Tickets on sale June 18th through July 4th » New England’s premier golf tournament is a great place to be with family, friends, or to entertain clients. » Tickets will be available by logging on to dbchampionship.com or by calling 877-TIX-4DBC.
TPC Boston | Labor Day Weekend
Top 100 Players in the FedExCup points system qualify.
The Passion. The Performance. The Playoffs.
CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC June 27-29, 2010 Rhode Island Country Club Barrington, RI For tickets or more information visit www.cvscharityclassic.com Presented by:
Photos courtesy of US PGA TOUR | LPGA courtesy of Getty Images | Getty Images | Mike Ivins 2009 | Lisa Hornak 2009
2 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 3
In this issue
myNEGM.com May 2010 | Vol III. Issue III Publisher Timothy R. Branco Managing Editor Timothy R. Branco Design & Production CollectiveThoughtMedia.com
New England Golf Life - Cape Cod A Wedge Away Good Eats on the Cape Pinehurst Where Golf Grew Couple of Travelers Good Looks on the Course Awesome Foursomes Team New England on the Tours New England’s Best Top 25 Gorman vs. Geary
Administration Mary L. Hullett
FROM THE EDITOR
Golf Is More Than Just A Game
Contributors Tom Gorman Greg Sampson John Molori Tim Geary John Lyon Robert Skura Barry Palm Pam Borges Bob DiCesare Larry Gavrich Matt Manco Robert Martin Alice Scott Bill Geiring Kathleen Dyson Laura Ebrecht Steve Riggs Matt Adams Jeff Palopoli Jim Hammond Rob Baxter Dennis Sales 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
7 9 16 18 20 32 44 46 60
Welcome to our Best of New England top 25 May Issue issue. Each year we let our readers and golf media members decide what they think are the best public courses, private courses, practice facilities, golf instructors and resorts. In this issue you will find the results of the NEGM’s Top 25 poll. In addition you will find a new feature launched by NEGM, our “Awesome Foursomes” center pull out section for discounts and deals for golf courses, training facilities, and tournaments throughout New England. In the spirit of the giving I would like to congratulate Jimmy Fund Golf/The Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the tireless work they do in the struggle to fight cancer. Jimmy Fund Golf runs over 150 tournaments around New England throughout the season and continually raises needed funds for the cure of cancer. We have pledged our support to Jimmy Fund Golf and ask our readers to do all they can for this great cause. While on the subject of the Jimmy Fund on May 20th they will offer an opportunity to play the famous Pines Course from the Tiger Tee’s 8325 yards it is a great event , go to TameTheTigers.org or call 866-521-GOLF . In this issue you will also find a piece on the Pinehurst Resort the home of Golf in America and a true masterpiece by Donald Ross who is one of the most prevalent golf architects in the New England golf. Pinehurst is the location this month for the International Network of Golf’s 20th anniversary meeting. I, along with our marketing manager Greg Sampson have been invited to play the prestigious Pinehurst #2 on Sunday May 9th, it should be a very memorable day. As always I wish you all the best with your game, get out and play and take the time to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world, a golf course.
Timothy R. Branco Tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
betsy@NEHomefinder.com
New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 357 Swansea, Ma 02777 800-736-9020
New England Golf Monthly is published 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.
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4 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
18 Hole SemiPrivate Course Pro Shop open to Public Golf Outings Available Starter: (401)842-0126
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May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 5
Stay & Play C A P E
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6 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
New England Golf Life The Cape & The Islands by Tom Goreman
e Cape Cod peninsula, from Bourne to Provincetown, includes 15 towns, 559 miles of seacoast and 44 public and private golf courses – each with its own unique history. To most, Cape Cod is a vacation tradition offering countless beaches, fine dining, superior lodging, seafood and fresh salt air. To others, the Cape has been answering the call of golfers by offering an outstanding selection of fairways and greens, with year-round affordable opportunities. e Scots recognized long ago that golf is best played where land meets the sea, in weather conditions which only the meeting of land and sea can provide. So it’s no surprise that Cape Cod, where one is never far from the turbulent Atlantic, boasts an outstanding selection of courses, some surfside, but most a drive and 5-iron away. Most of the good public courses are not laid out at water’s edge. ere is New Seabury, where access to the stunning, links-style Ocean Course, requires playing with or knowing a member. ere is Hyannisport, where 16 of 18 holes are ocean view, and non-member access is limited to off-season months. At Highland Links in Truro, which just happens to be the oldest course (1892) on the Cape and the oldest links course in all of America, the public is always welcome. Located at land’s end, just south of Provincetown, Highland Links is situated some 200feet atop the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s all here: the strong wind, the treeless folding ground and the massive dunes that offer shield on the par-3 third hole from the unyielding ocean breeze. ere’s nothing like watching a well-struck tee ball on No. 3 fly straight out for half the required 160 yards, only to take an eye-popping left turn. If there is one course you must play in your golf lifetime, this is it! Highland Links green fees are $60. Golf enthusiasts have been planning vacations to
Cape Cod for decades and inevitably, there are a few hot spots that make the must-play list. ose of us who love to pack our clubs – as well as our suitcases and suntan lotion – will enjoy two municipal courses in Yarmouth – Bass River and Bayberry Hills. Accuracy, not length, and a deft short game on the small Bass River greens are necessary to go low. Bayberry offers 27 holes and winds its way through the woods, yet provides some terrific views of both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. Making the list of must-plays is a marvelous 36hole facility in Brewster, called “Captains.” When the town fathers got around to deciding what to call the golf course, they wanted a distinguishable name. With all good intentions, they planned to honor one of the old sea captains who had made Brewster prominent during the 19th century. After much debate and research, the town decided to name each of the Starboard’s 18 holes after eighteen different sea captains. e Captains was the first course on the Cape to use bent grass greens, tees and fairways, while wide landing areas and generous receptive greens will put smiles on every players face. e Port course requires accurate tee shots, crisp iron play and the ability to read undulating greens. Hyannis Golf Club is also a municipal operation that is open year-round and the first-timer can play without feeling victimized by surprise hazards. Expect decent conditions, despite an estimated 50,000 rounds a year. It features a driving range and plenty of action if you’re looking for a game. Some other choices include Ballymeade CC (Falmouth), with spectacular glimpses of Buzzards Bay. Cape Cod Country Club is popular because it is a friendly test, and offers some easy par-4s. Built in 1991, Old Barnstable has about 600 members and features large, undulating greens. Sandwich Hollows, Falmouth CC, Quashnet Valley and Holly Ridge are
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 7
convenient locations in the upper Cape. Two best bets for mid-Cape travel plans include Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands. e Pines is the older and more demanding, traversing its way through hilly woodland with some true shotmaking requirements to score pars or better. Cranberry Valley in Harwich was once ranked in Golf Digest’s top100, and is popular with vacationers and retirees. e Resort Scene New Seabury Resort and Country Club in Mashpee is one of the premier resorts, conference centers and residential communities on the Eastern Seaboard. e 42,000 square foot clubhouse compliments two 18-hole championship courses and is complimented by a 3.5 mile beach. Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster is set on 400 acres featuring a new Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course, opened in 2009. Amenities include a golf school, five pools, tennis courts, private beach and condos. e Heritage House Hotel, located one block from the waterfront district in Hyannis, offers 143 guestrooms and suites, as well as a full service restaurant, function rooms, pool, gym and saunas. Golf packages are custom made for the most discreet travelers. e Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis is a full service resort with 260 rooms, three restaurants, tennis, spa, indoor wave pool and lots more. Convenient to golf courses and beaches, custom golf packages are available including golf, cart, room and dinner. e Daniel Webster Inn in Sandwich is one of my favorite destinations. Award winning cuisine, ambiance, class, first-class service and 54 suites make this a worthy, but pricey recommendation. e Wequassett Inn Resort and Golf Club in Chatham is a four-diamond resort, with much history, situated oceanside or surfside. Paid accommodations can enjoy exclusive non-member playing privileges at e Cape Cod National Golf Club. Waterview rooms and individual cottages are available. Yes, this place is also pricey! It could well-be Cape Cod’s ultimate surf & turf package. e Private Side ere are several exclusive, private clubs steeped in a rich history of the game where the public is prohibited from playing unless accompanied by a member. ey include Cummaquid Golf Club, (est. 1895), Eastward Ho CC (est. 1922), Hyannisport Club (est. 1896), New Seabury CC (est. 1962), Oyster Harbors Club (est. 1927), Ridge Club (est. 1990) and Willowbend (est. 1987). Cummaquid GC in Yarmouthport revels in the
8 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
distinction as the oldest golf club on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. is place is exclusive; the waiting list for new members could be 10 years and the price is north of $30,000. Eastwood Ho! is a wonderful place to visit and even better place to revisit. e topography offers a golf course architect the full monty: rolling terrain, ocean setting of a links course overlooking both Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic, tree-lined fairways and elevated greens. Don’t ever turn down an offer to play golf or step foot on Eastwood Ho! e Willowbend Club in Mashpee was purchased for $9 million in 1991 by former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman, who rebuilt the course and developed the property with David Southworth into a luxurious, multi-million dollar gated, golf community. It is a member-owned club today with various membership opportunities starting at about $10,000. e Hyannisport Club is one of the great courses in New England. e links-style layout, with dimesized greens is legendary and a constant southwesterly wind blows throughout the summer. e infamous Kennedy Compound is no more than a 7-iron away and stories about former President John F. Kennedy are considered unwelcome inquiries. e membership is stuffy, unpretentious and shuns the press, but this course should be No. 1 on your bucket list. It is a place you must play before you die! Island Golf ere are two public courses on Martha’s Vineyard: Farm Neck GC, with 18 great holes and a $175 price tag and the 9-hole Mink Meadow GC. Farm Neck GC in Oak Bluffs had been one of New England’s hidden jewels until the summer of 1993, when President Bill Clinton decided to vacation on Martha’s Vineyard and play golf. Ever since its exposure in the national media, getting a tee time is a difficult an expensive task. Mink Meadows in Vineyard Haven was established in 1936 and offers 9-holes. It was formerly a mink farm, hence its name. e best and quickest way to get to Nantucket is the speed ferry out of Hyannis Harbor. You can get to Nantucket in one hour and be on the first tee at Miacomet GC 30 minutes later. Your greens fee of under $100 will allow you to play in the wind, see some spectacular homes along the course, and find a relatively flat, easy course to walk, see some narrow fairways and generally enjoy a peaceful, easy feeling regardless of what you shoot! Cape Cod is a charming peninsula offering memorable and unique golfing opportunities. It is a short trip to far away!
A Wedge Away By NEGM Staff
Tomatoes Italian Grille & Bar presents traditional, creative Italian cuisine in a comfortable, festive atmosphere. Combining Sicilian country cooking, which emphasizes traditional spicy preparations, and Northern Italian cuisine’s large variety of cheeses, meats, fish, cream and vegetables, our portions are generous and made from the freshest, most healthful ingredients available. Van Renselaer's Restaurant and Raw Bar - Wellfleet, MA Superbly prepared regional cuisine served in an attractive, comfortable atmosphere. Fresh seafood prepared in a number of ways, prime rib, vegetarian selections, deliciously fresh salad bar.
