THIS FALL, YOUR FOURTH IS FREE. To play golf surrounded by the beauty and unrelenting challenge of Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is always a special thing. But to play a round for free? Special, indeed. Now the opportunity is yours — and during the golden days of fall, no less. It’s a beautiful thing. Choose your fall special and reserve a tee time today. Call 1.800.949.4444 or visit rtjgolf.com.
*Offer valid September 1 – November 7, 2016. Specials cannot be combined with other discounts and must be paid in full and booked with Reservations at least 48 hours prior to play. Specials are available Monday - Thursday and do not include play at Lakewood Golf Club or
»» THIS FALL, PLAY THREE DAYS OF GOLF AND GET ONE FREE (OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE)* facebook.com/rtjgolf
twitter.com/rtjgolf
Ross Bridge. Specials do not include tax or lodging. Not valid with previously booked packages. There is a $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
he PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance in Port St. Lucie, Flori ts the stage for an incredible Golf School experience.
anked among the Top 50 practice facilities, the Center features The PGA Center Golf Learning Performance in Port St. Lucie, providing Florida, GA of America Golf for Schools, with and expert PGA Professionals sets the stage for an incredible Golf School experience. ate-of-the-art instruction to sharpen your game.
Ranked among the Top 50 practice facilities, the Center features PGA of America Golf Schools, with expert PGA Professionals providing Reserve Your PGA of America Experience Today! state-of-the-art instruction to sharpenGolf your game.
Golf Schools $500 | Reservestarting Your PGA from of America Golf Experience Today! PGA Village
| Golf Schools starting from $500
GALEARNINGCENTER.com | 800-800-GOLF (4653) PGALEARNINGCENTER.com | 800-800-GOLF (4653)
Florida,
g
2016 New England Golf Monthly Turkey Shoot at Segregansett CC
Saturday - October 29th - 11AM Shotgun Rain Date November 5th
OPEN TO ALL AMATEUR GOLFERS
• 2 Man Teams – First 60 Teams • 100% Handicap – One Best Ball, Net & Gross – Cash Prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd • Closest to Pin Entry included for Pro Shop Merchandise • (18) 20+ lb. Turkeys Raffled Off – included in entry fee • Optional Skins Game – Gross & Net - $25 per player $100.00 Per Player - Includes Golf, Cart, Pizza & Prizes
Contact Tim Branco - Tim@nepubinc.com Text/Call 774-930-1623 Sign up Sheet Also at Segreganset Country Club in Lobby & Pro Shop
6 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
FIND US ON
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 7
ONLY $19.95 & FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA
8 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
Great
Golf
Ocean City, Maryland
At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your next golf getaway to Ocean City, Maryland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.
2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / Fa Weekdays ll $ Weekend 148 s $175
“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” Ocean City, Maryland www.OceanCityGolf.com October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 9
FROM THE EDITOR
Arnold Palmer who had the most profound impact on the game of golf in America and possibly the world has left the Kingdom, his legacy will never be forgotten. I was blessed to be one of many who had the pleasure to meet him, thank you Arnold. This month the U.S. Team recaptured The Ryder Cup for the first time in 8 years at Hazeltine National in Minnesota. Team captain Davis Love, lead his team to victory and his final pick Ryan Moore sealed the win as he defeated Lee Westwood one up, on the last hole. The victory was sweet for Davis who 4 years earlier at Medinah, suffered one of the most heartbreaking Cup loses in recent history as the European team made one of the biggest comebacks in Ryder Cup history to retain the Cup. This month’s issue features Indoor Golf and Fitness covering a host of the very best facilities for indoor golf and fitness and training during the offseason. As the golf season winds down its time to assess and plan for next year. In golf as in life, getting better at anything requires a plan. Mr. Palmer November 24th, 2015 In this issue you will find resources for fitness and game on my birthday at Bay Hill. improvement. Also in this issue is a comprehensive directory of indoor golf facilities that offer some of the most advanced golf simulators to keep your game sharp during the offseason. Today golf simulators offer us the opportunity to virtually play courses from around the globe in any weather night or day. In the last 10 years the industry has grown substantially in New England and there are now facilities in all New England regions. In New England winter offers us all an excellent opportunity to ingrain changes in our swing, equipment and techniques for improvement that are difficult to work on in the prime season. Get off the couch, keep moving, get motivated.
Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher
10 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
JOIN NOW... PLAY NOW... PAY LATER
at One of the Best Donald Ross Layouts in Southeast MA New Full Golf Memberships: 36 Years And Up - $3500 30-35 Years Old - $2200 18-29 Years Old - $1775 Couples - $5000
No Payments until January 1, 2017
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 11
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
GOLF TRAVEL
30
24 A lice & Danny Scott / Southeast Golf Travel Georgia, Florida & Alabama 28 Mary M. Silva / The Perfection of PGA Village
INTERVIEWS & OPINIONS 30 Leigh McKay / Jon Curran Celebrity Golfer 46 John Molori / Golf & Patriots Players Past & Present 50 Jack Ross / Rules Must be Adminsitered 76 T om Gorman & Tim Geary / Should More Than 14 Clubs Be Allowed?
INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE 38 Find An Indoor Golf Facility Near You!
46
44 Greg Sampson / My Favorite Indoor/Outdoor Training Aids 46 S kyTrak / Keep Your Game Sharp & Enjoy Indoor Golf Year Round
FASHION & GEAR 52 GFW Staff / Golf Fitness Apparel Guide 57 Ed Travis / New Clubs for 2017
CONTENTS
57
AROUND THE GAME 68 NEGM Staff / News From the Region
Subscribe FREE at: www.IndoorGolfWeekly.com
12 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
GOLF DESTINATIONS
SOUTHEAST GOLF TRAVEL GEORGIA - FLORIDA – ALABAMA By Alice & Danny Scott
In Georgia – While we all love watching the Masters at Augusta, Georgia has more special spots for stay and play packages. Cabin Bluff is where our Ryder Captain, Davis Love III, designed 6, yes 6 holes of golf with multiple tee boxes and pin positions. The layout begs replay as deer prance through bunkers and storks light in trees, flapping wings and clapping beaks like a ballet show. Love is always in the air. This is where Matt Kuchar wed. If your golf swing isn’t there, grab a rod and reel. Fish at the dock or hop on Captain Toby’s boat for historic revelations, glimpses of wild horses on Cumberland Island, and the best fishing techniques. We caught a bounty that the gourmet chef shared with guests, sending smiles our way at dinner. If not fish, then wild venison tamed by a bourbon sauce might be served. Beginning in 1898 as the Camden Hunt Club, custom wagons carry hunters and highly trained bird dogs to the protected woods for quail, wild boar, deer or skeet shooting. Surprises abound as the clock seems to stop counting time, but costs are never
a surprise as all are included up front, just south of Savannah, a city well worth exploring. www.cabinbluff.com If you would rather trade six holes for six award winning courses, designed by Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Cupp, Engh, and Fazio, then go to Reynolds Lake Oconee, set around Lake Oconee with over 374 miles of shoreline. Start on the pretty and playable Plantation Course. Advance to the Oconee with babbling brooks and the lake in play on much of the back nine. The Landing is a bit tougher layout. Each clubhouse has a great 19th hole site and hearts beat with love here too where Carrie Underwood wed. Stay in condos with maid service or indulge in ultimate luxury and pampering at the Ritz Carlton on property. Gaby’s poolside bar overlooking Lake Oconee is an upscale place to see and be seen while the Infinity Pool adult bar is peaceful at the Lake Club. It is a picture puzzle view with boats zigzagging across the water. The adjacent Nature
14 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFTRAVELWEEKLY.COM Center avails all to paddling vessels while four full service marinas provide touring and sports fishing options. www.reynoldslakeoconee.com The Harbor Club is a 1,600-acre golf community located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. The community consists of nine miles of shoreline along Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second largest lake. Its centerpiece is the highly ranked Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed golf course, which received multiple awards and rankings including 4½ out of 5 stars by Golf Digest as “Best Places to Play” for the past 3 years running. Additional amenities at Harbor Club include welcoming three-bedroom cottages, an expansive outdoor swim and tennis facility with junior Olympic swimming pool and double lighted tennis courts. The 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse was designed by award-winning Southern Living architect Stephen Fuller. For the ultimate golf retreat www.harborclub.com.
Sea Island, an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality since 1928, is the home of two of the top 10 resorts in the Continental U.S., as recognized in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards three years in a row. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for eight consecutive years. Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Sea Island features five miles of private beach, a Beach Club, tennis and squash centers, Yacht Club, Shooting School, and
Camp Cloister. Well known as a family resort, Sea Island is steeped in golf tradition and is home to three championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic, as well as the region’s finest golf performance center. Located on St. Simons Island, The Inn at Sea Island offers comfortable, casual accommodations with access to many Sea Island amenities. www.seaisland.com
Igls Resort at Innsbruck is nestled in the beautiful mountains of north Georgia just 75 minutes from Atlanta. It is Alpine Helen’s only full facility resort with an 18-Hole Championship golf course, swimming, tennis and clubhouse. Igls Resort offers freestanding 3 bedroom villas (cabins). Each cabin features a full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV, spectacular mountain views and much more! Ideally located just minutes from shopping, hiking, horseback riding, tubing, miniature golf, water park activities, and downtown Helen, Igls at Innsbruck is a wonderful golf getaway. Other great Georgia resort facilities can be found at Barnsley Gardens Resort located 60 miles northwest of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 1,300-acre resort was originally an antebellum country manor, and was in disrepair for decades before being converted into a wonderful resort. www.barnsleygardens.com Callaway Gardens is a showplace for the best Azaleas in Georgia, yes better than Augusta at the Masters. This Pine Mountain resort has 473 rooms overlooking 36 holes of amazing golf and other amenities including 10 on site restaurants. www. callawaygardens.com At Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, wine and golf make the perfect marriage with a working winery and 36 holes of golf. The glue that holds these twin diversions together is the setting, which calls to mind an estate in the French countryside. Almost 1000 luxury rooms and 45 majestic holes of golf, the winery, 7 restaurants and much more www.chateauelan.com Whichever resort you choose, you will leave with Georgia forever on your mind.
October / November 2016 | golftravelweekly.com | 15
Call Today for a FREE Catalog
800-940-9415
16 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
CENTENNIAL GOLF GETAWAY 35% OFF 2017 Prices
• Deluxe room with patio and daily buffet breakfast • Daily golf on two championship courses • Wine dinner for two & commemorative gift bag • Unlimited range balls, club cleaning and storage
Howey-in-tHe-Hills, Fl | MissionInnResort.com | 800-523-2289 TWO GOLF COURSES • SPA • FOUR RESTAURANTS • TRAP & SKEET • MARINA • 30,000 S.F MEETING SPACE
MIR_NEGM_3.7523x4.715_9.16.indd 1
8/23/16 4:59 PM
GOLF TRAINING CAMPS FREE
GOLF BAG
***
Our seasonal training camps are held at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Central Florida. The training program is overseen and directed by Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher and Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, Gary Gilchrist and his team of coaches. Gary Gilchrist has developed a specialized camp training program to accelerate student development and achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time.
