June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:54 PM Page 1
June 2009
JAMES DRISCOLL Playoff Finish & Into The British Story Page 10
CVS Caremark Charity Classic Preview Pages 18-20
September 1 - 7, 2009
Vol II Issue IV
June 22-28, 2009
June 21 - 23, 2009
September 9, 2009
www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
September 28 - October 4, 2009
June 2009
RIGolfMonthly.com - MassGolfMonthly.com - CTGolfMonthly.com - NHGolfMonthly.com - VermontGolfMonthly.com - MaineGolfMonthly.com
June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:54 PM Page 2
SEE GREAT GOLF. SUPPORT GREAT CHARITIES. CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC, RHODE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB, JUNE 21–23
Photo: Steve DiPaola/DiPaola Photography
Photo: Getty Images courtesy of the LPGA
08649SCX09
Cheer on golf greats — and support local causes — at the 11th annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Since 1999, this prestigious tournament has donated $12 million to hundreds of charities. Find out about our free ticket offer at www.cvscharityclassic.com or your CVS/pharmacy®.
The mission of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, Inc. (the “Charity Classic”) is intended to benefit non-profits in New England that serve children and families. The complete mission statement and description of programs and organizations for which the Charity Classic’s funds have been and will be expended is available on the Charity Classic’s website at www.cvscharityclassic.com or by contacting the Community Relations Director, C/O CVS/pharmacy, Inc., One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 in writing with a request for such information.
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
newenglandgolfmonthly.com June 2009
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June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:54 PM Page 4
~ In This Issue ~ www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com June 2009
Volume II Issue IV
Publisher: Timothy R. Branco
CONTENT
6
New England Golf News
8
US Women’s Amateur Public Links Preview
10
James Driscoll - Playoff Finish & Into the British
11
Team New England on The Tours
12
French Link: A Resort for the Ages With World Class Golf
14
Golfer Travel Reviews
18
CVS Charity Classic Preview
21
Golf Instruction - The Scoring Process
23
Molori Unplugged
24
Golf Fashion - The Babe’s Here,Whose Coming in Second?
33
The PGA Pro File/Mike Ghelfi
34
Gorman vs. Geary: Should Caddies Be Miked?
Assistant Publisher: David Adamonis Managing Editor: Timothy R. Branco Production: Sally Briere
Robin Sampson/Greg Sampson
Administration: Mary L. Hullett Contributors Tom Gorman David Adamonis John Lyon Jay Nomakeo Richard Kelley Bill Geiring Matt Adams Burgess Houston Jeff Dantas John Molori Wayne Mills Brad Reading Hal Philips
Tim Geary Parker Smith Pam Borges Bob DiCesare Robert Martin Katherine Dyson Jim Hammond Greg Sampson Gary Trask John Magginis Derek Hooper Robert Skura Barry Palm
PGA Tour Photographer Ken Dennis kendennisphoto.com
Fashion Writer
Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com
Sales & Marketing
Greg Sampson - Manager gsampson@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com Corporate Sales Timothy Branco tbranco@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
Real Estate Sales
Betsy Griffin betsy@NEHomefinder.com New England Golf Monthly is published 8 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved. For product marketing distribution and/or direct mail information contact us at info@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 357 Swansea, Ma 02777 800-736-9020
From The Editor There are still simple pleasures in life and for me golf is one of them. I cherish the time I get to spend out on the golf course, with a favorite group, family or just new friends I am paired with in events and tournaments. Every golf course is unique and each round is a different experience in life and learning. What makes golf such a great game is that it has simple commonality. We all work with the same purpose in mind to play better and improve and enjoy the game. Yes there are egos in golf like any other sport but they just don’t seem to show themselves off in the same way as other sports. A great shot in golf is simply a great shot, we all tip our hats to the success of others even in the most competitive situations. It seems all we hear these days are news about how bad the economy is. The doom and gloom reporters of our daily lives seem to thrive on the most negative things in life. While it is important to be informed it is less important to be overwhelmed by any one thing. When I am out on a golf course playing the game in a park like setting with no television, radio and Internet, I am in a place where they just cannot get to me. It is a break away from all the hustle bustle of life; it’s just the game and me. I laughed when recently I heard grumblings from Washington that golf was an elite game and private and public golf clubs were viewed as venues of just pure entertainment with little or no value to the overall economy. Golf is an industry that generates over76 billion dollars to the economy and provides over 2 million jobs and 61 billion in wage income and tax support with no state or federal support or bailouts. Golf also provides over 3.5 billion dollars of badly needed support for charities all across the nation each year more than all other professional sports combined; talk about giving back! So the next time you are sitting in that tight little $100.00 seat at a pro sports stadium paid for by the taxpayers watching some guy on steroids strike out who is making 30 million a year think of golf. For just $30.00 you can spend almost twice as much time walking around in a beautiful, quiet, park-like setting enjoying a game that has been around for hundreds of years with a history richer than any other. Granted there are not many of us who can hit a homerun in Fenway Park but anyone can make a hole in one and make a perfect shot in golf. Simple pleasures are still there and for me golf is one of them. Play Golf America! All The Best, Timothy R. Branco Managing Editor/Publisher tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
A Division of The New England Publishing Group, Inc.
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June 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
On Saturday, May 16, hundreds of golfers had the oppoprtunity to try out all the newest equipment at a Demo Day at Pine Hills Golf Club. Sponsored by Edwin Watts Golf
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
Lessons Learned and Passed On
www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com
By Barry J. Palm
Moments after Payne Stewart sank his heart stopping putt on the final hole to win the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Number 2 beating Phil Mickelson by a single stroke, the Missourian with the deft putting touch - and a father of two himself - embraced Lefty and said, “Winning a major is great – but fatherhood is far greater.” Mickelson threatened to withdraw from the tournament all week if the birth of his first child came during the competition. Becoming a father was of far greater importance to Phil than winning the U.S. Open. A noble thought indeed. And although Stewart garnered major accomplishments as a golf champion, sadly he never lived to see his own children’s future achievements. When I think of my own experiences as a father, son, and golfer, I know that being a father is a much bigger reward than winning any golf event no matter how important the competition. My Dad, Charlie, demonstrated that to me many years ago when he taught me the game over countless summer hours late in the afternoon after he left his office, and we’d get in as many holes as possible before dark on the venerable Donald Ross course we both loved – Wampanaog Country Club in West Hartford, CT. More important than the golf tips he gave me, like how to draw or fade the ball or play a bunker shot, were the life lessons he instilled in me during our many rounds together. Lessons such as the constant passage of events and people in life is a continuum, and that golf is a game of integrity and honesty, principles that are really more important off the course than on it. He passed away years ago, but I still remember what he taught me during every round I play even to this day. Now when I play golf with my son, I’m proud that I’ve been able to pass along to him the same values his grandfather taught me. The first time I beat my Dad, he shook my hand then hugged me and said, “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for this.” That spoke volumes to me, since Charlie was truly happy that I finally had beaten the old man. Loving Donald Ross the way he did, my father always took an annual pilgrimage to Pinehurst with his golfing buddies. When he returned home from his springtime sojourn, he’d tell me that golf at Pinehurst with close friends is a feeling like no other in the game. He’d recount that when playing Number 2, you could sense the specters of the game’s immortals - Jones, Hogan, Nelson, and Snead among others, on every fairway, every green. Now when I play Pinehurst and a gentle breeze blows through the pines echoing the names of the golfing legends who walked those hallowed holes long ago, I remember what my father taught me, and turning RTG_NEGM/BaySt.qxd:Layout 1 12/18/08 12:54 PMa squint Page eye 1 toward the heavens, I smile believing my Dad’s looking down and knows he’s a legend to me.
Golf
- Fully Open Through Fall of 2009 - Golf Outings - Tournaments - Online Tee Times - Weddings & Functions
(508) 224-6700
THE
Ultimate
“Top 50 Public Courses in America” – Golf World
EXPERIENCE
Photo by George N. Peet
•
17th Hole
Tee time 7 days in advance
June 22 – 27, 2009 A national championship conducted by the USGA.
Red Tail Golf Club • 35 Miles West of Boston Route 2 Exit 37 • Devens, MA 01432 • 978-772-3273
www.redtailgolf.net
newenglandgolfmonthly.com June 2009
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF NEWS
New England U.S. Open Qualifying Results
CONNECTICUT
MASSACHUSETTS U.S. Open Qualifying Results
Six Advance in Brooklawn, Ct. Rank 1 2 T3 T3 T3 T6 T6
Veterans Justin Peters and Fran Quinn Lead Field to Advance
Player Name Overall Front Back Total John Bushka, Stratford, CT -3 34 34 68 Rob Labritz, Pound Ridge, NY -2 36 33 69 John Crowley, Greenwich, CT Even 36 35 71 Keith Dicciani, White Plains, NY Even 38 33 71 Kevin Duerr, Raleigh, NC Even 37 34 71 Andrew Giuliani, New York, NY +1 37 35 72 Taylor Fontaine, Southbridge, MA +1 39 33 72
RHODE ISLAND Four Advance in Rhode Island Results From Misquamicut Club in R.I. 1 2 3 4
Curran, Jonathan Mazze, Nic Kirby, Edward Doyle, Matthew
Hopkinton, Mass. Caledon, ON Wakefield, R.I. Jupiter, Fla.
-5 -3 -2 -1
64 66 67 68
Wannamoisett CC -2 F -1 71 Wanu 69 Shel 140 Potowomut GC -1 F -1 70 Wanu 70 Shel 140
Submit Your Results To tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com Fall River Country Club
4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA
508-678-9374 g Sav Sprin 9 0 0 2
New England Products Shawn Warren & Adam Rainaud Headline U.S. Open Local Qualifier at TPC of Boston Qualifiers T1) Shawn Warren (Falmouth, ME) 34-35--69 T1) Adam Rainaud (South Hadley, MA) 34-35--69 3) a-Bun Young Lee (Montreal, Quebec) 34-36--70 T4) Jae Lee (Madrid) 34-37--71 T4) a-Peter Williamson (Hanover, NH) 35-36--71 6) Brendon Ray (Norfolk, MA) 34-38--72
Massachusetts Open Qualifying Results Top Finishers – www.MGALinks.org for full results
2009 John P.Burke Memorial T1 Blanchard (A), Charlie Leopold, Bobby
Qualifiers 1) Justin Peters (Stuart, FL) 38-32--70 2) Trevor Murphy (Scottsdale, AZ) 33-39--72 T3) Fran Quinn (Holden, MA) 38-35--73 T3) Michael Welch (North Quincy, MA) 38-35-73
ings
Berkshire CC – May 16th T1) Adam Fuchs (Plainview, NY) T1) John Dahrouge (a) (Berkshire Hills CC) 3) Adam Rainaud (South Hadley, MA) 4) Hunter Stone (a) (Crumptn-Fox Club
69 (-3) 69 (-3) 70 (-2) 71 (-1)
Hopkinton CC – May 19th 1) Chris Rivard (Manchester, NH) 2) Justin Peters (Stuart, FL)
69 (-2) 71 (E)
Green Hill Municipal GC – May 21st 1) Jeff Mucciarone (a) (Walpole CC) T2) Jonathan Brisbane (Rytland, VT) T2) Ronald Laverdiere (a) (Crumpin-Fox Club)
69 (-3) 70 (-2) 70 (-2)
Captain GC – Port – May 26th Michael Arter (a) (MGA Links) Tyler Brewington (Orangeville, PA) John Connelly (Haskins, OH) Greg Sampson (Cranston, RI)
70 (-2) 70 (-2) 71 (-1) 71 (-1)
T1) T1) T3) T3)
CC of Halifax – May 27th T1) Scott Hawley (Shrewsbury, MA) T1) David Schuster (Hawthorn, NJ)
71 (-1) 71 (-1)
Indian Ridge CC – May 29th 1) Rob Oppenheim (Orlando, FL) 2) Jimmy Lytle (Ocean Ridge, FL) 3) Jason Parajeckas (Pleasant Valley CC)
68 (-4) 69 (-3) 70 (-2)
LAKEVILLE COUNTRY CLUB 44 Clear Pond Road, Lakeville, Ma 02347 • Scenic waterfront golf course • Carts not mandatory & no walking fees • No Tee Times • Great member functions • New Reduced initiation fees • Affordable dues rates • Highly recognized golf pro** **Awarded the National Bill Strausbaugh by PGA of America Recognized as Golf Professional of the Year
www.fallrivercc.com
Call Ellen Woods, Membership Co-Chair to receive more information about this great opportunity@ (508) 676-7108 or Email: Estensingwood@aol.com. Fall River Country Club, PO Box 244, Fall River, MA 02722 (508) 678-9374.
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June 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com
(508)947-6630
Memberships Golf Outings Tournaments Functions Manager: Gary Mosca
June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:55 PM Page 7
NEW ENGLAND GOLF NEWS Co-Champions Crowned at 29th Mass Four-Ball Championship After Inclement Weather Forced the Cancellation of Round 2 Seekonk, MA - Co-champions were crowned at the 2009 Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship on day one after persistent downpours in Southeastern Massachusetts forced the cancellation of the second round of play. As a result of the decision to shorten the 36-hole event to just the 18 holes played on Monday, the low scorers from each of the two courses - Ledgemont Country Club and Crestwood Country Club - were declared winners of the event. Therefore, Ryan Riley (Norton CC) and Herbert Aikens (Pinehills GC) who posted an 8-under par 63 at Crestwood Country Club on Monday - have earned the right to raise the championship trophy high in the air alongside Sean Fitzpatrick (George Wright GC) and Paul Mitchell (George Wright GC), who came through with a 6-under par 65 at Ledgemont Country Club. The decision was made due to the fact that the field completed the first round of the event on two separate courses. It was therefore impossible to declare an outright solo champion since half of the field competed at Ledgemont C. C. and the other half at Crestwood C.C.
