2 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 3
In this issue myNEGM.com July 2010 | Vol III. Issue V Publisher Timothy R. Branco Managing Editor Timothy R. Branco Design & Production CollectiveThoughtMedia.com Administration Mary L. Hullett 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 Emily Kay PGA TOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Ken Dennis kendennisphoto.com
FASHION WRITER
Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com
SALES & MARKETING
Greg Sampson - Manager gsampson@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
NATIONAL SALES
Jim Smith jsmith@mynegm.com
CORPORATE SALES
Timothy Branco
NE Golf Life Western Massachusetts Membership Has It's Privileges Couple of Travelers Good Looks on the Course ClubLove - TaylorMade Golf Gimme - aboutGolf Awesome 4Somes Team New England on the Tours Gorman vs. Geary
6 15 18 20 29 30 36 46 68
FROM THE EDITOR
It’s Tournament Time In New England Welcome to the July Issue of New England Golf Monthly and the 2010 golf tournament season. Each year the very best players in New England dial their game up for this time of year; it’s prime time in New England Golf. Over the next month there will be 6 open Championships, one held in each state as well as the Northeast Amateur and a host of USGA Amateur qualifiers and events in the weeks ahead. It takes a very high level of skill and discipline to play at this level and the pressure is immense. Good luck to you all from all of us at NEGM. In this issue you will find the results of first two PGA / LPGA stops each year in New England in June. The Travelers Championship at the TPC in Cromwel Ct and The CVS Caremark Charity Classic in Barrington, RI, both are seasonal favorites for New England golf fans and a great opportunity to get up close to some of the best players in the world. Lets not forget the hundreds of volunteers that make it all possible and the millions of dollars raised for local charities by these two great events. Special thanks goes out to everyone involved. In just two months the very best on the PGA Tour again will come to the TPC in Norton, Ma for the Deutsche Bank Championship and the Race for the Season Ending FedEx Cup. At mid season it is Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson at the top of the point standings. In this issue you will find “New England Golf Life” focusing on The Berkshires, Vermont and just over the boarder in N. Y. We hope you enjoy the features, color and the style of New England Golf Monthly, All The Best.
tbranco@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
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New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 357 Swansea, Ma 02777 800-736-9020
Timothy R. Branco Tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com New England Golf Monthly is published 8 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved.
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4 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 5
New England Golf Life by Katharine Dyson
No matter what time of year, the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts reveal a multi-hued palette of exhilarating activities from skiing in the winter to golf, hiking and outdoor concerts in the warmer months. Route 7 is a perfect conduit to some great golf and excellent values where greens fees typically hover around $40. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stay, whether you prefer a simple, no nonsense motel or a more warm and fuzzy inn or B&B where the innkeepers serve blueberry pancakes with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread.
Northern Berkshires Playing Taconic Golf Club or Waubeeka Golf Links? Stay at the recently renovated Americas Best Value Inn on Rt. 7 near Williamstown and get a 20% discount weekdays on your room. 413-458-000 www.berkshirebestvalueinn.com Looking for more romance and a taste of art? Book the "Culture Package" at the Orchard Hotel in Williamstown including two tickets to e Clark and Mass MoCa, an enormous contemporary art museum featuring "Picasso Looks at Degas" plus breakfast for two at Gala Restaurant from $189 per room midweek. 800-225-1517. www.orchardshotel.com For the perfect girl's getaway with spa treatments, the funky retro-style Porches Inn in North Adams built into former mill workers' row houses, is unrolling a great "Girly Getaway" including wine, spa services and admission to Mass MoCa along with breakfast. From $325. 413-664-0400. www.porches.com
In Lenox, the Hills are Alive with Music and Adventure Zip across the tree tops at Catamount Adventure Park's aerial forest rope course after a round at Wah-
6 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
conah Country Club in Dalton. Stay two nights at Hampton Inn & Suites in nearby Lenox and receive two admission tickets to the park plus a $25 Arizona Pizza gift certificate. Or if music is your passion, Hampton Inn's "Tanglewood for Two" is a win, win with breakfast, two lawn tickets to Tanglewood's concert (a wonderful way to relax after a day on the course), plus a $25 gift certificate to Nejames Gourmet Food & Wine, your one-stop for picnic items. 413-499-4444 www.berkshireslenoxsuites.hamptoninn.com
Choices, Choices e Berkshire Inns in Lenox offer a one-stop shop for lodging with seven room types from modest and inexpensive to upscale luxury and apartments. ree different places under one ownership include the Yankee Inn, Yankee Suites and Chambery Inn, an 1880s schoolhouse turned French Country Inn. Stay two nights at the Yankee Inn and choose either two lawn tickets to Tanglewood or dinner for two at the Dakota Steak House where the steaks are behemoth, the salad bar lavish. 413-499-3700 www.berkshireinns.com
Western Massachusetts A good bet for families or groups are condo accommodations at Wyndham Bentley Brook Resort in Hancock, a rental and timeshare property near Jiminy Peak Mountain with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, fitness centers and studio, one and two bedroom units with kitchens, multiple tvs, and DVD players. 800-989-1848
from Egremont Country Club. e Old Inn Dinner & Lodging Special is but $99 per person for accommodations, a superb candlelight dinner prepared by chef-owner Peter Platt and continental breakfast. (Sun., Mon., Wed., urs.) 413-229-7924
www.wyndham.com
Or stay at the sprawling Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, a virtual museum of furniture, art and memorabilia. e floors may creak a bit but you would too if you were over 100 years old. eir "Berkshire Country Package" from $795 is perfect for foodies as you get a bag of fresh locally grown produce to take home along with two nights' accommodations, dinner for two one night and breakfasts each morning. If you're there on a Tuesday and up for a juicy steak, for $24.95 you get a hot-off-the-grill steak dinner served in their courtyard. For an after-golf lift, order a Red Lion Burger and a pint or two in the cozy Widow Bingham's Tavern or go downstairs to the Lion's Den, a fine little pub serving things like Baked French Onion Soup and Chicken Pot Pie. 413-298-5545
Fall at Cranwell Plan now for fall with a great deal at the stately Cranwell Resort Spa & Golf Club. Book "Serenity Sundays" and get 50% off your room rate plus 20% off spa treatments or green fees. Good Sundays and Mondays Sept. 12, 26 and Oct. 3,17 and 24. Or sign up for Cranwell's "Unlimited Golf Package" from $190 including an extra day of golf, a $20 dining credit, range balls, and use of the spa midweek. (Sept. 7-Oct.31) 800-272-6935 www.cranwell.com
Historical Digs & Rib-Lovin' Food History lives on at e Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough, a former stage coach stop not far
www.oldinn.com.
www.redlioninn.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 7
Upscale Comfort & Convenience You'd expect a hotel with "comfort" in the name to be a place you could relax, have a great bed and a lot of extras. And you'd be right on when you bunk in at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Great Barrington. Recently refurbished, they're offering a really super golf package to close the deal. Play golf at the Egremont Country Club, stay in the inn, get breakfast in the morning, a $20 dining voucher for a local restaurant from $179 per person. ere is a nice indoor swimming pool, free high-speed internet, microwave, fridge, game room, and fitness center. 800-437-3260 www.berkshirecomfortinn.com
19th Hole Stop in at the new sports bar in Pittsfield, e Press Box. It has about seven flat screen tvs, plenty of beer and ale choices and solid pub-style food. 413-9974646 At the Barrington Brewery & Restaurant in Great Barrington, the beers are brewed on site and the food is prepared from scratch using as much locally produced ingredients as available. Got to try their Cheddar Ale Soup and save room for the decadent Chocolate Stout Cake. eir Hopland Pale Ale is a perennial favorite brew but dare to experiment and
8 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
try others like Berkshire Blonde and Blackbear Stout. 413-528-8282 www.barringtonbrewery.net If you want to impress, go to Perigee in Lee. Here it's all about New England flavors made with things local, comfort food like beer battered haddock and chips along with ethnic dishes such as Creole rice, tempura and edamame succotash. 413-394-4047 www.perigee-restaurant.com
Spa When golf is for him but not for her, book a room at Cranwell Resort or Mepal Manor & Spa in New Marlborough and guaranteed, he can have a stressfree golf game as she basks in the luxury of the spa. At Mepal, a 12-bedroom restored country house, enjoy daily breakfast and indulge in spa treatments at the 6,000 sq. ft. spa. A spa package includes accommodations, two massages, two facials, breakfasts, afternoon tea and use of spa facilities from $240 per person, per night. 413-229-7501 www.mepalspa.com
Information:
www.berkshires.org
He Said, She Said
by Katharine Dyson & Bill Giering
We were slouching on the patio downing our first frosty brew at the 19th hole. One of the guys asked, "I want to take my girlfriend away for a few days and play some golf. Any ideas?" We know the answers to almost anything after a couple beers so we jumped right in, "e Berkshires. Perfect." She: Great idea. Romantic places like the Cranwell Resort or Blantyre with spas work for me. en you can balance the budget by playing a mixture of great courses that don’t cost a fortune. He: I agree. You'll score a lot of points if you take her to the Berkshires. She: Absolutely. Concerts after golf at Tanglewood; shopping in Lenox and Stockbridge, cocktails in the Red Lion Inn, B&Bs like the romantic Applegate Inn in Lenox. He: I'm not sure about going the B&B route. Bathrooms down the hall, no way. She: Wait a minute!! When was the last time you stayed at a B&B? ings have changed. Most B&Bs today have really super private baths with huge walk-in steam showers, Jacuzzi tubs for two …. even fun funky deep tubs with feet. And home cooked breakfasts. He: Hold on. Let's talk about golf. Let's find some courses you can both enjoy; don’t forget she can beat you. I've seen her rip the ball. ink about courses that won’t embarrass you. Hate to see you cry. She: So you could warm up at Greenock Country Club across the street from Applegate. Sure it's only nine holes, but it's pure Donald Ross. He: Good idea. I'd also suggest you book rounds at Waubeeka, Egremont and Wahconah. She: Wahconah is very classy, a well-groomed track with beautifully cut large bunkers and a spacious modern clubhouse. He: And there's Waubeeka. May not look so impressive when you drive in, but with Mount Greylock looming above while fairways and greens meander through a valley with gardens and wetlands, it is a pleasant surprise. She: Egremont Country Club is adventurous to play with a couple funky elevations.
He: Colorful in the fall too with all those trees. She : At Cranwell, the golf course is just outside the front door and the spa is great. Sure it may be a bit pricy knowing how frugal you are, but if you want to impress, that's the way to go. And spring for a couples massage.
He: Don't push it. But do look into BerkshireCoupon.com to save big in the Berkshires, including massage deals at Cranwell Resort & Spa.
e guy sitting at the table next to us perked up his ears. He wanted to play in the Berkshires and maybe sneak over the border for more great golf with some pals. He: You could play Brattleboro Country Club in Vermont in the morning and Stratton Mountain in the afternoon. Brattleboro is a friendly, laid back course with superb views of the mountains while Stratton is a beauty with an excellent golf school. She: What about Okemo Mountain golf course? It's terraced into the hillsides. He: Good idea. Be there on August 7th for the Hops in the Hills Brewfest & Chicken Wing Championship. Stay in one of Okemo's condos….you don’t want to be driving with birdies on your mind and wings on your breath. She: What about the Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown? It’s a classic. He: I agree but it's owned by Williams College and tee times are mostly snapped up by its members although a few slots are open for non-members off-season if you want to shell out $145 in greens fees. She: So play Taconic, Wahconah and perhaps head over the border to Saratoga Springs in New York and play Saratoga National. Spend the night in Porches, a stylish retro small hotel in North Adams. He: I like the Orchards Hotel in Williamstown or the Comfort Inn & Suites in Great Barrington. Beds are great and the Barrington Brewery & Restaurant is a short drive away. Sit in the Beer Garden if the weather is good. She: Great idea. I love their Raspberry Ale. He: You would. Personally I prefer their rich, full Barrington Brown. She: Don't forget Longfellows Inn in Saratoga. It's close to Saratoga National and a good dining room and bar. Or try the Gideon Putnam Resort and play the Saratoga Spa Golf Course. He: e Gideon might be a bit formal for a bunch of guys, but it does have a very cool spa. You can soak in the mineral water spa tubs then get a sports massage and understand why the Romans were really into spas.
For once we agreed. You just can’t make a bad choice in and around the Berkshires.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 9
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The Northeast Kingdom Vermont Golf, Ski, Bike, fiSh
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Life on Burke Mountain is removed from the frenzy of the modern world. In part, because Burke is squarely in the middle of the Northeast Kingdom, an area that makes up one-fifth of Vermont's size, yet just one-twentieth of its population. Those who live here are surrounded by mountains, forest, lakes, rivers and meadows (often dotted black and white with Vermont's famous cows). This natural four-season wonderland presents recreational possibilities at every turn. Golfing, mountain biking (with some of the country's best trails), fishing, boating, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are at your doorstep. And, add diverse pleasures to the mix, from foliage peeping and sleigh rides to dining and music festivals. Golfing in the Kingdom means you get a tee time right away. No waiting, no hassles. Our golf courses are all unique in that they follow the contour of the land--and that can make for some serious challenge on the links. The pace of your game can be as relaxing as you choose. And you'll always find good times at the 19th hole. There are several courses in the area including Newport Country Club, Orleans Country Club, Jay Peak Resort, St. Johnsbury Country Club, and Barton Golf Club - all with great oerings and spectacular NEK views.
Jack Dator | Professional Real Estate Services www.bearpathtownhomes.com 866-756-4771 | info@bearpathtownhomes.com Bear Path is proudly oered by Professional Real Estate Services, led by Jack Dator (who also has a home here). Bear Path has the distinction of being designed by Black River Design Architects PLC of Montpelier, Vermont and built by Kingdom Construction, Inc. of Newport, Vermont.
