SPRING 2013
w w w. N J G o l f N e w s . c o m
Junior Golf…page 12
VOL 23, NO. 1
AFTER THE STORM
page 7…2013 U.S. Women’s Open
page 8…Shoprite LPGA Classic
page 10…Inspirational Mario Tobia
Time to Play Again! page 14…2013 U.S. Open at Merion
S
GOLF COURSES RECOUP AND REGROUP
uper Storm Sandy, which struck the area late last October, delivered unprecedented damage to Shore area residences, businesses, beaches and boardwalks, but its effects were also felt widely throughout many New Jersey counties, and as far north and east as parts of Long Island and Connecticut. Hundreds of golf courses throughout the state suffered damages in this late season hurricane, and Golfer’s Tee Times talked with a handful of managers and superintendents to get a better understanding of how they prepared for, and then cleaned up from – Super Storm Sandy. “The eye of the storm literally crossed 17th Street in Brigantine, so in some ways it was a blessing,” said Nathan Robbins, General Manager at the Links at Brigantine Beach, said the 18-hole golf course suffered more from water damage than from wind. “If you look at damage to places twenty miles north of us, they really had sustained winds. Our damage was limited to flooding, and we were fortunate not to have any water in our clubhouse or cart barn. But there were areas of the course under three and four feet of water, and that forced us to close for about three weeks after the storm” he added. The Links at Brigantine Beach was back up and running by Thanksgiving, he said, “but the difficult part has been since then we’re almost 50 percent above average in precipitation
By Richard J. Skelly
and this whole island has yet to dry out following the storm. With all of that said, we’re very optimistic for the coming year. The golf course is in pretty good shape and come the middle of the summer, we’re confident you won’t see any lasting effects from the storm.” Robbins continued on to say that their 9th and th 18 greens were the only ones underwater for any length of time, “but we had an 18-foot powerboat that was in the left rough of our second hole for a time, and the walking bridge on the third hole ended up in the left rough of the second hole.” Robbins said the walking bridge must weigh at least a ton, and the force of the incoming water moved it more than 100 yards. “We didn’t have any fast moving current so it was more a matter of making sure we did everything we could to make sure the effects of salt water were limited,” Robbins said. Absecon Bay is about 50 yards from the 1st tee at the Links, he pointed out, and the 15th hole sports a peninsula green, which also got submerged, but for less time than the 9th and 18th greens. “While we were able to open by late November, one of the biggest challenges has been combating the perception that this whole area was closed down and damaged beyond repair. There was no damage to Atlantic City casinos and no damage to the boardwalk there. Other area golf courses might have had some trees come down, but for the most part, they were back open within a week,” Robbins said.
Matthew Morrow, the superintendent at Manasquan River GC in Brielle, a private club nestled along the river of the same name, which sits less than 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, said he and the General Manager and members at the course used Super Storm Sandy as a learning experience and found out ways to improve on infrastructure and drainage in certain areas of the property. “Hopefully this is an once-in-a-lifetime event, but the good part about the whole experience was we learned a lot about the golf course and how we can improve on drainage and create a better tree management program,” Morrow explained, adding Manasquan River lost about 100 trees all over the property. “We had a 25-foot and a 38-foot boat, both ended up on the golf course,” Morrow said, and needless to say, both boat owners came forth immediately to make arrangements with their insurance companies to have them removed from the 12th and 17th holes, respectively.” As far as tree damage, Morrow said he and his crew did as much as they could in-house but left big or overly dangerous jobs to a tree company in Pennsylvania that he’d worked with in the past. “Losing power was pretty much a foregone conclusion in my mind. Knowing the golf course is so close to river and we were going to flood, we got all our pumps ready and our equipment fueled up and generators were all primed and ready to go,” he said. Manasquan River leads to the Manasquan Inlet which in turn leads out to the ocean, which is continued on page 3
2
GTT
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
golfer’s tee times Editor-in-Chief/ Publisher.................................................................................Marian Castner Advertising/Marketing.....................................................................Lowell Schmidt & Joe Ubil Graphic Design........................................................................................................ Daria Little Senior Writers.......................................................................... Tom Flynn and Richard J Skelly Contributing Writers............................................ Lowell Schmidt, Nate Oxman, Andrea Stuart Eric Shendell and Remi Shendell Webmasters...............................................................................Dan Radcliffe and Kevin Caroll Golfer’s Tee Times newspaper is published by Golfer’s Tee Times Media Group LLC 2013 Copyright - All Rights Reserved. Visit us on our new website: www.njgolfnews.com Office: Golfer’s Tee Times Media Group PO Box 163, Marlboro, NJ 07746-0163 Phone: (732) 577-1995 Email: editor@njgolfnews.com Golfer’s Tee Times welcomes editorial ideas and submissions by writing or email. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials nor do we guarantee that work submitted will be published. Editorial & advertising inquiries should be addressed to: editor@njgolfnews.com
GOLF
SPRING 2013
Letter from the Editor Dear Readers: I cannot believe that it has been nearly eight months since our last issue printed, but with all the chaos and devastation following Super Storm Sandy late last October, it certainly wasn’t an appropriate time to publish a final issue for 2012. So, after a wet and cold, long winter, I welcome everyone back with an issue entitled, “Recoup & Regroup.” As you will read in our cover story, many golf courses in our area sustained some sort of damage, whether rain or wind-related, but thankfully most have recouped over the winter and have come back with a strong will this season. While you didn’t see a new issue of the newspaper at the golf course for the past few months, it does not mean that we have not been working on collecting articles, and redesigning our website. We are proud to announce our new website, www.njgolfnews.com, featuring not only the most recent copies of this newspaper ONLINE for our tech savvy readers, but also the ability to post articles and updates in between our issues. We hope that
IN NEW JERSEY JUST GOT
BETTER! NJGOLFNEWS.COM
the new site will become a great NJ Golf resource for both our readers and advertisers. We encourage our readers to send us your hole-in-ones,outings, travel tips or good golf stories, to editor@njgolfnews.com, and we hope to add your story to our website or the next issue (Summer). Last, but certainly not least, we hope you enjoy the new look of the newspaper. For the first time, in our 22year history, we are printing a 28-page full-color newspaper. We are excited to be working with a new printer, who we know will bring out the best in our pictures and design, while providing our readers with a high quality newspaper to read. Don’t let anyone tell you that print newspapers are going away - we’re here to stay! We are excited about the new season ahead, and hope that we will receive input from our readership about the new look, both in the paper and online. Thank you for your continued support. Marian Castner Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Email: editor@njgolfnews.com
Many thanks to everyone for supplying us with photography and artwork for this issue, including: Nathan Robbins, Links at Brigantine Beach
Timothy G Connelly - TPC Jasna Polana Matthew K. Morrow - Manasquan River Golf Club • New Jersey Golf Association • USGA ShopRite LPGA Classic, presented by Acer • Ron Jaworski Golf Crystal Springs Golf - Stephen Reynolds - Buffalo Communications Sherry W. Varian -GolfCave • Mario Tobia The Shendell Family • Lowell Schmidt • Marian Castner
Local Golf Stories & Events-PGA News & Reviews Amateur & Junior Golf News-Golf Instruction New Products & Book Reviews-Golf Travel Tips Golf Course Directory- Golfers Tee Times Issue & More!
Closest Course to Atlantic City www.njgolfnews.com
I www.passportnjgolf.com
New Jersey’s Only Scottish Links Course Noted for the Best Greens at The Beach
10 OFF GREEN FEES
$
COUPON
.00
Free GPS Yardage and Scoring System on all Golf Carts Ranked Best Value Course in Southern New Jersey - Golfing Magazine & Press of Atlantic City Top 100 Must Play Golf Courses - GolfStyles Phila. & N.J.
Sign up for FREE Golf at www.BrigantineGolf.com
CALL: 609-266-1388 For Tee Time Today! Good Monday thru Thursday Anytime Friday – Sunday, Holidays after 12:00. Not valid with leagues, outings or twilight. Expires Dec. 31, 2013
Call (609) 266-1388 for Tee Times • 1075 North Shore Drive • Brigantine Beach, NJ 08203
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
3
After The Storm: Golf Courses Recoup and Regroup visible on clear days from the course’s 7th, 10th and 11th holes. One thing Morrow and other seaside superintendents may not have considered was the effect of salt-laden blown air and the damage that can do to trees and grasses. “Salt blown air actually damaged trees several miles inland, including some of ours,” he said. “We were prepared for flooding and wind damage, but then to have a secondary issue with the trees, which were saturated with salt air and subsequently falling down, the needles falling off of them and turning brown and off color, were a whole other
problem.” “Going forward now, our plan is to always be prepared for the worst and hope for the best,” Morrow said. Morrow add they had lost power for more than ten days after the storm. “We had the ability to pump gas even though we didn’t have electricity and so we were able to remove an immense amount of debris that needed to be cleaned up and we worked on that until we got power back on.” For the most part, courses said they prepared for a heavy rain event, but most, not all, suffered more destruction from the heavy wind event rather than flooding. While many expected damage at Shore-area courses, what surprised many was the devastation at some of the more interior courses. TPC Jasna Polana, located in the estate section of Princeton Township, was not spared. More than 100 trees fell on the property. Fortunately, very few of them fell directly on the of the 18-hole championship tract designed by Gary Player. Tim Connolly started as Superintendent at TPC Jasna Polana in the Spring of 2012. In general, at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses, maintenance is a top priority, and budgets for maintenance are very different than many other private courses. “We were relatively lucky,” Connolly related, “it was more of a wind event and less a flooding event.
We only had three inches of rain but we did have 144 trees down on the property,” Connolly said. “Luckily, only a small percentage were in a place that would affect play,” he added. Prior to coming to Jasna Polana in Princeton Township, Connolly spent eight years at TPC Potomac in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. “The club is well run, and most of the work was performed by outside contractors -- tree experts -- especially more of the high-risk work, because I didn’t want my staff involved in that.” Nonetheless, over the winter, he estimated he and his greens keeping crew spent about 800 hours doing storm repair damage, and he said most of that were large branches and fallen trees in high visibility areas off the fairways and roughs of the golf course itself. “I think we were lucky in another way. We do have woodlands on the property but the aesthetics of the property hasn’t really changed that much. We didn’t lose a single tee or a single putting green,” he said, noting that power was out for four days in this section of Princeton Township. To prepare for Super Storm Sandy, which was widely expected to be a rain-intensive event, “The week the storm was approaching, we needle tined the greens, as a corrective measure, so that if we did have a large rain storm, we were prepared.” Needle tine holes are much smaller than conventional aeration holes but nonetheless allow the putting
surfaces to enjoy better drainage when heavy rain is expected. “The club itself was closed for most of the week,” Connolly added, “but we mowed greens on the following Saturday morning, and considering all the debris that was around, that was a huge accomplishment.” The courses in our area that host PGA and LPGA events also sustained damage. “We had no power and probably close to
150 trees are down or broken,” said Paul Ramina, the director of grounds at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, N.J, host course of the Sybase LPGA Match Play Championship from 2009-12. “There was a lot of carnage here, but everybody was fine.” Liberty National Golf Club, host course for The Barclays in 2013, the first leg of the PGA Tour’s Fed Ex Cup playoffs, suffered storm damage. One
memorable picture tweeted by Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman just a day after the storm showed much of the surrounding areas at Liberty National underwater, including a boat on one of its greens. Many prestigious golf courses on Long Island suffered both wind and rain damage, including Maidstone and Old Oaks Golf Club. Perhaps the largest golf casualty of the storm was Middle Bay Golf Club in Oceanside, NY. That facility was forced to close its doors and lay off more than 150 employees. While the repercussions of Sandy are still being felt by many, the damage to our golf courses was a small blip considering the damage that was caused all around our area. Fortunately, most of our golf courses have terrific grounds staff that worked long hours over the winter to get their properties back into shape for the 2013 season.
4
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
A New Way of Learning - Melding Golf and Technology at the GolfCave By Marian Castner
Enter into the GolfCave in Clark, NJ and you might think that you are just going to hit some balls into an indoor simulator. But spend a few minutes there, and you will quickly learn why they call themselves, “The Evolution of Golf.” “The GolfCave is really a place like none other,” says Sherry Wechsler Varian, who handles marketing and is an integral part of the daily operations at the family-owned business. “We have technology that most people don’t have access to and we are really combining golf and technology. Technology is really hitting its stride now with respect to golf.” After a short tour of the two stimulators “caves” that are currently in use, the difference from other places is noticeable. Besides the plush leather chairs and flatscreen televisions, the screen that you hit into is larger than most, a full eighteen feet wide, plus it is curved to provide a better picture. “There are tens of thousands of
high definition images taken of each course and each shot is extremely realistic. It takes over a year to produce the graphics for each individual course. There are only a handful of companies that have developed such technology,” adds Varian. Once you take a swing or two, you will easily see the difference. Besides the reality of the shots - yes, if you’re in the woods, you’ll feel like you’re in the woods - the amount of data that this system can provide to the golfer is simply incredible. Besides the choice of playing 21 different world-class, championship courses, from Pebble Beach to St. Andrews, the golfer has the option of also working on their “driving range” skills. If you don’t want to play a round, but just want to work on your game for an hour, the computer will analyze your swing, and can even differentiate club distance between different club manufacturers and ball types. What a wonderful place to test various clubs or even do a ball fitting. Varian believes that people not only come to the GolfCave to improve their game, but to learn and practice, while enjoying the privacy inside each “cave.” “It’s a wonderful place for individuals or small groups to come and improve their game. Now that Spring is here, many clients are elated to see five to seven strokes taken off their game. Over the winter, they
became stronger and more flexible.” Outside the “caves” is a comfortable sitting area for four, along with a wide screen television, and a four-hole putting area to hone one’s putting game before or after your cave experience. The space offers an ideal setting for a small businesses looking to combine an afternoon of business and golf. While individual or group hourly time is available, there is also the option of membership. This is really the best deal of them all. The initial winter memberships sold out, and for the spring and summer, there are membership packages ranging from $75-$140 per month. It’s a real deal considering that each membership comes with both “cave” time and extra driving range sessions. There are other perks to membership including single day and multi-day tournaments for the membership, discounts on “cave” time, 14- day advanced
reservations, free clinics and access to the Jim McLean 8-step Swing Model analysis and Video Swing Analysis. The owners of the GolfCave really strive to meld technology and golf to its fullest extent. There programs get updated weekly to provide the latest in technology innovation. “We are not looking to replace the golf course,” concluded Varian, “but we are a great alternative place to learn, practice and have fun.” It’s certainly worth a try.
Stonybrook Golf Club...
Keeping golf fun and affordable!
Special “Twilight” Afternoon Rates
Monday-Thursday after 1pm Now thru May 23rd…$50 After May 27th…$60 (Cart Included)
Visit Our Website For Other Great Offers www.shoregategolfclub.com
• Rates starting as low as $15 for 18 holes of golf •
get golf ready and Junior Camps classes forming now
book your golf outing or party noW
• NEW Frequent Player Cards on Sale – Save $150! enjoy a great day of golf without giving up your whole day!