U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship Coming to Red Tail GC - Volunteers Needed to Work This Important USGA Event Norton, MA - An exciting event coming to our state this summer will be the playing of the 2009 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship at Red Tail Golf Club on June 22-27. The staff at Red Tail Golf Club is looking to secure volunteers to assist during this USGA event. If you – or any golf enthusiast that you might know – are interested in volunteering, please Contact Volunteer Chairman Rob Jobin. rjobinrtgc@yahoo.com, Phone 978-772-3273, Fax 978-772-2534
Please Submit Your News & Questions to tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
Vermont Golf Association State Day Rutland Country Club Par 70 A Flight Gross: 76 Dale Laval, Rutland; 78 Dave Howe, Essex; 81 Jordan Bemis, Lakeside Net: 67 Tom DePoy, Proctor-Pittsford; 73 Brent Jarvis, Essex; 73 Daniel Marcy, Kwiniaska B Flight Gross: 80 Robert Svenson, Champlain; 81 Richard Meunier, Kwiniaska; 82 Michael Dionne; Kwiniaska Net: 67 Larry Duffy, Lakeside; 67 Steve Aube, Cedar Knoll; 72 Bruce Jones, Links @ Lang Farm C Flight Gross: 79 David Sargent, Williston; 88 Doug Emery, Brattleboro; 93 Jonathan Gicewicz, Rutland Net: 66 Russ Albertine, Cedar Knoll; 72 Carl Viau, Rocky Ridge; 74 Winton Goodrich, Lakeside
Vermont Golf Association State Day Vermont National CC A Flight Gross: 78 Paul Spencer, Williston; 80 Jon Chadwick, Lakeside; Net: 73 Gary Hutchinson, Neshobe; 75 Mark Trudeau, Copley B Flight Gross: 79 David Jackson, Bakersfield; 86 Rene Bombardier, Links @ Lang Farm; Net: 73 Derek Esposito, Lake St Catherine; 73 Jerry Perantoni, Northfield C Flight Gross: 90 Stephen Beattie, Lakeside; 91 BJ Barrett, Lakeside; Net: 72 Al Monroe, Champlain; 74 Doug Kemerer, Lakeside
6th Russell C. Palmer Cup Hop Meadow Country Club Par 72 6923 Yards Rounds Total
Pos 1 2 T3 T3
Player Name Overall 1 2 3 Score Tom McCarthy, Twin Hills +5 77 73 71 221 * Won with a par on the first playoff hole Mike Ballo, Jr., Woodway +5 76 70 75 221 Bill Hadden, Timberlin +6 75 75 72 222 Ryan Leahey, Oak Lane +6 79 73 70 222
Rehoboth Country Club
Rehoboth Country Club
Perryville Road, Rehoboth, MA 02772
(508) 252-6259
• Outings • Tournaments Golf Leagues Available for 2009 55 And Older ~ Monday - Friday $24.00
www.rehobothcc.com
newenglandgolfmonthly.com June 2009
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
Red Tail to Host U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links June 22-27th by Gary Trask
History has proven that the winner of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links (WAPL) Championship can expect big things to follow in their golf career. Take a quick look at the past list of champions and you’ll see names like Michelle Wie, Jill McGill and Ya-Ni Tseng, players that have go on to enjoy lucrative professional careers. In fact in the 32-year history of the WAPL 16 winners and two runner-ups have eventually turned pro. “I’m not sure what it is about this event, but it always seems to bring out the very best in women’s amateur golf,” says USGA Manager of Communications for the event Rhonda Glenn. “It’s a pretty safe bet that the winner of this tournament is well on her way to a professional career. That’s one of the many things that makes this tournament so special.” And now after a wait of more than three decades, Massachusetts will host the WAPL when Red Tail Golf Club in Devens, Mass. welcomes some of the country’s best young female golfers June 22-27. This will be the Photo Credit: Tony Avelar 53rd USGA championship held in Massachusetts, but it is the first time that the WAPL will visit the Bay State. The event is open to women amateur golfers who have been “bona fide public course players” since the be- Tiffany Joh 2008 Champion ginning of this year and have not held privileges at any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public. Players must also have a USGA Handicap not exceeding 18.4. The 18-hole stroke-play qualifying rounds will be played on Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23 with the low 64 players advancing to Match Play, which starts Wednesday, June 24. The second and third rounds of Match Play will take place on Thursday, June 25 with the quarterfinals and semifinals on Friday, June 26. The 36-hole final round of Match Play with the two finalists will be held on Saturday, June 27. Red Tail is a 72-par course that will play at a yardage of 6,157/6,259 yards for the championship with two holes – the 7th and 9th – varying in yardage. Admission is free and those who do attend may be in for an exciting finish since the championship has been decided on the final hole on eight occasions. The aforementioned Wie was involved in two of those finishes – when she won it in 2003 and when she was runner up to YaNi Tseng in 2004. The winner not only takes home a gold medal and the prestigious Robert F. Dwyer trophy, but she is also granted a 10-year exemption from sectional qualifying for future WAPL Championships, a two-year exemption from sectional qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, a one-year exemption from sectional qualifying for the next U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship and an exemption from local qualifying for the next five U.S. Women’s Open Championships. After taking into consideration the impressive resumes of previous WAPL winners, here are three players to keep your eye on at Red Tail when the action tees off later this month: Tiffany Joh – Joh prevailed last year at Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin when she defeated Jennifer Song of Korea, 2 and 1, to become just the fifth player in the event’s history to win multiple titles, joining Kelly Fuiks (1977, 78), Lori Castillo (1979, 80), Pearl Sinn (1988, 89) and Jo Jo Robertson (1995, 97). Joh’s other victory came in 2006 at Walking Stick Golf Course in Colorado. In 2007 she made it to the third round. The 21-year-old is from San Diego and just finished up an All-American career at UCLA. She was also runner up at last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur and played on the victorious U.S. Curtis Cup team in 2008 when she posted a 2-1-1 record. Kimberly Kim – Also a member of the 2008 Curtis Cup team, Kim is the top-ranked junior golfer in the country and you can make an argument for her being the best woman golfer in the world under the age of 18. Originally from Hawaii, Kim now resides in Phoenix where she just earned her high school degree and has decided to forgo a shot at professional golf to attend the University of Denver. Back in 2006 at the age of 14, she became the youngest woman to win the U.S. Women's Amateur. That’s also the year she was runner up at the WAPL to none other than Joh. She’s already played in two U.S. Opens and last year she tied a USGA women’s scoring record at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and won her first American Junior Golf Association invitational by eight shots. Amanda Blumenherst – Yet another member of the ’08 Curtis Cup team, Blumenherst is also the defending U.S. Women’s Amateur champion and led her Duke University team to two NCAA titles and three Atlantic Coast Conference championships. The recently graduated senior is a three-time NCAA National Player of the Year and holds multiple Blue Devil records. The 22-year-old Arizona native advanced to the first round of match play in last year’s WAPL and was the runner-up at the 2007 Women’s Amateur. Other notable players to watch – Stephany Fleet, 2007 WAPL runner-up; Jennifer Song, 2008 WAPL runner-up; Tiffany Lua; 2008 WAPL semifinalist; Maria Jose Uribe, 2007 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion; Meghan Bolger Stasi, member of 2008 U.S. Curtis Cup; Carlota Ciganda, 2007 British Ladies Open Amateur Champion.
JUNE EVENTS only at Edwin Watts Golf June 6th June 7th June 19th June 20th June 27th
Demo Day with all Manufacturers and the Cleveland Tour Van on-site at Hyannis Golf Club (10am-3pm) Nike Golf Rep Day at Weymouth Location (12pm-3pm) Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf and Nike Golf Rep Day at S. Attleboro Location (12pm-4pm) Cobra and Titleist Golf Rep Day at S. Attleboro Location (10am-2pm) Demo Day at Falmouth Country Club (10am-3pm)
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8
June 2009
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newenglandgolfmonthly.com
17 Consecutive Years as Winner “25 Best Off-Course Retailers in America” - Golf World Business
June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:55 PM Page 9
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
National Golf Day stresses golf’s contributions to society The leaders of 11 of the U.S. golf industry’s most prominent allied associations met with members of Congress and their staffs on May 13 in Washington, D.C, to highlight and discuss golf’s very significant economic and social contributions. In a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, golf’s leaders carried the message of the industry’s enormous economic impact. A study released last year at the inaugural National Golf Day, the 2005 Golf Economy Report, quantified golf’s annual direct economic impact as $76 billion, and highlighted the fact that the industry provides 2 million jobs and $61 billion in wage income. The study also found that golf generates more than $3.5 billion annually for charities across the country. “This is a very important day for the U.S. golf industry,” said Steve Mona, World Golf Foundation CEO. “Golf is a great pastime for millions of participants and fans, but it is much more than that. As a leading industry, golf is a powerful economic engine in our country and we’re delighted to be able to meet today with members of Congress and their staffs to communicate golf’s very positive impact on our society.” The organizations represented at the second annual National Golf Day activities included American Society of Golf Course Architects, Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, LPGA, National Club Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA Tour, USGA and World Golf Foundation. By coming to Washington together, the allied association leaders were able to send a message of a united industry. “As an organization, GCSAA has long seen the advantage of working with our allies in the golf industry to bring success to our facilities, and by doing so, success to our individual members and the industry as a whole,” said GCSAA CEO Mark J. Woodward, CGCS. “So working together in Washington to share the benefits that golf provides to communities throughout the country is a natural extension of these relationships.” In addition to GCSAA staff attending Naitonal Golf Day events, the association's Government Relations Committee met in Washington to participate. In addition to the meetings with members of Congress, industry leaders participated in the seventh The First Tee Congressional Breakfast. More than 50 members of Congress joined golf’s leaders to learn more about the positive impact this preeminent youth development organization is having on young people throughout the country. Also in attendance were golf greats Fred Couples, Judy Rankin and Greg Norman, who is chairman the Advisory Council of The Environmental Institute for Golf, GCSAA’s philanthropic organization. Throughout the day, the golf industry leaders highlighted that the game’s impact on society could best be viewed through three perspectives: economic, human and environmental. Summaries of the results of the 2005 Golf Economy Report in these three areas are available at golf2020.com.
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish Est. 1956 Allendale Country Club
107 Allen St., Dartmouth, MA 02747
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP 15 Individual Guest Passes With Cart
Times of play Monday - Friday w/tee times made only 2 days in advance unless playing with an existing member. Weekend tee times 2 days in advance, times of play between 10:00 -12:30 or after 2:00. No exceptions not to be used as a guest of a member before 10:00 or between 12:30 - 2:00. All Full Golfing membership categories are available and include a $200.00 Pro Shop gift certificate towards Pro Shop merchandise.
www.HawthorneCountryClub.com
Rate and fee cuts make golf membership very affordable Hawthorne Country Club entered into an agreement with the membership to turn over all golf related proceeds, minus operating costs, to reduce future dues proportionate to each category making golf substantially more affordable.
The substantially lowered fees and dues are made possible because Hawthorne is a major banquet facility and does not rely on golf revenue as most golf courses do. For additional information Contact Barbie Ian or Doug at 508-996-1766.
Hawthorne Country Club Golf 2009
NEW - Golf Cart (all categories) Now Only $500 yr. NEW - First Year Associate Membership Now Only $300 yr. NEW - as of 1/1/09 HCC has become private Full Single $1,300 Family $1,620 Senior Ltd $940 Ltd Single $1,020 Senior $1,100 Intermediate $900 970 Tucker Rd, No. Dartmouth, Ma 02747-3551 (508) 996-1766 (Pro Shop)
18 Hole Semi!Private Course Pro Shop open to Public • Golf Outings Available Starter: 401!842!0126
Clubhouse and Lounge Open to Public Banquet Room ! 200 Person Capacity ! Perfect for Weddings Clubhouse: 401!847!9543
371 37 3 71 1 Uni U Union nion o n St. St S . Po P Portsmouth ortsm r tsmouth sm mout u th h 401-847-9543 40 010 1-847-8 84 4 7--9 --9543 54 43 3 • www.greenvalleyccofri.com ww www www.g ww w.g g een green gr n alley nva alle a lleycco c cco ofri ofri.co fr com c m
(508) 279-3344 695 Pine Street Bridgewater, MA 02324 at Bridgewater On Line Tee Times
One of Southern New England’s Finest Golf Courses www.oldscotlandlinks.com
The Back Nine Club
17 Heritage Hill Drive, Lakeville, MA 02347
508-947-9991
For info Call (508) 992-8682 or the business office (508) 992-2174
For more information, please call 508-992-8682 or 508-992-2174. Check us out on the web at www.allendalecountryclub.com
www.allendalecountryclub.com
Southern N.E. Best Golf Deal!
Still 18 Holes for $18.00
Under New Management - Completely Renovated newenglandgolfmonthly.com June 2009
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June 1-17:NEGM 5/29/09 2:55 PM Page 10
PGA TOUR INTERVIEW
New England Golf Monthly’s Tour Player of the Month Congratulations to James Driscoll
James Driscoll: Playoff Finish & Into the British
By Greg Sampson
Eye on the prize!
All smiles.
Great Rotation!
Blast Off!