The Roadhouse Cafe - Hyannis, MA Highest rated restaurant on Cape Cod by the Phantom Gourmet. Light fare also offered. Piano Bar, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; live Jazz on Monday night.
Oyster Company Raw Bar & Grille Dennisport, MA A rare find. e Oyster Company creates some of the Cape's finest cuisine using the freshest local ingredients available. Choices include certified organic free range chicken and beef, local herbs and vegetables, as well as fish that cannot be fresher. Oysters are grown in our own beds and are served fresh daily.
Mattakeese Wharf - Barnstable, MA Locals and visitors alike have been dining at this premiere sunset, waterfront location for 42 years. Located on Barnstable Harbor, the Mattakeese has been voted by Cape Cod Life Magazine “Best Waterfront Dining” frequently for 18 years.
The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House - South Yarmouth, MA Established in 1936 and overlooking Nantucket Sound, e Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House is one of Cape Cod’s oldest waterfront restaurants. e Skipper Crew have made this restaurant the success it is, by hard work and taking care of our locals.
The Dan'l Webster Inn Sandwich, MA e menu reflects both traditional and contemporary tastes. Enjoy dining in the romantic intimacy of the Music Room, the elegant Webster Room or the sun/moonlit Conservatory. For casual dining, the cozy Tavern at the Inn offers lighter fare.
Amari Bar & Ristorante East Sandwich, MA
Naked Oyster Bistro and Raw Bar Hyannis, MA
If Italy’s too far, get in your car to Amari —where the locals dine—conveniently located on Route 6A, opposite Sandy Neck Beach. Now celebrating it’s 10th year as one of Cape Cod’s premier restaurants, Amari has been the recipient of the “Best of ” in numerous categories including “Best Italian”, “Best Ethnic”, “Best Romantic”, and “Best Bar & Nightlife
e Naked Oyster & Raw Bar serves the region’s finest organic meats, seafood and produce. Organically raised beef & poultry, fish caught the same day by the local fishing vessel, the Tenacious, hydroponically grown field greens from E&T Farms in West Barnstable, organic produce from Tim Friary’s farm in Cummaquid & wild Barnstable oysters from our own Naked Oyster Grant are the foundation of our menu.
e evolution of the Brewster Fish House from retail fish market to an acclaimed seafood restaurant has been remarkable. is is a small and personal place. Rated in the "top 50" by Zagat, "this unassuming cottage garners raves for its outstanding contemporary menu.
Brewster Fish House
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 9
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The Skins Game by Katharine Dyson
“Ol' Cape Cod” can certainly ring the romance bell but it should also ring the golf gong. For its size, Cape Cod has a huge number of quality courses — more than 43. ink beaches, dunes, silvery-shingled houses with flower-covered fences, yachts, clams, the ring of stays against masts, and of course, golf. Prices on the Cape are relatively inexpensive too with comfortable accommodations and golf starting as low as $69 while high-end properties include coveted amenities like massages by the sea, private spa suites, 24-hour room service and gourmet cuisine. On the super lux end are e Wequassett Inn Resort and Golf Club and Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham and the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster. Among more moderately priced hotels offering a good bang for your buck are the Heritage House Hotel in Hyannis, Bayside Resort in West Yarmouth, The Corsair and Cross Rip oceanfront resort in Dennisport and the Clarion Inn in South Yarmouth. Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, whether you’re staying in one of the cottages or in the main inn, the historic Chatham Bars Inn rolls out luxuries like terry robes, Bose Wave Radios and Frette linens along with an incredible spa, fitness center, and knock-out views of Chatham Harbor. Warm up on the 9-hole Chatham Seaside Links Golf Course adjacent to the inn then grab a wicker chair and sip a cool drink on the porch or unwind in the new spa, a totally stress-free environment with private cabanas set in Japanese Zen gardens around a relaxation pool.
12 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
Not far away, one of the best reasons to stay at the classy Wequassett Resort & Golf Club (besides all the cool amenities) is the opportunity to play one of the finest private courses in the northeast, Cape Cod National Golf Club. Designed by Brian Silva, the course is only available to members and quests of the resort. Each room and suite is different and beautifully furnished with prices ranging from $195 for a garden view room to $1,675 for a stunning signature junior suite. Elegant poolside cabanas, waterside dining and a boatload of water sports enhance your stay. In Brewster, the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club’s rolling, scenic18-hole layout recently emerged from an $8 million upgrade by the Nicklaus Design Group. Stay in one of the Bay Pines Villas on Cape Cod Bay or check into a nicely appointed room or suite in the main mansion; other villas are located along the golf course. Besides hot tubs, tennis and bike rides, activities include s’mores around a fire on the beach, tidal walks, spa treatments, and Pilates. For value and location, Corsair and Cross Rip oceanfront resort in Dennisport, a small, friendly motel-style place, is just steps from the beach. Rooms have sitting areas and efficiency kitchens and there is a nice-sized pool. Heritage House Hotel in Hyannis is well tuned in to golfers and offers a variety of play and stay specials throughout the year. It's a casual place with clean, attractive rooms, a beautiful pool, saunas and meals at Chauncy's Bar & Grille. Bayside Resort, centrally located in West
Yarmouth has an outdoor pool, the Moby Dick Poolside Pub, fitness center, beach and 128 attractive rooms and the Clarion Inn in South Yarmouth, is an efficient, no-nonsense hotel with good things like indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub, free breakfast and WiFi. www.clarionhotel.com
Considering a golf home? We can put you on the right course.
We identify the golf communities and courses that best match your lifestyle as well as your game.
Check out these money-saving play and stay deals. - Heritage House Hotel's Stay & Play includes room, golf and breakfast from $69 to $159. Other packages available. www.heritagehousehotel.com; www.stayandplaycapecod.com - Spa Packages at Chatham Bars Inn: Ocean Bliss pampers you with a 90 minute massage and 60 minute signature facial ($275) and the four-hours Ultimate Indulgence ($400) including a 60-minute massage, Sea Buff, signature facial and manicure. www.chathambarsinn.com - Ocean Edge's Freedom to Stay and Play package includes villa accommodations, breakfast, practice range, golf with cart, and yardage book starting at $255. www.oceanedge.com - As a guest at Wequassett Resort & Golf Club, you get golf priviledges at Cape Cod National Golf Club. Book your room by May 27 and get a third night free. www.wequassett.com - Corsair and Cross Rip oceanfront resorts offer a two night package for two starting at $495 with accommodations, two days of golf, breakfasts and a dinner one night. www.corsaircrossrip.com - Bayside Resort's Sizzling Summer Super Saver includes accommodations, golf, continental breakfast, and dinner vouchers to local restaurants. One night (18 holes golf ) from $139; one night (36 holes golf ) from $195; two nights $269; two nights (54 holes golf ) $325. Golf available at more than 25 courses. www.BaysideResort.com www.capecodgolfvacation.com
E! E R F in-deptnhity mu com eport r
Our opinions are always unbiased and our service is totally free.* Contact us today, and start living the dream tomorrow.
Contact us at editor@GolfCommunityReviews.com and we will send you one of our in-depth reports so you can judge for yourself. (Choose among reviews of Myrtle Beach, Asheville, Chapel Hill, Savannah and others.)
GolfCommunityReviews.com *We are paid referral fees by real estate agents. There is never a charge to our customers.
Off Course Fun - Explore Cape Cod’s wonderful seashores and lighthouses. - Take a jeep tour of the dunes - Go whale watching - Dig into the best lobster sandwich and clams - Try deep sea fishing - Settle into an Adirondack chair with a good book overlooking the sea. - Catch a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-in — and what a deal: with double features on Friday and Saturday. - Walk, bike or run the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 13
Home on the Course Is it the right time to buy your dream home on the golf course?
Renewed buyer interest in southern golf communities has real estate agents from Virginia to Florida working full days again. Stock market portfolio gains over the last year are fueling people’s decisions to buy the retirement and vacation homes they have deferred since the market collapsed. I am asked frequently “Is this a good time to buy?” and the follow-up question, “Will home prices drop more?” My honest answers are, respectively, “Depends” and “Doesn’t matter.” Frankly, the first question is incomplete and the second one is irrelevant. Here’s what I mean: at first question should be “Is this a good time for us to buy?” e decision to make such a big investment should always be driven by personal financial and lifestyle interests. e answer will be different, say, for the couple who bought their home 20 years ago and paid off their mortgage as opposed to the couple who bought their primary home just before the recession and will be lucky to recoup their original purchase price. e former should have enough equity to buy their new golf community home with cash; the latter will require at least some financing. But borrowing is not necessarily a deal breaker because mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows.
14 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
e financial component is mitigated, in many cases, by the cost of living differences between where people live now and where they might want to relocate in the south. e differences are stark enough that a couple living in, say, Boston, could decrease their annual costs by 22% by moving to Asheville, NC, and by 26% by moving to Wilmington, NC. A Stamford, CT, couple would spend 37% less living in the Myrtle Beach area, or 39% less in Greenville, SC. Annual property taxes in many southern communities are the same as the monthly tax bill in some New England cities. If prices continue to trend down, they are almost certain to do so more steeply in the less desirable north than the south. And if they move up, which historic precedent says they will do, the increase will be faster and farther where the sun shines on golf courses and on the cost of living. If you have a house with equity and a plan to move to your dream retirement home, don’t let perfect be the enemy of this good time to execute your plan. Larry Gavrich works with couples planning to relocate to a southern golf community. He does not charge customers for his services. (He is paid referral fees by real estate agents.) Larry can be reached at editor@homeonthecourse.com
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Golf Travel Bag by K. Dyson
Pinehurst: Where golf grew
If St. Andrews is the birthplace of golf, clearly Pinehurst, NC, is the home of the game this side of the pond. Like the words "Google" and "Kleenex" which have taken on a vast life of their own and need no explanation, simply say, "Pinehurst" and everyone knows it's all about golf. Venue for the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open, since Donald Ross came here in 1900 as head professional and went on to launch his golf design career (Pinehurst #1-#4), it's been the “Go To” place for serious golfers. Sam Snead, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias played here while Amelia Earhart arrived in her own plane. Set on 2,000 acres in North Carolina's Sandhills, players can tee up on Pinehurst's eight championship tracks by Ross, Fazio, Maples and Jones while there are more than 40 courses in the area. Pinehurst is simultaneously steeped in tradition and rated as among the nation's most womenfriendly golf destinations. although I've learned when
16 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
it comes to #2, Ross’s greens have about as much safe landing area as floor space in a teenager's room. I doubt any of that will change with the current renovation of #2 to bring the course back to where is was in the 30s. Following the "bones" of Ross's original course, the fairways will be widened and reshaped. Crowned greens will remain as they are and the course will remain open throughout the renovation process. I cannot think of a more user-friendly resort setup for golfers of all levels. From the time you drive up to e Carolina and hand over your clubs to the attendant, golf services from delivery your sticks to course to the shuttle to the courses, all run seamlessly. Since it opened in 1901, the Carolina Hotel has reigned as the prima donna of the Pinehurst resort scene. In the early 1900s America’s first families including the Rockefellers, du Ponts, Morgans and Sousas, came to this newly created resort in South Carolina’s pine barrens to escape winter chills. Even
- One of Southern New England’s most Pristine Private Golf Clubs Annie Oakley came here, but she was here to give shooting lessons. A three-lane lap pool runs through the center of the stunning new 31,000 square foot spa where you have a choice of more than 40 treatments like the stimulating Hot Stone Massage, Magnolia Facial and Champion's Massage designed for golfers. Renovated rooms are decorated with earthy colors of tans, cream and khakis; bathrooms feature marble vanities and shower rain-heads the size of dinner plates plus you get things they didn't have in the early 1900s like flat screen tvs and minibars. To brush up on your game there is the Pinehurst Golf Academy where the student teacher ratio is a favorable four to one under the direction of Eric Alpenfels. Get help in fundaments and on-course instruction in a state-of-the-art facility. e Manor and Holly Inn. Booking a golf package is usually the best way to go. e Pinehurst Summer Tee from $870 gives you an extra night and round free when you book two nights and three rounds of golf. You also get dinner on evening of arrival and breakfast. e Donald Ross Package starting at $517 includes one round per day with a cart, room, breakfast and dinner as well as use of fitness center and beach club. Book your stay on any Sunday to Wednesday during the Spring or Fall season and receive a $300 gift card. A basic golf package gives you a room, round, and breakfast along with a sleeve of Titleist golf balls is priced from $299. e Pinehurst Spa Package, "back to basics" from $299 includes accommodations, one spa therapy per night stay and a spa tranquility pass.