207 Stony Brook Road, Hopewell, NJ 08525
(609) 466-2215 • www.stonybrookgolfnj.com
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
5
Royce Brook Golf Course – Managing Both Public and Private Golf By Richard Skelly
June marks fifteen years since the spacious, 36-hole Royce Brook Golf Club opened its fairways to play, situated just off Route 206 in Hillsborough and less than 15 minutes from New Brunswick. Both the East and West layouts at Royce Brook were smartly designed by Florida architect Steve Smyers and the course was built using all the latest methods in construction technology. One can only assume both courses have gotten better as they’ve had time to mature. The Chubb Group, original owners of the course, spared no expense in ensuring proper drainage throughout the 300-plus acre site, and right from the start, visitors were impressed with the facility’s all-encompassing practice area, which includes several bunkers, chipping and pitching greens, a 300-yard driving range and three practice putting greens. The property was acquired by Billy Casper Golf Management Group in 2008. The staff at Royce Brook is under the direction of General Manager Dan Guinle and Joe Febonio is Director of Golf at Royce Brook. Guinle has been at Royce Brook for three years, having previously worked for IntraWest Golf in Scottsdale, Arizona. Most recently, Guinle worked at the Raven in Silverthorne, Colorado. “We were surrounded by 13,000 foot mountains and we were at about 8,000 feet elevation, and the reason Casper Golf recruited me to work at this facility was because the Raven was a private-public hybrid model golf course which was very successful. The members there had a fishing club, and a ski club as well as a golf component,” Guinle explained. “What we’ve done here at Royce Brook is take some of those lessons I learned out there and combine them with a public golfing experience here,” he added. Royce Brook is a semi-private facility where members of the general public can play the East course and members can play both courses. Guinle said he expects to meet his membership goals later this year. Royce Brook offers a wide array of memberships, including twilight and full senior memberships. “The one thing I love about Royce Brook is the staff is always so accommodating and courteous. It’s as good as any you’ll find at any private club,” insisted Lowell Schmidt, a longtime golfer and former publisher of The Jersey Golfer. “It’s run very well on both the private and public ends. The staff is very friendly and you don’t hear many complaints. Billy Casper Management runs a good tight ship there,” he added. Schmidt enjoys the fact they’re open year-round to accommodate golf “junkies” like himself and some of his friends, weather permitting. “They’re closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and that’s about it. The courses both seem to drain very well. In the four years I’ve been playing there I can recall one time where both courses were closed because of wet weather,” added Schmidt. “The West course plays tougher with all the natural grasses and fescue and extra bunkers, but the East course is similar, except it’s got fewer bunkers and plays a little easier,” he said. “On the social end, they’re always running different affairs for the holidays and that’s been good to take advantage of,” says Paul Kaplan, who has been a member at Royce Brook since one of its first seasons. “Both courses are also very walkable, with pull carts, during the cooler months.” The Director of Golf, Joe Febonio, has a staff of three PGA certified instructors and they’re busy throughout the spring and summer running programs for members and the general public, including junior and women’s golf clinics. “Joe is a laid-back kind of guy,” Kaplan added, “and he goes out of his way to help anybody, member or public guest, and the pro shop is always very well stocked.”
Guinle said the many golf clinics run by the staff throughout the summer months are popular and keep everyone busy. The staff embraces beginners who want to learn to play golf. Royce Brook is also very popular for outings, offering an affordable alternative for groups of any size and the many amenities that golfer’s are looking for. Having two courses, it allows one course to be open to members, while the other can be used for the outing. “We get them into learning golf, playing golf on the East course. It’s not always a fast process, but we try to engage the customer on each phase of their journey,” Guinle said, adding, “For our members, we do offer a wide variety of playing products. We have a Champions card for the public and a variety of memberships for those considering joining Royce Brook.” When it comes to the managing the two courses, Guinle has a simple philosophy, “We try to set them up for a golf experience. We’re not a country club, we’re a golf club and we want to take them through the day. We’ll have one of our assistants go down to the grass tee and hit some balls off with various groups of golfers. Both courses can be robust experiences for all levels of play, so if someone is interested in joining, we don’t really have to sell them much after that. The golf here kind of sells itself.”
Private
Semi-Private/Public
R
R
In advance for members only
6
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Megan Bolger Stasi Keeps on Winning Championships By Tom Flynn
While now living some two thousand miles south of her nativeNew Jersey, Megan Bolger Stasi’s roots still lie firmly planted in New Jersey. Stasi’s accomplishments are numerous. Raised in Voorhees, Meghan Bolger played on the Eastern Regional High School boy’s golf team, won a college scholarship to Tulane, became the youngest Division I college coach, was a member of the winning USA Curtis Cup team in 2008, has won four USGA Women’s MidAms, seven Philadelphia Women’s Amateur titles, has played in several US Women’s Open Championships and LPGA events, and has won dozens of tournaments. Her original intention after graduating Tulane was to earn her master’s degree in two years and then play golf for a living, but as for many of us, life doesn’t always go as we have planned. Instead, she accepted an opportunity to coach the University of Mississippi women’s golf team and stayed there for seven years (2000-7). After defending her Mid-Amateur title in 2007, she tried LPGA Q-School but missed by a couple of shots. It convinced her to forgo her golf legacy in amateur circles. She played in several LPGA tournaments including the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship, and ShopRite Classic last year, but missed both cuts. She also played in the 2007 and 2009 U.S. Women’s Opens, missing the cut in both those events also. Stasi now lives in Oakland Park, Florida, and owns a Fort Lauderdale restaurant named the “Shuck ‘N Dive” with her husband, Dan Stasi, and if you could make an educated guess from her many years living in the South -it’s a Cajun eatery. At age 34, she is a four-time winner of the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. With her 2012 win, Stasi joined Ellen Port as the only fourtime winners of the championship for female amateurs age 25 and older. Stasi had previously won back-to-back mid-amateur titles in 2006 and ‘07 (as Meghan Bolger). Her third USGA mid-amateur title came in 2010. She is just the 16th golfer to win at least four titles in the same USGA championship — a list that includes greats like, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus. But what really makes Stasi tick? “I just love to compete,” she shrugs. “That’s what I do. I’m a
SPRING 2013
We Remember:
Mary Rodgers Eichhorn (1948-2013)
competitor. That’s who I am.” Reminded about a comment she made several years ago about achieving many records, she smiles and says, “Yes, there’s that, too.” Stasi will compete where ever there is a good tournament to enter. She has already played in several events Australia this year and a couple of Florida state tournaments. Before the year ends, she’ll play in the USGA Women’s US Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Charleston SC, where she’s exempt from qualifying for two years by virtue of her victory in the mid-amateur. She plans to try to qualify again for the US Women’s Open Championship, which will be played at Sebonack Golf Club in the Hamptons in late June . She is also hoping for another sponsor’s exemption (she received one in 2012) into the Shoprite Classic, presented by Acer, so that she can play in front of her family and friends again in New t is with great sadness that we inform Jersey. Her grandparents still live in nearby Ocean City. our readers that a true fixture in New Formerly a member of Tavistock Country Club, Meghan Jersey women’s amateur golf, Mary dominated women’s golf in southern Jersey and Philadelphia Rodgers Eichhorn passed away in before moving away and eventually marrying her husband, Dan early April at age 64. Mary, a long-time Stasi, a Fort Lauderdale restaurateur. resident of Sea Girt, was a loving wife, “I don’t have a family yet so I can mother, grandmother and aunt. Within continue to play,” she said during our the amateur golf circles in New Jersey, interview earlier this February. “Should Mary was one of the best. that happen, I’ll take some time off but She was an extraordinary golfer, 29 I’ll go back. I have a good support team years women’s club champion of Spring around me.” Lake Golf Club, 1999 NJ State Women’s That support team includes her father, Amateur Golf Champion, three New Mike, who has been her caddy in each of Jersey State Golf Association Women’s her four USGA mid-amateur victories. She once described their “working” relationship Senior Championships, member of the as, “He takes care of all the details. I just Garden State Women’s Golf Association play.” The team worked pretty well last year and past President, Women’s NJ Golf at Brigs Ranch Golf Course in San Antonio, Association, and Women’s Metropolitan after which she called her fourth title win Golf Association. While golf was important in her the “most satisfying.” Husband Dan is there life, so was music. She was the Music in case an extra hand is needed. Last year’s tournament showed all sides of Stasi, the tough Director and Organist of St. Andrew’s competitor. She won six matches en route to the title including a United Methodist Church in Spring stirring come from behind victory in an extra-hole match and an all Lake for over 25 years, and a member of encompassing display of power and finesse in the championship The Atlantic Wind Ensemble, directed match with a 6 and 5 win over Liz Waynick. by her husband, Harry, providing The first rounds were definitely a struggle. In the second numerous concerts and benefits round, her opponent, Lynne Cowan had Stasi five down with only to people in-need, including at St. six holes to play but couldn’t put her away. Stasi battled back Andrew’s United Methodist Church. and tied the match with a long birdie putt on the 18th hole. They “I can define Mary in a few words: remained all-square through the 19th and 20th Champion, competitor, compassionate holes but Stasi won the 21st hole. and caring,” said Bill King, the Head PGA In the championship match, she outdrove Golf Professional at Spring Lake Golf Our Reviews Say it All her opponent, Waynick, by as many as 100 Club, who she won the NJ PGA Pro Lady yards on some holes, but was quick to point Championship with in 1995. “People out that, it’s still about “where you place the don’t realize she had a music side to ball, so that you have a shot at reaching the her. She and her husband, Harry, had green.” She started the match with some two different orchestras. Mary played trouble from a cranky putter on the front nine, but settled down and eventually put Waynick the organ, several other instruments away with birdies on the 9th, 10th and 13th and she sang. “As a golfer, she was very competitive. holes to take the title. She would never give up in her Asked after the tournament whether she matches. She practiced very seriously felt destined to win after her big comeback and at one point was a scratch golfer. victory in round two, she commented, “Well, She loved to win, but she was also the yes and no. I still had four matches to go. I The Best Public Golf Experience in South Jersey had to get ready for them.” She’s right. She’s first one to help other people improve,” King added. a competitor. Mary will be missed by the entire Stasi is looking forward to defending her mid-amateur title at the Biltmore Forest golf community. ★ ★ ★ ★ Best Places to Play Golf Digest Country Club in Ashville, NC, this October, Best of the Best in the Garden State New Jersey Golf Magazine where she’ll be seeking her recordBest Golf Course in Salem County 2003 - 2007 breaking fifth midSalem County Chamber of Commerce amateur title. In the Ladies Golf Professional meantime, she has Judge for yourself... we think you’ll agree! a full schedule of amateur events to Golf Outings & Corporate Gatherings • Practice Facility play, and perhaps Membership Opportunities • Well-Appointed Clubhouse that chance to compete again at 4HE 0UBLIC #LUB WITH THE 0RIVATE %XPERIENCE the Seaview Golf email: merrileehunter@me.com Resort in late May.
I
FREE GREENS FEE
just for joining our E-Club at www.tcgolflinks.com
Town & Country
Lee Steffens Hunter
Lessons by Appointment Private, Group, & Clinics.
Call 973-879-5545
Rte 40 • Woodstown, NJ • 1-856-769-8333 • www.tcgolflinks.com
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
7
2013 US Women’s Open – Sebonack Golf Club, Southampton, NY June 24-30, 2013
PAR AND YARDAGE: Sebonack Golf Club (http://www. sebonack.com) will be set up at 6,819 yards and will play to a par of 35-37—72. (Note: yardages subject to change)
1957 and 1972 championships, while the Country Club of Rochester was the championship venue in 1953 and 1973.
ARCHITECTS: Sebonack Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak and opened in 2006.
New York will also host the 2013 Walker Cup Match, which will be conducted at the National Golf Links of America in Southampton. The practice facilities at Sebonack Golf Club will be utilized during the Walker Cup.
WHO CAN ENTER: The championship is open to any professional and any amateur golfer with a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 4.4. ENTRIES: The USGA accepted a record 1,364 entries for the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, the ninth consecutive year entries exceeded 1,000. The previous record of 1,296 entires was set in 2010. SECTIONAL QUALIFYING: Sectional qualifying, played over 36 holes, will be conducted between May 7-30, at 20 sites around the country. 2012 CHAMPION: Na Yeon Choi, of Korea, claimed the 67th U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis. Choi shot a final-round, 1-over par 73 to finish at 7-under 281, four strokes ahead of compatriot Amy Yang. In victory, Choi became the fourth Korean in the past five years to win the championship and the fifth since Se Ri Pak won at Blackwolf Run in 1998. SCHEDULE: Practice rounds will be played Monday, June 24, through Wednesday, June 26. Championship play will be conducted Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, with 18 holes of stroke play each day for the starting field of 156 golfers. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 60 scorers (and ties). If the championship is tied after 72 holes, a three-hole aggregate playoff will take place immediately following the conclusion of the fourth round. If the playoff results in a tie, play will immediately continue hole-by-hole until a champion is determined.
TICKETS: Daily tickets and weekly packages are available at various prices. For more information, visit http:// www.2013uswomensopen.com/ PURSE: The 2013 championship purse will be announced at a later date. The total purse for the 2012 championship was $3.25 million and the champion received $585,000. It is the largest total purse in women’s golf. WHAT THE WINNER RECEIVES: In addition to prize money, the champion will receive a gold medal, custody of the Harton S. Semple Trophy for the ensuing year and an exemption from qualifying for the next 10 U.S. Women’s Open Championships. THE USGA AT SEBONACK GOLF CLUB: The 2013 Women’s Open will be the first USGA championship conducted at Sebonack Golf Club. NEW YORK AND THE USGA: The 2013 U.S. Women’s Open will be the 67th USGA championship conducted in New York. The first was the inaugural U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in 1895. The 18-hole championship, held one month after the first U.S. Open and Amateur Championships, was hosted by Meadow Brook Club in Jericho and won by Lucy Barnes Brown. The most recent was the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course, won by Lucas Glover. This will be the fifth U.S. Women’s Open conducted in the state. Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck hosted the
HISTORY: First played in 1946, this is the 67th U.S. Women’s Open Championship. The first U.S. Women’s Open, played at Spokane (Wash.) Country Club in 1946, was the only one conducted at match play. The short-lived Women’s Professional Golfers Association (WPGA) conducted the championship, which was won by Patty Berg. The WPGA conducted the Women’s Open until 1949, when the newly formed Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) took over the operation of the championship. The LPGA ran the Women’s Open for four years, but in 1953 asked the United States Golf Association to conduct the championship, which it has done ever since. The youngest winner of the U.S. Women’s Open is Inbee Park, who won the 2008 championship at the age of 19 years, 11 months and 18 days. Babe Zaharias, who won the 1954 Women’s Open at age 43 years and 6 months, is the championship’s oldest winner. In 1967, Catherine Lacoste, daughter of French tennis player Rene Lacoste and 1927 British Ladies Amateur champion Simone Thion de la Chaume, is the only amateur to have won the Women’s Open. Six other amateurs have come close with runner-up or co-runner-up finishes, most recently Brittany Lang and Morgan Pressel in 2005, but none have matched Lacoste’s feat.
Select the Package That Fits Your Game Love to Practice?
Enjoy Unlimited Range Balls and Savings On Afternoon Rounds Every Day with a TPP Card
Play When You Can?
Get the Player’s Card and Save Seven Days a Week
Prefer Afternoon or Weekday Golfing?
Enjoy Unlimited Rounds with a Weekday, Senior, or Twilight Membership
Want the Complete Royce Brook Experience? Become an Individual or Corporate Member
Try Our 18 Public Holes or 18 Private Holes with a Preview Round – 908.904.0499 201 Hamilton Road | Hillsborough, NJ | roycebrook.com ROY28015 Package That Fits Print Ad - GTT v1.indd 1
4/12/13 5:14 PM
8
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
THE SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ACER KEEPS BUILDING MOMENTUM
By Marian Castner
There’s always excitement in the air when it comes to the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, which returns for the fourth consecutive year on the Bay Course at historic Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club from May 27- June 2.
and Juli Inkster.
