Vol II Issue I
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“THE #1 TEST IN GOLF” The Pines Course at The International ~ Bolton, MA Story on Page 18
Where to Watch Your Favorite Tour Players in 2009 June 21 - 23 2009 September 9, 2009
September 28 - October 4, 2009
.O #OLLEGE #AN -ATCH 4HESE #OURSES
4HE $ORAL 4HE $IPLOMAT 40# %AGLE 4RACE 7HEN YOU STUDY 'OLF -ANAGEMENT AT THE .ORTH -IAMI CAMPUS OF *OHNSON 7ALES 5NIVERSITY THOSE ARE JUST THREE OF TWENTY COURSES YOU HAVE ACCESS TO !ND 3OUTH "EACH IS JUST A DRIVER AND A NINE IRON FROM CAMPUS 7ITH A "ACHELOR´S DEGREE IN 3PORTS %NTERTAINMENT %VENT -ANAGEMENT YOU MIGHT CHOOSE TO MANAGE A GOLF COURSE A COUNTRY CLUB OR A RESORT /R YOU MIGHT FOCUS ON OPPORTUNITIES IN STADIUM AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX MANAGEMENT 3O THIS FALL PACK AWAY THE WINTER CLOTHES PACK UP YOUR CLUBS AND ENJOY THE BEST COURSES A COLLEGE CAN OFFER
.% TH 3TREET .ORTH -IAMI &, WWW JWU EDU NORTHMIAMI
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New England Golf Monthly
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CONTENT 6
www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com Publisher: Timothy R. Branco
March 2009
Volume II Issue I
Assistant Publisher: David Adamonis Production: Sally Briere
Robin Sampson/Greg Sampson
Elle Brec ellebrecgolf@yahoo.com Greg Sampson - Manager gsampson@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com
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U.S. Women’s Public Links at Red Tail by Gary Trask Florida Golf Travel
Explore Puerto Rico Golf by Pam Borges
The Players Championship by Barry Palm Molori Unplugged on Jim Nantz
Good Looks on the Course Fashion by Elle Brec
Stroke Savers 2009
Gorman Vs. Geary on the LPGA
New England Golf Monthly We Are Ready For 2009
It is almost spring, just a few more weeks and we have turned the page on this long cold winter that just would not quit. I am not sure if it is just me, but the older I get the longer the winters seem to get. We are at the beginning of a new journey this year. After a year of publishing as Bay State Golf Magazine we have now changed our name to New England Golf Monthly. Same great content, we are all about New England golf and every aspect of the game throughout the region. Its an exciting year ahead with The CVS, The Travelers, and The Deutsche Bank Championship all bringing some of the best in the game right here to New England. And for the first time ever The U.S. Women’s Public Links Championship will come to New England and be held in June at Red Tail Golf Club in Devens Massachusetts. For the first time in history a New Englander Jim Remy from Vermont has been chosen as the new President of the PGA. Kirk Hanefeld former PGA Professional at The International in Bolton, Mass has won The PGA Player of The Year Award, and Jay Monahan former Tournament Director at The Deutsche Bank Championship and executive with the Boston Red Sox is now the Tournament Director of The Players Championship. And oh yes Tiger is Back. In addition Connecticut native Jim Nantz has again won the National Sportscaster of The Year Award. New England continues to have a major impact on golf with more than 10 player on the various professional tours, lets all wish them luck in the up coming year. New England Golf Monthly will be here with 8 issues March through October to cover it all from tee to green. Our new web-site is the most comprehensive site ever launched in New England Golf will be updated weekly with current news, travel, and instructional tips and The New England Golf Marketplace will provide all the tools you need to get the best deals on all things golf in the region. Visit us at newenglandgolfmonthly.com I wish you all a very healthy and enjoyable golf year. In a good economy or bad I say, let’s play golf! All The Best Managing Editor Timothy R. Bronco tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
“New England Golf Monthly the Official Show Guide For 2009”
A Division of The New England Publishing Group, Inc.
March 2009
The N.E.P.G.A. Pro File by Bob DiCeasar
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New England Golf Monthly The New England Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 357 Swansea, Ma 02777 800-736-9020
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Tim Geary Parker Smith Pam Borges Bob DiCesare Robert Martin Katherine Dyson Jim Hammond Greg Sampson Gary Trask John Magginis Derek Hooper Robert Skura Barry Palm
Contributors
Fashion Writer
Some Fine Nines by Jim Hammond
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Administration: Mary L. Hullett Tom Gorman David Adamonis John Lyon Jay Nomakeo Richard Kelley Bill Geiring Matt Adams Burgess Houston Jeff Dantas John Molori Wayne Mills Brad Reading Hal Philips
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Managing Editor: Timothy R. Branco
New England Golf News
~ In This Issue ~
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www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com
JIM REMY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PGA OF AMERICA By Wayne Mills
For the first time in their history, the PGA of America has elected a New Englander as President. Jim Remy, General Manager of Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vt. was elected in November, 2008 for a two year term. He had previously served on the PGA National Board of Control for six and one half years starting in 1997 before being elected Secretary and Vice President of the organization in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The PGA of America was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They represent over 28,000 men and women golf professionals throughout the United States. Remy’s career in recreation didn’t start out in the golf business. He came to Vermont in 1979 as a pro ski racer and then an instructor and pursued golf only as a means to fill up his summers. He calls it “the perfect life; skiing all winter and playing golf all summer.” Originally from Leominster, MA, Remy started his golf professional career as an assistant at Worcester Country Club in Worcester, MA which coincidentally was the site of the first Ryder Cup, one of the PGA of America’s crown jewels. He was an assistant pro there before moving nearby to Mount Pleasant Country Club. After earning his Class A designation from the PGA in 1984, he took his first head pro job at Killington Golf Resort in Vermont’s Green Mountains in 1985, eventually ascending to Director of Golf for not only Killington but the other golf resorts then owned by S-K-I Ltd in Vermont. In 1997 he was enticed by the owners of another Vermont resort, Okemo Mountain, to join them in the development of their new golf course, Okemo Valley Golf Club. Remy jumped in with both feet and was involved from the beginning in the entire concept and development of the project. Not only was he also finishing up his two year term as New England PGA Section President in 1997, he was later that year elected New England Section Golf Professional of the Year by his peers. He hasn’t stopped working at Okemo since becoming PGA President, he only works more, having only five days off since being elected President. He credits a great staff and his bosses, Tim and Diane Mueller for giving him their full support to pursue the very important job of being President of the PGA of America. Not bad for a country boy from Vermont.
President, PGA
- Fully Open Through Fall of 2009 - Golf Outings - Tournaments - Online Tee Times - Weddings & Functions
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Ryder Cup Venue Launches International Membership
Not only will international members enjoy full playing privileges on the spectacular Twenty Ten Course, the first in history to be purpose built for The Ryder Cup, they will also receive a season ticket to the match between Europe and America in 2010 as well as the opportunity to purchase another one, both tickets including hospitality places in a members’ pavilion. Before the big showdown takes place, International Members will have the chance to familiarise themselves with a stunning golf course which is bound to create high drama during the fevered atmosphere of The Ryder Cup. With water hazards on half of its holes, some driveable par fours and reachable par fives, The Twenty Ten contains a host of risk and reward dilemmas which golfers will never tire of playing. Two more championship courses – Roman Road and The Montgomerie – also form part of the membership package and, with so much golf to enjoy, international members will be keen to take advantage of the four complimentary room nights per year for two people in the five-star Resort Hotel which is another fantastic advantage of joining. Paul Williams, PR Manager, The Celtic Manor Resort, T: 00 44 1633 410288, M: 00 44 7920 05825 , E: paulwilliams@celtic-manor.com
Celtic Manor welcomes overseas golfers to The Twenty Ten Club
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June 22 – 27, 2009 A national championship conducted by the USGA.
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New England Golf Monthly
~ New England Golf News ~
Maine State Golf Association Player Of The Year Ricky Jones
Connecticut State Golf Association Player Of The Year Jeff Hedden New Hampshire Golf Association Players Of The Year Craig Cyr Mark Stevens Vermont Golf Association Player Of The Year Brian Albertazzi Rhode Island Golf Association Player Of The Year Charlie Blanchard The 18th Cape Cod Open will be played June 3, 2009 at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds and June 4, 2009 at Hyannis GC.
Cape Cod Open
The 11th Cape Cod Senior Open will be played at the usual sites, September 156, 2009 at Cape Cod CC and September 16, 2009 at Hyannis GC. 4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA
Fall River Country Club 508-678-9374
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Sav ring 09 Sp
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• Scenic waterfront golf course • Carts not mandatory & no walking fees • No Tee Times • Great member functions • New Reduced initiation fees • Affordable dues rates • Highly recognized golf pro** **Awarded the National Bill Strausbaugh by PGA of America Recognized as Golf Professional of the Year
www.fallrivercc.com
Call Ellen Woods, Membership CO-Chair to receive more information about this great opportunity@ (508) 676-7108 or Email: Estensingwood@aol.com. Fall River Country Club, PO Box 244, Fall River, MA 02722 (508) 678-9374.
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March 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com
MGA Gearing Up For 2009 Season.
The MGA is gearing up for another season. Despite the economic downturn, I’m anticipating that a lot of people will still want to play golf. We recognize that many golf clubs and golf courses are really feeling the Joseph J. Sprague strain of the times and will attempt to help when we can. Executive Director The MGA is partnering with the New England Club Managers Association (NECMA) and invited speakers from the National Club Association (NCA) to speak to officials from our member clubs about the current golf environment. There will be two sessions – March 31 at Marshfield CC and April 14 at Mount Pleasant CC in Boylston – where an NCA representative will deliver a talk entitled “Club Industry Trends and Essentials of Marketing.” There is no silver bullet to cure some of the current challenges facing clubs, these sessions will allow club officials to hear from industry experts while also providing a forum to exchange ideas and best practices. On the championship front there will be a few changes for 2009. Distance measuring devices will be allowed at all MGA tournament play with the exception of the Junior Amateur Championship. All six state associations in New England now will be allowing these devices in their events in 2009. Players competing in USGA qualifying in New England – or for that matter anywhere – are still not allowed to used DMD’s for national championship play. With the growing popularity of senior golf, the MGA Senior Amateur Championship will be conducting a sectional qualifying round for the first time for entry into the Senior Am. There will be a fair amount of exemptions based on good play and high finishes in the 2008 MGA Senior Am, NEGA Senior Am and MGA Senior Player of the Year, but a majority of available spots for the championship proper will be through qualifying. By the start of the golf season the MGA web site will have a new look, so please go to our web site – www.mgalinks.org – for the latest news and information. Wishing everyone a great season on and off the course.
Brian Higgins 2008 MGA Player Of The Year
Brian Higgins Captures 2008 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Honor. Joe Keller and Bradley Kushner Named MGA Senior, Junior Players of the Year. For the first time in eight years, the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) has crowned a new Player of the Year. Brian Higgins (Bellingham, MA) captured a total of 903 points this past season and has earned the right to call himself the 2008 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year. Higgins takes over the crown, which had been worn by perennial Bay State standout Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC) for the past seven years.
Joe Keller MGA Senior Player Of The Year
George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year, JOE KELLER. It seems only fitting that Joe Keller, one of the most prolific and consistent golfers on the Bay State senior circuit,earned George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year honors this past season. Keller, 59, made a strong statement this year as he posted 585 points to finish 205 points ahead of Paul Murphy (Arlington, MA).
Bradley Kushner MGA Junior Player Of The Year
Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player of the Year, BRADLEY KUSHNER. This past season, Bradley Kushner picked the right event to win. The 17-year-old who resides in Mendham, New Jersey and plays out of Country Club of New Seabury, was victorious at the Massachusetts Junior Championship at Brae Burn Country Club. Kushner’s three-day total of 3-over par 219 was good enough for a four-stroke victory over second-place finisher Dan McQueen (Bellevue GC). As a result of his win, Kushner picked up 300 Junior Player of the Year points and secured himself as the year’s top junior player.
New England Golf Monthly
~ New England Golf News ~ New England Amateur Championships
Connecticut Amateur Championship June 22 – 26 Woodway Country Club Darien, CT Maine Amateur Championship July 7 – 9 Martindale Country Club Auburn, ME
Vermont Amateur Championship July 7 – 9 Kwiniaska Golf Club Shelburne, VT
Massachusetts Amateur Massachusetts AmateurChampionship Championship July 13-17 The Country Club Brookline, MA Rhode Island Amateur Championship July 13 – 17 Crestwood, CC Rehoboth, MA
New Hampshire Amateur Championship July 13 – 18 Cochecho Country Club Dover, NH New England Amateur July 21-23, 2009 Portsmouth Country Club Portsmouth, NH
KIRK HANEFELD WINS 2008 PGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Kirk Hanefeld, 52, is a PGA Life Member and former PGA director of golf at The International Golf Club in Bolton, Mass. He capped his season last October by winning the Senior PGA Professional National Championship presented by Callaway Golf in Palm Desert, Calif., collecting 200 points. He finished with 1,371.84 over points, which included 1035.51 points for making the cut in the 10 Champions Tour events he entered. He also tied for 34th in the Senior PGA Championship, earning 111.33 points, and picked up an additional 25 points for local U.S. Open qualifying. "That [the Senior PGA Professional] National Championship was a terrific win," said Hanefeld. "To win something of that magnitude was a surprise, a pleasant surprise. I have continued to work on my game the past couple of years. I am proud to be among a select group of club professionals who have won this award. I have had the pleasure to have played with several of them. I have been a PGA member for 25 years and am proud of that. The PGA of America offers us many playing opportunities that enable me to keep my game in shape."
RIGA APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT FOR 2009
Rhode Island Golf Association elects Steve Sampson as the new president. He is an expert at organization. He had to be, to successfully build and then run his auto parts business for so many years. Recently, at age 57, Sampson retired and now can devote most of his time and energy to helping the RIGA continue to grow. Each year the Rhode Island Golf Association installs its new president at the annual awards banquet held in December. Each year the incoming president says pretty much the same thing. "I tell everybody the people we have running the organization (Executive Director Bob Ward, his assistant Jim McKenna and secretary Kate McCurry) are absolutely great at what they do," said Sampson. "They have things well under control and I'm not one to rock the boat." Ward, McKenna and McCurry not only put in countless hours to make each golf season memorable, but they truly know what makes things run smoothly. They are the constant. Currently the RIGA only has the state senior amateur and four-ball. Sampson would love to place a senior division in a couple of other major Rhode Island golf tournaments (a tournament within a tournament), with senior divisions in both the Burke Memorial and the state stroke play.