Improve Your Game
Make Friends
TRAINING CAMP DATES NOV
DEC
JAN
MARCH
25 - 27
19 - 22
2-6
13 - 17
TECHNICAL TRAINING
GOLF-SPECIFIC FITNESS
MARCH
APRIL
APRIL
27 - 31
10 - 14
17 - 21
ON-COURSE STRATEGY
***Mention New England Golf Magazine when reserving your spot!
MENTAL PERFORMANCE
Have Fun
352-484-0787 | programs@ggga.com | Camps.GGGA.com
GGGA_NEGM_3.7523x4.715_9.16.indd 1
8/19/16 11:35 AM
October / November 2016 | golftravelweekly.com | 17
GOLF DESTINATIONS In Florida – The shrimp industry began 100 years ago along the first coast of Florida on Amelia Island. Spanish history and Victorian architecture in Fernandina lead to the marina. Shop, eat, or take a boat tour, returning home to another Ritz Carlton where everybody knows your name. Dance in the evening or sit by a beach fire with s’mores, cigars and The beachside Ponte Vedra Inn Resort and Golf Club has also conjured memories for over 50 years. Walk, surf, kayak, spa, relax or golf. The Ocean Course links the inter-coastal waterway with a fun run of fairways. But for the ocean breeze, the name is a bit of a tease, so dine at Oceanside after the round for the view.
libation. Amelia Island Ritz Carlton is a paradise for the salt of the earth. Literally, salt is the theme, inspired by the sand dunes. Over 50 natural salts are infused with flavor and paired with cuisine by the “Salt Sommelier.” Flavor permeates the resort. The spa incorporates honey with sea salt treatments and the golf course designed by McCumber and Littler is played with the ocean breeze, scent and sounds. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is next on our list to visit with luxurious seaside accommodations and three stellar courses, one on the ocean and one for members only.
TPC Sawgrass is the backdrop to PGA headquarters, designed by Pete Dye and host to The Players Championship. You might catch pros like Jim Furyk hanging out at the 19th hole. The infamous 17th island green has swallowed the best golfers’ spheres. You can pay dearly to play it or pretend to play the replica 17th at the World Golf Hall of Fame. It is a quick stop or long study. Tour the locker rooms, trophy tower, and take your photo on a Swilcan bridge.
Another fantastic golf museum resides at The PGA Village in Port St. Lucie on Perfect Drive. The PGA Historical Center displays the Ryder Cup, Donald Ross’ 1900’s workbench and much more. Admission is free but the exhibits are priceless. Three courses start with the easy Ryder course by Fazio. The Pete Dye course is more challenging, with his expected fairway undulations. Everglades or marshland frame the course. Afternoon play on Fazio’s Wanamaker was a case of saving the best for last. A gorgeous, intriguing course, with natural water hazards, elevation and pot bunkers on steroids, Wanamaker resulted in higher scores and bigger thrills. We “wanna” go back for more. www. pgavillage.com
PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens is famous for the PGA Tour Honda Classic. Guests enjoy the lobby iBAR that is abuzz with sports screens, live music and a whole floor that is open to the al fresco view of the stately palm lined pool
18 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFTRAVELWEEKLY.COM outside. 90 holes of superb golf are just the beginning of activity options at PGA National Resort and Spa. The Champions course is a Tom and George Fazio original, re-designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1990 with the Bear Trap paying him tribute. Any famous golfer may succumb to its claws. Heed the advice of the experienced caddies to better your chance of scoring well. After golf, work your kinks out at the European Spa, starting with the Waters of the World from the warm Dead Sea salts pool for muscle relaxation to the Pyrenees Mineral waters from France for skin toning. Nine restaurants offer simple to elegant cuisine. Eat up and burn the calories on the tennis courts or at the comprehensive workout facilities, or back to golf on The Squire, The Haig, The Palmer (See their tribute to the late King online) and the Estates Courses. You will want to play them all. www. pgaresort.com The Salamander Collection of nine courses at three Grand Golf Resorts of Florida begins with Hammock Beach in Palm Coast. The dramatic drive lined with tall palms presents a palatial welcome. Jack Nicklaus’ designed Ocean Course meanders around typically Floridian flora and water until the striking close of seaside holes, aptly named the Bear Claw. The Conservatory, a traditional links course by Tom Watson is the longest in Florida. It’s not elementary dear Watson, but a Grand course indeed. Rent this Salamander resort luxury experience or purchase if you can’t “bear” to leave Hammock Beach’s balcony ocean views.
The Reunion Resort & Club, 90 minutes away in Orlando draws amateurs and pros worldwide to practice or play. At Annika’s Academy, sister Charlotta, Annika or a hand picked team member, delivers life-changing health, fitness and swing clinics. When golf ready, the Nicklaus Course is a nature center tracking through dense floral marsh over long wooden bridges. The Palmer Course is unique in style and grace like the king. On the Watson Course number nine is a narrow strip of fairway lined with “now you see them, now you don’t” bunkers
on both sides. Face them to the green and look back, they are gone, an architectural feat. This course returns to the castle-like Wyndham Grand Resort where villas are a place to call home. The Bar at Eleven has a rooftop pool - a great place to lay out after play or finish the day with a cocktail watching Disney’s fireworks. The Forte serves fine dining gourmet while the Grande Lobby Bar delivers reasonably priced sushi or American bar food at a visible spot for more friendly reunions. Innisbrook Golf Resort is another 90 minutes
north for the final four in the Salamander Collection. On the North Course, a gust of wind fans the lower feathers on a dancing snowy egret stalking its prey. The South Course begins with a symphony of Ospreys. Their namesake, Osprey Sports Bar is a perfect 19th hole, with fire pits and flat screen TVs on the patio. The Island Course with more water as suspected is home to cranes and waterfowl of all denominations. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook gives new meaning to the “Grand finale.” Deviating from the aviary theme, “The Snake Pit” holes named Moccasin, Rattlesnake, and Copperhead, pose a deadly threat for poorly played shots for amateurs or pros in the March PGA tournament. Business brilliance meets fine golf in Central Florida’s most natural settings by the iconic Salamander founder, Sheila Johnson. www.salamanderhotels.com
Mission Inn Resort & Club at Howey-in-the-Hills is minutes from Orlando. El Campeon is the 100-yearold signature course with stone bridges over ponds
October / November 2016 | golftravelweekly.com | 19
GOLF DESTINATIONS and streams that complement the Spanish colonial architecture of the property. The Gary Koch designed Las Colinas course renovated by Ron Garl is another Florida favorite. Sports are well covered with tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, and bikes, even El Cazador Trap & Skeet Range. Water lovers will enjoy Marina del Rey on the Mission Inn property or La Chiquita Cabana Pool Bar & Grill. With four restaurants and up scaled guest rooms, make it your mission possible to celebrate the centennial. www. missioninnresort.com
Greg Norman designed two exceptional and distinct 18-hole courses at OMNI Orlando Resort at Champions Gate. The National Course is a typical romp through gentle hills dotted with pines, oaks and marshes where tall egrets and sand cranes
convene, calling for their mates. Fairways are generous and forgiving on The International Course but the Shark bites with some of the smallest greens in Florida. Gators may be spotted lazing in the sun on the sides though they don’t come in (or out) to play. If 36 holes are not enough, there is a lighted nine-hole par 3. Patrick Dill, director of golf leads a friendly, efficient team that makes you feel like a champion. www.omnihotels.com In Panama City Beach 27 miles of white sand and turquoise water span the gulf. Guests at The Wyndham Bay Point Resort are shuttled by boat across St. Andrew Bay to Shell Island, voted top beach in the Continental United States. The St. Andrew name connotes great golf, which is expected and delivered at the resort via the Nicklaus and the Meadows Courses. Nearby, the Hombre Golf Club offers 27 holes, “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.” Besides golf, the gulf offers every aquatic sport like sailing, windsurfing, leisure boating, fishing, parasailing and jet skiing. By night, catch a live music venue or fantasize a life on the water with a romantic walk around the moonlit marina, selecting one of the million dollar yachts docked. For a bayside golf resort with Caribbean tones and no passport required, go to www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
20 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
COMING IN 2017
Fairways Lifestyle M
A G
A
Z
I
N
E
AN INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PUBLICATION
DEDICATED TO GOLF TRAVEL AND LIVING ON THE LINKS
DEADLINE: 12/1/16
| CALL 800-736-9020
EDITORIAL: TIM@NEPUBINC.COM MARKETING PACKAGES: GREG@NEPUBINC.COM OR PAUL@NEPUBINC.COM
Play Where The Legends Play. You Deserve It. Whether a spectacular Tournament Players Club (TPC®), a luxurious destination or an outstanding resort venue, PGA TOUR Experiences matches the PGA TOUR’s highest level of quality for legendary golf experiences. Our network of golf resorts were designed by some of the world’s most elite architects and golf professionals in the game. Through PGA TOUR Experiences, you will be able to stay and play like a champion.
Call an Experience Coordinator Today
800-766-7939 Visit PGATOURExperiences.com
STAY & PLAY GOLF VACATIONS | CUSTOM EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
“I will watch the Players Championship on TV this year with a different perspective.” -Andy P. “We have been doing this trip for 12 years and the guys thought this was the best “Overall” Experience” -Jason M. “I wanted to thank you for the amazing experience our guests had here at your resort. Everything was done perfect! Also thank you for the nice gift and room upgrades.” -Nick K.
“All was just perfect, from beginning to end. I thought this would be a one time event for me, but I am already thinking of doing it all again in a few years.”
-Greg T.
TPC® SAWGRASS
WORLD GOLF VILLAGE
EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS | CORPORATE & GROUP TRAVEL
GOLF DESTINATIONS
In Alabama – Golf continuing on the gulf of Alabama is a fins and skins game to thrill. Aboard the Sea Hunter‘s three-hour tour, Captain Ricky knows where to catch vermillion, snapper and triggerfish. Dolphins quickly snap up rejects that are tossed back. Keepers are cleaned and cooked right on the boat. Fish in the morning, golf in the afternoon at Kiva Dunes, annually recognized as one of the top courses in Alabama. Magnolia Grove in Mobile is hot on the Robert Trent Jones Trail with its Crossings Course. Rich with history and new in outlook, The Battle House in Mobile was once headquarters to Andrew Jackson, now a lavish Renaissance hotel. A restored Tiffany glass dome stamps the hallowed foyer while the rooftop view and spa scream modern urbanism. Next on the trail in Point Clear, Alabama, a former confederate hospital is now the elegant Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. A cannon firing ceremony salutes sailors of past and present every day. Boardwalks link a fishing wharf, stocked with bait and poles, to
a marina, a soft sandy beach, an elaborate pool, spa and The Robert Trent Jones Trail’s Lakewood Golf Club. Conditions are outstanding. Cuisine is not a sidebar to Alabama golf, rather a main attraction highlighted by The Steak House at the Grand Hotel. In Bubba Gump’s home territory, the shrimp also stands tall with oysters and red snapper in season. In Gulf Shores, The Beach Club luxury suites with balcony views tower over pristine pools and the bay with creamy white sand. Gulf Shores Golf Club is unadulterated with bunkers and water in direct view. No tricks or gimmicks; keep it in play and enjoy the day. The Peninsula Gulf and Racquet Club’s 27-hole Earl Stone design winds
24 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFTRAVELWEEKLY.COM through the natural habitat bordering the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve. Rock Creek Golf Club is
6920 yards of rolling thunder through the southern comfort of Fairhope, Alabama. Nestled among large brick homes, the neighborhood is forgotten as the course presents carryovers of marsh and wetlands to streams and ponds. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail from Huntsville, Alabama, winding 342 miles to the gulf with 11 venues and 468 holes is a favorite affordable golf destination. Golf is not rocket science, but in Huntsville, a golfer might take a virtual trip to the moon at the US Space and Rocket Center before tee time. The first giant step for golfers here is the The River Course at
Dine at the Fish Market in Gadsden, overlooking the Coosa River and stay close at the comfy Hampton Inn without breaking the piggy bank. Sidetrack to the public Twin Bridges Golf Course. A cardinal course where the red birds flock, play on wild Wednesdays for a buck a hole. Also off the trail but on target with pure Alabama golf, is Limestone Springs Golf Club in Oneonta. The first tee pushes the adrenalin button with an 80-foot drop to the fairway. Stay at the Lake House at The Cherokee Ridge in Union Grove with any fun group. Private rooms, spacious shared living quarters and decks view golf, lake and stars. The chef has special treats as does the Cherokee Ridge Country Club course with spectacular waterfalls. WC Handy, father of the blues was from Shoals and so live music plays daily in the lobby bar of the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence. Bright carpet leads to an aromatic welcome at the luxurious spa and the elevator rises to 360, the revolving tower top restaurant. The Shoals’ School Master and Fighting Joe courses are exceptionally long, at 7971 and 8092 yards respectfully. The link-style golf has mostly unobstructed lines to the
Hampton Cove, uniquely bunker-less. Water however is a risk on 16 of 18 holes running along the Flint River. Downtown after the round, Below the Radar Brewpub exudes ambience with bourbon ale and crispy stuffed quail. In the Appalachian Foothills, Silver Lakes in Glencoe has three nines named Heartbreaker, Backbreaker and Mindbreaker. They could just as easily be called Beautiful Ball Busters, though not appropriate for billboards.