“Since the return of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer to Atlantic City in 2010, the growth of the event has simply been incredible. Our list of supporters continues to grow at double digit rates and our fan base is growing everyday. The community has embraced our return with open arms and we are looking forward to another great week of world class entertainment right here on the Jersey Shore,” says Tim Erensen, Executive Director of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer and the main force behind bringing an LPGA event back to the area in 2010.
This past winter, tournament officials announced that Acer, a global leader in the mobile computing industry, would become the tournament’s presenting
Since it became the title sponsor of the Classic in the 1990s, ShopRite has donated more than $25 million to charity through its sponsorship of LPGA events.
The LPGA’s top ranked player, twenty-eight year old, Stacy Lewis, will defend her 2012 title. Stacy had a fantastic 2012 season, posting 16 top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments, including four victories—more than any other tour member. Her strong play garnered her Player of the Year honors, the first time an American has captured the award since Beth Daniel in 1994. She has started 2013 right where she left off, winning two out of the first four LPGA events of the season. Building off her rise to the top of the LPGA rankings, Erensen is excited about the prospect of Lewis defending. “The emergence of Stacy Lewis is bringing tremendous momentum to the LPGA. She continues to impress both on and off the course and to have her return to Atlantic City as one of the top player’s in the world is really special.” While the LPGA has certainly become a global tour, with only 15 tournaments being played on U.S. soil (including the Solheim Cup), while 14 more are held abroad, having Lewis as the leader of the LPGA will hopefully encourage American followers to turn their heads to the tour and show a bit more interest in it. “The LPGA Tour gives spectators a chance to see many of the players who will get to compete in the 2016 Olympics. The LPGA is such a global and evolving tour. Fans really get to see a diverse group of ladies and we are excited that most choose to play our event,” added Erensen.
sponsor. “We are proud to support this tournament and women’s golf,” said Kim Phipps, Director, Global Marketing and Brand, Acer. “By having signed on as the official computer and presenting sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, the affiliation brings greater visibility to both our brands and to the many talented women who explore beyond limits in this sport,” she added.
To review a little history of the tournament, this will be the fifteenth time that Stockton Seaview will host the 54-hole event, dating back to 1986. Over the years many LPGA Tour legends have won here including Hall-of-Famers Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam, who both won three times, Nancy Lopez
The history of Seaview’s golf courses dates back to 1914, when Clarence H. Geist, a public utility magnate, founded the original golf course. Designed by Hugh Wilson (who also designed the courses at Merion Golf Club), the Bay Course opened in 1915. The following year, famed golf
course designer Donald Ross completed the course. After some renovations by Bob Crupp Jr. in 1998, and another recent $1 million update in 2011 to the bunkers and mounds, the Bay Course plays as a par 71, 6,247 yards course from the back tees. Dating back to the 1980s, the resort and golf courses were owned by the Marriott Corporation, but it changed when the property was sold to LaSalle Hotel Properties. For several years, Dolce Hotels and Resorts managed the property for La Salle. In late 2010, LaSalle sold to the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and Dolce continues to manage it and has continued to make many upgrades. Tournament week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is always special. Added this year, on Tuesday afternoon will be a new Million Dollar Shootout on the 18th Hole of Seaview’s Bay Course. The tournament will again host four Pro Ams, with over 900 amateur participants over two days, between Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30. On Saturday afternoon from 2:30-3:30pm, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey will hosted a “Junior Golf Show Presented by South Jersey Industries” (Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Driving Range) One of the mission’s of the LPGA continues to be keeping the ticket and concession prices very reasonably priced and attractive for families. Admission to the Monday qualifier, practice rounds and the ProAms are free to the public. The Friday through Sunday ticket prices range from $15 for daily admission, to $30 for a weekly pass or $60 for a weekly clubhouse pass, which includes access to Seaview’s dining facilities and bathrooms. 100% of the proceeds from all advance ticket sales will go to the tournament’s benefitting charities. Tickets are available online at www. shopritelpgaclassic.com. When purchasing advanced tickets online, you can designate which charity out of the 15+ listed on the website will receive the proceeds from your purchase. Children age 17 and under are admitted free. Other popular promotions are also back including ShopRite Plus Card Members can simply show their card at the entrance gate and receive two free tickets each day, and all service personnel (military, fire and police) will be admitted free of charge throughout the Tournament with proper ID . Year in and year out, the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, prides itself on being one of the best spectator friendly events around. Following in the footsteps of the LPGA’s motto, “See Why It’s Different Out Here,” everyone associated with this tournament makes it one of the best LPGA Tour stops of the year. Come out and see why the best come to this South Jersey event!
The Barclays Returns to Liberty National - August 20-25,2013 Great Time to Volunteer and See the Best PGA TOUR Players in the World
Consider becoming a volunteer for this year’s, Barclays, PGA TOUR event, the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, as the tournament returns back to the majestic Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ, August 20-25th, 2013. Over 1,800 volunteers are needed make this year’s tournament a success and that means THEY NEED YOU! There are many great volunteer opportunities still available including: being a Marshal, driving the special needs shuttles, working in the volunteer center, helping with special events during the tournament, and many more.
The volunteer package is $75 which includes shipping right to your front door as well as a logoed golf polo, logoed baseball cap, lunch vouchers on the days that you work, volunteer credential (valid all week, even when you aren’t working), one grounds ticket per day for a guest, volunteer pin, lanyard and an invitation to the volunteer appreciation party. This package is an over $300 value! Visit the volunteer website for more information: barclaysvolunteers.pgatourhq.com, or any general questions about the volunteer program can be directed to Daniel Skelton, Volunteer Coordinator, 201-444-5356.
Ticket Information for The Barclays at Liberty National When purchasing tickets for The Barclays, we strongly encourage our readers to go through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY Program. Designed to positively impact the communities where PGA TOUR tournaments are held, this unique fundraising opportunity allows local charitable organizations to partner with The Barclays in order to promote the sale of tournament tickets. 100 percent of the net proceeds from ticket sales are donated to charity. In 2012, the fourth year for the program, TICKETS Fore CHARITY was again a tremendous success raising
over $750,000 for over 100 charitable partners throughout metropolitan New York and New Jersey. Charities benefiting from these ticket sales include, The First Tee of Metropolitan NY, Birdies for the Brave, The American Red Cross- Northern NJ Chapter, New Jersey YMCA, and many more. Tickets can be purchased through the website: http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/ the-barclays/tickets.html (Note: Be careful to order through this site, and not directly through The Barclays website, which directs you to the Ticketmaster purchase system).
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
9
SPECTATOR’S GUIDE TO THE 2013 SHOPRITE New Women’s Championship Added to NJSGA Calendar LPGA CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY ACER By Carol Graybeal
Tournament Site: Location:
STOCKTON SEAVIEW HOTEL & GOLF COURSE -401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey, 08205 -Garden State Parkway to Atlantic City Service Plaza near mile marker 41, follow hospital signs to Jimmie Leeds Road and then signs to Tournament General Parking -20 minutes from Atlantic City -75 minutes from New York City and northern New Jersey
Tournament Dates: May 27- June 2, 2013 Format:
54-hole, stroke-play
Purse:
$1.5 million – with the 1st Place Winner receiving $225,000
Players:
144 LPGA Tour players, including two Monday qualifier spots, and two sponsor exemptions
The NJSGA Women’s Committee felt vindicated earlier this year when the USGA announced it would launch a Four-Ball Stroke Play championship for women in 2015 because it had already done so. The inaugural NJSGA Women’s Four-Ball, more commonly referred to as a Better Ball of Partners, will be held Monday, July 15 at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton. Women’s Committee member Anne Murphy, who is director of the championship, says, “We are thrilled to
been receiving considerable attention over the past several years as the number of rounds played has declined: How can we involve more women in golf? It is not an idle question since surveys show women often have the final say in household expenditures. And, especially in light of the economic downturn, justifying new equipment purchases, golf-themed vacations, daily golf fees or private club memberships can be difficult if everyone in the household does not have a stake in the
be going to Jasna Polana. The course is magnificent and the ambiance delightful. As an additional incentive, the club is allowing, for a fee, a practice round to each player who may bring one guest with her. That guest could be a friend, spouse, boss, or anyone who would enjoy the opportunity to play this outstanding course.” The championship will have both gross and net divisions. Teammates do not have to belong to the same club or course, but each player must have an active USGA Handicap Index of 30.0 or below. Teammates are encouraged to have no more than an eight stroke difference in their handicaps. Spots are available for 52 two-person teams. There will be a shot-gun start at 9:30 a.m. with the driving range and clubhouse opening at 8:30 a.m. Luncheon, included in the entry fee of $280 per team, is included as are carts. The NJSGA conducts five additional championships for women, according to Women’s Committee Chair Coleen Luker: Public Links, to be played July 1 at Paramus Golf Course; Junior Girls, which includes a 9-hole division for less accomplished players, and which will be contested at Rumson Country Club on July 8-9; Amateur which will be held at Brooklake Country Club July 29 through August 1; Seniors scheduled for September 30-October 1 at Manasquan River Golf Club, and the Tournament of Club Champions which will be October 3 at Navesink Country Club. Luker also mentioned the Mixed Pinehurst scheduled for May 29 at Maplewood Country Club. To register for this event, log on to www.njsga.org and click on “Championship Registration” or call 908-241-GOLF (4653).
game. When a woman plays golf, she is apt to be more willing to make those expenditures and involve her children in the game as well. Indeed, one of the Summit’s keynote speakers was Sandy Cross, Director of Women’s and New Market Initiatives for the PGA of America. Alluding to the time constraints many women encounter trying to balance home and careers, Cross suggested “freeing up time” by having clubs/courses offer car wash or dry cleaning services while players are on the course. Another speaker, Mike Hughes, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, while agreeing with Cross, went further to say that emphasizing 9-hole rounds would make sense. He also said that the clubs/courses which have become more “family friendly” by expanding opportunities for junior players are having more success attracting play. This is the second year that attracting/ retaining women players has been at the forefront of the Summit’s agenda and one of the reasons the Women’s Committee initiated the Four-Ball Stroke Play championship. While it is a generalization that has exceptions, e.g., Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, Yani Tseng, women tend to be more social than competitive when it comes to golf. What better way to combine the two than a Four-Ball, where a player has a good friend at her side throughout the day? Carrying that thought one step further, the Women’s Committee is encouraging more women to volunteer with the NJSGA. Women who volunteer are great ambassadors for the game and one more way to keep them and their friends connected to the game. A prospective volunteer does not have to be a great player or a Rules of Golf guru; she needs to exhibit a love of the game and be willing to spend a portion of her day at an event. To volunteer, log on to www.njsga. org and click on the “Volunteer” tab on the right.
Defending Champion: Stacey Lewis Sponsor Exemptions: To be announced Web Info: Charities:
Schedule: TV Broadcast: Autographs:
www.shopritelpgaclassic.com Since the LPGA started tracking charitable contributions in 1981, the cumulative donations from the LPGA and LPGA Tour events has totaled more than $200 million, $25 million of which comes from the ShopRite LPGA Classic. The ShopRite LPGA Classic will donate 100% of your advance ticket purchase to a charitable organization of your choice, including Big Brothers & Sisters (Atlantic &Cape May Co), CASA for Children, First Tee of Raritan Valley, Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, JAWS Youth Playbook, John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, Philadelphia Junior Tour, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of Southern NJ, Sunshine Foundation, and others. You must designate more than out of the 15 charities when purchasing online tickets. Monday, May 27 – Practice Rounds, Monday Qualifier (1pm) -No ticket required Tuesday, May 28– Practice Rounds,,Million Dollar Shootout (3pm) No ticket required Wednesday, May 29– Pro-Am Competition (All Day) -No Ticket Required Thursday, May 30- Pro-Am Competition (All Day) - No Ticket Required Friday, May 31- Round One – All Day – Ticket Required ; Greater Atlantic City Invitational Golf Classic on Pines Course (7 am) Saturday, June 1- Round Two/ Field Cut to 70 plus ties after round – Ticket Required; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Junior Golf Show Presented by South Jersey Industries (Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Driving Range 2:30-3:30pm) Sunday, June 2–Final Round followed by Award Ceremony -Ticket Required (Late afternoon) Look for coverage on Golf Channel during all tournament days (Fri-Sun) Under LPGA guidelines, no player is permitted to give an autograph once she has begun her competitive round, Friday-Sunday. Players, on an individual basis, can choose to give autographs before and after their rounds. There will be designated areas for autograph seekers. Again, please be courteous to all players.
Ticket Information: The best idea is to purchase them on-line, www.shopritelpgaclassic.com by calling 609-798-0222 so as to avoid any delays on tournament day. There is no charge to watch the Monday Qualifier/ or Pro-Am rounds for the Monday through Thursday practice rounds. Daily grounds tickets are $15, a full-week grounds pass is $30, and a weekly Clubhouse pass with access to the Seaview Clubhouse and facilities is $60. Any child 17 and under accompanying a paid adult will be admitted free. Members of the military, police, fire and EMS will be admitted free. Also free admission for two, each day, with ShopRite Plus Club card. Parking:
General parking is located at the Municipal Lot off of E. Jimmie Leeds Road at the Galloway Municipal Offices Complex There is a $5 parking fee/ daily. There is no general spectator parking at the Seaview.
Cell Phones:
Are permitted all days, but must be on silent mode. No rings or alerts. Phones may not be used to take pictures during tournament rounds (Fri-Sun). Please be discreet with any use of your cell phone while at the golf course.
Severe Weather:
The Stockton Seaview Resort and the LPGA tournament committee are equipped with a severe weather detection system. In the event of bad weather, seek shelter immediately. Stay away from any bleachers, isolated trees, telephone poles, hills, open fields, golf carts, metal fences or barricades.
Volunteers:
The ShopRite LPGA Classic is nearing the end of accepting volunteer applications. Applications are available online. There is a $40 Volunteer uniform package requirement for those interested in volunteering. The package includes tournament tickets, parking, uniform, and a voucher to play the Seaview Resort (Bay Course) for just $25/cart fee. Any questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Boyce at 609.798.0222 ext. 18, or email jenna@shopritelpgaclassic.com.