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June 2009
James Driscoll was hot in May shooting a final round 8-under 62 to work his way into a playoff with former Masters Champion, Zach Johnson at the Valero Texas Open. He continued his stellar play qualifying for the 2009 British Open with a qualifying score of 10-under. First off, congratulations on your close call in the Valero Texas Open. What a final round! What did you do with your time while you waited for the playoff? Thanks Greg. It was one of those rounds where things started to fall into place. I left a few shots out there on the front 9 but, things started clicking around the middle of the round and I just rode the momentum into the clubhouse. After the round I had about 30 minutes of interviews. Then spent about 30 minutes putting my feet up and getting a little to eat after which I started getting warm on the range and putting green. It was a long wait but I don’t think it affected my play in the playoff. Zach hit a great shot in there and sank the putt when it counted. Your swing looks much tighter than years past and you have gained a fair amount of muscle. What have you been working on and with whom? As far as my swing, I haven’t taken too many lessons over the last 2 years but, I have learned a lot from Shawn Hester over the years and Mike Bennet and Andy Plummer (the Stack and Tilt guys) helped tighten my swing 2 years ago. I try to watch and learn from other players while keeping my own "feel". As far as the weight that I have put on, I have been working with Ed Lippie for the last few years. I met Ed at Mike Boyles strength/conditioning and he sends me workouts while I am on the road. It’s fairly intense. Who is caddying for you this year? What role does he play before/during/after a tournament? Mark Carens is caddying for me. We have been together for going on 4 years. He’s a good player, he knows the game well and he has been very helpful. We like to come up with a game plan for each golf course and we discuss almost every shot during the round. You grew up in Massachusetts and our readers always appreciate input from Team New England on what their favorite courses our in New England. Which courses are your favorites and why? At the top of the list is Charles River CC. My parents joined there in 1985 and I can’t imagine growing up playing a better course. The greens are severe and you have to hit every type of shot. The members gave me an honorary membership when I first got my tour card in 2004 and I couldn’t be more thankful. I also really enjoy Kittansett and Wannamoisett. What's in your bag this year? Taylor Made r9 driver. Tayor Made 13 degree 3 wood. Nickent 18 degree hybrid. Taylor Made TP irons 4-9. Taylor Made wedges. Edel putter. I also play the Taylor Made ball. What do you do with your time away from the Tour? My off weeks seem to fly by. I try to see my nieces and nephews (I have 9) as much as possible when I get back to Boston. I also try to see as much of my friends as possible during my off weeks and go out to dinner. By the time I catch up with family/friends, practice and go to the gym there isn’t much time for much else. When I’m on the road I'll either catch a movie or read a book to unwind. I’m in the middle of an Eckhart Tolle book. It might take me a while to get through this one... Hopefully you will be playing in the Travelers Championship so our readers can go see you play in person. Are you planning on playing? I really hope to play the Travelers because I have conditional status this year, its no guarantee that I'll get in. One last question. You have been playing on tour since 2002. Do you have anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way? There have been so many people that have helped me get to the PGA Tour. My 5 sponsors when I first turned pro- my parents, my uncle Barry, Mr. and Mrs. Connell, Jack Connors, and Lee Kennedy. All the members at Charles River gave me tons of encouragement over the years. Shawn Hester helped my swing a lot since college. Most recently, Lanny Basham, my mental coach has helped me get over some hurdles. I have been lucky to be surrounded by great people. Thank you for your time James. It appears that you are playing much more confidently this year. Keep it up. I am sure our readers in New England are very proud of you. Your welcome Greg. Anything for my native New England.
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TEAM NEW ENGLAND ON THE TOURS
Billy Andrade
Billy Andrade Bristol, RI Joined Tour 1988 Tour Victories 4 Billy has already played in 8 events this season on the tour. He has made two cuts at the Mayakoba in March and two weeks ago at the Valero Texas Open. In Texas Billy put together a great round of 67 on Friday to make the cut and finished off with a 71 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday. While he continues to get into most of the Tour events he has a very difficult time putting back to back good scoring rounds together. Current earning are at $19,654.00
Brad Faxon
Brad Faxon Barrington, RI Joined Tour 1984 Tour Victories 8 Ending March Brad made his first cut of the season at the Arnold Palmer invitational in Orlando. It has been a slow road back for Brad but he continues to work on all the pieces of his game. His short game and putting is still one of the best out there At Quail Hollow Brad had a good round on Friday to make the cut but could not keep it going on the weekend. Current earnings are at $27,046.00
Brett Quigley
Brett Quigley Ft. Devens, MA Tour Victories 1 Talk About March Madness Brett has lit it up like Villanova. He has played in 14 events so far this season and made the cut in 7 events. In The Month of March he has gone 4 for 4 starting with the Mayakoba and ending with The Travelers. He has finished with back-to-back 2nd place in two events and vaulted to top 50 PGA Tour money list with over $900,000 in earnings. He has missed all three cuts in May events he has played in.
Brad Adamonis
James Driscoll
J.J. Henry
Patrick Sheehan Dana Quigley Lynfield, MA Joined Tour 1980 Tour Victories 3 Dana thus far in 2009 has played in 7 events; he does not show any signs of slowing down one bit. He still is the Iron man of the game and it will be some time before anyone even comes close to the amount of tournaments he has played in. He has made just over $65,000 on the year and it’s still early for the Ever Ready Bunny.
Dana Quigley
Patrick Sheehan Providence, RI Joined Tour 2002 Tour Victories 2 Patrick has played in just 6 events so far in 2009 and made 3 cuts. He had a great finish in Puerto Rico in the second week of March with a 13th place finish and earned over $58,000. Patrick picked up a win in Athens Georgia in April on the Nationwide Tour and last week carried that momentum into the Valero Texas Open and finished 17th. Right now he is at $149,498.00 in 2009 earnings. Ken Green Danbury, CT Joined Tour 2008 Tour Victories 5 Ken Green has had a great career on the PGA Tour playing in 508 events and making 274 cuts and 93 top 25 finishes. He is also a 5 time winner on the PGA Tour. This is Ken’s second year on the Champions Tour and he has played in 5 events earning $103,783. He has had one top 10 finish and one top 25 this year. Look for big things from this veteran player.
Ken Green Anna Grzebien Point Judith, RI Joined LPGA Tour 2008 In her rookie season Anna had only conditional status and played in a handful of events earning just over$39,000 in 2009. Thus far she has played in 7 events in which she has made 5 cuts. Her earnings so far this year are at just over $39,000 and she sits at number 88 on the official LPGA Tour Money List.
Elizabeth Janangelo Hartford, CT
Joined LPGA Tour 2008 In 2008, her rookie year on the LPGA tour, Liz has played in 18 tournaments and made the cut in 8 of them earning $34,025 which left her at 147 on the money list at seasons end. She has only conditional status on the Tour in 2009 and has yet to play in any event.
Liz Janangelo
James Driscoll Brookline, MA Joined Tour 2002 Tour Victories 1 Jim had a slow start to the 2009 season making only two cuts in his first six events. In May he busted out at the Valero Texas Open and lost in a playoff to Zack Johnson finishing 15 under par and earning over $650,000.00. A week later he also played well at the Byron Nelson and finished 35th.He has it going and his confidence is high right now. He has moved to 69 on the money list at $714,908.00
J.J. Henry: Fairfield, CT Joined Tour 2001 Tour Victories 1 In 14 events played in 2009 J.J. has been sharp, making 10 cuts and posting two top ten finishes back to back. In March at the Honda Classic J.J. placed 2nd and earned almost $4000,000 for the effort. In the last two events he has made both cuts and played well but did not closeout in his final day. Currently he is 58th on the money list and at $687,180.00 in earnings.
Allen Doyle, Woonsocket, RI Tour Victories 11 Allens lifetime career earnings is over $13,000,000 on all the tours. He came to the Champions Tour in 2005 and has won events in 2005 and 2006. He has played in 7 events in 2009 on the tour and sits at 60th on the money list with $57,852. He is a veteran and will add to his lifetime earnings and have a great year.
Alan Doyle
Brad Adamonis Cumberland, RI Joined Tour 2008 Tour Victories 1 Brad has had a pretty good start for 2009 in his second year on the tour. He has played in 15 events and made the cut in all but five. In his first event at the Hope Brad finished 9th but since he has been finishing outside of the top 30 in all events. He needs to put a solid streak together, he has all the tools. Look for him to grind it out in the second half of this year. Current earnings are at $274,821.00
Anna Grzebien
Sponsored by:
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GOLF TRAVEL
French Lick: A Resort For The Ages with World Class Golf 500 Million Dollar Facelift and New Dye Masterpiece Breathes New Life into Resort by NEGM Staff In New England we are all about history, tradition and the celebration of both. For most of us when we hear of French Lick, Indiana we think of one thing; the Celtics and the ‘Hick from French Lick’ that brought back the greatness of the game to Boston in the 80’s, Larry Bird. Long before that this small mid western town had already built a history of its own as one of America’s favorite resort destinations. The name French Lick came from the French settlers who first came to this region. Massive herds of Buffalo and other animals would migrate to the region for the salt deposits and lick the rocks around the springs, thus the name French Lick. The French Lick Resort has rich roots dating back to the mid 1800’s and during that time it became a favorite destination for mid westerners who enjoyed this wonderful resort and the health benefits of the springs. Through the 1900’s the resort became the unofficial headquarters for the Democratic Party and a number of political greats launched their campaigns in the famous West Baden Atrium. The hotel was frequently visited by many of the worlds elite, the Kennedys, Trumans, Barrymores, Gables, Crosbys, Regans, all came here to enjoy the lush gardens and wonderful springs. It was a premier resort catering to the rich and famous of the world. In 2005 medical mogul Bill Cook acquired the property and gaming approval from the Indiana State Gaming Commission to operate a resort casino at the site. Soon a nearly 500 million-dollar restoration and the modernization of the beautiful site began. In October of 2006 The French Lick Springs Hotel and Casino re-opened it doors to the public and in the spring of the 2007 The West Baden Hotel, one of the largest domed atriums ever built in the world came back to life as well. The grandeur and the splendor were magnificently restored with all the modern conveniences of a new age with the character and charm of the old. The French Lick Resort has become a must play destination for golfers, it is the only golf resort in the world with both a Ross & Dye course. This spring the resort celebrated the opening of Pete Dye’s new creation carved out of a very dramatic hilltop landscape with extreme elevation changes on almost every hole. Dye, an Indiana native has come home to unveil in his words,” “A new and challenging course built on arguably the best inland site I have ever worked on.” The course winds it way across the hilly landscape like a serpent offering tees from 6100 to 8100 yards with spectacular views in every direction. In 2010 the PGA will host its PGA Professional National Championship at the course. It will present a formidable challenge especially from the back tees. Pete Dye has built over 110 golf courses and notably some of the most famous in the world, but this course, his fifth and probably last in Indiana, may be the new measuring stick, the course has yet to be sloped and rated, but when it is, it will be one of his most notable designs. The Resort offers 45 holes of golf with the new course by Pete Dye, and recently renovated courses by Donald Ross and Tom Bendelow. The Donald Ross Course built in 1917 is a magnificent layout with rolling hills and fescue framed fairways, it is a classic Ross layout. The Bar at the Ross course is from the Stockyard in Chicago where underworld boss Al Capone had a arrow carved in it to separate his gangs side from the locals. It is said you could neither enter nor exit the Bar while Mr. Capone was on the premises. It is rumored that Capone frequented various gambling houses in the French Lick area in the 1930’s and 1940’s. The history and essence of another time has been recaptured in the renovation of the French Lick Resort. From New England it is a relatively short flight to the mid west city of Louisville, and just over one hour ride to the resort. The region boasts some of the best golf anywhere with Dye’s masterpiece Crooked Stick just 100 miles away. Kentucky also offers some of the best golf the country has to offer. So next time you are thinking of booking a golf trip take a look at French Lick. Luxury accommodations, golf, spa’s, casino, great food and birthplace of Larry Bird and top it off, a sports Bar called 33 Brick Street full of Larry’s most prized collectables, what a road trip. French Lick Resort French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 689 guest rooms and suites; a 42,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick, two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY The game of golf gives back; over and over and over… Celebrating 30 years of golf to help Club kids! “The Boys & Girls Club taught me to stand out- but for the right things. I don’t want to become a stereotype in our city of Lawrence. Many of the kids I thought were my friends have either dropped out of school , or are in jail. I want to be somebody, and The Club has taught me to reach for the stars” Andrew “At The Club, I was able to find a group of friends who would later become my “brothers” and a staff that became my “fathers”! They showed me that I could become so much more than what people were saying I could be.” - Stevie On Monday, June 15th, The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence will celebrate it 30th anniversary Golf Tournament at Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA. Support of this event directly influences the lives of our Club kids. The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence is home to 3,500 of the city’s most disadvantaged youth. The club offers rich and varied recreational and educational programs in a safe, after school setting. We change lives- we’re making a difference. 99% or our teen members graduate from high school and 85% of them go on to college in a city with a graduation rate of 38%. Some of the programs that are supported by participation and sponsorship of this golf tournament include:
Pembroke Country Club 2000
$
Grand Opening!
Members hip Special!
Under New Management and Ownership!
“Call for Tee Times, Golf Outings & Memberships” Voted “Best Suburban Public Golf Course” by Boston Magazine
94 West Elm Street, Pembroke 781-829-2292 Voted “Best Suburban Public Golf Course” by Boston Magazine www.pembrokegolf.com
• • • • •
Nightly meals for 300-350 kids Daily Homework help Academic Basketball & various other sports activities Water Safety programs Computer lab programs, including Music Composition, Movie Making, Photoshop and Microsoft Office • New Balance Healthy Living Club • Drug and Gang Prevention programs Thank you for helping us help kids!