greens. The trouble is, how long it will take you to get there. One of the best clubhouse verandas watches over the Tennessee River with a sweeping view of each course. The Tennessee is known as the “singing river.” Imagine the sound of the mighty river and then imagine the sound of your big drive down the RTJ Trail that will have you singing "Sweet Home Alabama." Happy trails! www.rtjgolf.com www.Alabama.Travel
October / November 2016 | golftravelweekly.com | 25
GOLF DESTINATIONS
26 | golftravelweekly.com | October / November 2016
Play Scottsdale Golf
Dove Mountain
Eagle Moutain
Grayhawk
We-Ko-Pa
The Boulders
The Raven
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
TEAM NEW ENGLAND BEGINS NEW 2016-2017 SEASON Kickoff Tournament This Year - The Safeway Open October 15th | Now that the Fed Ex Cup has finished and The Ryder Cup matches have wrapped up with a U.S Victory the PGA Tour & Fed EX Cup begins their new season with The Safeway Open October 15th in Napa California. Here is how our players fared for the season.
On The PGA Tour Jon Curran, (MA), After his rookie season on the PGA Tour in 2015 earning over 1 million. Jon vaulted to the top of TNE with earnings of $1.9 Million in 2016 and is poised for his first win in the new season. Aaron Baddeley, (NH), won the Barbasol Championship after a fiveyear slump. Earnings of $1,609,215 in 2016 finishing 61 on the money list. Brett Stegmaier (CT), After turning pro in 2006 Brett had a great 2016 rookie season earnings of $1,086.714 finishing 108th Keegan Bradley, (VT), In his 6th year on the tour Keegan continued his 5-year decline since his sensational rookie season. He is still fighting his putter and is ranked 103 with earnings of $900,000. Scott Stallings, (MA), fell outside the top 125, finishing ranked 129th with just under $700,000. In earnings. His 9th place rank on the Web.Com Tour solidified his card for next season. Rob Oppenheim, (MA), had a mediocre rookie season finishing 156th. He is well out of the top for card protection and finished just out of top 25 on the web.Com Tour at 33 but will retain his status there. J.J. Henry, (CT), Lowest finishing season since his rookie year in 2001. He finished 162nd , well outside the safety zone for conditional status.
Web.Com Tour Richy Werenski, (MA), will join the PGA Tour next season after winning the BMW Charity Pro-Am and is currently ranked 2nd with $350,000 +in earnings. James Driscoll, (MA), won the Nashville Golf Open this season and is Ranked 35th on the money list, there’s still time for him to regain his PGA Tour card. Jim Renner, (MA), continues his struggles this season. Jim will be headed back to Web.Com Q School.
PGA Tour Champions Billy Andrade, (RI), is wrapping up another successful season ranked 11th in with $937,000. Brad Faxon, (RI), 10 Events earning $80,246 finishing 85th on tour. P.H.Horgan (RI) 4 Events $33,324 in his second year on Champions Tour Fran Quin (MA) Played 6 Champions Tour events with one top 10,earning $253,433 Tim Petrovic (MA) Played 7 PGA Tour events earning $17,000. On Champions Tour played in 4 events makingjust over $90,000.
28 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM
Fred Couples
History returns to Salem. The 38th U.S. Senior Open Championship is coming to Salem Country Club next summer, bringing the greatest names in the game to compete for the coveted U.S. Senior Open trophy. Be a part of the magic as stars like John Daly, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and Tom Watson challenge the historic golf course to compete for the title.
Learn more at 2017USSeniorOpen.com
SALEM COUNTRY CLUB
October 2016Country | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 29MA 2017 U.S. Senior Open | June 26 - July/ November 2 | Salem Club | Peabody,
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
Celebrity Golfer:
JON CURRAN by Leigh MacKay
Jon Curran has certainly arrived in 2016, and next year he’ll really be going places. His best golf is yet to come. The Hopkinton, Mass, native completed his second year on the PGA TOUR and finished 66th in the FedExCup standings and 99th in the World Golf Rankings, winning $1,902,481 in prize money. He lost in a two-hole playoff at The Memorial to William McGirt, finished in the top 10 two other times, and made 19 of 30 cuts. Jon won three Web.com events in 2014 and finished 12th to earn his card, and in his first year on TOUR, he finished 113th in the FedExCup and earned $1,049,549. As a junior at Hopkinton High, Jon was the #1 player on The Hillers golf team that won the HS State Championship by more than 20 shots. The #2 player was a senior transfer from Woodstock CC, Vermont—Keegan Bradley—
who became great friends with Jon then and now, along with Brendan Steele, the three spend much of their time on TOUR together. Jon was the Mass Golf Association Junior POY from 2002-04 and was All-SEC and an AllAmerican at Vanderbilt in 2008-09. He turned pro in 2009 after graduation. A member of the Cleveland/Srixon staff, Jon is slight in stature at 5’ 9” and 165 pounds. His TOUR driving average is only 271 yards, but Keegan and Brendan call him “Jonny Wedge” for his incredibly accurate short game. Jon teamed with Keegan again this summer to win their second consecutive title at the CVS Health Charity Classic at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, defeating Bill Haas and host Billy Andrade in a playoff. I had the chance to chat with Jon at Keegan’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic at Woodstock CC the Monday before the DBC.
30 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM
NEGM: How did you get into golf in the first place?
JC: My dad was a member of Framingham Country Club in Massachusetts. We’d go to the driving range, where I would hang out with him. I would chip and putt and play around in the sand trap. I loved it, and the game stuck with me. I was just a little kid, around four, when I picked up my first club.
NEGM: What will you always remember about your high school championship with Keegan?
JC: The fact that he won the individual! He never has let me live that down. But we had an unbelievable team. All six of us could play, and we were all fully vested in the game—a real golf crew. Certainly a great memory.
NEGM: Was Vanderbilt a good experience for you in education and in golf?
JC: Fantastic! And Nashville was a great city. Vanderbilt was a very challenging school academically. Playing golf on the team for all four years and graduating from there in four years [2009 with a degree in Human and Organizational Development] was a real accomplishment, believe me. Most of my peers were very smart, and they were there for the education. I was there to play golf.
NEGM: Your playoff with William McGirt at The Memorial must have got the adrenaline flowing.
JC: Yes, it was wild! Now I’ve been in contention coming down the stretch on Sunday before, but in that playoff, with just him and me on the golf course and with everybody standing around that 18th green watching only the two of us, it was surreal. It was cool.
NEGM: What else have you learned this year about your ability to play with the “Big Boys”?
JC: I’ve learned that I can play at that level and that I can compete effectively with the talent I have and the game I have developed. I am able to trust myself and trust my ability to contend on the TOUR. I am not searching for some key recipe or for some different swing thought, and I hope that I don’t have to.
NEGM: What are your short-term goals for the rest of this year? JC: Short term I have really been grinding to get into the top 70 in the FedExCup for the semi-finals at the BMW Championship. My final round yesterday [76 (+5) at Bethpage in The Barclays] kind of put me behind the eight ball a little bit, but I still have a great chance
of getting there if I play well in the Deutsche Bank [T-67] this week. And, of course, I’d like to get to East Lake, but I have to get to the BMW first. [Jon finished T47 at the BMW.] And, short term, I’ll be playing in the Fall Series. They are great events. I know a lot of the guys don’t take them seriously, but they are really legit, awesome courses with full FedExCup points and purses. The Fall Series is a great opportunity for me to get out ahead of the game for the year.
NEGM: What long-term goals have you set for yourself?
JC: You know, I really haven’t set any goals long term, and here’s why. My immediate goals should be attainable, but I have learned in the past that, if I start thinking too far ahead, that future goal kind of gets in my way. I need to put myself into the comfortable position of just playing my own game week in and week out. So, that would be my long-term goal, I guess! And the results will come.
NEGM: With what charities are you involved?
JC: My sister Jessica, my mother, and I are involved with the New England Melanoma Foundation. My father passed away from melanoma cancer about four years ago, and I plan to host some charity events down the line.
NEGM: Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period?
JC: I’m a big fan of urban art so Shepard Fairey, along with Keegan and Brendan. My dad, Ben Hogan, and Michael Jordan.
NEGM: What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
JC: I’ve really been working a lot on artwork. I spend a lot of time painting and drawing. It very much takes my mind off golf and allows me to relax and have some quiet downtime. Photography by Vicky MacKay
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 31
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
32 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 33
GOLF CONTENT NETWORK
Golf and Patriots’ players
PAST AND PRESENT by John Molori
The NFL is an intense and pressure-packed business. With the Patriots’ season in full swing, it is a fitting time to see where golf fits into the lives of some New England football favorites. Patriots’ kicker Stephen Gostkowski compares the mental nature of golf and kicking. “In golf, if you're confident about your shot, you will hit a good shot. The same goes for
kicking. Mentally, and with regard to controlling your nerves, golf and kicking are similar. “Just thinking of the shot and not the consequences of the shot is the key. Most of all, it’s fun to clear your mind and just hit a great shot or a birdie to win a dollar off of your buddy.” Hall of Fame Patriots’ linebacker Andre Tippett, now the team’s executive director of community affairs, found golf in college. He relates, “I actually took a golf class at Iowa, and then started fooling around with the game a bit more. I struggled with it and spent a lot of time on the range learning the lessons of mechanics.” Drafted by the New England Patriots out of the University of Maryland in 1991, quarterback Scott Zolak was known as much for his personality as his passing prowess. He is a regular at
corporate charity golf tournaments and brings his animated style to the golf course. "There is nothing like seeing Joe Weekend Guy with 2 gloves on, taking swings, getting out a viewfinder, taking more swings, and then shanking his shot,” says the Patriots’ radio analyst on 98.5 The Sports Hub. “I love hitting into that group. That’s how they know to get moving. “The worst shot I ever had was a par 3. I used a choke down on a 7 iron and skulled the ball into a boulder. It hits a tree and rolls back like 3 feet to our pin. It was a terrible shot, but I came closest to the pin. It was truly a Happy Gilmore moment!” While many golfers learn the game from their fathers, Patriots’ special teamer and safety Nate Ebner glommed onto golf from the female side of the family. “My mom played a lot of golf, so I started playing with her,” says Ebner, now in his fifth season with the Patriots. “My aunt’s house is at Ipswich Country Club, so I still play there a lot.” For Ebner, golf is a break from the non-stop business of pro football. He relates, “It is definitely an escape. When you're in the NFL, it is all business.
34 | golfcontentnetwork.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFGIFTGUIDES.COM
Golf is a great way to get out there and interact with people. “If I can play nine holes without losing the ball, that's a good day on the course. My goal is to understand why I hit a bad ball, and then make adjustments. Golf has always been a little battle for me. It's all about mental control, and staying out of my own head.” Similar to his kicking cohort Gostkowski, Patriots’ punter Ryan Allen he sees the similarities between golf and punting. “Both golf
and punting are onerep exercises. You only get one swing, and you only get one chance at punting. Your approach, progression, and alignment are all very important. “We all put a lot of effort and time in at the facility, so it's great to have something that takes your head away from football for a little while. The veterans on the team have really passed golf down to us.” John Molori is an author and columnist for numerous publications. Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com.