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12 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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Home on the Course by Larry Gavrich
Tour of Duty:
Golf community residents serve when pros come to town
e PGA Tour made its annual stop at TPC at River Highlands in Cromwell, CT, a couple of weeks ago (see story on Travelers Championship on page 45). For a few club members and residents of the adjacent community, the choking traffic and loss of their golf course for a week was frustrating. For others, though, it was a source of pride and curiosity — pride that their golf course receives national exposure, plus curiosity at how the professionals will fare on the layout the residents know so well. “I love to see the pros take on the course I play regularly,” says TPC at River Highlands member Don Walkley, a single-digit player whose home looks out across the par 4 14th hole. Around the country, golf communities with challenging course layouts host pro tour events. e organizations vying to attract professional golf tournaments understand how valuable it is to have an enthusiastic pool of free volunteer labor inside the gates of the communities. At the ornblade Club in Greer, SC, for example, site of the Nationwide Tour’s BMW Charity event, a couple of dozen club members carry standards, provide housing and even caddy for some of the players. It is also mostly volunteers who are responsible for keeping spectators behind the ropes at all events. A pro tournament can also be quite profitable for residents of a host community. For example, in some of the golf communities in the Aiken, SC, area, just across the Savannah River from Augusta, players and spectators rent sprawling golf community homes to house their families and friends during Masters week. e rental fees, which can range from a few thousand dollars to as much as $10,000, easily pay for the owners’ annual club and homeowner dues. At River Highlands, according to Don Walkley, rental prices can reach $3,000 for the week.
Professional players’ abilities and the advances in golf club technology have shortened golf courses for the pros. erefore, to maintain the challenge, more and more tour events are held at “modern,” lengthy layouts. In recent years, the various golf tours have made increasingly more stops at these newer minted courses or, in cases like the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, NC, older courses that have been lengthened significantly. Quail Hollow’s George Cobb course opened in 1961 at well under 7,000 yards, but now plays to a robust 7,500 yards for the pro event. Golfers inclined toward a grand buffet of retirement golf and more reasonable prices might consider the PGA’s own resort community in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Its 2,400 acres feature five 18-hole courses (including designs by Nicklaus, Palmer and Fazio), one of which — the Champion course — hosts the annual Honda Classic. Homes at PGA National range in price from about $100,000 to over $1 million. e LPGA Tour also makes stops inside the boundaries of golf communities. In Mobile, AL, for example, the Bell Micro Classic is played at Magnolia Grove. Homes inside Magnolia Grove range in price from the $200s to the $500s. A select number of traditionally designed community golf courses have stood the test of time as tournament venues. Fox Den Golf Club outside Knoxville, TN was created in 1990 as the Ben Hogan Tour chose the circa1969 Fox Den for one of its inaugural tournaments. e event has returned to the Willard Byrd designed course every year since. Larry Gavrich is founder and editor of GolfCommunityReviews.com, a blog site that features reviews of golf communities and their courses, as well as searching for a vacation or retirement home in a golf community.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 13
Membership Has It's Privileges by NEGM Staff
ere are hundreds of private golf clubs throughout Massachusetts that are great places to play and offer a full slate of amenities. When it comes down to joining a private golf club it is important to first decide what it is your looking for from the club you choose. If it is golf in the purest form on one of the states oldest and best designed facilities then the list gets very short quickly. Segregansett Country Club is on that short list as one of the best values in the region. Segregansett CC is the fourth oldest golf club in the state and consistently over its long history has been a southern New England favorite with a challenging layout, and superb playing conditions. ere are few places in New England that you will find a better round of golf that offers its members such a quality facility at such a reasonable price. e course winds its way along the Segregansett River on land once used as a summer retreat for James Gamble of the Proctor and Gamble Soap Company. Tall pines and grand hardwoods line the course, which was in 1966 redesigned by Geoffrey Cornish to its present 18-hole 6700+-yard layout. One of the best advantages to being a member at a private golf club is having the flexibility to play without the interruption of public leagues and tournaments during the most popular playing times. Segregansett is a golfers club with plenty playing members at every handicap level. Mark Warrener is the PGA Professional at Segregansett, Mark and his staff provide a full tournament schedule all season long and provide new members with plenty of opportunities to meet and play with existing members. Segregansett offers full clubhouse facilities and a great restaurant and function facility. e club also has a great practice facility with a full range and short game improvement area and a fully stocked pro shop for members. If you are looking for a club to join in Southern New England that offers great value at a wonderful golf facility then Seggy is surely worth a look. Call the club to arrange a time to review some of the best membership programs in the region (508) 824-9110 or go to
www.segregansett.com 14 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
- One of Southern New England’s most Pristine Private Golf Clubs -
Now taking applications for 2010 Golf Membership
- Private 18 hole- Par 72 championship layout - Driving Range and complete Practice Area - Clubhouse, Locker room , Dining facilities - Only 15 minutes from Providence - Single, Family and Corporate memberships
Initiation Fee for 2010 is waived! (w/ advance payment)
For membership details 508-824-9110 ext 11 or Segregansett@comcast.net
Segregansett
country club
85 Gulliver Street Taunton, MA 02780
508-824-9110
www.segregansett.com Since 1893
Crestwood Country Club
Ledgemont Country Club - MA
by Greg Sampson
Located just 10 minutes from Providence and 45 minutes from Boston in Rehoboth, Massachusetts sits one of Southern New England’s most complete country clubs; Crestwood Country Club. e par 71 18-hole layout opened for play in 1961 designed by Geoffrey Cornish as a private country club that offered its members almost every amenity available to the private club lifestyle. As a member or guest of Crestwood Country Club you have all those amenities at your fingertips for an enjoyable experience day in and day out. As you pull up to the newly renovated 39,000 square foot clubhouse you will quickly notice one of Southern New England’s finest practice facilities featuring a full short game area, grass tees and putting green. e pro shop is fully stocked with the latest equipment, accessories, and branded outerwear by head PGA professional Dan Botelho, who also offers a wide variety of instructional options including 6 FREE golf lessons to all new members who take advantage of the clubs 2 year membership promotion. Crestwood’s championship style design is not only playable for all skill levels, (four sets of tees) but boasts some of the best conditions in the area. e tees and fairways are always in great shape, the back to front sloped greens consistently roll fast/true and the landscape is beautifully maintained throughout the course. From the tips the course plays to 6,650 yards with a rating of 71.5 and a slope of 129. e course record belongs to Champions Tour star, Dana Quigley, who was the head professional there for many years and is an icon in New England golf ’s rich history. Although every hole on the course has its character, one hole stands alone, the par 4, 393 yard seventh hole. is signature hole is shaped around a huge pond that requires a risk-reward tee shot. e second shot needs to left under the hole as the green, like most Cornish greens, is severely sloped from back to front. After an enjoyable yet challenging round at Crestwood there are a number of options for food and drink. A member or guest can sit down in the 19th Hole to enjoy great company, cuisine and beverages or can take advantage of Crestwood’s beautiful pool area equipped with two pools where you can relax outdoors while eating. At Crestwood you will find an unpretentious and inviting environment where young and old, families and singles enjoy sharing their pursuit for great golf and friendship. If you are interested in taking advantage of Crestwood’s Membership Promotions please call Michael Smith at 506-336-8582 ext. 100 or visit www.crestwoodcc.com for more information.
Don't miss this opportunity to become a member of this Exclusive Full Service Private Club at never seen before rates! Ask about our 2010 Membership Incentives today! www.ledgemontcc.com 508-761-6600
Segregansett Country Club – MA
Young Adult Memberships (ages 22-35) available for only $2170. If you are a golfer this is the place to be a member. Special incentives for Adults, Families and Juniors also available. www.segregansett.com 508-824-9110
Crestwood Country Club – MA
Two Year Promotion Includes 6 Golf Lessons. Single only $6975 (reg. $9000) or $390/month for 24 months. Family only $8875 (reg. 11,450) or $489/month for 24 months. www.crestwoodcc.com 508-336-8582
Membership Has Its Privileges
Print, online and email marketing for the rest of 2010 with an editorial review by one of our golf writers. MEMBERS ARE NOT JUST GOING TO COME TO YOU SO DON’T BE LEFT OUT www.myNEGM.com 800-736-9020 x11
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 15
UNLIMITED GOLF FOR 2010 FOR ONLY $2580 Scenic Waterfront Golf Course Carts Not Mandatory & No Walking Fees No Tee Times | Great Member Functions No Initiation Fees | Highly Recognized Golf Pro* Snowbird Friendly / Guest Friendly *Awarded the National Bill Strausbaugh by PGA of America Recognized as Golf Professional of the Year, NEPGA HALL OF FAME
www.fallrivercc.com
Fall River Country Club 4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA
508-678-9374
Allendale Country Club 2010 Membership Openings New Intermediate Memberships
Ages 19-30 $1500.00 | Unlimited Golf No Food Minimums or Assessments
Associate Memberships
$895.00 with | 15 Individual Rounds with a cart No Food Minimums or Assessments
Family and Single Memberships Also Available with No Initiation Fees For more information:
Pro Shop 508.992.8682 | Business Office 508.992.2174 Or visit us on the web Allendalecountryclub.com 1047 Allen Street ~ North Dartmouth ~ MA 02747
16 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
Single Unlimited Play Single Limited Play
$1175 $920
Family Unlimited Play (husband and wife)
$1450
Senior (60+) Unlimited Play
$990
Senior (60+) Limited Play Intermediate (18 -27) Unlimited Play
$850 $810
(Ask About Our New Member Special) Golf carts available $500 / year.
970 Tucker Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747
508-996-1766
www.hawthornecountryclub.com
Inquire today about our amazing 2010 Membership Incentives! 508-761-6600 www www.ledgemontcc.com w.ledgemontcc.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 17
Couple of Travelers by Alice and Danny Scott
Williamsburg: a Winner
e Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, Virginia is truly the king of resorts. e River Course is a favorite of many LPGA and PGA players. Pete Dye’s design has several tunnels connecting the holes, but don’t get tunnel vision, because you will miss the incredible beauty of this green canvas, splattered with red cardinals, bluebirds, and pink azaleas. Stately brick homes watch over some fairways, while the waterways are guarded by loggerheads and snakes making wakes. A hillside cannon above the river on 16, is a bold reminder of the rich regional history. It leads to the signature hole 17, marking Burwell’s landing since 1775, where the British were held off and the confederates later occupied. e Woods Course at Kingsmill is pure golf, co-designed by architect Tom Clark and Curtis Strange. e Plantation Course by Arnold Palmer offers generous fairways and rolling greens. e Bray Links is one of the prettiest 9 hole par 3s on the planet, with plenty of river views. e world class spa delivers a massage after play or a sundry of other treatments. But wait, that’s not all a tennis club, great restaurants and even a marina with a sandy beach, and assorted activities round out the resort. Kingsmill is so complete, you won’t want to leave, however, Williamsburg has too many options not to explore. Virginia may be synonymous with taverns, so you have to check one out. We highly recommend e King’s Arm Tavern for an authentic colonial dining experience complete with the garb of the ages, over sized napkins to tuck in your neck, singing balladeers and wonderful food. Established in 1772, this is where our forefathers gathered for open debate, when “politically incorrect” would have been an oxymoron. If those walls could talk! When leaving, the Maitre d’ kindly informed us that since our journey to New York would be a long
18 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
one, they had “given our horses extra feed and water.” In the center of the colonial section, near the William and Mary Campus, is the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, with the first island green in America. e fish were jumping, a swan swimming as an osprey soared in the air, and a blue crane glided by. Next to the ladies tee box, a water moccasin was slithering in the reeds. at is just one hole! Set on 125 acres, this tight and gorgeous course is all fun and games until the “terrifying finishing hole” as proclaimed in the yardage book. While Williamsburg’s beauty is engulfed by trees, the roadways lead to countless shores. Drive slowly and take in the views, since a speeding ticket there constitutes a federal offense. ere is a lovely beach under the Coleman Memorial Bridge, fresh oysters from the Chesapeake Bay and the Road to Revolution in Yorktown. Amidst the history, find modern adventure. If you ever fear you’re getting “too old”, and are not sure you should ride roller coasters anymore, the best thing to do is head to Busch Gardens. After an enlightening backstage tour that ensured our ultimate safety (except from heart failure), we hopped on the Loch Ness Monster for a slow ride up, smooth jerk into gear and a long winding, upside down thrill of a ride back into the station. We went to the Curse of Darkastle next and the Griffon after that, culminating with the Alpengeist before starting on a 10 hour drive home. With over 50 rides, and animal attractions, this 100 acres of European exploration through lush gardens, has been voted the most beautiful park for 19 years. Williamsburg delivers it all. Herald the history buff to read the facts on plaques at every turn. Visualize the early politicos and hear their cries. As for this couple of travelers, give us golf or give us spa.
New England’s Favorite Golf Travel Show
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 19
Good Looks on the Course
by Elle Brec
On the Scene at Tourney Time
Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Jim Rice with Tommy 2 Glove Gainey during the Pepsi Pro-Am at the 2010 CVS
e tournament season is in full swing in New England, a perfect time to see and be seen. Two of New England’s favorites, the Travelers’ Championship in Cromwell, CT and the CVS Charity Classic in Barrington, RI kicked off the schedule the last week in June. What makes tournaments so great? Is it standing twelve feet from your favorite player to view firsthand how they excel at the highest level or is it to notice the strategies they use to play this very difficult game? Let’s face it, to put a ball the size of a lime into a martini glass size hole from 400 yards away is not an easy task. And, to look hot doing it? Wow! at is professional golf at its best. Is there a distinction between playing well and looking great that is a synergy that leads to success? Is there is a correlation between dressing well, playing well, and being part of the new fashion wave of golf today? On or off the course, fabrics, designs, and styles have transcended this game into all part of our lives. Golf if truly a unique sport in that we have the opportunity to epitomize the looks of our favorite heroes in golf today. e Pan Handle Pirate, Bubba Watson, carded his first PGA Championship by overcoming a double bogey on the 17th hole with a monster drive on the 18th that he converted into a Birdie. He then closed the deal looking sharp and playing well on the second play-off hole, to capture his first PGA victory. Is it that Bubba’s hot pink shaft on his driver, has finally come through? Hot or not? I think hot.
