Southern New England Golfer June 2012

U w S RE .s O A ne N D go LIN lfe E r.c om w

w

CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC ISSUE

JUNE 2012

VOL. 2 NO. 3

BEST COVERAGE OF GOLF IN RI, MASS & CONN

Annika Returns

TEE TO GREEN 3 4 6 10 11 12 15 17 18 20 23 25

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Megan Khang has quite a month

26 29 30 31 33 34 36

COVER STORY EDITORIAL GOLF INSTRUCTION PEOPLE IN GOLF RI NOTEBOOK JUNIOR GOLF WESTERN MA NOTES PEOPLE IN GOLF GOLF BUSINESS CVS CAREMARK FIELD PICTORIAL CT NOTEBOOK TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL MA NOTES CAPE COD NOTES PRODUCT REVIEWS EASTERN MA NOTES MAINE GOLF GOLFING LAKE GEORGE SNE GOLF LOCATOR MAP AND MUCH MORE!

Annika Sorenstam will be playing in CVS Caremark Charity Classic

Photo by Dan Hendrickson, Amica employee

A new season. Great expectations.

Discover Amica.

AmicaConnections.com 866-51-Amica (26422) Amica Mutual Insurance Company. Lincoln, Rhode Island.

2

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

COVER STORY

By BOB DICK

Nine Women to Play in CVS Caremark Charity Classic

T

he annual CVS Caremark Charity Golf Classic at the Rhode Island Country Club used to be an all male invitational.

That changed in June of 2007 when Natalie Gulbis and Julie Inkster made tourney history by becoming the first LPGA twosome to compete against the guys.

Since then the number of LPGA invitees has grown each year to the point where this year there will be nine female players competing, the most ever. And they include two retired greats of the game, Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam and Mexican sensation Lorena Ochoa.

Co-host Brad Faxon loves to see the gals playing. “You know, I think the average player, man or woman, wants to see the ladies play more than the guys,” insisted Faxon.

“And I think it is because they can relate a little more to their type of play. I’ll tell you what, if we held this event now without LPGA players, we would be crucified. We just love having them here.”

Sorenstam, who won 10 LPGA majors during her illustrious career, last played in Rhode Island six years ago when she won her third U.S. Open title at the famed Newport Country Club.

Now, after retiring and having two children, she says she can’t wait to return. “I appreciate being invited to play,” Sorenstam said via Skype from Florida. “I know this tournament has been very successful in raising money for charities, so I am delighted to participate and help out for a good cause.”

Among the nine ladies taking part will be the top rated LPGA player this year Yani Tseng of Taiwan. Teng, at age 23, has been a dominant force on the ladies tour already winning 26 events including six majors during her brief career.

As far as Ochoa is concerned, she doesn’t play that much golf anymore, having left the LPGA tour after the 2010 season to raise a family in Mexico. But during her seven year run on the tour, Ochoa was sensational, winning 27 times including two majors and was the LPGA Rolex Player of the Year four times.

Other LPGA standouts competing this year include 17-year-old, long ball hitting Lexi Thompson (“She can hit the ball as far as I can,” says Faxon.), Inkster, an LPGA Hall of Famer, Suzannn Pettersen, Morgan

Pressell, who with partner Davis Love finished second in this tourney last year, Cristie Kerr and Brittany Lincicome, who also can whack the ball a mile.

You may have noticed that we haven’t mentioned anything about top PGA Tour players competing this year. Well, because of the scheduling of this year’s U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, there won’t be any U.S. Open players playing here this year.

The reason is that the final round of the Open will be ending a little after the CVS Pro Am on Sunday June 17th. Faxon and his co-host partner Billy Andrade felt it was too much to ask the top tour players to hop a red eye jet and fly cross-country to play in the CVS opening round Monday morning.

“It is what it is,” said Andrade. “We’ll try and make the best of it. We had meetings and there was some talk of changing our dates but we couldn’t. It was a tough deal to get players from the Open this year so, instead, we’ll have more of a mixed team format this time. And I really believe we have a fine field of players and it is very special to have both Annika and Lorena playing in our

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

tournament. Those are two of the greatest LPGA players of all time.”

Joining the LPGA stars will be player standouts from the Champions Tour and a few PGA Tour guys. They include former tourney winners Jeff Sluman and Jay Haas, John Cook from the Champions Tour, Hall of Famer Nick Price along with Mark Calcavecchia, Peter Jacobsen and Corey Pavin, 15-time winner on the PGA Tour and captain of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team. Of course, Faxon and Andrade will also be joining in on the fun, too. It all adds up to nine men and nine women in the 20player field. Rounding out the field will be the familiar twosome of Dana Quigley and his nephew Brett. They have played in every CVS Classic.

There are a few other notable changes for this year’s championship. This is the first time since the tourney began 14 years ago that retired CVS CEO, Tom Ryan, won’t be part of the festivities. Ryan, along with Faxon and Andrade, was a driving force behind the formation of this event.

Ryan retired last year and his role has been taken over by new CEO Larry Merlo.

3

FROM THE EDITOR

T

From the Editor is considered one of the best female players Carolina in May. Many of the products

he middle of June continues to be my favorite time of the year for watching golfers in our area. How lucky we are to have the best amateurs in the world playing in the Northeast Amateur at Wannomoisett Country Club in East Providence on June 20-23, and twenty of the top men’s and women’s professional golfers playing at Rhode Island Country Club as part of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic on June 17-19.

Follow that up when most of the top male golfers in the world play at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Ct. on June 21-24 and you have a smorgasbord of golf viewing pleasure.

We should probably give a prize to the people who manage to take in all three venues. We at Southern New England Golfer will be there and we’ll get a pictorial up on our website at www.snegolfer.com soon after the events are completed.

We had a difficult time choosing our cover picture. It was so exciting to hear the list of female participants at the CVS Caremark media day. Annika Sorenstam

of all time. Lorena Ochoa was the best player for ten years back in the late 90s and early 2000s, Yani Tseng is the best female player now and we think that Lexi Thompson is soon going to be one of the best players in the world. Hearing their names announced was almost exciting as having Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus come to the event in the first couple of years. Ultimately we chose Sorenstam who won her last U.S. Open title right here in Newport in 2006. Joe Gordon has a great interview with Annika on page 17.

Freddie Jacobson, the returning champion at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Ct., was entertaining at the media day for the event in May. His sincerity, love of his family and good values came through to the assembled group of writers. Bruce Berlet does a fine job in explaining how Jacobson broke through to finally win on page 24.

We had a few members of our staff attend the International Network of Golf ’s annual spring conference in South

we saw are highlighted on page 22, 30 and over the next few issues.

We will be featuring a new golf trail in Maine in this and the Aug/Sept issues.

There is great golf and an easy drive to our north, and we also had a chance to stay and play in upstate New York. Hope you enjoy the stories in our travel section.

Please make it a point to get to one of these local tournaments if possible this month. You will have a wonderful time and see some great golf. What a great month for Megan Khang. See pages 12 and 22. Keep your head down and swing easy.

Bruce Vittner is the publisher/editor of Southern New England Golfer and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

TRIVIA 1. Who was the first U.S. Women’s Open winner?

2. Who was the first amateur to win the U.S. Open?

3. What golfer invented the sand wedge?

4. What is the name of the bridge across the water to number 15 at Augusta National?

5. What was Nancy Lopez’s first major?

6. What year?

7. What two golfing stars have signature courses at “The Villages?”

8. Who designed New England Country Club?

9. Who won five Vardon Trophies during the 1960s?

Editor/Publisher BRUCE VITTNER bruce@snegolfer.com Associate Editor JAY NOMAKEO snjnom@comcast.com Design/Production DEB BASILE Contributing Writers DAVE ADAMONIS JR. BRUCE BERLET GEOFF CONVERSE SCOTT CORDISCHI BOB DICESARE BOB DICK BILL DOYLE KATHARINE DYSON TIM GEARY TIM GERRISH JOE GORDON TOM GORMAN RUSS HELD DEREK HOOPER BRUCE HUTCHINSON CAROLYN VITTNER Staff Photographers JIM CALORIO BOB LAVALLEE Sales Director MARK O’CONNOR Markjoc57@aol.com Account Executives JIM GRAY ROY WAGNER Web Design SHIRLEY NOMAKEO SUSAN VITTNER Publishing Information: Southern New England Golfer is published five times per year: January, May, June, August, and September Editorial: Mail all articles, releases, and other items to Editor, Southern New England Golfer, P.O. BOX 10038, Cranston, RI 02910. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All rights reserved.

Advertising: Southern New England Golfer is not responsible for advertising copy.

Corrected advertising will be placed in future issues.

Answers: 1. Patty Berg, 2. Francis Ouimet, 3. Gene Sarazen, 4. Sarazen Bridge, 5. LPGA Championship.

6. 1978, 7. Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer, 8. Hale Irwin, 9. Billy Casper

© 2012. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

4

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

L

By T.F. GEARY

Northeast Amateur Showcases Future Stars

ast year the Northeast Amateur celebrated its golden anniversary with the reserved dignity and class that is normally associated with Wannamoisett Country Club.

Unfortunately Peter Uihlein showed the grande olde lady neither respect nor mercy as he not only won the tournament, but shattered the existing record score with a ridiculous total of 261, 15-under par, three strokes better than the mark set the year before by James White.

Uihlein, like so many past champions before him, will not return (he is currently playing professionally in Europe), but a flock of talented young guns, many of whom will be household names in a few years, will descend on Rumford later this month (June 20-24) and if the greens are not hard and fast, one of them may either match or eclipse Uihlein’s mark.

“The young players today hit the ball so far that the only defense this course has is its rough and greens,” explained Mike Hogan, a member of the tournament committee which is chaired by Denny Glass. “If the greens are soft, as they were last year, they turn into dart boards and these guys can put up some pretty amazing numbers.”

Last year’s rains preceded the tournament and left the greens soft. And since Wannamoisett is first and foremost a members’ course, the fairways cannot be constricted too much. Wannamoisett’s rough remains its usual penal self, but with generous fairways today’s young players don’t have to contend with it too much and they hit the ball so far that instead of having to hit either long irons or woods into what used to be lengthy par fours, they hit 7-irons or less.

“We could narrow the fairways, but not at the expense of the membership, not for one week out of the year,” explained Hogan.

The Northeast remains one of the biggest plumbs in amateur golf. Even in a nonWalker Cup year such as this, it has a very strong field, featuring 51 youngsters from 30 different colleges, 19 mid-amateurs and one senior (Nashua’s Phil Pleat, who was the 2011 U.S. Senior Amateur runner up). In all there will be 22 All-Americans competing for the coveted Blue Jacket, that was twice placed on the shoulders of Luke Donald, who is currently the world’s number one ranked player and who still regards his victories at the Northeast as one of the highlights of his golfing life. Some 35 players have been

named to the Ping Division I All Region teams.

The field is highlighted by Justin Thomas, the Jack Nicklaus (college player of the year) and Phil Mickelson (freshman of the year) Award winner. He is joined by the likes of Cory Whitsett and Bobby Wyatt, Brad Schneider (David Toms Award recipient), Cody Proveaux (AJGA Player of the Year) and Matthew NeSmith, who along with Proveaux won this year’s Byron Nelson Award (given to the best junior player in the country).

Another youngster, Chelso Barrett of Keene, N.H., is in the field. Barrett has gained a great deal of attention and was the U.S. Challenge Cup Player of the Year last season. Todd White (1999) is the only past champion who is competing this year.

Bobby Leopold will not play due to other commitments.

