major Championship victories in 1998, but he was one of the consistently best players in the game for many years, finishing in the top ten in money earnings seven times and spending nearly 200 weeks in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking from 1986-2000.

He also played in five Ryder Cups and two Presidents Cups and local golf fans will always remember him helping the U.S. team to victory at Brookline in 1999 and the fact that he finished third in the 1988 US Open there, just missing the Curtis Strange-Nick Faldo playoff. He is now one of the top players on the Champions Tour, including winning the Senior Players Championship in 2007.

With four sets of tees and superbly maintained greens and fairways, Easton Country Club offers a fun and challenging round for any golfing ability. Semi-private, offering memberships, Easton is a par 71 regulation course with a natural grass driving range, and is conveniently located just south of Boston. Our layout and banquet room is perfect for outings. Come and enjoy!

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EastonCountryClub.com | 265 Purchase St. South Easton, MA 02375 72 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2012

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Solstice Golf Tournament June 25th Play 54 Holes and Support the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund

Sterling National GC

Solstice Golf is a golf tournament with a unique format - 54 holes of golf on the longest day of the year. Bring your friends and join us for a day of golf and friendly competition at Sterling National Golf Club.

We're pleased to announce that all proceeds from Solstice Golf 2012 will benefit the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund.

Tournament Entry - $250 Entry fee includes: • 3 rounds of golf with cart • Continental breakfast, lunch & sirloin steak dinner • Gross & net prize pools • Closest-to-the-pin contests • Hole-in-one contests including a $10,000 prize • Player gift bag

Register at SolsticeGolf.com

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EDITOR / PUBLISHER

Timothy R. Branco

tim@nepubinc.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Chris Hunter

myNEGM.com June 2012 | Vol V. Issue IV

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ADMINISTRATION

Mary L. Hullett

mary@nepubinc.com

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

Ken Dennis kendennisphoto.com

FASHION WRITER

Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@gmail.com

SALES & MARKETING

Greg Sampson - Manager greg@nepubinc.com

REAL ESTATE SALES

Betsy Griffin betsy@NEpubinc.com

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

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JUNE WINNER Wayne Malcolm | Osterville, MA

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Gorman vs. Geary

by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary

Has golf lost its mojo?

by Tom Gorman

In the best of times playing 18 holes in four hours, hitting eight greens in regulation while taking 34 putts and breaking 80 is reason to celebrate wildly, but there’s nothing more frustrating than when your game has suddenly lost its mojo and you don’t know why. ere’s nothing funny about taking two swings to get out of the bunker; dumping a 90-yard wedge shot into a green-side pond or three-putting from 18 feet.

Over my 40-plus year undistinguished career, I have quit the game at least 80 times. Before busting my wallet open three years ago with the purchase of Taylor Made Burner irons, I quit three times in 10 weeks.

My first quit this season came after playing a two-day tournament over Memorial Day weekend. It lasted 24 hours. Have you been there, done that?

Lacking a professional diagnosis, I confess to a serious golf addiction! No matter how many times I post rounds that begin with 9, I just can’t give it up forever! ank goodness, I can still beat Tim Geary, who’s been known to toss up a few 100-plus scores, which if that day comes, I will definitely quit forever! ere’s a reason they call him “Snowman” Geary!

According to statistics from the National Golf Foundation, my zany obsession classifies me as an avid player, a category that has sharply diminished for a variety of reasons including time, money and frustration. e powers that be in the $18-billion a year golf industry are panicked. If there are fewer players then profits are smaller, and that sends fear through the Foot-Joys of Titleist, the PGA of America and about 20,000 golf facilities throughout the United States.

Even if you’ve never picked up a club or know the top crop of Tour players, every man and his dog has an opinion on whether Tiger Woods will ever get back to supremacy. It has been that way since Tiger got up close and personal with a fire hydrant in November 2009. ere’s no debate on the positive, dramatic impact Tiger Woods has had on the sport since he burst onto the world-wide golf stage in 1996, but

Tiger is not cool anymore and neither is golf.

A random sampling of local pros weighed in with reasons golf has lost its appeal to men, women and children. ey may not hold as much weight as Johnny Miller or Nick Faldo, but the bottom line is that it is expensive to join a private club, with initiation fees ranging from $5,000 and annual dues beginning at $3,000. Once you join, expect club tournaments to be filled up with a dozen sandbaggers, who shamelessly cheat the handicap system, because handicap committees fail to discipline the known offenders. e No. 1 problem in the game right now is cheating and no one is talking about it or taking any action by throwing a member out, because they need the revenue. e No. 2 problem is that it is too damn difficult, which makes us quit!