For More Information Visit: www.lawrencebgc.com
Running a Golf Tournament? Contact the Golf Event Specialists !"#$%&!'()'*%+&,&(-./%+/+&&0&&*-12%"&*#2/&#/%3+ +!-.+-"&+#*.+&,&4'..%"+&&0&&%5%./&(-.+61/#.* %5%./&3'.'*%3%./&+-2/7'"%&888&'.9&36(:&3-"%; Tournament Headquarters 781-444-9114 888.GOLF.640 www.tournamentheadquarters.com
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GOLF TRAVEL
THE MONADNOCK REGION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
By Wayne Mills
In New Hampshire, the Seacoast Region, the Lakes Region and the White Mountains draw most of the attention of travelers and tourists but if you are looking for a road less traveled then you can do no better than the Monadnock Region in the south and southwest area of the state. Deriving its name from Grand Monadnock Mountain in the towns of Jaffrey and Dublin the area is quintessential New England full of small towns. For the golf traveler, starting at the heart of the beast may be the best approach and that would be at The Shattuck Golf Club in Jaffrey. The Shattuck has always had the reputation of being a “Beauty and the Beast” golf course. The beauty is enormous. The course winds over rock outcroppings and bridges, through woodlands and wetlands, each hole separate and apart and always under the view of looming Mount Monadnock. If your idea of a good time is to get away and commune with nature then the Shattuck will do it for you. The Beast part of The Shattuck comes from the difficulty. The 154 slope rating from the back tees was, for many years, the highest in the state. The Shattuck Country Club Shattuck is a truly unique experience. A little northeast of Jaffrey is the little town of Francestown, home to The Crotched Mountain Golf Club and Resort. Crotched Mountain was for many years known as Tory Pines, but when it was bought by Sun Vacations Hospitality, an interval ownership company, with 23 other resorts sprinkled around the US, it was renamed after the small on premises ski area. The original 9 of the 18 hole golf course was designed by Donald Ross. This would be a great couples retreat. There are 9 hole golf courses in Dublin and Peterborough, two classic and cultured New England towns, Dublin being the home of Yankee Magazine and Peterborough being the inspiration for Thornton Crotched Mountain Golf Club Wilder’s famous play “Our Town” and the home of the MacDowell Colony, an artist and writers retreat. Traveling easterly over Rt 101 will take you to Keene, the largest town in the region. Keene is a bustling burg and home to Keene State College. It also has some of the best golf you’ll find anywhere. Bretwood Golf Course is a beautiful 36 hole complex on the former site of the Barrett family farm. Geoffrey Cornish designed most of the holes which are routed around and along the lazy, winding Ashuelot River. Previously home to the New Hampshire Open for many years, it offers golf value not found anywhere: $70 all day with cart and $46 all day walking weekdays. A lot of visiting golfers play the South 18 in the morning, break for lunch, and play the North 18 in the afternoon. Keene Country Club on the west side of town is a private 1930’s Wayne Stiles design that is impeccably maintained and worth trying to get to the first tee. For off course venues in Keene we like: for getting fonky, the Elm City Brewery at the Colony Mill on West Street. They have great beer micro-brewed on site and Happy Hour 4-6 Monday-Thursday for Bretwood Golf Club half price beer and wings. Margaritas on Main St serves up super Tex-Mex and killer margaritas. For upscale Mediterranean, head to Luca’s on the circle, at the head of Main St. One golf stop that shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area is Hooper Golf Club in Walpole, a little north of Keene. If there was ever a hidden gem, this 9 hole Wayne Stiles designed course is it. Located up Prospect Hill from Walpole’s bucolic Main St, Hooper is like going back in time to a more genteel era. The golf course has not been altered since it was built in the 1920’s but is superbly maintained. They also have a couple rooms to rent in the stately Colonial clubhouse on a B&B basis. If you you’ve never traveled to the Monadnock Region, you should go and if you do, the odds are good that you will return to this classic New England region.
LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort
By Susan Hafner
With hundreds of Florida golf destinations to choose from, you could spend hours pouring over web sites and travel brochures that gush unendingly with praise for the Sunshine State’s tourist-centered, highhandicapper-friendly golf courses. Instead of trying to cobble together a golf trip/vacation that promises “something for everyone” at a ridiculously low price, why not just opt for a long-established golf/beach/spa resort right on the Gulf of Mexico? At LaPlaya, you get classy treatment, beach-front views, gourmet food, pools, the spa, a fitness center, and a world-class golf course just a couple of miles away. Just as the resort has an intimate feel and atmosphere, the Robert Cupp-designed golf course is available only to hotel guests and LaPlaya club members. Ten-minute tee times result in an unhurried, uncrowded, casual round of golf on beautifullycarved fairways, bunkers and greens. Water comes into play on fourteen holes, as it winds around the fairways flanked by mangroves and bougainvillea. The 6900-yard course, designed to resemble true links courses, plays hard and fast. Signature hole number 12, a par3, requires a short but bold shot to a nearly-invisible green over a two-tiered front. LaPlaya’s course definitely plays uniquely, unlike so many Florida courses with a motif of “water on the left, condos on the right”. The LaPlaya golf course also hosts the Naples David Leadbetter Golf Academy. All-inclusive, the Academy boasts a double-sided driving range, short game practice facility, and chipping and putting greens, along with classrooms filled with V1 golf swing analysis technology. Students can choose from one-hour lessons to three-day golf schools, with a maximum of four students per instructor. After undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation in 2002, LaPlaya Resort still maintains a laid-back, Old Florida atmosphere. One guest review on Hotels.com remarked that the resort was not “in the middle of everything and everyone.” Another guest commented that the beach was so spectacular that he postponed golf for a day in order to bask in the sun. “Cozy vibes” describes LaPlaya to a “tee.” For more information, visit www.laplayaresort.com or call 800-237-6883.
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GOLF TRAVEL
LET THE GAMES BEGIN - ATLANTIC CITY By Wayne Mills
If you like games of all sorts, you’re gonna love Atlantic City, New Jersey. Atlantic City, on New Jersey’s south ocean coast, has long been home to the Northeast’s largest collection of gambling casinos that include Hilton, Ballys, Borgata, Ceasars, Harrahs, Resorts, Showboat, Tropicana and Trump’s Marina, Plaza and Taj Mahal. You’ll find everything you want in gaming from slots to no-limit poker. Each resort offers its own style and ambiance. For those that like their games to be outdoors on lush green turf, Atlantic City has an incredible selection of golf courses to offer. For Atlantic City golf, one must start at the beginning and that beginning is none other than the venerable Atlantic City Country Club. Steeped in history and tradition, this bayside beauty dates back to the earliest days of American golf, opening in 1897. The names and events associated with ACCC are familiar to anyone who has followed the history of the game. The golf course was originally designed in 1897 by John Reid, one of the true pioneers of golf in Amer- Atlantic City Countru Club 14th Hole ica. Willie Park, Jr made some changes in 1915 and then Howard Toomey and William Flynn brought the course into the Golden Age of golf course design in 1925. The course stayed that way until 1999 when Tom Doak, an American golf course architect with a strong reverence for golf history and traditional golf course design, artfully renovated ACCC up to modern course standards while retaining the original strategic design intent. Brigantine Country Club 9 Hole & Clubhouse Much of the history at ACCC comes from the great competitions held there over the years starting with Walter Travis’s victory in the 1901 United States Amateur. In 1948, arguably the greatest woman golfer and greatest female athlete of all time Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias won the US Women’s Open. ACCC has also hosted Carol Mann’s 1965 US Women’s Open win, Sandra Palmer’s 1975 US Women’s Open win and Don January’s win at the inaugural PGA Seniors Championship in 1980. In 1911 ACCC club pro Johnny McDermott became the first American to win the US Open, a title he defended in 1912. Atlantic City Country Club is also said to be the birthplace of the golf terms “birdie” and “eagle” If all this isn’t enough, the classic grille room, dating back over 100 years, is one of the best 19th holes in America. Continuing on our golf history tour the next stop should be The Links at Brigantine Beach. Located across the Absecon Inlet just north of Atlantic City, the Links may be the closest to true links golf as you will find in New Jersey. A 1927 Wayne Stiles/John Van Kleek design that has seen $4.5 million in renovations the past few years, it features a treeless windswept waterfront location with marshes and humps and hollows to contend with. The Links offers many great deals, fine conditions and a very welcoming atmosphere both in the pro shop and the completely redone Links Bar and Grill. Next stop is at The Seaview Resort and Spa in Absecon Highlands, a place that harkens back to the era of grand hotels from the early 20th century. From the moment you drive up the wide circular driveway and spy the elegant hotel, you know you are in for a special visit. Operated to perfection by the Marriott Corporation the 297 room hotel and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa will provide the relaxation sought by guests today. With such impressive hospitality offerings one would think that golf would be an afterthought at the Seaview Resort. In fact the golf is up to the same world class standards with 36 outstanding holes available for your sporting pleasure. The Bay Course is a 1914 Donald Ross links style course that hosted the LPGA’s Shop Marriotts Seaview Bay Course 15th Hole Rite Classic for several years and The Pines Course is a Toomey and Flynn parkland style layout fist opened in 1929. Heading south the next stop is Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor A public daily fee course, Harbor Pines features outstanding conditions, reasonable rates, outings and 5 sets of tees to make the course playable for all levels. We’ll get a little bit historic on you again for our next selection, the Mays Landing Golf and Country Club in Mays Landing. The club was founded and the course designed by the late Leo Fraser, past President of the PGA of America and also the former owner of Atlantic City Country Club. Sam Snead and Tony Lema played the ceremonial first match when the club opened in 1962. The Fraser family still operates Mays LandHarbor Pines 8th Hole ing today. They advertise themselves as “Best Birdie for the Buck” and deliver with a good golf course and great service. This is a fun loving club that lives to host functions. The bar and restaurant “open early and close late” and the beverage cart operates “full time”. Hey, you know any place that advertises for bachelor parties must rock. For a change of pace we head a little west to Egg Harbor City where we find the unique Renault Winery Resort and Golf Club. Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, Renault Winery now offers Harbor Pinex 12th Hole a stunning resort that is just made for a romantic weekend or group outing. Old World Italy is alive and well in the pine barrens of southern New Jersey, thanks to the Tuscany House Hotel and Joseph’s Restaurant. Located just across the street from Renault Winery, the Tuscany House Hotel boasts service and accommodations infused with European style. Mediterranean marble, tile and old woods combine to create a warm and inviting hotel complete with an Italian-style courtyard, patios and verandas and two outdoor pools. Each of the hotels guest rooms boasts a unique, old world décor. While no two rooms are alike, each does feature a separate sitting area and internet-ready computer ports. After dinner at Renault Gourmet Restaurant or the more casual Joseph’s retire to your room and rest for golf the next day at the Vineyard Golf Club. Recently opened, this par 72 Ed Shearon design winds it’s way through 225 acres of Jersey pineland and plays next to a 25 acre grape vineyard. This is a great couples course; challenging enough for a lower handicap player but manageable for the more recreational golfer with its wide fairways and accessible greens.
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GOLF INSTRUCTION
Goal Setting It is almost impossible to achieve anything worthwhile without first setting a goal for what it is you want to accomplish. On rare occasions, the stars may align, Derek Hooper luck goes your way and you achieve a good result in PGA Professional something, but these are not circumstances that can be Lake of Isles relied upon to give you consistent results. Goal setting is a skill that is used by successful people the world over in areas of business, sport and personal life to help them achieve great things. It has been well documented, how Tiger Woods has set himself the goal of beating Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major titles, and that he is so familiar with what Jack accomplished that he has many of his records committed to memory. Tiger’s goal setting in this example has been so complete that he is currently on track to realize his goal and it seems the only thing that may stop him is injury.
The Key to Being A Successful Long Iron Player by John A. Theo, PGA Professional
Being able to hit long irons is one of the most rewarding and gratifying feelings imaginable in the game of golf. However, the long irons are the most feared clubs to hit for the average golfer, and it really shouldn’t be. When done correctly, striking the ball is so effortless; it is as if you are not hitting the ball at all. In order to accomplish hitting long iron shots, you must have an excellent grip to begin with, but most importantly, you must have good overall posture, keeping your knees slightly bent, with your upper body tilted forward, and your shoulders slightly leaning forward beyond your toes. Without leaning forward, you will not be able to transfer your weight properly, and you will not be able to maintain good balance. Proper position and alignment are also important in order to accomplish the golf swing correctly. Alignment of the upper and lower part of the body must be aligned in the same direction. For all long iron shots, the ball position must be two to three inches inside your left heel. You also need to maintain a proper grip, as you will not be able to accomplish your swing without it. Then, you must ensure consistent posture before you proceed with your swing. The key to the swing is the rotation of your shoulders at the correct angle at the ball. Once you start the rotation, the left shoulder rotates, which in turn rotates the right shoulder, which then starts the right hip and left hip turning, allowing the left heel to slightly lift off the ground. All of this allows the swing to make an inside out swing path, without forcing or pushing the swing back, which gives you the excellent swing needed to strike the ball, and also gives you the balance and followthrough necessary. There are a few things to be aware of when hitting long irons. AvDo you have goals for your golf game? Let’s look at how to go erage golfers and good golfers make common mistakes, such as not aligning your shoulders with your feet. This is a common error when about setting SMART goals that will help you to play better golf. addressing the ball, because the ball is in a forward position, so we have a tendency to allow our shoulders to relax, or open up, or even turn toSpecific – The goal must be an exact and detailed description of what ward the left, because it feels comfortable. Another common error is you want to accomplish. to place our head directly over the ball, which is wrong. Our head should be to the right of the ball, and we should be looking at the ball Motivational – The goal must have the emotional power to excite you at an angle. This is very important to remember. enough to invest the time and energy that it will take to accomplish Once you have learned to master the correct position, just rotate your shoulders as explained above, and all of the parts of your body your desired outcome. will fall into place, and work properly. The most important thing to reAttainable – Given your talent, dedication, physical ability and time member is that it is what you do before you hit the ball that counts (preshot routine)! commitment the goal must stay within the realms of possibility. John has been a PGA Professional and Teaching Professional in Massachusetts since 1967. Also since 1967, John has been an active Relevant - The goal must be in line with your overall goal of becoming a better player. For example, it is of no use having a goal to hit the ball member of the New England Professional Golfers Association and the Professional Golfers Association of America. Since 1999, John longer if you already hit the ball over 300 yards but still can’t break has been an active member of the Senior PGA Tour. His home base 90. is at Bill Flynn’s Far Corner Golf Course in West Boxford, MA. Trackable – It must be possible to objectively measure your progress. The power of goal setting should not be taken lightly. Every athlete who has ever accomplished anything in his or her chosen sport has done so because they had a dream of achieving greatness. They then turned that dream into a series of goals that when attained resulted in them living their dream. What is your dream for your golf game? Is it to play average golf for the rest of your life or is it a dream of something more. Maybe it’s one of low scores, or trophies or playing professionally. Whatever it is, start today by setting goals as stepping stones on the road to realizing your golfing dreams. Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at Lake of Isles Golf Academy. Derek has a college degree in teaching and over 14 years experience conducting lesson programs in Australia, Japan and Taiwan. Before moving to the United Sates Derek was the Director of Instruction at the David Duval Golf Academy in Miyazaki, Japan. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 or dhooper@troongolf.com
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June 2009
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
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Preview Of The CVS Classic Q & A with Co-Host, Brad Faxon Do you think there should be more tour stops in New England? I feel like with the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, the Deutsche Bank Classic, one of the FedEx Cup events, and the Travelers Championship at the TPC of River Highlands we are in very good shape for PGA TOUR golf in New England. There are very few geographical areas that could support three events this close together. Each one has been highly successful and supported many local charities. What is it you enjoy about Rhode Island and the type of golf courses in New England? Rhode Island is one of the greatest states in the country. There isn’t a part of the state more than a half hour away from the water! We have a great capital city in Providence and many great beach towns like Newport, Narragansett, Sakonnet and Misquamicut to name a few. We are lucky enough to have many great courses designed by some of the best architects of all time. We have courses by Ross, Tillinghast, Raynor and Park! I am a big fan of older style and seaside courses and when you play Newport Country Club you are playing on golf history, and Metacomet and the challenges they provide, especially around the greens. When I was a kid it was rare when the wind didn’t blow or the greens weren’t fast! Q & A with Co – Host Billy Andrade
2009 Champions
What's in your bag right now? I am playing a TaylorMade R9 Driver, TaylorMade Burner 3-wood, TaylorMade RAC Forged irons -- 3 iron through 60 degree wedge, and a Ping Answer putter . What is your favorite moment from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic? My favorite CVS Caremark Charity Classic moment was playing with and walking up the 18th hole with Arnold Palmer. I was very lucky to have Arnold as my partner three times. Very special.
