Island Paradise:
The Abaco Club
There are two kinds of tropical getaways. The first involves checking into a 600-room hotel where sunburned vacationers jockey for position in the breakfast buffet line with pale casino-goers fresh from a night at the tables. These are the mega-resorts, where you can commune with dolphins, take cooking classes with celebrity chefs, relive the ‘90s in pulsating discotheques, and if you’re lucky, stake out your own, private lounge chair poolside and sip drinks with umbrellas in ‘em.
The other kind of island vacation is a quieter, more self-indulgent affair, where the focus is on leaving the stress of the modern world behind, relaxing in the sun on an unspoiled beach, and interrupting your tanning schedule only long enough to play some golf or do a bit of snorkeling. The Abaco Club is most decidedly the latter kind of destination. Situated on a picturesque island in The Bahamas, The Abaco Club doesn’t even have a hotel. In fact, it’s not really even a resort. It’s a private, international sporting club, where members and residents from all over the world come to escape the rigors of everyday life and kick back in a setting of unmatched luxury and beauty. But even though it’s a very private place, you can visit it and enjoy the Club as a guest. The Abaco Club is situated on the most charming of The Bahamas’ Outer Islands—Great Abaco—and is graced by a 2-mile powder-soft beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s easy to get to from New England, with connecting
flights into Abaco’s Marsh Harbour Airport from Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The Club’s Scottish-style links golf course is a real stunner and is perennially ranked as the finest in The Bahamas. Water sports galore also vie for your time—from kayaking, sailing and snorkeling to bonefishing and deep-sea fishing. Visiting the spa, tennis courts or fitness center are other invigorating options. Cap it off all with an open-air lunch at Buster’s Beach Bar, or the exquisite local cuisine offered daily at The Cliff House, and you have a place no one ever wants to leave. Fortunately, if you decide to become a club member or homeowner there, you won’t have to. The island residences at The Abaco Club are magnificent, and range from cozy cabanas and charming cottages to grand oceanfront estates. It’s an atmosphere of quiet sophistication, where you, your family and friends can enjoy total relaxation when you want it—and a wealth of activities when the spirit moves you. In short, it’s Paradise with a capital P.
For more information or to book your Abaco Club vacation, visit theabacoclub.com
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“Top 5 Best Places to Play” Golfweek “Top 50 Readers Choice in USA” Golf world “Fantastic”, “Wow”, “Must Play Course” Golf Advisor “ Best in Golf 2015 - #3 Public Course” New England Golf Monthly
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Call (413) 569-9333 x1 | www.theranchgolfclub.com 65 Sunnyside Rd, Southwick, MA
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FROM THE EDITOR
For Every Ending There is A Beginning Once again here we are at the end of another golf season in New England. Fall is a spectacular time to play here in the northeast and our season hopefully will extend into November this year. It has been by all measures a great season for our amateurs and professional players throughout our region. In our last issue we honored the professional “Champions of The Game” from New England and amateur players of the year. Special congratulations go out to Rob Oppenheim who won this year on the Web.com Tour and finished the season off by earning his first PGA Tour card of his career. And also to Billy Andrade who has had a spectacular year on the Champions Tour. This month’s issue features Indoor Golf and Fitness covering a host of the very best facilities for indoor golf and fitness and training during the offseason. As the golf season winds down its time to assess and plan for next year. In golf as in life, getting better at anything requires a plan. In this issue you will find resources for game and fitness improvement that specialize in golf. Also in this issue is a comprehensive directory of indoor golf facilities that offer some of the most advanced golf simulators to keep your game sharp during the offseason. Today golf simulators offer us the opportunity to virtually play courses from around the globe in any weather night or day. In the last 10 years the industry has grown substantially in New England and there are now facilities in all New England regions. In this offseason make your own plan to improve your game, elevate your fitness and prepare for the season ahead. Get motivated, get an assessment and get better at the game we all love. Pay it Forward / Pass it On / Share The Game
Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher
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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY
19
GOLF COURSE LIVING 9
Katherine Dyson / Live Near Indoor Facilities
GOLF FASHION 19 GFW Staff / Golf Fashion Fitness
GOLF TRAVEL 22 Couple of Travelers / Outer Banks & Wild Dunes Resort
INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS 36 NEGM Staff / The Indoor Season Is Here 55 NEGM Staff / Get Fit Fore Golf 60 Kaitlyn Sharpless / Back Breathing for Birdies
TINKERS NEST 65 Ed Travis / New Clubs for a New Season
36
INTERVIEWS 68 John Molori / NESN’s - Adam Pellerin 70 Leigh McKay / Golf Channel’s - Todd Lewis
GORMAN VS. GEARY 76
Gorman & Geary / Should Ams Be Allowed to Anchor?
CONTENTS
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GOLF COURSE LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON
Who said there is no golf in the winter? Just about the time the pumpkins ripe in the fields are harvested, it seems the golf gods are determined to nudge all golfers in the north into a forced hibernation where our golfing passions are reduced to toggling to the Golf Channel. What are we to do if we want to keep our golf juices flowing? Listen up. Why not live in an area where there are indoor golf facilities a short drive away or at least a moderating climate. Here are some places we scoped out.
pools, sports courts, clubby lounge and more. Homes are priced from the upper $200,000s. RivingtonbyTollbrothers.com Golf | Golf Quest Family Sports Center in Brookfield offers lessons, short game school, miniature golf, and a multi story driving range with covered, heated, wind-protected tees. It also has a large pro shop selling equipment and apparel. Golfquestranges.com The Golf Performance Center on Rt. 7 in Ridgefield, is more of a club than a public CONNECTICUT | Where? Ridgefield Living | Rivington by Toll Brothers just off I-84 in Danbury on the border of toney Ridgefield, feature new townhomes for those who want upscale digs without a whole lot of outdoor maintenance. Think interiors with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, large windows and designer kitchens plus garages, porches and gracious entry halls. A 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse will have a fitness center, swimming
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GOLF COURSE LIVING facility with a fee-based membership. Tiered bays and state-of-the art tech equipment supplement the teaching and evaluations geared to taking a golfer’s performance to the next level. Instruction focuses on the five Elements of Success: Desire, Movement, Strategy, Equipment, and Fitness. Thegolfperformancecenter.com Rivington is just down the road from Ridgefield Golf Club, a pretty hilly layout designed in part by George Fazio and Richter Park Golf Club playing around a reservoir and deemed one of the best munies in the country.
MAINE | Where? Fryeburg/Bridgton Living | In the “Lake Region” of the Saco Valley in the foothills of the White Mountains where ponds, lakes and forests provide residents with plenty of outdoor stimulation, there is an enclave of pristine white condo homes with pitched red metal roofs situated along the rolling landscape of the Bridgton Highlands Country Club. These spacious home have expansive windows looking out to the golf fairways, Pleasant Mountain-Shawnee Peak, the “Whites” and Mount Washington. Homes come with plenty of luxury features including granite counter tops, interior columns and high ceilings. There are also tennis courts and just out the entrance, Highland Lake Beach and the lovely town of Bridgton, the hub of the lake region. A current listing
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for a three bedroom/three bath condo plus a loft was recently on the market for $200,000. Chalmers-realty.com Golf | In addition to living on Bridgton Highlands, a classic course with a history dating back to when A.W. Tillinghast first laid out the front nine, residents can continue swinging at the indoor golf facility at the Saco Valley Sports Center in Fryeburg. Play 22 of the world’s most famous courses on their golf simulator. Sacovalleysportscenter.com MAINE/NEW HAMPSHIRE | Where? Province Lake Living | Straddling the New Hampshire and Maine borders in the southeastern foothill of the White Mountains, Province Lake homes are situated around the 980-acre lake. Whereas the lion’s portion of Province Lake lies in New Hampshire, a southeastern slice and most the golf club is in Maine. It’s a place where residents take their quality
of living seriously, where a cry-out goes for boaters to watch out for young loon chicks and the arrival of newly hatched eaglets is celebrated. July 4th brings the lake’s annual parade of decorated boats and frequent golf outings are held. A number of lots and homes are available for sale. Wrightrealty.com Golf | Province Lake Golf, a scenic, wellmanicured course with a reputation for being family-friendly, keeps the loving going all year long with its ProSwing Simulators. When the snow is piling up outside, it’s the next best thing to hitting the grass. With ProSwing you can practice on a “driving range,” receive analysis on all aspect of your swing, then choose to play a round on any of 43 worldwide courses. A Quota League each week invites competitors to play nine holes on the same “course” anytime Wednesday through Sunday. There are “closest to the pin” contests and other fun
GOLF COURSE LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON stuff. Often the featured course will be the one being played that week by the PGA Tour. 207793-4040; provincelakegolf.com
Massachusetts I Where? Mattapoisett Living I The Bay Club & The Preserve is on 625 acres (with 300 acres of adjacent conservation land). The country club and golf course occupy 200 acres, while the six residential villages of 175 home-sites and conservation land comprise the balance, including 200-acres permanently committed to open space. Exquisite homes line the property that all are unique individual designs. At the Bay Club The Preserve offers Nantucket Style 18502250 sq. ft. development homes. The Bay Club is one of Southern New England’s most pris-
tine golf course communities just off the Cape on Buzzards Bay with golf, tennis, fitness and so much more. Home sites from $200K and homes from $500K. Golf I Designers Brad Faxon and Brad Booth created 18 holes of championship golf that welcomes all levels of players with six sets of tees. Bay Club is home to the regions largest and most complete indoor fitness and training facilities. Open all year in Norton, lessons are available at the Golf Learning Center of New England. Facilities include 600 feet of grass tees, 15 heated stations, chipping green, bunkers and a 12,000 sq. ft putting green. A new
9-hole Pitch and Putt course is open weather permitting. Golflearningcenter.com Ironwoods Golf & Practice Facility over the border in North Smithfield, RI, has both grass and mat tee areas along with a practice bunker, 100 sq. ft synthetic putting green, grip repair shop, professional instruction and heated bays for fall and winter practice. Lwgolf.com Another option is Fore Seasons Golf Prac-
tice & Learning Center in Hingham with covered bays, video swing analysis, club fitting, club making and golf simulators from Dead Solid Golf available for rental that comes with a variety of modes and 27 courses to play. Foreseasonsgolfpracticecenter.com Where? Boston’s North Shore/Ipswich Living | The gated community of the Ipswich Country Club on Boston’s North Shore is designed for those desiring the good life. Single family and attached homes reflect New England styles, many with clapboard or stone exteriors and features such as round tower extensions and wrap-around porches. Community amenities like the Ipswich Country Club’s
18 hole course by Robert Trent Jones Jr., two restaurants, pool complex and tennis facility enhance the lifestyle of residents. Prices are typically above $500,000 rising to more than $1 million. Clubcorp.com Golf | In addition to a practice area that encompasses a 2.5 acre short games area, bunkers and putting greens, the Pappas In-
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door Golf & Baseball Center in North Chelmsford has three Par T Golf Simulators, a 1600 sq. ft. putting green, 12 practice bays, chipping areas, bunker, digital video coaching systems, private lesson area and for those who want to hit another kind of ball, baseball batting cages. bpappasgolf.com Where? Cape Cod Living | New Seabury, a golf community in Mashpee on the Cape’s south shore affords
area, many with views of the mountains. Okemorealestate.com Golf | You have a lot of indoor golf options at Okemo Valley Golf Club’s Indoor Golf Training Center. There is a 6,000 sq. ft. practice area, putting green, three swing stations, full-swing golf simulator, and private lockers. “Play” Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Troon, Harbour Town and other great courses and challenge your buddies with stroke, skins or match play with up to four teams of four players (16 total). Okemo.com PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA | Where? Prince Edward Island In an area that gets socked in by snow (last
its affluent residents a comfortably low key but luxurious lifestyle with golf on two seaside golf courses 16 tennis courts, a beach and pool club, fitness center, marina and miles of white sand beach and hiking trails. Situated on about 2,000 acres with more than 1,300 homes clustered in 13 neighborhoods with a wide selection of styles and prices, New Seabury’s latest enclave emulates old Cape Cod with picket-fenced cottages. Newseabury. com Golf | You may not need to go indoors. Thanks to the moderating Gulf Stream many of the Cape courses stay open throughout the winter New Seabury has two courses, Ocean and Dunes while nearby are tracks like the Captain’s Port and Starboard courses, Bayberry Hills and Dennis Pines are just down the road.