Rehoboth Country Club
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newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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COURSE REVIEWS By Jim Hammond
Some Fine Nines’
Time is money and these days people are concerned about both. But these tough economic times do not mean that we have to eliminate our recreational activities; instead, we need to take advantage of the unique opportunities that the great game of golf provides. Why not give nine hole courses a try. You save money and time and still get your golf fix. So to help our loyal readers we offer some of the finest nines in our neck of the woods. I have always thought of Jamestown as a quiet version of Newport. Like the venue of the Vanderbilts, Jamestown provides dramatic views of the ocean and a center that offers unique shops and restaurants but at a less frantic pace. Just over the bridge from Newport you will spy the Jamestown Golf Course. The lounge, reminiscent of a VFW hall, is a combination pro shop and tavern where everybody is treated as equals. The sign over the bar says, “We give you hamburgers our way. This ain’t Burger King.” This is not the commodore’s club! The first hole is a wide open affair that at 270 yards begs you to drive the green and putt for eagle. The second hole is a short 480 yard par 4 with a generous fairway, but the wind is often a factor. The remaining par 4’s are in the 350 yard range but the wind can play havoc with your shots. The par 3’s are short but the greens are small and well bunkered. If you execute the knock-down shot this is the place for you. Jamestown Golf Course is always in good condition and the hamburgers are some of the best in the state. Call 401-423-9930 for more information. I have only played Scituate Country Club once, but this short nine hole course south of Boston has a lot to offer. The course is private, but the public is allowed on Monday afternoons. The track is a links style design with ocean views and rolling terrain. The condition is the same that you would find at most private clubs and the staff were very accommodating to me when I visited. Call 781-545-9768 for more information. If you want to take a long road trip, go north towards Worcester and pick up route 2. Follow the signs to the little town of Petersham where you will find a most unlikely treasure: a nine hole course designed by Donald Ross. The operation is quirky (there is no parking lot, you have to pull up alongside the ninth green and change into your spikes) but the design is a true masterpiece by the great Scot. The Petersham Country Club rests on a on a hill that provides spectacular views and holes with major elevation changes that demand you use every club in the bag. The greens, typical of most of Ross greens, are crowned placing an emphasis on your approach shots. The ninth hole is a 511 yard par 5 and like all the holes it is fair to players of all skill levels, but tempts the big hitter to try to overpower the course. Fun for everyone. Phone: 978-724-3388. One of my favorite nine holers in Massachusetts is located near the tip of Cape Cod. Highland Links in Truro is a little bit of Scotland in the Bay State. The fairways are hard and sand dunes surround the course. The first hole is a short par 4 at 250 yards, but miss the green and your recovery shot is a blind shot, uphill to a tiny green. If you know the bump and run shot you will score well here. Despite your final score the ocean views and the sea air will make it a truly unique experience. If you like the beach the Cape Cod National Seashore is only about a 20 minute drive down route 6. Phone: 508 252-9761. Pine Oaks Golf Club in Easton is a short nine hole course with wide fairways and large greens. It is a good course for the novice golfer and the staff is very friendly. What makes this course unique is the pro shop. It is about 4 times the size of a pro shop that you would find at a private club. Their prices are great and they have a large used club inventory that is typically marked at half the usual retail price. Phone 508 238-2320. East Greenwich Country Club has had a reputation of reaching out to female and junior golfers: two groups that are sometimes snubbed at other courses. The condition is great for a public course and the staff knows how to make you feel like an old friend of the club. The second hole is a 320 dogleg left that seems like it should be an easy birdie, but the elevated green is a small target. The 3rd hole is one of the most picturesque par fives you can find anywhere. Phone: 401-884-5656. Hopedale Country Club in Hopedale, MA is another private club that allows the public access on weekdays. The course has fast greens and lush fairways and a beautiful clubhouse that overlooks the ninth green. The first hole is a par 4 straight up a hill, and is followed by a par 5 back down the hill to a heavily bunkered green. The par 3 is a tight hole with a tiny green and is reminiscent of the 12th hole at Augusta. Call for details at 508 473-9876. Chequessett Country Club is hard to spell, but easy to play. The course, only 2600 yards from the back tees, is located just off route 6 and provides spectacular views of the bay. The longest hole is a par 5 that is only 435 from the Tiger tees, but the sea 240 North Main St., Petersham, MA 01388 breezes and water hazards makes it a very challenging track. Phone 508 978-724-3388 ~ www.PetershamCC.com 349 3704. Public Play 2009 Membership Special The last of the fine nines is Bungay $700 to walk • $999 w/free cart Brook located in Bellingham, MA. Memberships Bungay is not a very long course, but Outings the greens are big and the bunkers even bigger. The condition is always 9 Hole very good but what makes Bungay Par 35 special is the amenities not usually associated with public 9 hole courses. 3,084 yd There is a 300 yard long practice area Donald Ross Design with full grass tees, and a large practice green. The clubhouse has high Full Service Pro Shop Lesson & Clubfittings by appointment ceilings and low prices on food. It is Jr. Golf Camps with Bar & Grill a family owned business and they PGA Pro/Manager Tim Bishop work hard to provide courteous servOutside Deck ice to all. Phone 508 883-1600.
Jamestown Golf Course
Chequessett Country Club
Highlands Links
Hopedale Country Club
Bungy Brook Golf Course
Petersham Country Club
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March 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
Petersham Country Club
Scituate Golf Course
WOMEN’S GOLF
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish Est. 1956 Allendale Country Club 107 Allen St., Dartmouth, MA 02747 2009 Membership Openings In Various Categories No Initiation Fees
INCLUDED INALL MEMBERSHIPS:
Driving Range, Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Bag Storage & Lockers Co-Host of the 2009 MGA Senior Four Ball Championship and also the Host of the 3rd Annual Southcoast Amateur Golf Tournament. For Further Information Please Call the Pro Shop
For info Call (508) 992-8682 or the business office (508) 992-2174
www.allendalecountryclub.com (508) 279-3344 695 Pine Street Bridgewater, MA 02324
at Bridgewater On Line Tee Times
One of Southern New England’s Finest Golf Courses www.oldscotlandlinks.com
Best Price • Best Conditions Best Experience
www.ChemawaGolf.com The Back Nine Club 17 Heritage Hill Drive, Lakeville, MA 02347
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18 Holes for $18.00 - Southern N.E. Best Golf Deal! • Free Function Room for 2008 • Outing Dates for Fall 2008 Under New Management - Completely Renovated
U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links To Be Held At Red Tail June 24-27th By Gary Trask
Jim Pavlik looked out his office window in late February and all he could see was mountains of snow and very little green. But if you think the Red Tail Golf Club Director of Golf was even a smidge nervous that in just four months his club will play host to the prestigious U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship, guess again. “We don’t have any worries at all,” Pavlik said confidently. “Our course is always in championship condition, whether we’re having a big event or if it’s just your average weekday. And I think that’s exactly why the U.S.G.A. chose us for the tournament. They know what kind of condition the course is going to be in.” Of course, this isn’t just your average championship that we’re talking about. In fact when some of the best amateur players in the country head to Red Tail on June 22-27 for the Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship, it will mark the first time in the storied 32-year history of the event that it is being played on New England soil. “We’re humbled, excited, proud…any positive adjective you can think of, that pretty much describes how we feel about hosting this,” said Pavlik. “The U.S.G.A. only holds 13 championship events each year. There are plenty of great public courses in this area so for them to choose us as the first New England course to host their championship, that makes it that much more special.” Pavlik, 55, has been a PGA professional for 30 years. He is originally from Pennsylvania, but was hired by Red Tail the year before the course opened in 2002. He was there before the course was even seeded. He was there for the grand opening and he’s witnessed first-hand how the Brian Silva-designed layout has quickly matured into one of the most highly acclaimed public courses in the entire country. Just last fall, Golf World magazine ranked Red Tail 47th on its list of the Top-50 Public Courses in America. “We’re right up there with places like Torrey Pines and Bethpage; it’s pretty special,” Pavlik said. “For me, it’s just nice to see 30 years of learning from mistakes and trying to be the best you can be pay off by working at a course as special as Red Tail. It’s a tribute to the ownership, the superintendent’s crew and the entire staff that we’re getting national recognition and getting the honor to host an event like the Public Links Championship.” The par-72, 7006-yard course was built on a piece of land at Fort Devens, the former military base that served as a training ground for U.S. soldiers as far back as 1914. Its name is derived from the red tail hawks that nest throughout the property. The layout and feel of the course for the Public Links Championship will remain the same as it has always been at Red Tail. The only major difference is that the rough will be raised to just a little more than two inches. Also, the back tee on the 10th hole has been transformed into a putting green to accommodate players at the start of each nine holes. “Other than that it will play like it always does: firm and fast,” Pavlik said. “That’s what the U.S.G.A. wants and that’s what we’re going to give them.” The U.S.G.A. decided to select Red Tail as its venue for this year’s championship back in 2007 after Tournament Director Teresa Belmont made a visit to the course and played a round with Pavlik. “Red Tail has all of the qualities we look for in a club,” said Belmont, who has been with the U.S.G.A. for 14 years. “We look for a club that has excellent practice facilities, a good location and, above all, a great course. Of all the clubs we looked at in the area, Red Tail was the one that had all of those elements.” Practice rounds for the event will be held on June 20 and 21. Stroke play for the 156 qualifiers will begin June 22 with 64 players advancing to the beginning of match play on June 24. The 36-hole final will be held on Saturday, June 27. The event is open to female golfers who have been public-course players since Jan. 1, 2009 and have a USGA Handicap Index that does not exceed 18.4. Two of the most notable past winners of the event include Michelle Wie, who was 13 when she triumphed in 2003, and Jill McGill, who won it in 1994. “It’s going to be a lot of fun watching some of the best in the country come in here and show us their stuff,” Pavlik said. “We can’t wait to get it going.” Gary Trask is a freelance writer based in the Boston area who has been covering the local golf scene for the last 10 years. He is the former editor of North Shore Golf magazine and is a regular contributor to Fairway Living magazine, the Golf Course Superintendent Association of New England newsletter and GolfObserver.com. Gary is also the senior editor at the Casino City Press in Newton.
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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New England Golf Monthly
Tom Watson to be Honored at Ouimet Banquet
NORTON, MA - Tom Watson, winner of eight major championships, will be the guest speaker and honored with the 14th Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s 60th Annual Banquet. The banquet will be held Monday, April 27, 2009 at the Marriott Boston Copley Place Hotel. Morgan Stanley will again be the presenting sponsor. "It is great to have Mr. Watson accept our invitation. This gives our dinner an amazing lineup over the past five years – Greg Norman, Peter Jacobsen, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player – and now Tom Watson,” said Ouimet Fund President Rich Barrett. “We are thrilled to honor Mr. Watson with our highest award.” He went on to explain Mr. Watson is one of the biggest legends in the history of the game of golf. He is a winner of eight major titles, including five British Open Championships, two Masters, and one U.S. Open. He is also known for epic battles with Jack Nicklaus in the British Open at Turnberry in 1977 and the US Open at Pebble Beach in 1982 - some of the greatest moments in golf history.
Ted Hansberry to be presented Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award - Ouimet Fund Past President becomes 14th recipient of prestigious honor
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund is proud to announce that Ted Hansberry has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund's Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award which will be presented at The Fund's 60th Annual Banquet on April 27, 2009. The highlight of the banquet will be the presentation of the "Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf" to Tom Watson. The event will be held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel. Mr. Hansberry was a member of the Board of Directors from 20002008. During that time he served on numerous committees and was President from 2004-2006. He served on the finance and development committees, started the Board Governance Committee with Dick Connolly, and also was the key driver in the development of the Spirit of Golf events since their inception in 2003. A special highlight was his role as Spirit of Golf Chairman when The Fund honored Dick Connolly in November. It was one of the largest fund raising events in the history of The Fund, and created its largest endowed scholarship in Mr. Connolly's name.
100 Bronco Highway Mapleville, RI 02839 (401) 567-4500
Ouimet Fund Turns 60 The Golf Charity of Massachusetts Celebrates 60 Years of Giving Back
Norton, MA - At the 1913 US Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Francis Ouimet, a 20 year old caddie, defeated two of the greatest British golfers of all time in a playoff. Not only did he win, but he did so with 10 year old fellow caddie Eddie Lowery carrying his bag. This victory was a catalyst for golf in America, and began a lifelong amateur career that is still one of the best ever, as well as a lifelong dedication to helping young people. To honor the man that was credited with sparking the boom in American golf, a scholarship fund was created in his name in 1949 to help those who had worked as caddies obtain higher education. What was known then as The Francis Ouimet Caddie Scholarship Fund is now known as the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund. While the premise remains the same, it has expanded to those who work on the grounds staff or in pro shop operations, as well as caddies. In 1949 the inaugural class had 13 members, each receiving on average just over $350. Today, with over 325 current scholars, the average student receives $6,000 towards college expenses. In total, the Fund will have awarded $19.2 million to over 4,500 scholars over 60 years! In the last five years alone, the Fund has more than doubled its total scholarship dollars awarded from $700,000 in 2004 to $1.5 million in 2008. For information regarding the Fund, please call 774.430.9090 or visit www.ouimet.org.
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White Cliffs Country Club One East Cliff Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360
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10
March 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
Thinking about retirement? Oceanfront gated 18 hole golf community. Beach, golf, tennis, gym, restaurant, pro shop, etc.Historic Plymouth
Attention Baby Boomers
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GOLF TRAVEL Call Now To Book Your Golf Vacation
800-946-5318
PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens, FL
from $849.00 PP D/O Valid 4/01 – 5/31/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Included)
Spinnaker Golf Resort Hilton Head Island, SC
from $499.00 PP Quad
3 Nights Accommodation in Premium Guestroom Daily Breakfast Buffet, 3 Rounds of Golf PP on-site (including 1 Round Each on Champion & Palmer Courses), Shared Golf Carts & Pre-Booked Tee Times, Free Replays on Haig, Squire & Estates Courses, Range Token Daily & 3 Days Mid-Size Rental Car with Unlimited Mileage.
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
3 Nights Accommodation in 2 BR Unit, 3 Rounds of Golf PP on Area Courses, Shared Golf Carts, Pre-booked Tee Times, 3 Days Minivan with Unlimited Mileage
Kingston Plantation Resort
Valid 3/15 – 5/31/09 - Resort Tax (Extra)
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - Phoenix, AZ from $459.00 PP D/O Valid 5/01 – 9/13/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
Miami, FL
from $599.00 PP D/O Valid 5/26 – 6/25/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
Myrtle Beach, SC
from $469.00 PP Quad Valid 5/22 – 8/31/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
Valid 4/12 – 6/6/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort - Las Vegas, NV from $899.00 PP D/O
Worldwide Golf Vacations 22 Woburn Street, Suite 23 Reading, MA 01867 781-944-1123
3 Nights Guestroom Accommodation , 3 Rounds of Golf PP on either Reflection Bay or The Falls Shared Golf Carts, Pre-booked Tee Times, Golf Gift upon arrival at Hotel, 3 Days Mid-size Car with Unlimited Mileage
La Quinta Resort & Club
3 Nights Suite-style Accommodation, 3 Rounds of Golf PP, 1 on-site at Lookout Mountain & 2 on Area Courses, Shared Golf Carts & Pre-Booked Tee Times & 3 Days Mid-Size Car Rental with Unlimited Mileage.
Regal Palms Resort & Spa
Palm Springs area, CA
from $669.00 PP D/O Valid 3/15 – 4/30/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
Orlando, FL area
from $449.00 PP Quad
3 Nights Accommodation in Garden Room, Full Breakfast Daily at Terrazza Restaurant, 3 Rounds of Golf PP on Red & Gold Courses, Shared Golf Carts & Pre-Booked Tee Times, Unlimited Use of Driving Range & Practice Facility, Golf Bag & Club Storage & 3 Days Mid-Size Car Rental with Unlimited Mileage (Surcharges Apply for Blue Monster & Great White Courses)
3 Nights Accommodation in Two Bedroom Plantation Villa, 3 Rounds of Golf PP on Area Courses, Shared Golf Carts & Pre-Booked Tee Times & 3 Days Minivan with Unlimited Mileage.