Enjoy your next event in our Banquet Facility that over looks our beautiful 18 hole golf course. We can accommodate groups as small as 25 and as large as 125. Corporate Events | Birthdays | Showers Anniversaries | Weddings | Reunions Fundraisers | Golf Tournaments Call Renee Gray 508-824-9110 ext. 12 or email rgray85@comcast.net
Segregansett
country club
85 Gulliver Street Taunton, MA 02780
508-824-9110
www.segregansett.com Since 1893
www.pinehurst.com May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 17
Couple of Travelers by Alice and Danny Scott
Remember All of San Antonio
Deep in the throbbing heart of Texas, the hill country hospitality of San Antonio draws in families, couples, singles and conventioneers alike. Always renovating and evolving, it is #7 on Forbes’ list of top golf cities. e JW Marriott is the newest pride of San Antonio, appearing from the TPC Parkway as a modern day castle atop the high hill. All around, the palatial theme mixes ostrich skin barstools, blown glass, Remington motif and nine -pillow beds. e resort’s AT&T Oaks course was preparing for the Valero Texas Open. Playing a course where the pros compete enhances the golf experience. Designer Greg Norman’s voice through the GPS system delivers course tips at every tee box. Pay attention to the pin placement as many of the greens are Texas sized and can leave a very long putt. Some bunker edges emulate the canopy of the native oak trees and all have thick sand that Lawrence of Arabia would have difficulty escaping. e unusually forgiving Pete Dye design of the resort’s second, AT&T Canyon course allows even high handicappers a chance to score well. Views are intensified by the 700 acre preserve of hillside oak forests, with a bounty of spring blooms, including the famous blue bonnets. For anyone outside of Texas, these would be recognized as monochromatic midget lupines. A closed irrigation system is part of their "greenitiative”. It recycles rain water and maximizes course drainage for dry play even after very wet days. e 20 acre TPC Tour Academy instructs all level of
18 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
players on fine tuning or drastic swing changes. From the grand courtyard waterfalls to the 6 acre park of rivers, slides, fountains, and pools, water soothes the soul. Our timing however coincided with different water, torrential rain, ending a 3 year draught. Nonetheless, we braved the storm, playing one hole at the Westin La Cantera Resort Course, former home of the Open for 15 years. What a great first hole – a 665 yard par 5, with a 125 yard drop from tee to green. With bucket rain hats and umbrellas in hands, we delighted in long drives down the flooding fairway. e cart path converted into a Jurassic like scene and the clubhouse summoned our return, possibly saving our lives, since lightning struck as soon as we returned. For a few hours, traffic lights were out and all San Antonio became a water feature. We’ll be back for the last seventeen. Fortunately, the JW Marriott is conducive to rain or shine. Rocking beside a fireplace under the tall portico, sipping drinks and eating gourmet brisket with the smell and sound of fresh rain, who cares about the weather? Inside are game tables and shelves of books to while away the hours. e High Velocity Sports Bar has big screens like the drive-ins of old, or you can lounge the day away in the Lantana Spa. With over 300 days of sunshine, you are more likely to hit the walking/biking trails or head to the San Antonio River Walk. Barge cruises are a recommended blast along with the shopping and restaurant experience.
For more golf, try e Quarry, recycled from a mining operation with lakes, once pits, now serving as the watery graves for errant shots. When your ball lodges in the boulders next to the limestone walls reaching 100 feet high, you may spot them but, best not retrieve them as the warning signs below heed the danger of rock climbing and snakes. One slithered across our path when leaving the 17th green, rearing his ugly head high above the grass in a threatening manner, but continued on. On the “Gibraltar Hole”, black squirrels inhabit the green, looking much akin to the Barbary apes. e San Antonio hill country stimulates a cowboy sense so strong that while in San Antonio, even the Pope got a Stetson hat at Paris Hatters. ere is something for everyone, including 6 Flags, Sea World, the top rated Schlitterbahn Water Park, museums, breweries, ranches and more. e Alamo of course, is San Antonio’s biggest historical claim to fame where Davy Crockett surrendered with 7 men and was then brutally killed. One survivor later led the battle of San Jacinto shouting “Remember the Alamo!” and the territory was won. Some dispute the account so it’s hard to know what to believe. Believe this though, that San Antonio is one of the best travel destinations for heritage, entertainment and golf!
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 19
Good Looks on the Course Count on it. by Elle Brec
You can count on it that Abacus will continue to make an impact in the golf apparel market of the United States. Based out of Sweden and well known among Europeans, Abacus is the golf pearl of the apple coast. Abacus golf apparel is known for its function, comfort, modern look, and on-or-off the course versatility. Abacus can be found in New England such pro-shops as the Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club, in New Durham, New Hampshire and the Belgrade Lakes Golf Club in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. In the spirit of the April 22nd Earth Day, kudos to Abacus for their diligent efforts in creating environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Among the most prominent pieces in the rapidly growing company's current line are the Buckie polo for women and the Scramble polo for men. ey are partially constructed with recycled coffee grounds that are transformed by a patented process into special fibers and have features like fast drying, UV protection, and odor control, and are non-hazardous to body and environment. Abacus also creates shirts using bamboo charcoal, which is a material made after bamboo burns into coal, which together with polyester, makes a thread. With the combination of micro polyester and bamboo charcoal, moisture is transferred from the skin to the outer surface and quickly evaporates, while keeping the body warm and maintaining body temperature. Bamboo provides natural minerals that absorb moisture, prevent bacteria growth, reduce odor and have UV-protection. e functionality of the apparel is most impressive. Abacus' fleece are very high quality, are light, soft against the skin and have an anti piling treatment. eir two face fleece insulates effectively against cold and at the same time transports moisture away from the body. eir lamb’s wool is light, cozy and naturally odor resistant. e cotton in the knitted garments is treated with cashmere touch which makes it
20 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
extra soft and pliable. Hillside Chinos made from cotton spandex threads have a Nanotex treatment that provides stain protection and repels liquid. is provides the fabric with long-lasting protection, and the fabric's natural softness allows the trouser to breath naturally. ey retail for $100 and come in sand, white and mandarin. Abacus is the apparel provider for the Solheim Cup, the most prestigious team event in women’s professional golf. e biennial event pits the U.S. against Europe for three days of grueling match-play competition. Be sure to look for players sporting Abacus September 23-25, 2011 at Killeen Castle in Ireland. Part of the collection Abacus made for the Solheim Cup included Pitch rainwear, which has won numerous awards in Europe. e jacket is made from a four way stretch fabric for increased comfort and freedom of movement. e stretch makes it possible to combine a good fit with an attractive silhouette. e jacket is super lightweight and has taped seams, removable sleeves and many other adjustment options. In February 2010, Abacus announced their partnership with the Challenge Tour. European Tour champion Christian Nilsson of Sweden, who last year graduated from the Challenge Tour in 18th place in the Rankings, said: "I have a lot of affection for both the Challenge Tour and Abacus, so I was really pleased to hear about the new partnership. I've been wearing Abacus for longer than I remember now, and every year they impress me with their new designs and the level of service, which is always first-class. e raingear is excellent - I never used to wear waterproofs because they were too uncomfortable and didn't allow me to swing freely, but that changed when I switched to Abacus."
For questions or comments contact ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com
NEGM GINA CIGAR
Girl of the Month
Name: Jen Carter Hometown: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada College: I Graduated on a full athletic rowing scholarship from Northeastern University with a B.S In Journalism. Handicap: My Handicap would be a late afternoon tee-time and making it through 18 holes! Favorite Course: I really enjoy the Pine Hills Golf course, especially the Nicklaus course! Favorite Tour Player: Tiger Woods, all scandals aside! lol Most Fashionable Tour Player: Tiger Woods Number of Years w/ Gina Cigar: 3 years How do you as a Gina Cigar girl enhance a charity golf tournament? I enhance a charity golf tournament with my amazing smile, personality and of course Gina's incredibly tasty cigars! (lol) I also provide a clip and light presentation while enjoying a stogie with the players which makes for a really fun/relaxing day on the course. What is your favorite tournament memory that you/Gina Cigar attended? My favorite tournament memory that I worked for Gina Cigar was from the Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Golf Classic at Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug, CT. It was really great meeting and greeting all the celebrities and seeing them support the Boy's and Girls Club.
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 21
“An incredible place to just B!”