winter locals noted they had 19 feet), it makes perfect sense to come up with some top quality indoor golf experiences. Take All About Golf, an interesting concept we discovered while staying in the new Holman Grand hotel in the center of historic Charlottetown. PEI. The modern, European-style hotel flows seamlessly into Confederation Court Mall where All About Golf has three facilities: a club-like facility with golf simulators and a sports bar; a championship putting and chipping setup;
VERMONT | Where? Okemo Valley Living | Typically people purchase real estate as second homes for skiing in the Okemo and Ludlow areas. Summer golf on the Okemo Mountain course is a bonus with the course terraced into the hills. There are a variety of homes and condos for sale in the and a retail golf shop. We all know about the simulators, but the 900 square foot 5-hole putting green, 18 holes of championship putting and a chipping green where the grass simulates the closest thing to Bent and the sand is real, is something else. Just ask Pelz: he has a similar facility in his back yard. Designed by Synlawn Golf in Ottawa, this par 44 championship putting and 12 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | Oct. / Nov. 2015
chipping facility is challenging even for the most avid golfer yet still fun for all skill levels. The greens are undulating and can be topdressed to adjust speed and a pitch shot can be sucked back off the green. Allaboutgolf.ca Other options • Check out your local schools for golf lessons offered by adult education programs. • Repurpose your garage or spare room by converting it to a golf room. There is a huge range of products available for outfitting a home practice area including: • SkyTrak (about $2000) launch monitor and simulator in one that is completely wire-
less allowing you to practice with visual data and play on course on the World Golf Tour. - Full-length mirrors are great for checking things like your club takeaway, face angle and back swing. -Use artificial grass turf to create your own practice putting green. There are many putting aids available including matts, “grass” strips and devices that return your putts. - Driving nets come in all shapes and sizes to fit whatever space you have. ProAdvanced pop-up nets are adaptable for use inside and out. The nets “pop up” into various sizes and shapes and can be collapsed in a flash into a very small package, a very clever idea for those who want to practice their shots in small spaces like their apartment or garage. Pro-advanced.com - Try a swing analyzer app like Swing Smart or SwingTip. With SwingTip, you attach a small gizmo to your club, then the app you’ve launched on your smart phone or tablet, analyzes your swing and even tracks and charts your swing history. You know instantly what your swing path and face angle look like, your club speed, swing tempo and whether you’ve hit the sweet spot. Armed with all this knowledge, you can then understand what you need to do to improve your game. Sweet. Swingtip.com
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myNEGM.com
October / November 2015 Vol 8 | Issue 8
Editor / Publisher
Timothy R. Branco tim@nepubinc.com
Reach Over 700,000 New England Golfers Monthly
Graphic Design & Production
Chris Hunter
CollectiveThoughtMedia.com
Administration
Mary L. Hullett
mary@nepubinc.com
Contributors Tom Gorman Tim Geary Pam Borges Bob DiCesare Kathleen Dyson David DeSmith Matt Adams Jim Hammond Ed Travis Becky Blaser Greg Sampson
John Molori Alicia Moon Alice Scott Steve Riggs Jeff Palopoli Emily Kay Jack Ross Danny Scott Leigh McKay Elisa Gaudet Matt Ward
Contributing Photographers Ken Dennis | kendennisphoto.com Rich Gagnon | Taunton, MA sales & Marketing
Greg Sampson - Manager
greg@nepubinc.com
Paul Mignosa – Asst. Manager Paul@nepubinc.com
New England Golf Monthly is published 9 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved.
For product marketing, distribution and/or direct mail information contact tim@nepubinc.com
To Include Your Holiday Special & Get on New England Golfer’s Shopping Lists Call 800-736-9020 or info@nepubinc.com by 1/6/15. 14 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | Oct. / Nov. 2015
Fairways Lifestyles In Rhode Island
Touisset Bay Landing Private Estate Homes Just Minutes from The Best Private Golf in Rhode Island
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Touisset Bay Landing is a spectacular property located in beautiful and private Touisset Point, Warren, RI. The property, consisting of a total of 26 acres, is divided into 14 home sites with a minimum lot size of 25,000 sq ft. The new homes will be mostly surrounded by acres of open space. The homes are to be built along a private roadway off of a dead end street. Although close to beaches, clubs, golf, shopping, and fine restaurants, its secluded location will help you feel like you are living away from it all (but you are close to everything). Touisset is just minutes from Rhode Island’s most prestigious private golf courses at Carnegie Abbey, Rhode Island Country Club, Metacomet Country Club, Wannamoisett Country Club and others. You can have access to Touisset Point Community Club, East Bay Bike Path, walking and nature trails, boat ramps and moorings. This is a rare opportunity to own property in one of the states most pristine areas and a great location to build your dream home. Only 20 minutes to Providence and 1 hour to Boston.
Coastal Newport Real Estate LITTLE COMPTON & NEWPORT RI
A Private Secluded East Bay Community Office 401-849-7000 Cell 401-965-3259
CoastalNewport.com
tom@coastalnewport.com
Elegant Design | Exceptional Construction | Luxury Finishes
The Preserve
At The Bay Club Mat tap oiset t
The Preserve is a luxurious, residential, country-club community, nestled in the Bay Club at Mattapoisett, a 625-acre Audubon sanctuary with championship golf and 300 acres of lush cons ervation areas. Just minutes from Buzzard's Bay, the idyllic, Nantucket-style development features 36 single-family homes in two neighborhoods alongside Tinkham Forest and The Bay's Nature Preserve. Homes feature 1,850 to 2,115 square feet of modern living space with deluxe amenities, including the privacy of a gated community. Homeowners also have direct membership access to the country club's golf course, sports and fitness center, fine dining and other recreational activities, as well as close proximity by foot to Mattapoisett's quaint harbor, scenic beaches and unique shops. Homes from the 500’s
CALL: 774.582.8005 | OPEN DAILY: 10am - 4pm CONTACT: SHARON.VIENS@THEPRESERVEATBAYCLUB.COM
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY
GOLF FASHION FITNESS Fitness in golf is just as important as going to the driving range if you want to get better. Everyone from casual weekend players to PGA Tour players can improve their game using golf specific fitness and exercise techniques. Below is some great apparel to wear while working out to keep you comfortable, dry and most important, looking good!
LuLu Lemon
The HAPPY STRAPPY TANK is made of the Lululemon unique, Luxtreme fabric. This sweat wicking material will keep you dry during any workout and reduce chaffing with its flat seams. The HIGH TIMES PANTS will pair perfectly with the Happy Strap. The technology used are sweat wicking, stretchable and bends with your every movement. They are a 7/8 length and have a waistband that lays flat on your stomach. See more at www.lululemon.com
2UNDR
All of 2UNDR products are built with their JoeyPouch™, a soft and comfortable environment for your most valuable assets. Constructed with premium fabrics, the pouch delivers the perfect fit while preventing unwanted skin contact. The GEAR SHIFT with Coldskin™ is designed with an athletic cut to give a compression-like feel, and perform with all the quick-dry attributes demanded by today’s sport underwear. The material incorporates 100% all natural minerals helping to reduce heat buildup and control bacteria and fungus. Check out their other styles: Swing Shift, Day Shift & Power Shift at www.2UNDR.com.
Daily Sports
The SPACE TANK uses Quick Dry Fabric: This garment feels dry, cool and comfortable while wearing. It is produced of high tech breathable material for active outdoor wear and has an excellent ventilation and rapid moisture absorption. The CHAKRA PANTS are made up of 88% poly & 12% spandex to provide great feel and form fitting. The Chakra offers a midrise waist to keep flat on your stomach while exercising. The LOTUS RACER BACK provides optimum comfort while making you look stunning while working out. The Lotus is a tank with a built in sports bra for support and comfort. Pick your perfect outfit out at www.dailysportsusa.com
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY
WARM UP YOUR FASHION GFW’S COLD WEATHER GEAR GUIDE
At first thought, staying warm is the first priority in cold weather, but staying dry is much more important. Novice cold weather enthusiasts pile on the layers while experienced ones pay close attention to fabric detail in each layer to ensure they stay dry. Below are our favorite pieces this Fall/Winter to keep you dry, yet looking good on & off the course.
PUKKA HEADWEAR knit program is unequivocally the most comprehensive custom knit program in the market place. 27 styles to choose from and each one of those styles are customizable including color, application, and more. 24-Piece minimums across the knit program and 12-per color per style. The knit program is built off the foundation of their headwear program (Low minimums, flexibility by the dozen,
free shipping, not set up fees). In their knit program you have the ability to add/remove the POM’s on your knit. Beanie, Cuffed and Un-cuffed options; contrast stripes and POM’s are all the rage. To see more examples of some of the unique designs for men, women, companies, and courses are coming up with or to be inspired to create your own for your outing, league or business visit www.pukkainc.com.
WOLSEY has been a pioneer in the luxury golf apparel market since 1755. Their MERINO STRETCH INSULATOR JACKET WITH PRIMALOFT crafted in a 2-way stretch fabric using eco-fill Primaloft insulation throughout the body and sleeves to maintain warmth and comfort in all conditions. Their HIGH STRETCH SPORT CHINOS offer 4-way thermal regulating material and are a perfect fill for both the
course and the office. One of our favorites is the FINE GAUGE MERINO ZIP NECK JUMPER with fully fashioned shoulder, tuck stitch sleeve and shoulder detail with ribbed vee neck, cuffs and hem. Finalize your look with the ultra comfortable FOX LOGO BEANIE. Made from incredibly soft, extra fine merino wool is sure to keep your ears warm. Put together your perfect look at trendygolfusa.com.
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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY All QED STYLE apparel is designed to perform and look great in any environment. While maintaining the utmost respect for the game, QED Style will continue to push the envelope in golf style. QED Style can be found in some of the finest pro shops in America including Pebble Beach, Riviera Country Club, Desert Mountain and Kapalua Resort. The WILLARD JACKET is a full zip & reversible. One side is 100% waterproof nylon while the Reverse side is 48% poly, 48% rayon, 4% polyurethane flannel plaid pattern. This is the perfect combo for keeping you dry and warm. THE BRIGHAM PULLOVER is a perfect allseason sweater built with 80% cotton & 20% cashmere for a refreshing, stylish look. The Contrast flannel plaid liner along neck and placket really give this a unique look. Finish the look with the PAYSON TROUSERS. Water resistant nylon spandex fabric that yields comfort, flexibility and strength. Not only are they water, stain and wrinkle resistant but they have been lauded by QED tour players as the best trousers they have worn. QED Style is great looking golf clothes that might just help your game. Buy this look today at www.qedstyle.com
GALVIN GREEN APEX JACKET is a waterproof full zip jacket in GORE-TEX速 fabric with mesh lining and and stretch function. A pure golf jacket with excellent breathability. The stretch fabric makes the jacket extremely flexible and comfortable to wear. Possibly the biggest-selling waterproof trouser, THE ALF features GORETEX速 fabric with lining for greater breathability and comfort, but made very differently to other waterproof trousers. Stay warm this winter with this great combo from Galvin Green. Visit www.galvingreen.com for more options.