Getting Women in the Game The 3rd Annual Golf Summit, a collaboration of the NJSGA and NJPGA , was held recently at Forsgate Country Club. It highlighted a topic that has
10
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
A True Inspiration: When Golf Goes Beyond the Golf Course By Tom Flynn
If I may, let’s start with a quick quiz. What do the following have in common: Mickey Mantle Bobby Clarke, Tim Kerr, Roy Campanella, Bobby Jones and Tom Dempsey? For those who don’t follow a variety of sports, the answer is that all of them were selected by the Philadelphia sports writers as the most courageous athletes at various times. But the real quiz, is, do you know who Mario Tobia is? If you don’t know, you will after reading this article. He’s a real inspiration. Tobia, who lives in Mt. Laurel, NJ, joined the above list of elite athletes winning the 2013 Most Courageous Athlete award given by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, after winning three national tournaments with the American Blind Golf Association. “When I hear the names on that list, I’m just really blown away,” Tobia says, “It’s a tremendous honor.” The 57-year-old suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disorder which narrows the vision in the eyes until there is a total loss of sight. He’s been totally blind since 2005, although he started to lose his sight in his left eye when he was only 25 years old. Now he can distinguish light only in his right eye. “I leave the light on in the kitchen as a guide so I can get around the house,” he adds. Tobia just wanted to be an “average” golfer and now has a handicap of 25, which might not seem very low for many golfers, but for a sightless man, it’s more than enough to win national tournaments. Last June, he won the McCulloch Memorial Match Play, and followed that with two third place finishes. In the past two years, he has won three times and finished in the top three seven times in eight tournaments. He plays in about 45 tournaments a year, many of them local with his “coach” Steve Rodos, a 76-year-old retiree. Rodos became his “designated coach” by accident. He arrived at a club in Richboro, Pennsylvania expecting to play, when he stumbled upon a tournament for blind players getting started. Instead of playing, he volunteered to become a “coach” for an unnamed player, and that player turned out to be Mario Tobia. That was six years ago. By now, they have the routine down to a science. Rodos drives the cart to the tee, Tobia walks on the tee and takes a couple of practice swings. Meanwhile, Rodos describes the hole to him. For example, “Water on the right at 150 yards, or big, long trap on left, starting near the 170-yard mark.” Then he adjusts Tobia’s stance in the proper direction. Tobia can hit his driver about 250 yards. They drive to the ball with Rodos giving the distance and again describing the hole. After Tobia hits it a second (or third for the par 5s) time it gets trickier. “If it’s a par 4, he’s either on the green or just short. So we both walk it off and that gives him some idea of whether it’s uphill or downhill. It also gives him a idea of how far, “ Rodos explains, “If he’s in a trap, I tell him waist-high with the pin far away or chest-high with the pin close.” It’s interesting how both men describe the process the same way and also have similar feelings about putting. Both men hate three putting (don’t we all). They pace off the distance to the hole, walking in opposite directions. Finally Tobia lines up and hits it, hoping to make the par or lag it close. Both say that getting the speed and break correct are key factors (sounds familiar!). Tobia listens carefully to Rodos, who is standing near the hole. “Remember I can’t see the hole, so I’m hitting to a spot. Too many three putts can ruin your score. They add up in a hurry. You have to get it close. Ten feet away is not good. You’re going to have
too many three-puts that way.” He’s so serious about his putting that he bought a new belly putter for the coming season. Surely he hopes the new USGA anchoring ban will not affect him. Tobia and his wife Ann, whom he saw for the last time at his 50th birthday party in 2005, have two sons. Matt, 28, and Michael, 23. They are his biggest fans and both are fine golfers in their own right. Matt, a graduate from Muhlenberg College and a Masters Degree from Fordham University, currently has a seven handicap and lives in Hoboken. Younger brother, Michael carries a 10 handicap and has a degree from Seton Hall. Both sons are extremely proud of their father and he, in turn, is equally proud of them. “Matt changed my swing,” Tobia says, “I had a long sweeping swing with my hands cocked at the top. Now, thanks to Matt, it is a more compact and flatter swing. I can keep the ball in play better.” Both sons take turns being their father’s “coach” when he plays in national tournaments. Away from the course, Tobia works as a voice recognition computer consultant for the Veterans Administration. He works principally with disabled veterans in South Jersey and Delaware and is extremely conscious of handicapped people. He laughs at a suggestion that he is a role model. “I was never really into that sort of thing, but my wife saw it differently. She convinced me that I should accept the responsibility to promote blind golfers and their association. So I accept that. If I play well, it means that other blind golfers and handicapped people will be accepted for what they are.” Rodos expands on Tobia’s comments. “Mario never complains or gripes about his handicap. The other blind golfers are the same way. They’re the nicest people in the world. They appreciate any help and coaching they can get.” He should know. He’s coaching one of the best.
What’s New at Basking Ridge Country Club – What Are You Waiting For? Last Spring, we profiled Tom and Sue Delaney, who not only share title of Co-Head PGA Golf Professionals at Basking Ridge Country Club in Somerset County, but are a husband and wife team overseeing the golf operations and professional team at this affordable, private country club. This unique combination, brings their over 30 years of teaching and playing experience, and has allowed them to bring new and exciting programming to the club through various programs. Basking Ridge Country Club offers an affordable
experience, with its pristine and challenging 18-hole course, extensive practice facilities, relaxing private swim club, recreational facilities, and a modern clubhouse. Here are some of the exciting new opportunities at the Club: · New this year are several flexible and affordable membership opportunities, one which is designed for Young Professionals, ages 30-37! · A New Corporate Hospitality Package offers flexibility, convenience and affordability without initiation fees, dining assessments or an annual financial commitment · Women’s Golf at Basking Ridge Country Club has always been affordable, friendly, supportive and fun! Take advantage of their Beginners 9-Hole Ladies Golf League, intermediate 18-Hole Ladies, Ladies Beginner Clinics, private lessons, and Parent & Child Clinics, Executive or Professional Women’s Referral Programs · Lots More for Junior Golfers! Summer Golf Camp programs, all taught by PGA professionals, include full-day and half-day programs for campers ages 7-16, who are grouped by age and
ability. New Junior Saturday Golf Clinics! · A New Professional’s Golf Clinic offers weekday evening options for the male and female working professional who want to learn golf or perfect their game · Enjoy a Family Vacation all Summer Long! New members can join the Swim Club at BRCC by Memorial Day and take advantage of the best value of the season. A Family Swim Membership includes a social membership throughout the calendar year. Join the Swim Club by Memorial Day, and receive $150 back in “House Cash” and eight complimentary guest passes! BRCC’s Membership Sales Tax Promotion has been extremely popular, thus this opportunity has been extended through May 31st, 2013. “Join before Memorial Day and BRCC will pay the NJ Sales Tax on golf membership dues!” BRCC is a proud supporter of our troops and veterans and offers an attractive golf package to those who served in our Armed Forces-Call for our Director of Membership, Kelly Pantone for details at (908) 766-8200, ext. 116!
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
11
Join before May 31st and We Pay The Tax!
In Remembrance: Richard “Duke” Kimball
By Richard Skelly
Some golf pros just seem to belong at the club they work at for most, if not all of their working career. Such was the case with East Brunswick-raised Richard “Duke” Kimball, who began at Hopewell Valley Golf Club as an assistant to Joe Conboy in the late 1990’s. Kimball passed away unexpectedly, at age 44, this past January, at his home in Spotswood of an apparent heart attack in his sleep. To me, as a golf writer, Duke was more than accommodating. Hopewell Valley, which my
Twisted Dune Golf Club Mother’s WEEKDAYSDay MONDAY - SPECIAL THURSDAY 15% OFF GOLF Regular Rate - ANY TIME OF DAY WEEKENDS FRIDAY - SUNDAY 15% OFF ***Sunset 9 - Play 9 holes Everyday after 4:30 SPECIAL Regular Rate - AFTER 12 NOON for Only $25 (cart included) SPECIAL Coupon valid for up to 4 players. Not to be combined with any other offer. SPECIAL Offer Expiresto9/30/06. present coupon day of play Practice Facility Open theMustPublic Year-Round
SPECIAL
Women play for just a cart fee of $25 & they also get a bounce back card of $20 off their next weekday round.
Play 9 holes Everyday after 4:30 for Only $25 (cart included)
• Golf Lessons • Membership Available • Public Golf Leagues Mon. 5pm Mens League (open) • Driving Range Open To The Public • Gift Certificates Available Ask About Our Early Bird & Senior Specials
late friend, Rutgers journalism Professor Thom Hartmann always described as “the hidden jewel” among New Jersey’s mid-level private clubs, was never so busy that one more guest play couldn’t be accommodated. I began playing there in the mid-1980’s with Hartmann, a prominent Princeton Democrat who ran Bill Bradley’s New Jersey campaign for President. Duke was a true hands-on, likeable PGA professional. One time I arrived at the course in mid-afternoon to see him moving a slew of golf carts. I asked where the “cart kids” were, and he said they hadn’t come in yet. These kinds of actions and this kind of loyalty were typical of Duke’s time at Hopewell Valley, located just off Route 518 en route to Lambertville. David Bregenzer, owner-operator at Hopewell Valley Oil Co. in Hopewell and a 28-year member at Hopewell Valley, was similarly passionate in his feelings about Kimball. “Duke was a great guy and Joe Conboy did a great job in hiring him. I took lessons from both Joe and Duke. Duke was a great teacher of golf, and I really enjoyed his abilities as a teacher. I enjoyed him so much that I bought two sets of Ping clubs from him over the years, so he was quite the salesman as well! He was a good guy, very hands-on and very personable. He would do anything for members. I used to go to Atlantic City once a year and he set me up with rounds at Atlantic City Country Club on several occasions,” Bregenzer recalled. “He was also great in running tournaments. At the member-guests each year, he did a tremendous job, and so did P.J. [ Ulanich ] his assistant,” Bregenzer added. Ulanich continues to work at the facility. “He will be missed as an individual, as a family man and as our longtime pro,” he added. David Wild is another 28-year member at Hopewell Valley GC who works as a computer programmer for Vital Computer, a state and local government contractor. “I took a lot of lessons with him because each spring, I would just like to start over. I became a much better ball striker during the time that we were friends. He once told me he learned more from me about hitting the pitching wedge than form anybody else, because I was a very good wedge player and still am,” Wild related. “His key emphasis all the time was always with the kids, especially the high school teams and junior players. He always took an active interest in them and their golf games,” Wild added. “I caddied on several occasions for Duke at various New Jersey PGA club pro events, and let me tell you, it was always a learning experience just caddying for him.” The first Richard “Duke” Kimball Memorial Golf Tournament is slated for the club for June 17. Contact the pro shop for details (609) 466-9070.
12
By Nate Oxman
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
Junior Golf News PGA Professional Brad Hare Making a Difference in Junior Golf
The sign for the pro shop at Medford Lakes Country Club explains it all. It’s made out of paper. It’s Scotchtaped to the outside of the door. “Pro Shop” is written in magic marker. This kind of thing might not be acceptable at most private clubs, but at Medford Lakes Country Club, located just eighteen miles southeast of Camden and not far from Philadelphia, what Head PGA Professional Brad Hare calls, “a home base of junior golf in South Jersey.”The homemade sign by Hare’s 10-year-old son, Kyle, fits right in. Hare says the junior membership at the club is pushing 100. It was less than 10 just three years ago. Visit Medford Lakes Country Club on a Wednesday afternoon and “it’s like wall to wall kids,” says Hare. “It’s really cool and it’s great for the club because that’s where the future of golf lies.” So what’s behind the explosion in junior golf at this charming southwestern South Jersey facility? Well, the answer might just lie in Hare. Hare, is in his second year as Medford Lakes’ Head Golf Professional, following 11 years as the first assistant. He is fortunately to have the guidance of thirty year veteran, Director of Golf, Dan Haskell. He has been successfully running junior golf camps for years. Kids love his laidback attitude and easy-to-understand instruction. Oftentimes when his three-day camps conclude, the kids want to extend their stay. “The camps started to grow so big and teaching juniors was something I was good at,” says Hare. “The kids like me and respond to me. I coach baseball too and I’m told I coach them well. So it was the same thing with the camps. I was getting 30 to 35 kids at each camp and after they were finished the parents asked, ‘Well now what do we do?’” Without many choices for the entry level junior golfer in the area at the time, Hare turned to starting his own Junior Tour.
Hare’s South Jersey Junior Tour is entering its fifth year, caters to all ability levels, and is broken into three age groupings: 6-9, 10-13, and high school. The tour hosts more than a dozen events throughout the year at several private and public facilities, including Medford Lakes, Little Mill Country Club, Burlington Country Club, Links Golf Club, Ramblewood Country Club and Golden Pheasant Golf Course. With a emphasis on building flexibility, kids and pick and choose which events to sign up for. “They’re not locked in to participating in every
tournament,” said Hare. “They have to pay an entry fee for each tournament. They can play in some or in all of them. I have some kids who play in every single event, which is fun because we have a yearend points race.” “If you don’t know exactly if you can come, call me that morning and I’ll figure out how to get you out,” says Hare. “My thinking is that most of the time parents don’t know their schedules in advance and can’t commit to their child playing. They don’t know where they’re going to be. If you want to play with your friend, I’ll pair you with your friend because most 12-year-old kids don’t want to go out and play with two strangers. Go grab three buddies and I’ll send you out. It’s going to be more fun that way.” “I have kids who shoot 140 for 18 holes and I have kids who shoot 70, but I pair the kids up by ability,” says Hare. “You would think that a kid who shoots 140 in a tournament might be discouraged, but they don’t care. They’re laughing and having fun because there’s nothing like that. And I think they’re having fun because my one rule is that there are no parents allowed, no spectators. It’s just the kids. They can come out and play and not feel intimidated. Without any adults on the entire course, sometimes it can get a little wild. Regardless of what they shoot, they always have a good time.” “Hare also helps increase the fun factor by tweaking some rules of the game. “They can sit the ball up everywhere,” says Hare. “They can always roll the ball. I don’t want a 10-year-old kid hitting out of a divot. They can try twice out of a trap. If they don’t hit it out, they can pull it out for free. You want the kids to be successful. I want them to feel good about themselves. I don’t want them beating themselves up. It’s not fun to be in a hole and top it and top it and top it. Sit the ball up and advance it down the fairway. You want to give them the best chance that you can to succeed.” “The USGA might not approve of my rules, but my point is that if an 11-year-old kid can advance the ball down the fairway and make a par, he’s going to be thrilled. If he’s dribbling it out of really thick, deep rough and making nines and tens, he’s not going to have fun.” While the tour has a strong focus on developmental golfers, many experienced high school players, with a fair share firing scores in the 70s, from all over South Jersey are members. As the kids are getting better and better and staying in the program longer, the parents are asking about high school and college golf. “I’ve started to get into the college recruiting a little bit,” says Hare. “But even at that age, I think these kids are so pressured with high school golf that by the time they come to my summer program, even my better players, they’re just happy to be out there having fun.” Hare’s wife, Danielle, plays an integral role as well. “She’s just as important as me,” says Hare. “She runs just about the whole thing. I couldn’t do it without her. She does the accounting. She does the bookkeeping. She
handles the entries. She runs the score table. I’m at the first tee. She’s running the registration table. It’s basically a two-person show.” Hare used to caddy for his son when he was in the youngest division, where the exception to Hare’s “No Adults Allowed” rule requires participants to have a caddie. No matter how much he tried to get his two children, Kyle and Emma, interested in other sports, golf gripped them the most. “I tried to push them away from it and I still try to push them toward baseball and softball and soccer because I’m here all of the time,” concluded Hare. “For me, it was always fun to go to their baseball and soccer games. They still play those sports, but they’re here all the time also. Now that I’ve taken over the shop here and I’m here every day, they’re here every day. Both of them come over and hit balls every day.” That explains why paper signs similar to the one greeting visitors on the pro shop door are posted throughout the shop along with the same flashy Puma gear Rickie Fowler has made so popular among junior golfers. Just then Kyle and Emma walk through the pro shop door and hand their daddy his lunch. “That’s the best part of my day right there,” says Hare. “You can’t beat this. My kids come bring my lunch. They stop in after school and practice, or just stay for a while. It’s a lot of fun.” Parents or guardians can register their junior golfers for the 2013 South Jersey Junior Tour season, and find more information about the tour, at www.sjjuniortour.com.