Every golfer would most likely agree that any time you can spend on the golf course is quality time. Brookstone Park Golf course was sculpted into the existing landscape to create a blend of nature and architecture that resulted in a truly unique course. Nestled between Derry and North Salem, New Hampshire, this public 9-hole gem is waiting for discovery. Brookstone’s PGA Professional Tony Zdunko is proud of the meticulously maintained Par 3 course where he offers private and group lessons to golfers of all skill levels. “We’re finding that many people much prefer our 9-hole course, which allows them to keep golf in their busy lives, comments Zdunko. “we also find that more couples are choosing to play together at our course and then have a great dinner at our Brookstone Grille. It’s the new “date night” activity!” Seniors also find the course a perfect fit with their lifestyle and the driving range and 18 hole adventurestyle miniature golf course is a great way for the baby boomers to introduce the new generation to golf. “Sometimes you need a beautiful day, mini golf, and some ice cream to get the kids out of the house and off the computer!” Zdunko continues. Brookstone Park includes an impressive landscape of detailed white buildings that offer up gourmet dining for lunch and dinner at Brookstone Grille, (also popular for after golf drinks in their handsome bar), and Brookstone Event Center that provides function facilities for business and golf outings. e Pro Shop is a beautiful separate building and is home to all the latest gear and apparel. e entire facility is so well maintained and impressive that many people find it hard to believe that it isn’t a private country club. e course design was created by noted golf architect, Howard Maurer of Howard Maurer Design Group (HMDG). Howard’s company provided a creative design and worked to preserve the natural characteristics of the site. e finished product is a course with large greens, sand traps, rolling hills and water hazards that are strategically placed to create “target style” greens. ere are multiple tees on each hole which accommodate players of all skill levels and allows the same hole to be played from multiple angles. Brookstone Park Golf Course is quietly becoming a top “half-way” destination meeting place, with its easy to get to location off exit 3 on I-93. If you’re in Manchester and your golf buddies are in the Boston area, Brookstone is a great getaway for a round and business lunch meeting. Add in their affordable green fees, and you’ve just found your “incredible place to just B.” For more information visit:
www.brookstone-park.com or call 603.894.7336 (89-GREEN). 14 Route 111, Derry, (North Salem) NH 22 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
An exclusive private club, within your reach (508) 761-6600 / 131 Brown A Ave, ve, Seekonk, MA www.ledgemontcc.com www.ledgemontcc.com
Course Reviews by Greg Sampson
Ledgemont Country Club
On a beautiful Saturday in April we arrived at Ledgemont Country Club for lunch and a round of golf. e weather was magnificent but the experience much more rewarding. e staff greeted us by last name, took our bags, showed us to the locker room facilities and we sat down for lunch overlooking the course. e food was fantastic.One can only imagine the quality dining experience Ledgemont has to offer to its members, outings or function guests on a regular basis. Set to tee off the 10th hole we warmed up at the clubs practice facilities. I particularly noticed the attention to detail both the PGA head professional, Todd Campbell, who was giving lessons/fittings to members and the finely manicured short game area located adjacent to the 1st tee box. If you get the privilege to step foot on the grounds as a new member, guest of a member or outing participant be sure to give yourself plenty of time to roll some putts, the greens will be fast and true. For example the sign on the practice green read 10.6 on the stimp meter as we warmed up. e 18 hole round of golf on Ledgemont’s par 71 was very rewarding and enjoyable for all of us. e tee boxes and fairways were all tightly mowed, the rough just penalizing enough, the bunkers finely raked and the greens an absolute treat. ere are some wonderful scoring opportunities on select par 4’s and 5’s so take advantage of those because the par 3’s are very demanding along with the three closing holes that are designed to make or break your round. e 16th hole is a long dogleg left measuring 435 yards, the 17th hole is also a long dogleg left measuring 431 yards and the closing hole is an uphill dog leg right measuring 420 yards. All three greens slope back to front and are well protected by bunkers or drop off areas.Overall the golf course was in wonder-
ful condition. I for one would recommend Ledgemont Country Club to golfers of all skill levels who are interested in the private country club tradition or are looking for a new outing location. History In 1924 one of the finest private country clubs in Southern New England was established in Ledgemont Country Club. e club features all the amenities a member demands: an 18 hole championship golf course, gourmet dining, six tennis courts, a s w i m m i n g p o o l a n d u p s c a l e entertainment.Renowned architect, Alfred Tull, designed the course. Mr. Tull left nothing in the bag when he laid out this masterpiece of a track that has a slope of 135 and a rating of 73.2 from the tips. Interesting Fact As a member of both the Rhode Island Golf Association and the Massachusetts Golf Association, Ledgemont has held major amateur events for both organizations over the years. Ledgemont members can join both the RIGA and MGA providing opportunities to play RI and MA amateur events. Membership Ledgemont offers a variety of membership options to fit anyone’s vision of being a private country club member. ey are one of very few Gender Neutral clubs in New England by eliminating the A/B tee time categories for all members including juniors. Play when you want, with whom you want and even join as a Single member regardless of marital status. To learn more about the wonderful membership options at Ledgemont or to tour the facility contact Gyda Jeremy at (508) 761-6600 ext. 101. Visit www.ledgemontcc.com for additional information.
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 25
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26 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
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508-678-9374 May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 27
Molori Unplugged by John Molori
The Ballad of Tiger and Lefty
ey have been golf ’s leading men for more than a decade. ey have never been friends, compatriots or even, it seems, close acquaintances. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s only shared bond was an uncanny ability put that white ball into that elusive hole, and even this similarity was different. While Tiger rolled up Major championships, endorsement deals and the awe of spectators and colleagues alike, Mickelson played a distant second fiddle. In fact, Lefty’s hold on second place was, at times, tenuous. e David Duvals, Sergio Garcias and Ernie Elses often staked a valid claim to being Tiger’s trailer. Moreover, Mickelson held perhaps the worst moniker that any athlete can bear, that of choker. Honestly, who ever thought that Lefty would ever win a Major? Sure, he came close, but that only worsened things for him. He was a younger, less Australian version of Greg Norman, and Lefty didn’t even have a wine company, fashion line or still-hot tennis player paramour. While Tiger made the big drive, sank the big putt and won the big trophies, Lefty’s greatest accomplishment was winning a ton of dough on the Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI upset of the Rams. He was the Red Sox of golf, always close, yet seemingly doomed to a tragic end. Both the golfer and Boston’s baseball team would forever alter their legacies in 2004. The Red Sox’ World Championship and Lefty’s Master win would serve as a turning point for both sports commodities. Even after Lefty took home the green jacket, Tiger continued his reign. However, that all ended during anksgiving week in 2009. Now awash in an eddy of mistakes, missteps, madams, mess, marital strife and mea culpas, Tiger can still put that white ball into that elusive hole, but no one cares. TMZ does not cover the world rankings. Yes, the lives of Tiger and Lefty have endured more emotional swings than a country music ballad, so let’s
28 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
do just that. Set to the tune of Willie Nelson’s classic “Pancho and Lefty,” here is the Ballad of Tiger and Lefty: e PGA is tough my friend, the media will do you in.You can say your skin is thick, but still your ass they’ll always kick. All the players have big dreams, filled with precious hope,Dreams aren’t enough when it gets tough, underneath that microscope. Tiger was the golden child, always flashed that winning smile.He got the cash and heard the cheers, and set the golf world on its ears.Tiger’s record had no peer, he chased the hallowed Golden Bear.No one saw beyond his stare, he was focused and composed.All the other players say, Tiger and Lefty aren’t so great,But none of them can make the grade, against these two great pros.Lefty couldn’t get that win, the Majors just eluded him.ey called him gutless and a choke, at times his very spirit broke.Lefty couldn’t catch a break, from all the bogies he would make.His confidence began to shake, and the pressure always shows.All the other players say, Tiger and Lefty aren’t so great,But none of them can make the grade, against these two great pros.Now the tables they have turned, Lefty’s king and Tiger’s burned.Lefty is the Masters champ, and Tiger’s linked to one more tramp.Tiger and Elin have gone wrong, Lefty and Amy’s love is strong.It’s bittersweet to sing this song, but that’s how the story goes.All the other players say, Tiger and Lefty aren’t so great,But none of them can make the grade, against these two great pros. Syndicated columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and websites. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com. Syndicated columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and websites. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 29
Fore Thought
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Mental Game Quiz
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True or False 1. Talking through a shot out loud is more effective than having the conversation internally. True or False 2. Improving consistency is an excellent goal to have.True or False 3. Positive self-talk consists of simply using positive statements such as ‘I’m going to play well today,’ or ‘ I know I can do this.’ True or False 4. On a scale of one to ten the optimum arousal level for golfers is 4 to 6. True or False
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30 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010 | Game Improvement
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Game Improvement | May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 31
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32 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
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34 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010 | Game Improvement
by Rob Baxter PGA Director of Instruction Swift Results Golf Center
Why Diets and Golf Lessons DON’T WORK! Blasphemy! How can you, a PGA Professional say such a thing? Well, I am only telling you the truth. Neither do work UNLESS the information you are given is correct and more importantly applied. Each New Year, many go to join the gym and make a resolution to lose weight and to get into better shape. Some people even hire a Personal Trainer to help them reach their potential. e PT will give you the information that will get you to reach your goals but can never provide you with a quick fix. Learning to play better golf is no different. As a Professional, my job is to “inform, explain and motivate” while the student must “absorb, apply and practice”. ere are no quick fixes only determined, dedicated practice will produce results. e student needs to set “realistic” goals and dedicate themselves to train the correct motion. Get yourself motivated to seek out a PGA Professional and begin the journey to become the best player you can!
Pitching Pennies to help your Short Game Your approach shot has just missed the green and you find your ball on a “tight” lie and the panic sets in. Well I have a way with the help of a Penny to get you to learn this shot. e drill is simple and will help you to become an expert at this shot. You can learn this at home with a wedge, a penny and a tight carpet. Simply place a few pennies on the ground and begin making chipping motions trying to strike the leading edge of your club to the leading edge of the coin. Start by sweeping the coin across the room by making a stroke that descends just enough to make the coin move forward. Too steep of an angle and the coin will just bounce straight up while done correctly you will hear the “click” and see the penny fly. After a few correct contacts you can then place a ball on top of the coin. As you now make your pitching motion only concentrate on making the penny fly and watch how well the ball is lofted in the air.
by Dennis Sales Professional Golf Instructor.
Avoid that 3 Putt!!! How often have you ruined that coveted green in regulation on an extremely difficult hole by committing a maddening three-putt? Worse yet, how often have you ruined a great ball-striking round by racking up those trunk-slamming three putts? It happens all too often and it’s so easy to avoid. My last drill showed you how to consistently hit more solid putts and if you have practiced that, you should be hitting the center of the face more often. is drill will help you learn how to practice controlling distance. Being able to hit putts solid and control distance is a surefire way to eliminate extra shots on the putting green. Try this drill to improve distance control and to leave yourself a more manageable second putt.
1) Lay a club 17” past the hole. 2) Place a tee and 3 golf balls at 25’, 30’, and 35’ away with various breaks. 3) Start at the 25’ mark and hit the 3 putts. Focus on trying to get the ball beyond the leading edge of the hole while not hitting the club you placed behind the hole. 4) Continue moving to the other distances focusing on pace more than making the putt. 5) Once you’re comfortable doing this drill, try adding pressure to this drill by stroking all the golf balls between the hole and the club. If any ball comes up short or hits the club, you must start over. Once you are able to do this consistently you will see less three putts and more one putts.
Game Improvement | May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 35
36 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010 | Game Improvement
Game Improvement | May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 37
myNEGM Lesson Tee by Steve Riggs
by Steve Riggs
Putting: Looking for the Spot will do wonders for your stroke and focus.
A long time ago, a now Champions TOUR player shared a secret with me about putting that I have passed on to clients. It is simply called Looking for the Spot. For TOUR players, this technique has been around for a long time. While a very simple drill, it can help a golfer of any level improve confidence in their putting helping them make a smooth even stroke, not to mention improving the ability to focus.