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COUPLE OF TRAVELERS
By Alice & Danny Scott The Outer Banks - OBX There is something uniquely special about OBX that draws return visitors. Cross Alligator River in North Carolina and be welcomed to Dare County. Take the dare to balance island activities with rounds of golf at several standout courses. The Currituck Golf by Rees Jones is a turtle haven with little ramps for in and out of ponds. Audubon aesthetics ramp up your game. In Duck, Sanderling Resort accommodates those wanting their ducks in a row or decide as you go. Spanning the cool Atlantic on the east and warmer sounds on the west means a sunrise or sunset view. Relax at the beach or pools. The Lifesaving Station Restaurant really was one back in the day and pays tribute to the heroics of yesteryear while serving chowder and other great chow. Sign up for optional yoga on the beach, surf lessons, kayak tours or standup paddleboards and rental bikes. Music entertains at the evening fire pit (smore’s packet gifted in your room). Sweet dreams candy graces the nightstand with a note of activities, tide and weather to decide whether to hit the water, hit the links, or Wild Horse Adventures. Thoroughbred Spanish Mustangs arrived in 1521. No longer existing in Spain, the
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endangered species are well protected yet roaming free in Corolla. Rain or shine rangers load up for beach tours. If rain is possible, request a poncho. During a sudden downpour on our run, the only thing not dampened was our spirits. A Hungarian couple that tour every year on a motorbike had their heavy duty rain gear. Our gear
was in our golf bags. The Mustangs didn’t mind. Sometimes the most memorable golf is played in the rain; that goes for horse tours too. In nearby Timbuck II plaza Steamers fresh seafood shop smelled delicious. Their “hot steamer pots to go” idea stemmed from New England’s Clam Celebration. Find them relocated in Southern Shores but
COUPLE OF TRAVELERS
never leaving OBX. OBX is a place to rediscover your inner child. Nancy Caviness and Donna Black rediscovered their adult selves in Duck. Living in the northeast, they were “training for a marathon with 50 pounds of clothing to keep warm in the winter.” Nancy suggested, “Let’s just go to Duck.” They couldn’t believe there was not a B&B, only houses to rent. In ’94 they built and opened Advice 5 Cents. Rooms with a deck and comfy communal quarters fit the bill. Donna became Chief of the Fire Dept. Nancy manages the B&B and serves as fire support lieutenant and town council member. They are big fish in the little town of Duck, population 400 counting full timers. In the summer it jumps to 25k. The Sea Pines swimming pool and tennis court are accessible to guests of Advice 5 Cents as is a short walk to the wild Atlantic waves or the boardwalk. Sing it, “On the Bo-ardwalk, Boardwalk!” It skirts through a maritime forest over the shore with fox and deer leading to shops
and restaurants. The Blue Point is perfect for a sunset dinner. John Power and Sam McGann feature farm fresh food with a pecan pie accompanied by bourbon ice cream, how southern! While dining over the water, sea otters swam. They were actually nutria, imported from Russia for fur, but they didn’t grow fur in warm OBX as in Siberia, so they were released. They occasionally venture out for golf and may be seen on Nags Head Golf Links, the course furthest south along the strip. Short target golf is the name of architect Bob Moore’s game. A few holes along the water make it a sound decision for coastal play. In the clubhouse, climb 2 staircases for a knock out tower view as nice as the island lighthouses. The Currituck mainland boasts two more must-plays. Water features seem to be designer Tom Steele’s main point at Kilmarlic. A four-bedroom cottage beside the clubhouse is an ideal stay/play option with more under construction. At the end of Hibbidy Dibbidy Lane, The Pointe Golf Club is wide open and a local favorite. The signature hole is reached over a gazebo covered wooden bridge. Back across the Wright Brothers Bridge, on the island, you can soar in many ways – in a sailboat or learning to hang glide at Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers first took flight. Take a walk on the wild or mild side of OBX where everyone’s name is Ma’am or Sir and shore-to-shore, there’s fun galore. For golf packages: PlayOBXGolf.com
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COUPLE OF TRAVELERS
Wild Dunes Resort By Alice & Danny Scott At Wild Dunes Resort, golfers live high on the hog in “Low country” near Charleston, South Carolina. The pastel Village Plaza houses restaurants, boutiques, and a tower of spacious balconied suites and ocean villas. 17 tennis courts, trails, pools, 6 restaurants, beach and Tom Fazio golf entertain. On the Links Course, wooden bridges connect greens to tee boxes over marshes. The wind picks up on 16, blowing into the finishing holes. The ocean waves roar along this beautiful stretch of beach culminating at the gargantuan 18th green. Fazio finessed a crazy routing on the Harbor Course between homes, intercoastal waterways, and gator lagoons. Disney’s jungle cruise comes to mind on the ride through the marsh. Both courses are very playable, and esthetically enchanting from clubhouse to beach. Unadulterated and absent of man-
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made attractions screaming distractions, it is distinctively peaceful strolling along the tan hard packed sand as pelicans dive for dinner and dolphins dance in the waves. Kayaking through marshes is a favorite pastime of locals. Eye to eye with sea turtles and perhaps a manatee is wondrous and calming. When “smoked pork belly steak and brown sugar” sits beneath “Charleston crab cake benny” you are at the Sand Bar breakfast. This eggs benedict version trades the English muffin for a lightly fried green tomato. Fresh seafood is at the top of all the menus. The staff at Wild Dunes Resort dishes out southern hospitality though they migrate from around the globe to live here. Why not? Situated on the Isle of Palms, the climate is temperate and perfect in fall. Specials at www.wilddunes.com
Golf Ocean Cit y, Maryland
At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your next golf getaway to Ocean City, Maryland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.
2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / F Weekday all s$ Weekend 153 s $175
“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” Ocean City, Maryland www.OceanCityGolf.com Oct. / Nov. 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 25
PRIVATE GOLF
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FIND US ON
PRIVATE GOLF
The Ultimate Holiday Gift That Keeps on Giving
A Membership At Segregansett Country Club Nearly 2 Full Seasons For The Price of One Fall 2015 to Summer 2017 For One Low Rate Family $3450 | Single $3200 Segregansett CC$2100 | Young Adult $1500 Mid Adult 30-35 (Only 25 Memberships will be sold at these Prices)
Seggy
“Come Play One Of New England’s Best Kept Golf Secrets “Seggy” Member For A Day Pricing 7 Days a Week $50.00 with Cart ( Includes $5.00 Food Voucher)
Segregansett Country Club
84 Gulliver St Taunton, MA 02780 508-824-9110 Segregansett.com
For Memberships – Gary Palmer 508-942-5873 Member For A Day Tee Times 508-824-9144 Oct. / Nov. 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 27
PLAY THE STERLING GOLF
SUPER SIX THIS FALL TEE-TIMES, SPECIALS, EVENTS & MORE AT STERLINGGOLF.COM
Rockland Golf Course
Norwood Country Club
18 Holes – one of the longest par 3 courses in America Newly renovated Function Room, Sports Bar & Grill 781-871-0480 | 276 Plain St., Rockland, MA
18 Hole Public Golf Course Lighted Driving Range Conveniently located on Route 1 781-769-5880 400 Providence Hwy., Norwood MA
Newton Commonwealth GC
Chelmsford Country Club
Meticulously maintained 18 Hole Donald Ross Course 617-630-1971 | 212 Kenrick St. Newton, MA
9 Hole Course - Practice Range, Function Hall & Lounge 978-256-1818 | 66 Park Rd. Chelmsford, MA
Maynard Golf Course
The Shattuck Golf Club
9 Hole Course - formerly Maynard CC, Function Hall & Lounge 978-637-2268 | 50 Brown St. Maynard, MA
18 Hole Championship Course - Driving Range Cathedral Ballroom - Mountain View Grille 603-532-4300 | 53 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, NH
All Six Courses Operated by Sterling Golf Management
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50 Golf Course Road, East Dennis, MA
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Some want it to happen… Some wish it would happen… Others Make It Happen…
Visit our website: www.dennisgolf.com • 2 for 1 – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays - Greens fees only, cart mandatory, book 7 days in advance • $20 All You Can Play on Dennis Pines, starting October 16th, 1st come 1st serve
Call us at 508-385-8347 to book your tee times! 825 Old Bass River Road, Dennis, MA
Fabulous Fall Golf on Cape Cod • 18 Holes of Championship Golf • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • New Practice Facility • Club Rentals & Lessons
To book your round at Cranberry Valley:
Call 508-430-5234 Online booking: www.CranberryGolfCourse.com
183 Oak St. Harwich, MA 32 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | |Oct. Oct.//Nov. Nov.2015 2015
G c y o
Find yournothing Happylike Place There’s
Fall Golf on Cape Cod.
Stay & Play Packages Starting at just $99 Yarmouth Golf
Blue Rock Resort & Golf Club, S. Yarmouth
Bayberry Hills Golf Course, W. Yarmouth
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Bass River GolfCourse, Course, S. Yarmouth Bayberry Hills Golf West Yarmouth
Golf Club at Yarmouth Port, Yarmouth Port
Bass River Golf Course, South Yarmouth
Gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants and plenty of things to do, you can be sure your next golf adventure will be all you’ve dreamed of. Bring your friends and family and spend some time this fall sinking putts at one of our four pristine courses in town.
www.yarmouthcapecod.com/golf/
Blue Rock Golf Course, South Yarmouth
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GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER速
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JimmyFund.org/NEGM 866-521-GOLF
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The 2015-2016 Indoor Golf Season Is Here by NEGM Staff
In the last 12 years technology has made it much easier to play golf indoors during the cold weather months in our region. Not only can we receive complete feedback on the mechanics of the swing but also distance, spin rate, ball flight, launch angles and smash factor utilizing the modern day simulator or launch monitor. Golf simulators have exploded in the marketplace with installations that have multiple units for golfers to play in any weather in any season worldwide. There are also facilities with indoor ranges and short game areas to keep your game sharp. Some of these range bays are equip with launch monitors, video analysis and more. In the past few years the affordability of home simulator technology has come to the forefront with options from as little as $500. Indoor golf has truly arrived and is becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the golf industry today. If all the forces in the universe seem to be keeping you from your favorite sport, the virtual world can step up and take its place. This is where a golf simulator and/or launch monitor comes in as computerized game of golf, in your golf club, at your favorite restaurant, health club or even personal residence designed to mimic the real game while also improving your skills. It takes about 4-5 hours to play a round of golf today and quite frankly time is the number one deterrent in growing the game of golf. You can play 18 holes on almost any course in the world today in just 2 hours for a small fraction of what it would cost to travel there by teeing it up indoors. Granted it is not the same but technology has become so advanced that indoor golf
is truly here to stay and it is amazingly realistic. Six years ago when we were first started the annual Indoor Golf Guide finding a convenient indoor golf facility would have been difficult to say the least. Today, there are simulators in a number of public and private golf courses, teaching facilities, health clubs and bar/grills throughout New England. In addition golf simulator businesses are one of golf’s fastest growing sectors as they are sprouting up just about everywhere in the region. Many facilities have 2-8 simulators, full restaurants, bar service, fitness areas, instruction/club fitting and serve as virtual clubs where you can play courses from around the world and compete with your weekend group, in leagues or tournaments as well. A foursome can play 18 holes at any chosen course in just over 2 hours and for as little as $25.00 an hour depending on the time of day and week. Today’s most advanced simulators put you in a true 3-D environment, as though you’ve been transported physically into an ultra-highdef video game. Stereoscopic cameras are trained on the hitting zone, where they record club speed, ball speed, launch angle and all components of spin. The flight of the ball, projected into the virtual course in the time it takes the ball to hit the screen, replicates the shot that would result in the outside world with remarkable precision. Some even only use an ipad on a stand allowing you to play against other golfers all over the world. So its simple play golf anywhere, anytime, on any course, in any weather indoors. You can have your cake, and eat it too. Welcome to the 2015-2016 Indoor Golf & Fitness Season!
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NO EXPLANATION REQUIRED.