3 Nights Accommodation in Resort Casita, 3 Days Unlimited Golf PP on-site, Shared Golf Carts & Pre-Booked Tee Times, Club Storage, Unlimited Use of Practice Facilities & 3 Days Mid-Size Car Rental with Unlimited Mileage.
3 Nights Accommodation in 4 BR Private Home, 3 Rounds of Golf PP on Area Courses, Shared Golf Carts, Pre-Booked Tee Times & 3 Days Minivan Rental with Unlimited Mileage
Valid 4/19 – 6/18/09 - Resort Tax & S/C (Extra)
50 Destinations, More that 120 Resorts & 600 Golf Courses Worldwide
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
11
2009 NEPGA Event Schedule
NEPGA
THE N.E.P.G.A. PRO FILE
APRIL
By Bob DiCesare
By today's standards, you could say Brian Bain was a late bloomer to the game of golf. Bain was a hockey player growing up and didn't give golf a thought until he attended a practice round during the 1988 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline at age 16. "I loved the atmosphere and fell in love with the game," said Bain. A couple of ironic twists have evolved since that time. Brian Bain First, Bain is entering his seventh season as the head golf professional at Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course (formerly Brookline Golf Club), which is adjacent to the hallowed grounds of The Country Club. Last fall, Bain received the 2008 Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award at the NEPGA Special Awards & Hall of Fame Banquet. It is an honor which Bain feels tremendous pride, given the fact that he never experienced junior golf instruction in his youth. "I'm very fortunate to work under an NEPGA Hall of Famer, Jack Neville (director of golf), everything he's taught me that I'm able to pass on," said Bain, 36, a Walpole, MA native. "His leadership has helped produce big advancement in the (NEPGA) Section and has encouraged me to do likewise." "Working with (assistant pro) Larry Coletti, junior golf is very important here at a public facility such as Lynch Municipal. Juniors are the future of the game. The greatest challenge today still remains not just getting juniors involved in the game of golf, but keeping them involved." Bain has certainly carved his niche with junior golfers in the last six years. From 2004-07, he was named a U.S. Kids Top 50 Junior Instructor and in 2006 he was presented with the inaugural NEPGA President's Plaque for initiative and leadership in growing the game of golf to junior players. Last year, Bain was also selected to the inaugural class of U.S. Kids Master Instructors, of which there are only 18 members in the country. He's also been appointed to the National PGA Junior Golf Committee. "It's fun to be able to make a kid's day, to see the happiness on their faces," said Bain, who has also introduced his six-year-old daughter, Abigail, to golf. Bain estimates that 60 percent of his instruction is geared toward juniors during golf season. That has led to his being instrumental in hosting the final event of the U.S. Kids Boston Tour in the summer, which sends a qualifier to the national event. He also oversees a PGA Junior Championship sectional for NEPGA junior qualifiers which also sends qualifiers to a national competition, and he is active with Play Golf America initiatives. Bain especially prides himself at the promotion and development of junior golf at the club level. There are two sets of junior tees installed on every hole at Lynch Municipal and juniors also have their own scorecard. Through Bain's efforts, Lynch Municipal now hosts the NEPGA ProJunior Tournament, a summer Junior Fourball League with six other area courses, and Friday Night Junior Golf which gets junior golfers on the course playing golf under adult supervision. Last year, Bain spearheaded a new program Starting New At Golf (SNAG), which is special instruction for younger junior golfers, and this season he will expand his four-and-five day junior clinics. "There are a lot of junior programs out there, but minimal access to the golf course," said Bain. "Here (Lynch Municipal), we have access. It's a challenge. Instruction is great, but the kids also want to play." Bain maintains tunnel vision when looking ahead to his future in golf. "In five years, I still see myself doing the same thing. I do like the instructing aspect of junior golf." "Brian is a true leader with his service to junior golf," said Neville. "His integrity, his image as a mentor in the junior golf community is well established."
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4/14/2009
DATE
NEPGA Spring Meeting
Andover CC
EVENT
SITE
4/14/2009
Spring Meeting Pro-Pro
Andover CC
4/29 - 4/30
Taylor Made NEPGA Teaching Summit
The International GC
5/7/2009
Hudson Cup
4/21/2009 4/27/2009 5/4 - 5/5
5/8/2009
5/11/2009
5/18 - 5/20
5/26/2009
NEPGA Pro-Am NEPGA Pro-Am
NEPGA Pro-Pro Match Play Championship
MAY
NEPGA Pro-Am
Ahead Stroke Play Series #1
NEPGA Match Play Championship
NEPGA Pro-Am Championship
Brae Burn CC
Thorny Lea GC
Lebaron Hills CC
Duxbury Yacht & CC Portsmouth CC (NH)
Warwick CC (RI)
TBA & Old Sandwich GC
TBA & Oyster Harbors CC
Winter Pro - Pro Results Congratulations to the team of Jeffrey Martin and Jeff Seavey who shot 10 under to win the NEPGA Winter Pro Pro sponsored by Terry Frechette at Port St. Lucie's Ryder GC on February 1st. Here are the results: 1 Jeffrey Martin, Pt Judith CC and Jeff Seavey, Samoset Resort GC T2 Rusty Gunnarson, Rochester GC and Chip Johnson, Hatherly CC T2 Jim Sheerin, Anenaqui Club and Peter Norton, Thorny Lea GC 4 Frank Dully, Kernwood CC and Terry O'Hara, Cyprian Keyes GC 5 Bob Miller, The Club at Yarmouthport and Gene Mulak, The Vineyard GC
Get Golf Ready
This latest program to fall under the player development initiative from the PGA of America features a series of 5 lessons for $99 (price is flexible) designed to take beginning golfers slowly from the golf shop, to the putting green, to the practice range, to the golf course. The New England Section has been selected as one of the regions which will be highlighted with additional promotion and financial support. Go to www.playgolfamerica.com for more information.
Running a Golf Tournament? Contact the Golf Event Specialists SUL]H SDFNDJHV FRQWHVWV JROIHU JLIW LWHPV VSRQVRU VLJQV EDQQHUV HYHQW FRQVXOWLQJ HYHQW PDQDJHPHQW VRIWZDUH DQG PXFK PRUH Tournament Headquarters 781-444-9114 888.GOLF.640 www.tournamentheadquarters.com
T he NE P G A
NEGM’s “Top 50 Issue” Coming in May
“Tun e Up w/a P ro” & “Jr. Golf L inks ”
o n ly a t t h e Nati onal Golf Expo Ma rch 6 - 8 , 2 0 0 9
- Top Public Courses - Top Instructors - Top Resorts - Top Private Courses - Top Practice Facilities - Top 9’s tbranco@newenglandgolfmonthly.com gsampson@newenglandgolfmonthly.com
www.NEPG A.com
800-736-9020
March 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
62 67 67 68 69
GOLF INSTRUCTION
Effective Putting Practice
Good putting comes from sound fundamentals that can be consistently repeated under pressure. To improve your putting it is important to practice both your technique and performance in a way that reinforces sound fundamentals while placing you By Derek Hooper under some pressure like you will encounter on the PGA Professional golf course. Technique Practice
Two of the most important putting fundamentals that can be worked on during technique practice are putter face alignment at address and impact.
Train Track Drill – Find a level section on the putting green and place two golf clubs on the ground parallel to each other, three feet from a hole. One club should point at the right edge of the hole, the other at the left edge. The clubs will allow you to firstly see if the putter face is aligned correctly at address and secondly if the ball rolls parallel to the clubs and into the hole then the face was square at impact. Performance Practice
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During performance practice the focus becomes more about green reading and distance control. A great drill to improve your distance control is the leap frog drill.
Leapfrog drill – Pace off 30 feet (point 2) and 40 feet (point 1) from the edge of the green and place a tee in the green at each place. Starting from point one, your objective is to putt the first ball past point 2. Your second ball must go past ball 1, ball 3 past ball 2, and so on. Your goal is to get as many balls as possible in sequence between tee 2 and the edge of the green.
Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at Lake of Isles Golf Academy. Derek has a college degree in teaching and over 14 years experience conducting lesson programs in Australia, Japan and Taiwan. Before moving to the United Sates Derek was the Director of Instruction at the David Duval Golf Academy in Miyazaki, Japan. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 or dhooper@troongolf.com
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
13
FLORIDA GOLF TRAVEL
Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club: A Theme Park in its Own Right Just 2 miles south of the theme park capital of the world lies the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club. Even though the resort itself offers an escape from the many attractions of Orlando the golf course brings any golfer on a thrill ride of their own. From the resort gate you will soon realize that you are driving into a 600-acre paradise filled with first-class villas and rolling hills. Every 50 yards or so there are speed bumps that I found ironically fitting to the 18 hole championship style golf courses greens. Both will test your speed control, imagination, and patience. But don’t worry, the posted signs on the road and GPS unit on your cart will help guide you through the ever changing elevation that is Mystic Dunes. The Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club opened its doors to vacation owners and guests built on one of the highest elevations in the Orlando area. The resort features 717 one, two, and three bedroom villas conveniently supplied with all the comforts of home, but the luxuries of first-class living, such as the private whirlpool situated in every master bedroom. While on site there are 4 pools for your enjoyment with the Dunes Lagoon featuring a two-story water slide and private cabanas. The Dunes Lagoon is also the home of the Caddyshack Bar & Grille serving great food and ice-cold beverages. When vacationing at Mystic Dunes remember to carry your latest copy of the Mystic Dunes Tribune close to your side. The newsletter offers the latest information for nightly dining experiences, activities for the whole family such as a Miniature Golf Tournament, Golf Tips, and much more. The resort and golf club staff are visible everywhere and their hospitality is sure to make your stay an enjoyable one. The Mystic Dunes Golf Club, although very playable for all skill
By Greg Sampson
levels, is truly designed to test the top players in the world; hence the name behind the design, Champions Tour Player and NBC Analyst, Gary Koch. Gary was asked by the owners of the resort to design a course that is like no other in the area. With that said, Gary created some of the most difficult greens in all of golf. Almost every green on the golf course is tiered and if the green is missed your imagination with your wedge, 7 iron, or hybrid is a must, to give yourself a saving chance. From the Championship tees the course measures 7,012 yards in length with a par of 71. On the front nine you will travel through ancient oaks while trying to keep your ball out of the surrounding marsh lands and whiskey barrel shaped bunkers. On the back nine the same is true, but the terrain has a much more natural flow to it similar to a links course. There are only two water hazards on the course so your chance of finding errant shots is feasible allowing you to spend more time reading your putts from all angles. Regardless of the tees you are playing from, my advice is to manage your distance off the tee to the widest part of the fairway, approach on the safe side of the flag, and play more break than you see on the greens. By sticking to that game plan Mystic Dunes is sure to provide you the thrill of a life time on the course and a most enjoyable one at that. Who needs Disney World when you can ride the greens of Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club. Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard golfer’s dream. The course is ranked a four-star facility among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play,” is listed among Golfweek’s top 100 “Best Resort Golf Courses,” and is ranked #2 among “Orlando’s Top 5 Golf Courses” by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro shop at 1-866-311-1234 or 407-787-5678.
FIDDLESTICKS COUNTRY CLUB: Prestige for the Privileged! 36-Hole, Gated Golf Community for Members & Invited Guests Only FT MYERS, Florida – Mention southwest Florida, and anyone who’s ever purchased a sleeve of Titleists, laced up a pair of Foot Joys and checked in with a starter immediately knows the name of at least two golf courses. Although the annual invasion of the snowbirds from the North begins in November, March is the really high, holy season for tee times. From the Panhandle to the Keys, no state can compare with the number of courses available (over 1,000) than the Sunshine State. On a recent trip south, I decided to try to find at least one Florida course that is memorable, since my biggest complaint about golf in Florida is that they are all pretty much the same: flat, boring and with lots of water. After a little research, the general consensus directed me toward a 36-hole, gated golf development called Fiddlesticks Country Club, located just off Route I-75, about 8 miles from the airport, and 15 miles north of Naples. A brochure described it as “one of southwest Florida’s premiere country clubs,” while also boasting that it “is renowned as a discriminating club for approximately 600 equity members.” With low expectations and highly cynical of Florida real estate values, I secured a tee time with assistance from Ron Garl, the golf course designer, who over the course of three decades has been involved in over 130 golf design projects. Garl never promised dramatic elevation changes and small, elevated greens surrounded by bunkers like we have throughout New England, but he did predict correctly that the round would be filled with challenge and tradition, and that his trademark is to allow players of all skill levels to leave with a lasting, favorable impression. “I really believe both courses at Fiddlesticks are special. The ‘Long Mean’ and Wee Friendly’ courses are two of my all-time favorite projects,” said Garl, who has gained an international reputation of bringing golf and nature together in a compatible environment. “We wanted to build two courses that are unique, unusual, and enjoyable whether it’s a game for the single digit or high handicapper. The two courses have everything from waste bunkers, to pot bunkers to the classical traditional bunkers. We have lots of water visible and tried to give every hole a different look. Of course, the two most scenic holes at Fiddlesticks is No. 9 on Wee and No. 18 at Long Mean, which are island greens that are located front and center of the clubhouse.” Fiddlesticks Country Club is a community of expensive single family homes starting at $400,000 and a few condos starting at $250,000. The average age is 54 and about half of the 600 members are year-round residents. Equity ownership means you pay upfront at the time of purchase and you get 80% of your money back when you sell. The current equity fee here is $81,000; monthly dues are $907 and there are lots of rules covering rentals, dining at the 40,000 sq ft clubhouse and guests. If you’re a baby boomer looking to retire to an upscale golf community in southwest Florida, Fiddlesticks Country Club is the place. It is the best private golf community experience in these parts. I’m even beginning to change my stereotypical thinking about golf in the Sunshine State. – Tom Gorman
by Tom Gorman
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March 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
of Longboat Key. The club is an exclusive and very private resort offering all the amenities of an island getaway yet just minutes from the city of Sarasota. It is rare to have a choice of so many high quality exclusive resort properties in such a small geographic region, but it speaks volumes for the Sarasota area and her islands. There are many choices for some of the best golf in the Sunshine State in the Sarasota Bradenton area. While on the trip we played University Park just minutes from the hotel, designed by Ron Garl. The 27 hole layout is one of the regions best bets offering great golf in a relaxing, elegant atmosphere that offers plenty of challenges for all levels of players. On day two we ventured out to the Long Boat Key Club. The club offers two distinctly different playing experiences with their Harborside and Islandside golf courses. The Islandside course, designed by Bill Mitchell in 1960 is an 18 hole championship course playing at about 6,800 yards with water coming in to play on every hole, a very intimidating but fair course that required good club selection and attention to course management. The Harborside course was designed by Willard Byrd in1982 and had a redesign in 2006 by Ron Garl. The course has three 9 hole tracks that play a little shorter, but again target golf comes into play on almost all holes. The course is strategically set up to force the player to think through the round. The challenges of this type of golf will stimulate your senses and test your skills. Both courses offer magnificent views of the gulf and bay. There are plenty of other choices in the region as well for all levels of players. We visited StoneyBrook, Pelican Point, Heron Creek and Lakewood Ranch, great facilities that are just minutes from downtown Sarasota. You can find it all in Sarasota and her Islands, great accommodations, wonderful golf, great shopping and some of the best spas anywhere. The restaurant choices are endless and there are plenty of nightlife and cultural events to choose from. Oh and yes, there is something special about watching the sun disappear into the ocean after a full day of golf and a massage with a cool drink in hand, cheers!! Special thanks go out to Jason Cabral and Erin Duggan from the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau for their help and expertise in getting us acquainted with all the region has to offer. They can be contacted at 941.955.0991 or at gobeyondthebeaches.com
FLORIDA GOLF TRAVEL
Golf in Style on the Cultural Coast: Sarasota and Her Islands
It is often said you should travel well and be rested in places that stimulate your senses and arouse your appetite for relaxation. You often know when you are at the right place when you constantly forget the day and the time. Each day should always pass slowly and leave us with a complete feeling of being somewhere special as a reward for our time in the trenches. Sarasota and her Islands are such a place, a mid sized city on the Gulf offering it all. The eclectic mix of great golf, luxurious hotels and resorts and wonderful restaurants will keep you coming back for more. Sarasota is located just 50 minutes south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The region is blessed with some of the most pristine Islands and Keys and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The charm of Siesta Key and the elegance of Long Boat Key will give you all the choices you will need for your individual taste. There is literally something for everyone here, and it is all good. We stayed at the newly renovated Hyatt on Sarasota Bay looking out over Long Boat Key. The hotel has just undergone a 22 million dollar renovation from top to bottom. Lively colors and sophesticated designed schemes are blended together in the new Hyatt to create a feeling of relaxation through art. The lobby greets you with a bright and open atmosphere with a kind of trendy Art Deco Florida feel. The guest rooms were equally bright and alive in colors that brought out the fantastic views of the bay. In the Hyatt tradition a top designer was commissioned to transform the property to it’s new life in Sarasota, designer Lilly Pulitzer’s choices are a fresh new statement that work well. If service is what you expect from a Hyatt, the staff was at every level pleasant and professional. The Hyatt sits just steps from the Ritz Carlton also on Sarasota Bay. The Ritz is a top class hotel that will offer you all the indulgence necessary for a great get away. There is nothing like a Sunday Brunch on Super Bowl Sunday at The Ritz. Just minutes from the Hyatt and the Ritz is one of the regions best resort hotels: Hiltons Longboat Key Club. The property is a 410-acre beachfront resort and private country club on the barrier island
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newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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GOLF TRAVEL
Explore Puerto Rico’s Picture Perfect Golf Resorts By Pam Borges With nearly two-dozen championship golf courses stretching from coast to coast, Puerto Rico is recognized as the Golf Capital of the Caribbean. With year-round temperatures averaging 80 degrees, no hassle with customs or money exchange, it’s the perfect venue to taste global golf at its best. For those who resort to only the very best—here are some of Puerto Rico’s finest golf resorts, which combine superlative game play with world-class lodging, fabulous beaches, tantalizing cuisine, casino gaming and sizzling nightlife. Trump International Golf Club (www.trumpgolfpuertorico.com) Located on the northeastern shore, a short drive from San Juan, the newly inaugurated Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande (formerly Coco Beach Golf & Country Club), is the host venue of the Puerto Rico Open, a PGA Tour event. Golf course renovation of the former Coco Beach Golf Club converted four Tom Kite designed nines into two 18-hole championship-grade courses. Stretching over 1200 acres of dazzling waterfront property, each course meanders through mountains, palm groves, lakes and along ocean bluffs, offering panoramic views at every turn. Linked to the Gran Melia family of resorts, this halcyon haven offers a cornucopia of pleasures for golfers and nongolfers alike: a lagoon-style swimming pool, in-house casino, and world-class spa.
Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa (www.wyndhamriomar.com) A short drive east from the Trump will land you on the doorstep of the Rio Mar Beach Resort, which lies at the base of El Yunque, the only rainforest of its kind in the US National Forest system. This Windham Grand Resort provides a total family vacation package on their magnificent 500-acre beachfront estate. Its complete with two oceanfront swimming pools, spa, tennis, casino, array of culinary delights and of course, golf! Rio Mar features two 18-hole championship courses. The Ocean Course, a Tom & George Fazio design, is continually rated as one of the top courses in PR by Golf Digest. It lays claim to a par-3, 240-yard signature hole (#16) that runs along the Atlantic, and is cited as one of the most beautiful yet challenging in the Caribbean, because fierce trade winds make golfers struggle with club choice. The wider, parallel fairways make the Ocean course more appealing to beginner golfers. Its sister course, designed by Greg Norman, aptly named The River Course, follows the twisting Mameyes River, which comes into play on several holes. Although the corkscrew fairways and numerous water features offer picturesque scenery, they demand precision ball striking, making this course one of the most challenging on the island.
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa (www.elconresort.com) The island boasts a number of excellent resort courses, but by far, I found El Conquistador the most dramatic. This upmarket facility located near the eastern coastal town of Fajardo, sits atop a 300-foot bluff overlooking the ocean. Among the many amenities that top-shelf resorts offer, this resort boasts top-shelf entertainment, private villas, catamarans that whisk guests to the private Palomino Island for sunbathing, water sports, horseback riding, and recently constructed Conqui Water Park. However, the first dramatic sight you see upon entering this guarded facility is the uniquely designed golf course. This swank Arthur Hills layout moves you 200 vertical feet from start to finish--rare among typically flat Caribbean golf courses--with inspiring views of the majestic El Yunque Rainforest and crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean (which you can see from fifteen holes). El Conquistador is not a course for beginners. The daunting hills, never-ending array of sloped fairways, uneven lies and complicated green complexes challenge the most accomplished golfer. With its dramatic elevation change and climactic 18th hole where splashing fountains lead to a waterfall over which the last shot of the game is made, El Conquistador delivers golf with a flash-and-fanfare few courses in the Caribbean can rival. It recently was voted among Conde Nast Traveler’s “75 Top Golf Resorts. This resort sits close to some thrilling adventures available on the island -- the tropical El Yunque Rainforest, Rio Camuy Cave Park, and Laguna Grand, a bioluminescent bay known for its glow-in-the-dark waters.
Palmas Del Mar Country Club (www.palmasdelmar.com) Situated on six miles of PR’s eastern coastline in the town of Humacao, Palmas Del Mar Country Club offers the ultimate golf lifestyle. A self-contained community with its own schools, marina, 18 restaurants, exclusive beach club, tennis club, nine pools and equestrian center is a home-away-from-home for some. Guest lodging includes oceanfront villas or Four Points Sheraton Hotel, which embraces its own amenities including an inhouse casino. The two 18-hole courses at Palmas Del Mar were cunningly crafted to challenge a pro, but laid out so that even beginners can enjoy. The Flamboyan Course, a links-style designed by Rees Jones, and the Palm Course, a Gary Player creation, meander through wetlands, undulating palm-lined fairways and along the ocean creating different looks amid a tropical splendor. The Palm Course, the more difficult one, features more oceanside holes, multiple elevation changes, deceptively sloping greens and steady trade winds that test players’ skill from drives to the short game. Decide to explore beyond our shore… make Puerto Rico your next golf travel destination! Pam Borges is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and International Network of Golf. She is a regular contributor for New England Golf Monthly (formally Bay State Golf) and a freelance writer for the Golf Reporter and Golf Insider.
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newenglandgolfmonthly.com
New England Golf Monthly
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Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills Located just 7 miles south of Boston, Granite Links is easily reached by locals and out of town visitors seeking to play this Golf Digest “Top Ten Best New Upscale Golf Course in the Country.” www.granitelinksgolfclub.com 617-689-1900 Memberships available. Public play welcome.
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THE BEST OF NEW ENGLAND
Still The Tiger One Of America’s Toughest Golf Courses The Famous Pines Course The International Country Club Bolton Massachusetts It has been rated by many as the toughest test in golf in the country and still holds the top position as one of the longest golf course in the world, quite simply it is just a great golf course with a rich history. Of all the newly designed courses throughout this country and the world the Pines Course still holds a mystique about it, which is spellbinding in the eyes of most mortal golfers. Lets face it the Pines comes in at nearly 8400 yards with a par 73, a rating of 80 and a slope of 154 which is just the beginning. There are three par fours over 525 yards as well as three par three’s over 250 yards and two par fives over 650 yards and a par six at 715 yards. This course brings a whole new meaning to “technology has shortened the game of golf” you could not get home in two on some of these holes with a howitzer. Just the same this golf course is a wonderfully designed facility that has deep roots in New England golf and is a fixture in the great history of this game. The International’s began its storied journey over 100 years ago in 1901 when the Pines course was designed as a short nine hole golf course called Runaway Brook Golf Club. It is noted that the 66 acres of land was originally purchased for $1. In 1954 the club was purchased by Bert Suprenant who they hired Geoffrey Cornish to redesign the course as it exists today with input from Francis Ouimet. In 1972 Robert Trent Jones Sr. was hired by the club to modify greens and bunkers to make the course even more challenging. Later on the Oaks Course, which was designed by Tom Fazio, rounded out the 36 hole facility, completing, the only 36 hole private golf course in New England and one of the finest facilities nationwide. The name the Pines originated from the tall stately evergreens that line the course. This is a very peaceful place to play golf surrounded by the quiet town of Bolton in the Nashua River Valley. If you come to the International bring you’re “A” game but more importantly bring what ever club you can hit straight and be patient, you will eventually get to that green. There is one thing for sure , not many golf courses old or new will demand the respect and test of ones skills as the Pines. We all should be very proud to have such a great facility right here in New England with such an international reputation for excellence. This is where the game of golf began in this country, it only seems fitting that one of the toughest courses in the world is still right here. The Pines Course at The International, The #1 Test in Golf.
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
Team New England On The Tours
J.J. Henry
Brad Faxon
On The PGA Tour
New England Golf Monthly Tour Player Of The Month Congratulations to J.J.Henry Brad Faxon Barrington, R.I. Joined Tour 1984 PGA Tour Victories 8 2009 is Brads 26th year on the PGATour and nearly 18 million dollars in earning make him the one to chase for PGA tour veterans from the New England region. He approaching NEGM Iron Man status even though he has had a long recovery from knee surgery. In five events this season so far Brad has not made a cut, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count him out yet. He knows how to win and is a proven top player who could break out at any time. If Kenny Perry can play at 49 and win with the kids on the tour so can Barrington Brad.
Billy Andrade
Billy Andrade Bristol, R.I. Joined Tour 1988 PGA Tour Victories 4 Billy Andrade: In 2008 Billy finished with$243,490 dollars in earnings in 24 events and finished outside the top 125. So far in 2009 he has played only three events and has yet to make a cut. Billy is trying to get back to the 2006 form that won him over a million dollars on the tour and solidify a position for the next few years. Billy is still very strong in driving accuracy and sand play in the top 25 on tour in both categories but his iron play and putting have hurt his scoring average in the last year. Patrick Sheehan Providence, R.I. Joined Tour 2002 PGA Tour Victories 0 2008 was a solid season for Patrick with over $800,000 in earnings but ended up just outside the top 125 by just three spots at 128.In 2009 Patrick has played in just two events The Buick and The AT&T at Pebble Beach and has been unable to make a cut thus far. Look for Patrick to get it going soon, he is a strong competitor and will play well this year watch Patrick pick it up before the next reshuffle.
Brett Quigley Ft. Devens, Ma Joined Tour 1991 PGA Tour Victories 1 Brett Quigley: Bret ended up 2008 with a solid year earning $878,216 and finishing 72nd in FedEx Cup Points and 120th on the money list, a great year overall with 2 top tens and 7 top 25 finishes. In 2009 so far Brett has played in 4 events only making one cut in the FBR Open in Scottsdale and finished with a solid 66 on the final day. Earning for this year is currently at just over $20,000. Look for Brett to get it going on the Florida swing.
Patrick Sheehan
Brett Quigley
Brad Adamonis
Brad Adamonis Cumberland, R.I. Joined Tour 2008 PGA Tour Victories 1 Brad Adamonis: Brad finished his Rookie season off at $862,413 dollars in winnings and made the top 125 in his first season on the tour. Goal number one as a rookie was achieved, a job well done. Like 2008 Brad had a quick start out of the gate and shot 26 under par in the Bob Hope for a 9th place finish, a top ten in his first event. In his first 5 events he has made 4 cuts and earned $173,184 and sits at number 69 on the money list for 2009. He will start back this week at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach.
J.J. Henry
J.J. Henry: Fairfield, CT. Joined Tour 2001 PGA Tour Victories 1 J.J. Henry : In 2008 he has played in 27 events and made 13 cuts and earned $931,162 dollars and finishing 111 on the PGA tour money list. He is back at it in 2009 making three cuts in four events thus far and getting in the top 25 twice. In 2009 he has earned $186,687 dollars already in just 4 events. He sits at 63 on the tour money list and is the top earning PGA player from the New England region so far this year. He has been a consistent player on the tour for the last five years, look for more of the same.
James Driscoll
James Driscoll Brookline, Ma Joined Tour 2002 PGA Tour Victories 1 James Driscoll: In 2008 James earned $708,549.00 for the year and ended up outside the top 125 at 141 on the money list. In two events in 2009 the Buick and The AT&T at Pebble Beach Jim made the cut and earned $23,364 dollars. In 2008 Jim had strong finishes in his last 2 months of the year. He is working to get better status in the reshuffle after the Florida swing. Jim had a good year in 2008 making 15 cuts look for him to be bound.
On The Champions Tour Dana Quigley Lynfield, Ma Joined Tour 1980 PGA Tour Victories 3
Dana Quigley
Dana Quigley: The Ironman in 2008 built his war chest by $450,195.00 on the Champions Tour and finished 41st on the money list. Thus far Dana has played in the last two events The Allianz and The Ace Group Classic and earned just over $10,000 in winnings. In his career. Dana has now earned over 14.5 million dollars on the Tour and is the number three in all time earnings. In April Dana turns 62 and those that know him well say he has only a few more decades left on the tour.
On The LPGA Tour
Liz Janangelo
Elizabeth Janangelo Hartford, Ct. Joined LPGA Tour 2008
Anna Grzebien Point Judith, R.I. Joined LPGA Tour 2008
Elizabeth Janangelo:In 2008 her rookie year on the LPGA tour Liz has played in 18 tournaments and made the cut in 8 of them earning $34,025 which left her at 147 on the money list at seasons end. She has only conditional status on the Tour in 2009 and has yet to play in any event.
Anna Grzebien: In her rookie season had condition status on the LPGA Tour and earned $39,109. Dollars in winnings finishing 142 on the money list. In 2009 Anna has full status on the Tour and has played in just one event to date The SBS Open at Turtle Bay where she finished T75 for just over $2000.00 in winnings. 2009 will be her first full status year on the tour, we will be watching Anna.
Anna Grzebien newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR GOLF
Junior Golf Schedule March & April 2009
NEW AGE DIVISION FOR 2009!!