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CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC PREVIEW
Three Tours ~ One Stop The CVS Charity Classic 2009
By Jim Hammond If you want to catch a PGA, Champion’s or LPGA tournament this year, you will have to travel outside the New England area. But you can see the stars of all three tours at the annual CVS Charity Classic which will be held June 21- 23 at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, RI. This will be the eleventh year that CVS and local PGA tour players Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon will be hosting the pro-am and 36 hole tournament. There will be ten two-man teams competing for the $1.55 million purse and this year there is a little variation on the term “twoman.” This year’s event will feature co-ed teams that will battle for the $300,000.00 top prize. The teams will include Morgan Pressel and Davis Love III, Juli Inkster and Brad Faxon, Helen Alfredson and Billy Andrade, and Peter Jacobson with Natalie Gulbis. Once again the uncle/ nephew team of Dana and Brett Quigley will be back along with defending champions Camilo Villegas and Bubba Watson. The Rhode Island Country Club is a masterpiece created by Donald Ross in 1911. The final four holes run parallel to Narragansett Bay and are reminiscent of the great links style courses of Scotland. There are many great vantage points on the course, but what could be better than resting on the soft grass, enjoying the gentle sea breezes and watching Bubba Watson crush a golf ball 370 yards? And it’s all for a good cause. The CVS Caremark Charity Class is Rhode Island’s largest charitable sporting event. In the last ten years over $12 million has been raised for the Ocean State community providing assistance in the area of education and family needs. The fun starts on Sunday June 21 with the Pro-Am matches. Official tournament play is held on Monday and Tuesday, and this year the pros will be competing for some extra money. In addition to the regular purse, a skins competition worth $50,000.00 and a special long drive contest with a $5,000 prize will be awarded this year. The all star field will also include 2007 Masters Champion Zack Johnson, Nick Watney, who is currently ranked number two in the longest driver category on the PGA tour, Anthony Kim and 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton. And, one of my favorite players of all time, Nick Price, winner of 18 PGA Tournaments including 2 PGA Championships and one British Open title. Price is one of the purest strikers of the golf ball and one of the genuine good guys in professional golf. Ticket prices are $20 for Sunday’s Pro-Am and $25 each for Monday or Tuesday tournament days. Children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For more information call 866CVS-9411 or visit the web site at www.charityclassic.com .
CHAD CAMPBELL AND BOO WEEKLEY TO PLAY IN CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC 2009 Charity Classic Field Set, Boasts Top Players in Golf WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND – Chad Campbell, who golfed in the thrilling three-man playoff at the 2009 Masters, will play in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic June 21-23 at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, R.I., tournament officials announced today. Campbell’s participation continues the tradition of top contenders from golf’s biggest tournaments joining the ranks of the prestigious CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Additionally, Boo Weekley, one of the gutsy and tenacious rookies that lead the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team to victory, will bring his trademark play to the tournament. Campbell and Weekley round out the top-notch roster for the 2009 edition of this premier charitable sporting event. “Chad and Boo are two great players who round out this year’s impressive field which, together, has won 20 majors and made more than 46 Ryder Cup, President’s Cup and Solhiem Cup appearances,” said Eileen Howard Dunn, Tournament Chairwoman of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. “We look forward to a great tournament that will benefit many of our local charities and offer Rhode Islanders another great year of watching some of the world’s greatest golfers.”
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A History of the CVS Charity Classic By Tim Geary In the mid-1990s CVS Pharmacy came riding to the rescue and saved the long-time PGA Tour stop at Pleasant Valley Country Club, taking over as the main sponsor for the tournament. It proved to be a short-lived marriage. Tour commissioner Tim Finchem pulled the plug on the tournament after the 1998 event, leaving southern New England golf fans holding the bag (one without golf clubs). That prompted Rhode Island tour pros Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade to come up with something to fill the void. Faxon and Andrade spoke with CVS chairman and CEO Tom Ryan and proposed holding a special two-day event at their home course, Rhode Island Country Club. The “unofficial” tournament would copy the very popular “Fred Meyer Classic,” hosted each year in Portland, Oregon, by Peter Jacobsen. The idea was to pair two pros for a best-ball event, have some fun, give fans their golf fix and raise money for local charities. It was also only supposed to be around for a couple of years, until The Tour got its act back together and returned, which it did when the TPC Boston Club was completed several years ago and the Deutsche Bank Championship took up residence. But the CVS Charity (now CVS/Caremark) Classic was so popular with both fans and players and raised so much money for charity ($12 million in 10 years), that it now enters its 11th year. Several years ago the long-time pro at RICC, Fred Bruno, was moved to tears when he watched Jack Nicklaus walking up the 18th fairway. “I never thought I’d ever see him here,” said Bruno, who retired shortly thereafter. Over the first 10 years of this tournament there have been many famous hims who have played at RICC; Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Greg Norman and Tom Kite. Over the past couple of years some famous hers have been added to the mix. Two years ago Faxon and Andrade tweaked things by inviting ladies to participate and it has expanded. This year they’ve added a new wrinkle. Ladies and men will be paired together as teams which should make the 11th annual CVS/Caremark Charity Classic even more fun than ever before. Including female pros proved to be a shot in the arm for the $1.55million event. When this year’s tournament is contested (June 21 to 23), at least four ladies will be in the field; blonde bombshells Natalie Gulbis and Morgan Pressel, volatile Helen Alfredsson and Hall of Famer Juli Inkster. Unlike in the past when the women were teamed together, this year each will be paired with a male pro, making at least four of the 10 partnerships mixed teams. Faxon will partner with Inkster, Andrade with Sweden’s Alfredsson, Davis Love III with Pressel, and Jacobsen, whose company operates the event, with Gulbis. “This should be great for our tournament,” said Faxon at the annual kick off press conference. “You want to keep freshening it up,” said Ryan. “When we had the two women, Natalie and Juli, the first time, it was overwhelming. They were terrific. They’re great ambassadors of golf. The reaction from the fans was great.” Faxon and Andrade also hoped to lure popular LPGA stars Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie and now retired Annika Sorenstam to play, but Sorenstam is pregnant and Creamer and Wie had scheduling conflicts. There was still some hope that Creamer might be added to the field. Other participants scheduled to participate include defending champions Camilo Villegas and Bubba Watson along with defending British Open champion Todd Hamilton as well as Anthony Kim, Nick Price, Retief Goosen and the always popular team of Dana and Brett Quigley.
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GOLF INSTRUCTION
The Scoring Process How You Can Make a Better Educated Guess Before Each Shot By Greg Sampson & Dennis Sales
The game of golf is truly an experiment that can never be mastered but always made more consistent. The experiment is called the “Scoring Process,” and requires the factoring of dependant variables into a conclusion you as a golfer can trust. These variables are always changing and can only be factored using the human senses to form a confident decision. If you go through the scoring process before every shot you will more consistently produce an independent conclusion that you now control. All that’s left to do is set up to the ball and trust it. The experiment always begins from behind the golf ball. Let’s call this the scoring line. The scoring line is where a golfer factors all things uncontrollable and transforms them into an educated guess. The educated guess contains a certain club, to a certain yardage, on a certain line, with a certain flight shape. The dependant variables are lie, stance, yardage, elevation change, wind, and flight. The lie is the position the ball is in when it’s on the ground. There are four types of lies. One that sits perfectly, one that sits up, one that sits down, or one that is about halfway down and will come out like a knuckle ball (have no spin). Identifying the lie is the first thing a player must do because it dictates flight shape, distance in the air and how the ball will react when it lands. A ball sitting perfectly is the easiest because clean contact from clubface to ball is more likely. When the ball sits up, half way down or all the way down in the grass, one must judge how the ball will come out. Will it come out normal, high, heavy, or with no spin? The next step in the experiment is the stance. If the ball is on a flat slope, then factoring is simple. If it is on a downhill, uphill, or side hill, adjustments must be made. Adjustments include posture, grip position, weight distribution, ball position, and aim. Adjusting your stance to a slope is tricky. A rule of thumb is if you setup to the slope and swing with the slope the ball will flight itself accordingly. For example an uphill lie above you feet will launch very high and flight from right to left (if you are a righty). The third step is determining the yardage you want the ball to travel in the air and where it comes to rest. The question is how far in the air should it fly? Air travel must be factored because the ball will either roll or stay put depending on the contact and the ground conditions. Yardage plates are usually measured to the middle of a green and found every 25 yards or so. If the pin is in the front of the green or the back, one should subtract or add from the middle yardage. Remember that the distance the ball should come to rest is much different than how far the ball flies in the air. The fourth step is elevation and wind. They are paired together because they often off set each other. Is the hole flat, uphill, or downhill? Flat holes play their yardage. Uphill holes play longer and downhill holes play shorter. A rule of thumb is every 15 feet is plus or minus ten yards. Wind makes shots play longer and shorter, but also makes shots curve. The rule of thumb is for every 15 mph add or subtract ten yards. That means the yardage will play longer or shorter and aim might be farther right or left. When both elevation change and wind are present they usually off set or compliment each other. At this point you should know how far you want to play the shot. The last and final step is to choose the club and flight path of the ball. The yardage you determined can be reached with three different clubs, because the player has the option to shape the path of their ball and the height they want it to travel. The best bet is to choose the easiest path with the least amount of room for error. Let your eyes and hands tell your brain what they see and feel. Practice hitting different clubs to the same yardage on the range as well. The experiment is now finished all that’s left is to set up and trust it. To shoot lower scores or play to your handicap have a confident goal in mind. Remember that the Scoring Process needs to take place before any shot on the range or on the course. Greg Sampson & Dennis Sales own the Sothern New England Golf Academy at Crystal Lake Golf Club. For more information visit www.snegolfacademy.com
newenglandgolfmonthly.com baystategolfinc.com May 2009 2008
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NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR GOLF
Congratulations to all the junior golfers that qualified at Bay Point Country Club, June 9th PGA Junior Qualifier Results
Chris Rollins- 71; Josh Moore- 74; Mark Tedeschi- 78; Jackie Eleey78; Paul Lei- 79; Brian Corcoran- 80; Colin Beaupre- 80; Benjamin Deignan- 81; Will Caro- 81; Daniel Lynch- 81; Brett Thomas- 81; Kelly Sullivan- 81; William Woods- 81; Adam Holub- 81; Stephen Price- 81
Barrington High School Wins Team Title in College Like Fashion Barrington Senior, Eddie Hjerpe wins individual title by 2 shots Barrington High School won the 2009 RI Interscholastic League team title shooting a college caliber 596 for two rounds with a 295 on day two.