Jordan Spieth has been dubbed the best putter on the Tour in 2015 by some of golf’s greatest players. Yet, he’s always searching. In the final round of the Tour Championship, Spieth made a “big change” that paid huge dividends for his game and bank account. The change allowed him to bury some crucial late-nine par putts, propelling him to a four shot victory at East Lake. He also secured the juicy $10M Fed Ex Cup bonus and PGA of America’s Player of the Year Award. “I started using the line on the ball to line up putts that were non-feel based,” Spieth said. “What this line did, it allowed me to find a good spot right in front of the ball where I can look at to roll it over.” Dave Nastalski, PGA Professional, and CEO / Co-Founder of Dirty Larry Golf + The Navigator Training Aid was happy to hear it. “It’s like he’s writing our script for us,” Nastalski says. The Navigator, a new putting instrument by Dirty Larry Golf teaches you to do just what Spieth was talking about. “When you’re able to start the ball on line, you’re going to make a lot more putts. It’s as simple as that,” Nastalski says. “Unfortunately, most amateur golfers are unaware of their true aim be-
cause of calibration issues in the eyes.” The Navigator has an alignment rod that extends outwards from the face that acts like a scope for your putter. And the best part about it? It’s an awesome tool to train with both indoors and out. “People are busy and the weather is turning for a lot of the country. Golfers need an easy way to keep their skills sharp and have fun while doing it. If you just spend 5 or 10 minutes with this thing, it’s going to change your world,” Nastalski says. One of the coolest features of the Navigator is the anytime, anywhere factor. “I use it more at the office and at home than I do on the putting green,” Nastalski says. “Slap the Navigator on, put a poker chip or coin on the ground a few feet away, and putt across the carpet to it. This narrows your focus and hones your ability to start the ball where you want.” Start your work with the Navigator this offseason. Once the weather turns, you’ll be trained to understand where you’re aimed. And when you hit the course, you’re going to make a lot more of those knee knockers. Welcome to Dirty Larry Golf. And welcome to the Navigator Training Aid.
SIMPLE. OBVIOUS. IMMEDIATE. Find out more at www.dirtylarrygolf.com
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* available in three colors PRESENTED BY
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Simple is the new
Sophisticated.
USE CODE: NEGOLF FOR $10 OFF!
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It’s incredibly accurate. how simple it is to use. T are fantastic. It looks lik out there on the range h
Hank Haney,
World Renowned Golf Instru
Play World Golf Tour with SkyTrak SkyTrak has teamed up with WGT to provide an exciting and realistic experience on some of the most iconic golf courses around the world. Play the Closest to the Hole game or Full Stroke play, and test your skills on some of the world’s most recognizable courses.
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The first realistic, accurate and affordable golf practice and play system. SkyTrakTM allows you to practice and play golf in the convenience of your own home, whenever you want. SkyTrak is a revolutionary development in launch monitor technology. It’s a small package with a lot of power. Here are some of the advanced features you’ll find in SkyTrak. We think you’ll agree, it’s in a class of its own. • • • •
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NEITHER SNOW, NOR RAIN, NOR GLOOM OF WINTER WILL KEEP US FROM OUR APPOINTED ROUNDS. Are you really going let a little wintery weather keep you from playing through? You don’t have to. The indoor golf season is just getting started at South Shore Country Club, where you can play any of nearly 50 PGA Championship courses on our three state-of-the-art simulators.
The Tour Golf Bar is open 7 days a week starting at 8am with bar and food service available from lunch to closing. Early bird hours are $30 and prime time are $40. To book a tee time or to plan a tournament or banquet, call 781-749-8479.
781-749-8479 | 274 SOUTH STREET HINGHAM, MA 02043 www.southshorecc.com | www.thetourgolfbar.com | www.greensidegrille.com
BOSTON AREAS ONE STOP FOR ALL YOUR WINTER TRAINING NEEDS
To reserve time in our Private Simulator Studio, Trackman Studio or book a lesson call (978) 750-4653
IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME • Trackman Performance Studio • Private Simulator Studio • Indoor/Outdoor Studio • Covered Heated Tee’s • Golf lessons with PGA professionals • From Lessons to Practice to Playing
TrackMan Performace Studio Provides over 20 different data parameters including ball flight, club path and face angle, calibrated into the video. PARADISE is the only facility North of Boston to offer customers the latest technology combined in an indoor/outdoor studio which allows them to see ball flight! PARADISE FAMILY GOLF | Conveniently located off Route 114 25 Lonergan Rd | Middleton, MA 01949 978-750-4653 | www.paradisefamilygolf.com
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Joe and Leigh’s Golf Performance Center By NEGM Staff
Assessment Fitness & Training in One Facility Being an 18-time Top 100 Golf Pro Shop in America would be enough for most golf shops but not Joe & Leigh’s. They have taken it to the next level through the vision of Leigh Bader and his team. There state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center has wide range of services formulated around one simple motto – Improve and Enjoy. In 2012 one year after opening the center Joe & Leigh’s was also named a Top 100 Club Fitter in America for the very first time by Golf Digest. The Golf Performance Center is a 5,000 square-foot building located at Golf Country Driving Range on Route 138 in Easton. It is just a short drive from Joe & Leigh’s pro shop and Pine Oaks Golf Course. The facility features five studios, three of which are vendor-specific to Ping, Callaway, and TaylorMade. There is also a mixed-vendor studio, shared by Mizuno, Cobra, Cleveland, Nike, Adams, and Titleist. All of the stu-
dios are available year-round, including heated bays during the winter months, and the back walls are retractable in order to access the adjacent driving range. The Golf Performance Center is a fully integrated set of components engineered to help golfers of all skill levels get the most enjoyment from the game. They offer Club Fitting, Instruction, Prac-
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tice, Play and Fitness. Using state-of-theart launch monitor technology along with the ability to see full ball flight gives our certified fitters all the tools they need to put you into the best club head and shaft that will maximize your performance.
| INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE
To receive information updates, visit joeandleighs.com/GPC, or for more questions and to set up an appointment, e-mail: talk2us@pineoaks.com or call 508-238-2320. We are located 530 Turnpike St. Rte. 138 Easton, MA
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Looking to Improve Quickly & Enjoy the Game More? By Kelly Thomas
Premium Club Fitting at Club Champion is the Way to Go. With all the advances in golf club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball further and more accurately. A 2011 Golf Magazine study found that 90% of U.S. golfers may be playing with clubs that don’t fit properly. For golfers looking to improve quickly, enjoy the game more and add as much as 20 or more yards, premium club fitting is the way to go. The best fittings allow golfers to hit interchangeable heads and shafts from all the most popular brands. Most big golf stores like PGA Tour Superstore, Golfsmith, and Golf Galaxy, use stock club-fitting carts provided by club manufacturers. While these carts offer options, golfers are unable to mix and match shafts and club heads between different carts to determine the perfect club. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters three times in a row, Club Champion owns and operates eleven high-performance fitting studios around the country. It is the only fitter to offer 15,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site at all eleven national locations. Golfers hit the exact same club that will be custom built for them. The proof is in the results, says Florida resident and Club Champion customer Dave Greer. Greer loved his aging Mizuno irons but was open to what might take his game to the next level. Says Greer, “The fitting process was amazing. The fitter first identified the proper shaft and then found the right head. With each combination, I was able to see the improved results statistically laid out on screen. I ended up with Callaway XR Pro
irons and picked up 10-20 yards in distance. It’s worth every penny spent just to see the looks on your playing partners’ faces when they see the results of your changes.” Trackman Pro, the gold standard of launch monitors and simulators, is the same system the PGA Tour uses to track pro stats. Club Champion uses it to take precise club and ball measurements in a controlled environment. “Customers love our experience,” says Club Champion VP, Mike Trapani. “More than 95% of customers are so pleased, they bring their friends in.” Former PGA Tour veteran Jay Williamson benefited from Club Champion’s expertise. He gained 15 yards over the fittings he received on tour. Says Williamson, “Club Champion’s fitting knowledge and selection of interchangeable heads and shafts allowed me to instantly hit numerous combinations in the same session. If you are a committed golfer at any level, I highly recommend it.” Fitting prices range from $80 for wedges to $350 for an entire bag fitting that can be split into separate appointments. Pricing for the clubs are the same as you find at any golf shop, plus the cost of upgraded shafts if necessary. To schedule a fitting, call your local Club Champion or visit clubchampiongolf.com. Boston (Needham, MA - 781-449-1397) Philadelphia (Bala Cynwyd, PA 215-921-2054) NewYork/NewJersey(Hackensack,NJ-201-996-9221) Additional locations clubchampiongolf.com
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facebook.com/FOREgolfentertainment
New England’s Premier Indoor Golf Venue • 8 PGA TOUR Widescreen Simulators • A full bar featuring wine, draft/bottled beers and top shelf liquors • A relaxing atmosphere offering American and Asian Bistro food • HD TVs to ensure no sporting events or shows are missed • O ver 35 championship courses available on each simulator • A private simulator available for larger groups or meetings • NFL Sunday Ticket
Simulator Rates (Sept 1 to April 30)
1 Hour Reservation = $50.00 This is a flat rate to reserve the simulator and does not increase if you have more than 1 golfer for the hour. On average it takes 1 player an hour to play 18 holes. For example, 2 golfers wanting to play 18 holes would reserve the simulator for 2 hours.
Golf Leagues
Create your own private golf league or join one of the FORE! Golf open leagues and enjoy a weekly competition with fellow golfers. There are 8 week, 12 week, and 16 week league packages. Standard leagues will be setup with 4 golfers per simulator for a 2 hour reservation. See website for league package rates.
Hours of Operation Mon - Fri : 10AM to 11PM Sat - Sun: 8AM to 11PM 508-366-FORE www.foregolfentertainment.com 153 Turnpike Road (Rt 9 - Westbound) Westborough, MA 01581
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• PGA lessons • 3 Full Swing Golf simulators with new ION high speed infrared path and impact cameras • Weekly 9 hole leagues • Best beer selection in town
• Pizza and sandwich shop available next door • Private party rentals available • Many of the world’s top golf courses available to choose from • Dynamic High Definition Graphics
Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter & Like Us on Facebook For News, Events, Specials and Weather Updates!
508-923-4653 | www.TheBrokenTee.com 166 County Road Lakeville, MA 02347
HD SPORTS
Est. 2007
NEW SkyTechSport Ski & Snowboard Simulator • The 1st Ski & Snowboard Simulator on the East Coast. • The dream of racing the slopes year-round a vivid reality. • Virtual race courses from around the world • Simulator has speeds up to 100 Kilometers ( 62 MPH ) • US SKI TEAM APPROVED!!! • Powerful G-forces and effects. • Reads all the skiers movements / varying snow conditions • Gates/ bumps • Train & Fit Center during the offseason.
• 8600 sqft facility with full bar & grill • 8 HD Golf Simulators & 2 Visual Sports Simulators • 13 HD TV’s. Pool, Ping Pong, Darts, Shuffle Board & Foosball
• PGA Lessons, Club Fitting & Repair • Leagues, Corporate Outings & Parties • Follow Us on Facebook for Specials & Events
(802) 881-0660 | 1860 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR & WIN GREAT PRIZES AT www.GONZOSHDSPORTS.com presented by www.skytrakgolf.com| myNEGM.com/indoorgolf | 49
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Downswing’s Indoor Golf Center
‘
• 100 Golf Courses • 3 Driving Ranges • Leagues, Tournaments & Private Events • Full Retail Golf Shop • Performance Clubfitting Center
• PGA Professional Lessons and Clinics • Club Repair area with over 50 in-stock grips • Indoor Putting Green for short game training
413-344-4316 | www.DownswingsGolf.com | 10 Lyman Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Derryfield Country Club • 3 PGA Tour Simulators from aboutGolf • Over 40 courses to choose from • Open 7 days a week • Full service Restaurant and Lounge • Book your tee time up to two weeks in advance
• Indoor League all winter long • Monthly Tournaments open to anyone • Accurate Ball Data • Lessons available form PGA Professionals
603-669-0235 | www.derryfieldgolf.com | 625 Mammoth Road Manchester, NH 03104
Oceans 18 – Indoor Simulator & Glow In The Dark Mini Golf Glow
In The
Dark M
ini Golf
• Full Swing Simulator w/ NEW e6 Technology • 1/2 Hr. = $18 | 1 Hr. = $30 book online or call • 43 course from around the world
• Private & Open Leagues • USGTF Lessons by Jim Nichols • Food, Beer & Wine Available
508.985.1966 | www.oceans-18.com | 500 Kings Highway, New Bedford, MA 02745
OptiGolf Middleton • 7,000 sq. ft. facility w/ 9 OptiGolf Simulators featuring real putting • A full bar w/ full food menu from Omega Pizza • A 14’ HD projection screen and 17 other TV’s • Over 85 championship courses available in each simulator
• 3 private or semi-private simulators • Corporate/team building events & birthday/bachelor parties • Free wireless internet & lounge area • Open & private leagues • 4 Pool Tables, 3 Ping Pong Tables, 6 Dart Boards & 2 - Shuffleboard Tables • Golf Instruction & Memberships
978-539-8725 | middleton.optigolfcenters.com | 220 South main street Middleton MA 01949
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Par 97
| INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE
• 7 HD Golf Simulators. From $35/hr to $60/hr. • Full bar & restaurant featuring 97 pizza creations • 18 flavors of wings • 12 beers on tap, including our house brew Par 97 Ale (made by the Boston Beer Company)
• Large TVs everywhere, including an 125 inch HD screen in the lounge • Functions, birthdays, corporate outings etc. welcome • Sign up for our newsletter & like on Facebook for specials, events, news and more!