As usual the tournament has its share of New England talent, including Rhode Islanders Brad Valois (three-time R.I. state am champion), Cameron Wilson, Branden Chicorka (RI Collegiate Player of the Year) and Wannamoisett members Charlie Blanchard and Ben Tuthill.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Other New Englanders include Frank Vanna (multiple Mass Am state champ), MGA Player of the Year, Ryan Riley, Richy Werenski, Brian Higgins, Herbie Aikens, Andrew Fiorenzano, Danny Guise and Nick Pandelena.

There is a possibility that some who have committed to playing will not. Several may be competing in the U.S. Open, held this year at the Olympic Club, just outside San Francisco. It could be very difficult for them to get back to the east coast in time for the Northeast and if any of them make the cut they could well be burned out mentally.

Regardless this will be a very strong field.

For the second year in a row there will be a 54-hole cut, with the top 50 and ties making it to Saturday.

One of the greatest aspects of the Northeast is the fact that there are no ropes to separate the gallery and the players and there is no fee to attend. Fans can watch players who someday may be the next Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler or Luke Donald.

The Northeast Amateur can, in many ways, be described as the Cape Canaveral of golf, a launching pad for many a pro career.

5

By DEREK HOOPER

I

GOLF INSTRUCTION

Get Out of Jail Free with Better Chipping

t doesn’t matter how hard you work on your game or how good of a player you are, it is simply not possible to hit perfect shots every time. At some stage you are going to have to chip the ball in order to recover from a less than ideal approach shot. If you can play the chip shot well you can recover from the poor shot, post a good score on the hole and move on. But if you are unable to chip the ball with any control, then it can be very easy to rack up a big score.

The biggest issue I see players having with chipping is they try to play the shot with too much loft and as a result try to lift the ball up in the air. This exposes the leading edge of the club to the ball and too often results in the ball shooting across the green so that they can repeat the exercise from the other side of the green.

A chip shot has a small amount of air time and a maximum amount of roll time.

Secondly, the height of the shot is dictated

by the natural loft of the club. So what are the keys to consistent chipping?

Step 1 – Based on where your ball is and where you want it to finish, choose a club so that you can land the ball on the green as soon as possible and let it roll the rest of the way to the hole.

Step 2 - Set up with the feet fairly close together, ball position middle of the stance, weight slightly towards the lead foot and the hand should be slightly down the grip. This set up will result in a slight leaning of the shaft towards target.

Step 3 – Keep the weight favoring the lead foot and make an arms and shoulder swing into the back swing. This motion is very similar to the motion you make when putting.

Step 4 – Let a gentle hip rotation back towards the target leads the club back to the ball. Be sure to keep the hands soft and passive during the swing. This will ensure you maintain the shaft lean you set

at address and allow the club to strike the ball first and then the ground.

Step 5 – At the completion of the swing the angles in your wrists should be identical to how you set them at address. If the wrists are not in the same position, then you have used too much hand motion during the shot that alters the shaft lean and thus the loft on the club at impact. If the loft varies during the shot you will get a different ball flight and roll relationship every time making it extremely difficult to have any consistency with your chip shots.

Try this simple five-step process the next time you are practicing your chipping.

Mix up the clubs and learn the different carry and roll relationship each club will give you. This will give you more weapons in your chipping arsenal and allow you to get out of jail when you occasionally miss a green.

Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at the Troon Golf Academy, Lake of Isles. Derek has a college degree in teaching and over 17 years experience conducting lesson programs in Australia, Japan and Taiwan. He specializes in personalized, improvement programs that cover the technical and physical components required to play your best golf. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 or dhooper@troongolf.com.

Rising Star Jason Dufner Age: 35 Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio Family: Just married in May to Ryan College: Auburn University Turned Pro: 2000 Jason Dufner is having his best year ever in 2012 with two wins already (Zurich Classic and HP Byron Nelson). He is currently leading the money list with $3,800,720 already this year that surpasses his previous best earnings year in 2011 with just over $3 million.

A late bloomer and excellent athlete who didn’t start playing golf until he was 15, he walked on to Auburn University’s golf team and earned honorable mention All-America in 1997. He lost in the finals of the 1998 U.S. Amateur Public Links to Trevor Immelman. He turned professional in 2000 and played on the Nationwide Tour from 2001-03 and 2005-06. He earned his Tour card in 2004, but lost it the next year. The same thing happened in 2007, but he has been full-time since 2009.

Last year he lost in a playoff to Keegan Bradley at the PGA Championship and also lost a playoff this year to Mark Wislon at the Waste Management. He has played in 14 events this year, made the cut in 13, and has five top 10’s. Ben Hogan is his hero and he used to caddie for Dan Marino.

6

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

By TOM GORMAN

Michael Welch Wins Mass. Open Championship

C

laiming victory in the Massachusetts Golf Association’s most prestigious tournament, the 103rd Massachusetts Open Championship, has taken 30-year-old North Quincy touring pro Michael Welch ten years.

After three grueling days in June when he posted scores of 72-69-67-208, 5-under par total, at challenging Walpole Country Club, he barely beat 23-year-old Connecticut pro Michael Ballo by a single shot.

The tournament, with a history unmatched in golf lore because previous winners include names like Ross, Ouimet, Sarazen, Nelson, Bishop, Harney, Quigley and Sisk, was not without a final hole drama. Ballo, who led the tournament for the first 42 holes, until three-putting No. 6, 7, 8 and 9 needed to sink a 15-foot uphill putt on the final green to force a planned three-hole aggregate format playoff. Ballo hit a nice putt just rimming off the left corner, handing Welch the Clarence G. Cochrane Memorial trophy and first-place check of $15,000.

“Winning this tournament means a lot to me,” said Welch, a 2005 Johnson and Wales golf scholar tutored and recruited by the late David Adamonis, whom Welch credited for advancing his game as a junior player. “I got choked up on the last green just thinking about my name etched on top of the trophy.

This tournament always has a talented field and I’m happy to win. Now I have some money to pay the mortgage.”

“This ranks pretty high up there,” said Welch, reflecting on his career that includes two New England Amateur crowns, three

Cape Cod Open wins, two NGA Hooters Golf Tour wins in Florida, and Vermont and New Hampshire Open wins in 2008. “It’s a home game, and I am around friends and family. They see me travel the world and read about it online, but it’s good to come into my backyard and get a good result.”

Despite cool weather conditions and a short burst of rain showers during the final round, runner-up Michael Ballo, had no excuses for shooting 2-over, 73, to finish second for the second consecutive year. He started the final round with a one-stroke lead over Mark Stevens (Concord, N.H.) and five-stroke lead over Welch.

“It’s depressing, let’s be honest that it doesn’t feel good. But I want to stay positive about finishing second again,” a dejected Ballo stated after signing his scorecard. “I three-putted four times and you can’t do that and win. I’m happy the way I rallied with two birdies coming down the stretch, but I needed to make that putt on 18 and it didn’t happen.”

Youth and talent dominated the leaderboard with Pleasant Valley pro Jason

Parajeckas, 27, picking up his biggest paycheck since turning pro in 2007.

Parajeckas, paired with good friend Michael Welch, turned on the burners and shot a final round 3-under, 68, good enough to tie Ballo for second, and pocket $6,500.

“My putter was on fire today,” said the amiable teaching pro that has his sights set on several New England tournaments this summer before trying “Q” school in the fall. “Michael and I have played a lot of noncompetitive golf together and today we both just stayed focused and made no mistakes. It was fun watching him play well and it helped my game. Today, I went around here in 28 putts and that was key to my score.”

Other top-10 finishers included Eric Higgins (Englewood, FL) and Mark Stevens (Concord, N.H) with T-4 at 211; Marc Etienne-Bussieres (Orlando, FL) finished sixth at 212; with three players T-7 at 213 including Jimmy Lytle (Ocean Ridge, FL), Ty Capps (Palm Coast, FL) and Richard Berberian (Derry, N.H.).

See page 32 for more tournament notes.

Crestwood Country Club

is a premium, private country club located in the scenic, rolling pastures of Rehoboth, MA—just 15 minutes from Providence and Fall River!

With a variety of golf, social and pool events, Crestwood offers something for all of our members and guests.

Pool & Social Memberships are available!

Crestwood also hosts special events of up to 250 guests—whether you’re planning your wedding, shower or any other event, Crestwood will treat you and your guests to a gorgeous landscape, delicious cuisine and excellent service.

Crestwood is now offering a limited number of Trial Memberships!

This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the atmosphere, all of the ameni�es and the lush golf course of a premium, private Country Club!

Best of all, there’s NO ini�a�on fee and NO assessments, GUARANTEED!

90 Wheeler Street ◦ Rehoboth, Massachuse�s, 02769 ◦ 508.336.8582 x100 ◦ www.crestwoodcc.com ◦ SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

facebook.com/crestwoodcc 7

By BOB DICK

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

Triggs Duo Wins R.I. Senior Four-Ball

J

oe Fogarty and Yogi Mauradian have been playing golf together probably for longer than they can remember. “We’re like brothers, only from different mothers,” quipped Yogi after this senior twosome captured the RIGA’s 19th annual Ed Perry Senior FourBall Championship at the Cranston C.C. with a pulsating one-stroke win over Hall-of -Famer Paul Quigley and his partner Mike Soucy.

Fogarty and Yogi finished the 36-hole event at 5-under 137 (70-67) while Quigley and Soucy, held without a birdie in the first round, ended up at 138 (72-66).

But this really is a story within a story. You see, Yogi (he only answers to Yogi, not many even know his last name) has been competing in RIGA events for many years, but his golf has always been secondary. Instead, it has been his quick-witted, off-beat comical personality that has made him number one with the guys on the RIGA’s summer amateur circuit and with anyone else who has come in contact with him at Triggs over the years where he’s been running the dining hall bar area for special events.

8

For example, after winning his very first RIGA title, Yogi stated, “I just hope they don’t cancel this tournament just because I won.” Or, “I’ve always had a low level of expectations when I play.” Or, when he and Fogarty bogeyed 15 and 16 to fall into a tie with Quigley and Soucy, he said,“Boy, we were leaking oil bad.”

But don’t be fooled, Yogi can play the game, sometimes under odd circumstances, like the time he played nine holes at a local club with only a putter and beat his competitors. That’s pure Yogi. Do something novel, something different, something to get the guys yappin’ over drinks at Triggs.

To finally come out on top at an RIGA tournament, was, indeed, something very special for Yogi, even though he tried to joke his way through the victory. “It feels good,” he finally admitted.

“We both played well, we made some birdie putts (11), but for Yogi to get his first win, that was the happiest point,” said Fogarty.

And the victory was made even more special for Fogarty and Yogi because they received an exemption into this year’s State

Amateur Championship July 9-13 at the Wanumetonomy G&C.C. Still, there were a few anxious moments for Fogarty and Yogi before they could celebrate.

They were sailing along with a two-shot lead over Quigley and Soucy when things fell apart for them on the par three 15th and par four 16th. A pair of ugly bogeys by Fogarty and Yogi allowed Quigley and Soucy to forge a tie for the lead.

But on the par five, 550 yard 17th, Fogarty saved the day when he sank a brilliant 18foot, side-hill putt that fell into the cup for what turned out to be a match-clinching birdie.

“We were both in good shape on the green on 17. That’s when I asked an official where we stood. I found out we were tied,” said Fogarty. “So now I’m facing a tough 18-footer. Yogi says, ‘don’t be short, give it a shot.’ I hit a good putt. It broke about two feet and went right in the middle of the cup.”

They finished things off with a par on 18 and Yogi had his very first RIGA title.

For Quigley and Soucy, it was obvious

Yogi Mouradian, Joe Pieranunzi and Joe Fogarty where they went wrong. No birdie putts during a rainy first round. “When we didn’t make any birdies the first day, I felt that might come back and haunt us and it did,” said Soucy. “We had a few putts that could have gone in but didn’t.”

Finishing in third place with a one under 141 was the twosome of George Donnell (Quidnessett) and Tom Fredericks (RICC).