EXPERIENCE THE ROCK
A “TOP 5 PLACE TO PLAY IN MASSACHUSETTS” BY GOLF MAGAZINE.
2017 Memberships now available. Join NOW and enjoy the rest of this season as a member!
Northbridge, MA • 508-234-0400 www.shiningrock.com
October / November 2016 | golfcontentnetwork.com | 35
GOLF CONTENT NETWORK
THE RULES OF GOLF ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS HOW THEY ARE ADMINISTERED by Jack Ross
The rules of golf are a convenient punching bag when bad things happen to good players. It’s easy for journalists and fans to bemoan the complexity of the rules. After all, to fully understand the relatively thin rulebook you need to order the voluminous “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” from the USGA, which explains the application of the rules to hundreds of real-life situations. It’s not unlike what I did in law school, reading court decisions to understand how the laws apply -- except it’s more fun. But if you really study them, the rules make sense. Sure, there are some complexities, but that’s the price of writing precise rules to try to cover every situation that might occur on the golf course. And they are not set in stone; when problems surface over time the rules can be amended (on a four-year cycle by the USGA and the R&A). Between rules revisions, new rules decisions are issued when clarifications are needed. However, another issue has come under scrutiny in recent years: the administration of the rules by tournament officials. The official’s role has been complicated by the advent of pervasive cameras which record high-definition images that allow review of seemingly imperceptible events, such as the slight movement of a ball on a green. The rules have always permitted officials to use any available evidence in making a ruling; now they are trapped by technology. Rules officials at the 2013 Masters handled a situation with Tiger Woods so poorly that he ultimately escaped disqualification. Officials (alerted by a television viewer) initially ruled that Woods did not take an improper drop on the 15th hole, but never brought the situation to his attention. The next morning, they reviewed the video again and changed their mind (applying a penalty), but reasoned that disqualification
was inappropriate (under several rules decisions) because they had failed to talk with Wood before he signed his card. But that was a minor lapse compared to the USGA’s handling of Dustin Johnson’s penalty in the final round of this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. On the fifth green, Johnson noticed his ball move slightly (not an uncommon occurrence on the absurdly fast greens) as he was preparing to putt. He summoned an official, who determined that no infraction had occurred. Later, officials reviewed the videotape and concluded that, although the tape was not dispositive, Johnson had likely caused the ball movement when he grounded his putter next to the ball. Ironically, the Johnson controversy resulted from a player-friendly rule change that became effective this year. Under the old rule (18-2b), a player was deemed to move the ball if it moved after address, and incurred a penalty. Now, officials must examine all the facts and circumstances to determine whether it was “more likely than not” that the player’s actions caused the ball to move. So, while many players will escape unfair penalties when balls spontaneously move on fast greens in windy conditions after address,
36 | golfcontentnetwork.com | October / November 2016
the price for that lenience is that officials will cedures for the timing of video review and comsometimes face difficult calls, like in Johnson’s munication with players. case. It’s hard to see how the rule itself could be Subsequently, on the eve of the U.S. Women’s modified to avoid this. Open, USGA senior managing director of chamThe problem at Oakmont, then, was not the pionships John Bodenhamer reiterated the plans rule but how the rule was administered. USGA ofto overhaul procedures. Bodenhamer said the ficials informed Johnson on the twelfth green that USGA “will expedite decision making throughout the incident had been reviewed and a penalty the process” and “communicate with players in might be imposed, but delayed making a decia decisive manner.” “We’ve committed to resion until after he completed ally look at everything across his round. This left Johnson, the board, with all our prohis competitors, and the golf cesses,” he emphasized. world in limbo as to the status Officials are under presof the championship. The USGA sure, particularly when a nashould have assessed the pentional championship is on the alty immediately after reviewline, to get a ruling right, and ing the tape; nothing was to be are by their nature cautious gained by further discussing the and prone to leave no stone incident with Johnson, who remained adamant unturned. However, rulings also have to be that he did not cause the ball to move. timely. The Johnson incident vividly preIt is rare for the USGA to admit shortcomings, sented the tension between those competbut following the U.S. Open it issued a statement ing concerns. Time will tell whether the USGA expressing regret for the distraction caused by and other golf organizations will develop the delay in making a ruling, which created “unprocedures to avoid such problems in the necessary ambiguity” for Johnson and other future. So far, we have vague commitments, Swingclick_New England Golf Monthly_Halfpage Horizontal advert_17-02-16_Final.pdf players. The USGA pledged to examine its probut no details, from the USGA.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
October / November 2016 | golfcontentnetwork.com | 37
1
2016
INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE 2016-2017
FIND AN INDOOR GOLF FACILITY NEAR YOU! FACILITY LOCATION Alpine Country Club Atkinson Resort & Country Club Barnes Brook Golf Course Barton Golf Club Beaver Meadow Golf Course Berkshire West Athletic Club Big Sticks Golf Blackledge Country Club Bobby V's Resturant & Sports Bar Broken Tee Virtual GC Chamberlain Pines Indoor Golf Chip Shots Grill & Sports Pub City Golf Boston Crotched Mountian GC Dave DiRico Golf & Raquet Derryfield Country Club Donnellan Golf 365 Downswing's Indoor Golf Center Fore Golf Entertainment Fore Seasons Golf Club GolfTec New England Golf Performance Center Gonzos HD Sports Grantham Indoor Great Brook Sports Highland Ridge Golf Range iGolf Pembroke Jane Frost Golf Performance Center Joe & Leigh’s Golf Performance Center KGolf360 Loudon Country Club Maggie McFly's Brookfield Indoor Golf Manchester Country Club Mikckey Blake's Mike Harbour's Indoor Golf Center MIT Golf Mountian Meadow Golf Lounge
Cranston, RI Atkinson, NH W. Enfield, ME Barton, VT Concord, NH Pittsfield, MA Burlington, MA Hebron, CT Windsor Locks, CT Lakeville, MA Bellingham, MA Littleton, MA Boston, MA Francestown, NH W. Springfield, MA Manchester, NH Hyannis, MA Pittsfield, MA Westborough, MA Bethany, CT (1) RI & (5) MA Ridgefield, CT Burlington, VT Grantham, NH Groton, CT Mansfield Center, CT Pembroke, MA Sandwich, MA Easton, MA Manchester, NH Loudon, NH Brookfield, CT Bedford, NH Southington, CT Johnston, RI Cambridge, MA Canaan, NH
38 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | October / November 2016
pg. 40B
pg. 43B
pg. 42A
pg. 39A
pg. 43A
pg. 40A
POWERED BY INDOORGOLFWEEKLY.COM Oceans 18 Okemo Valley Golf Club On the Tee Indoor Golf Palmyra Golf Course Pappas Indoor Golf & Baseball Paradise Family Golf Pease Golf Course Pembroke Pines CC Phys-Ed Heath & Permance Prospect Golf Province Lake Golf Course Rods Golf Improvement Center Southborough Golf Learning Center Stonehedge Indoor Golf Studio 18 Club Tee It Up Indoor Golf The Clubhouse Golf & Entertainment The Golfers Den at Sunset Ridge The Sandtrap The Sims at Rochester CC The Tee Box The Tee Box at Val Halla The Tour at South Shore CC Traditions Golf Club & Learning Center Western MA Family Center Woodbury Golf Course Xgolf New England
New Bedford, MA Ludlow, VT Plymouth, MA Palmyra, ME N. Chelmsford, MA Middleton, MA Portsmouth, NH Pembroke, NH New Milford, CT Prospect, CT Parsonsfield, ME Littleton, MA Southborough, MA Rutland, VT Norwalk, CT Bristol, CT Middleton, MA Westbrook, ME Dartmouth, MA Rochester, NH Halifax, MA Cumberland, ME Hingham, MA Holden, ME Hadley, MA Woodbury, VT Auburn, MA
pg. 41A
pg. 41B pg. 42B
8 HD Golf & 2 Visual Sports Simulators Full bar & grill • 22 HDTV’s • Table Games PGA Lessons, Club Fitting/Repair • Leagues, Outings & Parties
Gonzo's Alpine Training Center Try Our Ski & Snowboard Simulator
(802) 881-0660 | 1860 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT Take a Virtual Tour at www.GONZOSHDSPORTS.com
Receive Indoor Golf & Fitness Weekly every Thursday with
Sign Up FREE at IndoorGolfWeekly.com October / November 2016 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | 39
FEATURED INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS FACILITIES
2 Golf Simulators
SUBSCRIBE FREE AT INDOORGOLFWEEKLY.COM
Indoor Simulators Fittings & Repairs | Lessons One of Massachusetts Finest Full Service Indoor Golf Facility!
Check Out Our New Location: 320 Great Road, Littleton MA
(978) 263-1800 | www.RodsIndoorGolf.com
Visit Us On Facebook @RodsIndoorGolf
• Indoor Leagues & Private Golf Instruction • Affordable Rates & Early Bird Specials • Full Restaurant & Bar Service • Private Functions & Parties Available
FEATURED INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS FACILITIES
facebook.com/FOREgolfentertainment
New England’s Premier Indoor Golf Venue • 8 PGA TOUR Widescreen Simulators • A full bar featuring wine, draft/bottled beers and top shelf liquors • A relaxing atmosphere offering American and Asian Bistro food
• O ver 35 championship courses available on each simulator • A private simulator available for larger groups or meetings • NFL Sunday Ticket
• HD TVs to ensure no sporting events or shows are missed
Hours of Operation Mon - Fri : 10AM to 11PM Sat - Sun: 8AM to 11PM 508-366-FORE www.foregolfentertainment.com 153 Turnpike Road (Rt 9 - Westbound) Westborough, MA 01581
THE WEATHER’S ALWAYS PERFECT AT THE TEE BOX! Play a round or hit the driving range on three state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, including Maine’s only Curve PGA Tour aboutGolf Simulator. Plan a grown-up or kid party...we offer arcade games & movies on the big screen too!
38 Courses to Play
207-829-2225 • www.ValHallaGolf.com • 60 Val Halla Rd. Cumberland, ME
SUBSCRIBE FREE AT INDOORGOLFWEEKLY.COM
One of New Englands’ Only Semi-Private Indoor Golf Clubs
facebook.com/FOREgolfentertainment
New England’s Premier Indoor Golf Venue • 8 PGA TOUR Widescreen Simulators
• Over 35 championship courses available Memberships are Valid for One Calendar Year from Date of Registration on each simulator • A full bar featuring wine, draft/bottled beers and top$250 shelf liquors A private simulator available for$70 larger Family | Couple $175 | Individual • (12yrs+) $100 | Senior (60yrs+) groups or meetings • A relaxing atmosphere offering American and Asian Bistro food • NFL Sunday Ticket
Chamberlain Pines Indoor Golf & Sports
• HD TVs to ensure no sporting events or shows are missed 15 N. Main Street, Bellingham,
MA 02019 (508) 966-2187 | www.chamberlainpines.com Hours of Operation Mon - Fri : 10AM to 11PM Sat - Sun: 8AM to 11PM 508-366-FORE www.foregolfentertainment.com All are welcome, but Members get discounts on all 153 Turnpikeprograms, Road (Rtleagues, 9 - Westbound) activities, Westborough, and hourly rates! MA 01581
INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE 2016-2017
My Favorite Indoor/Outdoor
GOLF TRAINING AIDS By Greg Sampson
When the golf season comes to an end in cold weather regions around the world almost every golfer evaluates their weaknesses and tries to make a plan for the indoor golf season to improve upon the short comings in their game for lower scores in the spring. With that said I would always recommend seeking out your local PGA Professional and Certified Golf Fitness Instructor for an evaluation as well
as frequent visits to an Indoor Golf Facility in your area. Many of us also want to practice at home in the garage, basement or living room. Here are my favorite training aids that you can use at home to improve different aspects of your game during this year’s indoor golf season. The best part is many of these can be brought to the course and your favorite practice facility when the warmer weather returns!