978-769-5167 | www.playpar97.com | 206 W Main St Georgetown, MA 01833
Seth Dichard Golf at Tyngsboro Sports Center • Private & semi-private personalized instruction • Indoor facility located at Tyngsboro Sports Center & we have multiple locations in MA & NH. • Two state-of-the-art teaching studios • Indoor driving range open to the public for off-season practice.
• V1 Digital Video Coaching System, the GC2 Simulator and the K-Vest 3D Technology to help analyze and improve your game. • Seth has also recently been recognized in Golf Digest as one of the TOP Teachers in the area!
603-860-9893 | www.sethdichardgolf.com | 18 Progress Ave, Tyngsboro, MA 01879
Rods Golf Improvement Center • 3 Dead Solid Golf Simulators • 35 golf courses • Driving Range • Indoor Teaching Area
• Golf Club Fitting Area • Pro Shop specializing in Training Aids and Custom Clubs • Full Golf Club Repair Shop
978-263-1800 | www.rodsindoorgolf.com | 102 Nagog Park, Acton, MA 01720
BUTTON HOLE Now Includes Indoor Golf • (1) Foresight Sports GC2 Golf Simulator with course & range modes • Additionally (5) netted indoor hitting bays (no simulator) • For rates & to schedule a time visit www.ButtonHole.org • Professional golf instruction by Dan Gaughan, PGA Professional
• Outdoor driving range open to the public (mats or grass tees, weather permitting) • 9 Hole Short Course open to the public (open year round, weather permitting) • Outstanding junior golf clinics & programs during the outdoor golf season
(401) 421-1664 | www.buttonhole.org | 1 Button Hole Drive, Providence, RI 02909
presented by www.skytrakgolf.com| myNEGM.com/indoorgolf | 51
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New Jane Frost Golf Performance Center Opens on Cape Cod By Jim Hammond
In my opinion Jane Frost is one of the top teaching professionals in America today. Frost has been teaching golf for over 30 years and has been recognized as one of the best instructors by Golf Magazine and also Golf Digest who listed her as one of the top 50 professionals in the U.S.A. Jane has just opened the Jane Frost Golf Performance Center on the grounds of Sandwich Hollows Golf Course in East Sandwich, Mass. I attended the grand opening and discovered that Jane has incorporated 21st century technology into her teaching methods.
New England Golf Monthly: The grass practice tee has plenty of room for golfers to get in some swings, but what is this building at the end of the range? Jane Frost: Well I have been teaching in the Cape Cod area for over 30 years, and it is a beautiful area to work in but you are at the mercy of the elements. I decided to construct this building where students could come in and improve their games no matter what the weather may be. This center houses some of the most hi-tech training tools in the golf industry. NEGM: What kind of tools are you talking about? J.F. : We have cameras that monitor all aspects of the golf swing. These instruments provide feedback on golf ball launch angle, balance plates and other statistics that helps diagnosis the areas of your swing that need attention. NEGM: How did this all come to fruition? J.F.: Well it started as a concept about 3 years ago. We broke ground last November and just as we started to make progress the wicked winter of 2015 delayed our progress for 3 months. But it’s September and we are open for business in the most beautiful time of the year in New England. NEGM: Why should people take up golf? J.F.: It’s a game for all generations. Grandchildren can play with their grandparents. Plus it’s a game you can play and enjoy for your whole life.
NEGM: Is there anything that make your golf center special? J.F.: Justin Day is one of the top golfers because he has devoted a lot of time to the development of his swing, but even more importantly, is his work on the mental aspect of golf. We use a system called Focus Band. It’s a cutting edge technology that Jason uses where you develop a pre-shot routine that puts you in a zone. This is key to creating successful shots. NEGM: What else ? J.F.: One of the team members is Bob Quirk who has been teaching for over 35 years and is also a master club fitter. People say they don’t want to invest in golf because they aren’t sure they will enjoy it. I tell them you can‘t enjoy it without the correct clubs. Try getting fit with just three clubs to start. It makes a world of difference. NEGM: Anybody else working with you at the center ? J.F.: Marion Walker has been a PGA teacher for 30 years and will be concentrating on our group lessons. NEGM: How about the kids ? J.F.: We are in the process of developing a junior golf program. NEGM: How can they find out more about the center ? J.F.: On my website www.JaneFrost.com
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Because your body is your most important piece of equipment ®
FitGolf Performance Centers is here to help you on your quest to play better golf and feel better while you play. Lower your scores, improve your consistency, increase your distance, guaranteed. We stand behind our training programs to get you the outcome you want. Effective fitness training for golf improves your body. That creates more consistency, distance, and lower scores. Our training activities include exercises for mobility, stability, strength, speed, power, explosiveness, and control. With a
center in Wilmington, and an e-learning golf fitness system you can lower your scores and gain more distance from anywhere in the world. How are your functional movements? What is your kinematic sequence? How do you shift your weight? How does all of this affect your swing? Begin with an assessment to know what challenges you have in your body. Then begin one of our golf fitness training programs for body restoration or training to play better golf, with less pain…guaranteed.
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Get Fit Fore Golf By NEGM Staff
Years ago golf was viewed as a game and by all measures did not require the training and fitness routines of other sports like basketball, football, hockey and soccer. The legends of the game had an affinity for the finer things in life including great food, great cigars and a host of fine spirits to celebrate each round. It wasn’t until 1957 when Gary Player joined the PGA Tour that anyone even mentioned the benefits of fitness for golf. The famous “Big Three” of golf, Jack Nicklaus at 76 years old, Arnold Palmer at 86 and Gary Player at 80 are all still active in the game but Gary Player is in tremendous shape at his original rookie year playing weight of 150 pounds and is in astounding condition for any age. In the 90’s with Tiger Woods, we saw the emergence of the most prolific golfer in the history of golf redefine was was possible through strength and fitness. He overpowered the sport by training like an Olympic athlete with weekly sessions with fitness professionals. Tiger Woods redefined the game and sent a clear message to all who followed “Get Fit or go Home”. Today the impact of all of this is felt at
every level of the game. In one round a player can walk up to 5 miles carrying a 25 to 30lb bag and be challenged by all types elevation changes along the way. A golfer playing 2 rounds of golf weekly walking and carrying a bag will burn in excess of 4000
calories. It would take the average person 14 hours to burn the same calories walking on a treadmill. No matter what age you are or how long you have been playing the game, following a plan for fitness and flexibility will have a significant impact on your scoring and your ability to play better golf. When to Start | Traditionally most golfers
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INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE | put away the clubs in late Fall in New England and do nothing to improve their golf game until early spring when they get the bug. For a host of reasons, this is far to late to begin a program to improve with fitness and game improvement. The perfect time to begin training for the season ahead is now, at the end of the present season. With so many fitness and training facilities for golf and so many new indoor simulators throughout New England offseason is now prime time for improvement. We can assess, train, improve and test the results at dozens of great indoor golf centers throughout the region and be ready for those winter golf
trips with a step up on the competition. It is also the optimum time of year to upgrade your equipment, especially your driver and irons. The offseason gives you a great opportunity to acclimate to new equipment instead of try to do so in prime playing time. Where to Start… Assessment It’s essential that you know where your weaknesses are if you want to improve. The best players in the world are constantly being assessed, screened and evaluated to ensure they can perform at the highest level and remain at the top of their game. It’s important to them to know where they are weak so that they can correct it, so why should the recreational player be any different. Throughout New England there are great facilities that specialize is golf fitness that offer complete assessments of strength, flexibility and range of motion. The investment made in analyzing and assessing your strengths and weaknesses will provide you
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with the exact information needed to accurately create an individual plan tailored to your specific needs. The first and most important step with any journey in life is a map, assessment is the first step in getting “Golf Fit”. Choosing The Right Training Facility Many facilities who do fitness assessments for golfers offer training facilities as well and will monitor your progress on a weekly basis. Proximity is the key here, if you are close and can get there quickly that will work but remember the discipline to maintain a strong workout routine can quickly weaken. If you are not able to get to your training facility in a relatively short amount of time you are setting yourself up for failure before you begin. There are gyms and fitness centers everywhere, just make sure they have the programs you need and they have qualified instructors to measure your progress. Do not be afraid to ask questions and inform the staff at any facility of your assessment and plan and ask for support.
Measuring Results Indoors | Here in New England we are faced with weather in late Fall and Winter that can make it difficult to measure our progress and maintain our golf swing. Just 8 years ago there were only a few locations in New England where golfers could play select golf courses indoors dur-
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ing the winter months. Today in almost every state in New England there are dozens of indoor golf facilities at public golf clubs, private golf clubs and as stand alone businesses and entertainment centers. The new fad is even finding it’s way in Health clubs and fitness centers. Today’s golf simulators are as close as you are going to get to realistic virtual golf with a choice of courses from across the globe. Most systems also provide
| INDOOR GOLF & FITNESS GUIDE
Get Fit Fore Golf Directory 2015-2016 Big Sticks Golf (MA) 781-229-2269 www.bigsticksgolf.com Fit Golf Performance Centers (MA) 978-447-5328 www.northshore.fitgolf.com Jane Frost Golf Performance Center (MA) 508-367-4030 www.janefrost.com
statistical analysis of swing speed, ball flight, shot metrics and true distance with every club. They provide great feedback for your off season training program. Attached is a list of some great training and fitness assessment facilities throughout the region.
Joe & Leigh’s Performance Center (MA) 508-238-2320 www.joeandleighs.com/gpc Millyard Strength & Conditioning (NH) (603)402-9558 www.personaltrainerinnashuanh.com Tamburini Golf Performance (RI) 401-413-2526 www.lisatamburini.com The Micheli Center (MA) 781-373-2760 www.themichelicenter.com Total Fitness Clubs (MA & RI) 508-679-9793 www.totalfitnessclubs.com To become a member of the NEGM Get Fit Fore Golf please call 800-736-9020 or email info@nepubinc.com. In print, online and email year round. You can submit tips/exercises, events & specials to interested myNEGM.com subscribers.