At 142 was the Potowomut duo of John Barber and Kevin Clary.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Life is a journey

Sometimes it’s just about being in good company 401.233.4700 navigantcu.org Navigant Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

9

By SCOTT CORDISCHI

PEOPLE IN GOLF

Pavin’s First Appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic

F

ormer US Open champion Corey Pavin will be making his first appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic this month. Here’s a Q & A with the man they call “The Bulldog.”

This will be your first appearance in the CVS. Are you excited to be a part of this tournament?

I’m really glad to be playing in the tournament. I’ve wanted to play in it for years. I watch it on TV every year and it looks like it’s lots of fun and they raise a lot of money for charity which is great.

Will this be your first time playing golf in Rhode Island?

No. I played in the Northeast Amateur at Wannamoisett Country Club which was only a few years ago (laughter). I remember Wannamoisett being a great course, a par 69, I think. I love the old school courses like that, those Donald Ross courses. I also remember the people in Rhode Island were great. I was treated so well.

You just picked up your first victory on the Champions Tour at the Allianz Championship. What was that like?

You know, I played well my first couple of years on the Champions Tour. I had lots of opportunities to win tournaments, but it was just a situation where someone played better each time. But I knew if I kept at it and stayed patient, it would happen. It was nice to get that first win.

You won 15 times on the PGA Tour including the 1995 US Open. What do you attribute your great success to?

I have no idea (laughter). I think what I do is manage my game well. I play within my ability and play smart golf. I don’t try to do things I’m not capable of and I love to compete. The one thing I don’t do is give up.

When you look at these young guns on Tour who bomb is 300+ yards off the tee, do you wonder if your game could stack up to theirs if you were just starting out again?

When I played, it was a different game.

The ball didn’t go as far and it spun a lot more with balatas. But the game has evolved, there’s different equipment and because of that different players. I, myself, have had to adapt to the equipment changes.

Who gave you the nickname “The Bulldog?”

I’m not sure where that came from but it may have been Mark O’Meara. He once described me as a little dog that latches on to your pant leg and you can’t get rid of him.

I have to admit that it’s kind of an accurate description because I am competitive, I keep keeping at it and I never give up. Considering all of the possible nicknames a person could have, I kind of like this one.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment or your biggest thrill professionally?

That’s a hard question to answer.

Obviously, winning the U.S. Open was the highlight of my golfing career. Playing in three Ryder Cups was fabulous as well. It’s hard to compare being the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team to what I did as a player. However, I will say that it was a great honor and a privilege to captain that team and represent our country.

What is your relationship like with Brad and Billy?

I see Brad a lot because he’s playing on

the Champions Tour and our wives are good friends. His daughter, Charlotte, is a little older than my daughter but they’ve hung out together too. Brad and Billy are both great guys, spectacular people. They’re both grounded people who obviously have good foundations and know where they’re from.

I understand that you are also very active in giving back to your community in helping various charities.

I have kind of adopted military charities as my main focus because I believe in their cause. My wife and I both believe that giving back to charities is a great thing. She is very active with a charity called love146 that is working to end the exploitation of children through sex trafficking. She’s been really amazing with that.

What do you think about the format of the CVS and how laid back it can be and how much fun the golfers seem to have playing in the event each year?

I think it’s so much fun to partner up in a tournament like this. You know, I’ve learned that you don’t need to be in a bubble and be super serious to play great golf. As you get older you see that.

Annika and Lorena were playing a match. Lorena was not at the tee at the appointed time. When it was her turn to tee off, the referee for the match declared a disqualification and Annika was announced as winner. Lorena showed up four minutes late and said that she could play and just lose the first hole. Is she correct?

Ruling: Yes, Lorena is correct. A new rule (Rule 6-3a) allows for players to not be disqualified if they arrive within five minutes of their tee time. They would still be assessed a penalty of losing the first hole in match play and a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.

10

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

RI NOTEBOOK

By BOB DICK

Cioe Back Playing RIGA Events

N

ick Cioe loves playing golf.

More precisely he loves playing competitive golf and the 68-yearold Metacomet guy has been doing exactly that for about 35 years. And he’s had some success in RIGA events winning team titles here and there. But just being out there competing is enough for him.

In fact, Cioe, who runs a successful freight transport business, has played golf all over the Far East, where 80 percent of his business comes from, since 1976. He’s even provided group lessons to the very successful people he deals with there.

So you can imagine the fear and trepidation he went through last season when he could only huff and puff his way around the golf course. Out of breath almost at every turn.

What was wrong? Well, he found out in May of last year that he faced a huge operation. He had to have his aortic valve replaced and if he didn’t do that, his cardiologist told him he would be dead in two years. So there was no choice.

But, in typical Cioe fashion he asked his doctor if they could put off the surgery until after the RIGA season was over.

He wanted to compete some more, even though hiking the courses was, literally, taking his breath away.

“Look this is the way it was. I had had a heart murmur since I was a kid. Now it had gotten much worse. I flunked a stress test,” Cioe related. “My aortic valve, when it was pumping out of the heart was regurgitating backwards and was working twice as hard and my heart was expanding.

It wasn’t good.”

And, worst of all, Cioe’s mind was also working overtime. “Before the operation, I thought I was going to die. In fact, I had everything laid out for my family. I didn’t think I would make it,” he said. “And the big mistake I made is that I went on the Internet and watched a similar operation two weeks before my scheduled operation.

It was so scary.”

Thankfully, things went off without a hitch in early November. The operation lasted 4 1⁄2 hours. “When I woke up I grabbed my wife’s face and said ‘I didn’t think I’d ever see your face again,’” said Cioe, who was quickly climbing stairs two days after the operation as he worked to rid himself of 18 pounds of fluid that resulted from the surgery.

Since then Cioe’s life has gotten so much better even with a few bumps here and there. “I’m good now, I feel strong.

My blood pressure is 110 over 70 all the

time,” he said. And best of all, his new cow valve is working perfectly. Yes, his doctor replaced Cioe’s tired and deteriorating aortic valve with what is termed a healthy cow valve. And, no, he doesn’t have the urge to “Moo” every time he tees off.

Cioe’s golf game actually was put on sabbatical for four months before he began chipping and putting in Florida in March and then gradually worked his way back to using all of his clubs once again. “But I was still afraid my swing would hurt me. After-all, they had to crack my chest open and also cracked a few ribs on my left side,” he said. The ribs, in fact, haven’t totally healed yet.

Cioe found that out the hard way during the first round of the Burke tournament last month. On the 12th hole he took a full swing and immediately went to the ground in intense pain. “I had tears in my eyes, it was so bad,” Cioe said.

He immediately called his doctor. “He told me not to worry, I can’t hurt myself any more. Just swing at the ball, don’t be a

baby, it’s just a little pain and all part of the healing process.”

Cioe survived the two rounds of the recent senior four-ball tourney and is preparing for another summer of competitive golf. But he still has this nagging feeling in the back of his mind, “If I can’t play the way I’m used to playing, I’m going to learn how to fish.”

Let’s hope he doesn’t have to go shopping for a fishing rod.

NOTES

While discussions continue among folks in the USGA and R&A about the legality of belly and broomstick putters among the pros, Triggs amateur Joe Fogarty who recently won the RIGA’s Senior Four Ball title with Triggs partner Yogi Mouradian, swears by his new-found belly putter.

“I went to the belly putter a little while ago and now I’m starting to get comfortable with it,” Fogarty says. “In the senior tourney, I never putted as well in a tournament (8 birdies over 36 holes). I don’t now hit as many bad putts as I used to.”

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

As far as the pros are concerned, New England’s Keegan Bradley, I’m sure, wouldn’t want to see any changes made regarding the belly putter. He used one to win the 2011 PGA crown.

Bobby Leopold started his Rhode Island amateur season for 2012 with a three-stroke victory at the 14th annual John Burke Memorial Tournament. The Potowomut standout carded a nifty 5 under, 36-hole total of 138 that included a 4 under 68 in the final round. Leopold recorded four birdies and an eagle on the final day. His eagle occurred on the par-five, 477-yard 12th hole.

Defending champ, Charlie Blanchard, finished in second place at 141 with rounds of 71 and 70. Brad Valois and RIGA newcomer Austin Eaton III tied for third at 144. Eaton, from New Hampshire, joined the Pawtucket C.C. in April. He is a former U.S. Mid Am champ (2004) and a U.S. Amateur semi finalist (2005).

Paul Quigley retained his Burke senior division title with a 149 total and beat out Dave McNally by three strokes.The tournament was contested at Newport C.C. and the Shelter Harbor G.C.

11

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR Feinstein Celebrates Birthday Steve Feinstein, who is well known among countless golfing circles for his tireless contributions to junior golf, will celebrate his 74th birthday on June 20.

Feinstein’s list of contributions to junior golf is quite lengthy, as he has served as a past President and Golf Chairman at Ledgemont Country Club, he is a current member of the board of directors for two of the most prestigious national junior tournaments in the country; the Optimist International and the Orange Bowl International championships, he is a Vice President of the United States Challenge Cup and a tournament director for the Future Collegians World Tour.

In 2012, Steve will serve as the president of the RIGA. His contributions extend beyond the golf course as well, as he is a soundboard to countless parents and players. The staunch Miami Heat fan would like nothing better than an NBA Championship for a birthday present.

While most of New England does not share those sentiments, I know I am one

JUNIOR GOLF of countless people that would like to say Happy Birthday Foon!

Fathers for Cancer a Rousing Success Despite intermittent rain, the first annual Fathers for Cancer Classic at Wannamoisett C.C. was a rousing success.

The event coordinated in honor of Dave Adamonis Sr. and Thomas Fecteau Sr., who both lost their lives to cancer, raised just over $22,000 for three charities — Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Research, Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island and the Barry Gately Scholarship Fund.

Among the participants were PGA Tour players Brad Adamonis, Billy Andrade and Jim Renner, as well as local professionals Mike Capone and Michael Carbone.

“Dave was such a positive individual, even in his final days his focus was on me and my golf game,” stated former JWU player Jim Renner. “It was an honor to be a part of this day. I know he and Tom would be proud of this event.”

“This event was a no-brainer for me,”

chimed in Michael Carbone. “My dad joined me for the day. It was pretty special for us...my father is a cancer survivor. Most everyone has been impacted (in some way) by this terrible disease. I was happy to help the cause.”

Walshe, Khang & Park U.S. Women’s Open Bound Challenge Cup past and present took the top two spots at the recent U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier at Longmeadow C.C. in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

LPGA Tour rising star Alison Walshe fired rounds of 69-71 to earn medalist honors by a single stroke over 3-time Challenge Cup Player of the Year Megan Khang.

The 14-year-old Khang carded rounds of 74-67 to easily earn the second and final qualifying spot.

A couple of days later USC-commit Annie Park (another member of Challenge Cup Nation) roared home over the final 18 holes to earn medalist honors at Trump National G.C. in New Jersey. After opening with a 78, Park switched flatsicks (to a STX) and posted a sizzling 7-under par 65.

One week later Park was doing her best impression of Juliet Vongphoumy by winning the Nassau Boys High School Championship. Park, of Levittown, N.Y., shot 8-under 134 at Bethpage State Park’s red course to best a field of 133 golfers. The two-round total beat the championship’s previous scoring record by six strokes.

The trio will match shots in the U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin July 2-8.

Wilson, Curl to Join Bradley at U.S. Open Three-time Challenge Cup Player of the Year Cameron Wilson fired a final round 7-under par 65 to capture medalist honors at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Summit, New Jersey. The Stanford Cardinal standout posted an opening round of 1-over par 71 on the South Course at Canoe Brook, which generally plays easier. After bogeying the 1st hole on the North Course Wilson knew he needed to crank it up.