Starting this season, we will be opening up registration for 18-21 year olds. We will call this the Graduates Division. We feel that this will provide these players the opportunity to prepare for collegiate athletics, as well as assist them in the growth of the game. For NEPGA Junior Tour Membership registration ($125) please visit: www.NEPGA.com and you will receive some great tee gifts along with a discount on Junior Tour and TPT events
The New England PGA, which runs the Titleist Junior Tour and Titleist Tournament Players Tour, will be running the U.S. Kids Golf Boston Local Tour this upcoming summer. Local Tours are designed to allow boys and girls, ages 4 to 12, an opportunity to compete against kids their own age and gender on courses set up for age appropriate play where parents or other family members are encouraged to participate as caddies. 29 Local Tours will be in operation this summer and some of the other cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Baton Rouge, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Columbus (OH), Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Orlando.
Bryan Leskowitz, Manager of Junior Golf Operations for the New England PGA, will be the Local Tour Director of the Boston Local Tour and newly this year the Rhode Island Local Tour. The host sites are TBA. An unique component to U.S. Kids Golf Competition is parents are encouraged to caddy for their juniors which makes this a very family oriented experience if parents are looking to do something different this summer with their children.
A Local Tour consists of 8 one-day tournaments including a season ending Local Tour Championship. Local Tour Players of the Year in each of the 12 age/gender groups (who play in at least 4 of that Local Tour's events and meet the scoring requirement) will receive a coveted exemption into the 2009 U.S. Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, N.C.,as well as an invitation to compete in a U.S. Kids Golf Regional Championship. This year’s World Championship is expecting over 1200 kids from 47 states and 32 countries. As of late July, membership of the Boston Local Tour reached 155 children and all tournaments are full. This places Boston as one of the leaders in reaching younger children across the nation within the U.S. Kids Golf Tours.
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March 28 Junior Match Play Championship Qualifying Various Sites – MA & RI Boys 15-18, Boys 14 & Under, Girls Open March 29 Junior Match Play Championship – Match Play Woodland Greens GC – North Kingstown, RI Boys 15-18, Boys 14 & Under, Girls Open April 4 Junior Match Play Championship – Match Play Newport CC – Newport, RI Boys 15-18, 14 & Under, Girls Open April 5 Scott Robertson Sectional Qualifier Swansea CC – Swansea, MA Boys 15-18, Boys 13-14 April 10 Junior Preview Championship Montaup CC – Portsmouth, RI Boys 16-18, 14-15, 13 & Un, Girls Open April 11 Junior Match Play Championship – Match Play Rhode Island CC – Barrington, RI Boys 15-18, 14 & Under April 13-14 Challenge Cup Championship Alpine CC – Cranston, RI Boys High School, Middle School, Girls Open April 15 Adamonis Cup Cranston CC – Cranston, RI Top 8 Teams RIIL April 18-19 FCWT Red Tail Golf Open Red Tail GC – Devens, MA Boys 16-18, Boys 13-15, Girls 13-18 April 18-19 IJGT Gillette Ridge Gillette Ridge GC – Bloomfield, CT Boys 16-19, 13-15, 12 & Un, Girls 13-18 April 19 Johnson & Wales Team Challenge Firefly GC - Seekonk, MA High School, Boys 13-14, 12 & Un, Girls Open April 19 Junior Match Play Championship – Match Play Ledgemont CC – Seekonk, MA Boys 15-18 April 20 Hornblower Junior Classic New England CC – Bellingham, MA Boys 14-18, Boys 13 & Under, Girls Open April 23-24 Tournament Players’ Championship Point Judith CC – Narragansett, RI Warwick CC – Warwick, RI Open, Legends, Junior April 25 New England Junior Ryder Cup Ledgemont CC – Seekonk, MA Boys 13-18 April 26 Junior Match Play Championship Wannamoisett CC – Rumford, RI Boys 15-18
Entry Fee: Members $65, Non Members $70 Entry Deadline: March 21 www.uschallengecup.org Players advance from previous round
www.uschallengecup.org Players advance from previous round
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www.uschallengecup.org Entry Fee: Members $45, Non-Members $50 Entry Deadline: April 13 www.uschallengecup.org Invitational Entry Fee: $150 includes cart fees Entry Deadline: April 13 www.uschallengecup.org Invitational Entry Fee: $60 Entry Deadline: April 13 www.uschallengecup.org Players advance from previous round www.uschallengecup.org
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Sponsor Junior Golf in our next issue gsampson@NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com 800-736-9020 x 11
PGA TOUR NEWS
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP The PGA TOUR’s “Bigness” Epitomized Jay Monahan is man on a mission. As vice president and tournament director for THE PLAYERS Championship, he has the formidable undertaking to maintain the status of THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, as the premier event on the PGA TOUR. He’s also charged with ensuring that the tournament, set for May 7-10 on Florida’s First Coast outside Jacksonville, continues its lobbying efforts as one of golf’s majors, although this is not an official “charge” for Jay. THE PLAYERS had the biggest purse ($9.5 million in 2008), and traditionally brings together the best field in golf. But purse, venue, and field strength do not a major make. It takes tradition and the tacit approval of golf writers who determine these things. Nonetheless, THE PLAYERS continues to build on these intangible tenets year after year to assume its rightful place among golf’s tournament elite. Monahan is a former executive with the Boston Red Sox organization and recent tournament director for the PGA TOUR’s Deutsche Bank Championship in the Bay State. Now, as THE PLAYERS vice president and executive director, the transplanted New Englander residing in the heart of Dixie is becoming acclimated to the South having traded clam “chowda” for Mayport shrimp. As tournament director, he oversees every aspect of the championship from course set-up and playing conditions, player needs and their familes’ requests, placating and accommodating corporate sponsors, managing more than 200 committees, a legion of volunteers, directing community relations activities, tournament logistics, and a plethora of other responsibilities too numerous to mention here. All the while being under the microscope of PGA TOUR Commissioner, Tim Finchem, and senior TOUR staff on their home turf. But above all else, perhaps, Monahan has to tackle the formidable task of insuring that charity contributions meet or exceed the $3 million level set in 2008. Not easily done in today’s unsettled economy. Yet, in his new role, he remains undeterred when promoting THE PLAYERS and is extremely optimistic. “I am very positive about our event this year thanks largely to the commitment of our presenting sponsors and the exposure that NBC’s television package affords us to a global audience,” said Monahan. “Florida’s First Coast is a fantastic place with the many amenities and the lifestyle the area has to offer, and one of my goals is to see that THE PLAYERS continues be an ambassador for promoting the region as well as maintaining its position as the premier championship on the TOUR.” When Commissioner Finchem coined the phrase “Bigness” in professional golf back in the late 90’s, he certainly had the tournament in his own backyard in mind. Everything about the THE PLAYERS is big…from the opulent brand new 70,000 square foot clubhouse to the 7,200 yard layout designed by Pete Dye that optimizes spectacular spectator viewpoints from all angles on the golf course. Couple numerous corporate hospitality staging opportunities with the fan-friendly natural “stadium” seating scattered across the TPC course, and you’ve got a winning recipe for a big event. The tournament annually attracts more than 40,000 golf fans per day. Not quite the numbers the FBR Open in Phoenix enjoys, but THE PLAYERS limits its ticket sales on a daily basis to maximize the enjoyment of the few, the proud, and the golf-hearty ticket holder. Of course, TPC Sawgrass is internationally known for its par-3 17th hole – the famous island green where PLAYERS Championships have been decided since its inception more than 25 years ago. It’s the hole where scores of golf balls untimely splash down during the event occasionally sinking the hopes of potential champions with just one hole to play. Just ask Jacksonville native son and local favorite, Len Mattiace. In 1998 with just two holes to play, and leading the tournament on his home turf, Mattiace hit two balls in the water and made 8 and finished T-5. [Justin Leonard won the event]. There is a sign on the teeing ground that says, “After hitting two balls in the water, please proceed to the drop area.” No one pays attention to it. Consider this:. More than 100,000 golf balls every year find a watery grave as a result of errant tee shots from amateurs who pay a hefty price for a round on the Stadium Course and the pleasure of loosing a couple of Titleists in the murky swamp water that surrounds the diabolical green. The 17th hole of TPC Sawgrass is just one hole in what are arguably among the most exciting four finishing holes on the PGA TOUR tournament schedule. “It’s golf’s greatest stage,” says Monahan referring to holes 15-18 at Sawgrass. “I can’t think of a better venue for a more exciting and unpredictable scenario in golf,” he adds. Indeed, the thrill of winning nearly $2 million as THE PLAYERS Champion and all the benefits and playing exemptions that come with the title, more than compensate for any potential agony of defeat on these closing holes. Talk about your adrenalin rush. In truth, it epitomizes what is most exciting about the PGA TOUR. Visitors to Ponte Vedra Beach can experience the same excitement of a round on the Stadium Course under the identical playing conditions TOUR players enjoy in May. Contact PGA TOUR Experiences at 800-766-7939 or visit www.pgatourexperinces.com to arrange an affordable package with a variety of stay and play options. They can also arrange packages at all the nearly two dozen other courses in the TPC Network as well. When Fred Funk secured his place in THE PLAYERS history by becoming the oldest winner at age 48, he outwitted his rivals with some precision golf. With his victory, the Ponte Vedra Beach resident declared, "I can't comprehend how big this really is for me. They can't take it away from me. I always will cherish this win." Whomever wins THE PLAYERS this year remains to be seen, but Jay Monahan is optimistic that the event will better than ever. “I have a mandate to maintain the integrity and tradition of THE PLAYERS, and every indication is that we are on track to do just that,” says Monahan. “With the help of our volunteers, the support of the community and our corporate partners, not to mention the commitment of my dedicated staff, there’s no reason why the 2009 PLAYERS won’t be the best event in its storied history.” If his beloved Red Sox can win two World Series so far this decade, there’s no reason to doubt him.
By Barry J Palm
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GAME IMPROVEMENT & READING
Fore Thought
Always By My Side
Mental Tips For a Better Golf Game
A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey UnlikeAny Other Jim Nantz - Author
“A Zone Of Your Own” Paul Goydos had a zone experience in the 2008 Tour Championship. How else do you explain the 169th ranked player leading the best pros in the world for four days? Sergio Garcia also found the zone. His driving accuracy was 80.5 percent, the best in the field that week despite his yearly average of 58.8 percent. Not to be outdone Jeff Quiney claimed in an interview with reporter Mark Rolfing to have had that special feeling too. But how can this be? Isn’t a zone experience limited to the person who wins an event? No. These men got into a zone of their own because they performed at a level of excellence measured against their own achievements rather than those of other people. Goydos achieved it by hitting his baby fade. Quiney did it with his chicken wing pre-shot routine and Sergio did it with determination. You can have zone experiences too if you understand that it’s really not magic. Research by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Ph.D., tells us that the conditions common to zone experiences are feedback, clear goals, challenges matched to ability, concentration, unselfconsciousness, time distortion, self control and total absorption. Very importantly they all work together like a team of horses. When one condition advances it pulls the others along. Let’s say you face a task that appears to be overwhelming. If you break it down into portions small enough for you to handle you’ll make a start that is matched to your ability. This approach will give you clear feedback and direct your next step. Accurate feedback will lead to small successes helping you to repeat the cycle and draw you in so deeply that you’ll keep advancing while hardly noticing. So start anywhere you want. Improve your goals, feedback, self-control or any other condition and the others will follow. Your developing skills will allow you to knock on the door of zone experiences more often and occasionally it’ll open. Bob Skura is author of the award-winning book, How Great Golfers Think – Perfecting Your Mental Game. For more information visit: www.howgreatgolfersthink.com
by Bob Skura
Bob Skurka
From February to April 2007, starting with his play-byplay call of Super Bowl XLI, Jim Nantz had a historic 63day broadcasting run as he became the first commentator to broadcast the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, and the Masters® all in the same year. Yet the man who inspired him to pursue his broadcasting dream, his father, was unable to share the voyage with him. In Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other, 2007 Sportscaster of the Year Nantz recounts how he felt his father’s presence every step of the way – and through this championship journey, he celebrates the people and moments that tap into all the goodness that his dad – and his dad’s generation – represent. Always By My Side traces Nantz’s career, from creating his own imaginary TV studio he created as a boy to his college days rooming with future PGA Tour golfers to his chance meeting with NBC Sports producer Don Ohlmeyer that started him on a path that led to a successful CBS network audition at the age of 26. Along the way, he remembers his friendships with such sports royalty as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Mike Krzyzewski, and Bill Walton – as well as Hollywood A-listers like Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery, all the time remaining humble and grateful for the opportunity to be afforded such an amazing life. Nantz also recalls father-figures he found throughout his life when his own ailing father was unable to be physically with him: George H. W. Bush, Ken Venturi, Jim McKay, Pat Summerall, Billy Packer, Frank Chirkinian, and others. Ultimately, Always By My Side is a collection of poignant stories that explore the theme of fathers and sons who have bonded through a common love of sports. It turns every day into Father’s Day.
Under New Management
BOUNCE OUT OF BUNKERS By Brad Reading PGA Professional The bounce on the sand wedge is the flange on the sole that extends below the leading edge. It holds the key to you becoming a consistent bunker player. Here’s how to bounce your way onto the green. TILT THE GRIP Play the ball up in your stance even with your left heel. Set up with the grip of the club pointed behind your belt buckle. You’ll know if you’ve got the correct position if the club shaft is roughly parallel to your left leg. This lays the face back and exposes the bounce to the sand. You don’t want to open the face. With your wedge’s bounce pre-set like this you will be able to hit behind and into the sand with little concern of the leading edge hitting first. WITH THE HANDS On the downswing, lead the bounce into impact with your hands which allow for maximum effect. The bounce prevents the club from digging to deep into the sand, so don’t worry about hitting it fat. Go ahead and make an aggressive swing, and follow all the way through. The ball will float out on a cushion of sand. HIGH OR LOW After you get a better feel for the shot you can start adjusting how much you lay the club back to hit different length and height shots. Laying it back more will hit is shorter and higher. Laying it back less will hit it farther and lower.
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New England Golf Monthly TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATES TITLE SPONSORSHIP EXTENSION THROUGH 2014
HARTFORD, Conn. - Governor M. Jodi Rell, Travelers executives, PGA TOUR executives, Connecticut business leaders, multiple charities and Travelers Championship organizers gathered today in Hartford to announce and celebrate the extension of Travelers' title sponsorship of the Travelers Championship through 2014. During today's announcement, it was also revealed that Governor M. Jodi Rell would serve as Honorary Chairwoman for the 2009 Travelers Championship. "Now, more than ever, our state can truly benefit from the positive economic impact and charity funds that result from this tournament. As one of just 21 states to host a PGA TOUR event, our community is indebted to Travelers for their commitment to this event, which brings such tremendous benefits to our community," said Governor Rell. "I'd like to commend Travelers for their commitment to the community and also note that this event cannot be fueled by Travelers alone. This tournament presents an opportunity for everyone to be involved, ranging from fans to volunteers to corporate sponsors. I hope residents will attend as fans and I urge businesses to carefully consider how they can successfully utilize the event. With statewide support, this tournament will continue to grow and to have an even greater impact on our community each year. I am honored for the opportunity to take on the role of Honorary Chairwoman and I truly hope everyone will consider a way to be involved as well." The Travelers Championship contributes 100% of net proceeds to Connecticut charities, primarily The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which serves children suffering from cancer and other serious diseases, and the Greater Hartford Jaycees, a leadership development and community service organization. In addition, the tournament offers fundraiser programs so that every charity in the state may utilize the event as a way to raise funds. "The PGA TOUR is an incredibly unique professional sporting event, in that every ticket purchased, parking fee paid or sponsorship invested has a direct tie to the amount of funds this event is able to generate for Connecticut charities. Therefore, I am happy to share today's announcement with our fans by providing a great reason to purchase a Travelers Championship ticket now. In celebration of Travelers extension through 2014 and to kick off our charitable fundraising, the tournament will offer all general admission tickets for just $14 for the next 14 days," said Tournament Director Nathan Grube. Complete details on the 2009 Travelers Championship and ordering information about the special ticket offer are available now on www.TravelersChampionship.com .