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Master Your Game
Through Fitness When you have an improper golf swing you might be facing more than poor scores over time. One of the leading causes of injuries in golf is an inefficient swing, it can lead to joint injury, major back problems and myriad of health issues that are preventable. There is science behind the golf swing and the ability to perform the body movements necessary to maintain a correct and repeatable shots. At the Micheli Center in Waltham they use state of the art technology including 3D motion analysis, Titleist TPI Analysis along with flexibil-
ity and strength assessments to create a personal blueprint for fitness, game improvement and overall health. It is quite simply the most complete and comprehensive golf fitness assessment available to anyone who wants to improve their golf game and develop a plan for proper training. The Micheli Center provides these assessments to high school, college, professional and amateur athletes and offers everything from injury prevention to rehab and full training at one of New England’s most advanced facilities. All golfers, from beginners to professionals learn how to improve their golf swing while simultaneously reducing the risk of injury. Using a combination of the TPI Golf Screen with a 3D video analysis of your swing, we’ll identify areas of weakness, imbalance, and flexibility and strength limitations that lead to inefficiencies in your swing mechanics and
add to your injury risk. Our 3D Motion Analysis allows us to measure timing, torque, and angular velocity of the different segments of your swing, body rotation, and club to identify exactly where in the kinematic sequence your body becomes unaligned, which causes inefficiencies in your swing and/or pain. Another major benefit of the 3D analysis is the ability to see borderline swing flaws that would otherwise appear normal in a 2D video analysis. These types of flaws often lead to injuries if not corrected. Golf injuries are often the result of improper swing mechanics that your body develops to compensate for lack of mobility and stability. With this evaluation, you’ll learn how to correct those deficiencies with stretches and strengthening & conditioning exercises. You will also be provided with a detailed report for a swing coach or golf pro to correct your mechanical flaws. Your golf analysis package includes: • Breakdown of swing mechanics • Strength & Flexibility evaluation • Prescription for correcting areas of weakness and imbalances First visit is two hours and must be scheduled Monday – Friday, a second visit to review the analysis will be one hour and can be scheduled Monday – Friday and select Saturdays. For More Information, Contact The Micheli Center @ 781-373-2760 or go to themichelicenter.com
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1st Workout Is FREE Give Us 3 months & We Will Give You the Extra YARDS.
•
Strength coaches are now the “go to” people for anyone wanting to get serious about all areas of their golf game.
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Rotational sports require; athletic ability under load, core work, strengthening the posterior chain, emphasis on power development
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Stronger golfers are made in the gym; plain and simple. A common misconception is that strength and power will ruin ones overall golf game, or that power in a golf swing comes from flexibility and stability and not strength. Not true. We use lower and upper body strengthening to create power throughout the swing.
•
Combine that with hitting consistent balls in our indoor range bay and you’ll see the results
Millyard Strength & Conditioning 88 Pine Street Extension, Nashua, NH 03060 (next to the MILLYARD smokestack)
Gym: (603)402-9558 | Cell: (978)235-0688 www.personaltrainerinnashuanh.com | www.clarkscorefitness.com
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Back Breathing
For More Birdies
We breathe 14-20 times per minute and 20,000 times per day. What if…just what IF by adding 60 seconds to the start of your daily workout/pre-round routine, you can hit the “distress” button, improve posture, and help you produce a more stable and powerful swing. Through back breathing, it is possible. I can’t wait to show you how! Time to take notes, look weird, and just breathe. So what is this “back breathing” stuff? What makes it so different from our auto-pilot, daily breathing? Back breathing is the ability to use our diaphragm the way it was designed. How can you tell? It is our ability to inhale fully without elevating our ribs, and then fully exhaling. Why is it important for golfers to fully use their diaphragm? So glad you asked! The answer is core stability. Think of our core as a team of “stuff” working together to protect our spine, get into golf posture and grip it and rip it! This team I speak of, consists of our inner most core musculature and all the other fascial and muscular connections that connect
to our spine. By making back breathing a priority, it will not only improve how we feel and set the stage for a powerful game. Over time, physical and physiological stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. Let’s face it, the majority of us are high-stress, fast-paced athletes who sit too much. Due to such repeated stress, our body, the MOST important piece of equipment we have, takes the hit. Let’s take a visual break. Think of your rib cage and pelvis like an egg. We typically walk, lift, and play golf as a “broken” egg: ribs flared out and butt sticking out. This position inhibits our ability to effectively recruit our abdominal muscles. As a result, our core stabilizers are forced to take a back seat and in turn shallows breathing, flares out our ribs and our lower back takes on the stabilizing roll. HUH, shallow breathing? Yes, think as if I were to run up behind you and yell “BOO!” Tightness results in a domino effect. If our backs become tight, our hip flexors are overused, and our posture starts to crumble.
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Breathing in such a position also tightens our upper extremity muscles: trapezius, latissimus, rotator cuff muscles, and scalenes. Guess what? Those muscles NEED to be loose in order to rotate in our golf swing and lift without pain. So instead of quitting our job or hanging up our clubs, how can we help fix this? Set aside time, and get after it. As physical therapist, Connor Ryan states, “The best rehab is done in the gym.” Training in controlled, proper form, is an ideal way to prevent injury and compensation. We know back breathing activates our inner most abdominal muscles that line our spine and keep our pelvis in an optimal position; so, in doing so we are allowing over compensating muscles to relax, and giving the stabilization roll back to its rightful owner. As a result, we are TRAINING our core and BRAIN to hold our “egg” together through muscle memory. This is NOT magic, and not a one-time fix. As with anything, this takes work and NEEDS to be done daily. I prescribe this to my golfers before EVERY lift and EVERY round. It’s as natural as brushing your teeth and can be conveniently done anywhere. Implementing back breathing into your daily routine will hit the reset button on your stress, train muscle memory, and improve movement and athleticism. I promise you, this is worth your time. You have invested in your game, course memberships, and practice time; what’s another 60 seconds of your day to invest in the MOST important piece of equipment. Enough talking! Go back breathe your way to more birdies!!
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Total Fitness Clubs Swansea, Seekonk, Dartmouth, MA & Bristol RI Golf Fitness Assessment
Learn how to achieve your specific health & fitness goals with our Team of Professionals. Personal Golf Fit Training Discover a plan that is catered to you! Personal training is one of the most time-effective & efficient ways to get and stay in shape Mind Body Studios @ Total Fitness Mind Body Studios is our “in house” private and small group fitness studio offering Pilates, Total Barre, TRX and more Group Exercise We offer a variety of group exercise classes for all ages & abilities. 6 Weeks to Wellness 6-week, $99, introduction to fitness program designed for people with existing health issues or whose current lifestyle is leading to health issues. Total Fitness offers nationally certified and experienced RI & MA Personal Trainers. We specialize in cardiovascular, strength and conditioning programs, rehabilitation and injury recovery programs, sports specific programs and lifestyle programs.
totalfitnessclubs.com
Watch Videos at YouTube.com Keyword: Kaitlyn Sharpless Golf
Bristol: 401-254-3900 Swansea: 508-679-9793 Seekonk: 508-336-4545 Dartmouth: 508-995-5600
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Introductory Personal Training Offer
Titleist Golf Screening
(2) 1-hr. sessions - $99
w/ video analysis & custom training program - $199
MOVEMENT MADE STRONG! 401.413.2526 | www.lisatamburini.com Lisa M. Tamburini, CPT, CGFS | Email: golfstrong@yahoo.com Tamburini Golf Performance Center, 100 Federal Way, Johnston, RI 02919
Groove your swing all winter long The no-brainer swing trainer allows you to practice indoors use your clubs, or a simulator SWINGCLICK improves the CONSISTENCY, TIMING, RHYTHM, and TEMPO of your golf swing.
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Big Sticks ½ | Broken Tee ½
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TINKERS NEST
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New Clubs for a New Season By ED TRAVIS
It’s that time of year again—cleaning the sticks one last time and putting them away for the season, planning a winter getaway and maybe even thinking about buying new clubs. Let’s face it besides being expensive, clubs are also an investment in your on-course performance not to mention your enjoyment of the game so
Callaway Golf
Callaway, under CEO Chip Brewer, has charged back into the limelight in the past year and the momentum seems to be continuing for the coming season with two drivers, the Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond and the Great Big Bertha, plus fairway woods and two new iron models. The Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond Driver (which has to be the longest name for a golf club…ever) is targeted for high swing speed players and in addition to Callaway’s OptiFit hosel it has two “Gravity Cores” in the sole to adjust ball flight bias. By flipping the Gravity Cores end for end they also help compensate for the user’s normal impact location on the face, above the center or below. Retail is $500 in either 9 or 10.5 degrees loft. The Great Big Bertha driver ($450) has a new multi-material head with a thinner face and can be light in weight for slower swing speeds or up to 30 grams heavier for faster swingers depending on the shaft chosen. The 10gram rear sole sliding weight first seen last year has been retained and the GBB also makes use of the time-tested Optifit hosel. GBB Fairway Woods ($250) give you a choice of five lofts and have a slightly larger clubhead than previous models for more resistance to twisting at impact
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being an informed consumer is best and the smart thing to do. In the next two issues we bring you an advanced look at what the major manufacturers will produce for 2016 to help you sort out those that appeal to you. The dates these latest clubs will be at retail vary depending on the company but many are appearing in shops right now.
plus there’s a Warbird Sole and a forged cup club face. An Optifit hosel comes on the three stronger loft models. Callaway’s Apex Hybrids ($220) combine a forged face cup, their “Internal Standing Wave” construction and a slightly longer, more iron-like head length with a neutral bias favored by lower handicap players. In irons the Apex 16 CF and Apex Pro 16 are the new offerings both priced with steel shafts at $1,200 and with graphite at $1,400. The CF stands for cup face-forged with the 3- through 7-irons using Callaway’s Cup 360 design while the 8-iron through attack wedge use a specially engineered faceplate for better feel. The Apex Pro 16, meant for Tour players and scratch amateurs, have a classic blade look with no up charge for optional shafts.
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Cleveland Golf Parent Srixon seems to have made the decision Cleveland will be primarily a wedge company and as number two in wedges behind Vokey Design (Acushnet Company) that would make sense given Srixon’s reintroducing their full club line into the U.S. market last year. For 2016 there are the new Cleveland Smart Sole 2.0 C and Smart 2.0 C wedges, both priced at $110 with a steel shaft or $10 more for graphite. The 2.0 C has a wider sole to help
eliminate the dreaded “chunk” shot and comes in a black satin finish. The 2.0 S puts all of Cleveland’s expertise into a club for the average player to get out of bunkers and, as does the 2.0 C, it has a plastic plaque for vibration dampening and weight moved towards the perimeter.
Srixon Srixon is making a bigger push in this country and an addition to the Z series, the Z 355 woods, hybrids and irons. The Z 355 450cc Driver ($350) has a head weight of 211-grams—about 6 grams heavier than most other drivers--but combines it with an high balance point shaft, a hosel with 12 loft, lie and face angle settings and a titanium cup face. Z 355 fairways woods ($230) also have a heavier head/high balance point shaft design. The idea of higher head weight is carried over into the Z 355 hybrids ($200) providing more stability at impact and the hybrids have a maraging steel face for a larger sweet spot. The Z 355 irons feature a combination of slightly more head weight with one of two premium ultra-high balance point shaft options-- the Miyazaki Jinsoku graphite offering and Nippon® NS Pro 950GH DST steel. The Tour V.T. Sole has received a lot of attention for the smooth way it passes through turf and is again seen in the Z 355 irons. The 4- through 7-irons
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have a two-piece construction (maraging steel face, 17-4 steel body). Pricing is $900 for 4-iron through attack wedge with graphite shafts and $800 with steel.
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Cobra Golf Cobra says it’s not about nostalgia but with the introduction of the King LTD line one can’t help being reminded of Greg Norman’s career playing King Cobras. The King LTD driver’s most unusual feature is a “Spaceport” or window in the sole that allows a view of the clubhead’s internal construction. More importantly, the cover of the Spaceport doubles as a 16 gram sole weight lowering the center of gravity to be in line with the face axis…a roundabout way to say it helps produce a higher launch especially for slower swing speeds. There’s a 20 percent lighter carbon composite crown and Cobra’s E9 variable thickness titanium face insert matched with a hosel having three degrees of adjustability and an additional 12-gram weight behind the Spaceport. The standard King LTD is $459 and the King LTD Pro is $499 with adjustability from seven to 10 degrees and the hosel adjusting to three fade settings rather than draw settings as with the LTD. The King LTD fairway woods ($299) share with the driver several design features including the Spaceport but it weighs 13.5-grams rather than 16-grams and the internal
weight is 12grams plus the crown is lightweight carbon fiber and the hosel is adjustable. KING Forged Tec Irons ($1099 steel, $1199 graphite) make use of a forged carbon steel body and forged stainless clubface with synthetic insert in the cavity back for vibration dampening. For more advanced players the KING Forged CB (cavity back) and MB (muscle back) Combo Irons ($1099 steel only) have toe weights putting the center of gravity in line with the center of the clubface for better shot consistency. A combination set, cavity back 3- to 6-iron and muscle back 7-iron to pitching wedge, is available.