If you like six-hour rounds then golf is your sport, but it beats mowing the lawn, washing the car or day trips to Plymouth Rock or Sturbridge. Joining a private course can hold some unwanted surprises, especially when you find out that your Board of Governors is actually a drinking club and a bunch of blowhards who love to spend your money, another dirty little secret. e PGA of America, with a membership of 27,000 professionals, is so concerned with golfers abandoning the game that in January they budgeted $5 million and implemented a program called Golf 2.0. e goal is to retain core golfers, re-engage those who left and create new players. e nine targeted groups represent a broad demographic: core golfers making at least $150,000 annually; occasional men and women golfers with no children; “lapsed” or former golfers, including men, women, retirees; children; and Latinos familiar with the game.

Did I mention golf has lost its charm, its sex appeal and mojo?

What’s the big deal? ere’s no reason to stop the exodus!

Tom Gorman, a Boston-based golf writer, is projected to quit the game five times in 2012, a career high.

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Has golf lost its mojo?

by Tim Geary

It’s the economy, stupid.

Our June debate is not about how to cook a hot dog or a hamburger over a charcoal grille or even how to properly erect a beach umbrella in the wind, although this is the perfect month for those topics. Next month we can discuss topics such as sparklers, fireworks and Keith Lockhart’s red, white & blue suspenders.

No, Gorman’s bright idea for this, the sixth month of the year, is to argue that the game of golf has lost its mojo, whatever the hell that is. Naturally he’s taking the easy side, which is why he chose this topic. It’s no challenge for his feeble mind to come up with ammunition to support Tommy ree-Putt's claim that the game of golf is in trouble. at is indesputable when he's on the course. I will concede right here and now that golf is not enjoying the boom it had 10 years ago, but I will also point out that outside of illegal drug trafficking neither is any other industry, unless you count the golden parachutes that disgraced CEOs have been getting after running their companies into the ground. When you compare golf to the rest of our economy it’s doing more than holding its own, thank you.

Golf is a three-headed monster. ere is the game itself, that which we ordinary people play and which is the backbone of the industry; ere are the pro tours, which currently have varying degrees of success; And finally, there is the market, where the REAL money is made.

Golf, the game, is in a bit of a slump in terms of rounds being played each year. People who are not working tend to put their clubs either in the cellar or in a pawn shop when their main concern is putting food on their table and keeping a roof over their family’s heads.

But let’s not cry too much for the people who are on the other side of that cash register. at's mainly affecting the country club set, where the privates have lost some of their clientele, but that dip is never going to be compared to what's happening in Greece.

Conversely many public or municipal golf courses have seen an increase in play, as those who used to look down

their noses at places that catered to blue collar golfers, have swelled the ranks of the great unwashed.

Gorman, who is an unabashed private club kind of guy, isn’t aware of this. He just looks around his own private club grille room and notices less people then were there a few years back. As for the pro tours there is no doubt that interest is not what it was a decade ago, when Tiger Woods was in his prime, his life was not fodder for the supermarket tabloids, and people who normally wouldn’t cross the street to watch golf, were flocking to the courses. All that means is that golf no longer has the fringe element, the so-called pink hats. But it still holds the attention of the fans (patrons when they go to the Masters) who always made up the backbone of professional golf. e PGA Tour is booming, with so many good young players, from all over the world. e senior (or Champions) tour has kind of run out of gas, mainly because the big stars are either too old to complete anymore or the younger ones, who don’t need the money, don’t want to live out of a suitcase anymore. e LPGA Tour is in big trouble, but it has never grabbed the golfing public the way the guys have. e Nationwide Tour is actually doing very well. is brings us to the marketing side of the game, where the real money resides. Never before have there been so many brands out there, competing for the sucker’s dollars.

Some have gone under, some have merged. It’s been a survival of the fittest and the fittest are making a fortune.

Twenty five years ago you had Titleist, MacGregor and Spalding and the latter two weren’t even in the same discussion as the goliath of the sport. Today there are several companies competing for our golfing dollars, all thriving.

Has golf lost its mass appeal? I have to agree that it may never again be as popular as it was a decade ago, but it’s still very healthy. It certainly didn’t fall off a cliff the way tennis did.

Tim Geary is a R.I. based free lance writer. He only wishes more people gave up the game so he could get around the course quicker.

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