Golf Target Mirror - $13 - $23 www.golftragetmirror.com This simple aid doubles as a putting alignment tool and putting green target. My suggestion is to buy the two pack so you can putt/chip back and forth.
Pocket Bunker - $30 www.pocketbunker.com This little guy will fix all your bunker and flop shot problems. You will master the art of missing the ball consistently with confidence.
Putt Supreme - $95 www.puttsupreme.com A laser powered gravity ball return device that everyone needs in their life. Practice using the Reducer attachment and a real cup will look like a basketball hoop!
SkyTrak - $1800-$5000 www.skytrakgolf.com You can practice and play golf virtually anywhere with this launch monitor. SkyTrak features range, challenge and course modes providing accurate data that commercial units do for a fraction of the cost. You can even set up an in home simulator that can double as a theater. The Sky is the limit with this personal launch monitor! The best part is you can finance your purchase at 0% interest for 6 to 12 months! SwingClick - $20 - $30 www.swingclickgolf.com Improving with this transition trainer is as simple as 1-2-3. Use it for any length swing and watch your scores drop. I love this device. There is nothing else like it!
44 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY INDOORGOLFWEEKLY.COM
Try our...
Try Tryour... our... Indoor Try our... Indoor Indoor
Club Fitting
Indoor Club ClubFitting Fitting Club Fitting Our expert staff will help you find the perfect equipment to Our expert staff will help you find the Our expert staff will help you find the improve your game. Try our perfect equipment toto improve your perfect equipment improve your indoor custom clubyou fitting with Our expert staff will help find the a game. Try our indoor custom club game. Try our indoor custom club portable launch monitor, a great perfect equipment to improve your fitting with alearn portable launch monitor, fitting with a portable launch way to about yourmonitor, swing! game. Try our indoor custom club a great way learn about your swing! a great way toto learn about your swing! fitting with a portable launch monitor, a great way to learn about your swing!
www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com www.CapeAndIslandsGolf.com
1019Iyannough IyannoughRoad, Road,Hyannis, Hyannis,MA MA02601 02601 1019 (508)771-4653 771-4653 (508) 1019 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-4653 October / November 2016 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | 45
INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE 2016-2017
SKYTRAK
Keep Your Game Sharp and Enjoy Indoor Golf at Your Home or Business Year-Round
In the past, the start of cold weather was the first signal to put the clubs in the closet until the warmth of spring rolled back around. Not anymore. With the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and Simulation system, New England golfers can keep their games sharp throughout the winter and hit the course running in the spring. SkyTrak is the first of its kind – a personal, yet professional grade, launch monitor that powers an expansive set of practice, and play simulation apps. Whether you simply fire up the SkyTrak driving range app for PC or tablet, or decide to play one of the many famous golf courses from simulation partners such as TruGolf, Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, World Golf Tour or The Golf Club Game, you will have limitless options for ways to keep your game tuned through the winter. Professional golfers have used this same launch monitor technology in expensive commercial systems for years. They know it works. They understand that Knowing Your Game leads to becoming a better player. And, they know the value of what it
means to Practice with a Purpose, by seeing their ball performance data and flight trajectories. Some of the systems the professionals use can cost upwards of $25,000, but SkyTrak delivers this same level of professional ball flight data for a cost under $2,000. With a SkyTrak launch monitor, you can work on your game and see your performance improve over time with detailed ball data, shot history and trends from every practice session. You can set-up sessions in the SkyTrak Skills Assessment feature that will reveal your strengths, weaknesses and tendencies across different distances. And, you’ll receive a score with the SkyTrak Dynamic Handicap™ system for each shot, distance, club and overall. Now, you will know exactly where you need to practice, because you’ll have actionable information that will provide hours of fun through the winter and will help you become a better golfer. You will start the new season with a bang because you will not be spending time in the spring shaking off the rust. Golfers can now take advantage of special finance programs from SkyTrak with affordable
46 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY INDOORGOLFWEEKLY.COM
monthly payments. They can choose from 0% interest for 6-months, or 12-months, making it even simpler to get SkyTrak in place. Now, golfers can work on their games, play golf, or use it for entertainment with Long Drive and Closest to the Pin contests. This makes it possible to have a complete practice, play and entertainment system for golf at home year-round. It is
truly something the whole family can enjoy. The ability to practice and play golf anywhere and anytime, even if it is snowing or raining outside, will give you the advantage you need to move to the next level of performance on the course. SkyTrak – it’s how you’ll become a better golfer, and how you’ll put some fun into those long, cold New England winter evenings.
For Winter Specials and Finance Options:
www.skytrakgolf.com
October / November 2016 | www.indoorgolfweekly.com | 47
Golf’s first realistic, accu affordable practice and p
“
PRACTICE
With SkyTrak’s realistic practice range, stay sharp even when you can’t make it to the course.
CHALLENGE
SkyTrak makes practice fun with skill-building games and multi-player challenges.
IMPROVE
Establish a game improvement plan with our engaging Skills Assessment.
PLAY
Play a hundreds of courses, in stunning HD, with your own clubs, ball and swing!
www.skytrakgolf.com
No Interest Financing if Paid in Full Within 6 or 12 Months.* Monthly payments as low as $59.85 with approved credit** Deferred Interest Plans are Available. Deferred interest means that if you fail to pay your purchase in full within the promotional period, then the interest accrued on such purchase promotional purchase in full within 6 or 12 months and (b) make all required minimum monthly payments on time. Making only required minimum monthly payments will not pay of ** Payments as low as $59.85 based upon principal balance of $1,995.00, 26.90% APR and 62-month term. Payments as low as $110.53 based upon principal balance of $1,9
curate and d play system… Play Golf On Your Own Terms
Month
ly Pay
59.85
$
ments
as low as
with a pprove d cred it**
SkyTrak is a revolutionary system that will make a huge difference in the way you play the game. It provides the accuracy and reliability of commercial launch monitors at only a fraction of the price. Tee it up, rain or shine, 365 days a year, in the convenience of your own home!
“I can’t believe how simple it is to use. It looks like you’re really out there on the range hitting balls.” Hank Haney, World Renowned Golf Instructor
purchases from the date of purchase through the end of the promotional period will be added to your account. To avoid paying the deferred interest charges, you must (a) pay the not pay off your promotional purchase before the end of the 6 or 12 month promotional period. See Credit Agreement for full terms and conditions. e of $1,995.00, 29.90% APR and 24-month term. See your Credit Agreement for more details.
FOCUS ENERGY STAMINA FUEL FOR GOLF Stop giving shots away because you run out of gas on the back 9! Dump those sugary sport drinks and fuel up with great tasting Amino VITAL® Focus Zone™. Pros trust Focus Zone™ to deliver the smooth powerful energy and laser focus they need to perform their best through the ENTIRE round. Give yourself an edge with our #1 performance product for golf. Plus, get our authentic tour towel absolutely free!
All Natural • No Sugar • No Caffeine As Seen On The
Proud Sponsor
SAVE 20% ON YOUR 1ST ORDER & GET A FREE TOWEL! USE PROMO CODE:NEGM I AMINOVITALGOLF.COM May not be combined with any other offer or discount.
Don’t Let Another Season Pass You By!
Want more energy out on the course? Ready for more mobility, exiblity, speed and power? Then spend 20 minutes 3 times a week with Tour-Proven Expert Coach Joey D. Discover simple keys to get your body in sync with your swing, hit more fairways, feel energized and have a lot more fun out there this season.
O p t i m i z e Yo u r B o dy Fo r G o l f L i ke t h e P RO S !
NOW STREAMING ONLINE!
Golf Fitness
Make this season your best yet with our follow-along home system on DVD or all new online program that streams to your computer or any moblie device!
S A V E 2 0 % U S E P R O M O C O D E : N E G M I J O E Y D G O L F. C O M
GOLF APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
GOLF FITNESS APPAREL GUIDE by GFW Staff
Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have proved that ripped abs and a top notch golf game go hand-in-hand. Everyone from PGA pros to weekend warriors knows that in order to lower your handicap, you need to get in shape. Improving your flexibility is necessary for more range in your swing. Building greater acceleration will improve the distance of your drives and building a more stable base, which helps you control your swing and leads to better consistency. The following shirts, pants and shoes will help you feel more comfortable while working out due to the materials and technology used to focus on work out driven apparel.
LULULEMON ALL THE RIGHT PLACES CROP II are a medium-rise; cross-sport
crops will literally have you covered in all the right places. FullOn® Luxtreme fabric panels add strategic support, while lightweight Luxtreme® fabric panels let you move freely.
SCULPT TANK is made from a sweat-wicking fabric with a UPF 50+ to help protect from strong rays and added LYCRA fibre for great shape retention.
JOFIT EVOLUTION JACKET is made with soft and durable, moisture wicking nylon spandex fabric that won’t fade or pill. The 2-way zipper that allows for custom fit with no chafing, and slimming side panels. SLIMMER PANT is designed to wear with ease and move with your every swing and step. Made with amazing technology of our 4-way stretch woven fabric, it is now in a pull-on style pant!
52 52 || golfcontentnetwork.com Subscribe at myNEGM.com www.golffashionweekly.com | October || April October 2015 / November / November 2016 2016
POWERED BY GOLFFASHIONWEEKLY.COM RHONE APPAREL THE SENTRY is an ul-
tra-lightweight, moisture wicking top that is made with XT2 silver threads that combat offensive odors from sticking around. Built to perform, no matter the activity.
THE MONK TERRY HOODIE is the per-
fect men’s active wear hoodie. Created from a supple blend of cotton and Japanese terry, the monk will make you feel like you’re ensconced in fluffy cloud.
THE TORRENT PANT is an all-purpose pant that features a four-way stretch fabric, that means ultimate comfort, optimal weight and maximum breathability all while looking good.
TRAVIS MATHEWS – RED FITNESS COLLECTION WHEELER - Whether you are working on your triceps or enjoying your favorite taco shop, the wheeler is your shirt. The tri color blend of blue’s and grey’s will give you the subtle pop you are looking for on a daily basis. CHAMBERS - A modern look meets the ultimate in fit and comfort. The Prestige777 4-way stretch is guaranteed to give you the maneuverability that you desire when you are looking to get active. SPRUCE - Seaside fleece is extremely comfortable and soft to the touch. They’re perfect for keeping your legs warm during your next late night jog or simple household lounging.
October October / November / November 2016 April2016 2015 | www.golffashionweekly.com ||golfcontentnetwork.com Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 53 || 53
GOLF APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
NIKE AIR ZOOM 90 IT - An updated favorite of Rory McIlroy’s, the Nike Air Zoom 90 IT Men’s Golf Shoe features a waterproof upper and incredible traction for those who don’t let the weather stand in their way. Perfect for on the course or in the gym. • CLASH RIVAL TEE - Made with super-soft cotton for exceptional comfort on or off the course. Modern fit contours to your body. • TECH KNIT SHORTS - Feature engineered knit fabric that delivers warmth and superior fit for all-day comfort. Offers a unique blend of nylon and cotton that provides a soft, sweater-like feel. It’s double knit for allover warmth wherever you go.
LONGBALL ATHLETICS Kick it with style, luxury and comfort. Longball Lifestyle line allows you to be you. Handselected fabrics will grab your attention and the small details will keep you wanting more. Move comfortably through your day today and know you’re looking your best. Nobody said living the lifestyle was easy but this line will make it look effortless.