“My morning round was pretty mediocre. I made a bunch of birdies but I seemed to give one away after each one,” Wilson said. “And I had four or five vicious lip-outs. In the afternoon round I 12

hit incredibly well. In a 12-hole stretch I was inside of 15-feet for birdie on every hole.

“I just stayed in a good mindset the whole time. I didn’t get too excited or caught up in how I was playing, I just kept telling myself ‘you gotta make more birdies, you gotta make more birdies.’”

And that’s exactly what Wilson did, recording 13 birdies on the day and a staggering nine in his second round to post a 6-under par 136 total. Wilson can’t entirely enjoy the moment just yet. The week before the Open he must return to Stanford to finish up his final exams.

Fortunately, he will have a short trip from the Palo Alto campus to the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. “I have played Olympic a couple of times.

Obviously, it will be set up differently for the Open. I am so pumped to be playing in my first Open,” added the Rowayton, Connecticut resident.

Wilson will be joining Challenge Cups alums Jeff Curl and reigning PGA Champion Keegan Bradley at this year’s championship. Curl fresh off a near win at the Nationwide Tour’s Rex Hospital Open (one day earlier) tied for the final qualifying spot to punch his ticket to the Open. Curl carded rounds of 69-74 to card a 1-under par total.

Eighteen other Challenge Cup players made it to sectionals, but fell short in their quest to play for the country’s most prestigious championship. The role call is Chelso Barrett, Rich Berberian, Josh Biren, James Driscoll, Ryan Harris, Matthew Lowe, David May, Ryan McCormick, John Murphy, Rob Oppenheim, Matt Parziale, Garren Poirier, Jim Renner, Patrick Sheehan, Brett Stegmaier, Brad Valois, Mike Welch and Richy Werenski.

Naumec, Dickson, Ngo Tops at Spinal Technology Junior Classic Wilbraham, Massachusetts resident Matt Naumec enjoyed a homecoming of sorts en route to a dramatic 2-stroke victory over Bedford, New Hampshire’s Ryan Tombs at the Spinal Technology Junior Classic. Naumec, whose grandparents have a home just minutes away from Old Marsh C.C. in Wells, Maine, overcame a triple bogey, double bogey hiccup by striking two brilliant iron shots on the final two holes to hold off Tombs..

Meanwhile, the Boys 14 & Under Division and Girls Division titles were

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

JUNIOR GOLF

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

Spinal Technology players Ryan Tombs, Matt Naumec and Eric Marchetti

RIIL Champs Barrington H.S. L to R - Lyle Richardson, Matthew Marra, Jack Vanier, Coach Chris Lamb, David Kraunelis, John Howell, Stephen Miller

2012 RIIL Champ David Kraunelis

Annie Park, Megan Khang and Mia Landegren

decided in resounding fashion. Providence, Rhode Island’s Will Dickson fired rounds of 73-71 to post a 2-over par 144 total to take home the hardware. Dickson established a new Challenge Cup record for margin of victory in boys competition, demoralizing his nearest competitors by 13-strokes.

Not to be outdone Newton, Massachusetts native Vinh-Hop Ngo fired rounds of 75-79 to earn a 9-stroke victory over her nearest competitor (her older sister Vinh-Hoa Ngo). The victory was the first Challenge Cup win for Vinh-Hop of the 2012 season.

World Series Headlines Junior Golf Schedule The top tournament on the Challenge Cup calendar, the World Series of Junior Golf, headlines the upcoming junior golf calendar. The World Series, which brings together the northeast’s top junior golfers, will be contested on July 5th and 6th at Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence, RI. Of equal importance, a host of the most important qualifying events, for some of the country’s top national junior competitions, are just around the dogleg.

Qualifying for the most prestigious championship in junior golf, the USGA Boys & Girls Championships take place in June at various sites, with the tournament proper set to take place in July. The Golf Club of New England will be the first New Hampshire golf course to host a USGA event in history.

Arguably the best national qualifying opportunity for junior golfers is provided by the Independent Insurance Agents in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Players who earn a qualifying spot at these qualifiers earn a full paid trip to the Trusted Choice “Big I” Junior Classic at the Univesrity of Texas in Austin, Texas. The “Big I” will be contested August 7-10.

The Challenge Cup conducts one of their six national qualifiers, the Optimist International Sectional Qualifier at three sites in June. The top player in each age division will earn a paid spot into the tournament proper.

The same can be said for the low sectional qualifier at the Junior PGA Championship. The low boy and girl from the NEPGA and CTPGA sections will advance to the national event in early August.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

13

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

A

Kraunelis Leads Eagles to State Title

day before the Challenge Cup Championship earlier this season Barrington H.S. junior David Kraunelis was contemplating an early return to the golf course. Kraunelis had suffered a wrist injury in the finals of the RIIL State Hockey Championship just weeks before the start of the golf season.

The doctors had given Kraunelis the green light to start chipping and putting, but typical of a teenager Kraunelis wanted to join his teammates in full fledged competition.

“I told David our ultimate goal was to win the state title,” reflected coach Chris Lamb. “I didn’t want him to rush back and jeopardize the whole season.”

Despite a solid second round rally the Eagles finished 7-strokes behind champion LaSalle Academy at the Challenge Cup Championship. Arguably the addition of Kraunelis may have resulted in the Eagles hoisting the hardware.

Six weeks later at the RIIL State

14

HIGH SCHOOL GOLF Championship Chris Lamb’s words proved prophetic, as a (somewhat healthy) Kraunelis cruised to the individual crown, while leading Barrington to a scintillating win over arch rival Portsmouth H.S. Kraunelis fired rounds of 69-70 in posting a 3-under par 139 total at Cranston C.C., to lead Barrington to a two-day total of 600. Barrington finished five shots clear of Portsmouth HS. The state title was Eagles’ 9th in the last 11 years and 23rd state golf title.

“I’m really proud of my guys. They worked hard all year. They needed to get better and they did. They deserve this,” said Lamb.

Portsmouth, who earned a share of regular season East Division title with Barrington held a one-stroke lead (296297) over the Eagles after the opening round of the tournament, but eventually settled for their third runner-up performance at states in as many years.

“My kids played great. They’re

unbelievable kids. They played great all year,” said Portsmouth head coach Gary Dorsi. “We shot 605. That’s a super score.

Any other year that probably wins, but you’ve got to give Barrington credit.”

While the Eagles received contributions from their entire team, Kraunelis play was the difference. The reigning RIGA Junior champion finished 7-strokes clear of Portsmouth sophomore Jake Bauer and 9-strokes ahead of Bauer’s teammate Matt Occhi.

“It is a great feeling to win the team and individual title,” gleamed the newly crowned champion. “I had a pretty easy week. I hit a lot of fairways and greens.

I am happy my play contributed to us bringing another title back to Barrington.

After losing in the finals for hockey it makes this title even sweeter.”

Tournament Tap-Ins Committed Crew — Year after year the RIIL tournament continues to improve.

Former director Mike Lunney, current director Ted Quigley and coaches Marc Brocato and Cameron Quinn have been instrumental in the tournament’s success.

The tournament is the only state high school competition in New England played over 36 holes. The Player of the Year rankings incorporate season long scoring averages and results from the state tournament to determine the coaches’ AllState team.

Lombardi Love – For the 15th consecutive year Cranston C.C. played host to the RIIL Championship. Owner Mike Lombardi’s support of competitive golf (specifically junior golf ) is unrivaled.

Back in the early 80s Cranston C.C. hosted both an individual and team event, which were extremely popular with junior golfers (including yours truly). Currently, Cranston C.C. hosts RIGA, OSWGA and Challenge Cup competitions annually.

See page 32 for more tounament news and scores.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

WESTERN MASS NOTEBOOK COLD SPRING, HOT TOPIC Cold Spring Country Club, a semiprivate course in Belchertown, has been the hot topic in Western Massachusetts golf circles this season as the 18-hole course on Route 21 prepared to open. Member play began on May 1 and the course opened to the public on June 1.

“We are so excited, we can definitely see the rainbow,” said Bill Tragakis, Cold Spring C.C. head golf professional and general manager.

The buzz has been all about the opportunity for the general public to play a new local course for the first time in 11 years. The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick and Ledges G.C. in South Hadley were the last to open in the West, during the summer of 2001.

“Everything we’ve heard about the course, so far, has been positive,” Tragakis said. The low round shot during the opening month of play was a 5-under-par 66 shot by Cold Spring C.C. assistant pro Jeff Davenport. For more information or to book a tee, call (413) 323-4888.

COURSE RECORD East Longmeadow John Kelly IV fired a 7-under-par 64 to set the course record at Twin Hills C.C. in Longmeadow on May 16. The five-time reigning men’s club champion shot 32 on each side, using a 2 1/2-foot eagle putt at the par-5 14th hole to spark his round. He was eight under after 16 holes, missed a four-footer for par at 17, then saved the round after getting up-and-down from the right bunker at the par-3 18th hole.

The 23-year-old graduate of the University of Rhode Island, who also had makeable eagle putt chances on the first and 15th holes, bettered Stuart Meyers’

record of 65. Kelly had matched the course record of 63 at Ludlow C.C. last summer.

DOUBLED UP Pat Wright of Southampton and Steve Lefebvre of Westfield each made double eagles this spring. Wright holed out from 205 yards, with a 6-iron, at the par-5, 500-yard second hole at Chicopee C.C. on May 27, while Lefevbre made his “2” at the 14th hole at Tekoa C.C. in Westfield on April 14. He holed out from 178 yards with a 5-iron. The double eagle was the third of his career.

WOMEN’S OPEN The road to the U.S. Women’s Open for Massachusetts’ natives Alison Walshe and Megan Khang went through Longmeadow last month. Each advanced through a 36-hole qualifier at Longmeadow C.C. Walshe, a tremendous collegiate player at Arizona and a top-30 finisher at last year’s Open, posted rounds of 69 and 70.

Khang, a 14-year-old amateur from Rockland, went 74, 67. She also advanced to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship later in the week, qualifying for her fifth USGA championship. The U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., July 5-8.

McCarthy of Holyoke aced the ninth hole at Wyckoff C.C. late last fall, he joined his father John and grandfather Jack as having made aces there . . . Joe Larrivee of West Springfield had a notable witness for a hole-in-one he made at Classic Club in LaQuinta, Calif., in February. He made his ace playing with Gene Reopel and former AL MVP Vida Blue.

COLLEGE TRY East Longmeadow native Kris Hart has introduced the CollegeGolfPass, an annual program that currently offers discounted greens fees at approximately 75 golf courses throughout New England. To join the program, a college student needs only a valid college ID and to pay a $40 annual membership.

Most memberships are handled online, through www.collegegolfpass. com, but Hart said student reps at local colleges have also helped with exposure.

For more information, check out www. collegegolfpass.com, call (617) 396-7021 or email Hart at Kris@collegegolfpass.com.

By RUSS HELD TEE PARTY LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Francis Kringle of West Springfield joined his late father Frank on the storied list of Western Mass. Tee Party honorees. The head golf professional at The Blandford Club was honored at the awards banquet at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield.

The Kringles join Henry and Bob Bontempo and Ed Twohig Sr. and sons Ed Jr. and Dave as the only other fatherson combinations to be honored. Kringle, 62, has spent close to 20 years as head pro at Crestview C.C. in Agawam and the last nine at Blandford.

BRICK BY BRICK The Country Club of Greenfield is running a fund-raiser to rebuild its clubhouse that was destroyed by fire last October. The club is hoping to sell more than 1,000 engraved, clay-paving bricks. For more information, call the club at (413) 773-7530 or go to www. countryclubofgreenfield.net.