Here is how it works: • Place a ball 4-6 feet from the cup on a putting green, and take your putting position. Keep it a straight putt to begin with.i • Literally pick out a dimple on the top of the golf ball and FOCUS all your attention on that dimple. • When you make your stroke, DO NOT MOVE YOUR EYES FROM WHERE THE DIMPLE was. Do not peek, look or follow the ball or putter. • Keep your eyes focused on where the dimple was. • If successful, you will see a silhouette or ‘spot’ where the ball was. e inability to see anything is an indication that you were not focused. is can often times be an indication of ‘focus’ problems in both your swing and game needing attention.
Keep repeating the process until you ‘see the spot’. Once you see the spot then review the stroke that led to it and you will realize you’re putting stroke was very smooth and even! Now back up to 10 feet and repeat the process. What you are going to find is that once you have lined up your putt and ‘focus’ only on a dimple, your system will roll the ball toward, if not into the cup. • A good additional tip: Stay over the ‘spot’, in position, until you hear the ball go in the cup or until you ‘feel’ it has stopped rolling. You may be surprised with your results. e more you are able to focus on the dimple, the more pronounced the silhouette becomes. e more pronounced, the smoother and more fluid the overall putting stroke. is works because by looking and focusing on the dimple, you are actually giving your brain something to do while the system, (which is below your neck), strokes the putt. You can use this same drill with the short game as well to learn feel while develop the ability to stay through the bottom of the stroke and not lift up while keeping the club moving through the shot.
38 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010 | Game Improvement
NEPGA Profile Bob D's NEPGA Pro File
Mark O'Brien by Bob DiCesare
ere's no place like home. Mark O'Brien, 49, grew up in Barnstable and got his first golf job as an assistant professional at e Captains Golf Course in Brewster in 1989. After seven years, he left in 1996 to become the head professional at North Kingstown Golf Course in Rhode Island, only to return to e Captains in 1999 as the course's director of golf when the facility expanded to 36 holes. "It is like home to me," said O'Brien, who worked in finance and real estate after graduation from Bryant College before landing his first golf job at e Captains. "I'm responsible for everything here. I oversee the superintendent and the entire operation. Being on the Outer Cape, besides Highland Links in Truro and Chequessett CC in Wellfleet (nine-hole courses), we're the only game in town for public-access golf." "One of the beauties is that the two courses are interchangeable," said O'Brien. "e layouts are both tree-lined and the green undulations are the same. Most often, golfers are curious and want to play both." Although residents of Brewster can get a great deal here ($700 season's pass with unlimited golf for 36 holes), e Captains mostly targets vacationers. e facility averages around 80,000 rounds per year with a close split between the Port and Starboard courses. And that's actually down from the peak years of 2002-03 when it was averaging 86,000 rounds per year. e course enjoyed a highly successful early spring with its 2-for-1 greens fee special from Monday through ursday in March and April. Right now, e Captains is featuring a "free replay" deal whereupon following the completion of an 18-hole morning round, you can play the other course in the afternoon for just the cost of the cart. At a time when the economy has had a profound effect on the golf industry, O'Brien says it's important to offer a valuable experience for the discerning customer. "e best thing we can do is provide good customer service, at a competitive price, and on a golf course that is in excellent condition. I think we do all of those things well." (Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for e Enterprise in Brockton, MA, and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf )
exp. June 1, 2010
Game Improvement | May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 39
Liberty Mutual Invitational to Benefit the DAV of MA June 4, 2010 at Blue Hill CC Please contact us for Sponsorship Opportunities or to sign up for this event. Limited to the first 32 teams who sign up. Last year’s event was a complete sell out.
Contact Dan Stack | 508-735-7543 | dstack@davma.org 40 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
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May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 41
Q & A with Liz Janangelo by Barry J. Palm
Arguably, Liz Janangelo is among the best amateur and collegiate golfers to come from New England. After an exemplary record with Connecticut State Golf Association events – and then, at Duke, as a college player and her accomplishments on the LPGA Tour speak volumes on her ability. Recently, New England Golf Monthly caught up with Liz while she was vacationing on Cape Cod to talk with the young phenom about the status of her game, her future, and her thoughts about the LPGA among other topics. New England Golf Monthly: Let’s talk about college golf at Duke. Liz Janangelo: First of all, I always wanted to attend Duke for my education. Ever since I was at Conard High School (West Hartford, CT) and saw any potential I had with golf, my goal was to get a scholarship to attend Duke. Plus, my parents always stressed the importance of academics. I’m proud of my degree from Duke (History) and graduating is really maybe more important than a successful golf career in the overall scheme of things. NEGM: So, are you saying that your education at Duke is better than the education you might get on the golf course? LJ: Perhaps. As I said, my degree from Duke means the world to me. But I’m always a student on the golf course. NEGM: Speaking of Duke…is there such a thing as a ‘Duke’ curse – whereby prominent Blue Devils failed to win as professionals despite stellar collegiate careers. LJ: I’ve been asked this many times…I don’t believe in the so-called ‘curse.’ Remember, Duke fields only 5 players in our national competitions…some schools might play 10 golfers…so we have fewer players to begin with. Time will tell, and I expect to win. I’ve already proved that as an amateur on the Duramed Tour.
42 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
NEGM: Speaking of the LPGA, do you have any thoughts on the direction the Tour should take with respect to a new Commissioner given the Caroline Bivens fall-out? LJ: Let’s just say, the LPGA is a great place for a sponsor to be. We have a tremendous product that is fan friendly, attractive, receptive to advertisers, and a willing corporate partner. I am not privy to the selection process for a new LPGA Commissioner, but the Tour is something I strongly believe in, and whoever takes over the reins has my support. NEGM: Now for something completely different… what’s your favorite New England golf course? LJ: It’s funny…I’ve played so many tournaments in New England and across the country, I haven’t really played some of the ‘great’ New England courses like Salem, Worchester and Wannamoisett. But, Wampanoag is still a personal favorite. NEGM: Got a dream foursome? LJ: Actually two…first - my dad, brother, and my grandpa…and then Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Annika Sorenstam. I’m waiting for their phone calls. NEGM: Finally, what are you carrying in your bag currently? LJ: Driver - TaylorMade R-7; Irons - Titleist AP2; Metal Woods - Callaway 3 & 5; Putter - Yes; Ball – Titleist Pro V1
Barry J. Palm is a Public Relations Consultant and writer based in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Contact: barryjpalm@gmail.com or phone 904-451-1142. He also graduated from Conard High School in West Hartford, CT although several years before Liz.
Tour Photos
Ken Dennis Photography
Professional Golf Photography
Corporate Golf Events & Outings
Photos of the Most Dramatic Golf Venues
A complete Gallery of Golf Tournaments Browse and enjoy the images available at
www.kendennisphoto.com LPGA Tour: Anna Grzebien at the Kia LPGA Classic PGA Tour: Ricky Fowler at Pebble Beach Champions Tour: Dana Quigley, Allen Doyle and John Cook at The Toshiba Photos by Ken Dennis
Ken Dennis
Veteran PGA Tour Photographer
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 43
Team New England On The Tours PGA TOUR Billy Andrade, PGA (RI) Billy has had a few difficult years and has traded the driver for a microphone and taken a position with the Golf Channel in broadcasting for 10 PGA Tour Events and 5 Champions Tour events in the tower and out on the course at 2010 events. He has yet to play an event in 2010. Brad Faxon, PGA (RI) Brad has played in 10 events in 2010 and made one cut in the Mayakoba and last week at the Zurich. Health wise it seems that Brad is feeling well. His short game is very good as always but driving and greens in regulation have been off. Current earnings on e PGA Tour $20,460.
Brett Quigley, PGA (RI) Brett Quigley In keeping with the Quigley family tradition Brett has played already in12 events and made the cut in 7. His best finish this year was 22nd at the Verizon where all 4 rounds were at or under par. He currently sits at 121 on the money list with $153,450 in earnings.
Fran Quinn, PGA (MA) Fran has had a good start in 2010 playing in 7 events on the PGA Tour and 2 events on the Nationwide Tour and made the cut in 4 events. In Mayakoba he had a 23rd place finish earning him over $32,000. In February he played in the Panama Claro Championship and brought home the win at 15 under on the Nationwide Tour and earned $99,000. is year earnings are $45,00 on e PGA Tour and $101,530 on e Nationwide. Tim Petrovic, PGA (MA) Tim has played in 11 events and made cuts in 3 consecutive weeks in the Transitions, Arnold Palmer, and the Shell Houston. In the Palmer he had a T30 and earned $33,420. To date Tim has earned $58,750 on the PGA Tour in 2010 and sits at 176 on the money list. James Driscoll, PGA (MA) Jim in 2010 has played in 9 events and made the cut in four. At the Waste Management Phoenix Open he shot 4 consecutive 69’s for a tie for 36 in the event earning $27,000. ree weeks later he shot -6 at e Shell Houston open finishing T14 and earning $89,900. He currently sits 10 at 153 on the money list at $141,379 in earnings.
Kevin Johnson, PGA (MA) Kevin has come out on the PGA Tour this year and already played in 11 events making cuts in the Sony, the Farmers and the Puerto Rico Open. He has been playing well and his scoring average is improving each week. He has earned $51,458 on the tour so far this year.
J.J. Henry, PGA (CT) JJ has been playing very well in 10 events on the PGA Tour in 2010 he has made 7 cuts and earned $193,190.. If he can cut a few strokes off his final rounds he will be in great shape, he has only broken par once this year on the final day. He sits at 134 on the PGA Tour money list.
LPGA TOUR
CHAMPIONS TOUR
Anna Grzebien, LPGA (RI) In 2009 Anna played in 20 events in her rookie season and made 14 cuts. She had a career best 13th place finish at the CVS Pharmacy/ LPGA Challenge and finished the season 64th on the money list. In 2010 she has played 2 events and mad 1 cut earning $3,447.
Dana Quigley, Champions (MA) In 2009 Dana played in 12 events. His 8year streak came to a halt at the Senior British Open when a nagging hip injury forced him out. He has only played in 3 events in 2010, this is a slow start for the Ironman and who has earned $21,440 to date.
Liz Janangelo, LPGA (CT) After a year on the Duramed Futures Tour finishing 18th on the money list, Liz is back on the LPGA Tour. Liz has played in just one event so far in 2010 and missed the cut which was at the Kia Classic.
Allen Doyle, Champions (RI) Allen played in 21 events on the Champion Tour in 2009. He had 4 top 25 finishes and his best for the year was t20 at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. He has played in 6 events thus far in 2010 earning $43,4569.