54 | www.golffashionweekly.com Subscribe at myNEGM.com | | April October 2015 / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFFASHIONWEEKLY.COM
GREG NORMAN – ATTACK LIFE COLLECTION Created with today’s active lifestyles in mind, the Attack Life collection includes wicking and stretch fabrics plus the benefit of reflective elements for improved visibility after dark. Socially conscious, this collection was built with a focus on sustainability wherever possible; from the recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, to the recycled paper in the hang tags, Attack Life creates clothes you can look good in and feel good about.
NOBULL Run, climb, slide, grind, lift.... these kicks have you covered. Lightweight, breathable and flexible protection that moves the way you do. Like a ninja. The upper of the Trainer features a seamless one-piece construction of SuperFabric®, an extremely durable, breathable and abrasion resistant material. For Men and Women styles check out NOBULLPROJECT.COM
October / November 2016 April 2015 | www.golffashionweekly.com | Subscribe at myNEGM.com|| 55
EQUIPMENT
Joe & Leighs
Joe & Leighs
• G reat 9 Hole Course Located Right at Joe & Leigh’s Golf Shop
• Only $25.00 to Walk 9 Holes • T ry and Buy and The Only Golf Shop in New England with a 9 Hole Course
TRADE UP TO ALL THE NEW RELEASES
www.joeandleighs.com 68 PROSPECT ST. SOUTH EASTON, MA
508-238-2320 56 | golfgearweeekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFGEARWEEKLY.COM
New Clubs for 2017 By Ed Travis In late summer and on into fall club companies begin to introduce the models for the coming year and often they are first seen on the professional tours as manufacturers hope to get early publicity from staff pros playing well or even winning. After researching the new crop of clubs from on information provided to us by the manufacturers here are those we consider significant and if something really attracts your attention you may not have to wait since many models are in shops now.
Callaway Golf Callaway is on a roll and hopes to grab more market share with the Big Bertha Fusion Driver. It employs a titanium cage construction with the space between the metal ribs in the crown and sole filled with a very light triaxial carbon composite. Compared to last year’s XR16 driver this allowed 35.4 grams to be moved to better resist twisting and promote a higher ball trajectory. Depending on the shaft selected the overall club weight has been reduced to between 295 and 305 grams allowing so it may be swung faster for more distance. The crown has the drag-reducing Speed Step from last year, designed in conjunction with Boeing, and there’s choice of two stock shaft lengths, 44.5 inches and 45.5 inches. The BBF uses the familiar OptiFit adjustable hosel with draw or neutral settings and retail price is $400. Similarly constructed fairway woods (3, 5 and 7) are priced at $250. There are also Big Bertha OS Hybrids and Irons. The OS Hybrids are $250 each and
have a deeper body, larger and faster rebounding face and Callaway’s newest Face Cup technology. The OS Irons (OS stands for Over Size) use an Exo-Cage design that allows weight to be placed for more forgiveness, the 360 Face Cup to be more efficient and better retain ball speed across the face. With steel shafts 4-iron through attack wedge are price at $1,100. Callaway also has announced the Steelhead XR Hybrids and Irons. The Hybrids are available in 3H (19-degrees) through 6H (27-degrees) at $220 each and have a larger face with what they are calling a Next-Gen Hyper Speed Face Cup. The clubhead is also larger allowing the center of gravity to be pushed lower and deeper for higher launch. Steelhead XR Irons have a similar shape to the venerable Steelhead X-14s of fifteen years ago updated with the Next Generation 360 Face Cup and a steel-infused polyurethane layer behind the lower part of the face for more feel and better launch. Pricing is $800 for 4-iron through attack wedge.
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 57
EQUIPMENT Cobra Golf Cobra’s first oversize irons were way back in 1994 and they quickly became the bestselling irons for the next two years. For 2017 they have an update, the King OS irons (Over Sized) with a new PWRshell that has a thinner, lighter face and sole to lower the center of gravity. This construction Cobra says gives higher ball speeds across the entire hitting area. Throughout the set the body is a full-hollow construction giving a soft, solid sound for added confidence. The face is entirely milled with V-grooves on the 4-6 irons for less spin and U-grooves on the 7-pitching wedge that give more spin and control. The cavity is a multi-material con-
struction with a weight-saving aluminum medallion allowing for tungsten weighting in the toe. Available November 25, pricing for an eight iron set of 4-iron through gap wedge with steel shafts is $999 or $1,099 with graphite shafts.
Mizuno Known for their irons, in 2017 Mizuno is leveraging that reputation to establish a larger presence in metal woods and the new JPX900 family in addition to irons includes a driver, fairway woods and hybrids. The JPX900 iron line consists of the Tour and Forged models plus the ones for average golfers called Hot Metal. Hot Metal’s have the thinnest face Mizuno has ever produced and the construction is similar to a metal wood with a cup face and large sweet spot. Price is $900. The JPZ900 Hybrids have an adjustable loft hosel and variable face progression to smooth the transition between fairway woods and irons. The center of gravity is low and shallow for high-launch-low-spin ball flight and the sole has Mizuno’s dual channel for more face flex.
Pricing is $250 each with 16 degree 2-hybrid through 25 degree 6-hybrid lofts available. The flagship of the JPX900 line up is the driver which is an update of the JPX-850 of two years ago with a new dual 8-gram sliding sole weights plus two weight ports for draw/fade bias. It also has a visual face angle adjustment as well as an adjustable hosel. Mizuno incorporated a new face design with more rebound and a more stable head construction to increase the resistance to twisting. Priced at $500 the stock shaft is the REAL DEAL Fujikura Speeder EVO II. The matching fairway woods have a single sliding 15-gram sole weight and adjustable hosel similar to the driver. A slightly different version of the sole channel, Mizuno calls it a Shockwave sole, is also built in. JPX900 Fairway Woods are $300.
58 | golfgearweeekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFGEARWEEKLY.COM PING iBlades are a good looking players-category iron, a follow up on the S55 model of 2016. The cast stainless steel body is compact and has a thinner top rail, minimum offset and straight leading edge. The toe contains tungsten weight for forgiveness, in fact, Ping says it’s the most forgiving blade they have ever made. Face thickness is half that of the S55 and produces more ball speed with
PXG The up and coming PXG has added to their iron offerings the 0311XF gameimprovement model. The clubhead is triple forged, the same as their PXG 0311 players iron, but with a longer length and wider sole. Perimeter weighting is enhanced with tungsten weights and the thin face is
slightly higher trajectories. Steel shafted, each is $162.50 and with graphite shafts $177.50.
backed with a cavity containing a thermoplastic elastomer plastic for vibration dampening and maintaining ball speed on off center impacts. Available only through custom fitters the 0311XFs are priced at $350 per club with a chrome finish and $500 each for black diamond-like coating.
Srixon After the success of the Z-series 500 and 700 models released in 2014 Srixon is bringing them up to date with two new lines, the Z 565 and Z 765 woods and irons. Both the Z 565 (460cc $450) and the Z 765 (445cc $450) drivers have a new cup face and a three step semi-channel sole construction. The Z 565 produces a high launch angle for average players and the Z 765 a flatter ball trajectory for better players plus each has Srixon’s 12-position adjustable hosel. Z F65 fairway woods have a maraging steel face for high strength and a similar face cup to that of the drivers. The lower lofts (13.5, 15 and 17 degree) have a crown designed to aid face flexibility while the 19 and 21 degree models have a weight placement to create better ball flight char-
acteristics. Price is $250. The H65 hybrid ($230) comes in three lofts progressive with head sizes based on loft and the same support channel used in the fairway woods.
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 59
EQUIPMENT
Tour Edge Golf Several interesting models are being introduced by Tour Edge and the first is the Exotics XJ1 driver. The body is made of a new titanium alloy they have dubbed SUPERMETAL and it has a Kevlarcarbon composite in the crown which in combination saves 20 grams of weight. That weight was moved to the sole in the form of two 10-gram bars to increase head stability at impact. The very light clubhead plus a lightweight shaft gives a total club weight substantially less than 300-grams meaning the average golfer can swing it faster for more distance. Priced at $700, the XJ1 comes in 9, 10.5 or 12 degrees loft in right hand only. The other interesting introduction is an update of the Hot Launch family called Hot Launch 2. Just as with the original driver the new Hot Launch 2 comes with a 460cc four-piece forged cup face clubhead. There are two variations, an adjustable hosel model with five lofts from 8.5 to 12 degrees and an “anti-slice” non-adjustable model. Both have pared down weight so a heavier center sole weight could be used to give more forgiveness and higher launch. The adjustable Hot Launch 2 driver is $200 and the non-adjustable is $170 and Tour Edge promises 48 hour delivery. Hot Launch 2 fairway woods offer a choice in standard or offset heads with a hyper steel body and maraging steel variable thickness clubface. Both carry a price of $130 and the standard comes in lofts from 15 to
22 degrees and the offset model 15.5 to 22.5 degrees. The hybrids ($110) use the same materials in a similar construction in a 3, 4, 5 and 6 loft. Hot Launch 2 irons are made of a soft stainless steel that allows for easy personalization when custom built and are $400 for a seven iron set of 4-iron through attack wedge. The undercut cavity has been enlarged and a new toe weight design expands the sweet spot while the variable thickness face provides lots of forgiveness. Complementing the Hot Launch 2 irons are a new version of an old favorite, Hot Launch 2 Iron-woods. Available individually or as a complete set, the newly designed Iron-Woods have a bigger clubhead that’s hollow and thin clubface for more spring-like effect and distance. As with previous Iron-Woods the sole is heavy helping to increase launch angle and forgiveness. They are available from a 2-iron loft of 18-degrees to a lob wedge loft of 59-degrees. A set of seven Iron-Woods is $500 or individually they are $80, ideal if using as a long iron substitute.
60 | golfgearweeekly.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY GOLFGEARWEEKLY.COM
2017 Membership Drive: Free Membership for the Rest of 2016 when you join for 2017 for only $100 • 2016-2017 Full season membership for players of all abilities • Weekend and weekday tournaments at the finest courses in MA, RI and NH. • Guaranteed reserved tee times for tournaments including private and semiprivate clubs not open to the public • Multiple levels of competition: gross division for single digit handicaps and two net divisions • Prize funds for all divisions and trophies for select tournaments • Cash side pools for all divisions for sweeps, skins, etc. • Year long points competition for monetary prizes and trophies (Order of Merit ) • B.A.G.S. Club USGA handicap GHIN card with membership ( MGA/USGA individual number GHIN card at MGA cost ) • Number of new courses being added for 2017 season • Guest priveleges – invite a friend to tournaments where space available • Trial memberships ( specifics tbd) • Play with your friends and make new friends • Fun – if you like to compete or just enjoy playing golf this is the place
Some of the courses tournaments played at annually: Allendale CC, Andover CC, Atlantic CC, CC of Halifax, CC of New Bedford, Ferncroft CC, Foxborough CC, Franklin CC, Lebaron Hills CC, Ledgemont CC, Metacomet CC, Newport National GC, Olde Scotland Links, Pawtucket CC, Poquoy Brook GC, Segregannsett CC, Shaker Hills CC, Waverly Oaks GC and the classic Donald Ross George Wright GC and Franklin Park GC.
B. .G.S B. .G.S
Boston Amateur Golf Society
Boston Amateur Golf Society
JOIN TODAY!
617-302-2201
BagsGolfNE.com
Play One, Play All This Fall FOR GIFT CARDS, SPECIALS & TEE-TIMES VISIT STERLINGGOLF.COM
THE SHATTUCK GOLF COURSE
“Waterloo” Hole 12 – Par 3 – 199 Yards
Beauty: From behind the green, high up on the cart path; a breathtaking view of the 12th and 13th holes, the 17-acre swamp, and the mountain.... You’ve got to carry 75- 190 yards across a beaver swamp to a wide, shallow green; fairway right, water left, bunkered hillside behind.