20 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
Elle enjoying the Festivities at the CVS Pepsi Pr Am at Rhode Island Country Club
LPGA player Kristy McPhearson takes a break from the heat at The CVS
Each year Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon invite the PGA tour to the small seaside location on Narragansett Bay at the Rhode Island Country Club. e atmosphere is all about PGA players celebrating this game in a big way. Just one week after the most pressure filled week of the year at the U.S. Open, the CVS tournament is a breath of fresh air as it is all about fun, giving back, and sharing an opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite players in the world. e PGA stands alone in its commitment to giving back. More than any other sport in the world the PGA is all about giving. Recently the PGA tour capped the $1 billion dollar mark in charitable giving to countless needy organizations across the globe. e PGA motto is for the” good of the game” but it is also for the good of mankind with the commitment they make each and every day to support the most important causes and needs for our society today. e next time you tee it up for your round with your friends, remember golf is more than just a game. In 2009, the CVS charity classic gave $1.3 million to 20 charities in the greater New England. e Travelers Championship generated over $1 million dollars at the same time for charities, not a bad for the last week in June for the New England needy. Golf is just a game? I think not. Golf is part of our social fabric as a society and a sport that has reached out to touch all of our lives. ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com
t e
Name: Nicole Decot Hometown: Weymouth, MA College: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Handicap: I'm bad at driving, but good on the dance floor :) Favorite Course: My favorite private course would have to be Granite Links in Quincy, its placed right on a hill overlooking Boston so its very scenic. For public, I recently did an event at Atkinson Country Club in NH and their course is beautiful!
NEGM GINA CIGAR
Girl of the Month
Favorite Tour Player: Phil Mickelson Most Fashionable Tour Player: Maria Verchenova Number of Years w/ Gina Cigar: This will be my second summer How do you as a Gina Cigar girl enhance a charity golf tournament? A Gina Girl adds fun and ease to the players who had a strenuous day on the course by relaxing with a hand-rolled Dominican cigar. Nothing could be better! :) What is your favorite tournament memory that you/Gina Cigar attended? The Mark Bavis tournament in Cape Cod was the most memorable because the Gina girls and I were there to sponsor the Mark Bavis foundation, and many celebrities also attended in support.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 21
TRIGGS MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE “Al l N ew Pra ct ic e R an ge & Go lf Le a r n in g C e n t e r ”
Triggs Memorial Golf Course is located in the heart of the Mount Pleasant section on the West Side of Providence just 5 minutes from Downtown. e course was designed and constructed by the brilliant architect Donald Ross and opened in 1933. To this day, Triggs is considered the premier “open to the public” Municipal golf course in Southern New England. Triggs features long, demanding par 4’s, reachable par 5’s and exceptional par 3’s following the natural contours of the site with gentle changes in elevation. Although Triggs “only” plays to 6522 yards from the tips, the most skilled players find the classic layout demanding, challenging and enjoyable. FCG Associates, the operating/management company since 1990, has invested heavily in long-term restorative improvements to the course and ancillary facilities. Incorporating modern construction elements FCG Associates has meticulously and consistently elevated course conditions over the past 20 years to the highest level of public facilities in Southern New England. e addition of the all NEW Practice Range and Golf Learning Center at Triggs, opening July 2010, will give Southern New England public players a complete and affordable golf destination. e Practice Range will feature a 35,000 square foot all turf tee area and target greens. Robert Tramonti (Head Professional) and Michael Ryan (Teaching Professional) will offer a wide range of instructional options and clinics for players of all skill levels.
Triggs has been host to every RIGA Major Championship and several “Major’s” multiple times in its history. With the addition of the new practice range look for Triggs to be considered one of the premier public venues in Rhode Island for decades to come.
22 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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24 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 25
GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER
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SUPPORT THE JIMMY FUND THROUGH GOLF
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Eagle Sponsors: CHAMP Spikes PEPSI
26 | New England Golf Monthly | June 2010
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“ All of us that work on the Berkshire Council Golf Events have known several children and adults who have survived their cancers and gone on to lead normal lives with great success. Some have come back to volunteer at our events, and there is no greater feeling than seeing them healthy and with children of their own.” Bob Tucker Jimmy Fund Council of Berkshire County
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JimmyFundGolf.org 866-521-GOLF July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 27
Touch is the Foundation of Putting Skills by Geoff Mangum
Of the four skills for excellent putting -- reading, aiming, stroking, and controlling distance or touch -- touch is by far the most important, since touch is the basis for reading and stroking. Get rhythm and the reading and stroking follow in short order. Without rhythm, the golfer never reaches his or her potential on the greens and in golf. e human brain deals with the objective reality of the world when the instincts control movement for safety and success. roughout life, the brain learns and records the constant properties of the physical world, and then mediates between the objective world's requirements and the movements of the individual's body for safety and success in the world. at means every normal adult is already connected for great touch on the greens. All that is required is a basic familiarity with the putter and greens and balls. en the golfer simply pays attention to the facts of distance, green speed, and any uphill-downhill elevation change, all in terms solely of the impending action of rolling the ball with the putter as far as the hole, and then the brain simply connects those facts of the world with the appropriate body action for the stroke. In other words, "pay attention" and "make a rhythm" is all there is to "do" for great touch. e rhythm is how the brain expresses it's connected sense of force with the requirements of the putt for distance. First, pay attention to how far, how fast, how much uphill or downhill, with the intention of rolling the ball all the way to the hole and no more than 2-3 rolls of the ball past the hole in case of a miss. en, simply make a rhythm back and thru without regard to the SIZE of the stroke and see what results. Putting is dancing to the music of the world, not test taking,
so no one "thinks" about how to move on the green. A "rhythm" is known in the brain as the casual swinging of the arms back and forth with the same unhurried timing when one walks. Rhythm is the EQUALITY of the timing back and then thru, in a 1-to-1 ratio from the back of the ball to the top of the backstroke and from there to the top of the follow-thru. e backstroke that merely joins in with the ongoing tempo and rhythm of the body in casual movement instinctively sets the SIZE and therefore the FORCE of the stroke, and the golfer's sole concern is the rhythmic swinging back and forth. Touch don't mean a thing without that unhurried swing. Once a golfer has "touch", all balls arrive at the end of all putts "nicely" to the hole, not any short and not very far past in case of a miss. is consistent delivery speed at the hole is the basis for reading putts, which is a "predicting of the future path of the rolling ball GIVEN the future delivery pace". So consistent touch not only makes reading possible -- it trains good reading. Moreover, a "stroke" movement cannot alter the timing required for good touch, but must fit within the timing. So strokes are "accurate" and "consistent" almost entirely due to the timing of good rhythm. With some basic setup posture and grip pressure to control the putter face and establish a swinging path, the golfer is free to concentrate only on rhythm. Impact "on the beat" is by definition, then, a straight stroke. ere is nothing more to putting movement than a stroke that rolls the ball straight with good distance control, and that is almost entirely rhythm. Read with touch, aim, and then you're home free -- make a rhythm and enjoy the stroke!
15 PuttingZone Academies and 77 Certified Coaches in 15 Countries Worldwide. Combining the best golf techniques from history with the modern neuroscience of instinctive perception and movement processes of the brain and body for the four skills of putting -- reading, Teachers are invited to become a Certified PuttingZone Coach with two days of 1-on-1 training by Geoff. Geoff teaches your players in a fabulous clinic and waives the fee for the certification training and splits any extra revenue 50-50. A win-win-win deal for all concerned.
CALL GEOFF TODAY - 336-340-9079 | www.PuttingZone.com 28
Club Love: TaylorMade Golf TaylorMade Burner SuperFast & SuperFast TP There is no wonder TaylorMade drivers are number one on tour year in and year out. The 2010 product line held to their reputation and has made a huge impact in the market thus far. Although the R9 SuperTri combines all of TaylorMade’s technologies in a 460cc head that features Movable Weight Technology, Flight Control Technology, Inverted Cone Technology and Ultra-Thin Wall Technology the new line of Burner SuperFast are arguably the best drivers TaylorMade has ever manufactured. e TaylorMade Burner SuperFast is the lightest and fastest driver the company has ever produced weighing in at 284 grams. e driver also has the largest face of any TaylorMade driver in history allowing for longer more accurate drives on off center hits. e Burner SuperFast face also features a new bulge and roll design that’s optimized to work with the higher MOI head and incorporates TaylorMade’s ever so popular Inverted Cone Technology, which promotes faster ball speed on off-center hits. Also included in this lovable driver’s design is Dual-Crown technology, which both lowers and pulls back the center of gravity to promote a higher launch angle and increased spin. Finally, the most important piece of a pure distance equation is the shaft and TaylorMade scored with this one. e driver includes a stock 46.5-inch Matrix Ozik XCon 4.8 shaft, which is both ultra-light and tip-soft. e benefits are astounding for players looking for more distance because it helps generate more ball speed, a higher launch angle and more spin which equals more distance. Like every driver TaylorMade sends to market, the Burner SuperFast was quickly developed into a TP model. e SuperFast TP not only has a sleek black finish, a tour preferred face angle alignment and aerodynamic club head, it is just outright long. e talk on tour amongst all the players playing the TP is that the clubface is just outright hot and they are all gaining a substantial amount of extra carry/roll. e drivers characteristics allow for better players to keep their ball speed, spin rate and launch angle up while still being able to work the ball in both directions. e driver comes stock with the new 46 inch 65 gram Matrix HD6 shaft. e shaft promotes a piercing ball flight. TaylorMade hit the hammer on the head with their 2010 line of Burner SuperFast’s there is no doubt about it. e clubs street value is $299, which makes the club even more loveable. A sleek design and more distance at an affordable rate is definitely a loveable equation.
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GIMMIE - Products You Have To Pick Up
It’s all
“aboutGolf”
In January of 2010 the Golf Channel unveiled their new studio to golfers all over the world complete with the latest technology and gadgets including a custom designed aboutGolf PGA Tour Simulator. After careful research by e Golf Channel gurus of the game, there was only one clear choice and it was aboutGolf. It is no wonder why aboutGolf has become the unprecedented choice of PGA Tour players worldwide. e quality, accuracy and performance of their new 3 Trak launch monitors delivers a truly realistic golf experience. e market is literally flooded with products that provide golf simulation for both commercial and residential applications. Few of these products even come close to the features and adaptive design capabilities of the aboutGolf product. For the last 20 years their engineers have been in the forefront of leading edge software and product development for the golf industry. e aboutGolf simulators provide data on club position; spin rate, speed, launch angle, and rotation rate to the highest level of accuracy all while playing some of the most incredible courses worldwide. Chuck Faust, the companies president explained,”35% of all installations are residential but the largest applications for the product are teaching facilities in climate lim-
30
ited sites. Our largest installation is in Bangkok, ailand where we currently have 40 simulators at Shane Wilding Golf Performance Centers where is is impossible to practice and play much of the year because of the blistering heat and monsoons in the region. By October of 2010 we will have 20 additional units at the site for a total of 60 simulators. ere are also very large academy style installations of the product in Beijing and Tokyo as well.” What’s next for aboutGolf is a plan that will bring their product to public and private golf clubs and allow players to improve their game skills year round in any conditions while creating year round income opportunities for the clubs.” It’s a win win situation for the industry” Chuck said, the success of our product is the feeling of realism it creates and its unmistakable degree of accuracy.” With over 50 of the most famous courses worldwide in the current PGA Tour Simulator library the choices of holes to play is endless. And with playable shots from tee to green in the fairway, the sand or on the green putting, it all is about realism.
In the New England region Evergreens Golf Simulators is the source for both residential and commercial installations and service for aboutGolf. For information go to www.aboutgolf.com
Fore Thought by Bob Skura
The 7 Deadly Mental Game Sins – A Countdown
Sin #7 Believing That Your Swing Flaw Is A Career Killer. Why It's A Sin: Because believing that you can’t reach your goals until you’ve eliminated a swing flaw is a built-in excuse for failure. Explanation: No golfer has ever had a perfect swing. Tiger tends to get stuck when he tries to hit the ball too hard. Mickelson over swings and Geoff Ogilvy comes out of shots. Yet each of these players is able to win. Why? Because they decided long ago to get the job done with their abilities rather than with their flaws. And if that means grinding it out down the stretch that's okay with them. What to do: First beware of acquaintances who tell you that you’ll never be any good if you don’t…(fill in the blank). ey may be well intentioned but they’re creating a negative self-fulfilling prophesy at your expense. Next, assess your so-called swing flaw. If it’s a visual oddity like Jim Furyk's loopy swing or Zack Johnson's hands-behind-the-ball putting style and it works for you, stick with it. Enjoy the fact that you’re as unique as those two major winners. If it's a nervous over-the-top move or a push that shows up at the worst of times look for the trigger that causes it to happen. In the short term try to reduce your reaction to the trigger. In the long term use the same trigger to cause a completely opposite and beneficial response. Repent for this sin now and read the about the 6th Deadly Mental Game Sin in the next issue of NEGM.
To learn more about improving your mental game visit www.howgreatgolfersthink.com
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Perfect Drive
by NEGM staff
Welcome to the Audi Quattro Cup 2010
Audi and Best Buddies team in world’s largest golf series Granite Links hosts local stop in National/ World Competition BOSTON, MA – e Audi quattro Cup 2010 Boston golf tournament and its beneficiary, Best Buddies Massachusetts, are teaming up July 19 when the series makes its New England stop at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. “Audi and Best Buddies are synonymous, worldwide, and our goal by staging this regional tournament is to further strengthen that tie,” said Ron Petraitis, Audi’s area general manager. Craig Welton, Best Buddies Massachusetts’ state director, along with volunteers, for the second year aligned with Audi by sharing an exhibit at the Boston Golf Expo, held in early March. A putting contest helped raise awareness, and money, for Best Buddies, a non-profit global organization that creates opportunity for employment and leadership for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. e Audi quattro Cup 2010 Boston on July 19 at Granite Links pairs two-player amateur teams in an Stableford format, with the first- and second-place teams advancing to the United States finals at Kiawah Island resort in South Carolina, August 27-29; then, hopefully, the world final in Sardinia, Italy, October 8-12. Audi generously pays all players’ expenses to the national and world tournaments. Net scores, achieved through an alternate shot format, determine winners, thus opening the competition to men and women at many ability levels.