44 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
SPONSORED BY NATIONWIDE TOUR Trevor Murphy, Nationwide (VT) Trevor is a rookie on the Nationwide Tour in 2010 after a t78 finish in QSchool. He has played 6 events in 2010 thus far with his best finish being t10 at the Moonah Classic. He ranks 40th in Money Leaders on the Nationwide Tour at $33,956 in earnings. Rob Oppenheim, Nationwide (MA) Rob is a rookie with full status on the Nationwide Tour in 2010 after a t64 finish in Q-School. He has played in 7 events thus far in 2010 with 4 top 25 finishes already this year. Rob is playing well. Rob is currently 35th on the money list at $39,518. Geoff Sisk, Nationwide (MA) Geoff has held status on both the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tours throughout his career.In 2009 he made 16 of 26 cuts finishing 66th on the money list with $93,899 in official earnings. He has played in 5 events and made three cuts with one top 25 finish. He is 71 on the money list with $9,426.00 in earnings. Justin Peters, Nationwide (MA) Justin is a rookie on the Nationwide Tour in 2010 with partial status via the 2009 Q-School tournament. He has not played in an event thus far in 2010 but look for him to take advantage of every opportunity it gets.Most notably he won the first ever Big Break on the Golf Channel. Played in 2 events this year on the Nationwide Tour earning $3,563. Brad Adamonis, Nationwide (RI) Brad has been working hard on his game to return to his 2008 rookie season form when he earned over $850,000 and retained his card finishing 121 on the money list. In 2009 he finished 162 and earned over $325,000. Last week Brad made his first cut at e South Georgia Classic. His current earning on the Nationwide Tour are $1,922. Patrick Sheehan, Nationwide (RI) Patrick has only played in 7 events on the Nationwide Tour thus far in 2010 and has made 2 cuts at the Panama Claro Championship and the Chitimacha Open. His scoring average has been well off last years pace and he is working hard to get it down. Current earnings are $5,412 on e Nationwide Tour
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800-736-9020 x11 May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 45
NEGM’s Top 25 Public Courses 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25)
Newport National Golf Club (RI) Lake of Isles – North (CT) Crumpin – Fox Golf Club (MA) Pine Hills Golf Club – Jones & Nicklaus (MA) Cape Cod National (MA) Red Tail (MA) Stowe Mountain Club (VT) Meadowbrook (RI) Farm Neck Golf Club (MA) Old Marsh Country Club (ME) Wintonbury Hills (CT) Belgrade Lakes Golf Club (ME) Granite Links Golf Club (MA) Triggs Memorial Golf Course (RI) Fox Hopyard (CT) Montaup Country Club (RI) The Ranch Golf Club (MA) Portsmouth Country Club (NH) Waverly Oaks Golf Club (MA) Crystal Lake Golf Course (RI) Owls Nest Golf Club (NH) Olde Scotland Links Poquoy Brook Golf Course (MA) Acushnet River Valley Golf (MA) Connecticut National Golf Club (CT)
Private Courses 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11)
The Country Club (MA) Turner Hill (MA) Old Sandwich Club (MA) Shelter Harbor Golf Club (RI) Wannamoisett Country Club (RI) The Course at Yale (CT) The Misquamicut Club (RI) Salem Country Club (MA) TPC Boston (MA) The Boston Golf Club (MA) Ekwanok Country Club (VT)
46 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
12) The Bay Club at Mattapoisett (MA) 13) Salem Country Club (MA) 14) Ledgemont Country Club (MA) 15) The International – Pines (MA) 16) Charles River Country Club (MA) 17) Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club (NH) 18) Burlington Country Club (VT) 19) Kittansett Country Club (MA) 20) East Ward Ho (MA) 21) Essex Country Club (MA) 22) Lake of Isles – South (CT) 23) Clinton Country Club (CT) 24) Sable Oaks Golf Club (ME) 25) Segregansett Country Club (MA)
Practice Facilities 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25)
Harmon Golf & Fitness Club (MA) Sun N’ Air Golf Center (MA) Golf Quest (CT) Crystal Lake Driving Range (RI) Golf Country (MA) McGolf Driving Range (MA) Swift Results Golf Center (RI) Lancaster Golf Center (MA) Prospect Golf (CT) Atlantic Golf Center (MA) Barrie Bruce Golf Schools (MA) MGA Links (MA) Button Hole (RI) Mulligans Island (RI) Sports Center of CT (CT) Stony Hill Golf Center (CT) Western MA Family Golf Center (MA) Elite Golf Center / Seekonk Driving Range (MA) GolfTec New England (RI, MA, CT) Big Sticks Golf (MA) Whirlaway Golf Center (MA) Golf Learning Center of New England (MA) Sonnys Par 3 & Driving Range (ME) Iron Woods Golf Practice Facility (RI) Coles River Golf Center (MA)
Resorts
Golf Instructors
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25)
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25)
Sunday River Resort (ME) The Balsams Grand Resort (NH) Mt. Washington Resort (NH) Ocean Edge Resort (MA) Equinox Resort (VT) Wequassett Resort & Golf Club (MA) Atkinson Resort (NH) Cranwell Resort (MA) Foxwoods Resort (CT) Mohegan Sun Resort (CT) Samoset Resort (ME) Bethel Inn Resort (ME) Lake Morey Resort (VT) Point Sebago Resort (ME) Okemo (VT) Sugarloaf (ME) Stratton Mountain Resort (VT) The International Resort (MA) Owls Nest Resort (NH) Eagle Mountain Resort (NH) Killington Resort (VT) Woodstock Inn & Resort (MA) Blue Rock Resort & Golf Course (MA) Clarion Inn on Cape Cod (MA) No RI Golf Resorts (RI)
Bill McInerny (MA) Dennis Sales (RI) Tom Cavicchi (MA) Jeff Dantas (MA) Derek Hopper (CT) Rob Baxter (RI) Billy Bondaruk (MA) Gary Cardoza (MA) Anthony Decker (ME) Ron Philo (VT) Ron Beck (CT) Susan Bond (RI) Mike Harbour (RI) Jane Frost (MA) TJ Valentine (MA) Jay Morelli (VT) Skip Guss (MA) Terry Felty (MA) Jeff DelRosso (CT) Dave Marcott (RI) Alex Kollar (MA) Suzy Whaley (CT) Ed Kirby (RI) Troy Pare (RI) Frank Russo Jr. (RI)
e results were a collaboration of the myNEGM.com survey, the NEGM Staff and the many national lists that are published yearly. You can submit your votes for the NEGM’s Top 25 for 2011 on www.myNEGM.com May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 47
The Golf Scene Rhode Island Golf News
Connecticut Golf News
by Matt Manco
by Larry Gavrich
e 2010 RIPGA kicked off at Potowomut Country Club in Warwick, one of the hardest hit courses by last month’s flooding. In fact the April 19th ProPro event was the first action the course had seen since it was closed due to flooding. Extensive work by the club’s staff had the course ready for the season opener where John Del Bonis of Quidnessett Country Club and Brian Owens of North Kingston Golf Course combined for a four under 68 to edge Mark Cunningham and James DiMarino by one stroke.
is year’s RIPGA schedule features a few changes. RIPGA President Mark Warrener and Tournament Director Ed Kirby tried to lay out a venue driven schedule, focusing on the state’s most highly respected courses to present players a more attractive schedule. One noted addition, Portsmouth’s Carnegie Abbey, will host the Nike Golf Pro Am on June 1st. 2010 marks the return of the Pros versus Amateurs tournament. e collaboration between the RIGA and the RIPGA brings back the popular tournament after nearly 15 years. e tournament will pit the top point players in the RIGA against the top pros in the state. Warrener and RIGA President Bob Ward want to bring the event back home to Pawtucket Country Club. Tournament planners have targeted a mid-July date and hope to finalize the schedule soon. e RIPGA will focus on furthering the education of its membership throughout the season. e first seminar on May 18th features Dr. Carol Gaffney of Six Dimension Sports Consultants.
48 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
Senior citizens getting discounted is is personal. A few weeks ago your correspondent passed his 62nd year, an otherwise forgettable event except for certain benefits related to discounts. Blue Fox Run, a nice 27-hole facility a few miles from my home, charges just $50 for green fees on weekdays, cart included, but for me and other “seniors,” it’s now $45. at $5 savings may not seem like much but it amounts to a free round for every nine I play. At Quarry Ridge in Portland, the savings are $8 per round on weekdays, but no savings on weekends. Stanley Golf Course in New Britain offers a $7 discount on weekdays (no break on the weekends) but its annual pass for seniors is unbeatable. For just $420, you can play as much golf as you want Monday through ursday until snow covers the course. With a regular senior daily rate of $24.50, the break-even point is a mere 17 rounds, which makes the pass a deal that never gets old. Private matters ose Connecticut public course golfers who have lusted after private club membership but could not afford the upfront initiation fees should get out their calculators, thanks to some deep discounting for 2010 by some of the state’s members-only clubs. Farmington’s Farmington Woods Golf Club, for example, has waived joining fees for the upcoming season. Annual dues for a single player are $3,229. Since the golf season is about 30 weeks long in New England, and a dedicated player should be able to play about 3 rounds a week, each round at Farmington Woods would pro-rate to a little over $35 this year. Dues at Indian Hill in Newington are pegged at $3,641 for 2010, but another $500 is due if you sign a one-year agreement. at brings the per-round cost for 90 rounds to about $46 per round. (Note: If you sign a two-year agreement, no initiation fee is charged.) Advantage Pete Dye Wintonbury Hills in Bloomfield, a Pete Dye design, is once again offering its Advantage Card for 2010. For $99, you receive a free round of golf at the time of your choosing ($79 value), a 15% discount on green fees and cart fees, a complimentary yardage book, a bucket of balls to bang away at the driving range up the road, and access to “twilight” rates an hour before everyone else (except, of course, for other Advantage Card holders). information, visit WintonburyHillsGolf.com or call 860-242-1401.
The Golf Summit
Curtis Cup
MGA Executive Director Joseph Sprague, meets with Henry DeLozier, keynote speaker at the 2010 New England Golf Summit, held recently at Andover Country Club. Henry DeLozier is a partner in one of the largest golf advisory firms in the world called Global Golf Advisors. His address focused on "Primary Trends in Golf...and What ey Mean to You." Over 200 attendees participated in all-day workshops ranging from "Economic Impact Study" by Leigh Bader (AMGO); "Golf and the Environment" by the USGAs Jim Skorulski; "Legislative & Club Issues" by NGA Sue Wegryn; First Tee Program by Judy Stout and "We Are Golf" by NGCOA Jim Fitzroy.
Massachusetts Golf Association News New for the 2010 season, the Massachusetts Golf Association will be hosting an inaugural series of MGA Member Days where golfers who hold an MGA/USGA GHIN Handicap Index can compete in an 18-hole Stableford (net) event. On May 25, Crestwood Country Club, located in Rehoboth, will host the first MGA Member Day, while Foxborough Country Club will follow with the second event on June 2. e entry fee for both events, which are open to any golfer with an up-to-date MGA/USGA GHIN handicap, is $60 and that includes golf, cart, range balls and an MGA logo tee gift. For Info www.mgalinks.org
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 49
On the Course By Rob Martin
From The Corner Office It always amazes me that golf is not a more popular sport amongst the masses.
ere are 26.2 million golfers in the United States. A golfer is defined as anyone ages 18 and above who played at least one regulation round of golf in the past 12 months. 36.7 million Americans are golf participants, defined as anyone ages 5 and above who either played a round of golf or visited a golf practice facility."