9 Hole Courses
18 Hole Courses
Chelmsford CC | 978-256-1818 66 Park Rd. Chelmsford, MA
Newton Commonwealth | 617-630-1971 212 Kenrick St. Newton, MA
Maynard GC | 978-637-2268 50 Brown St. Maynard, MA
Norwood CC | 781-769-5880 400 Providence Hwy. Norwood, MA
Unicorn GC | 781-438-9732 460 William St. Stoneham, MA
Rockland GC | 781-871-0480 276 Plain St. Rt 139, Rockland MA
Stoneham Oaks GC | 781-438-7888 101R Montvale Ave. Stoneham, MA
The Shattuck GC | 603-532-4300 53 Dublin Rd. Jaffrey, NH
Follow Each Course on Facebook
Winchendon GC | 978-297-9897 435 Spring St. Winchendon, MA
All Nine Courses Operated by Sterling Golf Management
Cranberry Valley Golf Course A Must Play Cape Cod Golf Course • 18 holes of Championship Golf • Best Practice Facility on Cape
Host course for:
• 2014 MGA Public Links Championship • 2015 PGA Jr League Northeast Regional Championship • 2016 MGA Senior 4-Ball Championship
Proudly announcing our new partnerships at Cranberry Valley:
Miller golf instruction and Hot Stove at CV
To book your round at Cranberry Valley:
Call 508-430-5234 Online booking: www.CranberryGolfCourse.com
183 Oak St. Harwich, MA
OLDE BARNSTABLE FAIRGROUNDS GOLF COURSE COURSES TOP 10 BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE IN NEW ENGLAND
Barnstable Golf
WEEKDAY FALL SPECIAL AT HYANNIS GC: $49.00
18 Holes, Cart & Range Balls
ALL DAY Monday-Thursday & Sundays after 12:00pm
BOOK NOW FOR FALL GOLF AT ITS FINEST TEE-TIMES, SPECIALS & MORE at BARNSTABLEGOLF.COM Hyannis Golf Course
1840 Iyanough Rd. Hyannis, MA 02601 508-362-2606
Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds
1460 Prospect St. Marstons Mills, MA 02648 508-420-1141
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM COME EXPERIENCE THE NEW PINES
2 for 1 is back
AND NOW INCLUDES
Sundays
Tues, Thurs, and Sun. Greens fees only. Cart mandatory, book 7 days in advance.
equally satisfied. In a shrinking golfer population, customer service is paramount. And, we are constantly looking at ways to re-invest in this business to offer a top-notch product, including our recent renovations to the courses themselves and proposed clubhouse renovations.
MW: What specific steps are you taking to build customer loyalty?
MFS: Again, we pride ourselves on offering an excellent product. Our Mission Statement for Dennis Golf is to provide the maximum golf enjoyment for as many people as possible at a cost competitive with the surrounding area, and meeting the customer’s expectations every time.
MW: What proactive steps are you taking to attract and keep them?
MFS: We keep our prices competitive with the surrounding golf courses, both for greens fees and membership rates. Plus, we have made vast improvements to the courses themselves, making golfing here easier and more enjoyable, taking less time to play. We also are utilizing social media to reach out to this age group in general, being very active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and doing a complete overhaul on our website. We love that Like and Share Button!
Dennis Pines 508–385-1551 MW:| Are there enough players in the golf pipelineRd. to justify the continuation for all the golf 50 Golf Course East Dennis, MA
MW: How much of your core golf business courses that exist on Cape Cod? is with Millennials -- those who are 40 year old MFS: Well, that is part of our mission: to engage Dennis Highlands | 508–385-8347 and younger? the younger golfers. We offer both free Junior ClinicsRiver run by Mike and member 825 Old Bass Rd.Pry Dennis, MAvolunteers,
MFS: It is a lot less than it used to be, which is concerning to us; but, we are always thinking of new ways to draw attention to this demographic.
and we participate in a Junior PGA program, both of which have thrived over the years. So long as there are programs such as these, we
For Tee-Times, Memberships, Leagues, Events & More visit www.DennisGolf.com
AROUND THE GAME Port Defeats Kraus to Register Seventh USGA Championship Title at Wellesley Country Club in Wellesley, MA The “First Lady of Missouri Golf” added to her trophy collection on Thursday, winning the 55th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship at Wellesley Country Club in Wellesley, Mass. Her victory in the 18hole final marks the seventh USGA championship for Ellen Port. The only golfers who have won more USGA titles are Bob Jones (9), Tiger Woods (9), Jack Nicklaus (8) and JoAnne Gunderson Carner (8). Port’s latest triumph came when she defeated Andrea Kraus 3 and 2 in the final round at Wellesley, a par-74, 6,049-yard Donald Ross layout. “Fantastic,” Port told the USGA’s David Shefter afterward. “It’s always great to win a USGA championship. You work so hard to get here, and it’s just so special when you can finish it off.” Port, a 2012 inductee into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, has qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur 17 times and the U.S. Women’s
Mid Amateur 22 times. She also won U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur titles in 2012 and 2013 and has four U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur titles to her credit (1995, 1996, 2000 and 2011). The U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs. The competition began with 36 holes of stroke play last weekend, with the low 64 advancing to match play. Competitors had to win five matches over three days to reach Thursday’s 18-hole final. Port’s only previous meeting with Kraus came 21 years ago in the 1995 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur at Essex County Club in nearby Manchester-by-the-Sea, where Port won the match and went on to claim her first USGA championship.
2017 SEASON PASS ON SALE NOW 5-Day Pass - $400
•
7-Day Pass - $800
Valid 5 & 7 days per week • No Holidays $20 Cart Fee or $10 Walking Fee Required
Season Passes, Tee-Times & More... (508) 966-4040 | www.maplegate.com 160 Maple St, Bellingham, MA 02019
68 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM The Ouimet Fund Remembers Arnold Palmer The Ouimet Fund joins the world of golf in mourning the passing of Arnold Palmer. Mr. Palmer was involved with The Fund for nearly 20 years, thanks to the efforts of Ouimet Trustee and Alumnus Richard F. “Dick” Connolly, Jr. who worked as Mr. Palmer’s financial advisor and was a very close personal friend. The “new era” of Ouimet Fund Banquets began in 1997 when Arnold accepted Mr. Connolly’s invitation to become the Banquet’s guest speaker and first recipient of the Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf. Mr. Palmer’s appearance helped bring the dinner and the Ouimet Fund to a new level as 1,400 guests were on hand. That Banquet was also the first time The Fund created an endowed scholarship from the proceeds, and Mr. Palmer selected his late father, Deacon Palmer, as the named honoree. The Deacon Palmer Award has been presented annually to a Ouimet Scholar studying to be a golf professional or course superintendent, as Deacon Palmer was, and Mr. Palmer wrote to the recipient to extend his congratulations each year. Over the next few years, the Ouimet Banquet secured its position as the biggest golf dinner in the U.S., and Mr. Palmer frequently helped recruit subsequent honorees of the evenings. In 2000, Mr. Palmer stepped into a new role
with Ouimet. He succeeded Gene Sarazen, who died in 1999, as Honorary Chair of the Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament, The Fund’s premier invitational event. Mr. Sarazen, who had been a close friend of Francis Ouimet, had been Honorary Chair since the inception of the Tournament in 1968. In 2011, Mr. Palmer agreed to be the Honorary Chair of the Ouimet Centennial. With Arnold on board, The Fund was able to ask the other prior Banquet honorees and some special friends to be Centennial Ambassadors. The cycle was completed when Mr. Palmer agreed to be presented with the 2013 Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award at The Fund’s Centennial Gala. There were 2,100 guests on hand – the largest ever for a golf banquet in the United States. He was joined on stage by Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner, the Master of Ceremonies, Peter Jacobsen and Mark Frost, the author of The Greatest Game Ever Played, and Bill Paxton, the director of the movie of the same name. Finally, The Ouimet Fund is extremely grateful that Mr. Palmer has been a friend to Dick Connolly and our mission. We were proud to present the Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award to Arnold Palmer, who as much as any other player ever, embodied so much of what Francis Ouimet was to American golf.
401-723-9998
PrecisionGolfWorks.com 651 Cottage St. Pawtucket, RI 02861
Club Repairs | Reshafting | Regripping | Lies & Lofts | Custom Fittings
Buy, Sell & Trade New & Used Equipment | Serving Area Professionals
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 69
AROUND THE GAME New Hampshire’s Phil Pleat Wins 2016 New England Senior Amateur Championship Title at Crestwood Country Club, Rehoboth, MA On the second and final day of the 19th New England Senior Amateur Championship, each of the 110 competitors had their own game plan as to what would be needed to take home the Andrew C. Bailey Championship trophy, awarded to the golfer with the lowest score for the two-day, 36-hole stroke play tournament. For Phil Pleat, the game plan was to simply stay the course. At Crestwood Country Club on Wednesday, it was the New Hampshire resident Pleat of Nashua Country Club who was the last man standing in a back-and-forth battle that saw several of the region’s top golfers grab hold of the lead, if for only a few minutes. Pleat’s two-day mark of 5-under par 137 was enough to make him the latest to have his name engraved on the hardware after the battle that ultimately came down to a duo of Massachusetts golfers - Paul Mitchell (George Wright GC) and Jack Kearney (Elmcrest CC) who finished with one extra stroke to finish T2. “It’s a dream come true,” said Pleat, a 19time NHGA Champion after winning the New England Senior Amateur Championship. “I’ve been playing in these New England Championships for 35 years, and I had a couple of close calls in the regular New England’s but didn’t make it. I wanted to push through and win of these things, and this is great. It’s a special day.”
70 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | October / November 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM Dave Szewczul Wins 71st CT Senior Amateur Championship Dave Szewczul of Tunxis Plantation Country Club used a final round 67 to charge up the leaderboard and capture the 71st Connecticut Senior Amateur. The two-day, 36-hole stroke play championship was contested September 26th & 27th at Madison Country Club in Madison, Conn. and was open to Connecticut senior golfers who are fifty-five years of age and over. After opening with a two over-par round of 72 on day one, Szewczul began his quest for his third Senior Amateur title two strokes behind overnight leader Bill Hermanson of Black Hall Club. With ten players within four strokes of the lead heading into the final round, the path to victory for the eventual champion would certainly not be an easy one. Szewczul, who started on the 3rd hole in the shotgun start format, found himself behind early after a bogey on the short par-4 5th hole. Although he was able to recover with a
birdie on the 6th hole, a missed opportunity on the drivable par-4 7th hole left him far from the top of the leaderboard. But it wasn’t until the very end that Szewczul could lay claim on the Senior Amateur trophy, as six different players held a share of the lead throughout the day at even-par. As bogies began to pile up, it was Szewczul’s consistency that brought him to the top. His birdies on #10, #12 and #14 boosted him into sole possession of the lead with just six holes to play, and a string of twoputt par’s was all that was needed to secure the fourstroke victory. The six-time CSGA Senior Player of the Year and 2010 inductee into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame has already written his place among the greats in Connecticut golf, but string of close calls and near missed had left him on the outside looking in. Szewczul’s last CSGA win came in 2014 at the Senior Match Play Championship.
October / November 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 71
AROUND THE GAME Matt Parziale Fends Off John Kelly During Final Round to Capture His Second Straight Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship East Falmouth, MA — What looked to be a one-man show turned into an old-school duel during the final round of the 2016 Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship, which was held this week at TGC. When all scorecards were signed and following a 54-hole battle, it was Matt Parziale (Thorny Lea GC) – the 2015 champion of this event – who prevailed for his second straight MGA Championship title.He finished with a three-day score of 4-under par 212 that edged out second-place finisher John Kelly (Twin Hills CC) by three strokes.