ACE NOTES Jason “Tiny” Yuryan of Greenfield was a witness to a hole-in-one made by Andrew Jacobs of Turners Falls at Country Club of Greenfield on May 2. Four days later, he made his own ace at the club. He used a gap wedge at the 114-yard fifth hole there . . . James Marvel and Jacob Matulewicz each aced the 157-yard fourth hole, only hours apart, at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke on May 27. . . When “Bub”

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

15

By KATHARINE DYSON

WOMEN’S GOLF

Junior Girls — Your Ticket to College Could be Golf

T

he fact that men far outnumber women playing golf is good news for female golfers looking for financial help for college or just to get on the team. Thousands of scholarships are available each year for female golfers through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (ncaa.org).

Since there are fewer girls playing the game, college recruiters have a smaller field to select from, thus giving girls more of a chance. This is especially welcome with the cost for attending a public four-year university averaging around $7,000 and private universities $26,000 annually.

According to collegescholarships.org, the NCAA scholarships for junior girl golfers are awarded to 235 Division I and 128 Division II schools with Division I schools allowed six scholarships per year and Division II, 5.4 scholarships. This adds up to about 2,101 women’s golf scholarships available annually.

16

And guess what? The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) also have money for girls but sadly many of the scholarships go unused, especially at twoyear colleges. People simply don’t know it’s out there.

Unlike other Division I sports such as football and basketball, junior golfers cannot expect a full ride with all expenses paid. However, talented golfers can apply for partial scholarships (25-50%) and full scholarships, though rare, are more likely awarded to girls.

While Division III schools like top ranked Methodist University do not offer golf scholarships directly, they do award academic scholarships to those who excel in sports including golf. Other golf organizations like the LPGA (lpga.com) and Women’s Western Golf Association (wwga.org) also offer golf scholarships to promising young junior girls.

Dawn Mercer, Director of Instruction at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Florida near St.. Petersburg (innisbrookgolfresort. com) pointed out the criteria to get on the college golf teams varies according to whether you’re talking Division I, II or III. “If a girl can break 85 from the forward tees and 100 from the middle tees, there is a place for her if she wants to compete for one of the more than 100 schools in the Division III category,” says Mercer noting girls scoring in the 80s to 110 range at 5,800 yards have a good shot while boys need scores of 72 to 76 from 7,000 to 7,200 yards to get on the teams of the same schools.

“Most Division I schools recruit two years in advance, Division II about one year ahead and Division III schools work in the summer leading up to senior year,” said Mercer. “ Schools with excellent golfing programs for women according to CollegeScholarships.org include Duke (NCAA D1); University of California, Los Angeles (NCAA D1); Rollins College (NCAA D2); Florida Southern (NCAA D2); University of the Redlands (NCAA D3); Oklahoma City (NAIA) and Daytona Beach Community College (NJCAA).

Also good collegiate junior programs are found at Oklahoma State University, Stanford University, Arizona State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Augusta State University and Auburn State University.

Getting into golf To lay the foundation to succeed in golf, it is important to get good instruction at

an early age. Innisbrook Resort in Florida is one place which strongly promotes junior golf development.

At Innisbrook, juniors 8 and under play free when accompanied by an adult Sundays after 2 p.m. There is a Junior Golf Camp, Junior Golf League and special clinics for juniors as well as junior golf tournaments that bring young players to Florida from around the world.

The resort also has the 9-hole Fox Squirrel Course, a par 32 850 yard course designed for families to have fun. It’s free to members and resort guests.

Another place to go for golf instruction for juniors is the U.S. Golf Camp held at the 350-acre Elite Kiski School in Saltsburg, Pa., 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh. Boys and girls ages 9 to 18 can choose from a five-day to to an eight-week program.

They live in dorms and the day includes instruction, course play, tournaments, and a lot of other activities like swimming and excursions to amusement parks. usgolfcamps.com.

In Rhode Island, a new Junior Golf Program has been formed to expose kids to golf who might otherwise not have the opportunity to play the game.

The initiative ia sponsored by the 2012 Southeastern New England Golf Expo, the Rhode Island Professional Golfers Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Providence.

The U.S. Challenge Cup (www. uschallengcup.org) offers tremendous opportunities for girls to get involved in competitive golf. For a list of college coaches, check www.collegegolf.com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

A

By JOE GORDON

Sorenstam’s Family is Her Grand Slam

nnika Sorenstam won a record 90 golf tournaments around the world before she retired in 2008, including 10 majors and 72 official LPGA Tour events. However, when asked by Southern New England Golfer to pick out her most satisfying accomplishment, she didn’t hesitate for a second.

“I treasure my family tremendously.

They are my Grand Slam of Life. They come first. It’s hard work but it’s really rewarding. I love them to pieces,” said Sorenstam, 41, who retired in 2008 hoping to start a family, which, so far, includes husband Mike McGee, daughter Ava and son William.

Sorenstam, who holds dual Swedish and American citizenship, will make her first trip to Rhode Island since winning the 2006 U.S. Women’s Open at Newport.

She will be one of 9 women and 11 men in the field at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic June 17-19 at Rhode Island Country Club. She will be paired with Peter Jacobsen as one of nine mixed teams with tournament hosts Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade playing together.

Many consider Sorenstam a pioneer who opened doors for women golfers when she accepted an invitation to play against the men from the PGA Tour at the Bank of America event at Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth Texas in 2003. She was the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias played in the 1945 Los Angeles Open.

The CVS tournament, for example, had no women in the field when Sorenstam’s skills and tenacity won the hearts of the golf world at Colonial despite missing the cut with rounds of 71 and 74. She tied for 96th in the 111-player field.

“It’s hard to look at yourself as a pioneer.

I’d look at other players who came before my time and kind of paved the way for others and me. And then you just try to do the best you can to represent the game that you love and you represent yourself,” said Sorenstam. “It’s a compliment – I would love to have changed the game in a positive direction.”

Sorenstam said her decision to play at Colonial was influenced by a chance to find different pathways to self-improvement.

“It was not necessarily the week, it was the journey to that week, which was four months of practicing. I really challenged myself to work on my strengths and weaknesses,” Sorenstam said. “When I played, I was under the microscope from start to finish. It really tested me – how I handled it, how I felt about it and my

reactions. I figured if I could handle that I could handle anything.”

Sorenstam said she has played in a few men’s tournaments since Colonial, but none nearly as significant as a PGA Tour event.

She has been on the grounds of R.I.C.C. but hadn’t played the course she termed “beautiful.” She doesn’t play much golf these days but she said she is busier than ever juggling her time between her golf academy in Florida, her many corporate and charitable commitments and her family.

“Last year I played only 10 rounds of golf, and most of them weren’t 18 holes,” Sorenstam said. “I don’t rank my game anymore. I don’t compete. It’s not my priority by any means. I do a lot of clinics and I play in charity events. But it’s not about my game anymore. I would like to raise awareness of different charities and help mentor kids.”

As a child growing up in Bro, Sweden, a Stockholm suburb, little Annika was a highly ranked junior tennis player and

so accomplished a skier that the Swedish national ski team suggested to her parents that they move north so Annika could ski much of the year.

At the age of 12 she switched to golf.

Annika and sister Charlotta shared a set of clubs, Annika getting the odd-numbered clubs and Charlotta the evens. Annika is one of the all-time great players on the LPGA Tour, where Charlotta has also won.

Sorenstam was looking forward to the CVS event on the day we spoke by phone, June 5. She also acknowledged that she was prepared to commit to some practice.

People see the name and automatically assume she can simply put on her golf shoes and go out and break par despite the fact she just doesn’t play much.

“I need to practice a little bit, but I happen to be in Lake Tahoe and as a matter of fact it’s snowing at this moment. I’m not going to go practice today,” she said.

“I’ll try to get a chance to swing the club a little, but I’m just happy that Billy and Brad invited me. I just want to support them in what they do for charity.”

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

She has fond memories of her U.S. Women’s Open win at Newport in 2006.

Her first professional Tour win was the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open. “(Newport) was my third U.S. Open and I won it pretty late in my career. I battled an injury in my neck. It’s one of the highlights of my career and really memorable,” said Sorenstam.

Sorenstam spends time at her Florida academy, but she’s not out on the practice tee with students on a regular basis. “I wouldn’t say I teach. I play with what we call our guests,” she said. “I do more of the mentoring of the mental aspects of the game. I teach them preparation and what it takes to get to certain levels. But it’s not telling them how to grip the club or take the club back. I understand the game good enough to do that, but that’s not my strength. We have some great instructors at my academy and I let them focus on the technical aspects.”

Joe Gordon is the retired golf writer for the Boston Herald and a long-time member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America.

17

GOLF BUSINESS

By BRUCE VITTNER

W

ING Holds Spring Conference

e recently had the opportunity to attend the International Network of Golf spring conference in Greenville, S.C. The ING was founded in 1990 to enhance and promote communication and education in golf.

With over 350 members (35 percent who are media and the rest from all aspects of the golf industry) the organization offers media the chance to find out what is happening in golf and the manufacturers and other people involved with golf programs, events and ideas to meet and share information. About 130 people attended the conference at the Embassy Suites in Greenville for a chance to socialize, play golf and learn more about the golfing industry.

Highlights of the four-day conference included many educational sessions including social media, digital marketing and media, demo lab, one-on-one meetings with manufacturers and media,

18

awards presentations and of course golf on the beautiful course at the hotel called Preserve at Verde G.C. Many new products were launched at this year’s conference.

Products and services displayed included: • Adidas Golf, the fastest growing golf footwear and apparel company—www. adidasgolf.com; • Assured Products, a company that incorporates security materials to reduce the risk of theft and counterfeiting of golf products—www.apgrp.com; • Avid Golf, a new company that developed a training aid that goes under your armpit to help control your flying elbow. It was voted best product at the show, (see page 30) www.avidgolfusa.com; • Bionic Glove, a padded golf glove to help ease pain from arthritis and other hand ailment, (see page 30) www.bionicgloves.com; • CertiFresh Cigar, individually packaged cigars with its own humidipak insert. The company currently sells to over 1,200 courses nationwide, www.certifreshcigar.com;

• Checkpoint Golf Systems, a short game training system for putting and chipping (see page 30); • Cobra PUMA Golf, a leading golf equipment brand that also features colorful, innovative and stylish footwear and apparel, www.cobragolf.com, www. puma.com/golf; • Golf Mesquite Nevada, the marketing arm of the partnership of nine championship courses and four hotels that hosts several golf events and plans golf trips for individuals, www.golfmesquitenevada.com; • Golf to End Cancer, a social media network and wellness day event program to use golf as a means to raise money to fight cancer, www.GolfToEndCancer.com; • Grow the Game Golf, a mobile scoring and live leaderboard application for use with smart phones, www.gtggolf.com; • InnovexGolf/RIFE Putters, developer of the new V-Motion Tour and E-Motion golf balls that won a Golf Digest Hot List Award and the RIFE putter that is used by many players on TOUR, www.rifeputters. com, www.innovexgolf.com; • J2 Golf Marketing, John Johnson’s marketing company that features branding of companies through all phases of communication including developing brochures and ad campaigns, internet eMarketing, text marketing and websites.