Rhode Island Interscholastic League 2009 State Golf Championship Results Individual Scores
Ed Hjerpe Barrington 73 71 144 Tyler Cooke Toll Gate 71 75 146 Jared Adams Barrington 74 72 146 Jamison Randall Cumberland 74 73 147 Jeff Ray Barrington 73 74 147 John McCarthy East Greenwich 72 76 148
Team Scores
Barrington 301 295 596 Bishop Hendricken 317 315 632 East Greenwich 320 331 651
Q & A with the Champions
"It feels great to go out as a Senior being a member of the last 3 state championship teams and winning the individual title against a great field of junior golfers. Tyler Cooke and I had a great match down the stretch. He played great. High School golf has been a lot of fun and will always be a great memory." - Eddie Hjerpe, 2009 RIIL Individual Champion, Barrington High School Senior
“The team did what they set out to do in the beginning of the season which was shoot a college caliber score under 300 as a team. They didn’t play as well as they could have during the season, but when the flag went up they all stepped up their games. I am proud of them and also for Eddie on his individual title.” - Jeffrey Dantas, Barrington Coach & Director of Instruction at Elite Golf Center
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
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MOLORI UNPLUGGED By John Molori
Briggs takes a long drive to golfing glory Call me a hopeless hacker, but when comes to golf envy, it’s not the perfect putts or cherished chips that get me. It’s the long ball. Long drive contests are speckled throughout the spring and summer golf calendar, and one local competitor is in the swing of things, trying to make his name among the big hitters. 30 year-old Methuen, MA native Jeff Briggs is one of the top long drivers in the world. He has competed and flourished in a number of competitions and his distance prowess started early. “I played at Merrimack Golf Course and worked for Jeff Briggs (Merrimack Golf Course owners) the Kattar family,” says Briggs, who now lives in Florida. I began playing at 9 years old. I’d find golf balls, and the Kattar’s would let me play 9 holes for free. When I was old enough, they told me I could be a cart boy.” As Jeff matured, it was clear that his golf career would include a bit more than cart retrieval. “I was hitting balls 50 yards farther than the good members. When I got to 19 and 20 years old, my Dad could see that I had this weird talent for hitting the ball far and straight.” Jeff’s parents are Len and Caren Briggs. The Briggs still live in Methuen and remain members at Merrimack. Jeff Briggs was a high school standout for Karen Richardson’s highly successful Methuen golf team, class of 1997. At 22, Briggs competed in the Pinnacle Challenge Long Drive competition. “I lost by only 4 yards to the world’s top player, Brian Pavlet,” he explains. “I’m a scratch golfer, but I only play once a month. I still shoot par. When I was a kid, I watched my Dad hit the ball and, of course, I wanted to hit it farther.” The Super Bowl of long drive competitions is the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship where 20,000 golfers from 49 countries compete. Briggs experienced what it takes to qualify in 2006. He states, “The Preliminary Competition was at Delray Beach Country Club in Florida. Then, it was off to Jupiter, Florida for qualifiers. 100 people competed and the top 3 move on. You have to drive the ball within a 50-yard grid. I hit it 382 yards and qualified.” From there, it was off to Las Vegas for the RE/MAX event where Briggs had a Methuen good luck charm. “My dad met me out there,” explains Briggs. “I didn’t make it past the first round, but it was a great experience. I actually turned down an offer from Big Bang to sponsor me. I didn’t like the way they treated me.” Briggs’s relatively average size would seem to put him at a disadvantage in the powerful world of long drive. “Most guys who do this are 6’4” or 6’5” and 250 pounds,” says Briggs, whose personal best drive traveled 405 yards. “I’m about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. They laugh when I tell them I’m competing, but I know how to time the ball, how not swing too hard and connect better. You have to have flexibility to play golf. I do a lot of stretching and go to the gym regularly. I’ve held my own against the top 3 long drivers in the world.” With each competition, Briggs learns more about his potential and performance, case in point, a 2007 scramble competition. He relates, “I had hurt my shoulder, but it was only $40 to enter. You could hit 6 balls. My second ball went 366 yards. I decide to stay with that shot and moved on in competition. “The finals were in Florida. They took 3 guys out of 30. I was leading the competition all day. It came down to the last 8 guys out of 30 with the top 4 moving on. I was knocked out by the number 6 player in the world. They call him the “Animal.” He is 6’6” and 250 pounds.” Like many competitors in a variety of sports, economics and sponsorship are key factors in success. “You have to pay for your own flight and lodgings,” explains Briggs. “That is what’s clearly holding me back from competing more. It costs $300 for a good club, and then you have travel, hotels and gas. The expenses are pretty steep.” It was his family’s love of golf that got Briggs started on his road to long drive success, and it is family that drives him to continue competing. “I grew up in the golf world. My grandfather, Tony Pelliccione, wanted me to show everyone how far I can hit it. He was my biggest fan. I compete as a tribute to him.” Syndicated columnist John Molori hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 1120 WBNW and jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.
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GOLF FASHION
Good Looks on the Course The Babe's here, whose coming in second?
By Elle Brec
People often say pain is beauty. The beauty of golf apparel is that it doesn’t have to be painful. It has a rare ability to make you look stunning and feel comfortable at the same time. There has been chatter that in general, people dress down more these days. Maybe because it is more comfortable, maybe because people are too busy, or maybe because dress codes/norms aren’t as strict as they once were. You have an excuse if are endowed with an unbelieveably high I.Q. like Albert Einstein, who tended to wear the same clothing every day because he couldn’t be bothered. If you are one of these people, at least be smart enough to outsource your wardrobe selections to someone else (he chose his wife.) There are some that are passionate about fashion and others that can’t understand why. The artwork and vision that goes into the design of the clothing, the fabrics, textures, and patterns, along with the work and technology that goes into manufacturing said piece is very extensive and and worth appreciating. Lija Polo Lela Golf Shirt When it comes to fashion, women are harder to please than men. We want an outfit that is comfortable, moves with our body, keeps us dry, easy to care for, blocks the sun, trendy, timeless, makes us look physically fit, keeps us cool when we are hot, keeps us warm when we are cool, and while we’re at it, eco-friendly and the proceeds benefit a good cause. Natural and Synthetic are the two different types of fibers that can be woven into fabric; there are advantages and disadvantages for both. Natural fibers include cotton, silk, linen, wool, hemp, and bamboo. Lela Designs golf apparel composed of only eco-friendly materials. Bamboo is nature’s most sustainable resource. Bamboo breathes and wicks moisture away due to its porous nature. Bamboo also has an excellent drape and a silky-cashmere feel. It is grown without pesticides or chemicals; it is a fast growing plant, shoots grow about an inch an hour. Bamboo fabric is naturally anti-microbial, hypoallergenic and thermal regulating. Lija Short Plaid Lela Bermuda It is also resistant to mold, if you leave your clothes in the washer for too long. Although cotton is soft and breathable, allowing it to release perspiration, it is also very absorbant, retaining moisture. With cotton being the most popular fabric, light weight, Lela’s organic cotton may be the way to go. Organic means to be grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The argument posed by eco-concious companies is if a shirt is made out of cotton that was treated with pesticides when it was grown, could those pesticides seep through pores in skin the same way smokers that are trying to quit can absorb nicotine using the patch? Maybe we should have more interest in what we put on our bodies. I wonder if Einstein thought of that. Synthetic or manufactured fibers include polyester, nylon, spandex, rayon, and microfibers. Polyester is quick drying, resilient, resistant to biological damage, easy to wash and holds form well. It can sometimes Cutter & Beach Top cause skin irritation and has the same origin as plastic bottles: petroleum. Rayon was first referred to as ar- Lija Parashoot Short tificial silk which had a bad connotation. When brainstorming new names someone said “Let’s shed a ray of light on this problem” and thus it was called Rayon. Even though rayon is a synthetic material, it is actually made from tree cellulose. It is absorbant, comfortable, drapes well, and easy to dye so the colors do not run. Nylon is also a synthetic silk, it makes sense when you think of ladies nylons. It is versatile enough to make water resistant jackets as well. Spandex, otherwise known as Elastane or Lycra, comes from expand, obviously meaning the fabric is flexible. A great deal of women’s clothing has a hint of spandex in order to provide a form fit. Even though when you Wikipedia ‘spandex,’ a picture from the 80s of a bright colored pair of spandex pants portraying their flexibility on the buttocks, it is not outdated, it is still popular today. Brands like EP Pro, Cutter and Buck, Lija, and Tracey Lynn produce high quality apparel made from synthetic materials. These materials have superior wicking ability and a flexible, athletic feel. Trends include Lija Clutch Cutter & Beach Skirts traditional polo shirts with a hint of flare, matching shirts and skorts, bermuda shorts which come in two styles sporty and flared, and of course, matching accessories. There are a wide array of prints that are popular such as paisley, argygle, plaid, gingham, florals, squirl designs, and animal prints. For the more athletic look, stick to solid colors such as blues, navys, black, red, lime green, orange. For a flirty look, there are hot pinks, light pinks, browns, and pastels. If you are going to wear pastel, stick to one color, you do not want to look like you belong on the shelves of CVS during Easter. Ame and Lulu is also a very popular line of accessories for golf providing tee holders on their belts, keychains, and a convenient pouch for balls and tees. Shown here in the Reef pattern. Glove it by Nicole Miller offers one of the best performing and most fashionable gloves on the market. Made out of Calbretta leather on the palm and polyester/spandex back, it comes with a matching pouch to EP Pro Casablanca store jewelry while on the links. They also make matching caps, shoe bags, accessory bags, totes, waterbottle Glove It Peapod Bag covers, club covers, towels, and interchangeable belts. Their hottest new patterns include Silver Scroll, Peapod, and Zebra. They also recieved an award for their Breast Cancer Awareness line a few years ago and donated $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. They now participate in Rally for the Cure which makes it possible to hold your own golf outing event for a good cause. Lela also manufactures pink ribbon clothing where proceeds are donated to the Cure. I personally am I supporter of the Komen organization because I strongly believe they will find a cure for cancer. Players competing in the CVS Caremark Charity Tournament include Helen Alfredsson, Julie Inkster, Natalie Gulbis, and Morgan Pressels. The new lines from Nike worn by Adidas/Taylor Made will be featured in the next article. Please email Glove It Cap EP Tour Tech comments or suggestions to ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com.
Glove It Zeebra
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June 2009
Natalie Gublis
Morgan Pressels
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
Juli Inkster
Helen Alfredsson
Glove It Towel
June 20-36:NEGM 5/29/09 2:49 PM Page 25
WOMENS GOLF 2009 Eleanor W. Allen Bowl
2009 The Pippy O’Connor Independent School Girls’ Tournament
May 19h at Tournament Players’ Club of Boston
Held May 12th at Brae Burn Country Club, Newton Centre, MA
Full Gross Scoring Report
2009 Eleanor W. Allen Bowl
2009 Pippy O’Connor Independent Gross ScoreSchool Report Girls’ Golf Tournament
Full Net Scoring Report
Par 74.0-134 18 Hole Division 5,613 Yards 28 Independent Prep-Private Schools
Held May 12th Brae Country Club 2009 The Pippy O’ConnorBurn Independent Rank Name Girls’ Tournament Newton School Centre, MA Score School 1 Issy Marley !""#$"%& Gross Score 5613 yards78 2 Liz Monty 79 Held May 12th at Brae Burn Country '()$"%& Club, Newton Centre, MA
Held May 19th T.P.C. Boston, MA Top 10 Gross Winners Gross Winners Rank
T3 *+,-"./+#,#-&0" Choate 82 T3 Monica Chow BB & N 82 Gross Score Report Pictured left: Monica, Chow, Pippy Par 74.0-134 18 Hole Division 5,613 Yards Exeter T3 12#-3,-4+.*540 82 28 Independent Prep-Private 6 Kristina Shaloup Schools BB & N and Ginger OShea.84 Occonor T8 Brooke Rohrbach 6#""47-82.98+&":; 86 T8 Samanatha Schuffenecker Milton 86 Rank Name School Score T10 <#-&0",.=-%85>. Taft 87 1 Issy Marley !""#$"%& 78 T10 Nikki Yatsenick Taft 87 2 Liz Monty '()$"%& 79 T10 Jaquelyn Eleey =55&7+#& 87 T3 *+,-"./+#,#-&0" Choate 82
T3 T3 6 T8 T8 T10 Rank T10 1 T10 2 3 4 5 6
Monica Chow 12#-3,-4+.*540 Kristina Shaloup Brooke Rohrbach Samanatha Schuffenecker <#-&0",.=-%85>. Nikki Yatsenick Taft Jaquelyn Eleey Loomis 6#""47-82.98+&":; Rye Country Day ?,2"%.=+%@"# Newton Country Day
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6
Taft Loomis 6#""47-82.98+&":; Rye Country Day ?,2"%.=+%@"# Newton Country Day
BB & N Exeter BB & N 6#""47-82.98+&":; Milton Taft School Taft =55&7+#&
Team Competition
Team Competition School
Score 379 387 393 395 409 426
Join NEGM for FREE www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
87
T1
87
T3 T3
82 82 84 86 86 87 Score 87 379 87 387 393 395 409 426
Gross
T1
T5
Player
88 88
Wayland Country Club
Norma Giannattasio
Wayland Country Club
Pamela Rodrigue
Butter Brook Golf Club
Vanessa Barrett
Butter Brook Golf Club
Regina Savageau
Green Hill Municipal Golf Course
Pat Garabedian
Green Hill Municipal Golf Course
Danielle Doane
Beverly Golf & Tennis Club
Julie Henehan
Beverly Golf & Tennis Club New Bedford, Country Club of Net Winners
90
Rosemary Zehntner Diane Lacoste
T5 T7 T7
Club
Patricia Savage
90 91 91
New Bedford, Country Club of
Christine Salome
Vesper Country Club
Cathy McClutchy
Vesper Country Club
Maureen O'Brien
Wampatuck Country Club
Mary Donohue
Wampatuck Country Club
Brenda Moran
Braintree Municipal Golf Course
Mickey Randazza
Miacomet Golf Course
2009 Townshend Cup - The International Club Net Scores - May 4, 2009 1
59
Alberta Endlar Terrie Bloom
Belmont Country Club Belmont Country Club
T2
64
Chris Coughlin Joyce LaBonte
Green Hill Municipal G.C. Green Hill Municipal G.C.
T2
64
Bonnie Stewart Mary Harris
Ellinwood Country Club Ellinwood Country Club
Best Price Best Conditions Best Experience
www.ChemawaGolf.com newenglandgolfmonthly.com June 2009
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June 20-36:NEGM 5/29/09 2:49 PM Page 26
COURSE REVIEWS Affinity Management following through on plan to revitalize Ferncroft Country Club Greater Boston Private Club Spotlight To Be Held At Red Tail June 24-27th By Gary Trask When Affinity Management purchased Ferncroft Country Club in Danvers back in 2006, it vowed to bring back the tradition and prestige the club once commanded in its hey-days of the 1980s, back when it regularly hosted a LPGA event and was considered one of the elite courses in Greater Boston. “We knew it was going to take a lot of effort, but we also knew that the potential was there,” remembers Affinity’s Managing Director Damon DeVito. What DeVito and his company didn’t know at the time was that a staggering recession was on its way. But despite a severe downturn in the economic climate, the Virginia-based Affinity has not hedged on its promise to revitalize the club and its Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design. In fact, in the three years that have passed since Affinity took over it has spent a total of more than $2.5 million on capital improvements. Off the golf course, the 19th Hole Restaurant area was completely renovated, a new fitness room was built, the swimming pool area was resurfaced and the tennis courts had new lights installed. On the course, the cart paths were paved last year and all of the bunkers have been re-edged. In addition, a new 40,000 square-foot practice area was created adjacent to the executive course, complete with a grass-tee driving range with target greens, a short-game practice area and chipping and putting green. Affinity also awarded its maintenance crew with $150,000 in new equipment. “The best part about it is that the money we’ve spent has been spread around pretty well,” points out DeVito, who has also seen the club start a Junior Golf Scholarship Program and become home to the Boston Lobsters professional tennis team and the annual Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Fundraiser. When Affinity took over at Ferncroft in 2006 it began with zero members. Last year, despite a tough market the club grew 26% and now has more than 300 golf members and an overall membership of 450 strong, including a popular social membership category that Affinity added to the mix three years ago.