NEW ENGLAND G O L F C A R S Yamaha Golf Cars and Utility Vehicle 62 Industrial Way, Seekonk, Ma 02771 (508) 336-4285 Hallberg Park, No. Reading, MA 01864 (978) 664-9000 email negc40@aol.com
source: National Golf Foundation
It's a game that can be played by all ages, gender, skill levels and societal status throughout ones lifetime. Most athletic endeavors come to an end when hitting a certain age but golf can be enjoyed by your 5 to 85 year old and everyone in between. How do we get more players involved? e two largest demographics that need to be targeted are our junior and lady golfers. is can be accomplished through PGA taught instruction, clinics and chaperoned leagues. By providing the basic fundamentals as well as on course etiquette you provide the novice golfer with an empowerment that they otherwise would not have in taking their game to the course. While it is great to get the player to a driving range in order to learn the fundamentals, you fall in love with the game on the course. Golf perhaps is best enjoyed by families. We as a society struggle to find the time to sit down to a family dinner, so wouldn't spending an enjoyable 9 or 18 holes with the family be a much needed remedy? rough Junior Clinics, Camps and Instructional leagues junior golfers can learn the finer points of the game of life. I often am amazed at how junior golfers and elders coexist within the golf course as the elder often becomes a surrogate grandfather so to speak by offering advice and pointers. I have found throughout the years of running ladies programs that the novice women golfer operates better within a group setting with players of similar skill sets. By allowing newer players to play the course and provide insight on instruction as well as course etiquette you provide them the confidence and knowledge to succeed. e ability to provide the junior and female golfer programs that focus on building strong fundamentals and golf knowledge are key to growing the fabulous game of golf.
50 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
(508) 336-4285 WWW.NEWENGLANDGOLFCARS.COM
New England Amateur Tour Launches At TPC Boston
Tim Flynn (New England Country Club) , Nathan Robbins (NEPGA Executive Director), Joe Le Roy (Indian Pond Country Club )On The First Tee At TPC Boston For The Kickoff of The New England Amateur Tour 2010 season, the first of 20 events in New England by The NEPGA.
NEPGA 508-869-0000 neat@pgahq.com
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1.800.736.9020 May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 51
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52 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
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Axis One Putters 617.323.3273 Web Store www.axis1golf.com
Seekonk Driving Range Seekonk, MA 508.336.8074 www.seekonkminigolf.com
Dennis Golf Sales Mapleville, RI 401.787.7040 www.dennissalesgolf.com
Sun ‘N’ Air Danvers, MA 978.774.8180
Just Jackets Required 888.500.5254 Web Store www.jacketsrequired.com
GOLF TRAVEL Direct Air 877.432.DIRECT www.visitdirectair.com
www.sunairgolf.com
Swift Results Golf Center Warren, RI 401.289.0971 www.swiftresultsgolfcenter.com
GOLF PRODUCTS & TRAINING AIDS Thumb Caddy 781.828.7747 www.thumbcaddy.net
MASSACHUSETTS GOLF COURSES GREATER BOSTON {P} Brookmeadow Country Club Canton 781.828.4444 www.brookmeadowgolf.com
DW Fields Brockton (866) 515-0203 www.2doggolf.com
Real Feel Golf Mats 800-344-2115 www.RealFeelGolfMats.com
Fairway Pro
{SP} Granite Links Quincy 617.689.1900 www.granitelinksgolfclub.com
800.908.7676 www.fairwaypro.com
The Putting Lane 866.461.7888 www.theputtinglane.com
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 53
myNEGM Marketplace P - Public | SP - Semi-Private | PR - Private BOSTON WEST
{SP} Blissful Meadows Golf Club Uxbridge 508.278.6110
{P} New England Country Club Bellingham 508.883.2300
www.blissfulmeadows.com
www.newenglandcountryclub.com
Shining Rock Golf Club Northbridge (508) 234-0400 www.shiningrock.com
BOSTON NORTH {PR} Indian Ridge Country Club Andover 978.475.9484 www.indianridgecountryclub.us
{P} Maplegate Country Club Bellingham 508.996.4040 www.maplegate.com
Country Club of Billerica Billerica (978) 667-9121 www.countryclubofbillerica.com
{SP} Petersham Country Club Petersham 978.724.3388 www.petershamcc.com
{PR) Turner Hill Ipswich 978.356.7070 www.turnerhill.com
54 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
myNEGM Marketplace
SOUTHEASTERN, MA
{P} Acushnet River Valley G. C. Acushnet 508.998.7777 www.golfacushnet.com
{PR} Allendale Country Club No. Dartmouth 508.992.8682 www.allendalecountryclub.com
{P} Hillside Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.9761 www.hillsidecountryclub.com
{PR} Ledgemont Country Club Seekonk 508-761-6600 www.ledgemontcc.com
{P} Broken Tee Virtual GC Lakeville 508.923.4653 www.thebrokentee.com
{P} Bungay Brook Golf Club Bellingham 508.883.1600 www.BungayBrook.com {P} Chemawa Golf Course No. Attleboro 508.399.7330 www.chemawagolf.com
{PR} Fall River Country Club Fall River 508-678-9374 www.fallrivercc.com
{PR} Hawthorne Country Club No. Dartmouth 800-997-3370 www.hawthornecountryclub.com
{P} Olde Scotland Links Bridgewater508.279.3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com
{P} Pine Oaks Golf Club So. Easton 508.238.2320 www.pineoaks.com
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 55
myNEGM Marketplace P - Public | SP - Semi-Private | PR - Private
{p} Poquoy Brook Golf Club Lakeville 508.947.5261
{p} Wampanoag Golf Course No. Swansea508.379.9832
www.poquoybrook.com
www.wampanoaggolf.com
{P} Rehoboth Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.6259
{SP} Wentworth Hills Golf Club Plainville508-699-9406
www.rehobothcc.com
{p} Shadow Brook Golf Club So. Attleboro 508.339.8410
{P} The Back Nine Club Lakeville 508.947.9991
www.wentworthhillsgolf.com
CAPE COD REGION
{P} Bay Pointe Country Club Onset 508.759.8802 www.baypointecc.net
www.thebacknineclub.com
{P} The Captains Golf Course Brewster 508.896.1716 {p} Touisset Country Club Swansea 508.679.9577 www.touissetcc.com
56 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
www.captainsgolfcourse.com
myNEGM Marketplace Cranberry Valley Golf Course Harwich (508) 430-5234 www.cranberrygolfcourse.com
(P) Foster Country Club Foster401-397-7750 www.fostercountryclub.com
{SP} Green Valley Country Club Portsmouth 401.847.9543 www.greenvalleyccofri.com
(P) Meadowbrook Richmond 401-539-8491 www.meadowbrookgolfri.com
{SP} Montaup Country Club Portsmouth 401.683.0955 www.montaupcc.com
{P} Little Harbor Country Club Wareham 800-649-2617 www.littleharborcountryclub.com
Sandwich Hollows Golf Club E. Sandwich 508-888-3384 www.sandwichhollows.com
{P} Southers Marsh Golf Club Plymouth 508.830.3535 www.southersmarsh.com
{P} Waverly Oaks Country Club Plymouth 508.224.6700 www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com
Midville Golf Club W. Warwick 401.828.9215 www.midvillegolfclub.com
RHODE ISLAND
{P} Newport National Golf Club Middletown 401-848-9690 www.newportnational.com
{P} Beaver River Golf Club Richmond 401.539.2100 www.beaverrivergolf.com
{SP} Crystal Lake Golf Club Harrisville401.567.4500 www.crystallakegolfclub.com
{P} Triggs Memorial Golf Club Providence 401.521.8460 www.triggs.us
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 57
myNEGM Marketplace (SP) Penobscot Valley Country Club Orono 207.866.2423 www.harrisgolfonline.com
(SP) Sunday River Golf Club Newry 207-824- 4653 www.harrisgolfonline.com
{p} Windmill Hill Golf Club Warren 401.245.1463 www.windmillgolfri.com
{p} The Links at Outlook S. Berwick 207.384.2109 | 207.384.2110 www.outlookgolf.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE GOLF COURSES (P) Androscoggin Valley Country Club Gorham 603-466-9468 www.avccgolf.com
{SP} Woodland Greens Golf Club N. Kingstown401.294.2872 www.woodlandgc.com
MAINE GOLF COURSES (PR) Boothbay Country Club Boothbay 207-633-6085 www.harrisgolfonline.com
(PR) Falmouth Country Club Falmouth (207) 878-2864 www.harrisgolfonline.com
(SP) Freeport Country Club Freeport 207-865-0711 www.harrisgolfonline.com
(SP) Old Marsh Country Club Wells 207-251-4653 www.harrisgolfonline.com
58 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
{P} Brookstone Park Derry (603) 894-7336 www.brookstone-park.com (P) Hale's Location Golf Course Hales Location 603-356-2140 www.whitemountainhotel.com (P) Indian Mound Golf Club Center Ossipee 603-539-7733 www.indianmoundgc.com
(P) Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa Golf Course Whitefield 603-837-2100 www.mountainviewgrand.com
(P) North Conway Country Club North Conway Village 603-356-5244 www.northconwaycountryclub.com
(P) Province Lake Golf Parsonsfield 800-325-4434 www.provincelakegolf.com
(P) Waumbek Country Club Jefferson 603-586-7777
Fighting cancer on the course
www.playgolfne.com/wb/
(P) Wentworth Golf Club Jackson800-254-0972 www.wentworthgolf.com
GOLF RESORTS Bethel Inn Resort Bethel, ME207.824.2175 www.bethelinn.com
The Balsams Grand Resort Dixville Notch, NH 800-255-0600 www.thebalsams.com
Clarion Inn, Cape Cod S. Yarmouth, MA 800-527-0359 www.clarioncapecod.com
Xona Resorts Suites Scottsdale, AZ 888.222.1059 www.xonaresort.com
The Heritage House Hotel Cape Cod, MA 800.242.7829 www.stayandplaycapecod.com
Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club Innisbrook, FL 727.942.2000 www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
Mount Washington Resort Bretton Woods, NH 800.314.1752 www.mtwashington.com
Point Sebago Resort Casco, ME 207.655.7948 www.pointsebago.com
Jimmy Fund Golf is a unique way to use your favorite pastime to help fight cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As the nation’s longest-running charity golf program, we raise funds that give hope to cancer patients everywhere, in everyone’s community. For nearly 30 years, Jimmy Fund Golf’s experienced staff has help volunteers like you turn their passion for golf into a way to beat cancer -- from traditional tournaments to all-day golf marathons and "member-member" events to mini-golf putt-a-thons. Tournament organizers everywhere have discovered how rewarding running a tournament to honor a family member, friend, or colleague can be, including John Dennis, Tame e Tigers tournament organizer: Our tournament funds the annual trip taken by pediatric Jimmy Fund Clinic patients to the see Red Sox Spring Training in Florida. It is incredibly rewarding to know that we are providing this amazing experience for these special children fighting cancer. “— John Dennis, WEEI Sports Radio Network & Tame e Tigers tournament host ere are many ways you can get involved to help others through golf. Whether you are looking to build company morale, honor someone special, or just have a fun day on the links -- contact us to find out how.