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Play is on the “Granite” and “Milton” courses of Granite Links’ 27-hole layout. “For the players, it’s definitely a relaxed day on the links where they can compete for a great prize while helping raise money and awareness for Best Buddies,” said David Ekelund Sr., president of Northeast Coast Marketing, LLC, organizer of the event. Granite Links, built on the site of an abandoned granite quarry using 900,000 truckloads of fill (13 million tons) from Boston’s “Big Dig,” was named by Golf Digest magazine to its “100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America” and a “4Star Best Places You Can Play.” e 1:00 p.m. shotgun start is expected to attract more than 100 golfers, who will be treated to pretournament activities such as a ride and drive (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) featuring new Audi models; test demo clubs on the practice range; and enter a variety of contests staged by corporate partners TD Bank and Boston Marriott Quincy, tournament host hotel, with Best Buddies Massachusetts the beneficiary. e quattro Cup, begun in 1991 by Germany’s Audi dealers, last year involved nearly 78,000 golfers from 42 countries, making it the largest amateur golfing series in the world. In the U.S. last year, 4,000 players competed in local tournaments. Contact: Blaine Davis, tournament director, at 207.899.9778 or blaine7@maine.rr.com.
-Granite Links Named-
Course of the Year
On Thursday, February 11, 2010, at the National Golf Course Owners Association Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, Granite Links Golf Club was recognized as winner of the organization’s “2010 Course of the Year” for the New England region.
The Course of the Year Award honors member clubs that demonstrate excellence across four criteria:
• Exceptional quality of the course, • Exceptional management, • Outstanding contribution to its community, and • Significant contribution to the game.
GRANITE LINKS GOLF CLUB AT QUARRY HILLS THE TAVERN AT GRANITE LINKS GOLF CLUB (617) 689-1900 | www.granitelinksgolfclub.com HOME OF THE
2010 AUDI QUATTRO CUP - BOSTON - JULY 19th The Largest Amateur Golfing Series in the World
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Awesome 4Somes PULL OUT THIS SECTION OR PRESENT YOUR NEGM GOLF CARD
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CC of Billerica – MA
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4Some for the Price of 3. Carts not included. Good 7 days & holidays. Call in advance. (978) 667-9121 countryclubofbillerica.com
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Foster CC – RI
Little Harbor CC – MA
Crosswinds Golf Club – MA
4Some for the Price of 3 w/ carts. M – Thurs. ($132 per foursome) 401- 397 - 7750 fostercountryclub.com
½ PRICE for a Foursome w/ 2 Carts. (508) 295-2617 littleharborcountryclub.com
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Exeter Country Club – RI
Petersham CC – MA
Braintree Municipal GC – MA
Mon thru Thursdays.....after 12pm 4 w/carts pay for the price of 3 Senior rates include cart. Ladies Clinics available. GlowBall Tournament July 2. July is family golf month 401-295-8212 or ExeterCC.com
$100 for a 4Some w/ Carts. M-Thurs. 978-724-3388 petershamcc.com
4Some for the Price of 3 w/ carts. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. 781-843-6513 www.braintreegolf.com
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Shining Rock GC – MA
The Glen Country Club – MA
4Some for the Price of 3 w/ carts. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. (508) 238-2500 www.eastoncountryclub.com
4Some for the Price of 3 w/ carts. M-Thurs. (508) 234-0400 shiningrock.com
4Some for the Price of 3 w/ carts. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. (508) 376-2978 www.theglencc.com
Be at the center of it all | 800-736-9020
Awesome 4Somes PULL OUT THIS SECTION OR PRESENT YOUR NEGM GOLF CARD
Cranberry Valley GC – MA
Dennis Sales Golf – RI & MA
Road to the Links Golf Courses – NH
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4Some Group Training with TRACKMAN technology 8hrs. of training, only $25 per person per hr. Sessions are 2hrs long. 401-787-7040 dennissalesgolf.com
Pay for 3 the 4th is FREE @ AVCC, WCC, MVGR, PLG, HLGC & IMGC. M-F. Call ahead for tee times & mention NEGM Ad. 800-367-3364 golfmwv.com
New England Country Club – MA
Coles River Golf Center
Blackstone National Golf Club – MA
4Some for the Price of 3. Valid M-F, non holidays anytime. Sat. & Sun. after 12. Not valid on Fathers Day or w/ any other promotions or discounts.
4 Buckets for the Price of 3 OR 4 Golf Lessons w/ video analysis for $129.99 508.675.8767 www.ColesRiver.com
4Some for the Price of 3. Cart not included. Good on Weekdays and Weekends. 508.865.2111 www.BNGC.net
Laurel Lane CC – RI
The Links at Outlook – ME
Country View GC – RI
4Some for the Price of 3. M-F, Sat & Sun after 11. Carts not included. (401)-783-3844 laurellanecountryclub.com
FREE CARTS for the entire 4Some. Valid for all of 2010. No Holidays. (207)384-2110 outlookgolf.com
4Some for the Price of 3. M-F, Sat & Sun after 11. Carts not included. (401) 568-7157 countryviewgolf.net
DW Fields GC – MA
Pine Ridge CC – MA
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$120 per 4Some w/ Carts. Weekdays after 12pm & weekends after 1pm. 508-580-7855 2doggolf.com
4Some for the Price of 3. M-F, Sat & Sun after 11. Carts not included. (508) 892-9188 pineridgegolf.net
call 800.736.9020 to join the Awesome 4Somes Section Foursome Pricing for myNEGM Golf Card Members
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by Rob Baxter PGA Director of Instruction Swift Results Golf Center
by Dennis Sales Professional Golf Instructor.
Almost every golfer I know complains of their slice rather than their hook or better yet hitting it straight. Here is a great drill to cure your slice and lower your scores.
How to Get the “Monkey” off your back! OK, now that I have your attention, here is a great way to increase your club head speed for your driver. Often a player will slow down, or even worse stop the Pivot of their hips and shoulders as they approach impact. A fun way to correct this is to visualize that you have an object, in this case a “Pet Monkey” hitching a ride on the back of your left shoulder. Take the club away from the ball feeling your left shoulder, and monkey, working slightly down, back and behind the ball toward your right leg. With your left shoulder fully coiled behind the ball, you now have set the perfect launching pad for an explosive downswing. To complete the launch you must begin with a “bump” of your left hip toward the fairway, transfer your weight toward your front foot and then “let the monkey fly off your back!”
No More Chicken Wings! e “Chicken Wing” is a common problem that creates a bent left arm after the impact of the ball. ere are two main causes for the dreaded “Chicken Wing Disease”. e first is a lack of left forearm rotation (swivel) after impact and the second is excessive movement of the players head and upper body toward the target on the downswing (swaying). e player that tries to keep the club “square to the target” will steer the ball and not rotate the left arm enough post impact. e player that slides their upper body in front of the ball must release the club head early and bend their left arm in order to make contact. So in order to solve the mysterious “Chicken Wing” you need to maintain a steady head and allow the left arm to roll and fold to the finish.
is drill is designed to help you maintain spine angle, and swing from the inside. 1) Place your driver even with your back foot. (see picture) 2) Rest your left hand on top of the shaft (opposite if you’re a lefty) 3) Now swing your right hand (bottom hand) to the top of the swing. 4) Next swing your right hand (bottom hand) under the driver with the palm rotating down to the ground at impact. If you pull away or rotate your chest early, the driver will fall. Ingrain this sensation to never slice again.
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myNEGM Lesson Tee by Steve Riggs
Learn about the golf swing from the best
by Steve Riggs
AS PROMISED Last month’s issue talked about learning at a professional golf tournament by simply watching golf swings of professional golfers. To better understand how imprinting can actually be of benefit to you, try to remember swinging a baseball bat or hitting a tennis ball around the back yard. Heck, how about putting food on a fork!
ese are simple motions which are learned mostly by visualization, watching or imprinting. Oh, sure, someone will try to show you how to hold the bat, racket and perhaps you also recall ‘showing’ a child how to put food on a fork. Talk about frustration! It has always been my contention that ‘imprinting’ is where the basics of motion are stored then recalled when needed to execute a specific motion. You almost instinctively know how to do the basic ‘action’. Note that when you decide to ‘learn’ more in depth about the specifics of a particular motion it is a different matter all together. I am talking about the simple act of the motion itself and the characteristics therein. As we get older, our ability to imprint takes a back seat to ‘learning’ which involves more of the intellect. We decide to become more specific about ‘how’ a particular motion is accomplished. We seek books, video tapes, CDs and so on to learn. Yes, it is true if you watch a swing motion executed in the wrong way, it too would be imprinted. Ever watch a good player? ey tend to look away when a playing partner swings the club, and then follow the ball flight off the head of the club. ey know there is a risk that some part of their playing partner’s swing just might creep into their swing motion. ink I am kidding? Check it out. Watching golf swings of competitive players can benefit the amateur player who knows ‘how to watch’ and what to do with the stored information. O.K., but what do I do with this ‘priceless’ information? Next time you go to the driving range after spending time at a professional golf tournament, try this: First: Take note of the ‘static’ knowledge of how the player went about their practice session. ings like their warm up routine, their overall attitude, the club they use to start their warm up. And how long do they spend hitting tee shots with their driver? Anyone who has played for any amount of time already knows all the above. But, how many of you actually take that information to the practice ground with you? Second: As you warm up, picture the motion of a player whose swing you like. ( I have to mention here
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that while you are at the practice range of a tournament, try very hard NOT to watch where the ball goes unless you are trying to relate that to, say a draw or fade etc. is for better players or mid handicappers, all others keep it simple!) Picture things like the pace, tempo, and rhythm of the tour player you are watching. Most important is try to recall the overall image of the balance the player has. Try not to dwell on what you may perceive as their swing speed. at has no relevance beyond their ability to swing the club at their pace while maintaining balance. ird: Once stretched and lose, put a club in the hitting position without a ball. Close your eyes. When you have the image or picture of the player and their swing, swing the club. Don’t try to swing the club ‘like the player’ but rather consider this suggestion prior to making the swing motion, without a ball. Simply say to yourself. “I would like to swing the club with the balance and smoothness of ‘X’ player.” NOT: “I have to swing the club like TW.” Make requests of the system, not demands. I’ll get into this more in depth in a later issue. Moving on, keeping the image ‘up front’, you will become aware of how your swing motion has slowed down in order to allow you to maintain you balance through the swing motion. After a while you should begin to get a sense of your swing being as smooth as the pro golfer you were watching. If you don’t, keep up the drill with the eyes closed before a practice session. You may find that in order to swing the club through the arc and not lose your balance might be half of the swing speed you normally use. You probably are right. Now put a ball down and ‘suggest’ to yourself that you would like to feel the same smooth motion through the swing. Try to maintain the sense that your balance is more important than your swing speed. What you are going to find quite simply is that you can hit the ball as far with less effort than you ever thought. Surprise! e term “less is more” actually does apply to the golf swing. Enjoy your next professional event and take advantage of the chance to learn.
NEPGA Profile Bob D's NEPGA Pro File
Bucky O'Brien by Bob DiCesare
Every golf course has its local legend, but the relationship between James "Bucky" O'Brien and the Country Club of Greenfield has evolved into a true love affair. Now in his 42nd year at the club, the 74-year-old O'Brien is a throwback to a gone bye era. A Springfield native, O'Brien was an assistant pro at Edgewood GC in Southwick, MA, before landing his first head professional position at CC of Greenfield. “e pro before me, Mac Sennett, was at Greenfield for 41 years, so when I took the job I actually thought there was no way I would last that long – and here I am," said O'Brien. “I remember I was 32 years old when I interviewed before the committee. I told them I wasn't some young hotshot looking to play in every pro-am event, but I can put people in the seats. I got the job, and it's been a lot of fun ever since." O'Brien was honored in 2004 by the Connecticut/Western Mass. Chapter of the NEPGA as its Professional of the Year. He also received the regional Tee Party Award in 1987 for giving back to the game of golf. But O'Brien's forte has always been junior golf over the years. “My strong point is with the kids," said O'Brien. “It's the way you treat them – like equals. It gives me great satisfaction to see someone who I helped bring along as a senior in high school, who is now in his 50's with a family, and still comes here and remembers how they were treated. at's a lasting impression. I feel very fortunate because I love that element of it." Former junior proteges still stop by to say hello to O'Brien while in town for their high school class reunions. Many who have left town still stay in contact, such as head pro Mike Rogers at Tewksbury CC. Although Kevin Piecuch has been head pro for the past 19 years, O'Brien still works a 6-day work week and looks after the club as its director of golf/general manager. “Well, I've seen a lot of people come and go in 42 years – some real characters – yet 42 years doesn't seem like a long time to me," said O'Brien. “I've seen a lot of changes over the years. e club is more familyfriendly now, and women can get tee times at 8 a.m. on weekends. I try hard to service the membership every day, so the image doesn't go away."
exp. August 1, 2010
(Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for e Enterprise in Brockton, MA, and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf)
41
Team New England Player Profile An Interview with PGA Tour Player
Tim Petrovic
TPC Southwind- Germantown, Tennessee By Ken Dennis
NEGM: Tim, was there any one individual who inspired you to pursue your dream of playing on the PGA Tour?
Tim: [very enthusiastically] “Yes, my favorite player of all time was Seve! I spent a lot of time reading about him and watching him on TV. I have always admired his energy and determination. I love Seve; in fact, now that his health is getting a little better, I am planning on seeing him at St. Andrews this summer. I will go right up to him and give him a big hug. I want to personally thank Seve for being my lifetime source of inspiration.” NEGM : Your game seems to be getting better with age, 3 great finishes in the last 3 weeks. Are you on a special birdie producing diet?