JGA Current Leaderboard (thru 5/1)
Advanced Boys 16-18 Division Rank Player Points 1 John Petronis 764.50 2 Colin Roche 703.50 3 Dominic Digiacomo 605.00 Advanced Boys 16-18 Division Rank Player Points 1 John Petronis 764.50 2 Colin Roche 703.50 3 Dominic Digiacomo 605.00 Current JGA Tour Leaders Boys (16-18)...John Petronis Boys (14-18)...Drue Nicholas Boys (under 15)...Eric Dekarski Girls (17 & under)...Erin DiDonato Coed (10-13)...Drue Nicholas Full JGA Tour Tournaments and Stats Available on www.jgaofamerica.com
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
13
Junior Golf News Golf Empowering A Future Leader In My Own Words -By Remi Shendell
Leadership qualities are essential to daily life, whether young or old. Many things can be a rudimentary part of becoming a “Leader,” but in my case, Core Values and the First Tee were the things that led me to leadership. My name is Remi Shendell, and I am a fifth grader. During Spring break, I went to Washington D.C to participate in a World Leadership Forum, a weeklong leadership course run by the honorary organization, People to People. People to People Ambassador Programs unique student trips are designed to deliver a lifetime of global awareness and readiness for sucoffer unique travel opportunities providing global awareness, unique student trips are designed to deliver a lifetime of global awareness and readiness for succeswhere young leaders can explore government, learn more about leadership, and meet other adolescents from around the world. At the World Leadership Forum in early April, I became more knowledgeable about leadership qualities, as well as respect and honesty. I went to the Capitol building (home of the House of Representatives and Senate), the Supreme
Court, the Saudi Arabian embassy, and lots of monuments and memorials. During this trip, we heard from three speakers, and they all clearly possessed the qualities that everyone learns in the First Tee. I was struck by several of the qualities that were similar among all the leaders, and some that I, too, possess. At the Capitol building, I listened to New Jersey’s former 7th District Republication Congressman, Mike Ferguson. A two-term Congressman, who retired in 2009 and ran Governor Christie’s election campaign, he talked about the experience of being a United States Congressman, and what leadership qualities have helped him along the way. At the Saudi Arabian Embassy, we ate a spectacular dinner, learned many Saudi customs and saw their traditional clothing. One of the most interesting museums we went to
TOURNAMENT PLAY, HIGH SCHOOL or COLLEGE GOLF and BEYOND? LEO P. TABICK, PGA Director of the Golf Performance Academy
www.leopga.com or call (917) 763-0307 All Instruction at Hyatt Hills Golf Complex Programs can also be booked at (732) 669-9100 Golf Lessons for the Dedicated Golfer Taking Your Game to the Next Level PRIVATE INSTRUCTION ONE-DAY GOLF SCHOOLS (Individual & Corporate) JUNIOR SUMMER GOLF ACADEMY FOR SKILLED PLAYERS
was the Smithsonian Institute’s, National Museum of Natural History. I saw the Hope Diamond, and the largest aquamarine gem in the world. It was a truly beautiful sight. We toured the historic Gettysburg Battlefield and the adjacent Eisenhower National Historic Site, including President Eisenhower’s home and farm. This special event was particularly important because President Eisenhower was responsible for the creation of the People to People program. Without President Eisenhower, I might never had have gotten the honor of going on this marvelous experience. We also paid tribute to the soldiers that fought in the Vietnam and Korean Wars by visiting their memorials. We went to several Presidential memorials, such as the Lincoln and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials. We also went to the newest memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. We also toured the Holocaust Museum, which I found extremely interesting moving. All of these places meant a lot to me because all of the people we were remembering made a big difference in the world. I was nominated for this life changing experience by my fourth grade teacher at the Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to be nominated if I hadn’t been so immersed in golf and the First Tee. The First Tee has helped me grow and taught me to use the leadership qualities that were necessary to become part of People to People. The First Tee’s nine core values all play a part in becoming a successful leader. In Washington D.C., we focused on respect, responsibility, honesty, perseverance, courtesy and judgment, all of which I learned from being in the First Tee, and are great skills that I use daily. When I play golf, I use the Nine Core Values from the First Tee in many different ways. They have helped me be social with my fellow golfers, while showing them respect, responsibility, and honesty. Sportsmanship and perseverance also play a part in making friends, because if you are in a bad mood, you are more likely to have an unfriendly attitude. Instead, I try to forget bad things, and just keep calm and
carry on. When, someone I am playing with is better than me, I try to learn from them and not be jealous. Sometimes, it’s pretty hard to do, though. One bad shot can ruin an entire round. I know this and have experienced it firsthand more than once. Another way I use the nine core values on the Golf Course or driving range is through practicing. Sometimes, for me, practicing is a very hard thing to do. It takes lots of judgment and patience to practice on your own. For example, when I don’t have my coach or Dad there, watching every shot and giving me advice, I have to figure out what I did wrong and how I can fix it myself. It is harder than it seems, but it is one thing young golfers need to know how to do. When I practice, I try hard to judge my own shots. My education, dance classes, friends, family, and just working hard, are also a big part in becoming a leader. Each thing has something equally tangible to offer. My school and teachers provide me with important knowledge and are always there to explain something to me that I don’t understand. The dance classes give me discipline and help me become more flexible. My family and friends support my actions and guide me to make choices that are good, but also let me know if I am making a bad decision. I try to work my hardest everywhere and for everything, and I can start to see that it is paying off. My journey to become a leader has only just begun, but the rewards, like getting a chance to participate in these unique organizations, is even better than anything I could ever ask for. I loved the experience that I gained at People to People, and I am definitely going back next year. Throughout the year, I continue to progress through the First Tee levels, play tournaments and work on my game. Together I have had wonderful experiences that I will never forget, and will give me the vital ingredients for a lifetime of leadership. Remi Shendell is currently in the fifth grade at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield. She is a First Tee of Plainfield Birdie level participant. Part of the requirements of the People to People Program is for her to raise the funds necessary for her to participate in their leadership weeks around the world. Remi intends to hold another fundraiser at the Plainfield West 9 later this summer. She would love any support from our readers. If you wish to contact her, please email editor@njgolfnews.com.
14
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
2013 U.S. Open - Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA June 10-16, 2013
PAR AND YARDAGE: Merion Golf Club will be set up at 6,996 yards and will play to a par of 34-36-70. Merion G.C. is the first U.S. Open course under 7,000 yards since 2004. For the 1981 U.S. Open Championship, Merion’s East Course was a par 70 and played at 6,544 yards. For the 2005 U.S. Amateur Championship, Merion was 6,846 yards and was a par 70.
An invitation to the next five British Open Championships An invitation to the next five PGA Championships An invitation to the next five Players Championships Exempt status on the PGA Tour for five years QUALIFYING FOR THE OTHER MAJORS: The top 10 finishers (and ties) are exempt for next year’s (2014) U.S. Open. The top eight finishers (and ties) are invited to next year’s (2014) Masters Tournament. HISTORY: This will be the 113th U.S. Open Championship. The U.S. Open, which was first played in 1895, was not contested for two years (1917-18) during World War I and for four years (1942-45) during World War II. The youngest winner of the U.S. Open was 19-year-old John McDermott, who won in 1911; he is among eight players age 21 or younger who have won the U.S. Open. The oldest winner is Hale Irwin, who was 45 and playing on a special exemption when he won his third U.S. Open title in 1990. Irwin earlier won in 1974 and 1979. There are four four-time U.S. Open winners: Willie Anderson (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905); amateur Robert T. Jones Jr. (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930); Ben Hogan (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953); and Jack Nicklaus (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980). Only five players have won the Masters and U.S. Open titles in the same year: Craig Wood (1941), Hogan (1951, 1953), Arnold Palmer (1960), Nicklaus (1972) and Tiger Woods (2002).
ARCHITECT: Hugh Wilson designed Merion Golf Club, which opened in 1912. A lifelong amateur golfer who played at Princeton as a collegian, Wilson was assigned his task by the Merion Cricket Club Golf Committee. He also planned the Merion’s West Course (1914) and Cobb’s Creek Golf Club (1916). U.S. OPEN PHILOSOPHY: The USGA strives to make the U.S. Open the most rigorous, yet fair and complete, examination of golf skills, testing all forms of shotmaking. The USGA prepares the course after careful consideration of 14 factors. The course can truly be called “the toughest test in golf.” WHO CAN ENTER: The championship is open to any professional and any amateur golfer with a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 1.4. The deadline for entries is April 24. ENTRIES: In 2012, the USGA accepted 9,006 entries, the fourthhighest total in U.S. Open history. A record 9,086 golfers entered the 2009 U.S. Open. In 2010, 9,052 entries were accepted, while 9,048 entered in 2005. LOCAL QUALIFYING: Local qualifying, played over 18 holes, will be conducted between May 6-16. SECTIONAL QUALIFYING: Sectional qualifying, played over 36 holes, will be conducted at two international sites on May 27 (England, Japan) as well as 11 sites in the U.S. on June 3. CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD: The starting field of 156 golfers will be cut after 36 holes to the low 60 scorers (and ties). SCHEDULE OF PLAY: Eighteen holes of stroke play are scheduled each day from June 13 (Thursday) through June 16 (Sunday). In the event of a tie after 72 holes, an 18-hole playoff will be held on June 17 (Monday), beginning at 9 a.m. (EST). TICKETS: Due to space limitations at Merion Golf Club, tickets were limited to 25,000 daily. All tickets are sold out. 2012 CHAMPION: Webb Simpson, playing in his just second U.S. Open, emerged as the 2012 champion at The Olympic Club (Lake Course) by moving past seven players in front of him in the last round, shooting a 2-under 68 and claiming a one-stroke victory. Simpson, a 26-yearold from Charlotte, N.C., edged Graeme McDowell and Michael Thompson with a closing round that featured a stretch of four birdies in five holes and not a single bogey in his final 13 holes. Simpson, who was tied for 29th after 36 holes, carded a pair of 68s over the final two rounds for a 1-over par total of 281. He became the first American to win the U.S. Open since 2009. PLAYERS IN FIELD WITH MOST OPEN APPEARANCES (2013 included): Phil Mickelson (23), Ernie Els (21), Jim Furyk (19), Stewart Cink (18), Steve Stricker (18), Tiger Woods (18), David Toms (17), Retief Goosen (16) and Padraig Harrington (16). ACTIVE CONSECUTIVE U.S. OPEN APPEARANCES (2013 included): Ernie Els (21), Phil Mickelson (20), Stewart Cink (18) and Jim Furyk (18). TITLE DEFENSE: Since 1991, Tiger Woods, Retief Goosen and Graeme McDowell have finished better than 40th in trying to defend their U.S. Open crown. McDowell tied for 14th at the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club after winning the 2010 title. Goosen tied for 11th in 2005 after holding a three-stroke lead after 54 holes. Woods tied for 12th in 2001 following his win in 2000 at Pebble Beach and tied for 20th in 2003 after winning the previous year. In 2009, he tied for sixth in defending his 2008 title. Seven champions have missed the cut during this period, most recently Rory McIlroy in 2012. Curtis Strange remains the last golfer to successfully defend the U.S. Open title (1988-89). WHAT THE WINNER RECEIVES: Among the benefits enjoyed by the U.S. Open winner are: A U.S. Open exemption for the next 10 years An invitation to the next five Masters Tournaments
U.S. OPENS AT MERION GOLF CLUB: This is the fifth U.S. Open Championship and the 16h USGA championship to be conducted at Merion Golf Club. In 1934, Olin Dutra won by one stroke over Gene Sarazen after carding rounds of 71 and 72 on the last day. Dutra, the first native Californian to win the Open, trailed by eight shots after the first 36 holes. His comeback was the largest of any player until Arnold Palmer matched that mark in 1960. Dutra climbed past 17 players despite battling a stomach ailment. In 1950, Ben Hogan won his second of four U.S. Opens in a playoff with Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio. Hogan, who was involved in a nearfatal automobile accident only 16 months earlier, parred the 72nd hole to join the playoff by hitting a 1-iron approach to within 40 feet. Hogan shot 69 in the playoff, including a birdie on the 17th, to defeat Mangrum by four strokes. Lee Trevino won a playoff with Jack Nicklaus in 1971 to capture his second U.S. Open title. Trevino took the lead in the playoff when Nicklaus left shots in bunkers on the second and third holes. Trevino made birdies and Nos. 12 and 15 en route to a 3-under 68 and a three-stroke victory. Nicklaus and Trevino each had an opportunity to win the championship outright but missed putts on the 72nd hole. Jim Simons, a 21-year-old amateur who led after 54 holes, needed a birdie on the 18th to join the playoff, but drove into the rough. In 1981, David Graham played one of the most precise rounds in U.S. Open history in shooting 67 to win the title by three strokes. Graham made four birdies, including two on each nine, with one bogey. He officially hit 15 greens and missed just one fairway. Graham, the first Australian to win the Open championship, trailed 54-hole leader George Burns by three heading to the final round. USGA CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MERION GOLF CLUB Championship Years and Winners 1904 U.S. Women’s Amateur – Georgianna Bishop def. E.F. Sanford, 5 and 3 1909 U.S. Women’s Amateur – Dorothy Campbell def. Nonna Barlow, 3 and 2 1916 U.S. Amateur – Charles Evans Jr. def. Robert Gardner, 4 and 3 1924 U.S. Amateur – Robert T. Jones Jr. def. George Von Elm, 9 and 8 1926 U.S. Women’s Amateur – Helen Stetson def. Elizabeth Goss, 3 and 1 1930 U.S. Amateur – Robert T. Jones Jr. def. Eugene Homans, 8 and 7 1934 U.S. Open – Olin Dutra by one stroke over Gene Sarazen, 293-294 1949 U.S. Women’s Amateur – Dorothy Porter def. Dorothy Kielty, 3 and 2 1950 U.S. Open – Ben Hogan def. Lloyd Mangrum & George Fazio, 287 (69) - 287 (73) - 287 (75) 1966 U.S. Amateur – Gary Cowan def. Deane Beman, 285 (75) - 285 (76) 1971 U.S. Open – Lee Trevino def. Jack Nicklaus, 280 (68) - 280 (71) 1981 U.S. Open – David Graham won by three strokes over Bill Rogers & George Burns, 273-276 1989 U.S. Amateur – Chris Patton def. Danny Green, 3 and 1 1998 U.S. Girls’ Junior – Leigh Anne Hardin def. Brittany Straza, 2 up 2005 U.S. Amateur – Edoardo Molinari def. Dillon Dougherty, 4 and 3 INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MERION GOLF CLUB Competition Years and Winners 1954 Curtis Cup – USA def. Great Britain & Ireland, 6-3 1960 World Amateur Team – USA won by 42 strokes over Australia, 834-876 2009 Walker Cup – USA def. Great Britain & Ireland, 16.5-9.5
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Excellence Runs In the Family
Sister Golf Clubs Scotland Run & Ballamor
Named NJ’s Top 10 “Best Courses You Can Play” – Golfweek, Spring 2013
Named NJ’s Top 10 Public Courses – Golf Magazine, Summer 2012
ACExpressway Expressway ExitExit 41 41 AC 2626 Fries Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094 2626 Fries Mill Road 856-863-3737 Williamstown, NJ 08094 www.scotlandrun.com
856-863-3737
www.scotlandrun.com
Expressway Exit 9 9 ACAC Expressway Exit 6071 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 6071 English Creek Avenue 609-601-6220 Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 www.ballamor.com 609-601-6220 www.ballamor.com
15
16
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
Junior Golf News Top-ranked NJ Golfers Headed to Outstanding Colleges in 2013
Peter Kim, Metuchen, NJ (Ranked #11 Nationally)...Army Karen Chung, Livingston, NJ (Ranked # 5 Nationally)...USC Taylor Totland, Tinton Fall, NJ (Ranked #46 Nationally)...Furman John Edler, Fair Haven, NJ (Ranked #125 Nationally)...Bucknell Kevin O’Brien, Wexford, PA...Seton Hall Jared Mactas, Woodcliff Lake, NJ...Lafeyette
the 2013-2014 season. Howe joins the Scarlet Knights from Temecula, Calif. The Great Oak High School product has earned numerous top finishes in AJGA tournaments, including a sixth place finish at the Randy Wise Junior Open, where he shot a 70-79-75 in the 72-player field. As a junior, Howe became the first player in school history to qualify for the State Championship as an individual and earned the Athlete of the Year Award. Most recently, Howe finished third out of 98 at the FCG Western States Players Club, shooting a 74-69-71. Out of Ho Ho Kus, N.J., Rose won the New Jersey
The Rutgers University men’s golf team recently announced the signing of three standout recruits Michael Howe, Ryan Rose, and Chase Wheatley - for
State Junior Championship title this past summer. The Garden State product finished two shots off the lead in the 2012 Carter Cup. In 2011, Rose took second in the IJGT event at Architects Golf Club. He stands as the youngest club champion in Ridgewood Country Club history. Wheatley has earned a number of top finishes in AJGA, including a second place finish at the Genesis Junior Championship. He carded a 68-7068 in the 90-player field. The Corona del Mar, Calif. product took 4th out of 72 in the AJGA Preseason at Oak Valley, where he shot a 76-71. At the AJGA Puerto Rico Junior Open this past January, Wheatley showed consistency, shooting a 75-73-75.