FROM THE CORNER OFFICE
From the Corner Office By Rob Martin Ruination of the Game? The ruination of the game of golf is perhaps best summed up after watching a local high school match. No not the next generation of golfers playing the game that I love but rather the way the game is being played. No, not the swings – nor the equipment or even the lack of knowledge about the history of the game or the rules of golf for that matter. (Topic for another article) But rather the pace at which the game is being played. I watch good and bad players alike go through these pre-shot routines and swing sequences as if they were hitting a shot that would decide the fate of the free world. 1. I can only imagine that this is a direct result of A.) The Golf Channel B.) Teaching Professionals C.) Golf Psychologists see Bob Rotella D.) The PGA Tour or E.)All of the above. I'll take “E”. Look, I'm all for better golf. As I believe the better one plays the more likely they are to play and who in the industry would begrudge that? After watching these young impressionable minds plumb bob, visualize their shot, take 4 to 5 practice swings step back and if they are distracted to start the process over again. What? Have we lost our minds? No! I'll tell you what is happening. In order for the talking heads on the infomercials or golf channel to get you to buy their books, dvds and watch their shows they have convinced a generation of golfers that in order to play good golf you must play a five hour round. I might even give the PGA Tour a pass as they are playing for millions but what the golfing public has to understand is that we are not. I've encountered many groups on the course that have determined that they have paid their Greens fee and will play however slow they please. They have nothing to do the rest of the day and have determined that everyone else must be in the same boat. The problem with this theory is that a golf course works like clock gears in that you can only play as fast as your slowest group. So the one group that likes playing in 5 hours is effecting the other 25 groups that would like to be home for dinner. In Europe if you cannot play a sub four hour round you don't play. I would even argue that the USGA is way off base in regards to their rules governing pace of play: Allotted Time When play is in groups of three (stroke play), groups will be required to play at no more than a 4-hour and 35-minute pace for the 18-hole round. When play is in groups of two (match play), groups will be required to play at no more than a 3hour and 58-minute pace for the 18-hole round Four hours and thirty five minutes in a threesome? You're kidding me right? OK I realize that this may be in a qualifying event or perhaps something a tad more important than your local round with your buddies but over four and a half hours in a threesome? If you cannot accomplish this time in a foursome you are taking too long. When I'm out on the course and enjoying a round of golf my enjoyment comes from being able to walk up to the ball, get a yardage, survey the shot, a practice swing and then pull the trigger. That's accomplished in 30 seconds max. Here are some tips on how to play ready golf: • Choose the correct set of tees. They're called Tiger Tees for a reason. Stay Away! • Don't travel in packs, your not a wolf so go to your own ball and be ready to hit when it's your turn. • Survey your shot and gather yardage information as you travel to your ball. Finding wind direction and slope can be achieved prior to arriving at your ball • Always hit a provisional ball when in doubt. There is nothing worse than walking back to the tee. • Mark your scorecard as you head to the next tee Enjoy your round and let the other golfers on the course enjoy theirs by keeping a good pace of play!
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June 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE GOLF PRODUCTS
RETAIL STORES & CLUB MAKERS Edwin Watts Golf Hanover, MA 781.871.0000 Hyannis, MA 508.771.4653 Attleboro, MA 508.399.8400 Mashpee, MA 508.539.7937 Weymouth, MA 781.335.8008 www.edwinwattsgolf.com Fran Johnson’s Women’s Golf W. Springfield, MA 413.306.6120 www.thewomensgolfshop.com Golfers’ Warehouse Burlington, MA 781.270.4653 Danvers, MA 978.777.4653 Natick, MA 508.651.2582 Braintree, MA 781.848.9777 www.golferswarehouse.com Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf S. Easton, MA 508.238.2320 www.pineoaks.com Northeast Golf Sales Seekonk, MA 508.336.4058 www.negolfsales.com Presision Golf Works Pawtucket, RI 401.723.9998 www.spargogolf.com Spargo Golf Warwick, RI 401.828.2857 www.spargogolf.com
GOLF CARTS & ACCESSORIES New England Golf Cars Seekonk, MA 508.336.4285 www.newenglandgolfcars.com PortaPro Video Sales of NE Cranston, RI 757.621.7494 www.S4Innovations.com Fore Concepts 886.888.3667 www.foreconcepts.com GPS Industries
www.gpsindustries.com www.foreconcepts.com
www.ginacigar.com
617.426.4501
Golf and Gamble 508.970.0066 www.golf-n-gamble.com Jet Blue Challenge 516.680.5986 www.Jetbluechallenge.com L.T.S. Leader Boards of N.E. 781.784.6508 www.ltsleaderboard.com Tournament Headquarters 508.734.2186 www.tournamentheadquarters.com Worldwide Golf Vacations 800.946.5318 www.worldwidegv.com
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June 2009
GOLF TOURNAMENTS BJ’s Charity Classic Championship Quincy, MA Sept. 9, 2009 www.theledgendstour.com Celebrity Pro Veteran Invitational Boston, MA June 29, 2009 www.celebrityproveteran.com CVS Charity Classic Barrington, RI June 21-23, 2009 www.cvscharityclassic.com
GOLF SERVICES Gina Cigars
Cape Custom Green 508.994.7239 www.Cape Custom Green.com Conway Golf Products 866.468.3316 www.Conway Golf.com Digital Pro Golf 802.238.5355 www.digitalprogolf.com 866.910.4477 Dream Swing www.dreamswing.com Exclusive Links Passports 800.639.1941 www.linkpassport.com Global Golf Training Products 781.828.7747 www.thumbcaddy.net How Great Golfers Think 877.748.1135 www.howgreatgolfersthink.com N.E. Custom Putting Greens 800.618.9670 www.newenglandsyntheticturf.com Orange Whip 877.748.1135 www.orangewhiptrainer.com Perfect Release 800.860.0923 www.perfectrelease.com Plane Perfect Golf 866.468.3316 www.planeperfectgolf.com Reel Feel Golf Mats 866.334.2115 www.RealFeelGolfMats.com Sonocaddie 800.336.6264 www.sonocaddie.com Swingroove 800.796.4416 www.swingroove.com Swing Rite 866.660.7387 www.swingrite.com The Golf Ring 937.299.0443 www.TheGolfRing.com Wedgewood 888.833.7371 www.wedgewoodgolf.com
Deutsche Bank Championship Norton, MA September 1-7, 2009 www.deutschebankchampionship.com Monroe, CT
Joshua Bent Memorial June 20, 2009 www.JoshBent.com
Members’ Cup Sept. 2009 www.memberscup.com New England Senior Tour See Events Schedule www.newenglandseniortour.com Travelers Championship Cromwell, CT June 22-28, 2009 www.travelerschampionship.com Turning Stone Resort Championship Verona, NY October 1-4, 2009 www.turningstoneresortchampionship.com
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Alex Kollar Total Training
GOLF INSTRUCTORS 401.230.0152 Anthony DeQuattro Swansea, MA
508.675.8767 www.colesrivergolf.com
Bill Kay Swansea, MA
508.675.8767 www.colesrivergolf.com
Chris Costa Middleton, MA
978.774.4075 www.middletongolf.com
DeLayne Pascal Sandwich, MA
508.428.5577 www.hollyridgegolf.com
Dennis Sales Cumberland, RI
401.787.7040 www.DennisSalesGolf.com
Ed Hanley Cranston, RI
401.826.1683 www.cranstoncc.com
Jane Frost Sandwich, MA
508.888.3384
www.JaneFrostGolfSchool.net
Jeff Dantas Seekonk, MA
508.336.EPRO www.elitegolfcenter.com
Keith Allcock Seekonk, MA
508.336.6622 www.FireFlyGolfCourse.com
Rick Holcomb Seekonk, MA
401.862.4119 SeekonkDriving Range
Tom Wecal Smithfield, RI
401.766.1151 www. Iwgolf.com
Tony Lauro Warwick, RI
401.821.1115 www.valleycountryclub.net
GOLF SHOWS National Golf Expo Boston, MA March 6-8, 2009 www.paragonexpo.com Alex Kollar Total Training
401.230.0152 GOLF PRACTICE FACILITIES Atlantic Golf Center S. Attleboro, MA 508.761.5484 www.atlanticgolfcenter.com Coles River Driving Range Swansea, MA 508.675.8767 Elite Golf Center Seekonk, MA 508.336.EPRO www.elitegolfcenter.com Golf Shots Wareham, MA 508.295.8773 Harmon Golf & Fitness Rockland, MA 866.942.7666 www.harmongolf.com Mulligans Island Cranston, RI 401.464.8855 www.mulligansisland.com Seekonk Driving Range Seekonk, MA 508.336.8074 SNE Golf Academy Mapleville, RI 401.787.7040 www.snegolfacademy.com
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE Massachusetts Golf Courses
Poquoy Brook Golf Course 508.947.5261 Lakeville www.poquoybrook.com
BOSTON AREA Brookmeadow Canton 781.828.4444 www.brookmeadowgolf.com
Rehoboth Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.6259 www.rehobothcc.com
Chelmsford Country Club Chelmsford 978.256.1818 www.sterlinggolf.com
River Bend Country Club W. Bridgewater 508.580.3673 www.riverbendcc.com
Granite Links Quincy 617.689.1900 www.granitelinksgolfclub.com
Scituate Country Club Scituate 781.545.7666 www.scituatecc.com
Newton Common Wealth Golf Club Newton 617.630.1971 www.sterlinggolf.com
Shadow Brook Golf Club S. Attleboro 508.339.8410
Norwood Country Club Norwood 781.769.5880 www.brookmeadowgolf.com SOUTHEASTERN Acushnet River Valley Acushnet 508.998.7777 www.golfacushnet.com Allendale Country Club No. Dartmouth 508.992.8682 www.allendalecountryclub.com Bungal Brook Golf Club Bellingham 508.883.1600 www.BungayBrook.com Chemawa Golf Course No. Attleboro 508.399.7330 www.chemawagolf.com Crestwood Country Club Rehoboth 508.336.8582 www.crestwoodcc.com a Fall River Country Club Fall River 508.672.0280 www.fallrivercc.com
Southers Marsh Golf Club Plymouth 508.830.3535 www.southersmarsh.com The Back Nine Club Lakeville 508.947.9991 www.thebacknineclub.com
NORTH SHORE Ferncroft Country Club Middleton 978.739.4040 www.FerncroftCC.com Indian Ridge Country Club Andover 978.475.9484 www.indianridgecountryclub.us Meadow Golf Course Peabody 978.532.9390 www.peabodymeadowgolf.com Middleton Golf Course Middleton 978.774.4075 www.middletongolf.com Sterling Country Club Sterling 978.422.0275 www.sterlingcc.com Winchester Country Club Winchester 781.729.1181 www.winchestercc.org
Touisset Country Club Swansea 508.679.9577
WESTERN MASS. BERKSHIRES Berkshire Hills Country Club Pittsfield 413-447-9429 www.berkshirehillscc.com
Wampanoag Golf Club N. Swansea 508.379.9832 www.wampanoaggolf.com
Blackstone Valley Golf Club Sutton 08. 865.2111 www.bngc.net
Waverly Oaks Country Club Plymouth 508.224.6700 www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com
Blissful Meadows Golf Course Uxbridge 508.278.6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com
Wentworth Hills Golf Club Plainville, MA 508.580.3673 www.wentworthhillsgolf.com
Crumpin-Fox Club Bernardston 800.943.1901 www.golfthefox.com
CAPE COD COURSES
Cyprian Keyes Golf Club Boylston 508.869.9900 www.cypriankeyes.com
Bayberry Hills Golf Course W. Yarmouth 508.394.5597 www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com
Petersham Country Club Petersham 978.724.3388 www.petershamcc.com
Hawthorne Country Club No. Dartmouth 508.996.1766 www.hawthorencountryclub.com
Cranberry Valley Golf Club Harwich 508.430.5234 www.cranberrygolfcourse.com
Hillside Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.9761 www.hillsidecountryclub.com
Holly Ridge Golf Club Sandwich 508.428.5577 www.hollyridgegolf.com
Lakeville Country Club Lakeville 508.947.6630 www.lakevillecountryclub.com
Hyannis Country Club Hyannis 508.362.6936
Ayer
Little Harbor Country Club Wareham 508.295.2617 www.littleharborcountryclubcom
Shaker Hills Golf Course Harvard 978.772.2227 www.shakerhills.com
Old Barnstable Country Club Marshen Mills 508.420.1141 www.obfgolf.com
Stow
Paul Harney Golf Course East Falmouth 508.563.3454 www.paulharneygolfcourse.com
The Ledges Golf Club S. Hadley 413.532.2307 www.ledgegc.com
The Captains Course Brewster 508.896.1716 www.captainsgolfcourse.com
The Ranch Golf Club Southwick 413.569.9333 www.theranchgolfclub.com
Yarmouth Golf Courses 508.398.9079 www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com
Wachusett Country Club West Boylston 508.835.4484 www.wachusettcc.com
Maplegate Country Club Bellingham 508.996.4040 www.maplegate.com New England Country Club Bellingham 508.883.2300 www.newenglandcountryclub.com Olde Scotland Links Bridgewater 508.279.3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com Pine Oaks Golf Club So. Easton 508.238.2320 www.pineoaks.com Pine Valley Golf Course Rehoboth 508.336.9815
Quail Hollow Golf & C.C. Oakham 508.882.5516 www.quailhollowgolf.net Red Tail Golf Club 978.772.3273 www.redtailgolf.net
Stow Acres Country Club 978.568.1100 www.stowacres.com
R. I. ISLAND GOLF COURSES Beaver River Golf Club Richmond 401.539.2100 www.beaverrivergolf.com Crystal Lake Golf Club Harrisville 401.567.4500 www.crystallakegolfclub.com Green Valley Golf Club Portsmouth 01.847.9543 www.greenvalleyccofri.com Laurel Lane Country Club Kingstown West 401.783.3844 www.laurellanecountryclub.com Montaup Country Club Portsmouth 401.683.0955 www.montaupcc.com Newport National Golf Club Middletown 401.846.1489 www.newportnational.com Triggs Memorial Golf Club Providence 401.521.8460 www.triggs.us Valley Country Club Warwick 401.821.1115 www.Valleycountryclub.net West Warwick Country Club West Warwick 401.821.9789 www.westwarwickcc.com Woodland Greens Golf Club N. Kingstown 401.294.2872 www.woodlandgc.com
MAINE GOLF COURSES Point Sebago Resort Kennebunk 888-765-7030 www.pointsebago.com
N.H. GOLF COURSES Waumbek Country Club Jefferson 603.586.7777 www.playgolfne.com White Mountaines Country Club Ashland 603.536.7808 www.playgolfne.com Pheasant Ridge Country Club Gilford 603.524.9543 www.playgolfne.com Country Club New Hampshire North Sutton 603.927.4246 www.playgolfne.com Souhegan Woods Golf Club Amherst 603.673.0200 www.playgolfne.com The Shattuck Golf Club Jaffrey 603.532.4300 www.sterlinggolf.com Whip Poor Will Golf Club Hudson 603.889.9706 www.playandgolfne.com Green Meadow Hudson 603.889.1555 www.playandgolfne.com
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE
NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE TEE TIME DEALS & DISCOUNTS
GOLF RESORTS Camelback Inn & JWM Resort Scottsdale, AZ800.242.2635 www.camelbackinn.com Xona Resorts Suites Scottsdale, AZ888.222.1059 www.xonaresort.com Golf PEI Prince Edward Island, Canada www.golfpei.net Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami, FL 800.713.6725 www.doralresort.com Ginn Reunion Resort Orlando, FL 888.418.9611 www.reunionresort.com
NEGM is launching Discounted Tee Times Call 800-736-9020 x 11 to become a test course PRODUCTS & SERVICES SHOWCASES
Heritage House Hotel Cape Cod, MA 508.775.7000 www.stayandplaycapecodcom Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club Palm Harbor, FL727.942.2000 www.innisbrookgolfresort.com Perfect Drive Golf Villas Port St. Lucie, FL772.873.0515 www.PerfectDriveatPGAVillage.com Point Sebago Resort Kennebunk 888-765-7030 www.pointsebago.com The Mount Washington Resort Bretton Woods, NH 800.314.1752 www.mtwashington.com Gr. Atlantic City Golf Assoc. Atlantic City, NJ 800.GOLF.222 www.acgolfvacations.com The Sagamore Bolton Landing, NY 866.358.6112 www.thesagamore.com Turning Stone Resort & Casino Verona, NY 800.771.7711 www.turning-stone.com
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June 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com
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NEPGA
New England PGA News 2009 New England PGA Inducts Leslie Bond BOYLSTON, MA - The New England Section PGA of America has announced its 2009 induction into the NEPGA Hall of Fame. In 1996 the New England Section PGA of America launched a premier effort to identify and honor those people who, through their contributions to the Section and the game of golf, have elevated the Association to an ever higher level of respect as the Premier Golf Authority in New England and throughout the country. The outstanding contributions of these individuals were such that it required the formation of an extremely special manner to properly recognize and pay tribute to their many achievements. The New England Section PGA of America Hall of Fame was established to achieve this goal. The year’s inductee is Les Bond. D. Leslie Bond was the Head Golf Professional at Wellesley Country Club for twenty-eight years. Bond was Secretary-Treasurer of the Section for three years from 1979-1982. He was Section President from 1982 to 1985. Prior to that time, he was a three year member of the Executive Committee. During his nine years of service to the section, he was first on the Club Relations Committee and was Chairman for four years.