Hopkins Golf When Greg Hopkins left as president of Cleveland Golf his first foray into club design was a line of wedges that immediately drew great reviews. These were followed last year with the DJ-21 Irons at a nice price point of $500 (4-PW) and this year Hopkins has moved into woods with the CP-1 SuperSpoon Fairway Wood for the very aggressive price of $170. Available with lofts of 13.5, 15, or 16.5 degrees, the CP-1 has two movable sole weights, a variable thickness face and low profile look plus a sole shape that helps get the ball from almost any lie.
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MOLORI | BY JOHN MOLORI PRIVATE UNPLUGGED GOLF
Pellerin is versatile on the air and course NESN anchor/reporter Adam Pellerin is a man of many talents. The former Suffolk University baseball catcher (Class of 2002) appeared in two NCAA Tournaments with the Rams, hitting .300 with five home runs and 71 RBI in four seasons. He was team captain in his senior year as the Rams won the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship. After a successful five-year run as a news anchor and reporter at FOX25, Pellerin seamlessly transitioned back to his sports roots and joined NESN in 2012. Pellerin began golfing in 2008 and still competes in Suffolk alumni events as well as numerous charity tournaments. For this Boston media star, it is clear that the swing is the thing. “I started playing with a group of friends up in Portland, Maine at Riverside Golf Course,” says the 35 year-old Norton, MA native. “From there, I was hooked. I regret that I didn’t start playing sooner, especially when I was working in Portland as a weekend sports anchor. I had the opportunity to play on some of Maine’s best courses.” Pellerin is a big proponent of taking lessons to improve one’s game. He relates, “It was the best decision I ever made. It helped my game tremendously and provided me with a mental checklist to use when things don’t go so well on the golf course.” No matter how many lessons or rounds, the game of golf really comes down to one word. “Consistency,” says Pellerin. “There are days where everything is working. Other days, the driver’s good, but the mid-game is bad, or the driver’s bad, and I can’t putt to save my life. You get the idea.” As someone who has thrived in the challenging worlds of collegiate athletics and big market sports television, Pellerin’s drive is unquestionable. “I’m a competitor by nature,” says the former Norton High School football, basketball, and baseball player. “I’d be lying if I said I don’t try to beat my friends. In reality, I know I’ll never have the lowest score, so I try at the very least not have the highest score of the foursome. I try to play as many New England courses as possible, but if anyone has a
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tee time at Augusta, I’m available.” Pellerin is fast becoming NESN’s go to guy for a number of on-air duties. His career rise does not leave much time for golf, so how often does this affable anchor get to play. “Not as much as I would like,” jokes Pellerin. “Pretty sure my six month old daughter has a lot to do with that.” Family truly is a beloved constant in Pellerin’s life. He, his wife Erin, and daughter Camilla reside on Massachusetts’ South Shore with their two dogs, Eva and Sheila. His most memorable golf moment is also about family. “The best hole of my life came at Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester, 16th hole, par 5 - Eagle! I was with my father and grandfather, pretty cool moment.” As a native son of Norton, Pellerin’s favorite courses are no surprise, but again, it is more about family than geography. He states, “TPC Boston ranks as one of the nicest, but the place that will always be special to me is Norton Country Club. My Dad passed away back in 2013. He and I would play a couple of times a week, every week when he got a membership. I’m glad I had the chance to golf with my Dad. Those memories are priceless.” John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players.” Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@aol.com
TOUR SNAPSHOT | BY JACK ROSS
New Presidents Cup Format:
Less Is More
The International Team hopes that the new President’s Cup format adopted in August will usher in a new era of competitiveness. If so, captain Nick Price and his team members have PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem to thank for finally breaking an impasse after years of debate. Under the old format, there were 34 total points: 22 points from four-ball and foursomes (alternate shot) matches, and 12 points from singles matches. On Thursday and Friday, there were six four-ball and six foursomes matches. Under the new format, the Thursday and Friday schedule will be reduced to five matches per day, bringing the total points for the competition down to 30. Each player will be required to play in two of the first four sessions. (Previously they were required to compete in three.) On Saturday, there will continue to be four four-ball and four foursomes matches. The twelve singles matches are played on Sunday. Another significant change is that if singles matches are all square after 18 holes, they will be a draw with a half point awarded to each team. Previously, extra holes were played to determine the winner. The International team has a dismal record in the Presidents Cup, having won only one of ten competitions (1998). (The teams tied in 2003.) The International team has long lobbied for a reduction of matches. Price explained that fewer points gives the stronger team
less of an advantage as weaker players do not have to compete as often. He noted that the old format was “a huge difference” from the Ryder Cup, which has 28 total points. “The 22 points in the team matches make it very easy for one team to get so far ahead it takes all the excitement out of the Sunday singles.” Under the Presidents Cup rules, changes must be agreed to by the team captains. Not surprisingly, the format change was resisted on this side of the Atlantic, resulting in a stalemate. Finchem, who conceived the Presidents Cup in 1994, took it
upon himself to implement the change. “After numerous meetings and discussions, it was apparent that both captains [Price and Jay Haas] felt passionate about their respective positions, as did their potential team members,” said Finchem. “But with no clear consensus between the two sides, it was up to me to make a decision that would be best for the event overall.” Price was optimistic that the format change would produce healthier competition. “I think all of us on the team feel that a points change would really make it more exciting and more competitive. I think win, lose or draw we all want to see it come down to the final match on Sunday instead of being done with eight matches left on the golf course on Sunday. That’s a big deal.” Price had a point as they suffered a loss but it was exciting with USA’s Bill Hass retaining the Presidents Cup for his team on the final match of competition.
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CELEBRITY GOLFER // BY LEIGH MCKAY
Celebrity Golfer:
Todd Lewis
Todd Lewis joined Golf Channel in 2008 and has one of the best and most visible jobs in the business. PGA TOUR fans get to see Todd almost every week as he interviews the game’s biggest stars and the players who have put up the best numbers for that day. Todd’s interviews are noteworthy for both his personal approach to each player and his ability to have a player open up about his round. His questions to the players and his insights about the game are as engaging as his easy-going demeanor and his attractive appearance in front of the camera. An inveterate golfer with an Index of 7.5, Todd lives in Orlando with his wife Melanie and his dog Beau.
NEGM: What are your current responsibilities with Golf Channel? TL: Most of the time, I am reporting on the PGA TOUR, including all the majors and the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup. I’m sometimes in the studio hosting golf specials or appearing on Morning Drive.
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NEGM: How did you end up at Golf Channel?
TL: I worked at four local news stations across the country, and the last place I stopped was here in Orlando. Steve Sands, with whom I had worked before, was a broadcaster for Golf Channel and helped me get my foot in the door. I freelanced, did a few shows, and worked on Golf Central until I was hired full time as an on-site reporter and interviewer.
NEGM: What do you enjoy most about working for Golf Channel?
CELEBRITY GOLFER tive, I might get him to be a little more forthcoming. Other players who leave that scoring trailer and are moving quickly, I have to be a little more tentative, and I understand that. Really, so much of what I ask is from my experience of being there so often, knowing the players, and sensing their moods from what they are taking away from the course that day.
NEGM: Do you have a humorous or embarrassing moment as an interviewer that you can retell? TL: The relationships I have made, especially with the world’s greatest players. It’s important that they feel comfortable with me and respect me enough to be candid and open with me in their answers. It’s also a testament to them because I think, ac the board, the guys on the PGA TOUR are quality guys, inside and outside the ropes.
NEGM: What are your favorite golf events to cover?
TL: The majors. All the majors are great. I love them just because of the excitement and the intensity and what’s up for grabs. The focus has been really heightened internally and externally for the players. And going to The Open Championship, especially this year as my first time at St. Andrews, is always special. It’s a different kind of golf that is played over there, and the weather is always “fun.” So, maybe I do enjoy The Open a little more than the other three majors—but not by much.
NEGM: Who are your favorite interview subjects?
TL: The young crop of players is really good. They’re honest and reflective. Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, all these 20-somethings have been untarnished by their fame. They’ll speak their minds and their hearts, and I love them. And then there are the veterans who are always excellent interviews: Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Geoff Ogilvy, Phil Mickelson to name a few. It’s a little bit of a challenge for me to make sure that they’re not pulling out clichés but are responding to questions that demand thoughtful answers.
NEGM: How do you determine what questions to ask the players?
TL: All of my questions are reactive to what the player has done in his round, depending on whether he’s shot something like a 62 or a 76. The other thing, too, is understanding these guys’ personalities. I know that if a player has had a tough day I have to be careful about how much I can dig into that bad round. If a player is really reflec-
TL: After playing 12 holes at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, Tiger Woods starts grabbing his back, pulls himself out of the tournament, and walks to the parking lot. I try to follow Tiger, but his PR people tell the media to stay away as Tiger won’t take any questions. So, we can’t get a live telecast camera there. Then, however, Tiger says he will take a few questions. We don’t have the live camera, but we have a camera that records interviews, so I ask a few questions. The producer asks me to go on live with what Tiger has said to me, and the tape would be played on TV later on. So, I come on camera to tell the world that Tiger withdrew because, as he said, “My glutes didn’t activate.” Do I get lit up! People think I am making stuff up and that I don’t know what I’m talking about! Until that taped interview runs about an hour later, people think I am an idiot!
NEGM: Give us a little background about how you got into the game.
TL: I grew up in North Carolina on a tobacco and dairy farm, very much a blue-collar guy. I was the first in my family to graduate from college [UNC at Greensboro]. There was this little golf course nearby, and it was not a country club but a club in the country. When I was about 13, I became addicted to the game. My parents would drop me off when I wasn’t working on the farm, and I’d play 54 holes a day with my friends. I just fell in love with the game. My current Index is 7.5.
NEGM: Name five of your favorite golf courses.
TL: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, HI; Mountaintop Lake and Golf Course, Cashiers, NC; Augusta National; The Vintage Club, Palm Springs, CA; Old Course at St. Andrews.
NEGM: Who would be in your Dream Foursome of today? Of any time period? TL: Jeff Gordon, Jack Nicholson, Chris Rock, and Bill Clinton. John F. Kennedy, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, and Ben Hogan. (Photographs courtesy of Golf Channel)
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AROUND THE GAME Quigley and Blaser Win 2015 CCNB Gilhom Cup Paul Quigley (Swansea CC) and Kevin Blaser (Segregansett CC) won The Gilholm Cup Title on Sunday, September 27, 2015 in a dramatic Playoff with Par on the 37th hole with Kyle Pelletier (Swansea CC) and Ryan Pelletier (Pawtucket (RI) CC) at the Country Club of New Bedford. Both teams tied with 36-hole gross best ball scores of 6 under par, 134 on the spectacular par 70 Donald Ross layout on September 26 and 27. Quigley and Blaser scored 69-65=134 and the Pelletier’s were 66-68=134. 36 teams participated this year with players coming from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Ohio.