MOLORI UNPLUGGED By John Molori
Nantz shoots straight and true from broadcast booth
A few years ago, I wrote a column criticizing CBS golf sportscaster Jim Nantz. The gist of the critique was that Nantz was very blasé and even kind of boring in his approach. In response to the column, CBS Sports and News president Sean McManus emailed to voice his displeasure at the column. It made me wonder if I was missing something. Time has shown that I was. The versatile Nantz covers golf and other events with an understated grace that has become the exception, not the rule in sports television. Nantz has no catch phrases, no desire to exceed the volume of a police siren and no political agenda. In this the age of “Look at me, I’m on TV!” sportscasters, Nantz has become a fascinating anomaly. “I never will go there,” says Nantz, whose 2008 book “Always By My Side: A Father’s Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other” climbed to #3 on the New York Times Bestseller list. “For young kids who want to break into the business, there is a feeling that you have to be goofy or, in some similar way, attentiongrabbing. “There is this in-your-face attitude that many sportscasters have, like they are on the brink of a tantrum. If you look at them the wrong way, they will explode.” Nantz compares his own style to that of Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He states, “Belichick is a wonderful role model for his players and the public. It is a rarity to see men succeed in a role of leadership without raising their voices. He barely talks above a whisper. He doesn’t cheapen the message by falling back on a swear word. He is a dignified, distinguished gentleman.” In the winter and spring of 2007, Nantz enjoyed a 63-day stretch that saw him work Super Bowl XLI, the NCAA men’s hoop tournament and the Masters. This year, he will again work the latter two. In all these endeavors, he maintains a terrific consistency. “I don’t say, ‘It’s time to turn on my football voice.’ It’s more of a natural thing. If the crowd is stirred to frenzy, you talk louder to cut through it. In golf, we are only a few yards away from the action. Sometimes, we get ridiculed for whispering, but if not, we’d be disturbing play.” Nantz has won multiple National Sportscaster of the Year Awards, including the 2008 honor. He has covered a vast array of events including the Olympics, US Open Tennis and the NBA, but he considers golf the most difficult to broadcast, this from a man who has partnered on the course with former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. “Golf broadcasters get the least amount of credit,” says Nantz, who will turn 50 in May. “It’s the most difficult sport to do. When you are at the 18th hole and you have 20minute stretches to fill, it’s a challenge to hold the audience’s attention. Media writers don’t watch golf, so it doesn’t count to them. They wouldn’t recognize the work if Shakespeare was in the booth.” With his unique class and unquestioned versatility, Nantz has become our generation’s Curt Gowdy, a compliment he relishes. “I was smitten by the voices in my living room on weekends,” says Nantz, who played golf and graduated from the University of Houston in 1981, and started his career at CBS at the age of 26 in 1985. “Before there was cable TV, ESPN or VCR’s, broadcasters had a knowledge of language and did not draw attention to themselves. There was an elegance to the broadcasts of men like Gowdy, Ray Scott, Jack Whittaker, Dick Enberg and Jack Buck. They were storytellers with a graceful style. I have a reverence for this profession.” Nantz, a Fairfield County, Connecticut resident, moved from CBS “NFL Today” studio host to lead NFL play-by-play announcer in 2004. Change has become natural to the veteran broadcaster. “Sean McManus wanted me to do it. He thought I should be doing games. “I’ve been at CBS for 22 years and we used to have all the major events. We acquired Major League Baseball in 1990 and it was a bad deal for the network. I lost a lot of colleagues.” Nantz has seen it all at CBS and has climbed to the top of his profession, sharing that current rarified air with an elite trio of contemporaries, Al Michaels, Bob Costas and Joe Buck. Michaels is the best football play-by-play man in the business, but he cannot match Nantz’s studio hosting skills or versatility. Buck’s forays into what he considers humor and commentary detract from his overall performance. The same can be said of Costas who, while immensely gifted, tends to impose himself on a story too frequently. Nantz’s approach to a big game or tournament is typically cerebral. “This is how I see it. On Sunday, I’m going to watch a football game with a great friend of mine, Phil Simms. Oh, and there will also be 100 million people eavesdropping.” While football holds its lofty place in American sports culture, Nantz’s voice has become synonymous with golf. The game is indelibly woven into his life, from his college roommates and future PGA Tour stars Fred Couples, Blaine McCallister and John Horne, to his personal friendships with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ken Venturi, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, to his prominent role in Kevin Costner’s 1996 golf film “Tin Cup.” Moreover, golf served as a means for Nantz to cope with his father Jim’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, Nantz dreamed of having his dad accompany him on his Super Bowl, March Madness and Masters grand tour, but the illness precluded that dream from becoming a reality. Nantz’s father eventually succumbed to the disease in June of 2008. Still, the love of sports ingrained in the younger Nantz is eternal. At the end of the book, Nantz surveys the Mt. Holly, North Carolina place where his dad would be laid to rest and states, “In one panoramic sweep, I could take in most of the formative sites of my father’s youth. I could hear the sounds that made him happy, from the cheering of the fans to the spirited football fight songs. It all felt so right.” The same can be said of Nantz’s voice and the love of sport that lies within its tones and sentiments. John Molori is a syndicated columnist and hosts the “J-Team Radio Show” at AM 980 WCAP and jteamradio.com. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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GOLF TRAVEL
GOLF FASHION
Good Looks on the Course By Elle Brec
The universal attraction to the game of golf is much like that of Barack Obama in that it has the ability to transcend generations, gender, class, race, and geographical locations.The rising popularity of golf fashion has become so remarkable that people are now wearing golf-inspired looks off-the-course such as argyle patterns, polo shirts made with innovative fabrics, golf inspired accessories, and brands developed by PGAplayers. The game was made for expression, what better backdrop for color than the absolute serene beauty of dark green fairways and lush greenery. Golf is one of the only sports where the player is allowed to choose their own uniform. It’s time to get away from the vision of four guys wearing the same plain polo shirts with khakis and embrace new clothing trends. Professional and amatuer alike, which is better a great swing looking sharp or just a great swing? Look better, feel better, play better. Traditionally the sport was played in heavy wool and cotton clothing that restricted movement and lacked the flexibility of modern day fabrics. While woolen knickers may have been a sign of the times in the early days of golf, fabrics and styles have evolved to enable the player to adapt to almost all playing conditions and temperatures. Technology has produced moisture wicking fabrics to stay dry, breathable fabrics to stay cool, fabrics with uv protection to block sunlight, stretch fabrics for flexibility, softer fabrics for comfort, sleeker cuts for appeal, invisibonding instead of stitching for better performance, gear that is completely waterproof, jackets with vents for regulated warmth, and zipper pockets for added convience. The possibilites are endless, you name it and it’s out there. Doug Sanders was one of the early pioneers of extreme color with his nickname Peacock of the Fairways. Everyone remembers, he had shoes dyed specifically to match the color he was wearing that day. Ian Poulters followed wearing a pink shirt with matching pink pants, pink shoes, pink hat, and pink golf bag. Paula Creamer may look stunning in this outfit, but for some reason Poulter can not pull it off quite as well. Men do look attractive in pink shirts, but limit this to the only pink item of clothing you own. One could argue they dressed this way to distract, annoy, or intimidate their opponents. Invision a classy gray shirt that appears silver when it catches the sun. A piece of advice, never wear pants that look like they were made from a national flag! When Poulter wears outfits that are not as radical he can look stylish. The unique designs on his clothing, bold colors, and plaid pants makes him look like he could be a golf fashion model. Jesper Parnevik also dresses absolutely fabulously with the exception of his flipped brim hat. He makes it work, but it should not be imitated. Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Aaron Baddeley, and Anthony Kim are the leaders in setting the fashion statements of today. If you are looking for fashion inspiration, check out the outfits. Admit it, you have a certain power color or style that you feel most comfortable in to play your best. Or one you wear to intimidate your opponents for an important round. Who doesn’t want to be like Tiger in his famous red polo on Sundays? The best dressed women golfers include Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, and Christie Kerr. Their form fitting apparel comprised of bright colors, skirts, and matching accessories give them the perfect athletic yet chic look. Anna Rawson also has excellent fashion sense, she has striking similarities to Anna Kornikova with their careers transitioning from models to athletes. At this year’s PGAshow Nike,Adidas, Calloway, Norman, Ecco, and Ping showcased their new line of men’s apparel which are consistantly top quality and the most popular brands.. Standouts of the show were smaller companies. Brands like Quagmire, Travis Matthews, Sligo, and Capito, showcased new innovative colors and textures for 2009. For ladies, Lija, Nike, Nicole Miller, and Puma lead the way with some of the. Accessorizing in golf is important with shoes, belts, hats, umbrellas, head covers, and golf bags with matching handbags. Also for 2009, high fashion brands are releasing new golf apparel and accessory lines, names such as Chanel, Gucci, and Burberry. It’s a new time for the game, it’s hot, it’s exciting, art has met expression in golf. In 2009 atAugusta National, instead of the traditional white caddy coveralls maybe they should go with bright yellow with green lettering. A bad day at golf looking great is better than just a bad day at golf, that 19th hole simply feels better. Then after you earned those Birdies, instead of the usual Greygoose, in the spirit of the theme make a switch to Malibu’s Parrot Bay. And hey Mr. President what's up with those khakis and cotton polo? For fashion contact ElleBrecGolf@yahoo.com.
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March 2009
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Best in the Markerplace, Vermont Stay & Play By Wayne Mills
Vermont is well known for its great ski resorts for good reason. What might be a little less well known is many of those ski resorts also have great golf courses associated with them. Also, while Vermont is known for its winter and fall foliage seasons, summer turns Vermont into a lush, green, Garden of Eden with warm days and cool mountain evenings. Mt. Snow C.C. Starting in Southern Vermont in the Mount Snow Region you will find the Mount Snow Country Club in West Dover. Designed by the dean of New England architects, Geoffrey Cornish, Mount Snow is a challenging up and down mountain course. Slightly down the valley is a hidden gem, Haystack Golf Club, in Wilmington. Although built on a ridge area, this Desmond Muirhead design plays on reasonably level terrain except the exhilarating par 5 11th hole that has a “hit-off-the world” tee shot that drops 200’ in elevation. Great views and a great staff headed by Head Pro Jack Tosone ensure an enjoyable visit. Headed north up the eastern slope of the Green Mountains is the gorgeous 27 hole Stratton Mountain Country Club. Located just below the ski area and Stratton Mountain C.C. mountain village, Stratton rolls and tumbles over hills and brooks and around lakes all the while keeping the ski slopes in view. Traveling further north along the mountains brings you to the town of Ludlow, home to Okemo Mountain Resort and Okemo Valley Golf Club. Okemo Valley was designed by Vermont native Steve Durkee and opened earlier this decade to rave reviews. Located across Route 103 from the ski area, the course winds itself up and across the ridge in an artful way without creating a great many uphill or downhill hikes. The golf club is run by Jim Remy, the current PGA of America President. Heading up Route 103 from Ludlow will bring you to the Rutland area which includes the giant Killington Resort. The ski area, known as the Beast of the East, includes the 18 hole Killington Golf Club, an early 1980’s Geoffrey Cornish design that is a true mountain golf course replete with big elevation changes and a few Okemo Valley G.C. blind shots. Although not technically affiliated with the mountain the Town of Killington owned Green Mountain National Golf Course is a great take while in the area. True to its ski resort pedigree, Killington is an area that likes to party. You’ll find many a fun venue along the Access Road heading to the mountain base area from Route 4. Taking Route 100 north from Killington along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains will bring you to the incredible Mad River Valley and the Sugarbush Resort. Boasting the first ski resort golf course in the state, the Sugarbush Golf Course was designed by the legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr and opened in 1962. The current resort Killington G.C. owners have made substantial improvements to the course over the past several years and if you want true mountain golf in all it’s full blown beauty then Sugarbush is a must play. The Mad River Valley is a mix of charming towns and villages with inns, restaurants and pubs for every palette. It is Vermont at its purest and completely free of any fast food or other franchises. Again heading north on Route 100 and across Interstate 89, will bring you to our final destination, the Stowe Mountain Resort. Many visitors consider Stowe Vermont’s finest resort area. Home to the Von Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe has a decided European alpine area feel. Home to the highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet above sea level, the ski area has been in operation since the 1930’s. For golf, Stowe has two excellent options; the Stowe Country Club, a 1950’s era William Mitchell Sugarbush G.C. design, located down in town, and the incredible new Stowe Mountain Club located at the base of the Spruce Peak portion of the ski area. Opened in 2008, the Bob Cupp designed Stowe Mountain Club is a rollicking uphill, downhill, side hill adventure with superb conditions and first class service. The views across to Mount Mansfield are worth the price of admission alone. If you’re feeling kind of flush, stay at the ultra elegant Spruce Peak Lodge and enjoy a truly 5 star experience. Anyone visiting Vermont in the summer will not only enjoy the many resort golf courses but the quiet, casual, and relaxed atmosphere of the Green Mountain State.
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25
GOLF INDUSTRY
GCSANE Elects Board of Directors
NORTON, Mass. – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England elected its new slate of officers for the 2009 season. Patrick J. Daly, CGCS of Framingham County Club will serve as President; Jason S. Adams of Blue Hill Country Club as Vice President; Russell E. Heller, CGCS of Franklin Park Golf Course is the Past President; Michael W. Stachowicz of Dedham Country & Polo Club as Treasurer; Michael Luccini, CGCS of Franklin Country Club as Finance Chairman; Mark Gagne of Walpole Country Club as Secretary; Richard T. Gagnon of Segregansett Country Club as Newsletter Chairman; David Stowe, CGCS of Newton Commonwealth Golf Course as Golf Chairman: David Johnson as Education Chairman. Three other individuals were elected as Trustees. The Trustees include Scott Lagana, CGCS of Oak Hill Country Club, Peter Hasek of Tedesco Country Club and Carl Miner of Presidents Golf Course.
NEGCOA elects new board members
At the recent New England Golf Course Owners Association membership meeting at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, the NEGCOA elected new officers and board members. Kevin Osgood, Sterling Golf Management, was elected president of the organization. Osgood has served as a member of the board of directors and most recently as NEGCOA vice president. David Frem, Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, was elected vice president. Frem has been engaged with the organization for many years and most recently served as treasurer. Steve Boutet, Dunegrass Golf Club, continues as NEGCOA secretary. Ron Lavoie, 1921 Golf/The Wellesley Companies, is the new NEGCOA treasurer. Incoming board members are Peter Clark, The Ranch Golf Club, Mark Lombardi, Easton Country Club, and Ann MacDonald, Brookmeadow Country Club. Continuting on the NEGCOA Board are Dudley Darling, Juniper Hill Golf Course, Walt Lankau, Stow Acres Country Club, and Leigh Bader, Pine Oaks Country Club.
U First, Financial Guidance Without the Risk
Our country clubs are being deeply compromised by our financial crisis. What compels me to write this article is based on my personal experience and success with a new financial product from a company called United First Financial. Last year I was introduced to an interactive software that can evaluate income, debt, and interest rates. A plan is created that is flexible and utilizes current income to pay down any debt up to 70% faster than can be done on your own. The software cannot compromise you or your business because it only reacts to your input. Every time you use it your future is reevaluated. You do not have to make more money or change your daily life. You will use your money the same way the bank uses it and appreciate more because math does not lie. It will appreciate every penny you give it access to. More importantly you can objectively appraise your financial situation as often as you like forecasting your true cost numbers based on current interest rates. Video has changed everything about golf and learning about the swing. UFF has changed everything you think you know about using your money. When your money is moved in specific amounts, in a timely way, for an alloted time, you will actually appreciate more than you might think possible. It is very motivational, and inspirational to see debt diminish at a new pace. Timing is everything. Who would have thought your money can be worth more than face value? Expose yourself to the newest technology in finance, United First Financial software a GPS system for your finances. We live in a world of opinions, egos, and historical perspectives. If we keep doing the same thing over and over nothing changes but the pressure that comes from inefficient action. My family and I are saving over 200,000 dollars by using this product and you can too. My name is Kregg Moyer. I have been a PGA member for 20 years and an independent sales representative for 15 years. Compromising myself is out of the question. If you would like to know more:
Harris Golf answers the call at another Maine club
WILTON, Maine -Harris Golf, the Bath, Maine-based course developer and club operator, has acquired Wilson Lake Country Club here in Wilton, thereby rescuing another classic-but-distressed Maine golf club from the uncertainties of receivership. The Board of Directors at Wilson Lake Country Club had for several years faced the prospect of dwindling revenues and growing debt. Board chair Alan Morison summed it up best: “Our expenses are much more than our income,” he said prior to the sale. “We can’t afford to keep it going.” The recent financial turmoil rendered Wilson Lake’s situation even more dire, and so the Board voted Feb. 1 to approve the club’s sale to Harris Golf for $249,500. Harris Golf has entered into a purchase and sale agreement and will assume ownership sometime in mid-March, according to Harris Golf Vice President Jason Harris . “The way we do business, we really consider ownership as a form of stewardship,” Harris explained. “We'll operate the club as a semiprivate facility, servicing both the members and the public. We're going to return the club to the original vision of [course architect] Wayne Stiles via a low-key form of restoration."
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March 2009
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Equipment Reviews
Instruction
Spend Your Dollars Wisely
From my experience as a teacher, I’ve learned many players have made decisions to buy equipment that hasn’t helped their game and sometimes has even hurt it. Ask yourself the question “Has the last set of irons, woods, wedges or putter I bought actually lowered my score?” By Todd Sones, The answer is plain and simple: buy your equipment from a PGA qualified golf professional who understands your game. If you Professional don’t have an instructor you trust, find one. New England is loaded with quality golf professionals who can help you make WISE equipment decisions. While your driver, fairway woods, irons and wedges combined make up 60% of your score, your putter makes up 40% of your score. One club in your bag makes up nearly half your score! The smartest thing any golfer can do is make sure their putter is right. The two most important specifications to a putter are length and swingweight. The length of the putter influences a player’s posture at address, as well as how far they stand from the ball. A putter that is too long causes a player to stand too tall where their arms don’t have the freedom to move under their body. The effect is usually a wristy or excessive body motion during the stroke. A putter that is too short typically causes the player to bend over too far. In effect, this position moves their eyes past the golf ball and disconnects their arms. The correct length putter allows the player to set-up in the proper posture with their eyes over or just inside of the golf ball and their elbows connected to their sides. From there, a player can learn to make a stable consistent putting stroke where the body and wrists stay passive resulting in solid and consistent contact. The swingweight of the putter is the feel of the putter head as it travels back and forth during the stroke. It relates to the tempo and the rate of acceleration. Great putters have a consistent tempo and a constant or smooth rate of acceleration. When a player grips down or has their putter cut down, they lose swingweight and in effect lose feel of the putterhead during the putting motion. If a putter is too heavy, it can create too much force during the stroke encouraging the player to quit on their putts. With our current economy, it is now more important than ever to spend your dollars wisely. Before you go out and buy the “latest and greatest,” consult a golf professional who is a skilled teacher and knowledgeable fitter. You will get the best advice in matching up the proper technique with the correct equipment specifications so that you get real results from the dollars you spend. Todd began his golf career in 1981. After working as a club professional for 15 years, he decided to completely turn his attention to teaching golf, opening Impact Golf in 1998. Scott McCarron, Robert Gamez, Shaun Micheel, Jay Williamson, Steve Jones, Paul Goydos, Stephanie Louden, and Hillary Lunke are among the PGA/LPGA professionals who have worked with Todd. Todd has been voted one of the Top 100 Golf Instructors in America by Golf Magazine since 1995, as well as one of the 50 Greatest Teachers in America by Golf Digest. He has twice been named Teacher of the Year in the Illinois PGA. Todd has published over 70 articles in major publications, such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Todd has also published two successful books; “Lights Out Putting” and “Saving Par”.
I have been playing golf for a long time and I was never a very good putter. I have spent many hours on the putting green trying to get better with limited success. One day I decided to tape my practice session. Something By Jeff Dantas I noticed was that I spent very little time looking at the hole or target. In every sport when the ball or object is not Director of Instruction moving towards you, your eyes are focused on the target Elite Golf Center not the object (hockey-net) (baseball-glove) (footballreceiver) and in most cases it is about distance (basketball-hoop) (horseshoes-pole). Your eyes need to train your brain on distance; therefore you need to spend as much time as possible looking at the hole not the ball or putter. There are many strokes on the golf links because everyone is searching for the major putter – “There is no such thing”. Tiger has had the same putter for the last 8 years. When I hear the announcers on Sunday, I always hear what great speed control the leader had. I use a little simple drill with my students at Elite. Drill: Place 3 balls on the green and stroke them to different holes while looking a the hole, not the ball. This will train your brain on the proper amount of force you need to make the ball travel to the acquired distance. Try this drill for 10 to 15 minutes every time you are at the golf course and your putting will improve dramatically.
Distance Control is King
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Gel Putters, Scindo – Paul Hurrion Signature Range – www.gelgolf.com • A modified alignment, face-balanced blade • Increased club head offers more weight and maximum forgiveness • Center-shafted, no offset, cavity-back, blade-style head design • Putters feature horizontal grooves that are milled at a precise angel on a soft aluminum insert
Stroke Saver - Soft feel for better distance control is sure to save strokes. Heavy Putter, Mid-Weight – www.heavyputter.com • Unique weighting system: added mass to the putter head and grip • Weighs 750 grams which is 250 grams heavier than traditional putters • Black PVD or Silver Satin finishes available • The patented weighting system automatically engages the core muscles allowing the putter head to release naturally.
Stroke Saver - A more natural release of the putter and smoother stroke is sure to save strokes. SeeMore, FGP Bronze – Hide the Red Dot & Putt Like a Major Champion – www.seemore.com • Patented Riflescope Technology alignment system (RST), allows a golfer to set up perfectly square to the intended putt line every time • Straight shaft, full toe hang, and bronze casting with rich bronze finish • The lightest putter in the SeeMore line with the majority of its weight behind center.
Stroke Saver – A perfect alignment every time is sure to save strokes. Sleek Golf, TPE (Train Play Evolve) – www.sleekgolf.com • Center shafted, upright design • Variety of bold colors and a Compact Accessory Kit • Integrated Weight Management System with 4 different weighting options and 5 different face inserts • A built in training device for stroke improvement completely removable for USGA Play
Stroke Saver – A true train and play system like no other in the world is sure to save strokes.
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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New England Golf Monthly Directory
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GOLF CARTS AND ACCESSORIES
New England Golf Cars PortaPro Video Sales of NE Fore Concepts
508.336.4285 757.621.7494 886.888.3667
www.newenglandgolfcars.com www.S4Innovations.com www.foreconcepts.com
Exclusive Links Passports How Great Golfers Think New England Custom Putting Greens Orange Whip Perfect Release Sonocaddie Swingroove Swing Rite Wedgewood
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GOLF SERVICES
www.ginacigar.com www.golf-n-gamble.com www.jetbluechallenge.com www.ltsleaderboard.com www.tournamentheadquarters.com www.worldwidegolfvacations.com kamgolf@optionline.com
National Golf Expo BJ Charity Classic Celebrity Pro Veteran Invitational CVS Charity Classic Deutsche Bank Championship Members Cup Travelers Championship Turning Stone Resort Champion. 30
Seekonk, MA Cranston, RI
March 2009
800.639.1941 877.748.1135 800.618.9670 877.505.9447 800.860.0923 800.336.6264 800.796.4416 866.660.7387 888.833.7371 508.970.0066 516.680.5986 781.784.6508 508.734.2186 800.946.5318 914.277.1822
GOLF S HOWS
Boston, MA
March 6-8
GOLF TOURNAMENTS
Quincy, MA Boston, MA Barrington, RI Norton, MA Cromwell, CT Verona, NY
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
September 9, 2009 June 29, 2009 June 21-23, 2009 September 1-7, 2009 September 2009 June 22-28, 2008 October 1-3, 2009
www.paragonexpo.com www.theledgendstour.com www.celebrityproveteran.com www.cvscharityclassic.com www.deutschebankchampionship.com www.memberscup.com www.travelerschampionship.com www.turningstoneresortchampionship.com
New England Golf Monthly Directory
GOLF INSTRUCTORS
Anthony DeQuattro Bill Kay Chris Costa DeLayne Pascal Dennis Sales Ed Hanley Jeff Dantas Keith Allcock Rick Holcomb Tom Wecal Tony Lauro
Swansea, MA Swansea, MA Middleton, MA Sandwich, MA Cumberland, RI Cranston, RI Seekonk, MA Seekonk, MA Seekonk, MA Smithfield, RI Warwick, RI
508.675.8767 508.675.8767 978.774.4075 508.428.5577 401.787.7040 401.826.1683 508.336.EPRO 508.336.6622 401.862.4119 401.766.1151 401.821.1115
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GOLF PRACTICE FACILITIES
Atlantic Golf Center Coles River Driving Range Elite Golf Center Golf Shots Mulligans Island Seekonk Driving Range The Harmon Club
South Attleboro, MA Swansea, MA Seekonk, MA Wareham, MA Cranston, RI Seekonk, MA Rockland, MA
508.761.5484 508.675.8767 508.336.EPRO 508.295.8773 401.454.8855 508.336.8047 866.942.7666
www.atlanticgolfcenter.com
www.elitegolfcenter.com
www.mulligansisland.com
www.harmongolf.com
MASSACHUSETTS GOLF COURSES
Acushnet River Valley Allendale Country Club Chemawa Golf Course Crestwood Country Club Fall River Country Club Lakeville Country Club Ledgemont Country Club Maplegate Country Club New England Country Club Olde Scotland Links Pine Oaks Golf Club Pine Valley Golf Course Poquoy Brook Golf Course Rehoboth Country Club River Bend Country Club Scituate Country Club Shadow Brook Golf Course Southers Marsh Golf Club The Back Nine Club Touisset Country Club Wampanoag Golf Club Waverly Oaks Country Club Brookmeadow Golf Course Granite Links Golf Club
South Yarmouth Bay Pointe Country Club Bayberry Hills Golf Course Cranberry Village Golf Club Farm Neck Golf Course Holly Ridge Golf Course Hyannis Country Club Little Harbor Country Club Old Barnstable Country Club Paul Harney Golf club The Captains Course
Acushnet No. Dartmouth No. Attleboro Rehoboth Fall River Lakeville Seekonk Bellingham Bellingham Bridgewater South Easton Rehoboth Lakeville Rehoboth W. Bridgewater Scituate South Attleboro Plymouth Lakeville Swansea N. Swansea Plymouth
508-998-7777 508-992-8682 508.399.7330 508.336.8582 508.672.0280 508-947-6630 508.761.6600 508.996.4040 508-883-2300 508-279-3344 508-238-2320 508.336.5064 508-947-5261 508-252-6259 508.580.3673 781.545.7666 508.761.5484 508.830.3535 508.947.9991 508.679.9577 508-379-9832 508-224-6016
South Shore
Canton Quincy
781.828.4444 617.689-1900
Boston Area
Onset Beach West Yarmouth Harwich Oak Bluffs Sandwich Hyannis Wareham Marshen Mills East Falmouth Brewster
508.398.9079 508-759-8802 508.394.5597 508.430.7560 508.693.3057 508.428.5577 508.362.6936 508.295.2617 508.420.1141 508.563.3454 877.843.9081
Cape Cod
www.golfacushnet.com www.allendale Countryclub.com www.chemawagolf.com www.crestwoodcc.com www.fallrivercc.com www.lakevillecountryclub.com www.ledgemontcc.com www.maplegate.com www.newenglandcountryclub.com www.oldescotlandlinks.com www.pineoaks.com www.Poquoybrook.com www.rehobothcc.com www.riverbendcc.com www.scituatecc.com
www.southersmarsh.com www.thebacknineclub.com www.touissetcc.com
www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com
www.brookmeadowgolf.com www.granitelinksgolfclub.com
www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com www.BayPointeCC.net www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com www.cranberrygolfcourse.com www.hollyridgegolf.com
www.littleharborcc.com www.obfgolf.com www.paulharneygolfcourse.homstead.com www.captainsgolfcourse.com
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
31
New England Golf Monthly Directory MASSACHUSETTS GOLF COURSES Andover Meadow Golf Course Middleton Golf Course Myopia Hunt Club Sterling Country Club Winchester Country Club
Pittsfield Blackstone National Golf Club Blissful Meadows Golf Course Crumpin-Fox Club Cyprian Keyes Golf Club Petersham Country Club Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club Red Tail Golf Club Shaker Hills Golf Course Stow Acres Country Club The Ledges Golf Club The Ranch Golf club Wachusett Country Club Beaver River Bristol Golf Club Crystal Lake Golf Club Green Valley Country Club Montaup Country Club Newport National Golf Club Triggs Memorial Golf Club Valley Country Club West Warwick Country Club Woodland Greens Golf Club
Peabody Middleton S. Hamilton Sterling Winchester
North Shore 978-475-9484 978.532.9390 978.774.4075 978-468-4433 978-422-0275 781.729.4085
Worcester-Springfield-Berkshires 413-447-9429 Sutton 508.865.2111 Uxbridge 508.278.6110 Bernardston 800.943.1901 Boylston 508-869-9900 Petersham 978.724.3388 Oakham 508.882.5516 Ayer 978.772.3273 Harvard 978-772-3273 Stow 978.568.1100 S. Hadley 413.532.2307 Southwick 413.569.9333 West Boylston 508.835.4484 Rhode Island Golf Courses
Richmond Bristol Harrisville Portsmouth Portsmouth Middletown Providence Warwick West Warwick N. Kingstown
401-539-2100 401.253.9844 401-567-4500 401-847-9543 401-683-0955 401-846-1489 401-521-8460 401.821.1115 401.821.9789 401-294-2872
Golf Resorts
Camelback Inn & JWM Resort Scottsdale, AZ Resorts Suites of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ Foxwoods Resort & Casino Mashantucket, CT Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami, FL Ginn Reunion Resort Orlando, FL Greater Atlantic City Golf Assoc. Atlantic City, NJ Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club Palm Harbor, FL JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando, FL Marriott’s Marco Island Resort Marco Island, FL PGA National Resort Palm Beach Grdn, FL PGA Village-Perfect Drive Golf Villas Port St. Lucie, FL Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Ocean Edge Resort and Club Brewster, MA Pinehurst Resort Village Pinehurst, NC The Mount Washington Resort Bretton Woods, NH Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa Findley Lake, NY The Sagamore Bolton Landing, NY Turning Stone Resort & Casino Verona, NY Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island, SC Kiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island, SC Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort Litchfield Beach, SC Pawley’s Plantation Pawley’s Island, SC Golf2009 Club &newenglandgolfmonthly.com Resort West Dover, VT 32 Mt. Snow March
800.242.2635 888.222.1059 888.475.3746 800.713.6725 888.418.9611 609.449.7133 727.942.2000 407.206.2300 239.394.2511 561.627.2000 772.873.0515 800.228.9290 800.343.0674 800.487.4653 800.314.1752 888.475.8502 800.358.3585 800.771.7711 843.686.8400 843.768.2121 888.766.4633 800.367.9959 800.451.4211
www.indianridgecountryclub.us www.peabodymeadowgolf.com www.middletongolf.com www.myopiahuntclub.org www.sterlingcc.com www.winchestercc.org
www.berkshirehillscc.com www.bngc.net www.blissfulmeadows.com www.golfthefox.com www.cypriankeyes.com www.petershamcc.com www.quailhollowgolf.net www.redtailgolf.net www.shakerhills.com www.stowacres.com www.ledgegc.com www.theranchgolfclub.com www.wachusettcc.com www.beaverrivergolf.com
www.crystallakegolfclub.com www.greenvalleyccofri.com www.montaupcc.com www.newportnational.com www.triggs.us www.valleycountryclub.net www.westwarwickcc.com www.woodlandgc.com www.camelbackinn.com www.resortsuites.com www.foxwoods.com www.doralresort.com www.reunionresort.com www.acgolfvacations.com www.innisbrookgolfresort.com www.grandlakes.com www.marcoislandmarriott.com www.pgaresort.com www.PerfectDriveatPGAVillage.com www.sawgrassmarriott.com www.oceanedge.com www.pinehurst.com www.mtwashington.com www.pknpk.com www.thesagamore.com www.turning-stone.com www.hiltonheadmarriott.com www.kiawahresort.com www.litchfieldbeach.com www.pawleysplantation.com www.mountsnow.com
GOLF TRAVEL
Bobby D's Insider Guide To A Spring Golf Trip In Scottsdale It's no secret that Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the world's finest golf destinations. And the early spring months of March and April are still a great time to experience this wonderful vacation spot and enjoy its warmth and beauty before the sizzling heat settles in. If you're planning an upcoming trip to the greater Phoenix area, here's a personalized Top 10 list of things to consider â&#x20AC;&#x201C; David Letterman style. 10. Get A Good Deal On A Set Of Wheels. Before you even land at user-friendly Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, you need to be savvy when reserving a rental car. Phoenix is harsh when it comes to airport rental taxes and fees compared to other large metropolitan areas because you're helping to fund its new sports stadiums. 9. The Wonder of Sedona If you are planning a 5-to-7 day visit, take some time off from the golf course and travel north on I-17 to experience the enchantment of Sedona. The red rock monoliths are natural wonders and there are also some great trails to hike and Hummer tours through the surrounding desert. It is an especially awe-inspiring experience for first-time visitors from the East Coast. 8. But It's a Dry Heat . . . OK, 90-to-100 degree temperatures from May through September is HOT, regardless of whether it's dry or humid conditions. However, blue sky and pleasant warmth can be expected for most of the rest of the calendar year. The latest figures show that there are 329 days in a year with at least some sunshine. They don't call it the Valley of the Sun for nothing. 7. March Also Means America's Pastime This is a great time and place to catch Major League Baseball spring training games. 2009 also happens to be one of the longest spring training periods in recent years (until April 4). Ticket sales are a little slower because of the economy, but prices are also more reasonable.There are 14 MLB teams which call the greater Phoenix area their spring training home. 6. Eat, Drink, And Be Merry Golfers who also happen to be "foodies" will be delighted with southwestern cuisine, along with numerous other dining options. I'm going to recommend a few places that are in the "can't miss" category. The Rusty Spur Saloon on E. Main Street in the Old Town section of Scottsdale bills itself as the area's last real cowboy saloon. Just a couple of blocks away on E. Main Street is the Old Town Tortilla Factory, featuring a firewater patio and a tequila bar that offers 80 premium tequilas. A great place to unwind and enjoy a few drinks after a round of golf is O'Donoghue's Irish Pub on N. Hayden Road in North Scottsdale, which is located within minutes of several of the most popular golf courses in the area. 5. At Your Service The people of Scottsdale know a good thing when they see it and embrace their visitors. I can't say enough about my experience at the Xona Resort Suites. Every member of the staff made eye contact and offered a pleasant greeting. If you had your hands full, they would stop what they were doing and assist you to either your car or room.Golf course attendants are meticulous in whisking away your golf clubs when you arrive and setting you up on a cart, and likewise cleaning your clubs upon return and moving them to the bag drop for your convenience.Sometimes it's the little things that go a long way in helping to remember the good times away from home. 4. Go Ahead, Pamper Yourself Some of us are not as young as we used to be. If you're planning to play three-or-four consecutive days of golf, there's a good chance that you'll feel a few aches and pains. My boss and I like a good deal, therefore we're partial to the Hand and Stone Massage Spa of Scottsdale. Ask for the $39.95 introductory special, in which they'll amazingly twist and turn your body like a pretzel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you'll love it !!! Or, opt for the more luxurious hot stone massage for $59.95, which is really worth double that price. Either way, your body will love you later when you're ready to crank it up again on the golf course. 3. Oh Yeah, Let's Not Forget The Golf . . . Golf, golf, and more golf than you have the time or days for. Imagine over 200 courses in the Scottsdale area alone, plus more in other neighboring towns. Xona Resort Suites specializes in golf vacations with a Golf Bank program that partners with 27 golf courses at 18 properties, some of them the finest in the world. The Golf Bank allows guests to "custom fit" their Scottsdale golf experience with preferred tee times, reduced rates, complementary breakfast buffet, dinner reservations, and leisure activities. 2. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions . . . Our itinerary included Legend Trail, We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro Course), The Boulders (South Course), and Papago Municipal, with a little side trip to Troon North (Monument Course). What we got in return was a wide variety of layouts ranging from challenging, target-style desert designs to a solid mix of traditional, tree-lined courses, and all come with scenic mountain views. Just like the restaurant scene, there will be people who'll say that Camelback, Desert Canyon, The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, Grayhawk, The Phoenician, Sanctuary, TPC Scottsdale, and Trilogy are a must. Do some homework and cater your golf course selections to your playing ability in order to get the most enjoyment. Also, keep in mind that The Boulders South Course is consistently rated among the top three courses in the country for women based on user-friendly course design and beauty. 1. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is the Favorite Pick Located on land owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who integrated design elements not commonly seen on most courses in the area. The emphasis here is on serenity since there are no homes, roads, or commercial development on the property. The Saguaro course is much like the older, traditional courses, where the layout follows the natural movement of the land, making it very walking friendly. A complete repertoire of shotmaking skills is needed to find solutions to its challenges. Nowhere is that more evident than the par-5, 513-yard, 14th hole, which features a double fairway. Pick your poison. The combination of cacti, thorny underbrush, and desert flora line both sides of nearly every fairway, giving the course a pleasant feeling of isolation. There's also the commanding views of Four Peaks Wilderness Area in the background that'll keep your camera constantly within reach. There's something about this place that oozes charm and personality everywhere you look, and a golf course that you'd love to play again - even though there's dozens of other courses in the area that you want to, but haven't, played yet. Then again, there's always next year . . . (Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for The Enterprise in Brockton, MA, and is a member of the International Network of Golf)
By Bob DiCesare
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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GORMAN VS. GEARY
GORMAN VS. GEARY Should English be required language for the LPGA’s young & the restless? LPGA Ladies Should Learn English or Be Gone!
One thing the sports world needs more of is women like Carolyn Bivens. She brings to the 19th hole the kind of hardcharging, take no prisoners, winner-take-all business By Tom Gorman approach that deserves applause. Carolyn Bivens oversees the longest-running women’s sports organization in the world – the Ladies Professional Golf Association – and last August she made a decision that I support 110%. She wants to suspend LPGA Tour players who cannot speak English well enough to be understood at pro-ams, in interviews or in making acceptance speeches at tournaments in the United States. Unfortunately, she softened her position after three weeks due to the fact that the politically-correct crowd, as well as whining, angry foreigners lambasted her decision and threatened legal problems and a slew of negative publicity that would have ultimately hurt the Tour. Biven’s reign, so far, has been successful, but it has also been filled with controversy, bloopers, bleepers and surprises. Let’s start with her bold announcement, shortly after taking control in 2005, that the LPGA will institute a drug-testing policy for participants in LPGA Tour events beginning with the 2008 season. With that announcement, the LPGA became the first tour in professional golf to develop a protocol and to design a plan to administer a drug-testing program. Those who follow women’s professional golf know that over the past few years, the LPGA has developed a perpetual problem with teenagers trying to play golf better than adults. Every time we look there is another teeny-bopper (usually foreign and non-English speaking) trying to play golf better than an accomplished woman pro. And adults don’t like it when they are beaten by kids in a game of high stakes, prestige and money. So in her first year on the job, Bivens, a/k/a the “queen of mean” rejected requests from three budding superstars to join the LPGA Tour before reaching the mandatory age of 18. Teenage phenoms Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel all made inquiries or sought exemptions to be card-carrying members of the LPGA Tour before age 18 and all three were issued the same response: No! No! and No! The LPGA is an organization made up of 500 women, so there’s going to be some serious screaming, bitching, backstabbing and nagging going on! Despite Annika Sorenstam’s class act for the past dozen years, some female legends don’t appreciate where the Tour is headed and have not hesitated to speak out. The 2009 LPGA Tour currently has 45 players from South Korea and 121 players from 26 different countries. Nearly half of the top-25 players are Asian, including nine Koreans. Five are American, five from Europe and one each from Mexico (Lorena Ochoa), Brazil and Australia. Of the 21 rookies qualifying for Tour spots for 2009, in a class that includes Michelle Wie, 13 are Asian. And all four LPGA major championships were won by nonAmericans this past year. Ms Bivens made the right decision by adopting a policy that will require its member golfers to speak English or face suspension. All players who have been on the Tour for two years could be suspended if they fail to pass an oral evaluation of their English proficiency starting at the end of the 2009 season. The Tour announced the policy to its South Korean membership on August 20, 2008. The LPGA’s policy did not need much translation after the announcement since the Asian American community went berserk, into back flips and crazed chaos, condemning the possible suspension-penalty policy, which would affect many of its top players. “The LPGA has received valuable feedback from a variety of constituents regarding the recently announced penalties attached to our effective communications policy. We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions,” wrote Carolyn Bivens, in a statement available on the LPGA website. “After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every Tour player. We will continue communicating with our diverse Tour players to develop a better alternative. The LPGA will announce a revised approach, absent playing penalties, by the end of 2008.” This issue is pure dynamite and I hope Carolyn Bivens prevails. However, it also makes me wonder if a video will be out soon titled: “Girls Gone Wild – Golf Edition.” Tom Gorman, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America, is a Boston-based freelance golf writer.
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March 2009
newenglandgolfmonthly.com
The LPGA Is Global
It would be inappropriate (not to mention libelous) to say that LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens was stupid for first announcing that members of her tour would be suspended if they could not speak the English language with enough fluency as to please the media, potential rich-cat pro-am By Tim Geary partners and tournament sponsors. Inappropriate but hardly without merit. To her credit Bivens backtracked from that stance quicker than a mouse confronting a hungry alley cat when legislators and other right-minded people began pointing out that a language requirement flew in the very face of what America stands for (ever hear of the first amendment?). At first blush it would seem prudent for the financial well-being of the LPGA that its members be able to communicate smoothly with the vast majority of those from whom they derive their income. Upon deeper review it’s extremely arrogant for any organization to infringe upon an individual’s right of free expression (or in this case language) just because it might cost a few $$$$. The LPGA’s biggest problems are that its best players are largely Korean and the vast majority of tournaments are primarily held in the United States, one of the few developed nations that does not teach its students to (actually) learn another language (hell, we barely teach our kids to speak English). That would be fine if the majority of the better players were American (or at least spoke fluent English), but over the past 10 to 15 years the LPGA Tour has become dominated by foreign players, particularly those from South Korea. Statistically there were 121 international players from 26 countries, including 45 from Korea participating on the LPGA Tour in 2008 and Asians won three of the four majors. They play well but do not speak English well enough to make sponsors happy. Sponsors like to feature major championship winners in ads and other promotions and it helps if they can appear in the advertisement and say something witty like, “I thought my best drive of the year came on the final hole of the U.S. Open but that was before I got behind the wheel of a 2009 Buick.” The scary part of this whole myopic philosophy is that it could be only the first step. What’s next? If the Korean ladies continue to dominate play are we going to do what Little League Baseball tried back in the 1980s when the Taiwan teams were winning all of those world titles in Williamsport, namely ban them from participating because they’re too good? The Little League ban only lasted a year or two, but it gave the world a very keen insight into our national insecurity, which seems to be, “If you can’t beat ‘em, ban ‘em”. From a personal point of view I get very frustrated when I pick up the phone and try and get some information on a product or service only to be greeted on the other end of the line by somebody who speaks broken English. But their English is certainly far superior to my Spanish, French, German or anything else. After four years of studying French (including a year in college) my mastery of the language only allows me to order French fries, say yes and utter a few phrases to women that are guaranteed to get my face slapped. Imagine being a 19-year old girl from Korea, who begins hitting golf balls at age six, works extremely hard, becomes proficient enough to turn pro, has to leave her family and culture and travel to a very, very foreign land to try and earn a living. She does very well and then has to deal with some moron who dictates that her play alone isn’t good enough. Now she has to learn to speak one of the most difficult languages on the planet just so she can crack a few jokes while playing with some bank executives from Desmoines during a pro-am. The sad thing is that most of these young ladies work very diligently at trying to learn enough English to get by whereas American players who compete abroad expect everyone in the woarld to speak our language and therefore never make an attempt to learn a new language. Tim Geary is a freelance writer with over 33 years of experience, the last 24 of which he served as a sports writer for the Fall River Herald News, before retiring last October. He contributes to several golf magazines on a regular basis.
newenglandgolfmonthly.com March 2009
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