Individual Stroke Play Asst. Hyannisport Club - 4/30/09 1 2 3
Bill Link Robert Jobin Chad Spencer
Sterling National GC Red Tail GC Valley CC
36-35--71 -E 36-37--73 +2 39-35--74 +3
Pro-Pro Match Play Championship LeBaron Hills CC - May 4-5, 2009 Quarter Final Matches: Hester & Burke defeat Hickson & Darling, 3 and 1 Barlow & Tobey defeat Owens & Spence, 2 and 1 Martin & Pare defeat Askew and Erick, 1 up Carpenter & Cunningham defeat Antonelli & Rooney, 1 up 6-33--69 -3
Ahead Golf Stroke Play #1 Warwick CC - May 11, 2009 1 Jeffrey Martin 2 Frank Dully
Point Judith CC Kernwood CC
33-35--68 -1 35-34--69 E
NEPGA Asst. Spring Series #3 Brae Burn Country Club - May 21, 2009 T1 Bill Link T1 John Askew
Sterling National GC Boston GC
THE N.E.P.G.A. PRO FILE By Bob DiCesare It’s high season for golf on Cape Cod from now through Labor Day, and nobody realizes that more than Mike Ghelfi. Ghelfi is the director of golf for two facilities in Barnstable County – Hyannis Golf Club and Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds – both of which attract a large volume of golfers. Ghelfi, 38, is right where he wants to be. He was born and raised in Falmouth and still lives there. He played golf at Falmouth High and Providence College, where he won the Mike Ghelfi Big East championship in the fall of 1992 by edging Greg Yeomans of The Bay Club in Mattapoisett. He worked at Ballymeade CC in Falmouth both as an assistant professional and head pro for 12 years before assuming his current position three years ago. Ghelfi has also won the Wessner Award three times (1998, 2002, 2003) for accumulating the most points during competition in the Cape Cod chapter of the NEPGA. “As the director of golf for two courses, I don’t get to play much anymore. I’m the administrator, not the golf pro. They want me inside instead of outside,” kidded Ghelfi. “Seriously, I love the position I’m in.” Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds has always been one of the busiest courses on the Cape. But Hyannis GC has added a different dimension for golfers since the town purchased the course three years ago. A resident can get a great deal by purchasing a season’s pass to both courses for $800 while the non-resident rate is $1,500. Hyannis GC did not raise its daily fee rates for the 2009 season. “It’s been great for the residents of the towns,” said Ghelfi. “At Olde Barnstable, you still have to knock hard to get a tee time. It averages in the low 40’s (thousands) for number of rounds in a year while Hyannis is in the mid-20’s (thousands). “A lot of people are married to Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds. It’s a flat, easy walk, whereas Hyannis has undulating, rolling terrain. But there are more golfers coming over to Hyannis.” “We looked at The Captains (the town of Brewster’s two courses) as a model and figured we were the further west municipality with two courses offering 36 holes that is also within close distance to Mashpee, Sandwich, and Falmouth.” “The Cape is so concentrated,” added Ghelfi. “The competition is fiercer here because of the volume of summer vacationers and also because of the bad economy in general. And we all need good weather for discretionary income.” Going forward, Ghelfi’s goal at Old Barnstable and Hyannis GC is to offer good quality at an affordable price with the intent of putting back into the facilities with improved bunkers and irrigation. Away from Cape Cod, Ghelfi is hoping to go into the history books at the end of the season for one significant accomplishment. He holds the course record at Waverly Oaks GC in Plymouth with a six-under-par 66, and Waverly Oaks is scheduled to close this fall in order to be transformed into Plymouth Rock Studios, a movie production company. “I’m hoping that score might stand forever,” said Ghelfi. Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for The Enterprise in Brockton, MA and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf.
37-35--72 E 35-37--72 E
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GORMAN VS. GEARY
GORMAN VS. GEARY Should Caddies be Miked?
Caddies with Microphones Should be Banned! In a pathetic attempt to lure more viewers and to try to get weekend golf audiences more interactive with their By Tom Gorman favorite Tour player, Tim Finchen, the almighty dictator and Commissioner of the PGA Tour, has made a decision to allow caddies and players to talk clearly and loudly into a live television microphone while contemplating a shot. What a ridiculous idea. Brad Faxon and few big mouths on the Tour, most of them with an IQ about what they shoot on a Sunday final round, got in the Commissioner’s ear and convinced him this is a something golf fans want. WRONG! I don’t care to listen in on a concocted, forced and phony conversation between a player and his caddie while being live on television. Who cares if the wind is blowing right to left; or what the yardage is to the front right bunker; or that the pin is cut ten paces from the back. Isn’t that why we have television commentators? To tell us these obvious things and we can speculate what the player will do and what we might do in a similar situation? Since the motivation of Tour players is to make as much money as possible in the prime years of their career, I wonder how many golf manufacturers and corporate-America sponsors are pushing this new concept. Will these titanium-carrying millionaires now demand to be paid “per word” by their sponsors every time they give a primary sponsor a mention during the telecast? What the heck are we getting into with live mikes on caddies? How’s this for a live exchange between Jim Furyk and Fluff Cowan? COWAN: “Hey Boss, does that Ashworth shirt come in peach color? By the way, those Foot Joys are nicely matched to your plaid, permanentpress Polo slacks that are available at Target, TJ Max and Macy’s.” FURYK: “How far do we have to the front?” COWAN: “We have 191-yards; uphill which is a perfect opportunity to hit the newest utility club made by Adams Golf - the 7 and ¼ metal wood. Hey Boss, make a smooth pass at that new Nike Pro-Only Protein 1 golf ball with a liquid gel center, that guarantees less slicing.” FURYK: “By the way did you hear Charles Schwabbe is opening 17 new offices this year? I’ll hit the Ping G-7 5-iron and then think about dinner later at Subway for you and Legal Seafood for me.” Tom Watson was in Boston in April and I asked him about caddies being miked for television. He was adamant in his answer. “No way! A conversation between a player and his caddie during competition is confidential. Nothing said during that conversation should be made public unless the player elects to talk about it after his round. It’s not something I support.” Gary Player has the best perspective in defining the role of a caddie and player in the heat of competition, whether it’s a tournament or a charity outing. Nine years ago at the Willowbend Children’s Charity event at Mashpee (Cape Cod) he was assigned a caddie, who was a Willowbend member. Upon greeting the gentlemen he abruptly announced in his polished South African accent, “Sir, nice to meet you. I have a few rules that you must follow if you are carrying my clubs today. First, you will wash every club after I use it. Second, on every hole, you will walk 10-yards behind me. You will never offer me advice unless I ask for it and you will not begin a conversation with me unless I start it. Now, do you understand what I just said? If so, then together we are ready to enjoy a great day on the golf course?” Shameless self-promotion between a caddy and player on live TV is unacceptable. Unless the Tour reverses its policy, it just might be coming soon to a televised golf tournament sometime soon. Let’s get back to basics and watch a player and his caddy perform on the golf course without microphones and staged conversations. Tom Gorman, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America, is a Boston-based freelance golf writer.
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Turn Up The Sound Of The Fans! For years fans followed professional golf tournaments through the eyes and ears of newspaper and magazine writers. Then with the advent of television they were able to watch By Tim Geary the best players in the world and listened through the words of the commentators assigned to follow the play. But what was REALLY going on inside the ropes? We, the fans, could only guess and so could those assigned to tell us. The inner workings of golf remained a mystery. Then came shows such as “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf,” the “CBS Golf Classic” and then later on “The Skins Game.” Players were fitted with microphones and we could get a real feel for what was going on, what they were thinking and how their emotions were coming into play. It was educational and more importantly it was entertaining. Ratings for these events often were higher than actual tournaments. As the coverage of sports in general and golf in particular has evolved over the years, the fan has been given more and more insight into the inner workings of the game and one of the more fascinating aspects is the partnership between player and caddy. Much of that has come from on course commentators, usually former professional players, who follow a particular group and provide tidbits that normally would not be available to those manning the towers. Also the boom microphones set up on tees and carried around the course by technicians have given us some access to a variety of interchanges. So why not have the tour caddies miked up? I can understand the player’sreluctance. They have enough to worry about during the heat of tournament play. But the caddy is a different story, plus the transmitter and microphone would not hinder the guy toting the bag as much as it might the player swinging the club. Of course there is the concern about the spontaneity of the moment, especially when emotions are running high. Many people still remember Curtis Strange dropping the mother of all expletives within range of a live boom mic after a particularly poor shot during that stretch of time when he was one of the top players in the world. Anyone who can read lips knows that Tiger Woods often throws out a few “@#%@$#%&s” when a shot goes awry and of course his caddy, Steve Williams has been known to cross the line and become a vigilante when a spectator disturbs his man. Therefore whoever was directing the coverage would have to be very conscious of those potential situations and make sure that the mic was turned down while the shot was actually being made for fear of a salty comment emanating from either the caddy or the player following a duck hook into a lake. To be perfectly safe everything would probably have to be on a delayed basis in those situations and if something interesting should be exchanged it could be re-visited. There’s plenty of time for that. Of all sports golf has more down time than any other. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear the player and caddy going over the strategy of a shot in windy conditions? It’d also be fun to hear what they talk about during those long treks between shots. I do believe that it should be voluntary, that caddies and by extension their player agree to be miked up, but if they do, why not? Anything that expands our enjoyment of the coverage (within reason) also gives us more reason to watch and that in turn makes more money for the networks, which adds to the purses of the tournaments. I, for one, would love to be able to eves drop on conversations between caddies and players, but I’d like even more. I would very much enjoy some of those break-in-the action features that spotlight a particular caddy. Wouldn’t you love to know something about Mike “Fluff” Cowen, who has been on the tour for years? How about Williams and his daredevil lifestyle? Often caddies are much more interesting as people than the players for whom they work. Let’s get the caddy involved more in the show, both on and off the course. Tim Geary is a freelance writer with over 33 years of experience, the last 24 of which he served as a sports writer for the Fall River Herald News, before retiring last October. He contributes to several golf magazines on a
regular basis.
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To Come
June 20-36:NEGM 5/29/09 2:49 PM Page 36
To Come