Other companies we talked to included: • Nike Golf, a leader in golf equipment and apparel, had a huge display of the new-styled shoes without cleats as well as their new drivers, hybrids and irons on the range, www.nikegolf.com;

• Pearl ProSports, a new userfriendly putter that can be adjusted to individual form fit and function, www. pearlprosports.com; • Razor Golf, a designer/manufacturer of high quality, mid-priced golf equipment, www. razorgolf.com; • TaylorMade Golf, pioneer of the metalwood and a leader in technology for all types of golfers. We are going to feature their ball designer in our August/Sept. issue, www.taylormadegolf.com; • The Putting Wedge Company, the uniquely designed wedge that we featured in May that helps golfers with their chipping came, www.oneputtwedge.com; • Tour Edge, a golf manufacturer that sells under both the Exotics and Tour Edge brand. They feature quality, high technology clubs that are hand assembled; • Vertical Response, offering a full suite of self-service marketing solutions for businesses including email, social media, event, direct mail and online surveys, wwwVerticalResponse.com; • Who’s Your Caddy, a free mobile app to course and players that includes unique advertising programs and features caddylike advice for each hole via a short video; • Wolff Golf Gloves, a company that features superior quality custom logo golf gloves for tournaments, www. wolffgolfgloves.com; • World Golfers Championship, Anders Bengston organizes the U.S. Qualifications of the World Golfers Championship, the world’s largest amateur tournament, played in over 40 countries. The ING hosted a qualifier for the World Championships at its conference, www.worldgolfersusa. com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF ARCHITECTURE

E

By TIM GERRISH

New Bunkers for CVS Participants

veryone should attend the CVS Caremark Charity Classic this year.

If you are not familiar with this tournament, it will be held on June 1719, 2012 at Rhode Island Country Club, in Barrington. This is the 14th year for this popular event hosted by Rhode Island natives Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade.

Eighteen players from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours join Brad and Billy.

This is RI’s largest charitable sporting event, having raised over $15 million.

So why attend this year? Sure, the opportunity to watch LPGA Hall of Famer and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam is a draw. But I’ll be watching how some of the world’s best players handle RICC’s new bunkers!

This respected Donald Ross-designed course had bunkers that were tired, difficult to maintain and mixed in style and character. The sand was flashed high adding issues with plugged balls and wash outs every time it rained. Having worked

maintenance at the CVS over the last several years, I can attest to the bunkers.

Golf Course Architect Bruce Hepner was hired to lead the project. While many of you who can name five golf course architects, might not know Bruce, this guy can design. Bruce worked for Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design before going out on his own. Doak and his followers, Bruce and 2016 Olympic Golf Course designer, Gil Hanse being two of them, have led a return to the minimalism movement in golf course design. I asked Bruce a few questions for this article.

Bruce told me that 136 existing bunkers were renovated over the course of five weeks, with a few being eliminated or combined, leaving 118. He mentioned that there were some great old photos from the 20s and 30s that helped develop the style, plus great weather and supporting cast. Having walked the course again after the changes, the bunkers are “old school” in style with low sand lines and steep

grass faces. I was excited to see how Bruce handled some of the more “interesting” bunkers, like the elevated right approach bunker on #13, which sat up several feet above the surrounds with sand at the top.

The bunker on #13 became a sand mound similar in style to some old photographs of Ross hazards that I’ve seen and were visible on the research Bruce did. What a great way to add visual interest to a hole while maintaining a hazard.

So get out to the CVS, follow the players, take in the scenery of the finishing holes, but take a look at the bunkers too. They add so much to the aesthetic appeal and strategic character of a course. And if you see a guy out early one of the mornings preparing bunkers a little slower than the other guys, that is me, enjoying the course even more!

Tim Gerrish, RLA is a golf course architect and landscape architect. He will be writing an occasional article about golf course architecture in Southern New England Golfer and can be reached at tim@gardner-gerrish.com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

TICKET OFFER GET IN ON THE ACTION Golf fans can obtain tickets to the 14th annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic golf tournament by purchasing qualifying products at all Rhode Island CVS/pharmacy stores and participating locations in neighboring Southeastern Massachusetts.

The tickets, good for any day of the June 17-19 tournament, offer fans an up-close-and-personal way to catch the action at this signature event. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! See stores for details.

19

CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC Billy Andrade

Birth Date: January 25, 1964 Residence: Bristol, RI; Atlanta, GA Family: Wife, Jody; Cameron James, Grace Education: Wake Forest University Interests: Philanthropy Turned Pro: 1987 PGA TOUR Victories: 4* Career Earnings: $12,380,805* This is Andrade’s 14th consecutive appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic as co-host of the tournament.

Mark Calcavecchia

Birth Date: June 12, 1960 Residence: Tequesta, Florida Family: Wife Brenda; Eric and Britney Education: University of Florida Interests: Bowling and Rock concerts Turned Pro: 1981 PGA TOUR Victories: 13* Champions Tour Victories: 1* Career Earnings: $27,077,027* A member of the 2001 CVS Caremark Charity Classic winning team, this will be Calcavecchia’s sixth appearance in the event.

John Cook

Birth Date: October 2, 1957 Residence: Windermere, Florida Family: Wife, Jan; Kristin, Courtney, Jason Education: Ohio State University Turned Pro: 1979 Interests: Ohio State sports, skiing, racing PGA TOUR Victories: 11* Champions Tour Victories: 8* Career Earnings: $20,567,113* This will be Cook’s second appearance at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, returning after competing in the inaugural event in 1999.

20

Brad Faxon

Birth Date: August 1, 1961 Residence: Barrington, RI Family: Wife, Dory; Melanie, Emily, Sophie, Charlotte Education: Furman University Interests: All sports, golf course design, family Turned Pro: 1983 PGA TOUR Victories: 8* Champions Tour Victories: 1* Career Earnings: $18,266,235* Tournament co-host Brad Faxon will be making his 14th consecutive appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Jay Haas

Birth Date: December 2, 1953 Residence: Greenville, South Carolina Family: Wife Jan; Jay, Jr., William Harlan, Winona Haley, Emily Frances and Georgia Ann Education: Wake Forest University Interests: the Final Four, Wake Forest sports, and the Rolling Stones Turned Pro: 1976 PGA TOUR Victories: 9* Champions Tour Victories: 15* Career Earnings: $26,912,656* This will be Haas’s sixth year competing, returning as a former champion of the event (2004).

Juli Inkster

Birth Date: June 24, 1960 Residence: Los Altos, CA Family: Husband, Brian; Hayley Carole, Cori Simpson Education: San Jose State University Interests: Family Turned Pro: 1983 LPGA Tour Victories: 31* Career Earnings: $13,394,110* This year marks Juli Inkster’s fifth appearance at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Peter Jacobsen

Birth Date: March 4, 1954 Residence: Bonita Springs, FL Family: Wife, Jan; Amy, Kristen, Mick Education: University of Oregon Interests: Music Turned Pro: 1976 PGA TOUR Victories: 7* Champions Tour Victories: 2* Career Earnings: $10,745,810* Peter Jacobsen will be making his 14th consecutive appearance this year.

Jacobsen was named by the Golf Course Superintendant’s Association of America as the Old Tom Morris Award recipient in 2012.

Cristie Kerr

Birth Date: October 12, 1977 Residence: Scottsdale, Arizona Family: Husband Erik Interests: Cooking, wine collecting, fishing Turned Pro: 1996 LPGA Tour Victories: 14* Career Earnings: $13,717,080* Cristie Kerr will be making her first appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Kerr launched the “Birdies for Breast Cancer” program and has since raised more than $500,000 for the cause.

Brittany Lincicome

Birth Date: September 19, 1985 Residence: Seminole, Florida Interests: Fishing and playing Texas Hold’em Turned Pro: 2004 LPGA Tour Victories: 5* Career Earnings: $4,572,659* This past season, Lincicome recorded her third and fourth LPGA Tour victories.

This will be Lincicome’s second time competing in the Charity Classic.

Lorena Ochoa

Birth Date: November 15, 1981 Residence: Guadalajara, Mexico Family: Husband, Andres Conesa Education: University of Arizona Interests: Reading and water skiing Turned Pro: 2002 LPGA Tour Victories: 27* Career Earnings: $14,863,331* In 2007 Ochoa created the Lorena Ochoa Foundation, which operates three elementary schools serving underprivileged children in Mexico.

In April 2010 Ochoa retired from professional golf. This will be her first appearance at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Corey Pavin

Birth Date: November 16, 1959 Residence: Dallas, Texas Family: Wife, Lisa; Ryan, Austin, Alexis Le Education: UCLA Interests: Bowling and rock concerts Turned Pro: 1982 PGA TOUR Victories: 15* Champions Tour Victories: 1* Career Earnings: $18,229,576* After joining the Champions Tour in 2010, Pavin achieved his first victory at the 2012 Allianz Championship. This will be his first time competing in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Suzann Pettersen

Birth Date: April 7, 1981 Residence: Orlando, FL Interests: Tennis, skiing, music, spending time with family and friends Turned Pro: 2000 LPGA Tour Victories: 8* Career Earnings: $8,351,627* This will be Pettersen’s third year competing in the Charity Classic.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC Morgan Pressel

Birth Date: May 23, 1988 Residence: Boca Raton, FL Interests: Photography, computers and her Blackberry Turned Pro: 2005 LPGA Tour Victories: 2* Career Earnings: $4,465,950* Morgan Pressel started the Morgan & Friends Fight Cancer charity tournament, which benefits the Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton, Fla. This year marks Pressel’s fourth appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Nick Price

Birth Date: January 28, 1957 Residence: Hobe Sound, Florida Family: Wife, Sue; Gregory, Robin Frances, Kimberly Rae Turned Pro: 1977 Interests: Golf course design PGA TOUR Victories: 18* Champions Tour Victories: 4* Career Earnings: $26,256,974* This will be Price’s ninth year competing in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, returning as a three-time champion of the event (2009, 2006, 2001).

Brett Quigley

Birth Date: August 18, 1969 Residence: Jupiter, Florida Family: Wife, Amy Education: University of South Carolina Interests: Surfing, reading, cars, motorcycles Turned Pro: 1991 Best PGA TOUR Finish: T2* Career Earnings: $11,048,433* A native to New England and a Rhode Island Country Club member, this will be Brett Quigley’s 14th consecutive year competing in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Dana Quigley

Birth Date: April 14, 1947 Residence: West Palm Beach, FL Family: Wife, Angie; Nicole and Devon Education: University of Rhode Island Interests: The Boston Red Sox Turned Pro: 1971 Champions Tour Victories: 11* Career Earnings: $14,911,890* Quigley has won eleven tournaments on the Champion’s Tour and was elected to the New England section of the PGA Hall of Fame in 2000. This will be Quigley’s 11th appearance at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Jeff Sluman

Birth Date: September 11, 1957 Residence: Hinsdale, IL Education: Florida State University Interests: Other sports, Formula One Racing, and fine wines Turned Pro: 1980 PGA TOUR Victories: 6* Champions Tour Victories: 4* Career Earnings: $24,243,700* Sluman began competing in the inaugural event in 1999 where he was part of back-to-back holes-in-one with Scott McCarron. This will be his ninth time participating in the event.

Annika Sorenstam

Birth Date: October 9, 1970 Residence: Orlando, FL Family: Husband, Mike McGee; Ava, William Education: University of Arizona Interests: Sports, music, and cooking Turned Pro: 1993 LPGA Tour Victories: 72* Career Earnings: $22,573,192* In 2008, Sorenstam was named a Global Ambassador for the International Golf Federation’s Olympic Golf Committee.

This is Sorenstam’s first appearance in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Alexis “Lexi” Thompson

Birth Date: February 10, 1995 Residence: Coral Springs, FL Interests: Dancing Turned Pro: 2010 LPGA Tour Victories: 1* Career Earnings: $739,706* Thompson is the youngest player to win on the LPGA Tour, breaking the record at the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic at the age of sixteen. Later that year, Thompson became the second youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour by dominating the Dubai Ladies Masters. This will be Thompson’s first appearance at the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Sunday, June 17, 2012 Pepsi Pro-Am Rhode Island Country Club, Barrington 7:00 a.m. - Shotgun Start 1:00 p.m. - Shotgun Start Will Call Hours Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Free Shuttle Hours 5:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.* Hospitality Hours 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday, June 18, 2012 CVS Caremark Charity Classic Rhode Island Country Club, Barrington 9:30 a.m. - Players Clinic, 18th Green 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. - First Round Tee Times 2:30 p.m. - First Round Concludes Will Call Hours Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free Shuttle Hours 5:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.* Hospitality Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Yani Tseng

Birth Date: January 23, 1989 Residence: Orlando, FL Interests: Sports, shooting pool, and watching movies Turned Pro: 2007 LPGA Tour Victories: 15* Career Earnings: $8,499,209* This past year, Tseng won seven LPGA Tour events and became the youngest player ever, male or female, to win five major championships after claiming the 2011 RICOH Women’s British Open.