Tim: “I’m just grinding it out, nothing new. Driving it straight, hitting greens, just your basic Petro golf. My goal has been trying to get that putter in my hands as quickly as possible." NEGM: Any other short-term goals?
Tim: “Well, there is a small goal. I want to make the cut at the British Open. So far, I’m O for 3. St. Andrews is the birthplace of golf, and one of the best courses in
42 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
the world. You win there and you are a true champion.” NEGM: What other sports do you like to play?
Tim: “I played baseball and basketball as a kid, right up through college when everything took a back seat to golf.” NEGM: Your current residence is in Austin. What ties do you still have to New England?
Tim: “I was born in Northampton and as you know, graduated from Hartford University in 1988. We had a really good college team, which also featured Pat Sheehan and Jerry Kelly. My mom still lives in Connecticut, and I visit her as often as I can. I love the seasons and I really enjoy going to play the Travelers in Cromwellbeautiful setting on the river.” NEGM: You have a unique way of getting around on the Tour…Can you tell us about it?
Tim: “Oh, you mean the Prevost. It’s a giant 500 plus horsepower luxury bus customized by Marathon. All the comforts of home and much more of a home than a hotel. It’s also a great way to see the country.” NEGM: Tell us a little about you caddie.
Tim: “Actually, I have a 5-man rotation. I would like to get it down to just 2.”
NEGM: What brand is your golf gear?
Tim: “My main sponsor is Calloway. All my clubs and apparel bear the Calloway logo with the exception of my Taylor Made driver and putter. Everything else is Calloway.” NEGM: A lot of players travel with an entourage. Do you have a swing coach, psyche coach, personal trainer, putting coach, or tarot card reader?
Tim: “I do have a swing coach, named Tim Suzor. He is down in Scottsdale, my only coach.” NEGM: Tim, any other personal note that you would like to share with your fans?
Tim: “I love music, especially the 60’s band, e Doors. I taught myself to play the guitar and I find music very relaxing.” NEGM: Lastly, a lot of people ask about your charity, For Every Child…
Tim: “My wife Julie and I are very involved in the charity that we developed ourselves: " Hope Totes, For Every Child." It provides underprivileged kids with some basic necessities that no child should be without. ings like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and items that we all take for granted. We have had a great deal of support from other players, friends, and the PGA Tour Wives. It’s a wonderful charity, and we feel very fortunate to be able to give our time to such a worthy cause [www.hopetotes.org]. We would love for everyone reading to go to our web site and consider making a small contribution, AND a BIG difference in the life of a child.” NEGM: Tim, thanks so much for spending some time with all of us at New England Golf Monthly. See you in the winners’ circle.
Tim: “Anytime, my pleasure."
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 43
Kay’s Corner by Emily Kay
New England golfers wary of speedy greens at U.S. Women's Open
e men had their turn at last month’s U.S. Open. Now it’s time for women golfers from New England to show their stuff at the U.S. Women’s Open. Jon Curran (Hopkinton, Mass.) and J.J. Henry (Fairfield, Conn.) missed the cut at Pebble Beach, but LPGA Tour pros Alison Walshe and Liz Janangelo looked forward to teeing it up at Oakmont Country Club from July 8-July 11. Walsh (Westford, Mass.) will play in her third consecutive Open, while it will be the fifth for Janangelo (Hartford, Conn.). Both golfers had heard horror stories about Oakmont’s greens, which will demand as much skill and imagination as those that tortured the world’s best players at Pebble Beach. “I try to block it out when people talk about [Oakmont’s fast greens and challenging rough],” Janangelo said in a phone interview. “I tend to scare myself, so I’ll make my own opinion when I get there.” Wanted: Quick greens. Walshe, for her part, was working on her short game to prepare for Oakmont. On the road in Ohio and Illinois before a quick visit home, the 25-year-old Boston golfer said that wherever she travels, she seeks speedy, firm putting surfaces on which to practice. “I try to find quick greens because I’ve heard Oakmont’s are undulating and lightning-fast,” Walshe said. “I’m working on putting because the greens are so crazy, and just hitting fairways because the rough will be out of control.” Hectic week. As for the guys, Henry, 35, was an old hand, playing in his sixth U.S. Open. For 23-year-old Curran, however, his first major championship experience was a cyclone of unexpected activity. Just earning entry to the Open was as rigorous a test as Curran had had in his stellar amateur career. He won playoffs at Rhode Island and New Jersey qualifiers simply to earn eligibility. Once he was in, life got seriously crazy. He suddenly needed a place to stay, but was surprised to learn that the USGA, which runs the Open, took care of everything. No Priceline this time. “I’m usually driving to
44 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
tournaments and going on Priceline [to search for deals] for hotels,” Curran told New England Golf Monthly before the Open. Despite missing the cut, Curran’s life did not slow down. Some 24 hours after flying back to Boston from California, the Hooters Tour golfer fired a 67 on the first day of the Massachusetts Open at Wellesley Country Club. Curran ended in a tie for 19th, at 5-over, for the hometown event, and then it was on to the next stop. Despite his non-stop schedule, Curran had time to reflect on a job well done at Pebble Beach, especially on the spirit-killing 14th hole. Indeed, Curran could take pride in not being one of the many top golfers to get their butts kicked on a patch of real estate that derailed many a round. In fact, Curran bogeyed and parred the treacherous par-5 hole on which Zach Johnson posted a nine, and Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, and Y.E. Yang each made an eight. “It sounds silly, but for a hole that could be devastating, it wasn’t that bad,” Curran observed. ird time’s a charm. is year was Curran’s third attempt to qualify for an Open spot. With his confidence and tenacity, it surely won’t be his last. “When you keep trying to do something and you miss by a little bit, you can get frustrated,” he said. “You keep trying and it’s not quite going your way, and then you finally make it. Yeah.” Mental challenge. e women also hoped to make their marks at this year’s upcoming major. “e Open is truly a challenge in every way,” said Janangelo, who’s engaged to Nationwide Tour and Cape Cod golfer, Jason Caron. “It’s a difficult course and takes a toll mentally [as well as physically]. So many factors play a role, but it’s the most incredible experience.” Another New England golfer, Brittany Altomare (Shrewsbury, Mass.), will be teeing it up at the Open as well. Golfworld lists the 19-year-old NCAA All-American freshman at the University of Virginia as one of the Top-50 Players to Watch. Altomare missed the cut in her first Open try.
Bubba Watson Cards First Win At Travelers Championship Pros beat, get beaten by “perfect” hole at TPC River Highlands by Larry Gavrich
e last few holes of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in late June resembled one of those chaotic British comedy of errors in which the characters try hard, maybe too hard, and make a mess of things. Events threaten to unravel at any minute but never do, and everything comes together happily before the final curtain drops. e happy ending for Bubba Watson, who survived a topped bunker shot and double bogey on #17 and won a playoff over Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank, came after a chaotic four holes that began at the most intriguing par 4 in Connecticut, and possibly on the PGA Tour. e 15th at River Highlands is just 296 yards, barely longer than some par 3s on tour, and it plays typically as the third easiest hole against par on the course. It is the last reasonable chance for birdie in the round, but when crunch time came at e Travelers, the 15th became the discriminator between those who had it and those who didn’t -- pressure and talent in microcosm on one painfully short hole. e path from tee to green at #15 is clear, but bunkers on the right and a lake on the left force a straight tee shot. e green is elevated and when you miss it from the tee –- almost everyone does –- the chip shot up a steep slope is daunting. When the pin is at front or rear right, as it was on Friday and Sunday respectively, the pros’ hands can do a dance between their putters, wedges and eight irons before they decide on the proper club from just below the surface. Shots on other holes stood out, but the 15th probably decided the tournament on Sunday. First came Verplank, not the longest hitter on tour, who cranked on his drive and pushed it into a bunker pin high right, then lofted a perfect 20-yard sand shot that rolled in for eagle, giving him a share of the lead. Pavin, one of the shortest hitters on tour, left his drive below the front of the elevated green, chipped to 3 1/2 feet and
sank the putt for birdie. A couple of groups later Watson, who started the day six strokes behind leader Rose, left his tee shot 16 yards short and right of the pin, chipped to seven feet and made the putt for birdie –- a stroke that helped give him a little padding before his topped bunker approach shot rolled into the water at #17. Last came Rose, needing birdie at #15 to retake the lead he had given up with poor play on the preceding holes. Pressing a bit, he hooked his tee shot into the lake that guards the left side of the green. After hitting his third over the green, a double bogey essentially knocked him out of the competition. e 15th decided many players’ fates before the last two rounds. I watched Friday as Bill Haas pushed his drive right. It bounced twice on the cart path and into an area of high weeds that usually plays as out of bounds for members. He declared an unplayable lie and walked another 15 yards up the hill to the backyard of an adjacent home, took his drop, played his ball short of the green two stories below, and took three more to get down, finishing with a double bogey 6. He later missed the cut by those two strokes. Will MacKenzie, who made the cut right on the number after his two birdies at the 15th on ursday and Friday, registered an 8 and a 5 there on Saturday and Sunday. Over the Championship weekend, the 15th offered up everything from three eagle 2s –- including one by Watson and one by Verplank -- to a quintuple 9. Fans around the 18th hole will never forget Watson’s 396-yard cart path-assisted drive on the 72nd hole, or his wedge to four inches on the 18th during the first playoff hole. But when Watson himself looks back on his weekend in Cromwell, he may well consider the 15th, where he finished a combined seven strokes lower than his two playoff competitors, as the key to his first PGA Tour victory.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 45
Team New England On The Tours With the 2010 season at the half-way point, it is shaping up as a year for re-evaluation and re-dedication for most of Team New England.
PGA TOUR TEAM NEW ENGLAND PGA TOUR veterans Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon are trying their hand at on-course commentating via the Golf Channel for Billy and NBC Sports for Brad. Brad is also playing this season using his sponsor’s exemptions in an effort to get his game back after a couple of injury- laden years. Tim Petrovic, MA is hanging tough this year on the PGA TOUR . So far this season, Tim has two top 10 and three top 25 finishes. With eight cuts made out of 17 starts this year, his earning stand at $627,427 at the half way point of the season. J.J. Henry, CT has made 11 cuts in 16 starts with one top 10 and three top 25 finishes. His earnings sit at $444,021 mid way though the 2010 season. James Driscoll, MA is at $336,751 making seven cuts so far this season includes one top 10 and two top 25 finishes . Driscoll is in perfect position to make a move during the final half of the season. Even though his scoring average is ‘slightly’ higher than in 2009, Jim has improved his average and earnings each year since his 2006 debut on the PGA TOUR. Brett Quigley, MA has made 11 cuts in 17 starts with $221,417 in earnings thus far. Brett is showing his Quigley bloodline. Like his Uncle Dana, Brett is a grinder. In my book, he is one that is ready for a win. Fran Quinn, MA was sidelined the end of May with a diagnosis of a hairline stress fracture of the spine. His application for a medical exemption has been approved. He is not expected back in action until September. Although he had received his PGA TOUR card, Fran’s success came in February this year on the Nationwide Tour with a victory at the Panama Claro Championship. His total for the year on both tours stands at $146,626 in earnings. Kevin Johnson, MA has played 15 events making
46 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
three cuts earning $51,458. His first full season on the PGA Tour, Kevin has shown on the Nationwide circuit he is determined and that is what it takes. Johnson is just getting started.
CHAMPION TOUR TEAM NEW ENGLAND Dana Quigley, MA is three cuts made out of three events earning $21,440. Dana, 63 known as the Ironman for his record of the most consecutive TOUR events played prior to his hip problems last year. Dana has a total of $14,656,281 in lifetime earnings. Allen Doyle, RI is nine for nine events and cuts made so far in 2010 and $48,067 in earnings. Allen, 62, has a career earnings total of $13,251,915.
NATIONWIDE TOUR TEAM NEW ENGLAND Rob Oppenheim, Ma, with $43,423, (13starts/six cuts made), Trevor Murphy, VT, $41,954, (10 starts/six cuts made), Geoffrey Sisk, MA, $11,521, (nine events/four cuts made), Patrick Sheehan, RI, $14,180, (11 events/5 cuts made) and Brad Adamonis, RI, $7,322 (seven starts/three cuts made).
LPGA TOUR TEAM NEW ENGLAND Anna Grecian RI in her second year on the LPGA circuit has six events with two cuts made and $7,920 in earnings. Liz Janangelo, CT playing in three events to date and has $4,030 with a check recently at the State Farm Classic.
Yes, it has been a tough year for Team New England at the half way mark of the season. at said, there is a lot of golf left in 2010 and take if from a veteran professional who has seen a lot of swings over the past 30 years. I have a feeling you may see more wins out of Team New England before 2010 is over.
NEGM Interview
SPONSORED BY
Jeff Palopoli sits down with
Justin Peters
Jeff Palopoli: You seem to be playing with a lot of confidence right now. Is there anything that you could point to as a reason you are starting to see so much more success?
Justin Peters: I would say I am starting to see more success because of the mental training I have been doing over the last couple of years. Working with my coach Bill McInerney and utilizing www.mygolfinggoals.com has made a huge improvement on following the map to reach my goals. Jeff Palopoli: You’re making a lot of great progress so far this year. After struggling to get to this level for so many years, how good does it feel to be out there?
Justin Peters: It makes all the struggles worth it. ere have been many people who thought I was crazy for sticking with it and taking so many financial risks, but I never stopped believing that I could do it. Even though I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be, I am now a lot closer. Jeff Palopoli: You’ve said that one of your greatest strengths is being able to control your emotions on the course. Is that something you’ve always been able to do?
Justin Peters: I have always been good at controlling my outward emotions, but I have gotten better at controlling my inward emotions. We all have them and I feel that these are the most important ones. Only the player knows if he is controlling those or not. My coach has me doing a simple exercise for some tournament rounds that have tremendously helped me. Jeff Palopoli: With all of the travelling and being away from your family, how difficult of an adjustment has that been?
Justin Peters: It has been very difficult. Especially since my son Domenick is only a year and a half old. He changes so much every day and when I get back from my trips I can’t believe the new things he is doing.