Ouimet Fund Awards Record $1.7 Million in 2015 First semester scholarship checks and announcements were mailed during the second week in September to a record number of Ouimet Scholars. The Fund increased its total awards by $100,000 this year and also saw significant increases in overall scholarship recipients, inner-city, minority and female Scholars, as well as clubs and colleges represented. Ouimet Fund will have 298 financial Scholars, and representatives of 141 clubs who are attending 147 colleges in 25 states. We’re also delighted with big increases in women, minorities, inner-city and Boston Scholars. The Fund now has 125 endowed scholarships which are providing 30% of our total scholarships
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AROUND THE GAME The Bay State’s Dave Houghton Becomes the Oldest Winner of the New England Senior Amateur Championship Osterville, MA At the age of 71 years old, Dave Houghton (The Captains GC – MA) was crowned winner of the 2015 New England Senior Amateur Championship. He earned both the Andrew C. Bailey Senior Amateur Trophy and the Super Senior Division title. The latter is awarded to the low scorer who is 65 years or older. Houghton now becomes the oldest competitor to ever win the New England Senior Amateur Championship.
The LPGA Select Jane Frost Teaching & Club Professional of the Year in Northeast The LPGA Teaching & Club Professional (T&CP) membership has selected Jane K. Frost as the 2015 Teacher of the Year for the Northeast Section. Frost, an LPGA member since 1982, has been awarded this prestigious recognition three times previous, as well as earning top rankings by Golf Magazine, New England Golf Monthly and Golf Digest. A member of the LPGA Global Education Team and the T&CP, Frost will bring this awardwinning teaching expertise abroad when she departs this month for Korea.
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Bay State Affiliated Golfers Continue to Impress on National Stage Pam Kuong – the 54-year-old Kuong sailed into the finals of the 2015 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship last week. In her final match against Karen Garcia, Kuong battled back from a 3-down deficit on the back nine to take a 1-up lead but eventually fell to Garcia by a score of 1 down. Matt Parziale – the Brockton firefighter and reigning Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year was featured on the USGA web site after earning co-medalist honors during stroke play at the 2015 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. Tara Joy-Connelly – the two-time winner of the WGAM Amateur Championship and six-time Massachusetts Women’s Open Champion.She is a two-time U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur semifinalist who continued her march at the 2015 edition into the round of 32. Don Reycroft – Weeks before winning the 2015 Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship, Reycroft traveled south and finished second to Paul Simson at the 2015 Senior Men’s North & South Amateur. Reycroft also won the inaugural Indian Summer Classic, an event sponsored by the Society of Seniors. Tracy Welch – the Winchester resident has deep ties to USGA Championships and advanced through sectional qualifying to compete in what was her 10th U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 18th championship overall. She has also played in a U.S. Girls’ Junior, a U.S. Women’s Open and six U.S. Women’s Amateurs. Welch advanced to match play this year where she was defeated in the round of 64. Jack Kearney – the Elmcrest Country Club member made his 20th appearance at a USGA Championship when he advanced
through sectional qualifying to compete at the 2015 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. He finished T31 following 36 holes of stroke play to secure his second career match play appearance at that USGA Championship. Shannon Johnson – A Foxboro resident finished at 1-under 71 on the final day of the 2015 USGA Women’s State Team Championship to set the championship’s 54-hole scoring record with an overall 4-under 212 and earned her medalist honors. One month prior, Johnson finished second at the 2015 WGAM Amateur Championship. Megan Khang – the recent Rockland High School graduate was in contention through Saturday at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open (she would have become the first amateur to win the championship since Catherine Lacoste 48 years ago). Although she did not win the overall title, she did capture low amateur honors after shooting a final-round 71 to finish at 5-over 285. Jon Curran – the Hopkinton native and threetime Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player of the Year enjoyed a tremendous rookie season on the PGA Tour. He currently stands 95th on the PGA TOUR money list after earning a total of $1,049,549 (as of 10/6/15). His best finish in 2015 was second (following a playoff) at the Puerto Rico Open. Claire Sheldon – the 2010 graduate of Harvard University advanced through sectional qualifying and then into the round of 64 at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The two-time winner of the WGAM Amateur Championship (2007, 20012) also served as an assistant coach for the Harvard women’s golf team.
74 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | Oct. / Nov. 2015
Rob Oppenheim’s
Dream Realized By NEGM Staff
He Will Play on The PGA Tour in 2015/2016 Season For every professional golfer, the ultimate achievement in the game is to play on the PGA Tour. The road to the PGA Tour is one of the most difficult journeys in all of sports. Each year, tens of thousands of professional golfers from all over the world are vying for only 50 new PGA Tour cards for the upcoming season. This year Rob Oppenheim got the last one by a mere $101 margin. On Sunday October 4th, at The Web.com Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Rob two putted for par on the 18th hole and thought he had fallen short again. Rob and his wife Lacey decided it was time to head home to Orlando after another apparent disappointing chain of events in his career. It wasn’t until they stopped for gas, a half hour later, that Rob checked the results of the tournament and realized they needed to turn around and head back to the event. Rob had just earned his first PGA Tour Card by a mere $101 in playoff earnings over Eric Axlet of Tennessee. Oppenheim turned professional in September 2002. Since then, he has played on the Canadian Tour, Cleveland Tour, Hooter’s Winter Series, and Moonlight Tour. In 2004, he was the medalist at the first stage of PGA Tour Q-School but failed to earn his card. In 2005, he was the Cleveland Tour leading money winner and Player of the Year. In 2006, he finished second on Canadian Tour Order
of Merit (money list). Oppenheim played in two PGA Tour events during the 2006 season, finishing tied for 108th at the Deutsche Bank Championship and tied for 41st at the Bell Canadian Open, respectively. He attempted to enter the PGA Tour in October 2008 in Q-School. He came in 27th when the top 23 advance. In 2009 he successfully graduated to the Nationwide Tour, where he played regularly until 2015. In 2014, he finished 79th in the Web.com Tour rankings, but then finished 11th at the Web.com Tour Q-School to earn a return. He won his first Web.com Tour tournament in June 2015. Despite his win, Oppenheim missed the cut at the final regular season event and finished 26th on the money list, one spot and $943 short of Harold Varner III, the player who finished 25th and earned the last automatic PGA Tour card. Finally, at 35 years old after 14 years of the up and downs surrounding the road to the PGA Tour Rob Oppenheim will begin his first season with a full PGA Tour card. The son of Salem, Massachusetts, who learned the game from his dad and uncle at North Shore courses has made a place for himself and realized his lifelong dream. In an interview after getting his card Rob said,” All I’ve ever wanted is a chance and I have it. It’s a great opportunity, one that not many 35-year-olds get.”
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GORMAN VS GEARY
waste of time, score and enjoyment.” Every golfer knows a two-foot putt counts the same as a 300-yard drive – one stroke. According to Peltz, putting accounts for nearly half of all swings made – 43 percent – and causes as much as 80 percent of mental anguish and frustration. Tell me about it! How about this for simple, solid advice? “Just start the ball on the right line and give it the right speed. You can understand that, can’t you?” Apparently Pelz’s advice is too complicated for me to understand because my putting sucks whether I use a long putter or a belly putter. All I know is that this new rule is the beginning of the end for many poor putters like me. I may as well make a $5 Nassau and then just ask for a buyGolf already has the most rules of any sport, out after 9 holes. I’ve had way too many rounds causing confusion and anger at one time or where my putting strokes exceed half my total another, but which drives me to come back for score, and you bet that bugs the hell out of me. more pain and punishment, usually in the form Two amazing putting stories from the PGA trying to reduce those double-bogies, and the Tour this year is that Jordan Spieth proved he is dreaded snowman on the scorecard. one-shot wonder, whose whole game revolves So now comes a monumental around his putter. When Spieth loses decision from the sport’s rulhis touch on the green he is ing bodies – The Royal & history. He missed the cut Ancient and the United in the first two FedEx Cup States Golf Association events because of poor - that confirm what putting. Have you ever I always knew about seen a pro make so many them. They are a bunch by Tom Gorman long-range putts? The closer of sadistic hypocrites. For he gets to the hole the better the past decade they complain he scores. The other putting story of the about growing the game and speeding up year involves Robert Streb, shooting 65 in the final play with the “While We’re Young” campaign, round of the Greenbriar Classic on July 5. Streb and then the cut-throat SOBs turn around and, broke his putter on the 9th green and used his effective January 1, 2016, ban the use of an56-degree sand wedge to make three birdies on choring the putter. How does this ridiculous the back side including a 30-foot bomb on the new rule grow the game? 13th green. He lost the tournament in a three-way This is a topic that is near and dear to playoff to Danny Lee. Almost unbelievable. me since I’ve been using the long putter for Tens and thousands of golfers, including over 20 years and the primary reason being me and that ubiquitous, antagonistic Golf a word that begins with the letter “y” as in Whisperer Tim Geary, hope that before Januyips. The last time I remember using a 34-inch ary 1 the powers-that-be will act to remove putter was in 1994 while on a golf buddy trip the rule that bans amateurs from anchoring to Myrtle Beach. I was standing on the 18th their putter while competing. I do not want to green at Man-O-War golf course, and after follow another divisive, hairsplitting rule drafted missing yet another two-foot putt and losing by a bunch of fussbudget country club WASPs yet another $20 wager, I took four mighty who serve on a committee trying to decide steps and heaved the club a healthy 20-yards if an acorn is a loose impediment or outside into the lake, never using a regulation length agency. AMEN! putter again. Tom Gorman, has many excuses for being The two favorite books in my golf library are a poor putter and wonders whether someDave Pelz’s “Putt Like the Pros,” (1990) and day if golf’s ruling bodies will ban players “Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible” (2000). Who can from wearing blushing pink and lime green as argue with comments like “three-putts are a complementary outfits.
Should amateurs be exempt from the ban on anchoring putters?
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GORMAN VS GEARY
What you were scheduled to be reading in this issue was a debate between Gorman and me on who should be named Player of the Year, Jordan Spieth or Jason Day. Until the Tour Championship that was still a very viable topic. Then Spieth went and ruined it all. Yeah, even if Day had captured the Tour Championship and the Fed Ex Cup, it was my contention that Spieth was still Player of the Year, based on winning two majors. But it would have been a great topic. Same is true with many of the younger So instead you are getting next month’s players who grew up using a belly putter. Is topic, should the USGA and the R&A postgolf better off if they stop playing or if they pone their ban on belly putters? Nobody just fall off the face of the earth? seems to give a fig about the long putter And let’s examine the fact that there is that Bernhard Langer and Adam Scott have no viable statistical evidence that shows made a fortune with. that anchoring the putter to the body Gorman and I are having a rare moment makes one a better putter over someone in which we pretty much agree, who puts the traditional way. but the degree to which Do you think that Keegan we are on the same Bradley or Webb Simppage is not similar. son are better putters Tommy 3-putt is with their belly blades an aficionado of (both have switched the belly putter, dethis year) than Jordan spite the fact that he by Tim Geary Spieth or Jason Day? is one of the few people Now let’s talk about the in his age group who does not putter itself. What is more extreme, a have an extensive boiler. He uses it and long or belly putter, or a normal length has for years. putter with a space age head? Look at I, on the other hand, hate the belly putter all the different putter designs out there. and prefer the traditional putter, although I Half the field at any tournament look as have experimented with both the long and though they could be branding cattle, at belly, just for laughs. a roundup, with their putters. I am on record for being for the ban and How about banning them and making if it is implemented for next year I won’t reputter heads universal? ally object. Never happen because manufacturers But there is another side to this and it really of golf equipment would go nuts. Different needs to be examined more closely. designs effectively convince consumers to A lot of older players, both professional try different putters and spend big bucks and top amateurs, no longer have the to do so. nerves or whatever physical term you I am not opposing a ban on belly or long want to use, to putt effectively with the putters being anchored, but it should begin traditional putters. in the junior ranks. Anyone still using anHow many of our favorite older players are chored putters should be grandfathered in. going to disappear from the scene because Let anyone who has competed in a USGA they can no longer compete? Langer and event, at any level, with an anchored putFred Couples immediately spring to mind. ter, be allowed to continue. Prohibit anyone They may just say “the hell with it” and stop coming up from doing so. Simple. competing and that would be bad for golf.
Should amateurs be exempt from the ban on anchoring putters?
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