This will be Tseng’s first year competing in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. *Stats as of April 22, 2012

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 CVS Caremark Charity Classic Rhode Island Country Club, Barrington, RI 9:00 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. - Final Round Tee Times Immediately Following - 2012 Awards Ceremony Play (Approx. 2:00 p.m) Will Call Hours Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free Shuttle Hours 5:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.* Hospitality Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. *Last shuttle leaves approximately 1 hour after play ends for the day.

Pairings Cristie Kerr – John Cook Suzann Pettersen – Nick Price Alexis Thompson – Corey Pavin Morgan Pressel – Jay Haas Brittany Lincicome – Brett Quigley Juli Inkster – Dana Quigley Annika Sorenstam – Peter Jacobsen Lorena Ochoa – Mark Calcavecchia Yani Tseng – Jeff Sluman Billy Andrade – Brad Faxon

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic, Rhode Island’s number one charitable sporting event, benefits numerous regional charities. Since its inaugural event in 1999, the prestigious tournament has donated more than $15 million to hundreds of New England-area nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping children and families.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

21

By BRUCE BERLET

CONN NOTEBOOK

Khang Wins Conn. Women’s Open

M

egan Khang played a little hooky from school at the end of May and made history in a wire-to-wire victory in the Connecticut Women’s Open at Clinton Country Club.

The 14-year-old freshman at Rockland (Mass.) High School shot 1-under-par 143 for 36 holes to become the youngest champion in the event’s 14-year history and youngest to win a state title since former LPGA and Futures Tour player Liz Janangelo Caron captured her first of five Connecticut State Women’s Amateur Golf Championship at 13 in 1984. Caron, married to former Nationwide Tour player Jason Caron of Hyannis, Mass., also won a record four straight Connecticut Women’s Opens and lost a playoff to former LPGA and Futures Tour player Jennifer Lintz in 2011 but didn’t play this year.

The 5-foot-1 Khang took the lead with a bogey-free, 2-under 70 in the first round and then closed with 73 for a two-

22

stroke victory over 2008 champion Lynn Valentine of East Lyme, Conn. “I wish the score could have been a little better, but I’m very happy,” said Khang, a playoff loser to University of Connecticut grad Ellie Dutch of Moodus, Conn., in the 2011 Massachusetts Women’s Open.

Valentine, a former University of Hartford standout and Massachusetts Women’s Open champion, was impressed by the teen-ager. “I’m a competitive player and always play to win, don’t play for second, but Megan refused to give in,” said Valentine, who lipped out a 4-foot birdie putt at No. 15 to get within a shot. “She hits the ball a long way. The composure she has, she’s like 14 going on 24. That’s what it takes. It was fun to watch and compete against.”

Khang’s father/caddie/coach Lee had some simple advice for his daughter, who parred the last two holes to secure the win. “My message to her before we went

out (for the final round) was, ‘The slate is clean, don’t think about the two-shot lead,’” Lee Khang said.

Megan listened well, though her second trip around Clinton C.C. was hardly smooth. After making two birdies and 16 pars in taking a two-shot lead after the first round, Khang had a roller-coaster finish of four birdies, five bogeys and nine pars. But she never lost her nerve or lead in adding to an ever-growing resume.

The win came within a week of she shot 74-67 at Longmeadow (Mass.) C.C. to finish second in a qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Open on July 5-8 at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisc., and shot 67 at Cyprian Keyes G.C. in Boylston, Mass., to earn medalist honors in a qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship June 18-23 at Neshanic Valley G.C. in Neshanic Station, N.J. She also played in the last three U.S. Girls Junior Championships.

“Playing so well in the final round of the U.S. Open qualifier was so big for me,” Khang said. “I used that confidence here, especially coming in.”

Valentine, who played several events on the Futures Tour, shot 73-72 to earn the $5,000 first prize as the low professional.

She finished three strokes ahead of Laura Terebey of Allston, Mass., who earned $2,500 as second low pro at 147. “The flat stick cost me,” said Valentine, who had 34 putts in a final round of one birdie, one bogey and 16 pars. “Most of the time I couldn’t get the ball to the hole because I was afraid it’d go way past on these slick greens.”

Isabelle Lendl of Goshen, Conn., one of three golfing daughters of Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl, shot two 73s to finish third. Lendl, 20, who will be a senior at the University of Florida, was five strokes back of Khang through 11 holes in the final round but closed within two with

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CT NOTEBOOK birdies on No. 12 and 13 as Khang made bogey at 13. But Khang birdied the 14th and Lendl bogeyed No. 15. Valentine also closed within two after Khang’s bogey at 13, but with nine pars on the back side, Valentine couldn’t catch the leader.

PROS FINALLY RECLAIM BOROS CUP The Connecticut Section PGA built an eight-point at the turn and then held on for a 33 1/2-30 1/2 victory over the Connecticut State Golf Association, ending a record-tying, three-year losing streak in the Julius Boros Challenge Cup Matches at New Haven C.C. Frank Leja recorded a perfect six points in the Nassau-style individual and best-ball competitions for the pros, who lead the series 29-12. Jack McConachie registered five points, and Fran Marrello, winner of a record 16 section titles and playing in a record-tying 35th Challenge Cup, got 41/2 points. Marrello continued to share the most appearances with amateur Dave Szewczul. Matt Dziubina led the amateurs with 51/2 points, and lastminute substitute Phil Perry had 41/2.

“I didn’t give my team any kind of pep talk, just told them to go and play,” said Dennis Coscina, a PGA of America Life Member who played in 14 Challenge Cup Matches, including after he competed on the Champions Tour for parts of three years and is 1-1 as captain. “The guys are champions in their own right, and it ended up a lot of fun.”

BERNSTEIN WINS PALMER CUP Sam Bernstein held off a strong challenge from reigning two-time State Amateur champion Tommy McDonagh in a 36-hole windup played in a chilling drizzle to win the Russell C. Palmer Cup at the Country Club of Waterbury.

An opening 5-under-par 64 gave Bernstein a three-stroke lead, but McDonagh caught the Ivy League player of the year with nine holes left. Bernstein stayed close with several good up-anddowns and then broke away at the end when he birdied the 17th hole after McDonagh bogeyed Nos. 14 and 16.

Bernstein, 20, who will be a junior at Yale University and plays out of The Course at Yale in New Haven, finished with a 54-hole total of 204, four fewer than McDonagh (Shorehaven G.C. in Norwalk) and the host club’s Blake Morris, 19, who plays at

the University of Mississippi. “It’s great,” said Bernstein, followed by his father, Tom, who periodically text-messaged Yale coach Colin Sheehan. “It’s nice. I’m glad I didn’t gag it away.”

McDonagh, 23, a Penn State grad, won’t defend his CSGA Amateur title June 2529 at Race Brook C.C. in Orange because he and Bernstein opted to play in the Ike Championship for the top amateurs in the New York metropolitan region at Atlantic G.C. in Bridgehampton, N.Y., on June 25-26. “Unfortunately it’s the same week,” said McDonagh, who also won the Ike last year. “Since I won the State Amateur in 2006 and was able to defend it, I could have defended it again or defended the Ike, which I’ve never done before.”

Nick Cook and Tim Kane combined to shoot 4-under 138 for 36 holes to win the CSGA Two-Man Championship at the Black Hall Club in Old Lyme. “We didn’t ham and egg too well in the morning (four-ball), but we got it going pretty in the afternoon (foursomes selected drive),” said Cook, a reinstated amateur. Max Adler and David Zeid had the lead after a 66 in the morning but shot 75 in the afternoon to tie for third at 141, one behind Brian Ahern and Scott Farrell. Black Hall has hosted the event since 2008 and is played in honor of Bill Hermanson, a 23-time club champion at Black Hall and fivetime CSGA Mid-Amateur champion.

Hermanson and three-time CSGA Senior Player of the Year tied for third with Ahern-Farrell and Rick Nappi and James Kulacz.

Salito, Madison, Tim Gavronski and Eric Schomske won the team Stableford event with 77 points.

Copper Hill Golf Club in East Granby was named the 2012 recipient of the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award as the model public golf course in the section. The award was inaugurated in 2001 in honor of Canton Public G.C. for the standards it set towards a public course’s responsibility to its community to provide playing opportunities for all those who want to play and learn the game. The selection of Copper Hill was made by the PGA Special Awards Committee.

Lakes of Isles and the Mashantucket Pequot Nation presented junior golf scholarships to John Abbott, 15, Higganum; Mitchell Allen, 16, Gales Ferry; Roger Allen III, 13, Ledyard; Andrew Berardi, 16, Griswold; Finn Boynton, 12, Milford; Justin Carter, 13, Mashantucket; June Conti, 17, Farmington; Michael Gaulin, 15, Smithfield; Ethan Kalk, 9 South Glastonbury; Sadie Martinez-Clavijo, 17, Hartford; Trinity Payne, 11, Ledyard;

By BRUCE BERLET Emmanuel Perry, 15, Mystic; Mia Perry, 13, Mystic; Rachel Shaw, 14, Mystic; and Jonathan Reid, 12, Westerley, R.I. Applicants were evaluated on character, integrity, passion and their potential for success at a highly competitive level. The recipients receive practice and training sessions with a Troon Golf Academy instructor, complimentary “standby” playing privileges on Lake of Isles North Course and reduced fees for accompanied adult guests, unlimited use of the Troon Golf Academy practice facility and a Lake of Isles golf bag, polo shirt, wind shirt, cap and balls. The recipients continue practice sessions through Sept. 30.

The PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program awarded scholarships to three Connecticut players: Hailey Salito, daughter of Ralph Salito; Bethany Goodhue, daughter of Todd Goodhue of Shennecossett G.C. in Groton; and Jennifer Whaley, daughter of Bill and Suzy Whaley of TPC River Highlands.

The program awards scholarships to PGA members’ children and grandchildren who have shown high academic achievement.

SALITO WINS TOURNAMENT, COPPER HILL RECEIVES AWARD Ralph Salito of the Club at River Oaks and honorary president of the Connecticut Section PGA amassed 26 points in a Stableford system to win the Walter Lowell PGA Tournament at the Orchards G.C. in South Hadley, Mass.

Salito, a candidate for secretary of the PGA of America, outdistanced other division winners Paul Ryiz of Brownson C.C. (24 points, Community Division), Larry Thornhill of Alling Memorial G.C. (23 points, Promoter of Golf Division), Steve Madison of the Golf Club of Avon (20 points, Player Developer Division) and Joe Mongillo of Hop Meadow C.C., Adam D’Amario of Indian Hill C.C. and Mark Farrell of H. Smith Richardson G.C. (19 points, Junior Golf Mentor).

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

23

24

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

TOURNAMENT GOLF

By BRUCE BERLET

Jacobson Set to Defend at Travelers Championship

W

inning the Travelers Championship a year ago enabled Fredrik Jacobson to fulfill a pledge to then 5-year-old daughter Emmie to bring a trophy home to his native Sweden.

But during Travelers Championship Media Day activities at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., Jacobson made another pledge. “I’m not going to have any more kids,” Jacobson, father of three, said with a wide smile. “I don’t need any more pressure.”