Jeff Palopoli is a frequent contributor to mynegm.com and writes daily on his blog www.goodwalkgolf.com. He can be reached at Jeff@goodwalkgolf.com
Finally, you can learn how to hit down on the golf ball and have the impact position of a Tour Player, allowing you to hit it longer and become a better and more consistent ball striker.
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1-800-219-9342 July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 47
Junior Golf By Bob DiCesare
e American Junior Golf Association is returning to Cape Cod after a 13-year hiatus as 99 of the nation's top junior golfers will gather at e Golf Club of Cape Cod in Falmouth to compete in the Deutsche Bank Partners for Charity Shoot Out on July 19-22. is will be the AJGA's first visit to Falmouth after conducting prior tournaments at the Country Club of New Seabury from 1989-1993 and 1995-97. e 54-hole stroke play event for boys and girls ages 12-18 is one of the few national junior golf tournaments the AJGA will hold in the Northeast in 2010 as this year's schedule features tournaments in over 30 states. In its 32-year history, the AJGA has been considered a stepping stone for junior golfers who have risen to the top of the amateur, collegiate, and professional golf worlds. Former AJGA alumni include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, and Morgan Pressel. Deutsche Bank has also stepped up its sponsorship involvement in addition to its longstanding relationship with the Deutsche Bank Championship on Labor Day weekend. "Deutsche Bank is pleased to further its involvement with the promotion and advancement of junior golf," said Eric Baldwin, DBC tournament director. e only golf course on Cape Cod designed by Rees Jones, e Golf Club of Cape Cod in Falmouth should provide a superior, challenging test, but also a richly rewarding golf experience. e 7,047-yard, par-72 layout has received various accolades since opening in 2007. It was named one of the 10 Best New Private Courses in the country by Travel and Leisure, Golf Magazine, and SportsIllustrated.com, in addition to being ranked No. 4 for Best New Golf Courses in 2008 by Golfweek. ere are 28 boys and 3 girls from New England competing in the 99-player field. Admission to the event is free of charge. e AJGA has an annual junior membership of 5,000 junior golfers from 49 states and 30 countries. It is dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through its exposure to competitive junior golf. For more information, visit www.ajga.org.
48 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
CVS Charity Classic By Jim Hammond
Rhode Island is a little state with a lot of heart. Two native sons of the Ocean State found fame and fortune on the P.G.A Tour but never forgot the people back home. Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade once again hosted the 12th annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington Rhode Island. Every year these personable players help to assemble players from the P.G.A, L.P.G.A. and Champions tours. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Nick Price have come to Barrington to help raise money for local charities. In the first 11 years of the tournament over 13 million dollars has been raised for a variety of community organizations including the American Heart Association, R.I. Family Shelter, Special Olympics and the Red Cross. e two day tournament is a unique event where 2 players compete against nine other teams in a best-ball format. There are also mixed groups where the ladies and the guys team up to take a shot at the $300,000 dollar first prize. This year’s event included Juli Inkster, Angela Stanford, Suzann Pettersen and Morgan Pressel. One of the crowd favorites is Boo Weekley. The Florida native is a far cry from the typical pro that is often conservative in speech and attire. I mean how many guys on the PGA Tour wear camouflage while strolling down the fairways of America and can give you recipes for Snapping Turtle Stew? Many golf fans remember Boo in the 2008 Ryder Cup riding his driver down the fairway like Roy Rogers. But how many people know that last year Boo donated ½ of his winnings, $42,500 dollars exactly, back to the CVS Charities. When the media asked why Boo simply stated “There are a lot of people that are very needy. Me, I am a lucky guy with a great job.”
Brad Faxon, teamed this year with Rickie Fowler, also shot a combined score of -8 along with the team of Billy Andrade and Bill Hass. But the duo at the top of the leader board was the team of Juli Inkster and “Charitable” Boo Weekley. This unusual couple scored a 10 under par 61 in the first round. It was a hot day in Barrington and Inkster had a hot putter that was a major factor in her team securing the lead. Juli has been playing on the L.P.G.A Tour for 27 years and has won 31 times earning over 12 million dollars. On Day 2 it was another hot and hazy day at the Rhode Island Country Club. e team of Weekley/ Inkster birdied the first two holes to go to 12 under par and when the front 9 were completed they continued to lead by a score of 17 under. Bubba Watson fresh off his victory at last week’s Travelers Championship had one of the biggest galleries at the event. e crowd roared its approval when he hit his towering drives like the one at the 452 yard par 4 13th hole, which he played with a driver and a lob wedge. e team of Brett Quigley and Angela Stanford had a good tournament finishing at 20 under par in second place. Brett Quigley who was usually paired with his Uncle Dana commented that his partner Angela hit a lot more fairways than his uncle ever did. “Next year it’s going to be a tough choice,” he said, whether he’ll go back to his uncle or once again pair up with Stanford. But the team of Ricky Barnes and JB Holmes were not to be denied. ey started the day at 9 under and finished the tournament with a winning total of 21 under par. e key to winning was the hot putting of Barnes and Holmes. JB and Ricky were able to birdie seven of the last nine holes to win the 2010 CVS Caremark Charity Classic.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 49
Hitting the Links for Autism By Jeff Palopoli
On Tuesday, June 22nd I had the privilege to tee it up for the second year in a row at the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. In its 11th year, this tournament seems to grow larger in player participation as well as sponsorships with each year. Taking place at the Pinehills in Plymouth, MA you couldn’t ask for a better venue to host such a great event. e beautiful golf course, coupled with great local sponsors by the likes of Sun Life Financial, Ocean Spray, Dunkin Donuts, and Rockland Trust, to name just a few, the event was a large success. e name Doug Flutie more often than not makes every New Englander think of the legendary “Hail Mary Pass”, along with his many other on field accomplishments. But Doug and his family have been hard at work for more than a decade raising funds to support the cure for autism, as well as providing individuals with autism and their families an opportunity to improve their quality of life by funding educational, therapeutic, recreational, and advocacy programs. Doug and Laurie Flutie started the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in honor of their son, Doug Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and since 1998 the Flutie’s have helped to raise more than $10 million for the cause. Although my team didn’t play so well that day, we shared a lot of laughs, enjoyed some great company, and hit a few good shots. All while supporting a great cause. If you’d like to learn more about the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, you can visit their website at www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org Jeff Palopoli is a frequent contributor to mynegm.com and writes daily on his blog www.goodwalkgolf.com. He can be reached at Jeff@goodwalkgolf.com
50 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
Molori Unplugged by John Molori
Going for Choke In the wake of Dustin Johnson’s so-called collapse at the recent U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the word “choke” has been bandied about with great frequency and even a bit of devilish joy. Let’s face it. e only
thing America loves more than a glorious winner is a monumental loser. Whether it is golf, football, baseball, you name the sport; classic chokers remain fixed in our mindsets as much, if not more, than past champions. While Names like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus conjure up pastoral visions of sun-drenched greatness, the much-ballyhooed failures of Greg Norman, Jean Van de Velde and, most recently, Dustin “I’m going to be tough to beat” Johnson are equally as vivid. Sure, Norman, aptly nicknamed the Shark with his platinum mane and carnal appetite for success, has a life to envy. Still, he is just as remembered for massive failures at various major championships throughout his career. Van de Velde is even worse. At least Norman has some British Open hardware to show for his career. Van de Velde’s 1999 collapse at the Open Championship is epic. He held a 3 stroke lead entering the final hole and needed only what would have been a double-bogey 6 to win the title. Sadly, the lasting image of old Jean is seeing him with his pants rolled up wading through Barry Burn trying to salvage another errant shot. Van de Velde set a standard for choking that makes Dustin Johnson’s final round at Pebble Beach look like a masterpiece. Johnson led by a mere 3 strokes. Sure, he coughed up the most important tournament in the United States of America, surrendered a huge pay day, lost countless endorsement deals and blew a shot at immortality, but so what? He’s young and can bounce back. Van de Velde fell into an abyss of shame, ridicule and obscurity. e only time he is mentioned is in
depressing columns like the one you are reading, or alongside the 2004 Yankees and the 1964 Phillies in stories about the greatest choke jobs of all-time. e recent run of titles by the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics aside, we still are a breeding ground for coughing up a championship here and there. is past spring is a good example. e Celtics led their NBA Finals series with the Lakers 3-2 and led Game 7 by 13 points in the third quarter. eir hockey counterparts in black and gold took gagging to another level. e Bruins led their conference semifinal series with Philly 3-0, then after blowing the series lead, led the Flyers 3-0 in Game 7 only to lose that game and the series 4-3. Bleeding heart sympathizers would say that neither the Celtics nor the Bruins were expected to go as far as they did. Please. e Celtics and Bruins were in an overwhelming position to win and failed catastrophically. at’s a choke, baby. I don’t need to incite projectile vomiting by reciting the litany of pre-2004 Red Sox chokes. Let’s just go with a list and all you sadists can fill in the verbs: Babe Ruth, Johnny Pesky, Bob Gibson, Luis Aparicio, Bill Lee, Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner, Roger Clemens, Tim Tschida, and Aaron Boone. Long story short, Asante Samuel let a game-ending interception go through his hands. Richard Seymour couldn’t sack Eli Manning. David Tyree caught a pass with his head, and Ellis Hobbs was burned like an electronics store during the 1992 L.A. riots. Goodbye perfect season. Goodbye championship. Goodbye dynasty. Hello chokers! So, lay off Dustin Johnson. Set against the backdrop of more dramatic chokes, his minor faux pas at Pebble Beach was barely a hiccup. Syndicated columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and websites. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 51
Bio: Juliet Vongphoumy
Juliet Vongphoumy burst onto the local golf scene in 2008 when she won the Rhode Island Interscholastic League State Championship, besting the top boys in the state while just a 14 year old freshman at LaSalle Academy in Providence. Vongphoumy’s six over par 148 cleared the field by two and made Juliet the first female golfer to win the RIIL individual championship. Since her opening act at the RIIL two years ago Vongphoumy has been busy building as reputation as one of the top junior players in the country, including a runner up finish at the 2009 AJGA Junior at New Castle, top five finishes at the 2009 Heritage Junior Championship in South Carolina and Junior All-Star at Ballantyne. She finished 2009 by taking the United States Junior Masters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida over a field of junior golfers from all over the world. Vongphoumy entered 2010 with high expectations. Still only a high school junior her stellar amateur career has brought her into some impressive company. After an impressive top five finish in the Verizon Junior Heritage in February she sits fifth in the Junior Ryder Cup standings behind impressive names like Alexis ompson, the Florida native expected to make her LPGA debut later this season. After missing out on the US Women’s Amateur Public Links by a stroke in June, Vongphoumy took her game to the Rolex Girls Junior Championship in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Against a top field Juliet finished in a tie for 26th place. Juliet currently sits in 111th place in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, the highest rated New Englander on a list filled with Californians, Floridians, and international talent. Her resume stands out at 111 behind her wins against higher ranked competitors including two wins over players ranked in the top 25, and ten wins against players ranked in the top 50.
52 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
Joseph Bramlett Wins 49th Northeast Amateur at Wannamoisett Country Club
Joseph Bramlett found himself in a fairway bunker on the par 5 17th hole clinging to a one shot lead. Over 200 yards from the green with the ball was below his feet the 22 year old Californian had a four iron in his hand with thoughts of making eagle and running away with the 2010 Northeast Amateur. “I thought about running it up there, but I decided it just wasn’t worth making a big number” the recent Stanford University grad said after the round. He decided to put the long iron away and play it safe, his low punch shot ran up the right side of the fairway short of the green. He pitched cautiously to the middle of the green, leaving a 30 foot uphill birdie putt with severe break from left to right. Just like he had on the 15th, Bramlett made a world-class lag putt inside two feet to save par and his one shot lead. Holding a one shot lead on the 18th tee with a strong wind blowing in his face, the former Cardinal blasted his drive down the center of the fairway leaving him a wedge away from the win. Bramlett took a deep breath and sent his approach right at the flag where it settled within eight feet. e putt fell dead center to secure a two stroke victory and a perfect ending to a two week ride that included his graduation from Stanford, playing in the U.S. Open, and two practice rounds at Pebble Beach with fellow Stanford Alum Tiger Woods. Wannamoisett’s own Charlie Blanchard started the final round in a tie for 5th at 1-under. e North Providence, RI native and multiple Rhode Island Golf Association Player of the Year struggled Saturday to a 7-over 76. Blanchard’s Saturday stumbled left him 6over for the tournament in a tie for 18th place.
New England Hooters Tour Players Get a Little Home Cooking By Jeff Sinkiewicz
Mike Calef, 2010 MGA Open Low Amateur
Jimmy Hazen, 2010 MGA Open Champ
New England has been well represented on the Hooters Pro Tour and it has been very successful for several Massachusetts players such as Rob Oppenheim who is now on the Nationwide Tour, Jim Renner (5th on the money list) and Michael Welch (6th on the money list) as well as up and coming hopefuls like Matt Parziale. is week, some of these players took a break from the southern based tour to come home and play the 101st Massachusetts Open at the Wellesley CC . e 150 player field was cut to 41 after two rounds with the final round being played on Wednesday. e final round proves to be competitive as just 10 shots separates the top 40 spots. e door is open for a new champion this year with the 2009 champion, Rob Oppenheim playing on the Nationwide Tour. Entering the final round today, Jim Renner shared the lead with Scott Hawley at 8-under par after two rounds. Renner (-4) had a mental lapse during round two as he had to take a 2-shot penalty for playing the
wrong ball, costing him the out right lead. Jim's unfortunate luck carried into today's final round as he carded 6 bogeys, twice as many as he made in the first two rounds. Scott Hawley(4) made two double bogey's in the final round, making it anybody's race. James Hazen (-6) out of Miller Place, NY carded a 3-under, 68 today to capture the 2010 title. Hazel cashed in for the top prize of $15,000 with his second career victory. Jimmy Lytle (-4) was the only other player in the red today as he carded a 2-under, 68 giving him a piece of a four way tie for second. Brockton's, Matt Parziale and Quincy's, Michael Welch both finished +1 today and even par for the three day event, good enough for a top ten finish. Brockton County Club's Mike Calef continued his success as an amateur as he also carded a + 1 today and an even par week as he captured the top spot in the amateur Field.
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 53
The Golf Scene
Rhode Island Golf News
Michael Welch captures The Cape Cod Open Bobby’s World
In spite of testing weather conditions Welch came from behind at Hyannis Golf Club, firing a 4under-par 67 for a three-round total of 207 to ice the championship. Welch won by two shots and there was a five-way tie for second place, including first-round leader and defending champion Kyle Gallo of Kensington, Conn. Mike Welch is a former Quincy native who now lives in Orlando, Florida. Mike the former Johnson & Wales University golf team standout under the late coach David Adamonis Sr. Mike turned pro six years ago.
ALL INCLUSIVE MARKETING National Golf Expo Booth Print, Online and Email Marketing ONE PRICE
call 800-736-9020 54 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
Potowomut Country Club’s Bobby Leopold continues to dominate the RIGA, taking home first place in the Four-Ball Championship. Leopold combined with Swansea CC’s Paul Quigley for a 13 under 129 to overtake John Kelly and Bill McDonald of Point Judith CC by a stroke. Leopold and Quigley followed up an opening round 66 at Crestwood CC with an eight under 63 for an impressive come from behind victory. Leopold hasn’t missed a beat in his bid to repeat, taking the first two majors of the year and building an early cushion in the POY standings. The young Rhode Island transplant plans to take his game on the road and see how he measures up against other top amateurs around the country. Leopold will play in several top national amateur events around his local schedule. Quigley doubled up his RIGA Senior POY points by taking the Senior Four-Ball Championship at Point Judith CC with a six under 136 with 2003 State Amateur Champion Mike Soucy. The pair’s second day five under 66 was good enough for a three stroke victory. Leopold now has a 15 point lead in the 2010 RIGA Player of the Year over former POY Charlie Blanchard of Wannamoisett CC., while Quigley boasts a 50 point cushion over Dr. George Pirie of Valley CC in Warwick.
Ouimet Society Kicks off 2010 Season at Kittansett
On Monday, June 7, The Francis Ouimet Society enjoyed a day at one of the country’s nicest courses. The Kittansett Club, host to the 1953 Walker Cup, and annually ranked in the top 60 courses in the country, played host to 128 of the Ouimet Fund’s biggest supporters on a picture perfect day on Buzzard’s Bay.
Ouimet Fund President Rich Barrett, (second from right) poses with his winning team of Dave Sullivan and Bill Scannell of Charles River and Rob Lawrence of Boston Golf Club
Three Competitors - Including Worcester's Dan Falcucci - Advance at 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links Sectional Qualifying Held at Juniper Hill GC
Northborough, MA — Spectacular golf was on display at Juniper Hill Golf Course on Tuesday as Mitchell Fedorka (Upland, CA) carded 12 birdies through 36 holes of golf en route to a medalist score of 10-under par 132 during 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links Sectional Qualifying which was held at Juniper Hill Golf Course. Also, qualifying was the Bay State's own Dan Falcucci (Cyprian Keyes GC), who came through with an afternoon score of 2-under par 69 to capture the second of three qualifying spots. Qualifiers: 1) Mitchell Fedorka (Upland, CA) 66-66—132 2) Daniel Falcucci (Worcester, MA) 71-69—140 3) Andy Mai (Suffield, CT) 72-69—141
New England Publishing would like to welcome Jim Smith to the staff of New England Golf Monthly. Jim Smith has spent the better part of his life involved in marketing and events management for Reebok, IMG and the Paragon Group. Jim was the director of operations for of IMG Expo Division and was involved in over 30 North American shows yearly. While at IMG Jim launched e National Golf Expo Series of shows in Cleveland, Chicago, Columbus, Southern California and Boston the largest consumer golf shows in America. Recently Jim has managed the National Golf Expo in Boston one of the premier golf expos in the country. Jim will be involved in national sales and events marketing for New England Golf Monthly. Jim Smith | National Sales & Event Marketing jim@mynegm.com | 440-498-9929
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 55
The National Golf Expo by Jim Smith
A Must for your Golf Marketing Mix
A Golf Expo can be many things to many people, if you are in the golf business or have a product that fits in today’s “Golfers Life Style,” a Golf Expo should mean, where, when and how do I get in! After all, where else over a three day span can you have access to thousands of men, women and children looking for that secret weapon to get the edge over their foursome, their friend or opponent. In my 12 plus years in the Golf Show business and past producer of the Boston Golf Expo, I have heard many reasons why companies and courses wouldn’t consider a golf show as a fit to their marketing campaign. For all of these, I can explain ways to make it work for you! In today’s economy companies are looking for ways to maximize their marketing dollar. For anything to be successful you need a plan and golf shows are no exception. You need to set goals, you need to have the right look for your product, you need a way to measure your results, but most importantly, you need to be there! Are you still wondering if a golf show is right for you? Consider this, golf is a lifestyle! Golfers enjoy eating out, driving nice cars, smoking cigars and wearing nice
clothes. Golfers own homes and need landscaping help (so they can play more golf), golfers go to doctors and dentists, golfers go on trips and cruises and believe it or not, golfers gamble. So regardless of what your product is there is a good chance that golfers use it occasionally or on a regular basis! I would answer yes, golf shows are for you! New England Golf Monthly has partnered with the Boston Golf Expo the past few years and with the 2011 show, we have put together a program that will help every participating company maximize their exposure to every golfer that walks through the door. For additional information on how you can be part of the 2011 Boston Golf Expo, how you can maximize your show experience and how you can get your products in front of more than 250,000 New England Golfers, contact me at jsmith@myNEGM.com or 440-498-9929.
Golf Marketing 101 | www.mynegm.com Don’t Be Left Out Call Today 800-736-9020 | marketing@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
MARCH 4-6, 2011 Call New England Golf Monthly For Complete Golf Marketing Services In Print Monthly / Online / Custom E- Blast/ Web Design & Hosting National Golf Expo Booth Reservations Full Print Services, Brochures, Banners, Fliers, Business Cards, Score Cards, Full Color Copying and so much more 56 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
From the Corner Office By Robb Martin | Swansea Country Club e stewards of the game of golf have introduced countless programs that are designed to attract new players to the game that we all love. Programs such as the First Tee, Adopt a Player and a vast array of other instruction geared to teaching the game to a new generation of golfers. It is the Chicken or the Egg? How do you create a golfer without allowing them on the course? You can't! We need to put the player on the course but it may be more challenging than you think. First off there is a fear factor that new players have of the unknown, whether this be etiquette, lack of ability or know one to play with. Secondly and perhaps more importantly, most courses don't want the new player on the course. We are trying to grow the game but most course operators cringe as they see the new player top one of the first tee knowing that this is going to throw a monkey wrench into the days pace of play and lead to countless issues with the golfers behind the newbie. Fortunately, I operate a course that offers a Par 72 Championship layout that has hosted Massachusetts and Rhode Island Golf Association qualifiers and a beautiful 9 hole Par 3 Course that offers holes from 85 to 195 yards. So when we are extremely busy on the Championship layout we can direct the newer golfer to the Par 3 Course. While most courses may not have this luxury here are some simple tips: If you have your hearts set on venturing on to the big boy course call ahead and ask for the GM or Head PGA Professional and explain your circumstance. Often times there are holes in even the busiest tee sheets that enable the new player to play at their own pace and ability without impacting players or the course. Most course operators are more than happy to oblige with such requests as it helps them build up clientele with a new player and sell a tee time that may go unused. Twilight play is always a great time to play as it is at the end of the day and even the slowest player would not affect play. If you are an early riser some courses will allow you to head off early, well before the bulk of the play heads out and if you're only play 9 holes you can also ask to start off the back 9 as to not impact other players. When in doubt simply ask. Golfers are not born out of the womb with golf clubs in hand but rather took the same path you are headed down right now. And those of you who make snide comments to your playing partners about the new golfer in front of you, remember your first round and the nerves you experienced (or still experience) on the first tee. Embrace the new player and welcome them to the game and don't chase them away. We need them more than they need us!
58 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
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
(508) 336-4285 WWW.NEWENGLANDGOLFCARS.COM
myNEGM Marketplace RETAIL STORES Golfology Hanover, MA 781.871.1000 Hyannis, MA 508.771.4653 Attleboro, MA 508.399.8400 www.golfologyusa.com
Golfers’ Warehouse Cranston, RI401.467.8740 Hartford, CT860.522.6829 Danvers, MA978.777.4653 Natick, MA 508.651.2582 Braintree, MA 781.848.9777 www.golferswarehouse.com
Southwest Greens of RI 508.455.4257 www.rhodeislandputtinggreens.com
Golf Zone Boston
Leaderboard Boston
Woburn, MA (781) 933-6688
Boston, MA 781.784.6508
www.golfzoneboston.com
www.ltsevent.com/bostonsouth
Golf Around The World Web Store 800.824.4279 www.golfaroundtheworld.com
Golf Stroke Counters Jewelry That Counts™ Stylish Golf Stroke Counters & Coordinating Jewelry
Jewery That Counts Peabody, MA 978-595-8999 www.jewelrythatcounts.com
Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf
Available in several colors and styles
S. Easton, MA 508.238.2320 www.pineoaks.com
GOLF CLUB MAKERS Ace of Clubs Saugus, MA 781.307.7815
www.jewelrythatcounts.com GOLF REAL ESTATE
www.aceofclubstp.com
C21 Annex Realty
Downtown Golf
Massachusetts 617.909.3172
Stamford, CT 203.359.4653
www.c21annex.com
downtowngolf@hititdowntown.com
Coleman Realtors Rhode Island 401.245.3050
Precision Golf Works
www.colemanrealtors.com
Pawtucket, RI 401.723.9998
Gorman Associates
GOLF SERVICES Ken Dennis Photography Webstore www.kendennisphoto.com
Massachusetts 781.329.6111 www.gormanassociates.com
Gustave White Realty Rhode Island 401.849.3000 www.gustavewhite.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 59
myNEGM Marketplace P - Public | SP - Semi-Private | PR - Private Jay McHugh Homes
Razor Golf
Massachusetts 617.699.7442
(888) 738-1728
www.jaymchughhomes.com
www.razorgolf.com
TaylorMade Golf www.taylormadegolf.com
GOLF TOURNAMENTS Boston Amateur Golf Society (B.A.G.S) Massachusetts Division 617.327.3698 www.bagsgolf.com
Rhode Island Division 617.697.1784 www.bagsri.com
Connecticutt Division 860.779.2167 www.bagsct.com
John Weld Realtor Massachusetts 508.280.4414 johnweld@coldwellbankerjmw.com
Kinlin Grover Real Estate
Liberty Mutual Invitational Canton, MA 508.735.7543 ltsevent.com/bostonsouth/lmdav
Massachusetts 617.201.5782
CVS Charity Classic
www.kinlingrover.com
Barrington, RI www.cvscharityclassic.com
Deutsche Bank Championship Norton, MA www.deutschebankchampionship.com
ING New England Golf Classic Bloomfield, CT www.newenglandgolfclassic.com
The Jimmy Fund Golf Program Brookline, MA 800.521.4653
Realty Executives of Cape Cod Judith Underwood Brewster, MA508.237.4581
www.jimmyfund.org
GOLF SHOWS
www.judithsells.com
National Golf Expo
Team Carolyn Phillips
Boston, MA
Massachusetts 508.561.1078 www.teamcarolynphillips.com
www.golfespoboston.com
Portland Golf Expo
GOLF EQUIPMENT
Portland, ME
PowerBilt
SNE Golf Expo
www.powerbilt.com
60 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
www.portlandgolfexpo.com
Providence, RI
www.snegolfexpo.com
Golfing the World NESN – Tuesdays at 8pm Wed. & Sun. at 5:30pm www.golfingtheworld.tv
myNEGM Marketplace Harmon Golf & Fitness Club Rockland, MA 866.942.7666 www.harmongolf.com
GOLF PRACTICE & INSTRUCTION Atlantic Golf Center S. Attleboro, MA 508.761.5484 www.atlanticgolfcenter.com
Barrie Bruce Golf Schools Billerica, MA 978.670.5396 www.barriebrucegolfschools.com
Big Sticks Golf Burlington, MA 781-229-2269 www.bigsticksgolf.com
Coles River Swansea, MA 508.675.8767
Natick Golf Learning Center
www.colesriver.com
Natick, MA 508.651.0426
Dave Pelz Scoring Game School
www.ngllcenter.com
800.833.7370
Seekonk Driving Range
www.pelzgolf.com
Seekonk, MA 508.336.8074
Elite Golf Center
www.seekonkminigolf.com
Seekonk, MA 508-336.3776 www.EliteGolfCenter.com
Dennis Golf Sales Mapleville, RI 401.787.7040 www.dennissalesgolf.com
Sun ‘N’ Air Danvers, MA 978.774.8180 www.sunairgolf.com
Swift Results Golf Center Warren, RI 401.289.0971 www.swiftresultsgolfcenter.com
GOLF PRODUCTS & TRAINING AIDS Golf Country Easton, MA 508.238.6007 Middleton, MA 978.774.4476 Saugus, MA 781.231.0032
Thumb Caddy 781.828.7747 www.thumbcaddy.net
www.golfcountry.org
Real Feel Golf Mats
Golf Shots
800-344-2115
Wareham, MA 508.295.8773
GolfTec – Rhode Island Cranston, RI 401.649.4653 www.golftec.com
www.RealFeelGolfMats.com
Eazy Golf Bag 830-257-9207 www.EazyGolfBag.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 61
myNEGM Marketplace P - Public | SP - Semi-Private | PR - Private Fairway Pro 800.908.7676 www.fairwaypro.com
Axis One Putters 617.323.3273 Web Store www.axis1golf.com
Just Jackets Required 888.500.5254 Web Store www.jacketsrequired.com
MASSACHUSETTS GOLF COURSES GREATER BOSTON {P} Brookmeadow Country Club Canton 781.828.4444 www.brookmeadowgolf.com
GameBook (561) 460-6152 www.golfgamebook.com Heater Holder www.heaterholder.com
Perfect Putting Machine 208-342-4514 www.perfectputtingmachine.com
The Putting Lane 866.461.7888 www.theputtinglane.com
Heater Holder www.heaterholder.com
{P} Braintree Municipal Golf Course Braintree 781-843-6513 www.braintreegolf.com
DW Fields Brockton (866) 515-0203 www.2doggolf.com
{SP} Easton Country Club South Easton (508) 238-2500 www.eastoncountryclub.com
{SP} Granite Links Quincy 617.689.1900 www.granitelinksgolfclub.com
How Great Golfers Think 877.748.1135 www.howgreatgolfersthink.com
S3 Golf Training System 800.796.4416 Web Store www.s3golf.com
Stack & Tilt Golf Swing 800.876.8984 www.areyoustacked3.com
SwingRite Boxford, MA (866) 660-7387 www.swingrite.com
Wedgewood Golf 888.833.7371 Web Store www.wedgewoodgolf.com
62 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
BOSTON WEST {SP} Blissful Meadows Golf Club Uxbridge 508.278.6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com
myNEGM Marketplace {SP} Petersham Country Club Petersham 978.724.3388 www.petershamcc.com
{PR) Turner Hill Ipswich 978.356.7070 www.turnerhill.com
BOSTON SOUTH Pine Valley Country Club Rehoboth, MA (508)336-5064
{SP} Blackstone National Golf Club Sutton (508) 865-2111
SOUTHEASTERN, MA
www.bngc.net
{P} Acushnet River Valley G. C. Acushnet 508.998.7777
{P} Maplegate Country Club Bellingham 508.996.4040
www.golfacushnet.com
www.maplegate.com
{PR} Allendale Country Club No. Dartmouth 508.992.8682
{SP} Crosswinds Golf Club
www.allendalecountryclub.com
Plymouth (508) 830-1199 www.golfcrosswinds.com
Country Club of Billerica Billerica (978) 667-9121 www.countryclubofbillerica.com
{SP} The Glen Country Club Millis (508) 376-2978
{P} Broken Tee Virtual GC Lakeville 508.923.4653 www.thebrokentee.com
{P} Bungay Brook Golf Club Bellingham 508.883.1600 www.BungayBrook.com
www.theglencc.com
{P} New England Country Club Bellingham 508.883.2300 www.newenglandcountryclub.com
{SP} The Ranch Golf Club Southwick 413.569.9333 www.theranchgolfclub.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} Chemawa Golf Course No. Attleboro 508.399.7330 www.chemawagolf.com
{PR} Fall River Country Club Fall River 508-678-9374 www.fallrivercc.com
Redtail Golf Club Denvers, MA 978.772.3273 www.redtailgolf.net
{PR} Hawthorne Country Club No. Dartmouth 800-997-3370 www.hawthornecountryclub.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 63
myNEGM Marketplace P - Public | SP - Semi-Private | PR - Private {P} Hillside Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.9761 www.hillsidecountryclub.com
{PR} Ledgemont Country Club Seekonk 508-761-6600 www.ledgemontcc.com
{P} Olde Scotland Links Bridgewater508.279.3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com
{P} The Back Nine Club Lakeville 508.947.9991 www.thebacknineclub.com
{p} Touisset Country Club Swansea 508.679.9577 www.touissetcc.com
{p} Wampanoag Golf Course No. Swansea508.379.9832 www.wampanoaggolf.com
{SP} Wentworth Hills Golf Club Plainville508-699-9406 {P} Pine Oaks Golf Club So. Easton 508.238.2320
www.wentworthhillsgolf.com
www.pineoaks.com
{P} Bay Pointe Country Club Onset 508.759.8802
CAPE COD REGION www.baypointecc.net
{P} The Captains Golf Course Brewster 508.896.1716 www.captainsgolfcourse.com
Cranberry Valley Golf Course Harwich (508) 430-5234 www.cranberrygolfcourse.com
{p} Poquoy Brook Golf Club Lakeville 508.947.5261 www.poquoybrook.com
{P} Rehoboth Country Club Rehoboth 508.252.6259 www.rehobothcc.com
{p} Shadow Brook Golf Club So. Attleboro 508.339.8410
64 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
myNEGM Marketplace {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
RHODE ISLAND
{P} Beaver River Golf Club Richmond 401.539.2100 www.beaverrivergolf.com
{SP} Crystal Lake Golf Club Harrisville401.567.4500 www.crystallakegolfclub.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
Midville Golf Club W. Warwick 401.828.9215 www.midvillegolfclub.com
{P} Newport National Golf Club Middletown 401-848-9690 www.newportnational.com
{P} Triggs Memorial Golf Club Providence 401.521.8460 www.triggs.us
{p} Windmill Hill Golf Club Warren 401.245.1463 www.windmillgolfri.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
{SP} Montaup Country Club Portsmouth 401.683.0955 www.montaupcc.com
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 65
myNEGM Marketplace (SP) Sunday River Golf Club Newry 207-824- 4653 www.harrisgolfonline.com
{p} The Links at Outlook S. Berwick 207.384.2109 | 207.384.2110 www.outlookgolf.com
(PR) Falmouth Country Club Falmouth (207) 878-2864 www.harrisgolfonline.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE GOLF COURSES (P) Androscoggin Valley Country Club Gorham 603-466-9468 www.avccgolf.com
{P} Brookstone Park Derry (603) 894-7336 (SP) Freeport Country Club Freeport 207-865-0711
www.brookstone-park.com
www.harrisgolfonline.com
(SP) Old Marsh Country Club Wells 207-251-4653 www.harrisgolfonline.com
(P) Hale's Location Golf Course Hales Location 603-356-2140 www.whitemountainhotel.com
(SP) Penobscot Valley Country Club Orono 207.866.2423 www.harrisgolfonline.com
66 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
(P) Indian Mound Golf Club Center Ossipee 603-539-7733 www.indianmoundgc.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 (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 www.playgolfne.com/wb/
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
Lake Morey Resort fairlee, Vt (802) 333-4311 www.lakemoreyresort.com
Point Sebago Resort Casco, Me 207.655.7948 www.pointsebago.com
Greater Atlantic City Golf Assoc. Atlantic City, NJ 800.GoLf.222 www.acgolfvacations.com
Stratton Resort Stratton, Vt 800.StRAttoN www.stratton.com/golf
(P) Wentworth Golf Club Jackson800-254-0972 www.wentworthgolf.com
CoNNeCtiCut GoLf CouRSeS (SP) Connecticut National Golf Club Putnam (860) 928-7748 www.ctnationalgolf.com
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1.800.736.9020 July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 67
Gorman vs. Geary by Tom Gorman and Tim Geary
q. What’s your choice? by Tom Gorman
Should cell phones be allowed on the golf course?
Yes. How many times has this happened to you? Your ball bounces into rough thick enough to smother a buffalo after your opponent’s mobile phone starts cranking out the latest Lady Gaga tune while at the top of your backswing. Bummer – huh? I hate when that happens. Some hackers (a/k/a unskilled golfers) lack golf etiquette and will employ all sorts of tricks to win a match. Loud burps or coughs are too obvious, but hackers like Mr. Geary have sometimes been known to resort to whispering to your partner or tapping a tee in irregular patterns as a successful distraction. Then, sure enough, when the hacker is one or two down, there he is again doing the slapping-the-mosquito routine. Funny, but true! The Royal & Ancient game of golf is one helluva hard game. Dedicated and diligent duffers must not only deal with the demanding elements of the game, including a gazillion rules, but it must also pay attention to the rules of golf etiquette. Those new to the game should remember that golf is supposed to be enjoyable and you don’t have to be good to have a good time. According to The Official Duffer’s Rules of Golf as approved by The Great American Duffer’s Association and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of West Divot, Florida here are a few suggestions on proper course etiquette, including an unremarkable section on mobile phone usage. (1) Never put tees in your nose. (2) Never sneeze into your glove. (3) Never concede a chip shot. (4) Never hold a ball for another player to hit. (5) Never practice drives against a backboard. (6) Never wear golf shoes to a dance. (7) Cell phones are permitted on handicap holes 1-9 only if your handicap is 9 or less (8) Cell phones are permitted on handicap holes 10-18 if your handicap is 10 – 18. (9) If your handicap is above 18 you are not permitted to use a cell phone because you should pay attention to your game. (10) Cell phones are permitted only in designated areas of the locker room with white markings. (11) Texting is an absolute nono. (12) Tweeting is subject to possible expulsion. (13) Never play golf unplugged. (14) Use of another member’s cell phone is subject to paying for an open
68 | New England Golf Monthly | July 2010
bar bill from 5-6 pm on a Friday night. The use of mobile phones on the golf course is strictly forbidden in practically all clubs, but I don’t see clubs enforcing the policy. Cell phones are everywhere and nobody’s getting disciplined – whether it’s driving a car, which is much more dangerous, or on the fifth green at a private club. Youth today are the generation of “ing” – texting, tweeting, instant messaging and social networking. Technology is second nature to us all and cell phones give us instant communication with business colleagues and friends. Also, the cell phone is an important part of making a decent living wage for many golfers, regardless whether the exchange is on the course or at the office. And, golf is not cheap! On a serious note, all players should practice golf etiquette and know the proper way to conduct oneself on the course. In the early days, etiquette was a series of unwritten rules as it involved nothing more than common sense and good manners. However, as golf underwent extensive growth, it was discovered that the etiquette was not being passed along adequately. Today, the extreme importance of etiquette can be seen in the fact that it is placed first in the official edition of the USGA rules of golf under “Section I – Etiquette; behaviour on the course.” Breaches of golf etiquette are not penalized with penalty strokes, but rather by disciplinary measures, such as warnings or suspensions. A golf buddy like Mr. Geary is one who can remember every shot you missed but doesn’t bother to remind you. A golf buddy will show class and courtesy and put his cell phone on vibrate while playing 18 holes! Who would’ve thought that Lady Gaga’s No. 1 single called “Telephone” has a message for golfers when she croons: “Stop callin’, Stop callin’, I don’t wanna talk anymore…Can call all you want but there’s no one home, And you’re not gonna reach my telephone.” (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? by Tim Geary
Should cell phones be allowed on the golf course?
No. Dr. George Pirie was just drawing back his putter when it happened. Pirie was one-down to Ben Tuthill, it was the 33rd hole in the finals of the 2000 Rhode Island State Amateur and Tuthill had already been conceded his short par putt on the par 5 15th hole at Triggs Memorial in Providence. Pirie was about to square the match with a relatively simple, straight, uphill four-footer for birdie. Just as he was about to stroke the ball toward the hole a cell phone, just a few feet behind Pirie, rang. He flinched, jabbed the putt and it skidded wide. Two holes later Tuthill, who played magnificently all week, was the champion. It would be unfair to say that Pirie would have won the match had the phone not gone off, but the fact is it never should have happened and it tainted Tuthill’s well-earned victory. Cell phones, established but still relatively new, had been going off with increasing frequency as the match progressed, as more people joined the crowd that was watching the competition. Ironically RIGA Executive Director Joe Sprague Jr. (now the head of the Mass Golf Association) had whispered just moments earlier that he was going to ask people to please turn off their phones as soon as the hole was completed. Good idea, bad timing. Cell phones or mobiles (as they are referred to in Europe) are a wonderful tool if utilized properly and responsibly and to some extent they should be allowed on the golf course. Nothing is black and white. It’s nice to know that if somebody collapses on the back nine you have the ability to call for help, or if you witness some misbehavior you can contact the pro shop and have a ranger dispatched. But there is nothing more annoying than trying to play a round of golf with somebody who is constantly talking to the office about an impending merger, or having it chirp every 15 minutes when your buddy’s wife keeps adding to the list of things she wants picked up on the way home.
I was playing in the Golf Writers of America tournament in South Carolina a few years back when a fellow competitor became so angry with another that he ripped the phone from the guy’s ear (this was before Bluetooth) and fired it into a nearby pond. We had fallen almost two holes behind the group in front and it was all because this fool was constantly speaking with his secretary instead of playing when it was his turn. To keep in line with the full disclosure that we at “NEGM” hold so dear, I will admit that I seldom venture onto the golf course without my cell phone stuck in my bag. I have it on vibrate and every couple of holes I might check it to see if anyone has tried to contact me. If they have and it’s important (picking up a loaf of bread does not qualify) then I’ll call them back after teeing off on a hole (never a par 3) and while walking toward my ball. e conversation will be very short and it will not interfere with either my game or anyone else’s. I have been to clubs which post signs banning cell phones. Good idea perhaps but unrealistic. We are a people who ignore rules that are inconvenient. We don’t come to a complete stop at stop signs, we speed up when traffic light turn yellow, we don’t turn on our car’s headlights when its raining and regard speed limits more as suggestions than the law. We are not going to leave our cell phones in the car when we tee it up, but there is no excuse for having them go off in the middle of somebody’s backswing and if you do have to hold a bunch of conversations then perhaps you should have stayed in the office. It’s long been said that some of the best business deals have been negotiated on the course. at’s great; just make sure that the person you’re doing business with is in your group, not San Francisco. (Tim Geary is a Rhode Island based freelance writer. If you try to reach him while he is on the golf course don’t expect an answer for at least four hours)
July 2010 | New England Golf Monthly | 69
SUMMER 2010 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
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Sales representatives and Tech Representatives from % major vendors will be on handoffto conduct any order of $50 or ďŹ ttings and club trials. more. 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
5
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Expires 6/30/2010
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hyannis location hanover location Hanover 1019 iyannough rd, rte 132 200 webster st, rte 123 508-771-4653 August 27-29th - Hyannis781-871-0000 CC
south attleboro location 734 newport ave, rte 1a
508-399-8400
Labor Day End of Season Tent Sale Hyannis September 3-6th - Hyannis CC
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70 | New England Golf Monthly | July 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
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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