Swing Into Ulster County A Unique Golfing Experience.
ARTS & CULTURE
| WINE & CUISINE
|
RESORTS & LODGING
|
YEAR-ROUND FUN
Just a 90 minute drive from Manhattan are more than a dozen beautifully manicured golf courses awaiting your challenge.
Claiming its 24th Ivy League title and first since 2006, the Princeton men’s golf team emerged from a tightly packed leaderboard to edge Yale by five shots at Caves Valley in Maryland. Princeton entered the final round in fourth place, three shots behind leader Yale, but the Tigers saved their best performance of the three days for the final round. Shooting 8-over as a team, Princeton did seven shots better than any other of the seven Ivy squads to climb to the top. “It was absolutely a collective effort. The character and heart the guys showed all weekend long, it was astounding,” Will Green, the J. Stuart Francis ‘74 head coach of Princeton men’s golf, said. “We got important rounds from everyone when we needed them.” Princeton’s final total of 883 shots was the lowest for an Ivy champion since 2009. Greg Jarmas, a junior, and Quinn Prchal were both recognized as first-team All-Ivy League as the duo made up Princeton’s contingent on the two All-Ivy teams. Prchal was the league Rookie of the Year. With the win, Princeton has gained the Ivy League’s automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals May 16-18.
Panagos, Menon and Walker Win IJGT event at The Architects
Come experience breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley at historic golf settings and courses designed by acclaimed architects including Robert Trent Jones. No waiting, reasonable rates and convenient tee times –it’s the perfect golfing getaway. For a complete list of golf courses and more information, visit UlsterCountyAlive.com or call Ulster County Tourism at 1-800-342-5826.
A world of adventure Hudson Valley/Catskill Regions
Princeton Wins Ivy League Golf Title, Headed to NCAA Regionals
The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) hosted a two-day, 36-hole event the last weekend of April at The Architects (Lopatcong, N.J.).The top finishers were: Jack Panagos (Hillsborough, N.J.) won the Boys 15-19 Division with rounds of 70 and 69 to edge Roland Massimino (Lumberville, Pa.) by two strokes. In the Boys Under 14 Division, Nate Menon (Wyomissing, Pa.) won his second IJGT event in a row with rounds of 72 and 65 to defeat Sam Goldenring (Florham Park, N.J.) by seven strokes. In the girls division, Brynn Walker (St. Davids, Pa.) won the Girls Under 19 Division. She fired 74 and 77 to beat Camilla Vik (Greenwich, Ct.) by three strokes.
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
17
Junior Golf News There are so many exciting opportunities and stories coming from our Junior Golfer Corner, and look forward to covering some of them over the Summer and Fall months. Here are just some of the organizations and opportunities for junior golfers. In 2013, there are more than 25 First Tee locations, and the sites keep growing each season. We strongly suggest that if you have a junior golfer looking to get involved this summer, there are a few key organizations to contact: New Jersey PGA - Offers both a US Kids Tour and Junior Tournaments Metropolitan Golf Association - Offers junior golf tournaments, and employment for juniors through their GOLFWORKDS Program New Jersey State Golf Association - Junior tournaments, Caddie Scholarship opportunities Metropolitan & Philadelphia PGA Sections - Offering junior tournaments Golf Association of Philadelphia - features weekly junior tournaments throughout the summer First Tee of Metropolitan New York - Offering junior programs, including instruction, college workshops, scholarship opportunities, Path To College, Girls Golf and FORE!, Mentoring and more in several New Jersey (Plainfield West 9, Essex County), New York (Bronx, Chelsea Piers, Brooklyn Golf Center, Harlem Park), Long Island (Eisenhower Park) and Connecticut (Danbury & Fairchild Wheeler) locations First Tee of Raritan Valley - Offering junior programs at Galloping Hill and other NJ locations First Tee of Ocean and Monmouth Counties - Offering junior programs in at Colonial Terrace, Eagle Ridge, and
Battleground First Tee of Greater Trenton Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City/First Tee-Atlantic City Drive, Chip and Putt Contest - Qualifying throughout NJ, NY & PA in June for a spot at the national Drive, Chip and Putt contest at The Masters 2014. Entries by 4/30 PGA Junior Leagues - For juniors 13 and under, to participate in two-person weekly scrambles JGA Tour/Academy and College Recruiting Services featuring tournaments and junior golf guidance for high school and college by John Petronis, PGA South Jersey Golf Tour -tournaments and junior instruction at Medford Lakes CC (Brian Hare PGA)
The NJSGA Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the State of New Jersey Information on the NJSGA website Let us know about your next junior golf fundraiser - If you have an event taking place in the next few months, email: editor@njgolfnews.com and we will try to either print it in the Summer issue (early August) or post it online, at www.njgolfnews.com
The NJ Academy of Golf at Blue Heron Pines Announces 2013 Junior Golf Summer Camp Program and Jr. Clinic Schedules
The New Jersey Academy of Golf, located at Ron Jaworski’s Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway, NJ, will be holding its first annual Junior Golf Summer Camp. The CELEBRATION OF 125 YEARS OF GOLF IN AMERICA full day, week-long camps have been designed for stuSt. Andrew’s Golf Club & The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel dents ages 9 – 13, and will be held on four separate weeks Benefiting the First Tee of Metropolitan New York this summer: July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9 and Dinner Dance and GALA...Saturday June 8th August 12-16. THE FIRST TEE INVITATIONAL “The Junior Golfer summer camp program will proMonday June 24th vide junior golfers with the tools and knowledge that Golf Club of Purchase, Purchase, NY will set them up for success,” said Bruce Chelucci the Director of Instruction at the New Jersey Academy of Golf. MEADOWBROOK INVITATIONAL “Students will be immersed in an environment that is not Thursday July 25th only fun, but educational as well. During the course of the Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, NY camp, all aspects of the game will be covered with special For details on these events, contact the First Tee emphasis on golf rules and course etiquette.” Metropolitan New York The Academy will also host Saturday morning Junior Golf Clinics, starting in early May. “The Saturday morning 2013 YOUTH FOUNDATION PRO-AM clinics will equip young golfers with the tools and techMonday July 8th niques to learn to play the game of golf, and have a lot of Hackensack Golf Club fun while doing so,” said Chelucci.
Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
EAGLE RIDGE GOLF CLUB Ocean County’s Premier 27-Hole Public Golf Club There are many reasons you have come to love Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, New Jersey. Spectacular views, rolling fairways and playing the one-of-a-kind, championship course. Eagle Ridge is one of the very few 27-hole courses in New Jersey! It’s a beautiful, challenging, affordable and fun course! The magnificent Eagle Ridge Clubhouse
But that’s not all: • Casual Dining at The View Restaurant • Ridge Rewards Loyalty Program • Golf Academy and Lessons
• Banquet Facilities
• A Variety of Membership Options
• The Perfect Place for a Spectacular Wedding
• Fun and Friendly Club • Fully Stocked Pro Shop
2 Augusta Boulevard Lakewood, New Jersey, 08701 732-901-4900
• Just minutes from Monmouth and Ocean County Beaches
The Public is Welcome The View Restaurant
EagleRidgeGolf.com A Kokes Family Enterprise
18
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
Heard Around the States Marty Vybihal Named Head Golf Professional of Shackamaxon Country Club Earlier this spring, Shackamaxon Country Club announced that Marty Vybihal has been named head golf professional. Opened in 1916, Shackamaxon features an 18-hole A.W. Tillinghast designed golf course that boasts the architect’s first-ever island green. A Class “A” member of the PGA, Vybihal will be responsible for all areas of Shackamaxon’s Golf Operations. Vybihal comes to Shackamaxon with a nearly 20-year professional resume that includes experience at such prestigious private clubs as Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J., Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, N.J., and Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, N.J., among others. Most recently, Vybihal served as the director of golf at Morgan Hill Golf Club in Easton, Pa. Vybihal is a native of Clinton, N.J., and
a two-time, state high school golf champion (Hunterdon High School in Annandale, N.J.). He attended the University of Maryland on a full scholarship and as a Terrapin, Vybihal was a four-year varsity letterman and team captain. Vybihal’s successful professional career is highlighted by his victory at the N.J. section of the PGA’s US Health Care Championship in 2006. “Marty’s extensive experience as a golf professional at some of the Garden State’s most prestigious properties will serve him well as he enhances ‘Shack’s’ golf program for members and guests of all ages and abilities,” said Shackamaxon co-owner Christopher Schiavone. “His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game as well as his successful competitive background will be great assets for the club.”
NJSGA Moves Into Their New Headquarters at Galloping Hill After more than a decade of dreams, plans, negotiations, and even a few setbacks, the NJSGA finally moved into its newly constructed headquarters at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth in mid-April. The 43,000 -square foot facility, will not only be home to the NJSGA offices and meeting rooms, but also provides large rooms for banquets and outings. Over 50 events are already booked there over the next 18 months. The new building, which is clearly visible driving along the Garden State Parkway, overlooks the Galloping Hill Golf Course. Galloping Hill will host the 2016 NJ State Open, becoming the first time the prestigious tournament will be played at a public golf course. This June, the course will host the 9th NJSGA Men’s Public Links Championship. In 2012, Taylor Made opened a Performance Lab at Galloping Hill featuring a state of the art fitting center and a two-tiered driving range and extensive practice area.
SAVE THE DATE New Jersey Senior Masters Golf Tournament September 9-12
Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Laekwood, NJ featuring some of your favorite top senior golfer’s from the GolfCave_GolfersTeeTimes_ad_color_r1_Layout 1 4/19/13 5:00 PM Page 1 SUNBELT SENIOR PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR
THE MOST REALISTIC VIRTUAL GOLF IN THE WORLD
Get your game in shape for the summer – sign up for our free video demo to see your swing and learn how to improve your game.
• Practice on our Indoor Driving Ranges and Practice Areas • Play 20+ World-Class Golf Courses
Learn. Play. Improve.
• Improve your game and compare your swing to the pros using our Video Swing Analysis
Private & Corporate Events | Memberships Available | Golf Lessons 1 Clarkton Drive Clark, NJ 07066 732-382-CAVE (2283) www.golf-cave.com
NJSGA Wins 52nd Compher Cup for first time since 2009 In late April, the New Jersey State Golf Association’s team captured the 52nd Compher Cup matches against the Golf Association of Philadelphia by a score of 10.5 to 7.5. It was the first time the team from New Jersey had won since 1999. This year’s matches were contested at the Tom Fazio-designed, Galloway National Golf Club. The Compher Matches are named for Frederic M. Compher, who donated a silver cup in 1959, leading to the start of an annual amateur competition in 1962 between the New Jersey State Golf Association and the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP). The teams play four-ball stroke-play and individual matches. GAP, which won last year, 11.5 - 6.5, and leads the overall series, 34-13-4. Matches have been played annually with the exception of 2005, when it was canceled due to weather. Both squads competed in a Ryder Cup-like format of 12-man teams. In Compher Cup play, all 12 players from each side square off in individual matches and in four-ball matches that run concurrently for a total of 18 points at stake. The teams of Allan Small of Fairmount and Pat Wilson of Panther Valley and Jay Blumenfeld of Mountain Ridge and Matt Finger of Darlington each swept their matches, handing the NJSGA three points per team by winning the individual matches and the four-ball match. Adding to the NJSGA victory with individual triumphs were defending State Open champion Ben Smith of Neshanic Valley, State Open runner-up Niall Handley of Essex Fells, State Public Links champion Justin VanHyning of Mercer Oaks, and Peter Barron of Stone Harbor. The team of Barron and Ron Vannelli of Forsgate was all square in the four-ball match for another half-point. Playing for the NJSGA are Peter Barron of Stone Harbor, Jay Blumenfeld of Mountain Ridge, Matthew Finger of Darlington, Niall Handley of Essex Fells, Mike Paduano of Colts Neck, Allan Small of Fairmount , Benjamin Smith of Neshanic Valley, Mike Stamberger of Spring Lake, Justin VanHyning of Mercer Oaks, Ron Vannelli of Metuchen, Pat Wilson of Panther Valley and NJSGA Player of the Year Ryan McCormick of Suburban, who won the State Amateur and Met Amateur in 2012. Galloway National, a nationally ranked course designed by Tom Fazio, has become a prime host for significant competition in New Jersey. It staged the USGA Men’s State Team Championship last September and hosted the NJSGA Mid-Amateur Championship four times since 2002. The NJSGA Best-Ball-Of-Four Championship will take place there September 24. Credit: Information provided by the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA)
GOLF
IN NEW JERSEY JUST GOT
BETTER! NJGOLFNEWS.COM Local Golf Stories & Events-PGA News & Reviews Amateur & Junior Golf News-Golf Instruction New Products & Book Reviews-Golf Travel Tips Golf Course Directory- Golfers Tee Times Issue & More!
I
www.njgolfnews.com www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
I N S T I T U T E O R T H O PA E D I C S
19
20
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
Heard Around the States
Hidden Creek to Host 2015 USGA Senior Amateur Championship
MGA Wins Carey Cup for first time on Irish Soil
It took the Metropolitan Golf Association 21 years and six attempts but history was finally made as the MGA team claimed victory in late April on Irish soil for the first time in Governor Hugh L. Carey Challenge Cup history. Playing in one of the last singles matches, Max Buckley of Westchester mounted a remarkable comeback and won three of his final four holes, including a par on the 18th, to defeat Alex Gleeson 1-up and guarantee the MGA would carry the coveted Cup back to America for at least another two years. Shortly after Buckley’s heroics, two-time reigning MGA Player of the Year Mike Miller of Knollwood drilled an 18-footer for par to halve his match against Eddie McCormack and earn a half point, clinching a 6.5 – 5.5 triumph for the MGA over the Golfing Union of Ireland at The European Club in Wicklow, Ireland. It’s the second consecutive victory for the MGA and third-ever in the biennial event’s 11-year history. “This is awesome!” an ecstatic Miller said afterward. “We came to the best links course in Ireland and won. It was tough and very difficult with the wind but the group of guys that came over proved we could handle it. We were very fortunate to come out on top.” The Carey Cup Match will return to American soil in 2015 and will be held at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) recently announced Hidden Creek Golf Club, in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., as the host site for the 2015 USGA Senior Amateur Championship. This will be the first USGA championship held at Hidden Creek. The dates of the championship are Sept. 26-Oct. 1. “The USGA is pleased to bring the 2015 Senior Amateur Championship to a venue that has supported its mission by hosting several USGA qualifying events,” said USGA Vice President and Championship Committee Chairman Thomas J. O’Toole Jr. “This newer yet traditional design will provide a comprehensive test for the best senior amateur players.” “Our members and staff are very pleased and proud that the USGA has selected our club to play host to this prestigious championship,” said Hidden Creek owner Roger Hansen. “Having hosted qualifiers for the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open in past years, this is a fitting and welcome next step in our relationship with the USGA. We look forward to providing the Senior Amateur participants and spectators with a memorable experience.” Hidden Creek has hosted qualifying for three USGA championships. The club was the site for a 2011 U.S Open local qualifier and was used in sectional qualifying for both the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open in 2004.
Hidden Creek Golf Club again named to Golfweek’s Best 100 Modern Courses in the U.S. for 2013
Hidden Creek Golf Club has been named as one of “America’s 100 Best Modern Courses” by Golfweek Magazine for the tenth consecutive year. Hidden Creek was ranked 77th on the 2013 list of the nation’s best modern day courses, defined as those built since 1960. The list was published in the March 8th edition of the magazine in the annual feature entitled “Golfweek’s Best.” Hidden Creek was one of only four New Jersey golf courses to make the list. A private club located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Hidden Creek was designed by the renowned tandem of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. They are regarded by many in the industry as the preeminent golf architects in the world today. Ten of the Top 100 on Golfweek’s
list were Coore and Crenshaw designs, including Sand Hills Golf Club in Mullen, Nebraska, ranked number one among modern U. S. courses, and Friar’s Head in Baiting Hollow, NY, ranked number four. Opened in 2002, Hidden Creek ranked third among private golf clubs in the U. S. in GolfWorld’s inaugural Reader’s Choice Awards in 2008, behind only the fabled Augusta National and Pine Valley Golf Clubs. In 2003, Hidden Creek was ranked 72nd on GOLF Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Courses in the United States.” Other New Jersey courses to make the prestigious top 100, were Galloway National (#32), Bayonne Golf Club (#44) and Trump National Golf Club
Golfer’s Tee Times
Hole-In-One’s
Francis Driscoll GOLF COURSE: Scotland Run GC Player: Francis Driscoll, Bayonne, NJ 12/23/2012 Hole #13 173 yards, 4 Wood Witness: Greg Lenaz Bob Shober GOLF COURSE: Scotland Run GC Player: Bob Shober 1/13/2013 Hole #13 178 yards, Taylor Made 3 Rescue Witnessed by: Ed Smith, Mike Schilling & Frank Schmidt Fred Casta GOLF COURSE: Scotland Run GC Player: Fred Casta, Sewell, NJ 3/10/13 Hole: #9 182 yards, 3 wood Witnessed by: Sal Lopresti, Phil Rocco and BJ Cino Matt Ward, Jr GOLF COURSE: Plainfield West 9GC Player: Matt Ward, Jr
3/29/2013 Hole #9 (par 4) 308 yards Witness: South Plainfield High School Golf Teammates Wayne Bray GOLF COURSE: Ballamor Willington, CT On 4/26/13 14th Hole 155 yards, 7-iron Witnessed by: Dave Damaschi, Robert Tate and William Bray Robert Holzapfel GOLF COURSE: Plainfield West 9 GC Player: Robert Holzapfel, Highland Park, NJ 4/26/2013 Hole #3 151 yards, 7 iron Winesses: Joe Ubil, Eric Shendell, Keith Shangle Remember if you are a lucky recent hole-in-one or double eagle golfer, email us the information and we will print it in our upcoming issue.
- Bedminster (Old) #57, site of the 2017 US Women’s Open. Hidden Creek has been selected by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to host the 2015 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship (see above). In 2004, the USGA selected the club as a qualifying site for two other prestigious USGA Championships, the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open. “We are very proud to have earned this distinction from Golfweek for the tenth consecutive year,” said Hidden Creek General Manager Lori Burke. “It inspires us to work even harder to live up to and exceed the standards of excellence that are expected from such an honor.”
Hyatt Hills Golf Complex Appoints new Superintendent, Scott Kussmaul After more than ten years of nurturing Hyatt Hills Golf Course in Clark, Joe Flaherty turned over the ruins to a new head greenskeeper on April 1st, Scott Kussmaul. Kussmaul, who graduated from Rutgers Turf Management School in 2007, has been working closely with Flaherty dating back to 2003. Raised in Roselle Park, he worked at Hyatt Hills for several years before Flaherty influenced him to enroll in the Rutgers program. Flaherty, now 70, who hails from a long family history of golf course superintendents, worked at Baltusrol Golf Club for more than 30 years before coming to the nine-hole Brian Ault-designed golf course at Hyatt Hills when it opened in 2002. “Probably my biggest challenge will be handling paperwork and monitoring of the golf course,” says Kussmaul, of the property once owned by General Motors. He is proud of the latest improvements to the course including adding two miles of drainage and the recent upgrade of the course’s slope rating. He will lead a crew of 7 employees, and two interns.
McGovern Captures Head Pro Championship White Beeches Golf & Country Club’s Head Golf Professional, and former PGA TOUR player, Jim McGovern won the first “major” NJ PGA event of 2013 by winning the Cutter & Buck Head Professional Championship presented by Adams Golf and Bushnell. McGovern finished the 36hole event at 3-under par, 141, good enough for a 6-stroke victory over Mark Yannotta of Essex Golf and Frank Esposito, Jr of Brooklake CC.
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Watch your favorite NFL celebrities at Ron Jaworski’s 29th Celebrity Golf Challenge – May 19th and 20st By Andrea Stuart
The tireless work of Ron Jaworski and the Jaws Youth Playbook continues, and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City returns as lead sponsor for the upcoming 29th annual Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge. Ron Jaworski, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, ESPN football analyst, and longtime community philanthropist and fundraiser is very involved with his foundation, the Jaws Youth Playbook Fund. They host many events annually, including celebrity concerts, a 5K in Stone Harbor (July 21st), cigar parties, celebrity softball games and sports equipment drive. The Celebrity Golf Challenge raises nearly $200,000 each year through its various sponsorships. In 2013, proceeds from the event will continue to go to the JAWS YOUTH PLAYBOOK (JYP). The JYP defines its mission as supporting programs which “improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia Region. JYP does this by raising awareness and advocating for the access to safe play
and healthy choices, and supporting programs providing positive youth health and wellness platforms.” This year’s event will include a Pairing’s Party at Harrah’s Atlantic City on Sunday night, May 19th, and a Kickoff Celebrity-Am, Closing Drive Celebrity-Am at the Atlantic City Country Club on May 20th That afternoon there will also be a VIP Golf Clinic at 2pm at the Atlantic City Country Club. The festivities at the Atlantic City Country Club are always fun to watch. Jaworski gathers a great collection of current and retired NFL players, coaches and broadcast personalities. For the first time, NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers will be participating in the event. The former running back spent his 7-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears. Many know of Sayers due to his friendship with fellow Chicago Bear Brian Piccolo that was the basis for the 1971 movie “Brian’s Song.” He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a twotime NFL Rushing Champion. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Celebrity Golf Challenge and other JYF events. To get involved, contact the tournament office at 856-848-4437 or visit their website, www.jawscelebritygolf.com.
21
22
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
SPRING 2013
RESORT NEWS
Crystal Springs Resort: Seven Courses & Something for Every Golfer By Stephen Reynolds
With seven golf courses, three hotels, two world-class spas and numerous other amenities and activities, Crystal Springs Resort (crystalgolfresort. com) is a vibrant epicenter of golf and leisure. Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of northern New Jersey – just one hour from the bright lights of Broadway – its 117 holes of golf are exceptionally diverse. There are championship and resort courses (Ballyowen, Black Bear, Crystal Springs and Wild Turkey), a 27-hole complex with a retro theme (Great
Gorge),a nine-hole layout for families and juniors (Minerals), and another nine-hole track (Cascades) emanating from the lavish Grand Cascades Lodge. Ballyowen, the resort’s marquee venue (par 72, 7,094 yards) is one of the top-rated courses in New Jersey (No. 2 in Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play” rankings). Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. protégé Roger Rulewich, the links-style layout is routed through a 250-acre plateau surrounded by bucolic farmland overlooking the Walkill River. The entire site is treeless, the wind can be merciless and Ballyowen pays authentic homage to its Irish and Scottish roots.
and multi-tiered ridges) into a seamless and unforgettable circuit. Crystal Springs is rated one of the 50 most difficult courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest despite the par 72 playing just 6,800 yards from the back tees. And Black Bear is a meanderingpar 72, 6,673-yard ride through the New Jersey highlands and perfect introduction to golf at Crystal Springs. Then there’s the aforementioned Great Gorge Golf Club. The old school vibe at this 27hole George Fazio-designed complex is unlike anything golfers will find elsewhere. Opened in 1970 as an amenity to Hugh Hefner’s famed Great Gorge Playboy Club, the retro clubhouse pays homage to this colorful history with shag carpet, psychedelic wallpaper, a disco ball and pinball machine. Staff also sports loud plaid pants and cart girls show off go-go dancer knee-high boots to complete the scene.
These amenities ideally complement the golf offerings, making Crystal Springs a favorite venue for championship golf, outings, and special occasions.
As one can see “fun” is the operative word at Crystal Springs. Therefore, it naturally follows that the resort is a nationally-recognized leader in golf innovation and growing-the-game initiatives. They include family golf on the nine-hole Cascades and Minerals Courses featuring four-person carts and two holes cut on each green (one eight inches in diameter); a “Fast Track” program that guarantees golfers finish in less than four hours; a pay-per-hole playing option; “Wine and Dines” and more. For those seeking first-rate instruction, Crystal Springs is also home to The Leadbetter Golf Academy Northeast Headquarters, featuring the world’s No. 1 golf instructor and coach to numerous players on the PGA, European PGA, LPGA and Champions tours. “Families, beginners, women and golfers of all skill levels are all welcomed with open arms,” says Art Walton, Vice President of Golf Operations at Crystal Springs Resort.
Wild Turkey (par 71, 7,202 yards), another Rulewich signature, is a strong second act blending markedly different topography (wide open basin
Restaurant Latour (complete with a 135,000-bottle, Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar); two full-service spas ranked among Spas of America’s Top 25; the state-of-the-art Minerals Sports Club;and multiple indoor and outdoor pools (including the distinctive Biosphere Pool Complex with an underground aquarium, tropical foliage and free form nature pools).
Amazingly, great golf at Crystal Springs is just the tip of the iceberg. Other highlights include four luxury hotels (Grand Cascades Lodge, Minerals, the Appalachian and Black Creek Sanctuary); 15 acclaimed restaurants led by the four-star
GOLFER’S TEE TIMES WILL HIGHLIGHT GOLF COURSES FROM OUR 2013 PASSPORT TO GOLF – THE ULTIMATE GOLF GUIDE FOR OUR READERS. MOST ARE COURSES PERFECT FOR SHORT 1-2 DAY TRIPS. TO PLAY MORE FORE LESS, VISIT, www. passportnjgolf.com.
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Teeing Off On Back Pain
For most of the 25 million golfers in America, playing 18 holes is probably one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day (until you miss that 6 foot putt for birdie). However, for many of those with chronic back and neck pain, it not only hinders their ability to enjoy the game but may prevent them from playing altogether. The key for most golfers is learning how to avoid this pain without compromising the power and accuracy of their swing. Golf is what is known as a “unilateral” sport. This means that the biomechanics of the golf swing puts asymmetrically stress on one side of the body versus the other. Because the golf swing is performed on a tilted plane, it is one of the most involved complex body stressing movements of any sport and requires the use of several different muscle systems throughout the entire length of the body working in perfect harmony. The club head speed on a drive can reach speeds in excess of 100mph during a swing that occurs in approximately 1.2 seconds. Obviously, considerable muscle force is needed to exert this kind of power. The Role of Your Spine In Your Swing For many years, it was thought that power was generated from the arms and shoulders. However, recent advances in swing motion have added power from the ground up, thus increasing club head speed, which in turn, places more stress
on the spine. For this reason, the area most prone to injury among golfers is the lower back. A recent study showed that 75% of professional PGA golfers experienced a spinal issue. Another study of 193 amateur golfers showed 53% complained of a chronic issue with the most prevalent issue being related to the spine. Some PGA OUR players, like Peter Jacobsen and Graham DeLaet, have undergone spinal surgery to correct their issues. During a proper swing, the muscles surrounding the spine play an integral role in generating power and accuracy due to the considerable amount of torque generated in the backswing and subsequently increase even further with the first move of the downswing. Traditionally, golfers were taught a single axis swing. This swing consisted of a forceful shoulder and hip turn on the backswing followed by an arched lower back on the follow through, commonly referred to as the “reverse or inverted C”. Many professional and amateur golfers who employed this technique experienced frequent low back problems. The most common of these problems were herniated discs as a result of these rapid non-fluid movements placing excessive loads on the spine. Also, this technique emphasized quick jerking movements which produced considerable pressure
23
By Dr. Dante Implicito, MD, and Ozzie Carlson
on the intervertebral discs of the spine which lead to herniations of the discs. The one axis swing was subsequently replaced by the more naturally athletic two axis swing. The two axis swing permitted the golfer to load or coil against his rear axis during his backswing and then to transfer his coil to his lead axis to start his downswing. This modified swing emphasizes the proper biomechanics to alleviate excessive forces on muscles and joints and focuses on reducing the load on the spine during a swing. World renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter described the athletic swing as “the efficient coiling and uncoiling (generating and releasing power) of one’s torso in a rotary or circular motion which maximizes centripetal force. Centripetal force is the force created away from the center of one’s swing, transmitting from your body (trunk and hips) out through your arms and hands. This creates clubhead speed and maintains the club on a steady orbit or arc.” About ten years ago, Thomas W. Myers published in his book Anatomy Trains that provided a comprehensive approach to the anatomy and function of the fascial system in the body combined with a holistic overview of myofascial therapy. The book demonstrates exactly how the muscles connect within the connect tissue to affect posture, compensatory
strain, and pain patterns. Myers research defines for us the “natural motion/power diagonals” of the human body. These motion/power diagonals consist of a combination of muscles, tendons and ligaments extending the entire length of the body from foot to opposite shoulder blade and wrapping around to the chest. Through their understanding of the functional relationship between these two diagonals, trainers and coaches have recently begun improving performance in the context of improving our “KQ” - our Kinesthetic Quotient, or body intelligence, with athletes competing as pitchers, slalom skiers, martial artists, gymnasts, etc. By tapping into the natural athletic motion of these motion/power diagonals, athletes are able to generate increased power while actually reducing stress on the spine. Applying the benefits of Myers’ research to the golf swing, we find that when we generate motion using these motion/power diagonals, we can very naturally transfer weight from foot to foot as the trunk and hips rotate horizontally. In this manner we can generate an even more naturally athletic and powerful swing motion around a fixed center of gravity - located precisely at the intersection of these two motion/power continued on page 24
24
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Getting BACK into the swing of things
continued from page 23
By Eric Shendell
There are 24.6 million golfers in the U.S. today, swinging, chipping and putting. Did you know that 50% of them suffer from lower back pain? In my fitness practice, I deal with many clients who suffer from chronic back pain. And, for those who are golfers, this is extremely hard to deal with. Your back is, literally, the backbone of your swing, and your swing is the backbone of your game. How to deal with this problem? First, general causes of lower back pain common to golfers that we learned in the article by Dr. Implicito and some that I see in my practice are: • Body mechanics - poor posture, overuse of some muscles and underuse of others • Golf mechanics - improper swing technique, grip and stance • Equipment mechanics – improper fit and use of equipment • General wear and tear - lugging or pulling your golf bag, even shagging golf balls, arthritis, osteoporosis Any of these ring a bell with you? If so, let’s now look at some ways to alleviate lower back pain: • Stretching - warm up your muscles! Take time to stretch properly before, during and after practice and play to ensure you have a full range of motion to fully execute the golf swing properly • Diet - monitor your weight by eating a balanced diet. Less weight means less strain on your back muscles • Preventive Exercise - Practice exercises that strengthen the abs, lower back, glutes and synergistic muscles Here are two basic exercises that my clients respond very well to and can practice on their own:
SPRING 2013
Rolling Out on a Dense Foam Roller Begin exercise in supine position with your lower back placed directly on the foam roller and both elbows supporting your body weight. Next, roll the lower back across the foam roller from high to low. Never perform this exercise to the point of pain, but make sure that your muscle is feeling just short of the pain threshold as this will help to establish the best mobility in the muscle tissue. Supine bridge with a Swiss Ball Lie down with a Swiss ball under your feet and your arms crossed over your chest. Be sure to engage your abdominals and glutes for stability and then lift your pelvis off the ground. Try and hold for 3 to 5 breaths. This exercise promotes strong glutes, abs, and lower back strength. I am a great believer in asking for, and receiving trusted, professional assistance. I always encourage golfers in pain to find the source and find the answer. Once the source has been diagnosed, take some time to address the issue with the proper tools. Take a lesson from your local PGA professional for proper swing mechanics and technique. Find a certified golf and fitness trainer who can evaluate your fitness level and suggest a corrective exercise program. For most golfers, golf is much more than a game. Take care of your body, enjoy your game and enjoy your life! Eric H. Shendell is an NASM Certified Fitness Trainer and Golf Conditioning Specialist, TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and Principle of EHS Fitness, LLC. You can contact him at eric@ehsfitness.com
diagonals - further reducing the load on the spine during the golf swing. Other Factors That Can Lead to Injury Although golf is one of the few sports that is played avidly by almost all age ranges, retirees seem to have a specific interest in the game. For the older golfer, certain precautions should be considered to avoid injury. Osteoporosis and arthritis are two of the more common conditions that plague these golfers and can lead to a much higher rate of spine injury. As osteoporosis progresses, the joints and vertebrae within the spine become weaker and more porous. This weakening, coupled with improper golf swing, can lead to a high rate of spinal fracture and disc degeneration as a result of increased forces on the spine. Golfers with either of these conditions can learn to modify their swings to incorporate a slower backswing and a more fluid forward swing and acceleration in the delivery of their swing speed to avoid injury. If this is executed properly, they should see no loss of drive distance. Another specific factor that contributes to injuries of the back or neck is the lack of proper warm up prior to playing or practicing. Too many golfers rush to the 1st tee and start playing resulting in weak play for the first few holes. Without proper stretching or warm up, this level of exertion is a recipe for injury. Large amounts of stress on these muscles that are not properly warmed up and thoroughly stretched prior to play will cause strains, sprains and herniations. Sounds serious, well it is. Learn more from spine surgeon and avid golfer, Dr. Dante Implicito, as he discusses the benefits of these naturally athletic and powerful swing techniques to enable golfers to continue playing the game they love despite spinal conditions. His first seminar will be held at Greenhouse Golf in Waldwick, NJ on May 16th, and starts at 6pm. Space is limited, so RSVP at 973-287-7916 or email spinemedicinenj@gmail.com Dr. Dante Implicito is a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with a focus on Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Dr. Implicito is the section Chief of Spine Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Ozzie Carlson is a golf professional in northern NJ.
Redefining Public Golf
Open to the public for golf and dining 7 days a week •Located just minutes from Princeton area •Golf Association – JOIN NOW! $119 includes entry fee and handicap •Golf Academy – Get Golf Ready & Junior Camps forming NOW! 1418 Woodside Road, Yardley, PA 19067
215 -321-7000 • makefieldhighlands.com
SPRING 2013
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
25
GOLF Essentials Spring 2013
Twist to Fit and Dial in the Distance. Introducing Tour Edge’s New XCG6 Adjustable Driver designed to give golfers the ability to change their shot shape, Tour Edge’s new Exotics XCG6 driver features the company’s first ever adjustable hosel. The XCG6’s Shot Control Technology (SCT) allows for the adjustment of four face? angle/loftsettings to optimize launch characteristics for maximum distance and control. With a simple twist of the SCT wrench, golfers can adjust the face angle, loft, and lie of the XCG6 driver. For example, to promote a draw or a hook, select the “C” (closed position) on the SCT hosel or the “U” (upright position) for slightly less draw. To hit a fade or slice, select the “O” or open position and for a mostly straight ball flight, select the “N” or neutral position. With the Exotics XCG6 driver, you simply twist the shaft to dial in the distance. Loaded with technology, the Exotics XCG6 driver boasts an advanced multilevel face design that maximizes ball speed by incorporating multiple levels of variable face thickness. By thinning and thickening the forged titanium face, the XCG6 enhances feel and rebound across all striking points on the face. What’s more, the driver enhances forgiveness by maximizing heel/toe weighting compliments of four hexahedron weight pads that deliver a higher moment of inertia for greater stability and forgiveness. The XCG6 driver features Tour Edge’s lifetime warranty and 30-day play guarantee. It is available in the Matrix Ozik HD and Graphite Design Tour AD shafts for $349. For more information, call (800) 515-3343 or visit www.touredge.com.
Hyatt Hills Golf Complex is a full-service facility for serious and recreational golfers of all ages. Driving Range 45 stations (11 covered), practice sand trap and chipping area
With so much to offer, it’s easy to see how you can fall in love with golf at Hyatt Hills.
Orlimar Introduces TourGroove Wedge Orlimar has added a new forged wedge, The TourGroove, to its equipment line-up for 2013. The TourGroove features the traditional tear drop shape and is made from 1025 soft carbon steel with U-Grooves. The wedge is packed with performance features that make it a must in every golfer's bag. The soft carbon forged steel provides golfers with a soft feel while absorbing unwanted vibration. The deep cavity back promotes perimeter weighting for more forgiveness on off-center hits. The wide sole allows for a low center of gravity to help get the ball up high on tight lies and bunker shots. The USGA-conforming grooves provide maximum spin for pinpoint accuracy. The TourGroove is offered in three lofts 52, 56-and 60 degrees. "The TourGroove wedge feels soft yet gives you a solid feel on the approach shots," said Alex Resnik, product marketing specialist. "The golfers who have tested the wedge during the development stage liked the look, feel and especially the performance of the TourGroove. The wedge is very consistent in all types of lies and designed to get the ball up high and land soft." The suggested retail for TourGroove is $99.
Taylor-Made Adidas Golf TaylorMade-Adidas is a brand that has no plans of leaving its current No.1 spot. While the company’s claims of increased distance are getting slightly repetitive, TaylorMade continues to improve its products with more technology, more adjustability and more pizazz. As in previous years, TaylorMade’s new metalwoods were one of the biggest hits a the PGA Merchandise Show. The R1 is a must hit for most golfers, as are the RocketBallz Stage 2 drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. And even though the company’s RocketBladez irons hit shelves late last year, golfers are still buzzing about how high and far they could hit them. With its new ability to dial in, there are over 175 "variations" in the new drivers. All of the latest Taylor Made products, including the new drivers, hybrids and balls (Lethal, Rocketballz and SuperDeep) arrived in Pro Shops earlier this year.
A beautiful 3,216 yard, 9-hole course located in Union County featuring all the amenities you would find at much larger courses.
Miniature Golf Family fun with waterfalls, wandering streams, and challenging obstacles
Class A Club Maker Video equipment is used to create clubs that match your swing
Golf Pro Staff Lessons from four PGA golf professionals available for golfers of all levels
Enjoy south of the border dining...
Pro Shop Fully staffed and featuring the latest styles in equipment and apparel
Hyatt Hills Golf Complex
1300 Raritan Road, Clark, NJ Tel 732-669-9100 • www.hyatthills.com
26
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
Q& A: Meet PGA Golf Professional: Marty Strumpf By Richard Skelly
How did you get into golf in the first place ? “I was a baseball player in Kendall Park/ South Brunswick, and I got an eye injury and couldn’t play baseball anymore. I was 16. I used to be able to walk to Bunker Hill Golf Course from my house, back in those days, in the late 1970’s, I would hitchhike sometimes.” What do you love and hate most about playing golf? “I love being outdoors and being with other people outdoors. The only thing I hate about golf would be slow play.” What’s unique about Farmer Brown’s Golf Center? “We have everything a golfer needs to make his or her game better. We have a synthetic putting green, heated driving range stalls, grass hitting area on the range, a practice bunker and we’re open all year round. You can also chip near the practice green. We offer professional club fitting and a great junior golf learning program” What accomplishment or personal goal are you proudest of in your golf career? “The thing I’m most proud of is my student Chris Harold of Freehold. He won
a National Special Olympics Gold Medal for Golf in 2011.” Marty has been nominated for several NJ PGA awards including Junior Golf Leader and Teacher of the Year. He is also a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Club Fitness instructor, Golfsych Trainer (Level1), PING Certified Clubfitter, and very knowledgeable in Homer Kelly’s Golf Machine. Any funny stories to share about rounds you’ve played at home or while traveling? “I’ve made three holes in one, yet I’ve never seen any of them go in the hole. One was a hole where I was hitting directly into the sun, another one the pin was cut behind a bunker, and the third, the ball spun backwards into the hole. In each case I couldn’t tell from the tee that the ball had gone into the hole. They were at Glenwood Country Club, Cream Ridge Golf Club and Princeton Meadows, now the Meadows at Middlesex Golf Club.” Tell us a bit about your interests outside of golf? “I’m married 22 years and have a 19-yearold daughter who is a pharmacy student in Philadelphia. I love fresh water fishing and watching movies with my wife.”
SPRING 2013
Chris Bauer succeeds Scott Kmiec as Executive Director of the NJPGA Over the winter, The New Jersey Section of The PGA of America’s longtime Executive Director Scott Kmiec accepted the position of Senior Director, PGA Foundation at The PGA of America’s Corporate Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Succeeding Kmiec as Executive Director is Chris Bauer of Manalapan, N.J., who most recently served as the Section’s Director of Operations. As part of the executive changes, the NJPGA promoted Chris Hunt, the Assistant Executive Director, to serve as the new Director of Operations. Bauer, 32, a graduate of Rutgers University, Cook College (2002), started with the NJPGA as a collegiate intern in June of 2001. He began as a full time employee in June of 2002, serving as Tournament Administrator and working into the position of Director of Operations where he managed daily activities in conjunction with the successful NJPGA tournament program, among other responsibilities. Bauer assumed the role as Executive Director in February, and has worked closely with Kmiec to ensure a seamless transition. Hunt, a former collegiate golfer and a graduate of Elon College, started
with the NJPGA as a collegiate intern in May of 1998. In 1999, Hunt was hired as the full-time Junior Golf Coordinator, eventually becoming the Section’s Tournament Administrator in 2000. He assumed the Assistant Executive Director position in 2001 and now moved on to become the Director of Operations. In this role, he continues to oversee the NJPGA Junior Tour, which has more than tripled in size under his leadership, and the popular NJGF Golf In Schools Program, which has become a model program for all PGA Sections to follow. In his new role at PGA Headquarters, Kmiec will support the strategic mission of the PGA Foundation and its programs, including PGA R.E.A.C.H. (Recreation, Education, Awareness, Community, Hope), PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the PGA Golf Management Diversity Scholarship program, and local philanthropic support in The PGA’s 41 geographical Sections nationwide. In addition, Kmiec will support the goals of the golf industry’s efforts to grow the game, and he will oversee all fundraising efforts including gifts and endowments, and partner with and engage the 41 Sections. He has also recently been added onto the Board of Directors of the NJ Golf Foundation.
SPRING 2013
First Tee Participant Attends Youth Summit and Meets Former President Bush Jeremy Garriga of The First Tee of Essex County was selected in 2012 as The First Tee of Metropolitan New York’s Outstanding Male Participant of the Year. With this designation, he was nominated to attend The First Tee’s Inaugural Youth Summit in Nashville, TN during The First Tee’s Network Meeting in March. These paragraphs tell about his experience at the Youth Summit. By Jeremy Garriga
My participation in the 2013 Inaugural Outstanding Participant Summit in Nashville is by far the most memorable experience I have had since joining The First Tee five years ago. The days were filled with informative workshops hosted by leadership, communication, and virtual world professionals. They spoke about the importance of leading in our communities and Chapters and how best to build relationships. We learned what a “go-to team” is and how it provides support and advice for all types of challenges. The importance of a college education was also reinforced throughout our stay. Dr. Sybril Bennett gave a very interesting workshop called “Your Digital Footprint in the Virtual World.” I especially enjoyed my luncheon with Rachel Newman of TFTMNY who listened to my proposals and ideas I have for helping improve graduation rates at my Essex County Facility. I feel confident that what I learned in Nashville will help me form a plan in how best to do this. Although our stay at the Summit was packed with educational sessions, we also had time for some fun. Socializing and bowling with my new friends at Dave and Busters was great. I was very proud to be among 31 other outstanding participants who came from all parts of the country. The highlight for me was meeting President George W. Bush and the photo-op that followed. He was also kind enough to answer questions. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be close enough to a former President of the United States, let alone ask him a question. I am thankful to The First Tee for the opportunity in letting me represent Metropolitan New York as its Outstanding Participant in Nashville. I hope I can be of help to younger participants by educating them on becoming outstanding participants so that they too may one day have the same incredible experience I had. For more information about the First Tee program, and to find a location near you, go to www.thefirsttee.org.
www.NJGolfnews.com | GOLFER’S TEE TIMES | www.passportnjgolf.com
IF YOU PLAN TO PLAY GOLF IN
NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA N E W YO R K MARYLAND DELAWARE VIRGINIA
a e d I t f i G t a e r G for
S ’ R E H MOT AY D or Y A D S ’ R E H T FA lay More P ! s s e L ” “Fore
Buy Your 2013Passport to Golf at www.passportnjgolf.com Reserve Your Tee Times in Advance Full Details available on
$49.95 1 book 2/$85 • 3/99.99 4/$125.00
732-577-1995
www.passportnjgolf.com Purchase Online, Call (732) 577-1995, or Return this coupon to: Golfers Tee Times, PO Box 163, Marlboro, NJ 07746 Checks Payable to Golfer’s Tee Times Quantity Ordered:_________ Name:_____________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
27