Franklin’s Keith Smith Prevails By One Stroke To Capture His Second Career Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship Title Ipswich, MA — Keith Smith (Franklin CC) has been in this position before, but there was something extra satisfying about his latest triumph. Competing against some of the state’s and even region’s - best senior talent, Smith captured his second career Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship crown. He claimed the Frederick J. Wright, Jr. award on Tuesday afternoon at the Golf Club at Turner Hill after posting a two-round score of even par 144. His latest victory comes three years after he won this title in 2013 during what was his first year of eligibility for senior amateur events.
Public Course. Private Conditions. (978) 772 – 3330 www.ShakerHills.com 146 Shaker Rd. Harvard, MA 01451 72 |72Subscribe | Subscribe at myNEGM.com at myNEGM.com | October | Nov. //Dec. November 2014 2016
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM Brockton Native Stephen Kuketz Finds New Golf Life and Scores Emotional and Meaningful Hole in One
Norton, MA —It doesn’t take a golf professional to know how difficult it is to card an ace But for one local player whose returning to the game after a 25-year absence, the achievement is that much greater. Stephen Kuketz’s hole in one, only three months after his return to the game, isn’t just a remarkable feat in itself. It’s the journey to how he got there that tells the real story. Kuketz was an avid golfer in his youth and through his early adult life. That all changed on a foggy night in 1991. “I had a horrible car crash,” recalls the
Brockton native Kuketz. “I was by myself, and I ended up hitting a tree on a curb. As a result of the accident, I am paraplegic and also, my left eye went blind. It was one of the injuries that just didn’t recover.” Kuketz said, “A year after my accident, I assumed I’d continue to play golf, but it wasn’t proper etiquette to play in a regular wheelchair. So I ended up playing racquetball and bowling, and I did very well and excelled in those sports.” Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation purchased four paragolfer machines that are designed specifically for golfers without the use of their lower body. Two of the machines are available for use at Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton and the other two are at stationed at Weston’s Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course. Kuketz splits his time navigating the two courses on a weekly basis and has garnered a group of fellow paraplegic golfers who play golf with him at the two venues. It was with them at Leo J. Martin Memorial that on August 1, Kuketz recorded his first career hole in one and became, what he says, is the first paraplegic golfer in the world who is both blinded in one eye and limited to the use of one arm to record such a feat.
Submit Your News & Events FREE at myNEGM.com/submit Published on myNEGM.com, in Northeast Golf Weekly enews, on Social Media and Occasionally in NE Golf Monthly Magazine!
Fall Rates in Effect thru October 31st: Great golf conditions at a great fall value Monday – Friday: $60 Saturday, Sunday: $70 Twilight Rate Starts at 1pm: $50 All rates include shared golf cart. October Nov. / November / Dec. 2014 2016 | Subscribe | Subscribe at myNEGM.com at myNEGM.com | 73| 73
Jimmy Fund
Sea usband nd her h (right) a . a 5 th 1 n 0 a Sam ent in 2 tournam mini golf
n began
the Team
Lozier
STARTING A GOLF TOURNAMENT IS PERSONAL
The Loziers Jimmy Fund courage inspire Samantha Lozier is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Samantha and her husband Sean decided to start their own mini golf tournament to raise funds in support of Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s cancer-fighting mission. “My husband and I have always loved playing mini-golf together, and it's something we continue to do throughout my cancer journey,” says Samantha. “It’s fun and makes us laugh, even on the days when I may not feel my best.” Learn how you can bring together golfers of all ages and start your own Jimmy Fund Golf or mini golf tournament to honor a loved one affected by cancer.
Start your golf tournament today at JimmyFund.org/NEGM Ace Sponsors: Sponsors: Ace
Eagle Eagle Sponsors: Sponsors:
Aizenstadt Aizenstadt Family Family
Callaway Callaway Golf Golf
Coca-Cola Coca-Cola
New New England England Golf Golf Monthly Monthly
GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER® GFGEN162260
GORMAN VS GEARY actually play, you will incur 2 penalty strokes for each hole on which you had too many clubs, to a maximum of 4 penalty strokes per round. Several years ago I was involved in a controversy involving a competitor having 15 clubs in his bag during a major fourball match. The opposing team had just whipped my partner and me 4-3. While walking back to the clubhouse we all discovered the competitor inadvertently had 15 clubs in his bag. I was thinking “hallelujah” we get a rematch or forfeit. No one at the club, including the pro, knew the ruling and it took close to 24 hours to get the correct decision. The correct ruling is that since the match was completed, there is no penalty to assess to the violator and the score is final. If the violation was known during the match play, then the penalty is to forfeit a maximum of two holes per round. My Callaway golf bag houses 14 clubs, 2 During the 1935 U.S. Open and Amateur, a dozen balls, three sweaters, a rain suit, an umsurvey of the players found the average numbrella, 8 old golf gloves, a swing weight, 500 ber of clubs in use was more than 18, so the tees, a ball marker, 10 old scorecards, 7 broken USGA changed the rule to maximum number pencils, a can of insect repellent, a ball to 14. No one knows for sure why 14 retriever, 2 empty sunscreen was chosen as the limit but the tubes, band-aids, a rule theory is that a set of nine book, roll of toilet paper irons, along with a putter and a peanut-butterand the accepted four and-jelly sandwich. woods (at the time) set After slapping around the standard. a bucket of balls on the So the mystery of golf by Tom Gorman range, there is only one is does having more than 14 thought on my mind when I step clubs in your bag make you better? It onto the first tee for a “yuge” match: Do I have sure helped Bobby Jones, who was the domi14 clubs? nant player in the 1920s. Bobby Jones sometimes The 14 club limit rule has been around since had 25 clubs in his bag while being credited with 1936 and I like it. First, I don’t ever remember being the only player to win the Grand Slam in playing a round and using all 14 clubs, even a single season, which in 1930, included the U.S. when I shoot in the 90s. My three least used Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur and British irons are 4, 6 and 8. My most used weapon is Amateur. Walter Hagen also used to carry more the putter, which had its highest recorded use than 14 clubs while competing. in one pathetic round of 44 putts. I remember As you start to fill the 14 spaces in your bag, quitting the game that day and crying like a some choices are easy. You need the putter baby, while forking out a ton of money on lost and driver and 4 and 5 metal fairway woods. At side bets! Second, golfers always copy what the a minimum you should carry a set of irons that pros do on TV, and the latest trend is to carry runs from 4 through PW. Toss in the sand wedge four wedges, even though the average hacker and 52 degree wedge and you are ready to (Tim Geary immediately comes to mind) can’t play. You can’t build a house without the right get out of the bunker in one clean swing. Don’t tools, and you can’t play good golf without the even begin a conversation with someone carright clubs in your bag. rying four wedges, because you know they’re The late great Arnold Palmer said it best, “The a Phil Mickelson wanna-be, and probably can’t ideal set of clubs is one that leaves you with the break 88 on their best day! right club in your hands for the highest percentAccording to the deadly little booklet called age of shots throughout the round.” The Rules of Golf,” which is 128 brain-numbing Tom Gorman, a Boston-based golf writer, pages filled with batty commandments and blashould clean out his golf bag someday since he tant contradictions, which taken as a whole, are has no room for another club. not relevant to the game of golf most people
Should you be allowed to use more than 14 clubs? NO
76 | golfcontentnetwork.com | October / November 2016
GORMAN VS GEARY Have you ever wondered how the folks who run the game of golf ever arrived at certain numbers? Legend has it that the reason there are 18 holes on a typical golf course is that the Scotsmen who invented the game used to have a shot of Scotch after each hole and when the bottle was empty the round was completed. Basic math, 18 holes became the traditional number of holes in a round of golf. But how did the lords limit is fine. There need to be regulations for of the game ever arrive at 14 clubs in the bag? serious play. On that score Gorman and I are No legend, no explanation. Its 14 clubs and in agreement (again a shock). that’s it. Maybe its because the caddys reGolf for most of us is just a game, not a fused to carry any more. serious sport. We get together with My illustrious counterpart our buddies to play a $5.00 thinks that 14 is ideal nassau or skins or some sort and I tend to agree of friendly game where with him, which we’ll put the money on the makes me seriously bar at the 19th hole. consider counseling. It should be fun and And I am in full agreeby Tim Geary since few of us are accomment that professionals plished enough to hit specific clubs should have a set limit of sticks, a certain distance, it can become very diffibut for those of us who play for recreation, who cult. A couple of extra clubs could make the go out to have some fun and who need all the difference between shooting 100 or 99, or 90 help we can get? I say we should be able to and 89. Anyone who can challenge the 80/79 take as many as we can tote, push or pull. threshold doesn’t need any extra help. FourOr in the case of those who ride in carts, as teen clubs is perfect. many as we want as long as the front wheels But most golfers, the backbone of the don’t lift off the ground. game, are not among those elite players. They And I’m shocked the golf industry isn’t on can use all the help they can get. They don’t board with this. It would allow them to sell need the USGA or the Royal & Ancient throwmore equipment. ing a monkey wrench into their enjoyment. Personally I’d like to have about 16 clubs in Golf is currently suffering through a serious my bag (and I have played with those who decline in participants. People are leaving have as many. In fact I have played with one the game and many younger players are not guy who carried four drivers). picking it up. I’d like to have that 64 degree wedge for At my club we have an annual Junior/Sethose few shots where I need to get the ball nior Tournament as do many clubs. A junior up right away and land soft, maybe 10 yards used to be anyone age 44 and below. away. I need a 3-iron in my bag for those This year the cutoff was age 62. Golf needs many shots I need to hit out of the woods and to do anything it can to attract and keep its keep it low, but other than that I would prefer players. Time to stop putting in limits. The diffithe 3-hybrid that is easier to hit but tough to culty of the game itself sets enough limitations. keep only three or four feet above the ground. Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer. Now if you are playing in a tournament, Even 20 clubs couldn’t help his game. either professional or amateur, the 14 club
Should you be allowed to use more than 14 clubs? YES
October / November 2016 | golfcontentnetwork.com | 77
Opportunities at The Bay Club Mattapoisett
Mattapoisett, MA – The Bay Club This magnificent, 6,839 sq. ft. Garrison has 4 bedrooms with 5 full
and 2 half baths is sited on a double lot at one of the highest elevations within the Bay Club community offers filtered views of golf course. Design elements tastefully include extensive use of marble and hand-crafted wood paneling creating stately and lasting impressions of craftsmanship of years gone by. The gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry open to a great-room with fireplace and dining area featuring views of a large pond and 8th hole of the golf course. The first-floor master suite features exquisite finishes, his and her baths and walk-in closets. Other features include a 3-car garage and adjoining gardener’s room, powder room, laundry and breakfast stairway leading to the second level that includes a game room, office with fireplace. $2,395,000
Call Dave Andrews 508-207-9232
Mattapoisett, MA – The Bay Club This 2,611 sq. ft. Cape offers 3- bedrooms and 2.5 baths including
a 1st floor master suite with private bath and large, walk-in closet. Other 1st floor amenities include spacious, eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counters; great room and dining room (or office) and laundry. Sited on an 18,320 sq. ft. home-site, this property abuts conservation land on two sides. This home is in excellent condition and offers a paver patio and well landscaped yard including a very private backyard. This home was built in 2006 by Whitman Homes, one of the areas quality builders. $619,900
Call Dave Andrews 508-207-9232
Ag U re nde em r en t
Mattapoisett, MA – The Bay Club
Meticulously maintained 3- bedroom Cape by Whitman Homes offers a first floor master suite, 2.5 baths and open floor plan with dining room and eat-in kitchen that is complimented by transom windows producing a light and airy feel. Sited on a home-site that abuts conservation land with elevated deck and partially finished lower level with walk-out, this home also offers a 2.5 car garage with ample space for a golf cart or work area. $649,900
POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM