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FROM THE EDITOR
Brad Faxon a Friend of New England Golf The list of honorees over the years presented with The Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to golf is impressive to say the least. It began in 1997 with Arnold Palmer who was honored and was the funds first guest speaker. Subsequent honorees have been Gene Sarazen, Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange, Ken Venturi & Eddie Lowery, Former President George H.W. Bush, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Nancy Lopez, Greg Norman, Peter Jacobsen, Jack & Barbara Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Annika Sorenstam, Mark O’Meara, and Mr. Ouimet himself in 2013, the Centennial of his historic U.S. Open victory. This year on April 13th Brad Faxon was honored at the 65th Annual Banquet in Boston. Brad Faxon’s career speaks for itself with 8 PGA Tour wins, the most by any New Englander since Julius Boros in the 60”s. Brad is also considered one of the greatest pure putters in golf history. Brad was the youngest Ouimet Memorial Tournament winner at 18 years old in 1980. The Faxon family has supported the Ouimet fund for decades leading back to Brad’s grandfather who was an Ouimet Trustee; he created one of The Funds largest endowed scholarships. Brad Faxon was honored in 2005 with The Payne Stewart Award for his charitable work surrounding the game of golf. We all here in New England want to thank Brad for his endless efforts with the CVS Charity Classic each year, which has been a driving force in supporting local charities for children throughout the region. There are few players in the history of New England Golf that have done so much for so many year after year through the game of golf. I personally want to congratulate Bred and his family on the Ouimet Award and thank him for his endless efforts to give back to others throughout his career. He has exemplified the simple slogan of life and golf. ” Pay it Forward – Pass it On” Thank You Brad.
Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
GOLF COURSE LIVING 12
Katharine Dyson / Mid-Atlantic
GOLF FASHION WEEKLY 16
12
Good Looks for 2015 / Shoes & Raingear
GOLF TRAVEL 22
Couple of Travelers / Prescott AZ
METRO WEST GOLF GUIDE 32
Playing Metro West / Jim Hammond
CELEBRITY GOLFER 52
Leigh McKay / Ron Garl
TINKER’S NEST 54
CONTENTS
32
Ed Travis / Irons
58
Paul Mignosa / Iron Shafts
60
Greg Sampson / Grips & Gloves
OPINION
54
76
Gorman Vs Geary / Underrated Players
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Golf Ocean Cit y, Maryland
At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your next golf getaway to Ocean City, Maryland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.
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GOLF COURSE LIVING
Mid-Atlantic States attract year-round golf-minded residents
Not everyone heads to Florida like heat-seeking missiles when the first nip of winter air hits home. Many first dangle their toes then decide to buy in a place that is warmer, but still has a change of seasons, places where they can play golf most of the year. Certainly the Mid-Atlantic States stretching from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Maryland and Virginia more than qualify.
MARYLAND
Avenel Farm, Potomac Living | Less than 20 miles from Washington D.C. residents at Avenel Farm enjoy golf on the TPC Potomac, once the site of the largest short-horned cattle ranch in the state. A renovated old barn, grazing fields and riding trails have been reestablished a n d smart white fencing maps the Avenel Equestrian Center. Avenel Farm’s 13 neighborhoods include luxurious single family Georgian-style and neoclassical brick homes, courtyard homes and Cape Cod-style homes that wind through lavishly landscaped wooded grounds laced by a network of bike paths, jogging trails and
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bridle paths. Many homes are tucked into the trees along fairways while others have valley, woods and lake views. Recent home listings range from $600,000 to $6 million. Playing | Host to past PGA Tour events, TPC Potomac was renovated in 2008. Bent grass tees, fairways and greens, fescue grasses and deep Scottish-style bunkering lend challenge and beauty to this track. Other facilities include an extensive practice area, and several places to eat and drink. Off Track | Avenel Farms has a Swim and Tennis Club while all the perks of living close to our state capital can be utilized by residents. The Links at Lighthouse Sound
GOLF COURSE LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON Living | Spectacular views of the bay and Ocean City skyline add to the pleasure of those living and teeing up at the Links at Lighthouse Sound set on 1,000 acres. Lighthouse Sound includes a community of less than 100 homes that are surrounded by the golf course. Larger custom homes are selling close to a million; smaller homes are available in the $500,00 ranges; and lots are around $200,000. Playing | Running along the marshlands water comes into play on several holes on this Arthur Hills-designed course. Interest and challenge is created with doglegs, carries over salt marshes and well-protected greens. Lighthouse Sound is known for having the longest cart bridge in the U.S. (1,500 feet) and two holes (# 2 and #3) play to the same double green. Off Track | Nearby the beaches, restaurants and entertainment activities of Ocean City are easily accessed. Lighthousesound.com
VIRGINIA
The Estates at Keswick Hall Living | A sense of privilege prevails from the moment you go through the entrance to the Estates at Keswick Hall comfortably situated on 600 acres in Virginia hunt country just east of Charlottesville. The property along with an Arnold Palmer golf course and Keswick Hall hotel was acquired by Riverstone Properties in 2012. Christoper Corrada, a principle in Riverstone says realizing the importance of the golf course that had deteriorted over the years, they hired Pete Dye to renovate the entire layout. Now that the course has reopened, Corrada says this spring there is a lot of interest in the remaining lots and in resales. Of the 121 Keswick sites ranging from two to eight acres, 50 already have homes built on them and a small handful of these are available for resale. Insired original designs are based on traditional vanaculars and must pass the review of an architectural board. Lot prices start at $300,000 and may have views of the golf course, countryside or lake. Residents can enjoy the walking traiis, 24 hour security and the facilities
at Keswick Hall but to play golf, they must join the Keswick Club. The Estates at Keswick Hall is managed by an homeowners association while home and lot sales ia managed by Riverstone Properties. Keswickestate.com Playing | Spreading out below the 48 room Tuscaninspired Keswick Hall the rolling parkland-style golf course, Full Cry, has recently been completely updated by Pete Dye who skillfully managed to marry “old world” architectural charm of the 70 year-old track with modern features. Except for one hole, you can approach each green either by pitching or with run-on shots. Some holes evoke famous plays abroad. For example the par 3 16th recalls hole #15 at Scotland’s North Berwick while the par 5, 17th is called the “Railroad Hole.” There is also a new practice range and short game facility. Off Track | Keswick Club is private, but if you stay in the adjacent 48 rooms in the mellow gold Tuscan-inspired Keswick Hall at Monticello, you get playing privileges along with your terry robes. All rooms are elegantly appointed with period furniture, soft colors, king sized beds, luxurious linens and views of the golf course or hills. Over-sized bathrooms, antiques and rich fabrics set the mood. On the grounds are a spa, Tennis & Aquatic Center, gym and infinity pool. Fishing, biking, croquet and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello are close by. Across the street is the Keswick Hunt Club, another private facility that offer fox hunts and a full calendar of social events and trail rides. Keswick.com Creighton Farms Living | Creighton Farms, an exclusive private golf community in Virginia’s Piedmont region blessed by horse farms, white board fences, barns and vineyards, was developed by Nicklaus Design and Southworth Development, a Newton, Massachusetts firm. Just180 homes are projected with Legacy Homes’ estates on three to seven acres priced from $1.7 million. Custom villas on 1-1.5 acres near the clubhouse are priced from $1.35 million. There is a comprehensive Sports and Recre-
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 13
GOLF COURSE LIVING ation Center with Junior Olympic-size Pool, four Har-Tru tennis courts, sports field and walking and bike trails. Playing | When this Jack Nicklaus Signature course opened in 2007, it was hailed as the “Best New Private Course” by Golf Digest. An Audubon International certified course, Creighton Farms rolls over gentle hills with dense groves of trees and grasses as well as water features. Recently bunkers were renovated using the “Better Billy Bunker System” allowing the hazards to remain playable no matter what the weather. An elegant 34,000 square foot brick clubhouse and terrace overlooks the course and there is a Golf Teaching and Learning Center with a twosided practice range. Off Track | Nearby are the iconic18th and 19th century towns of Leesburg and Middleburg along with old inns, dining, art galleries and boutiques. Washington D.C. is just 45 minutes away; Dulles International Airport is 20 minutes. Creightonfarms.com
PENNSYLVANIA
With a varied topography of meadows, deep ravines, mountains and lakes, Pennsylvania is a coveted address for those choosing to live in this state of great bounty. The Links at Gettysburg Living | One such community where golf, history and beautiful land come together is The Links at Gettysburg. Several French-inspired designed homes, many featuring stone exteriors, offer expansive first floor master suites. Outside maintenance issues like mowing grass, raking leaves and snow removal are included in the community’s maintenance program. Additional facilities include tennis courts, a play area and walking paths. A typical cottage home is priced around $396,900
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Playing | The 6,979 yard Links at Gettysburg golf course, home to the Duramed Championship on the Futures Tour, features elevated tee boxes, more than a dozen lakes and streams, red-rock canyons and huge undulating greens. A lovely clubhouse overlooks the 18th green and is home to the Red Rock Grille and an outdoor swimming pool. Off Track | The historic town of Gettysburg is filled with interesting shops, Civil War sites and battlefields, colleges and entertainment options. Frederick, Maryland is less than 35 minutes. Thelinkshomes.com
NEW JERSEY Westlake Golf and Country Club Living | Northwest of Toms River in Jackson, Westlake Golf and Country Club, an affordable gated golf community is one of the largest active adult communities in South New Jersey. About 1,400 attractive single-family homes selling for less than $500,000 come in ranch and two-story designs ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 square feet. Residents can take part in a huge array of activities, clubs and sports from zumba to art club and pickle ball along with a first-rate Arthur Hills designed golf course. There are tennis, volleyball and shuffleboard courts as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Playing | The Westlake Golf Course at 6,337 yards from the tips, is a pretty parkland-style course winding around ponds and groves of trees with some interesting doglegs and narrow fairways. It’s not hilly, so is easy to walk. A spacious clubhouse contains fitness center, restaurants and meeting rooms. Off Track | Nearby visit Monmouth and Freehold Racetracks, Atlantic City, Philadelphia and New York City. The Freehold Mall and Jackson Outlets are minutes away. Westlakegcc.com Crystal Springs Resort & Community Living Less than 50 miles from Manhattan, you
can unload your golf bag at one of the Crystal Springs Resort’s community homes whether you choose a luxury condos, estate home, golf villa or townhome. You’ll be living the dream with seven golf courses by architects like Trent Jones, George Fazio and Roger Rulewich, skiing, spas, pools, the Ledbetter Golf Academy and all the other amenities you could wish whether on vacation or “moved in.” In addition to townhome rentals, visitors have a choice of three hotels: The grand Adirondack-style Grand Cascades Lodge, the newest hotel; Minerals Resort & Spa popular with families; and Appalachian and Black Creek Sanctuary at Mountain Creek. Hardcore: Golf & Stay includes two nights accommodations, three days of golf on Black Bear, Playing | Six Spectacular Golf Courses! Crystal Springs is the Northeast’s premier golf resort community with 6 outstanding New Jersey golf courses and the #1 golf instructor in the world with The David Leadbetter Golf Academy, all located in beautiful Sussex County. Experience the #1 rated Ballyowen, Black Bear, Cascades, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge, Minerals and Wild Turkey Golf Clubs. Our golf courses have been designed by the game’s best architects... Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Von Hagge, Rulewich. Off Track | This resort offers all the amenities and full four season sports. A host of both resort and local restaurants and attractions including an amazing spa and tennis facilities. Just over 3 hours drive from Boston and few even know about this great resort in New England. Crystalspringsresort.com
RETIREMENT INVESTING IS LIKE PLAYING GOLF The closer you are… the more accurate you must be.
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY | BY GFW STAFF
2015 GOLF SHOE GUIDE:
KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY!
When it comes to golf shoes, you truly can never have enough. Golf Fashion Weekly has created our very own, personalized 2015 Golf Shoe Guide so you can get a feel for the hottest golf shoes on the market and keep those dogs from barking after your round! ADIDAS GOLF
Adidas Golf was created in spring of 1979 by a man named Gary Adams, whose ultimate goal was to create an innovative and authentic brand that people could trust. The products from adidas Golf help all players reach their full potential, while still looking extremely fashionable. The company is an industry leader in performance footwear, and has recently released their revolutionary BOOST cushioning technology for men and women. The adipower boost golf shoes are made up of one of adidas’ most advanced and trusted technologies in golf. ‘BOOST’ is a midsole cushioning that is created out of Thermoplastic Polyurethane energy capsules. Through a high-steaming process, the capsules are fused together in order to provide energy return released through your golf swing. The shoes have several different aspects that help make them
ASHWORTH
Ashworth Golf was founded in 1987 by two men named Gerald Montiel and John Ashworth. The company’s overall focus was to create more style for the overall golf fashion market. Ashworth Golf immediately took off and quickly became one of the most successful golf fashion brands ever. In 2008, Ashworth Golf became completely owned by TaylorMade-Adidas Golf. Ashworth Golf’s Lecucaida Tour golf shoes are inspired by a traditional and classic style
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one of the most unique golf shoes on the market. First off, these shoes have midsole foam throughout the heel that will help to increase comfort while you are walking. For better grip and stability, the shoes feature Thermoplastic Polyurethane. In the forefoot is bounce foam, which will give you a great response and more power throughout your swing. To pull it all together, the shoes have a lace-in saddle as well as an external heel counter for more support. If you are looking for an unbelievable comfort and fit, these are the shoes for you!
that has extremely premium detailing. The shoes have soft leather, making them not only comfortable, but also beautifully put together. For more cushioning and comfort, the shoes have an EVA heel insert as well as KHP foam. With these shoes, you will be comfortable all day long. The OrthoLite EVA sockliner within the shoes add additional cushioning that has an elegant, stunning appearance. These shoes have incredible detailing as well as a leather welt construction. What is better than looking great while also feeling great?
GOLF FASHION WEEKLY
BIION
Biion, in Ancient Greek, means “Life.” Biion Golf completely re-defines the old, classic Oxford theme with their unique spikeless, slip-on golf shoe that is unbelievably light with EVA technology. EVA technology is completely waterproof, shock absorbent, washable and odor-resistant. The company is known for its’ outstanding dual-density midsole for extra stability and comfort during your game. Biion shoes are unlike anything you have ever experienced before, and will truly give you a new outlook on golf shoes. Biion shoes are made up of several different collections. Some of our favorite collections of shoes include the Classics, Patterns and Wingtips. The Classics collection is made up
of neutral and simple colors that are extremely versatile in that they will match almost anything you decide to wear. The shoes within this collection come in a variety of different colors, including Black, White, White & Tan and more! The Patterns collection is fun, bright and bold. This collection comes in many different patterns that will help you to make your very own, personal statement on the course. Some of the patterns include Camo, Luau, Snake and Leopard. Lastly, The Wingtips collection features shoes with crazy, fun color combinations. These color combinations are fun and unique, and include colors such as Blue, White & Silver, Orange, Brown & Navy and more! Wearing Biion shoes is the perfect way to make a bold statement on or off the course.
ECCO
Ecco was created in 1963 by a man named Karl Toosbuy whose dream was always to own a successful shoe factory. After several years, the company got up on its feet and took off. Ecco is a medium-sized family business that is proud of its heritage and strong platform that it has built. The company strives to make first-class products that will be a great fit, good-looking and affordable. Ecco’s Biom Hybrid 2 shoes will guarantee you stability and support from the beginning of your game to the end. This shoe has outstanding form and function and will give you an exceptional grip. The shoes are soft and breathable with HYDROMAX weather resistance as well as an anti-stain formula so you will be completely protected through all types
of weather elements. The shoes were created after scanning 2,500 athletes so Ecco could get a good handle on the ideal levels of support. These shoes have a technical insole system so that you will not have to worry about any unwanted foot movement during your swing!
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY | BY GFW STAFF FOOTJOY
and have a standard fit with a narrow heel. The unique characteristic about these shoes is the turf gripping advantage, which are comfortable, durable and will help you to stay grounded during your swing. The Dryjoy Casual shoes are lightweight and waterproof, and feature a plush comfort with a fit-bed providing heel support as well as underfoot comfort. These shoes have a laser plus last which has a thicker insole than other shoes for more cushioning and comfort. We love both the Icon Black and Dryjoy Casual golf shoes.
NEW BALANCE
weight, cleated golf shoe that focuses on the ultimate comfort and traction. The shoes feature a waterproof mesh with a TPU stability cage that gives more support. It looks just like a running shoe, but provides everything that a golfer needs to be successful on the course. Additionally, New Balance has released the Minimus 1004 golf shoe. This shoe is comfortable, stylish and extremely lightweight at only 6.7 ounces! This shoe is perfect for women who enjoy walking on the course, or anywhere else! The shoes are completely water-resistant and feature an Ortholite insole for coolness and dryness.
NIKE GOLF
platform of the shoes helps for more stability through the swing. These shoes offer many benefits, such as the Dynamic Flywire technology that helps for more lateral support. These shoes are also waterproof so you will be protected from all elements. The Nike TW ’15 golf shoes are hot, modern and extremely stylish. These shoes give you stability and mobility- all at the same time! The shoes have a completely natural flexibility so you are able to get more power with your swing. With these shoes, you have complete freedom of movement and will be able to easily maximize your swing power!
FootJoy came about in 1857 with the goal to create superior golf products that will help to enhance your personal game. FootJoy’s golf shoes, as well as all of their products, will exceed your expectations in all types of weather conditions through their unique technical innovation, comfort and performance. The Icon Black shoes are made up of premium calfskin leather that has a great resistance to stretching. These shoes are completely waterproof
New Balance focuses on creating athletic footwear that can be completely trusted by golfers. For more than 100 years, New Balance has set the standards for footwear to an entirely new level. The footwear that New Balance creates helps to aid athletes and help them become more excellent. New Balance completely balances function and fashion, and helps to give you the necessities of a shoe with the look that you want. New Balance has just recently released their NB2003 golf shoe. This shoe is a lightNike Golf is a division of Nike that began in 1964. Years later, in 1986, Nike began making golf shoes, which took a couple years to truly take off. After signing with Tiger Woods, Nike Golf became one of the most trusted golf companies in the entire world. Nike Golf creates many different products, such as apparel, accessories, equipment and golf shoes. The Nike Lunar Control 3 golf shoes have a light fit with a lower profile. The shoes feature Lunarlon cushioning which helps give them a springy impact with protection and support. The control
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY
PUMA
Puma has become one of the world’s leading sports brands that designs, develops, sells and markets apparel, footwear and accessories. The company has been prominent for over 65 years, and has become a trusted brand for some of the fastest athletes in the entire world. Puma created their Cobra Golf line, which began in 2010 in order to provide a complete range of many golfing products. Cobra Golf has worked to strengthen itself in the golf business and has created some of the most promising golf equipment available. Puma’s BioDrive Leather golf shoes create a balance of performance, style and comfort for golfers either on or off of the course. The
SKECHERS
In 1992, Skechers began by Robert Greenberg and his son Michael. Skechers has been a prominent footwear company for many years that designs more than 3,000 styles for both men and women. The company sells footwear for a wide variety of people through their lifestyle division and performance division. Skechers’ Go Golf Pro shoes are Matt Kuchar Official. These shoes will help you to optimize your game and be comfortable and stylish while doing
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bottom of the shoes have connected octagon pods that will help you to be more flexible and get more grip and traction. For balance, there is a midfoot axis point. The shoes are created out of EVA foam which is 15% lighter than the traditional midsole foam. For better grip, the shoes have abrasion-resistant carbon rubber. The TitanTour golf shoes feature Puma’s cooling technology that will help to keep you dry and cool during your game. These shoes are the first shoes to ever have ‘Outlast,’ a temperature regulation technology developed for the space program. With this technology, your foot will stay cooler even when everything is heating up around you.
it. The shoes are created out of premium leather upper with a leather and synthetic overlay trim. The shoes have a waterproof leather design and beautiful stitching and perforation detail. These shoes are soft and extremely cushioned so you will feel comfortable standing all day long. In addition, the shoes feature Skechers’ Resalyte shock absorbing midsole, so your feet will stay dry regardless of the hot conditions. In these shoes, you will feel extremely well-grounded and stable during your game!
BY GFW STAFF
WEATHERING FASHION
RAIN GEAR GALORE Spring weather is here, and with that, we can expect many heavy rainstorms ahead. Don’t let the rain stop your from playing the game that you love! Golf Fashion Weekly brings you the most stunning and functional rain gear to help you embrace and almost look forward to the rainy weather conditions coming up! Antigua
Antigua Apparel is known for its lightweight, stretchy material used for its outerwear that keeps golfers extremely comfortable in any sort of weather condition. Antigua’s clothing has beautiful quality along with outstanding functionality. We decided to give Antigua’s Storm Suit a try. The Storm Suit is packable and can easily fit into a golf bag. It is so lightweight that you will not even notice it is there! The Storm Suit has many hidden features that we noticed while wearing it. There are several pass-through pockets, an elastic draw cord waistband as well as a bungee toggle bottom hem that is adjustable. On the inside left chest, there is a hidden pocket so you can store your belongings easily.
Bermuda Sands
Lastly, we checked out Bermuda Sands. This company creates unique apparel that will make your styling completely effortless. The clothing is created out of fine yarns that are comfortable and created in the company’s very own factories. Bermuda Sands features a Storm Cotton Line that is completely water repellent and soft.
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We tried on the Tyvola ¼ Zip Pullover that features the Storm Cotton technology. Pouring water over this unbelievable garment, we literally watched water roll off of the sleeves, while staying completely dry, warm and unaffected by the water. This pullover was beyond breathable and comfortable!
FootJoy
FootJoy is known for their exceptional fabrics and apparel designs for all weather conditions, with extreme technical innovation as well as supreme comfort. FootJoy’s rain wear is modern, stylish and absolutely stunning. We threw on FootJoy’s FJ HydroLite Rain Jacket & Pants. The HydroLite outerwear is created out of technology-packed materials for guaranteed waterproof and breathable protection. In FootJoy apparel, you will be protected in rainy and windy conditions. The HydroLite technology is lightweight and has a bonded liner. It is known as the most lightweight material that FootJoy offers!
Sunice
Sunice’s golf outerwear line took off in 1992 and has been recognized as one of the strongest brands on the market ever since. Many of the PGA, European PGA and LPGA Pros trust Sunice to keep them dry! We experienced Sunice’s 2015 Hurricane
GOLF FASHION WEEKLY and Tornado Collections. The Hurricane Collection features Gore-Tex and Paclite technology that is “Guaranteed to keep you dry.” The Ultimate Jacket is completely redesigned with a stretchy, waistcinching feel. The jacket is adjustable, protective and extremely comfortable. The Tornado Collection features Sunice’s lightweight, stretchy and breathable Flexvent fabric. This fabric is guaranteed to keep you comfortable and fully protected from all types of weather conditions. Not only did we feel completely dry in this apparel, but also extremely stylish and modern with the vibrant colors and stunning prints.
Zero Restriction
striction and outstanding moisture permeability. The jacket features high elasticity as well as a smooth texture that is beyond comfortable. It is extremely easy to move around in, and can be utilized anytime and anywhere! Zero Restriction’s jackets can be perfectly layered with their Z525 Pullover. The pullover is one of the softest and most lightweight jersey pullovers on the golf market. The pullover is breathable with soft fleece material inside the cuffs, as well as hidden zippered s i d e pockets so you can store small personal belongings easily!
Zero Restriction is an apparel company that has been making stunning waterproof rain wear for golfers since 1991. The company features Gore-Tex rain gear that has the “Guaranteed to keep you Dry” promise. With many garments top-rated at several private, public and resort courses, we guarantee that Zero Restriction is a trusted choice to keep you dry. First, we threw on the Stealth Jacket and Pants. The Stealth Jacket and Pants are created out of a stretchy, breathable and comfortable fabric thats softness will keep you completely warm. The Stealth Pants not only coordinate beautifully with the jacket, but are extremely comfortable as well. Next, we experienced the unbelievably lightweight Pinnacle Jacket. This jacket has zero re-
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 21
SOUTHWEST SCENES
Everybody Loves Prescott Arizona By Alice & Danny Scott
Our country mourned with “Everybody’s Hometown,” Prescott, when the Granite Mountain Hotshots met their death in the Yarnell fire of 2013. Then the killing of aide worker Kayla Mueller by ISIS recently rocked the world. With good or sad news, a spirit of community extends to all who live in and visit this Southwest Scene. 90 minutes from Phoenix, savvy New Englanders are spotted around the greater Prescott area for vacation or relocation due to the temperate four seasons and versatile topography of pines, valleys, and canyons for exploration and golf. At Antelope Hills Randy from Maine greets golfers. This was his first winter here. How did he like it? “We shut down for 3 days for snow. I don’t miss it,” he smiles. On a spring day, floral trees were popping with red and white at the entrance of the range where the deer and the antelope really do play and Buffalo with Billy Casper Golf have taken over operations. Ranger Al noted, “They improved the greens, widened the fairways, and play is up.” Two 18 hole courses, north and south are very playable and walkable. Antelope Hills is laid
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back, so much so that jeans are prevalent on players. This speeds up the pace of changing to head to Whiskey Row downtown. Trade the golf shoes for boots, the cap for an optional Stetson and scoot and boogey over to The Palace Saloon, circa 1877. Today the dance floor is an expanded dining area but the bar and furnishings have been restored to their original glory including the clandestine upstairs with a period manikin in waiting. If these walls could talk! Across the road is the impressive courthouse plaza where Billy Jack fought. Today it’s a peaceful place. Blocks of western boutique shops and restaurants entertain. Prescott Resort on top of the mile high town is the place to stay, serving a grand view, great food and Native artwork in and out along with
GOLF TRAVEL
flute music piping in peace. Greet the day or watch the sunset over the town by the fireplace on the veranda. A wedding, birthday party, business and wrestling conference shared the space with tourists from everywhere, all very happy with the digs and party at the indoor pool. If you dig hiking, this is the place with plenty of trails, none more striking than Watson Lake en route to Talking Rock Ranch, named for the petroglyphs in Inscription Canyon. This masterplanned golf community inspires a true sense of belonging. Our playing partner Tom joined seven years ago. He said, “You wouldn’t want to go to the store every day. It’s wide-open spaces to get away from it all.” Montana’s Mike, with a home among the grizzlies agreed. Here it is rare to see a bear but deer and bunnies abound. Talking Rock’s architect Jay Morrish incorporates the hallmarks of upscale living through the splendor of high desert terrain in the highly acclaimed Troon Prive’ course. The clubhouse, restaurant
and open patio are set like a western town with enticing views. South of town, Stoneridge is upgrading their clubhouse. The Randy Heckenkemper designed course is completely different, one you either love or hate. We LOVE it. The cart path snakes up and down desert canyons with a very unique routing due partially to consideration for ancient burial grounds. The finishing 18 is a steep, blind S curve with narrow chutes, down, then up to a false front, unlike any hole in the world. A good score here is as satisfying as golf can get. Check out the stay/play package for $175 at www.prescottresort.com. There are many more public golf courses within 30 minutes as well as the private Prescott Lakes where members love the challenging layout, activities and their mascot, Ingrid. And there is much more to explore like the Tuzigoot dwellings and Out of Africa with a zipline over predators. On the Verde wine trail, Alcantara is Martha Stewart approved as a wedding spot for its lovely setting next to the Verde River and great wine too. Prescott is close to Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood or Clarkdale where you can board the Verde Canyon Railroad through the red rock canyon along the Verde River. Serious historical narration mixes with humor and a medley of train songs. As if choreographed, a bald eagle pushed his talons from a boulder perch and soared around the train saluting us at the end, to the tune of, “I’m proud to be an American.” It’s a trip! www.visit-prescott.com
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 23
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WWW.THEPRESERVERI.COM INFO@THEBENRUSOPEN.COM *FOR AMATEURS ONLY. SUBJECT TO ANNUITY TERMS OR CASH OPTION ESTABLISHED BY THE BENRUS OPEN INSURANCE UNDERWRITER (TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE).
FALL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB
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PRIVATE GOLF
S P R I N G P R O M O T I O NA L R AT E S Category A Full Single Membership - $2,595 *Free Jr. Membership for one year with Cat. A Membership* Category A Full Senior Single Membership - $2,395 Category B (7 Day Restricted) Membership - $2,195 Family Membership - $4,240 | Family Senior Membership - $3,915 Ages (27-35) - $1,845 | Ages (19-26) - $1,295 Weekend Membership - $1,200 | Social Golf Membership - $600
MEMBER FOR A DAY PROMOTION SPRING 2015 (Includes Cart) May $50.00 | Call 508-677-9828 to Book Tee Times
Fall River Country Club
4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA 02720
MEMBERSHIP AT ONE LOW PRICE TO JULY 2016 If you are a golfer and you love the game then finding the perfect place to hang your spikes is sometimes one of the most difficult decisions to make. Today players who enjoy private club membership have a multitude of choices with
so many private clubs looking for members. Lets face it if your joining a private club then you are obviously looking to play more golf, so choose to play on a great golf course, Segregansett. Come out and Try Seggy for a Day and see for yourself.
Come Enjoy one of Southern New England’s Best Private Clubs for a Day
Member for Day Pricing Starting May 1, 2015 Monday – Sunday $50.00 Includes Cart Fees (Includes Same day $5.00 Restaurant Food Credit Voucher)
Same Day or Advanced Tee Times Available Online at www.segregansett.com Or Call The Pro Shop for tee Times at 508-824-9144
www.segregansett.com
New Membership Special for 2015-2016
Single $2950 May 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Family $3200 May 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Young Adult 21-29 $1500 May 1,2015 - June 30, 2016 Mid Adult 30-35 $2100 May 1,2015 - June 30,2016
For more information on memberships contact Gary Palmer at GARYL53@verizon.net or call @ 508-942-5873 or call the main office at the club at 508-824-9110 For tee-times contact Rob Baxter at 508-824-9144 mynegm.com/tauntongolf | www.segregansett.com
PAWTUCKET
COUNTRY CLUB The Best Membership Deal in Rhode Island “Fast Greens, Fast Rounds, Fast Friends”
• Dues of $4800 per year for the first two years • Golfing spouses/domestic partners can become Class C restricted members for $1300 • Children under the age of 18 are free • Family pool membership is included in every membership besides the Class E social • Locker room, bag storage are free • No tee times necessary • PCC’s pick up games are the best way to meet new people • Group discounts and social memberships available • Great golf course conditions are the norm
Join PCC Today Pawtucket Country Club has a long and proud tradition of offering members regularly scheduled games without the hassle of tee-times. Founded in 1902, the club offers members and their guests the opportunity to relax in an unhurried, family friendly atmosphere. In addition to a classic par 69 golf course, the club has a full dining and banquet facility and an Olympic sized swimming pool. The club located at 900 Armistice Boulevard is situated in both Pawtucket and Seekonk.
(401) 725-2918 | www.pawtucketcountryclub.com Pawtucket Country Club | 900 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket, RI 02861
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Rhode Island’s Family Country Club We offer memberships for the entire family! Whether your interest is a resort-style pool, newly renovated restaurant, or golf, we have something for everyone. We invite you to join The Alpine Family! Your Alpine lifestyle begins by calling 401.943.2670 AlpineCC.com
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METRO WEST
Metro Golf Courses are
READY FOR YOU NOW By By Jim Jim Hammond Hammond
The mountains of snow have finally subsided and you can once again tee it up and let it fly. Let’s check out some of the best courses in the Metro West area of the Bay state that are inviting you to grab your clubs and celebrate the glorious season of spring. Eileen Aviza has been the general manager of a unique golf course in Millis, MA, called “The Glen.” Aviza worked in the hospitality industry for 18 years prior to joining the team at The Glen. “Customer service and a welcoming environment are the keys to establishing customer loyalty,” said Aviza. “If we get golfers to come play our course just once, they return again and again because they love the great condition of our course that can be enjoyed by golfers of all levels.” I have played The Glen several times and what I like about it is that the course has fast greens and fairways that are mostly flat and easy to walk. Stand on the first tee that plays 383 yards from the front and 448 yards from the tips, and any hazards are plainly in view. The greens are large and receptive to a variety of shots. The second hole is a par 3 that is all carry to a green framed by a small pond. Number 3 is a gentle dogleg playing only 387 yards from tips so try a 3 metal and a middle iron approach shot to a large green that will give you a good chance at a par. But there is a lot more than golf that is available to members. The facility offers a large swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball, miniature golf and even a softball field for golfers who would like to smash a ball that is easier to hit. There is a new fully stocked pro shop and a natural grass practice area. Young golfers can take part in their extensive
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summer camp program. Kids aged 6 to 9 can join the Nationwide Tour Camp, and players between the ages of 10 and 14 can sign up for the Pro Tour Camp. Information on tee times, lessons and summer camp should be directed to Rik Lynch, head PGA Pro at 508- 376 -2978 extension 208. For outings and membership information call Eileen Aviza at 508- 376 -2978.
Quail Ridge is a recently re-designed 9 hole golf course at 345 Great Road in Acton, Mass that provides more options than most 9 hole courses. When playing 18 holes there is a variety of yardage and green options to the golfer who enjoys playing 18 holes when hitting the links. Quail Ridge is experienced in hosting leagues and corporate events and is the home of a junior golf program that played in the New England Championship after only two years. Quail Ridge has tennis courts and also is the first course in Massachusetts to offer “Foot Golf.” It’s like playing golf with a #5 soccer ball and cups that are 21 inches in diameter. The way I putt they should use the same size cups on all golf courses. There is a pool and fitness center also available at Quail Ridge. Call PGA Pro Mark Laviano at 978-264-0399 xt. 102 for tee times and more information. Beverly Golf and Tennis Club is an 18 hole course located 134 McKay Street in Beverly,
METRO WEST
Mass. Beverly was built in 1918 by United Shoe Machinery so its employees could have a place to play golf.It is a medium length course playing 6,237 yards from the tips and provides a nice practice range to warm up a bit before your round. For tee times and other information call 978 922 9072. The Country Club of Billerica is an 18 hole course playing a modest 5,798 yards from the back tees. There is a driving range to warm up before your round and the pro shop is fully stocked and will even do club repairs to keep the equipment in good condition. For tee times call 978 667 9121. Stow Country Club has something for every-
body. The two 18 hole courses were designed by Geoffrey Cornish. The South Course was opened in 1921 and is quite hilly while the North Course is easier to walk. The North course was designated one of the top 50 courses in North America by Golf Digest magazine. The renovated Victorian clubhouse is a charming bit of New England history and is a great environment for a post-game meal and drink. Call 978- 568 -1100 for tee time Rowley County Club is a 9 hole course on the north shore. It was designed by owner A.C. Newton and was opened in 1965. The course plays only 3098 yards from the back tees so golfers of all skill levels will enjoy this unique course. Call director of golf, Phillip Cornetta for more information at 978-948-2731. Bungay Brook is a great 9 hole course lo-
cated in Bellingham with wide open fairways and large greens. It plays only 3,136 yards from the back tees so there are opportunities for making a birdie or two. But the gigantic greens are protected by gigantic traps that must be avoided if you want a chance at that sub-par round. Bungay offers specials on Mondays, and weekends and has a practice area with grass
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 33
tees. Call 508 883-1600 for tee times. Foxboro Country Club is a semi-private 18 hole course that is a classic Geoffrey Cornish design. Foxboro opened in m1957 and is always in fine condition. It plays 6849 yards from the back tees and has a great practice range to fine tune your game. Call 508- 543- 4661 for more information. Leo J Martin is an 18 hole course that has
been open for play since 1925. The course is in the town of Weston so it is convenient for golfers who reside in the Boston area. Leo J Martin plays 6320 yards from the tips so you do not need to be a big hitter to enjoy this venue. Call 781- 891-1119 for information. New England Country Club is another course in the town of Bellingham. This 18 hole course was designed by tour legend Hale Irwin. The narrow fairways are framed by trees so consider using a fairway metal for some of your tee shots. The course has a practice range and the Eagan Pub sits on a hill providing a great view and superior food. Phone 508 -883- 2300 for more information. Far Corner Golf Course is located in Boxford,
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Mass. Far Corner offers 27 holes of golf for your pleasure. You can play any nine, or if you are lucky enough to have the time give them all a try. Each nine averages 3,300 yards from the back tees and a brand new golf shop has just opened for your convenience. Call 978 -352- 8300. Newton Commonwealth Golf Course was opened for play as a nine hole course in 1897. It was redesigned as an 18 hole venue by the legendary architect, Donald Ross. The course is not long at 5354 yards, but the greens are small and protected by bunkers. I have played a lot of courses across North America and Ross designed links are still my favorite places to play a round of golf. For more information call 617630- 1971. Maynard Golf Course is a 9 hole course that was a semi private club that was purchased by the town back in 2012. It is another short course playing only 6000 yards from the back tees that has been compared to a Donald Ross course. Call 978 -637- 2268 for more information about this traditional New England course.
Northbridge, MA • 508.234-0400 www.shiningrock.com
The Associate Pool & Golf Membership allows the entire family to enjoy membership at the pool and one designated family member special golf privileges.
508-376-2978 | TheGlenCC.com 84 Orchard St. Millis, MA 02054 May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35
Spectacular course layout… Exceptional Clubhouse design… Overwhelmingly unique experience.
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May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37
FORE FATHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE Arccos Golf Give the gift of better golf this Father’s Day. Arccos Golf is the game’s first ever fully-automatic performance tracker. Pair your sensors just once to each club, then let the free Arccos iPhone app track every shot and summarize your round. Arccos delivers stats that help golfers know where to improve. Does Dad have Apple Watch? The Arccos app for Apple Watch additionally features customized club recommendations, enhanced shot editing, GPS distances and more.
Get Arccos Golf for Dad at www.arccosgolf.com
Your Dad Deserves a Lobster Roll for Father’s Day Give your dad the perfect Lobster “roll” with our unique New England-inspired “Rock Lobster” Tin Cup golf ball-marking stencil for $19.95. Tin Cup is a stainless steel stencil that is easy to use, made in the USA, and guaranteed for life. Does your Dad love crab cakes, beer, or martinis? Is he a dog lover or true-blue patriotic? If you really want to impress your Pop, you can customize a Tin Cup — with your dad’s initials, monogram, logo, or family crest.
15% off your entire order by entering coupon code, “Lobster.” The discount applies to both in stock and custom designs. Contact us at Tin-Cup.com 703-876-6063 - info@tin-cup.com.
Give Dad Shorter Putts and Lower Scores Renegar Golf is the only manufacturer in golf focused solely on improving your short game. The Rx14 and RxF wedges feature a patented, tour-quality design that makes them the right wedge for every shot. A unique sole contour with a lower leading edge and more bounce delivers increased ball spin and better distance control. The Renegar wedges accommodate a variety of playing situations and produce better explosion shots in the sand. The process is entirely riskfree thanks to Renegar’s 30-day money back guarantee.
20% Off Dad’s Gift with Code fathersday2015 at www.renegargolf.com
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Gift Dad Less Putts with Axis 1 Golf
Kevin Walsh, Comcast Sports Net
Axis1 Putters are the first 100% perfectly balanced putters and a great gift for dad. The putter will never turn open on him so he will hole more putts for rounds to come. Axis1 Putters are available in the Eagle, Umbra, Joey and Joey-C models with a 30 day money back guarantee. Considering how often he pulls out his putter, shouldn’t he use the one uniquely engineered to give him the best chance to make each and every putt?
Free shipping with code NEGMDAD at www.axis1golf.com
A Better Swing For Dad at Big Sticks Hey Dads-start the season off right with a one-hour golf swing analysis from Big Sticks Golf, a top-notch golf practice and instructional facility. We offer innovative technology, top-of-the-line equipment, and professional instruction, enabling golfers of all levels to maximize their potential and reach peak physical shape for the game. We are the place to go to learn, improve or practice your golf game! Learn more at www.bigsticksgolf.com.
Mention NEGM for the special price of $99 expires 6/30/2015. Call 781-229-2269 or email bigsticksgolf@verizon.net
GET DAD AN INFAMOUS GIFT The Infamous 18 Holes of Golf from golfer and artist Loyal H. Chapman comes is a series of golf course pictures that challenge the realms of possibility. The series has captured the attention of golf art collectors with unique renderings of wonders like Machu Picchu, the Grand Canyon and Victoria Falls turned into outlandish and fantastic fairways and putting greens. Each image captures a golfer’s paradise and features a comedic subtitle with the name of the hole, a brief description, yardage and par. Choose a giclee or lithograph print or even the collectors edition.
20% Off with code NEGM20 at Checkout. Visit www.TPKGolf.com to purchase.
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39
Swingclick improves the CONSISTENCY, TIMING, RHYTHM, and TEMPO of your golf swing.
$29.99
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3 clicks to a smoother swing
The No-Brainer Swing Trainer
40 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | May 2015 | Fore Father’s Day Gift Guide
Looking for something unique to give Dad for Father’s Day....
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Nice Shot® golf gloves are the gift that keeps on giving.... you give it to Dad.... Dad gives it to everyone else!! Nice Shot® Golf Gloves....
It is after all A Gentleman’s Game!
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Fore Father’s Day Gift Guide | May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 41
FORE FATHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE Short Par 4 No lines, no hassles, no mismatching. Short Par 4 puts together custom style boxes that get shipped monthly. $45 per month gets you styled apparel each month based on your style and sizes. What comes in the box? Short Par 4 works with many different vendors from big brands like Adidas, Nike, Under Armour to smaller brands like Travis Mathew, Linksoul, and Chase 54.
Visit www.shortpar4.com for more info.
Lite 4 Nite “ The new LITE4NITE” golf ball is the longest and most accurate golf ball made for twilight and nighttime play and fun. Amateurs and pros will love how this lighted golf ball hits, feels, spins and bites on the greens. It’s awesome to be able to now hit a lighted golf ball 300 yards and find it in the dark of night. Do yourself a favor and get some LITE4NITE balls today and start having the time of your life at night playing golf.
Discount Intro Offers For Dad at www.Lite4Nite.com as low as $39 for 3 balls and 1 Charger
The Deutsche Bank Championship Tickets Experience Title Town’s PGA TOUR -Various ticket options available. Limited quantities available on upgraded packages. Prices will increase prior to Championship Week. Purchase today to guarantee best pricing and availability. Select your ticket type and order online below. Be sure to follow @DBChampionship on Twitter for updates and behindthe-scenes information.
To order by phone or speak to a customer service representative, call 855-492-8052.
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1019Iyannough IyannoughRoad, Road,Hyannis, Hyannis,MA MA02601 02601 1019 1019 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508)771-4653 771-4653 (508) (508) 771-4653
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 43
MOLORI UNPLUGGED | BY JOHN MOLORI
Media pros and cons of golf lessons It is a decision that most recreational golfers face: to take lessons or not to take lessons. There is no clear cut answer. Lessons can help a game, but also change a fun activity into a chore. Some diehard golfers in Boston sports media share their thoughts on the lesson decision. “Honestly, I’ve never taken a lesson, which is why I’m stuck at about an 18 handicap,” says John Rooke, voice of Providence College, Patriots’ PA announcer, Patriots.com, and GoLocalProv. com columnist. “I watch a few golf shows, read the magazines, and fiddle with the hybrids, all in an effort to take some of the slice out of the swing.” Rooke’s Gillette Stadium colleague, 98.5 The Sports Hub play-by-play announcer Bob Socci, is battling a similar challenge. He relates, “I’m an absolutely terrible slicer, and I spend most of my time on the course looking for lost golf balls. I actually took a few lessons with several pros. The problem is I got even worse. Like most people, I tried to turn my club had to adjust to my slice, but that didn’t work.”
Conversely, NESN Bruins’ analyst Andy
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Brickley eschewed lessons for experience. “I learned the game by watching better players on the course and on TV. Golf was just a summer activity that filled a gap when I wasn’t playing baseball. “My brother Quintin took lessons from Lyman Doane at Mount Hood. I was just trying to pick up the basics of seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and getting to the hole. I golf with a buddy, Mike Libby, who is a pro. It’s like getting a private lesson every time we play.” Similarly, WCVBTV icon Mike Lynch took the experiential route to learn the game. He explains, “I was a caddy at Tedesco. I used to follow the railroad tracks behind my house which led right to the 15th hole. I never took any lessons, but used to look forward to Mondays when the caddies could get out there and play.” Radio personality Pete Sheppard combined instruction with vacation. “We were
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actually on vacation and I took lessons for five days in the Pompano Beach area. I really learned the etiquette of golf as well as the importance of the grip. I became really good playing with the low irons. I didn’t hit so much for distance as I did for accuracy.” For former Comcast SportsNet and current Fox Sports personality Donny Marshall, it is what and who you know. He states, “In 1997, I was invited to play in celebrity a long drive competition at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut. I had never played golf, so I called my closest friend in the world, Chuck Grodovich, who owned a couple of courses in the Hartford area. “He asked me when the competition was. I told him, ‘Two hours.’ Chuck took me to the range and we hit balls for 90 minutes. My hands were so sore. He told me to keep my eye on the ball and swing hard. I still follow those lessons today.” Marshall’s former Comcast SportsNet colleague, Celtics’ play-by-play legend Mike Gorman, puts lessons into perspective stating, “I have taken a lot of lessons, probably more than I needed to take. Sometimes it can be thoroughly confusing being coached by different people. I really just love to get out on the range and hit balls.” John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players.” Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@aol.com
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TOUR SNAPSHOT | BY JACK ROSS
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE MOST EXCITING HOLE IN GOLF
The Players Championship, which has been held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida since 1982, has always been billed by the PGA Tour as the tournament with the strongest field and the largest purse. While the later might still be true, this year the Lords of Augusta National upped the Masters purse to $10,000,000, with a $1.8 million winners share, to match the Players. Jordan Spieth was the prime beneficiary of this bidding war when he cashed the winner’s check. When play begins at TPC Sawgrass on May 7, most of the world’s best players will tee it up on Pete Dye’s challenging layout. In addition to the hefty payout, the winner will receive a 5-year exemption to the PGA Tour, 3-year exemptions to the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the British Open, and 600 FedEx Cup points (typical tournaments confer only 500 points). TPC Sawgrass was the culmination of the concerted efforts of former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman, who envisioned a unique playerowned course that would enhance spectators’ experiences and be playable by the public. After purchasing 415 acres of wooded wetlands and swamp for $1, Beman brought Dye on board to carve a course out of the challenging tract. Dye’s concept was to achieve a balanced design that would not favor any one style of golf. Accordingly, the course has holes of various lengths, and a combination of right and left dog-
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legs. No two consecutive holes run in the same direction so as neutralize the wind factor. In order to create a stadium course, Dye’s engineers had to excavate large amounts of soil and sand to build the 30-foot high mounds that border a number of the holes. The famous par-3 17th hole was an accidental result of this project. Dye originally envisioned a small pond in front of the green, but when a large amount of valuable sand was found in the area they proceeded to excavate to the point that water surrounded the site of the green. Dye’s wife, Alice, suggested the island green concept (to the dismay of thousands of golfers who have hit balls into the water over the years.) The 17th hole, which is listed at 137 yards but can play much shorter, has produced drama at the Players. Last year, Martin Kaymer went on to win after his tee shot on 17 appeared headed for the water but held up on the fringe. In 2013, Sergio Garcia was tied for the lead with Tiger Woods until he hit two balls into the water at the 17th. Bob Tway has the distinction of recording the highest score on the 17th during the Players -- a 12 in 2005 after dunking four balls. Only 28 balls found the water on the 17th during last year’s tournament, much less than the record 93 in 2007. Obviously, the recreational golfers who play Sawgrass don’t fare as well. It is estimated that 140,000 balls find the drink every year. But, if you have the chance to play Sawgrass, losing a sleeve of Titleist Pro Vs is probably a small price to pay.
All Major Iron Brands in Stock See & Try Demo Days 5/21 & 6/4 from 3-7pm
• Top 100 Club Fitter – Open Year Round • 5 Full Flight Fitting Bays with Newest Launch Monitor Technology • Private and Group Instruction
• Multiple Winner – Top 100 Pro Shop • Trade-Ins Enthusiastically Accepted • Full Calendar of Demo and Expo Days • One Stop Tournament Shopping • Great 9 Hole Course Located Right at Joe & Leigh’s Golf Shop • Only $25.00 to Walk 9 Holes • Try and Buy and The Only Golf Shop in New England with a 9 Hole Course
www.joeandleighs.com | 508-238-2320 68 Prospect St. South Easton, MA
Richy Werenski of South Golf Editorial HadleyPublic wins Golf Channel’s
“Big Break The Palm Beaches Florida’’ By Steve Riggs
Richy Werenski of South Hadley, MA got off to a fast start, struggled through the middle of the round and came from behind for a 2-and-1 match play victory over Justin Martinson of Avondale, PA in the grand finale of Golf Channel’s Big Break The Palm Beaches television program. The final match may have taken place back in September, but the victory was no less sweeter for South Hadley native. That 18-hole match between Werenski and Martinson over the Champion Course at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens was like watching a couple prize fighters try to out maneuver each other. The pair had to deal with heavy rain and wind in addition to trying to play ‘smart golf’. Part of a 12 member
48 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | May 2015
cast of contestants, the two created a lot of drama making the final of the 23rd installment of the Big Break series well worth viewing. Of course it was an extra treat for New England golfers to watch one of their own win the event. The payday was worth $80,000 in cash and prizes plus an exemption for the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship in June.
PLAY LIKE YOUR NAME’S ON THE BAG!
Swing Oil Ale is a twist on an American style Ale. Brewed with just a touch of malt sweetness, a hint of American sourced hops, and a smooth clean finish, it’s for certain that Swing Oil Ale will be the perfect compliment to the golf game we all desire.
The match ended on the famed par three 17th hole, the final leg of a trio of golf holes known as the Bear Trap. The 15th, 16th and 17th are considered the toughest three holes in golf. It was the 17th hole that befuddled both Daniel Berger and Padraig Harrington during this year’s Honda Classic when the pair both had found the hazard, (water). Werenski staked his tee shot to 7 feet while Martinson landed in the fringe left of the green. Going for the birdie in his attempt to extend the match, Martinson missed long. Werensky calmly dropped his putt for birdie to end the match and win the Big Break The Palm Beaches final. Werenski is currently scheduled to swing back through Massachusetts in June to compete in the 2015 Massachusetts Open Championship set for June 8-10 at Black Rock Country Club.
Find a Course Near You That Serves Swing Oil Ale
www.swingoilbeerco.com Based in Granby, MA
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 49
THE AMATEUR SCENE | BY STEVE RIGGS
Junior Players to Watch / New England’s Finest We have some of the best young amateur players in the country. Most certainly some of them are destine to join the ranks of our Team New England players on the PGA, LPGA, Web.Com and Symetra tours. Each month we hope to profile a boy and girl for the month followed by four other young players. Below are our selections for this issue.
Top Boy Junior Golfer Will Dickson, (RI) is the #1 junior player in the Rhode Island and ranked 28th nationally according to the GolfWeek Junior Boys Rankings, (at this writing). Last year Dickson took medalist honors in the Rhode Island Interscholastic Golf Championship as a freshman at Moses Brown School. The young man won by a whopping 14 strokes after an impressive opening round 4-under-par 67. Will was the youngest player to compete in the 2014 Northeast Amateur. Now a sophomore at Moses Brown, Dickson reached the round of 16 in the U.S. Junior Amateur last July at the Woodlands, outside Houston. He lost to the eventual champion, 1-up, after leading by
Top Girl Junior Golfer Angela Garvin, (MA). Last year the 13-year-old Feeding Hills resident captured the Connecticut Section PGA Junior Championship on her home course The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick. Coming back from a four-stroke deficit with seven holes to play, the youngster forced a playoff. She then won the event with a birdie on the fifth extra hole. Garvin posted rounds of 77 and 75 that day. Her efforts qualified her for a trip to the National PGA Junior Championship last July at Miramont CC in Bryan College Station, Texas. She was one of only two 13 year old girls to compete in the 2014 PGA Junior Championship at Miramont
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three holes early in the match. Dickson did defeat a top Wake Forest 2015 recruit in the opening round of the Junior Amateur, upsetting No. 9 seed Cameron Young, 2 and 1. Although he spent most of his summer last year caddying at Sankaty Head, on Nantucket, Dickson finished in the top 10 in three junior tournaments last year. He tied for third at the Southern Junior, tied for sixth in the AJGA Wells Fargo Junior Classic and was sixth in the Innisbrook Junior Classic in January 2013. Dickson, 15, has given a verbal commitment to play college golf at Georgia Tech when the time comes.
Country Club in Bryan, Texas. At age 12 Garvin carried a 2.1 handicap at The Ranch Golf Club. The youngster has been named the PGA Junior Golf Player of the Year in back to back seasons of 2013 and 2014. Last year Garvin told a reporter; “People still ask me ‘Are you a junior or a sophomore?’ “And I’m like . . ‘I’m going into seventh grade.’ In two years of regional competition Angela has won 19 of 29 events she played. Her lowest finish in two years? That would be on fifth place finish. 2015 should be a very interesting year for one Angela Garvin, Feeding Hills, MA.
AMATEUR SCENE
Other Junior Standout Picks for The Month Boys Patrick Welch, (RI) won the Boys 15-16 division of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship National Finals at Augusta National during Masters week. In 2013, Welch won his division for the Rhode Island State Junior Championship. Welch qualified for the Rhode Island State Amateur Match Play Championship advancing to the round of 16 before losing to a college golfer from Old Dominion University.
Girls
Patrick was the youngest of the 156 players to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in 2013. To qualify the youngster fired a 66 at ThornE-Lea for a 36-hole total of 140. Steven DiLisio, (MA) is a junior at Phillips Exeter Academy won the 2014 New England Junior championship. DiLisio has an unprecedented five straight MGA State Junior division titles to his name. He continues to be a competitor to be dealt with as the young man won the N.E. Junior at Ledgemont CC in Seekonk.
senior passed on the popular college National Signing Day. The Rockland player’s record includes winning the 2013 AJGA Ping Invitational at Karsten Creek in Stillwater, Okla. It was her first AGJA win in just her fourth AGJA start. Megan won the 2014 Doral Publix Junior Classic. She likes Doral as it was her third win since 2006. Khang finished 18th in the 2014 AJGA ANNIKA Invitational and plans to be in the field for the inaugural LPGA Symetra Tour stop in Brockton for the J.W.Mason Championship scheduled for mid August.
Alexandra Sazhin, (CT), has a very interesting back story. Alexandra was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia in 1997, living there until age 9 when her family moved to United States. It was in California in 2007 when she took up golf before ending up in Greenwich, CT. A senior at Greenwich High, Sazhin earned medalist honors, (74), leading the girls’ golf team to the 2014 FCAIC conference championship. Sazhin won the 2014 Greenwich Ladies Town Tournament tying the course record shooting a 3 under par 70 at Griffiths E. Harris Golf Course. Megan Khang, (MA), profiled in the March issue of NEGM, has the college golf world stymied. The
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 51
CELEBRITY GOLFER // BY LEIGH MCKAY
Celebrity Golfer: Architect Ron Garl What can you say about the Florida-based golf course architect Ron Garl, whose design philosophy is “To make courses enjoyable, traditional, challenging, and memorable”? Probably something like, “Where is his nearest layout?” And if you, like most New England golfers, have planned winter escapes to play golf in Florida, chances are you have teed it up at one of Ron’s creations. What Jim Kurtzeborn, PGA Master Professional/Director of Golf at Fiddlesticks in Fort Myers, has said about Ron is representative of what other pros and golfers feel about the Garl philosophy: “Ron Garl possesses the talent to make a golf course beautiful, challenging and playable. He does this through his understanding of how different levels of golfers play a course, coupled with an artist’s vision.” A native of the Sunshine State and a University of Florida grad, Ron has designed more than 250 courses and remodels, taking his wellearned reputation throughout the nation and around the world. Ron is an advocate of both classic golf course design and “green” golf course design, believing that “every course should sit softly upon the land.” He gained great acclaim for his environmental work at the Indian River Club in Vero Beach, the first course to be awarded Audubon International’s highest award: the Audubon Signature Cooperative Sanctuary Status. Stu Burk, Director of Membership at Indian
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River, said, “During the design process, while walking the course, Ron Garl was asked what he thought his favorite hole would be. His response was, ‘If we do our job right, all of them.’ Ron blended his concepts into the land he was given to work with, as opposed to the way most golf course architects change the land to blend it into their concepts.” Ron lives in Lakeland, near Tampa, with his wife Sylvia, and they have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
NEGM: Did the LPGA players enjoy their 2015 season-opener at your Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club?
RG: Oh, yes! That January event was a smashing success with the women. I heard many great comments and received such positive feedback. The crowds were unbelievable, like being at a major. The golfers loved the layout and the idea of the eight tribute holes. When I designed the course in 1986, I paid homage to iconic holes from five majorchampionship courses—Augusta National [12, 13,16], Baltusrol [4 on Lower Course], Muirfield [9], the Old Course at St. Andrews [1, 17] and Royal Troon [8]. Golden Ocala was unique, the first course in the world with tribute holes on it, and I’m the guy who dreamed it up.
NEGM: What is your philosophy of architecture and remodeling?
RG: Fortunately, the whole golf industry has returned to my theory on design: golf should
CELEBRITY GOLFER be a pleasure, played in a reasonable amount of time, and allow for the communing with Mother Nature. The trend had been to build longer and harder golf courses with more bunkers and lightning-fast greens. Today, the trend, which includes renovations, is to return to the classic layout style, which includes less bunkers and reasonable green undulations. I can use trees at the corners of doglegs and mounds around the greens to replace all that sand. I know the average golfer does not like bunkers. My designs and remodels reward good shots but don’t over penalize bad shots. I think the vast majority of golfers who are higher handicappers deserve a rewarding round just as much as the scratch players do, and I want these golfers to return again and again.
NEGM: Favorite architects?
RG: The classic four: A.W. Tillinghast is at the top of my list, followed by Alister MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris—the first prominent architect to work with Mother Nature—and Donald Ross. If you understand what they were trying to do with the land at their disposal and with their hands and their horse-drawn earth movers, you then understand what golf is really all about.
NEGM: Name some of your more memorable Florida layouts.
RG: Fiddlesticks, The Dunes at Palm Beach Polo Golf & CC, Indian River Club, Golden Ocala, Longboat Key Club and Resort (remodel), Timacuan in Lake Mary, Tournament Players Club @ Prestancia in Sarasota, University Park in Sarasota, Naples Beach Club, Victoria Hills in Deland, and Las Colinas at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills.
NEGM: Now, name some of your more memorable foreign layouts.
RG: Panama with Bijao Beach Club & Golf Resort; Bogota, Colombia with Guaymaral CC (Course #1); Thailand’s Alpine Golf & Sports Club, Royal Gems Golf City, and ChiangmaiLamphun GC (remodel); Morocco with its
Golf D’Atalayoun; The Admirals Club at Nine Dragons Golf Resort near Shanghai; Ride of the Kings GC, Vlcnov, Czech Republic (under design); Taboo GC, Gravenhurst, Ontario; Heritage Pointe, Calgary, Alberta; and Wooden Sticks in Uxbridge, Ontario. [All three in Canada are in that country’s Top 100.]
NEGM: Why are you committed to “green” and attaining the publicly recognized Audubon Sanctuary status?
RG: The Audubon Society has created a great program for golf courses to achieve conservation goals and advance environmental stewardship and sustainability. Why wouldn’t I be in favor of going “green”? We need to keep reminding everybody what great neighbors golf courses are. Most of today’s superintendents are college educated, certified, and understand very well their impact upon the environment.
NEGM: How did you learn the game? Home course? Current handicap?
RG: I learned the best way you could ever learn—playing with my twin brother and my father. I’m a member at all 250 of my courses. The three courses I play the most when I have time are in my hometown of Lakeland: Cleveland Heights GC, Eaglebrooke CC, and Wedgewood GC. I’m a 10 handicapper now and don’t get to play as much as I would like.
NEGM: Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period?
RG: Lydia Ko, Bubba Watson, Billy Horschel, and Camilo Villegas. Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead.
NEGM: Hobbies?
RG: I’m a licensed pilot and love flying to work sites and to Asheville, NC, to play golf with my friends. I also like to ride my collection of Cushman Eagle scooters! Several are antiques from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. I’m very fortunate to have scooter/motorcycle friends, airplane friends, and golf friends to keep me young.
May 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 53
TINKERS NEST
Irons for the New Season By Ed Travis Now is the time to start thinking of new irons—irons that will take your game to the next level. You will find manufacturers’ offerings for 2015 have lots of new technology to help you hit the ball more accurately with better trajectory and added distance. And, as you have heard many times previously, the place to start (after reading this article of course) is with a local PGA Professional who knows all the inside information you need to make an intelligent decision. Remember one of the best ways to cut strokes off your score is better iron play so let’s make 2015 the year you lower your scores with new irons…and maybe a couple of lessons from your pro.
Adams Golf
Adams Blue Combo set uses their Easy Launch System to help getting the ball in the air easily with a sole slot and a low and back center of gravity. The combo set starts with a 3 and 4 hybrid with high launch and draw bias. The irons, 5 through pitching wedge, have a moderate offset and share SlimTech shafts with a smaller diameter tip with the hybrids. $700 with steel shafts and $800 with graphite.
Ben Hogan Golf
A mythic name…Ben Hogan, both as a player and club designer, but for the past several years the brand has not been available. That’s now changed with the introduction of the Fort Worth 15 forged perimeter iron, each set custom fit using their online HoganFit system. Retail for $150 per club with either KBS Tour V or KBS Tour 90 steel shafts and $165 per club with UST Mamiya Recoil graphite shafts.
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TINKERS NEST
Bridgestone Golf
The J15 series from Bridgestone consists of four forged models aimed at players of different skill levels, all with clean classic lines and their new Sure Contact Sole. The standard 4 through pitching wedge sets have a street price of $790 for J15MB (muscle back), J15CB (cavity back) and J15DPF (dual pocket forged), while a standard set of J15DF (driving forged) are $880.
Callaway Golf
The new 2-piece XR Irons (4-iron through attack wedge, steel $800, graphite $900 ) are Callaway’s first cavity back, cup-faced irons using the principles of construction originally found in fairways which along with a lower center of gravity give the iron better performance. The XR Pro (steel $900, 4-iron through attack wedge) use the same cup-face 2-piece design and Callaway’s Internal Standing Wave.
Cobra Golf
Cobra Fly-Z and Fly-Z XL irons have a Speed Channel and use a hollow construction in the 4- through 8-irons to give more face flex than the old Bio Cell line which they replace. The XL model is the higher launch design. We particularly liked the very nice combo sets. In the Fly-Z XL set of 4-, 5- and 6-H, 7-iron through gap wedge with graphite shafts for $700 or a Fly-Z set of 3- and 4- hybrids plus 6 irons with graphite shafts for $900.
Mizuno Golf
This is a big year for introductions by Mizuno with the new JPX-850 ($900) for mid-range handicap players and the JPX-850 Forged ($1,000 steel shafts) for low handicappers. Both have Mizuno’s Power Frame construction. For scratch handicaps there are the MP15s ($1,000) with a titanium muscle insert in the backs of the forged heads. Also interesting are the MP-H5s ($1,000) with hollow construction through the 6-iron and half hollow in the 7 through pitching wedge.
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TINKERS NEST
Nike Golf
The Nike Vapor Pro and Vapor Speed irons have a “Modern Muscle” construction making use of plugs made of tungsten that push the center of gravity towards the center of the clubface for better results on off center impacts. A Vapor Pro set of 3 through pitching wedge retail for $1,000 with steel shafts and the Vapor Speed $800 for the 4 through attack wedge also with steel shafts. The Vapor Pro Combo models have a hollow cavity in the long irons, the Nike RZN cavity in short irons and sell for $1,100 for 4-iron through attack wedge.
PING Golf
The G30 irons have progressive lengths and a thin face to help give better launch conditions for faster ball speeds, the keys to more distance and accuracy. Ping’s Custom Tuning Port and undercut cavity position the center of gravity low and back for a solid feel. A set of G30s comprised of 4-iron through utility wedge is $800 with steel shafts and $900 with graphite shafts.
TaylorMade Golf
TMaG’s latest, the RSi family, offer a potentially ground breaking design being the first irons to not only have what is now very common, a slot in sole, but two slots added in the clubface. We found through extensive on course testing the new design makes them much more forgiving on off-center impacts not to mention added distance. There are three models starting with the RSi 1 (4-iron through attach wedge, $800 in steel and $900 graphite) which have a really thin clubface and very large sweet spot. The multi-material RSi 2s ($1,000 steel and $1,200 graphite) have forged faces in the short irons and the RSi TP ($1,200 in steel only) were specifically designed for tour players.
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TINKERS NEST
Tour Edge Golf
The new Exotics E8 model has a deep undercut cavity and tungsten weighting in the heel and toe to help the squaring of the clubface at impact. The increased moment of inertia not only make them very forgiving but adds distance and control especially when the ball is not hit in the center of the face. Exotics E8 carry a retail price of $600 with steel shafts or $800 with graphite, which given the quality and performance should put them on your list.
Wilson Golf
Wilson’s D200 Irons ($600 steel and $700 graphite) have their new Speed Sole Technology, a thin faceto-sole transition giving them rebound characteristics similar to drivers. The increased ball speed combined with toe and heel weight pods make them very playable. The Staff FG V4 forged irons have an 18-gram tungsten sole weight in the 3- through 7-irons to lower the center of gravity and increase launch angle without changing spin. They retail for $900 and a nickelchrome finish is standard.
Yonex
The Z-Force irons ($720) have a super deep undercut cavity with a larger cast clubhead for high launch and improved control. Stablemate model EZone Tri-G Composite irons have a large clubhead with a very thin face and what Yonez calls a 3D sole combing to give forgiveness and accuracy. Weight distribution is controlled by the use of a carbon plate matched to tungsten weights placed towards the sole.
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TINKERS NEST
Get in the Game with Graphite 2015 Graphite Iron Shaft Guide By Paul Mignosa Most people would agree that only ladies, seniors and golfers with slower club head speeds would benefit by playing graphite iron shaft, but that isn’t true. Due to the lightweight design and new technology, graphite can help golfers of all levels gain distance and accuracy with their irons. Although steel remains the crowd favorite by most amateurs and tour pros, graphite is making a move in the right direction and is slowly replacing the old misconceptions that graphite iron shafts were fairly non-responsive and inconsistent. We have comprised a list of what we here at New England Golf Monthly feel are the best graphite iron shafts in the industry. Like all your equipment, you should always be fitted by a master clubfitter to maximize your swing and game.
MATRIX
Program F15 We tested the flagship of all Matrix produced iron shafts, the OZIK Program F15. The F15 offers players of all levels the benefits of optimized control found in steel with unmatched feel at impact. Program F15 provides for a mid-launching and spinning profile, slightly lower than the original Program family of products. The F15 have a sleek silver style which look real good while addressed at the ball. Additionally, the OZIK Program F15 features an enhanced HD internal platform and profile design allowing for tighter torsional (horizontal) and flight (vertical) patterns than from a steel shaft of similar weight. This is a great shaft for that piercing ball flight we all want.
UST MAMIYA
Recoil UST Mamiya Recoils are a game changer! With UST Mamiya’s exclusive Recoil™ technology, they have brought feel back into the shaft, while allowing players to hit a wide range of shots that result in better distance control and pin seeking accuracy. By positioning over 19 different layers within the shaft, they were able to create a design that outperforms the best steel shafts in the market. We tested the Recoil 110 shafts. The Efficient Energy Transfer (67% more efficient than steel) allows for increased velocity and greater distance and improves consistency, distance and trajectory. Look for UST Mamiya Recoil iron shafts to be played in many shafts in the near future!
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TINKERS NEST
GRAPHITE DESIGN
G-Series The G Series Iron shaft performance characteristics favor a mid to mid/high launch trajectory and low/mid to mid ball spin. The weights available are 73, 83 and 93 grams. During the development phase of XDT, measurable performance gains were discovered through a more balanced distribution of the graphite fiber angles within the plies of the shaft design. This proprietary application of XDT has made the new G-Series the most balanced, versatile high performance golf shaft available today. Tour Ad The Tour AD Iron Series are complementing models of the popular Tour AD premium wood series and are available in weights from 50 grams up to 115 grams. The Tour AD-50 are designed for higher ball flight and mid/high spin rate. The Tour AD-65, 75 and 85 weights are designed for a mid/high ball flight and mid spin. The Tour AD-95,105 & 115 iron models are designed to produce a lower, piercing ball flight with mid spin. Take advantage of superior distance with consistent trajectory control that graphite iron shafts can offer and try the Tour AD premium iron graphite shafts in your next set of irons.
FUJIKURA
PRO The PRO shafts are able to achieve steel shaft weighted swing weights and we love them! The shafts are made from High Density Composite Core (HDC2), a proprietary design and construction method that uses an 18 gram composite core that is strategically located in the shaft to provide optimum club swing weight throughout the iron set. HDC2 enables the use of lighter weight composite materials in the remaining shaft structure for improved feedback to the golfer for more Power, Accuracy and Control of their scoring shots. Fujikura has hit the mark with the PRO series iron shafts and you should too!
AEROTECH
SteelFiber We had the pleasure of testing both the i95 and the i125. If a player has been losing distance in their steel shafted irons but still wants to maintain every bit of consistency the i95 is a great choice. Next we tried the i125 shafts. This shaft is generally preferred by stronger players but want to benefit from the vibration dampening characteristics of a composite shaft. SteelFiber was able to maintain the playability of the 125 gram shaft by minimizing the wall thickness with the use of metal to increase weight instead of adding more graphite.This is just one of the benefits that set the playability of the SteelFiber apart and the reason why PGA Tour players, Matt Kucher and Brandt Snedeker trust SteelFiber.
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TINKERS NEST
Rubber and Leather: A Love Story Grips and Gloves for Your Game this Season By Greg Sampson There are very few golfers that do not where a leather glove on their top hand. The reason: rubber and leather are perfect for each other. The grips below match up with the many new gloves available on the market. Change those old grips and rid that glove with the worn out palm. Begin a new love story with a new set of grips and gloves for the 2015 season.
Lamkin UTx Wrap Finally the best of both worlds collide offering the performance benfits of UTX Tri-Layer technology in a wrap style grip. I loved the stylish look of the grip and the vibration performance over other grips on the market. CHAMP C8 Grips The new TPO technology in this grip is sure feel different in your hands. The material is infused with Kevlar for greater torque control and is extremely wear resistant. The grip comes in standard black and three bright bold color options. Super Stroke TX1 From the makers of the best putter grip on the planet comes the new TX1 with top hand cord and lower hand rubber. We love their signature crosstraction pattern provide a supper tacky surface. Available in 4 colors in standard or midsize. Golf Pride MCC Plus4 The MCC Plus4 is a true innovation from the #1 grip on tour. Through research tour players prefer a built up lower land so Golf Pride wanted to offer it to the public. This grip features a larger lower hand and softer rubber. The upper hand is a brushed cord with strategically placed texture for downswing stability. FootJoy Pure Touch Experience Pure Feel. Pure Touch Limited is the standard in product leadership, innovation excellence and outstanding performance for the serious player. The Pure Touch offers exclusive Cabretta Leather with a tailored fit. Pure Touch is the glove of choice for many PGA Tour players.
Enter Promo Code NEGMFREE 60 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | May 2015 For Complimentary Shipping in the USA.
TINKERS NEST
FootJoy StaSof The StaSof offers sensational soft feel, unmatched grip and the ultimate in tour performance for superior all-climate play. Excellence in innovation has made the StaSof glove the #1 Cabretta glove by the world’s best players for over 30 years. StaSof is the perfect glove for the New England climate. FootJoy Spectrum Vibrant colors abound with FJ Spectrum gloves! A soft Cabretta leather palm with FiberSof back provides premium feel with maximum breathability and flexibility. With 12 different color option, match in style with Spectrum on the course! Wilson Staff FG Tour The new Wilson Staff FG Tour golf glove is designed for the elite golfer seeking the best possible feeling leather. Cut and sewn to tour player specifications, the thin premium Abyssinian cabretta leather provides the ultimate soft feel, and the exclusive Tack Teck tanning process provides a strong grip on the club. This is one of the nicest gloves we have worn for under $20! Wilson Staff Conform The Wilson Staff Conform Glove is a stylish, innovative glove perfect for the golfer seeking comfort and breathability. The anti-microbial performance mesh on the knuckles and palm dissipates heat and moisture. The Conform is great for those summer days. Nice Shot If you want to make a statement on the golf course, go pick up a few pairs of Nice Shots wonderful and funny Signature Golf Gloves. From “Il Corna” – The Bull to “Thumbs Up” and of course, “The Bird”, These gloves are sure to make your playing partners and opponents laugh. G/Fore The Collection provides stylish golfers with unparalleled construction, quality, fit and feel. Available in almost every color you can imagine, as well as refreshed and expanded for each season. Crafted from premium AA Cabretta leather, with an embroidered patch detail on the tab, this is by far the softest glove on the market. If matching is imperative for you, G/Fore are the only gloves for you!
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GAME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
Home on the Practice Range By Greg Sampson
Golf is a game of consistency and patience to achieve success. In order to truly improve your scores hard work put in at your local practice facility is where it all begins. With the technology of today, qualified golf instructors who are trained on this technology and the use of training aids that serve a fundamental purpose you as a golfer can lower your scores. The days of the single golf lesson with the “pro� standing behind you leaning on a club or arms folded across their chest should be off your radar. Instead pursue this technology and a professional that uses it.
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Balance your practice time between long game, short game and putting. Maybe even throw in a fitness program. If you really want to lower your handicap this season or beat that golf buddy who always seems to clip you by a few shots consider your new home to be the practice range. For more information throughout the season on golf schools, new technology, training aids, fitness programs and more visit the 2015 New England Golf Monthly Game Improvement Guide at mynegm.com/improve2015.
GAME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE The Guaranteed Performance School of Golf boasts 7,000 satisfied graduates, on-course instruction, video analysis and a unique 3:1 student/ instructor ratio. Two day programs with lodging, 5 hours of instruction per day, unlimited golf and all meals are just $499 per person!
OPEN
The Bethel Inn Resort provides the perfect combination of golf, resort activities, dining options and country elegant accommodations. Located in the mountains of Maine, ideal for golfers, couples and groups alike. Renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish designed the 6,663 yard, par 72 course to take maximum advantage of the mountain vistas and natural beauty of the area. Tree lined fairways, well-trapped greens and five tee positions make play challenging for golfers of every ability. But the summer fun doesn’t end with golf. The health club with saunas, fitness room, outdoor heated pool, lake house, spa services, lawn games and tennis, plus two restaurants offering fine & casual tavern dining, provides ample diversions after your round. Join us this summer and experience a complete & affordable getaway in the heart of Bethel, Maine. For the best golf deals in New England, visit bethelinn.com or call (800) 654-0125.
Bethel Inn Resort Escape to the Mountains of Maine!

(800) 654-0125 | www.bethelinn.com
Bethel Inn Resort
Bethel Inn Resort
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Short Game School at Mulligans Island This unique school will cover all aspects of the short game from 40 yard pitch shots, green side bunker shots, lob or flop shots, chipping from off the fringes and of course putting. Each 2 hour class will be offered during the weekday and on Saturdays. $100.00 per person with a 4:1 student to instructor ratio. These Short Game Schools were very popular last season so sign up now for the first session. The first weekday school is Thursday, May 21 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and the first Saturday class is scheduled for May 23rd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. What a great gift idea for Mom and/or Dad!
To register call Mike Harbour at 401-219-0139 or online at www.mikeharbourgolf.com Mike Harbour Golf
TM
Get Serious with a Series of 5!! After a long New England winter what better way to get ready then a series of 5 half hour lessons. At My Golfing Goals Academy based out of McGolf in Dedham we have everything you need to take your game to the next level. For $250 you can organize a plan of attack with golf performance coach Daniel Boisvert. Also available for on-course training, trackman sessions and PING club fittings. This is a great package for beginners or seasoned veterans, we look toward to helping you own your game !!
For lessons contact Daniel Boisvert: 508-450-2188 or by email: daniel@mggacademy.com MyGolfingGoalsAcademy
@MGGAcademy
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mygolfinggoals
Find Your Swing Click by Greg Sampson
Imagine if you could know your exact plane during the transition between the back and downswing will staying in perfect rhythm? I found two devices that pair perfectly with each other but work just fine for their fundamental aspect of the swing we all strive to master.
Swing Click
Sounds and timing seem to go hand in hand as our brains, bodies and fast twitch muscles cooperate better when in sequence. The Swing Click helps make all of this possible with an amazingly simple deice strapped to the outside of your forearm. You can even adjust the angle of the bar to match shorter swings making it the ultimate distance control tool. Before you know it golfers on ranges all over the world will being hearing a click at the top, a click at impact and if they are patienet a click at the follow through poss. Wait for the applause for only $29.99 on www.amazon.com (search swing click).
The SWING Finder
This device takes it a step further adding a device that tailors to your swing. When you set the device up you know where to place your feet, where the transition your swing is and your swing plane. There is one thing for sure the over the tops will disappear after practice with this aid. You could even see a complete plane and back swing length transformation with this. Best of all you can use this indoors or outdoors. Videos are available on The SWING Finder website. Do it right every time at www.theswingfinder.com for only $289.00
Swingclick improves the CONSISTENCY, TIMING, RHYTHM, and TEMPO of your golf swing.
$2
Order o
(Sear
3 clicks to a smoother swing
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The N Swi
Big Sticks ½ | Broken Tee ½
AROUND THE GAME Massachusetts’ Don Lyons Among Many Bay State PGA Members Set to Be Honored This Fall by the NEPGA
This past month at its Section Spring Meeting, the NEPGA announced the 2015 NEPGA Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees. Included in that impressive list are golf professionals from many MGA Member Clubs (see complete list of honorees below). One individual who will be inducted into the NEPGA Hall of Fame is longtime PGA Professional and The First Tee of Massachusetts proponent, Don Lyons. In addition to serving as general manager of Reedy Meadow Golf Course and head professional at Settlers Crossing Golf Course, Lyons has been managing The First Tee of Massachusetts program affiliate at Reedy Meadow Golf Course for nearly a decade. Other MGA Member Club PGA professionals to be honored by the NEPGA this fall include: • 2015 Golf Professional of the Year - Allan Belden, PGA Head Professional at Worcester Country Club
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• Youth Player Development Award - Jim Salinetti, PGA Head Professional at Winchester Country Club • NEPGA Teacher of the Year - Graham Cunningham, PGA Head Professional at Framingham Country Club • Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Mark Aldrich, PGA Assistant Professional from Worcester Country Club • Merchandiser of the Year at a Public Facility - John Tuffin, PGA Head Professional at Pinehills Golf Club • Merchandiser of the Year at a Private Facility - Mark Gammons, PGA Head Professional at Black Rock Country Club • NEPGA Patriot Award - Bob Giusti, PGA Head Professional at the Country Club of Halifax • NEPGA Deacon Palmer Award - Ray Lajoie, PGA Life Member Century, Worcester Country Club
AROUND THE GAME 2015 Northeast PGA Golf Instructors Conference Michael Breed, Gale Peterson, Andrew Rice headline event
The best teachers – your PGA golf professionals – are also students of the game. It’s an education that never ends and it continued in full-force Tuesday. More than 70 PGA of America professionals in the Connecticut Section hit the classroom and lesson tee as participants in a two-day, Northeast PGA Golf Instructors Conference at Hartford Golf Club. “I really like these, and when I come here I’m just like the student,’’ said Jeff Swanson, head pro at Cedar Knob Golf Course in Somers. “I put the ball in their court. A lot of stuff you take away just re-confirms that you’re teaching the same way, the right
way. It can be a confidence boost.’’ World-class instructors Michael Breed, Gale Peterson and Andrew Rice shared experiences and industry knowledge at the biennial workshop. Breed was the sole speaker in 2011, a year after being named as the PGA of America’s National Teacher of the Year. The Connecticut native has increased his national presence with his weekly Golf Channel program “The Golf Fix.’’ For more coverage of the 2015 Northeast PGA Instructors Conference, please visit the Section’s Facebook page for photos of both Day 1 and Day 2 of the event.
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AROUND THE GAME World Golf Scramble (CC of Halifax) | May 18 @ 9:00 AM Shotgun $500/ team | REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 11
The World Golf ScrambleÂŽ is a 4 Person Scramble competition (featuring both a gross and net division) where amateur golfers from around the world compete in Local Qualifying events in an attempt to earn an invitation to compete in the World Championships in Las Vegas and their shot at taking home the grand prize from the progressive purse in the World Finals. LOCAL QUALIFYING Cost: $500 per four person team ($125 per person) Includes green fees, golf carts, range balls,
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and small gift bag. Prizes: Top finishers receive gift cards to the golf shop and an invitation to compete at the World Championships in Las Vegas. Teams advancing to the World Finals will be guaranteed a payout from the progressive purse. Advancing: 2 Teams (1 Gross/1 Net Division) advance with 9-23 participating teams. 4 Teams (2 Gross/2 Net Division) advance with 24-36 participating teams. Teams advance directly to the World Championships in Las Vegas. Handicap: Participants must have an active USGA Handicap for their scores to be adjusted in the Net Division. Participants who don’t have an active USGA Handicap may still compete in the Gross & Net Division, but will automatically be marked as a 0 handicap. Amateurism: Participants must have an active amateur golf status. Professional golfers are not allowed to participate. For more info, please contact the Halifax CC pro shop thejuicepga@aol.com 781-293-9063 Pro Shop 508-577-5554 Cell Phone
AROUND THE GAME Rob Baxter Head Pro at Segregansett CC 2015 RIPGA Teacher of the Year The Rhode Island Chapter of the PGA of New England has chosen Rob Baxter, the head PGA Professional at Segregansett Country Club in Taunton Massachusetts as The 2015 PGA Teacher of The Year. Rob has served as the head pro at Segregansett since 2013. Prior to that Rob was the PGA Director of Golf Town, First Assistant at Whitinsville Golf Club also served as the Head Professional at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth, Ma. In addition Rob was an assistant at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence, R.I. and Boca Lago Country Club in Boca Raton, Fl. And Kirkbrae in Lincoln, R.I.
Rob studied golf and graduated from Central Connecticut University His extensive experience in the game over the last 25 years has made him one of the most respected PGA Professionals in the New England region. He is a dedicated teacher of the game and has been involved throughout his career in the promotion and growth of the game through junior golf programs. He is an accomplished professional with numerous state, college and professional victories throughout his career and played on both the Central Connecticut University Golf Team and Georgia Southern University Golf Team. The membership and staff at Segregansett Country Club would like to congratulate Rob for this great accomplishment in his professional career.
NGCOA 2015 Golf Outing - Atkinson Resort & CC To Be Held: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Atkinson Resort & Country Club
 | 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, NH 03811 603.362.8700
 Join us for a day of golf and networking with fellow owners/operators, vendors, allied organizations at the NGCOA 2015 Course of the
Year - Atkinson Resort and Country Club. We are planning a great day for you to enjoy. For further information contact Elaine Gebhardt at 774-430-9031 or egebhardt@negcoa.org
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AROUND THE GAME Fisk Family & Fenway Golf Honored at the 69th Rollie Jacobs Western Mass Tee Party
Fenway Golf, Fisk family honored at 69th Rollie Jacobs Western Mass. Tee Party LUDLOW – How many businesses last five years, these days? Especially in the golf business. Fenway Golf Inc., owned and operated by the Fisk family, continues to thrive after 75 years of business on the corner of Allen and Porter in East Longmeadow. And for its dedication, commitment and service to golf, the Fisk family was the guest of honor Thursday at the 69th Rollie Jacobs Western Mass. Tee Party. “It’s an honor, you never think coming into this that there’s an award there,’’ Bob Fisk, who father turned a dairy farm into a golf facility in 1939. “Every day, you just do your job. You take care of the customer, of what needs to be done.’’
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The 37-acre property includes a large driving range and 18 holes of miniature golf, pitchand-putt and a par-3 course. Batting cages and an ice cream/snack bar complete the family entertainment facility. “We’ve had so many customer s, the last several weeks, congratulate us and tell us that is well-deserved,’’ said Fenway Golf president Andy Fisk, the son of Bob and Elaine Fisk. “It’s always great to get some positive recognition. We work hard, it’s a day-to-day operation and you’re always focused on what’s next.’’ The unofficial kickoff to the local golf season took place at Ludlow Country Club, with 125 golfers participating in an afternoon tournament and a total of 150 attending the evening awards dinner.
myNEGM.com
May 2015 Vol 8 | Issue 3
Editor / Publisher
Timothy R. Branco tim@nepubinc.com
Reach Over 700,000 New England Golfers Monthly
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Chris Hunter
CollectiveThoughtMedia.com
Administration
Mary L. Hullett
mary@nepubinc.com
Contributors Tom Gorman John Molori Tim Geary Alice Scott Pam Borges Laura Ebrecht Bob DiCesare Steve Riggs Robert Martin Jeff Palopoli Kathleen Dyson Emily Kay Matt Adams Jack Ross Jim Hammond Danny Scott Ed Travis Leigh McKay Becky Blaser Elisa Gaudet Greg Sampson Matt Ward
Contributing Photographers Ken Dennis | kendennisphoto.com Rich Gagnon | Taunton, MA sales & Marketing
Greg Sampson - Manager
greg@nepubinc.com
Paul Mignosa – Asst. Manager Paul@nepubinc.com
New England Golf Monthly is published 9 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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y founder, Henry Berr r, MD, H.T. Berr y; ge t, en zin id En r es an, pr d Pete : Chris Nol D, Dana-Farber; an ht rig to ft Le ,M . Adam Bass Berr y Open in 2014 H.T. Berr y; .T. er, at the H Dana-Farb
Jimmy Fund Golf is a great way to have fun and suppor t Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission.
Taking care of those who take care of us Support cancer research and care at Dana-Farber with Jimmy Fund Golf Viola Berry, the wife of H.T. Berry Company founder Henry Berry, passed away from cancer in 2004. To recognize the exceptional care she received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Viola’s family started a golf tournament— the H.T. Berry Open in Memory of Viola A. Berry—in partnership with Jimmy Fund Golf. Over the past decade, the H.T. Berry Open has raised nearly $700,000 for Peter Enzinger, MD, and his peers in the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer at Dana-Farber. Funds raised by tournaments like this provide critical resources for greater discovery and opportunity in cancer research. More importantly, they provide lifesaving treatment to countless patients. Join the Berry family by supporting Dana-Farber through Jimmy Fund Golf.
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GORMAN VS GEARY
It’s no easier to name five overrated players on the PGA Tour than it is to name five underrated players, so the slacker, pretend-I-am-a-golf columnist known as Tim Geary will have to do research on this topic, instead of his usual mailing-it-in-ondeadline gibberish? I’ll take the liberty and blurt out my most overrated titanium-carrying cry-babies, I mean millionaires, with over 75 years playing professional golf on Tour. Offering an uninspiring total of 19 wins: Keegan Bradley (3), Rickie Fowler (1), John Daly (5), Sergio Garcia (8) and Ian Poulter (2). Now, let’s get serious about the PGA Tour’s realmoney guys. The kind of clutch performers you pick in your Fantasy Golf; the players you know will deliver when the pressure’s on; the sturdy-type who aren’t looking for a decent pay check from another top-20 finish, but rather the pro who can to put up the big “W” in the win column, not a phony “WD”. When we talk about great players who might be considered overlooked, that don’t carry the highprofile charisma of a Tiger or Phil, a few honorable mentions include Padrig Harrington, Paul Casey, Geoff Ogilvy and Lee Westwood. 5.) Steve Stricker – At age 48, “Strick” should be priming for the Senior Tour but instead he shows up in about 20 tournaments every year, and has quietly cashed checks totaling over $40 million throughout his 25-year career. Stricker becomes a media darling when it’s time to pick a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team because he seems a compatible partner to Tiger Woods. Also, he won the PGA Tour’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2006; has 12 wins; 15 secondplace finishes and is one of golf’s best all-time putters. 4.) Kevin Na – If Kevin Na showed up in your local pro-am, do you think anyone would notice? This 32year old was born in South Korea and after 14 years
laboring on Tour has only one win, but a whopping 45 top-10 finishes. Although he is a slow player with an awkward practice swing, some sadly know of him because he recorded a 16 in the 2011 Valero Open. Career earnings over $17 million and rising. 3.) Bill Haas – How can a player ranked No. 24 in the world be underrated? Well, Haas is not exactly a household name, even with father Jay, setting high standards for 30-plus years. And, believe it or not, the 2004 Wake Forest grad majored in Religious Studies. Haas’ career defining moment came in 2011, when he won the season-ending Tour Championship, defeating Hunter Mahan in a sudden death playoff. Who can forget the remarkable shot from a greenside pond under intense pressure on No. 18? The win propelled Haas to the 2011 FedEx Cup title and the $10 million prize. Haas has 6 career wins. 2.) Zack Johnson – Okay, same question, different answer. How can a player ranked No. 23 in the world be underrated? Zack Johnson has carved out a lucrative $34 million career on the PGA Tour for 10 seasons and has 11 wins, including the 2007 Masters, and 61 top-10s. Here’s a guy I really like because he ranks 168th in driving distance, averaging 281 yards, but he hits 68 percent of fairways, ranking him 14th in fairways. With an unusual See-More square-faced putter, Johnson is ranked No. 8 in strokes gained putting and No. 9 in All-Around category, which means he knows how to close the deal. Johnson doesn’t wear colorful clothes or make outlandish comments when the microphone is on and has played on several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cups, letting Rory, Tiger and Phil grab the headlines. 1.) Jim Furyk – I have yet to ask this golf trivia question and have someone answer correctly? Who is No. 3 on the all-time career earnings money list, after Tiger and Phil? It’s not a trick question. Answer: James M. Furyk, born and raised in West Chester, PA. Yes, the same Furyk with the God-awful swing, who was told in his younger days, that he would never make a living playing golf with a swing like that. Guess he proved everyone wrong because he still has the same horrendous swing, except, Furyk has deposited over $63 million the old-fashioned way – he earned it! With 17 wins; 29 seconds and 174 top-10s how is this guy underrated? At age 45, Furyk played in an era with huge global depth, owns a 2003 US Open title, a 2010 FedEx Cup crown, and most recently (April 19) captured the RBC Heritage. This raises one more question. How is this guy not in the Golf Hall of Fame? Tom Gorman also has a God-awful golf swing.)
Name five underrated players on Tour by Tom Gorman
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GORMAN VS GEARY
We are not having our usual debate on a singular topic this month, but rather have decided to try and select the top five most underrated players on the PGA Tour. Before I get to those players who I feel go largely overlooked and who I think could blossom into bonafide stars someday, I feel obliged to look at those who I think have been major disappointments, who have not yet reached the potential that so many predicted or expected of them. Guys who I think have been disappointments include Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Charles Howell III, Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson. Every one of them came onto the tour with talent dripping from their Footjoys. All were not only expected to win lots of tournaments but multiple majors and thus far the have combined for ZERO majors. Fowler had an incredible record last year in majors, finishing in the top five in all four and actually had the lowest scoring average for all four combined. But he did not win any and he still has just one win on his entire resume, which is strange because he is so talented and so locked in. He seemingly has no weakness. Johnson probably should have won the PGA championship a few years back but mistook a bunker for a bad lie and grounded his club. He, like Fowler has the total package and while he is a multiple winner, he should have more. Jason Day is always being referred to a sure fire major champion and he’s always in the mix but then always seems to go south on the back nine on Sunday. Garcia and Howell are both seasoned vets who came on the scene as sure fire major winners and can’t seem to pull it off. At least Garcia has won tournaments and has been a wonderful Ryder Cup player. Howell is an enigma. Now to the subject of this column, my most underrated. Instead of five, I have chosen six (sue me) and they are not listed in order. Sangmoon Bae: As of this writing in mid April he
is ranked 81st in the world. Bae has won twice on tour, but what is impressive is he’s always in the hunt and has a wonderful all around game. Ryan Palmer: No relation to Arnie, Ryan has been on tour since 2000, has eight wins and is ranked 27th in the world. Yet he is seldom mentioned as a favorite in any tournament. But he is always in the mix. If he could putt well he might be one of the all time greats. Kevin Streelman: He has two wins on tour (including last year’s Travelers in Hartford) and is ranked 71st in the world. I love his game and his attitude. He’s still young and I predict stardom for him. Hideki Matsuyama: This young Japanese player is going to be a superstar. He is the real deal. In his second full year on tour he has already won the Memorial Tournament and is ranked 15th in the world. He WILL win a major and soon. Billy Horschel: I love this guy. He’s fiery, he’s talented and he’s really good. He’s ranked 19th in the world and has three wins, including two last year in the Fed Ex Cup playoffs, en route to winning the Fed Ex title. Cameron Tringale: This Aussie has a lot of game and is just starting to feel comfortable on tour. He is ranked 76th and has yet to win but he’s always on the leaderboard. Just a matter of time.
Name five underrated players on Tour by Tim Geary
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