Learn more:
JimmyFundGolf.org 866-521-GOLF
Greater Atlantic City Golf Assoc. Atlantic City, NJ 800.GOLF.222 www.acgolfvacations.com
Stratton Resort Stratton, VT 800.STRATTON www.stratton.com/golf
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club Chatham, MA 800.225.712
collectivethoughtmedia
www.wequassett.com
collectivethoughtmedia.com May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 59
Gorman vs. Geary by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary
q. What’s your choice?
Public or Private? by Tom Gorman
It’s showtime in New England! After a winter of discontent it’s time to lumber up, limbo down and show off what we have invested in our golf game. Did you shell out $400 this winter for a new driver? Does that utility club need an upgrade to the tune of $100? Or, did you dive steeply into your bank account, and make that mother of all golf commitments – join a private club? Not too long ago the image of John Q. Public Golfer was the guy who showed up with jeans at the course, Reeboks, a shirt from Ocean State Job Lot without an emblem, balls from K-Mart, a ball retriever in his bag, and an awkward loop in his backswing that said the over/under score for 18 holes is 95, and the sure bet is to take the over! Given golf ’s highbrow status among recreational sports, it’s expensive to play and very expensive to join a private club. A private country club golf membership is going to run in the thousands. Lots of zeros are needed to pay monthly golf-related bills, all for the sake of chasing those elusive birdies and pars. e National Golf Foundation (NGF) claims 26 million participate. And, NGF figures show that private club golfers play at a higher frequency with 50plus rounds a year compared with 15 for public golfers. e foot soldier of the game and the most important man in golf is John Q. Public Golfer. He sometimes gets up at 5 in the morning, to wait two hours to play a five-hour round, to pay a $60 green fee, to lose $20 in bets. e heart of the game is still the shot-anda-beer, blue-collar hacker. Guys like Tim Geary are golf guerillas. He doesn’t need anyone to clean his cleats because he loves the game for the game. It’s Saturday, he’s golfing, and he’s going to gripe! Comedian Lenny Clarke likes to say, “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor, and I like rich better.” Well, I’ve been a public course player and a private club member, and I like private better. Yes, it’s pricey, but I’m lovin’ it! Everything about a private club is better than a public club. e tees, ball markers and range balls are free. Weekend tee times are a breeze. e hot dogs are better and the beer is colder! I love it when the
60 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
private pro shop staff says, “Good Morning Mr. Gorman! Will you be walking or riding today?” e numero uno ingredient at a good private course – the amenities. You pay to play. It’s great to sharpen your game on the range whenever you want, if your club has a range. For no additional fee, many private clubs offer swimming pool, tennis court, dining room and discounted function room rental. If you pay $3,000 annual dues to play golf at a private nine-hole course in the suburbs like me, you expect perfection. What do I get for three grand? Well, last year the course received some nips and tucks, the dining room was renovated, the locker room is new and I played less than 30 times. Doing some fuzzy math, that’s about $100 a pop! In two club tournaments I entered, the camaraderie was memorable, and it sparked a new friendship, which I otherwise would not have engaged. But, what better way to end a long summer work-day than with a round of golf, burger, beer and then watch a ballgame on a big-screen, high-def TV? You’d be hard-pressed to find a golfer walking off the 18th green at Norfolk Golf Club who thought they’d been ripped off by the annual $3,000 dues. My home club is not extravagant, doesn’t have a driving range or beautiful cart girls, but the beverage business and socializing at the 19th hole is brisk, even on rainy days! In most cases, joining a country club is not exactly living the high life. Members are not snobs; they don’t all drive a Beemer, live off the family trust fund or carry a single digit-handicap. A good private club will combine lush fairways and greens, with clubhouse attendants offering courteous top-notch service, looking everyone in the eye, and ending each conversation with a proper greeting and a smile. Private membership has its privileges! But, unfortunately, it hasn’t made me a better player! Whether your preference is public or private, I am constantly reminded that golf is still a good cart ride spoiled! (Tom Gorman, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America, is a Boston-based freelance golf writer.)
q. What’s your choice?
Public or Private? by Tim Geary
Let’s face it, if you drive a luxury car, own more than one home, fly first class to Europe on vacation, never drink domestic wines and have a disposable income in the high six (or even seven) figures, then you belong on the left-hand page of this argument with all the other elephants. You probably also vote straight GOP (okay, maybe not in either Rhode Island or Massachusetts), drive a Mercedes a Porsche, or some other luxury car, have somebody else tend to your lawn and have a really stiff old guy named Jeeves or Hobson answering your front door. You are a member of a private golf or country club and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Now for those 95 percent of us who live in that other world; the nine-to-fivers who have to worry about braces for the kids, car payments on the Chevy, mortgage payments on that cute little house on Elm Street and the ever present three-headed monster (expanding health care premiums, food and utilities bills), there’s also a burning need for a sanctuary that provides greens, fairways and bunkers as well as a 19th hole. Being on the right-hand side of this argument, geographically as well as politically, I’ll be the first to admit that I would rather be an elephant than a donkey (some would say jack…..). Give me the wherewithal and I’d join a private club in a heartbeat. I’m not a hypocrite, just a pragmatist. As in most things in life, it all comes down to money. Have enough of the green stuff and you can live just about anywhere or in any style you prefer. A bunch or Benjamins beats a cluster of Washingtons every day of the week I love visiting and playing private courses and having been a golf writer for over 35 years I’ve had ample opportunity to sample how the other five percent plays and kicks back after a round. It’s great and I can’t wait for my next round at a club where my clubs are taken from the trunk when I arrive and returned cleaned and polished when I leave. I just can’t afford to belong to such a place and when you come right down to it, no matter how pretty it’s packaged, it’s still just dirt. For the most part I play public and municipal courses and I’m not going to apologize for that. I have been a member of two public/muni courses
public (not at the same time) for my entire golfing life, which extends back to 1970 when the pro at Triggs Memorial in Providence asked if I wanted to pay greens fees and I answered, “No, I want to play the whole golf course.” Now while private courses are almost always better maintained and have fewer people on them, many public tracks are just as challenging for the elite player (not me). e most appealing aspect to playing at a public course is the ability to walk if one so chooses (without having to take a caddy). It’s cheaper as well as healthier and if you don’t opt to hoof it you may still rent a gas/electric cart and motor around the five or so miles while your cardiovascular system remains dormant (unless the cart girl shows up). Another positive to belonging to or playing at the local muni/public course is the diversity of the clientele. At a private club you are most likely to play with or rub elbows with lawyers, doctors, stock brokers or the owner of five car dealerships. While at the public course you still could be paired with any of the above, but it’s more likely that you will push your “Sun Mountain” three-wheeler down the fairways with people whose fingernails still have grease under the nails or whose hands are covered with calluses. Need advice on how to fix up the retaining wall in the back yard, where to buy good primer for the back porch, or who’s a good plumber or electrician? Don’t expect to get those answers inside the 19th hole at a private. At a private you may play with the Police or Fire Commissioner. At a public it’s more likely to be the guys who walk the beat or rush into burning buildings. In short there’s more human diversity and a lot of free advice available at the public course. If you really do need legal or financial advice than the odds favor the bar in the grille room of a private club. But all that’s going to do is allow you to make an appointment for next ursday. (Tim Geary is a Rhode Island based freelance golf writer with over 35 years of experience, but not nearly enough money to belong to a private club).
May 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 61
MAY EVENTS AT
formally EDWIN WATTS GOLF
STORES
!"#$%&% !'!"$%&% $()*+,(%&%-".%-*/%&%-'*0'1$%&%-*22/%3*04$%&%-**564..4+% -+'!.4$,*04%&%-7+,*0%&%-7$(0466%&%8"66")"/%&%864946"0!%:*6;%&%8672%:6*94%&%8*2+" <",+45%%&%=11*%&%=,*0'1%&%=>*,'1$%&%?**,%3*/%&%?*++4$,4+$%&%?*70!4+$%8672%&%:"+#'0 :*6;%-7!!/%&%:*6;%@+'!4%&%:*6;%A+"946%-".%&%:+4.%B*+#"0%&%C'%A41(%C*0#"%&%DE*!% DEE*%&%3FG%&%3*04$%HI*+,$%&%J"3*66"%&%G4+1("0,$%*;%:*6;%&%G'E70*%G*#40,7#%&%B494+% 8*#I+*#'$4%&%B'156"7$%&%B'54%&%K!/$$4/%&%K.'*%&%@'0.%&%@'00"164%&%@*)4+2'6,%&%@+'014% :*6;%L%M"/%&%M';4%&%H1*,,/%8"#4+*0%&%H5/%:*6;%H6*,6'04%&%HN7"+4%A)*%&%H+'>*0%&%HAO% H70%G*70,"'0%&%A"/6*+G"!4%&%A'.4+%H("+5%&%A',64'$,%&%A*I%?6',4%&%A*7+%=!.4 PQHQ%R'!$%&%7@+*%&%S*69'5%&%T'6$*0%&%T'00%&%U4$V%U*04>%&%W4+*%M4$,+'1,'*0
DEMO DAYS
At golfology, we are committed to delivering all of what you have come to expect and experience from shopping with us.
5%
Sales representatives and off any order Tech Representatives from of $50major or more. vendors will be on hand to conduct ďŹ ttings and club trials. t $PNQVUFSJ[FE -BVODI .POJUPS 7FDUPS 1SP
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Expires 6/30/2010
NOTE : We kindly ask that you call ahead for an appointment for vendor Demo Days as time slots are in high demand. We will do everything think to outside the big boxyour schedule. possible accommodate
Annual Outdoor Demo Days hyannis location hanover location 1019 iyannough rd, rte 132 200 webster st, rte 123 at The Pinehills Golf Club 508-771-4653 781-871-0000
south attleboro location 734 newport ave, rte 1a
508-399-8400
Hanover - Pine Hills May 15th, 16th - 10am-3pm each day
Adams Demo Day South Attleboro May 13: 3-7pm
Nike Demo Day South Attleboro May 22: 10am-2pm
TaylorMade Demo Day South Attleboro May 23: 11am-3pm
Bridgestone Ball Fitting Challenge South Attleboro May 7th 1-4pm Hyannis May 22rd 1-4pm Hanover May 23rd 1-4pm
62 | New England Golf Monthly | May 2010
formally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
At golfology, we are committed to delivering all of what you have come to expect and experience from shopping with us. t $PNQVUFSJ[FE -BVODI .POJUPS 7FDUPS 1SP
t $FSUJmFE $MVC 'JUUFST t %FNP $MVCT BOE .BOVGBDUVSFS T 'JUUJOH $BSUT PO TJUF t $MVC 3FQBJS 3F HSJQQJOH PO BOE PGG TJUF TFSWJDFT
5
%
off any order of $50 or more. Expires 6/30/2010
think outside the big box
south attleboro location
hyannis location
hanover location
734 newport ave, rte 1a
1019 iyannough rd, rte 132
200 webster st, rte 123
508-399-8400
508-771-4653
781-871-0000
“New England’s Resort” The Boston Globe
www.TheBalsams.com | 800.255.0600 | Dixville Notch, NH