Jacobson also was delighted to be back where he won his only PGA Tour title by one stroke over Ryan Moore and John Rollins, who each closed with a 7-under-par 63, three less than the Swede. Jacobson managed to achieve his goal after uncharacteristic putting woes on the final nine holes of the U.S. Open the previous week dropped him from second to 13th. In an intense attempt to cure his ills and overcome his disappointment, Jacobson called teaching guru and holistic coach Peter Crone that night and again Monday night.

“I felt things were so close and felt it was a great opportunity for me to do something big because my training had gone well and I’d been healthy all year,” said Jacobson, who won his first PGA Tour title in his 188th start in his eighth year in America. “I just felt that my swing had started to click and I had hit pretty much all the fairways the last two rounds of the U.S. Open after being off to a really slow start and then shooting 10 under in 15 holes. So I felt I had to capitalize on my game coming together, and that’s why I was so intense and had to find a concept for (Travelers) week because I knew I was going back to Sweden and wasn’t going to play for a couple of weeks.”

“I was very fortunate to get to work on all that and then have a chance right away,” Jacobson said. “Sometimes you might think your game is there like at the U.S. Open, but it might take awhile before you’re in contention again and then you’ve kind of lost that momentum. But I was lucky enough to get right back because that’s what I had told Crone, that I wanted to get right back into that situation and get to try to do it a slightly different way.”

Jacobson said he succeeded at River Highlands because he didn’t worry about the outcome, just accepted he had no idea how it was going to go and just enjoy the process.

He made only one bogey in 72 holes, on No. 10 on Sunday, and closed with 62-66 for a 20-under 260 total. He most remembered a 7-foot, downhill, left-to-right putt for par on the 17th hole that preserved a one-stroke lead.

One more par enabled Jacobson to become the seventh native-born Swede to win on the PGA Tour and cart the Travelers trophy back home to Emmie. He also won $1,080,000

and earned a berth in the Masters, where he had his 4-year-old son Max caddie for him, at least at the start, during the Par-3 Contest.

“We brought a couple of clubs and kept him psyched up to hit a shot on the ninth hole that has water in front,” Jacobson recalled. “We practiced the week before but prepared him that he was going to hit it in the water so don’t be upset. He hit a nice shot into the water, and then I did, too. And then he signed some autographs on the way to the green, so that was pretty cool.”

During his return to River Highlands, Travelers executive vice president and chief administrative officer Andy Bessette presented Jacobson with a new ping pong paddle so he has an improved weapon for one of his other favorite pastimes. It gave Jacobson more good vibes about the tournament and its venue.

“I was just in a very good place here last year,” Jacobson said. “I just treated every shot the same, but the way I executed that putt on 17 on Sunday was the key moment for me.”

When Jacobson got home, his three children had one more request. “They asked if they could fill up the trophy with candy, which wasn’t a problem,” Jacobson recalled with another wide smile. “I helped finishing that off and was on a sugar high for weeks. It also made me realize that you really have to mean what you tell your kids. It might make me watch my tongue going forward.”

Now his oldest child, 8-year-old Allison, is in line for dad’s next trophy. After being out three months at the start of 2012 because of an ailing left thumb injured when hit by a branch while working at his home near Gothenburg, Sweden, Jacobson will try to join Phil Mickelson (2001-02) as the only repeat champions in the tournament’s 60year history on June 20-24.

Back-to-back wins at River Highlands would make Allie mighty happy, but Jacobson will face stiff competition from early commitments such as former winners Bubba Watson, the Masters champion, Hunter Mahan and Fairfield native J.J. Henry, Players Championship titlist Matt Kuchar, 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley, 2010 Masters, British Open and Players champions Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Tim Clark, other former major winners Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, Ben Curtis, Lucas Glover and Justin Leonard, Kyle Stanley, Webb Simpson, Carl Pettersson, Sean O’Hair, Ian Poulter, Robert Karlsson, Anthony Kim, Chris DiMarco, University of Hartford grad Jerry Kelly and five of the top young players in the world who received sponsors’ exemptions: Patrick Cantlay, Kelly Kraft, Bryden Macpherson, Patrick Rodgers

and Ryo Ishikawa.

Cantlay, 20, the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world and a sophomore at UCLA, shot a second-round 10-under-par 60 at River Highlands last year, the lowest score ever for an amateur in a PGA Tour event. Kraft, 23, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, turned pro on April 14 after finished 62nd in the Masters. Macpherson, the reigning British Amateur champion, also turned pro at the Masters. Rodgers, the No. 2 ranked amateur in the world, is a Stanford freshman and one of four semifinalists for the 2012 Ben Hogan Award, presented annually to the top player in collegiate golf. Ishikawa, 20, had three top-25 finishes in his first eight PGA Tour starts this year, including a tie for second in the Puerto Rico Open. A fixture on the Japan Golf Tour, Ishikawa won his first event at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup in 2007 at only 15 years old, making him the youngest winner of a men’s pro tournament.

Since that victory, he has won eight more times in Japan, including shooting a 58 at The Crowns in 2010, which set a record for the lowest score on a major tour. In 2011, Ishikawa donated all of his season earnings to help the survivors of the March 11, 2011

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

2011 winner Fredrik Jacobson earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan’s Pacific coast.

“It’s really exciting to have so many top young players coming this year,” Grube said.

“We always make sure we do our research on who we’re going to give the spots to. We take it very seriously because we like investing in the future of the game, and these are five great investments. We realize how important it is to build strong relationships so these players support the tournament for years to come.”

25

By BILL DOYLE

T

he late Geoffrey Cornish designed well over 200 golf courses, most of them public courses in New England, but his business partner for the past 25 years insisted he never spoke of a favorite. “To talk about his best design,” Mark Mungeam said, “would have been detrimental to all his other designs and that wouldn’t be Mr. Cornish. He wouldn’t say a bad word about anything.”

Cornish died at age 97 on Feb. 10 at his home in Amherst, but his legacy lives on.

Mungeam plans to keep calling his Douglas firm “Mungeam Cornish Golf Design” for another year or so. “I like the connection with Mr. Cornish,” he said. “I have permission to use his name and I’m not in any rush to change it, but I will eventually.”

Mungeam always called him “Mr. Cornish” out of respect. “He was a true gentleman,” Mungeam said. “That’s the best way to explain him. Always encouraging, always someone to note an accomplishment, always someone to help someone get into the business or doing the work.”

No one designed more golf courses in New England than Cornish. Including

26

CENTRAL MASS NOTEBOOK

Cornish Legacy Lives On redesigns and renovations, he worked on about 500 facilities. “If you’ve grown up in New England,” Mungeam said, “there’s a 99 percent chance that you’re played a Geoffrey Cornish golf course.”Cornish began working on golf course construction in 1935 in his native Canada before moving to Amherst to earn his Master’s degree in agronomy at the University of Massachusetts and then teach there. The first 18-hole course he designed on his own was the Pines Course at the International, which opened in Bolton in 1956.

His other designs in Central Massachusetts include the North Course at Stow Acres C.C. and nine holes at the South Course at Stow Acres, Marlboro C.C., Juniper Hill’s Riverside in Northboro, Ellinwood in Athol and Indian Meadow in Westboro. Mungeam and Brian Silva, Cornish’s business partner until 2006, designed such Central Mass. courses as Cyprian Keyes in Boylston, Highfields in Grafton and Butternut Farm in Stow, Red Tail in Devens and Kettle Brook in Paxton, Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge and Shaker Hills in Harvard.

Cornish was the workingman’s golf course

architect. He worked with local farmers and landowners, many of who were short on funds. “Mr. Cornish was very affordable and he did affordable work,” Mungeam said.

“He was really the public course architect.”

It wasn’t unusual for financial constraints to force his design’s back nine to open five years after his front nine. Some projects took 10 or 15 years to complete.

“He would probably be the first one to say he wasn’t a great golf course architect,” Mungeam said. “He wasn’t Donald Ross, he wasn’t (A.W.) Tillinghast. He wasn’t great in that manner of designing great golf courses.

What he was great at was facilitating the development of projects that probably never would have been built unless he had been the guiding hand helping them along and organizing the projects and getting them done over a long period of time.”

The Geoffrey Cornish Invitational Golf Tournament will be held Aug. 15 at the International’s Pines to fund a scholarship program Cornish had begun for the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Greens fees, cart, lunch and dinner cost $200.

Dinner only costs $50. For more details,

visit geoffreycornishinvitational.org or contact Wayne Mills at wmills89@aol.com or 1-802-380-4945.

JOE CARR BACK TO WORK It’s good to see that Bedrock Golf Club owner Joe Carr is back at work. Carr had a cancerous tumor removed from his parotid gland inside his right cheek and another from the right side of his neck on May 8 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston.

Carr, 73, has battled skin cancer for decades. This time, muscle tissue had to be removed from his right shoulder and the nerve that affects the ability to lift the arm above the shoulder was damaged during the surgery. So he’s undergoing physical therapy.

“You know what Bill Belichick says, ‘It is what it is,’” Carr said. “Obviously, I’m not happy, but it happened. There’s nothing you can do about it except try to get it taken care of and keep moving one step forward.”

The NEPGA Hall of Famer will have to skip the NEPGA Pro-Pro Stroke Play at Mount Pleasant next month for the first time in 40 years.

See page 32 for more notes

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

T

he Champions Tour is a mulligan for former PGA Tour stars, a place for their fans to watch them play in a competitive, but more relaxed environment. Arnold Palmer played well beyond the time when his name appeared on the leader board, but his galleries didn’t mind. They were just happy to get close to golfing legend one more time.

Club professionals can qualify to play on the Champions Tour as well once they turn 50, but many feel unwanted.

Kirk Hanefeld isn’t one of them. “I don’t think,” Hanefeld said, “they really have a bias toward guys that played the regular tour their entire careers.”

Nevertheless, most of the Champions Tour spots are reserved for former PGA Tour winners. “But if you can play really good and shoot really low scores all the time,” Hanefeld said, “they’d be happy to have you.”

Who can do that?

“Not many,” Hanefeld admitted.

Dana Quigley is one former club pro who did. The former head pro at Crestwood CC in Rehoboth won 11 events and nearly $15 million on the Champions Tour.

“What most people don’t realize is that when Dana turned 50, he got a lot better,” Hanefeld said.

Hanefeld, 56, became the director of instruction at Renaissance in Haverhill this year after earning $735,645 in six seasons on the Champions Tour. The Acton resident posted a career-best tie for fifth in the 2008 Principal Charity Classic in Iowa. While serving as director of golf at the International in Bolton, Hanefeld earned his Champions Tour card for 2006 by finishing second in qualifying school late the previous year.

“I didn’t know if I was going to play Champions Tour,” Hanefeld said, “for six months or a year or two years or whatever.

I really didn’t have any long-range plans. I was going to go out there and see if I could compete and if I enjoyed doing it.”

Hanefeld lasted for six years. He couldn’t play in any events the first year until he turned 50 on May 24, forcing him to sit out the first five months of the season.

Nevertheless, Hanefeld tied for sixth in his second Champions Tour event, the former Allianz Championship.

Hanefeld lost his Champions Tour card for 2011, but he did play in three events, all majors, the Senior PGA, the British Senior Open and the U.S. Senior Open.

Over the years, Hanefeld was paired with Tom Watson on the weekends of three majors, once in the Senior PGA

By BILL DOYLE

Life After Champions Tour and twice at the Senior British Open.

He also played with Greg Norman twice on weekends at the Senior PGA Championship. He has played in one U.S. Open, one PGA championship, six Senior PGA championships, six Senior British Opens, three U.S. Senior Opens, five Senior Players championships and one Tradition. In 2008, he was named PGA of America’s Senior Player of the Year.

Late last year, Hanefeld was tied for third late in his final round in the Champions Tour qualifying school, but he faded to a tie for 16th and didn’t earn one of the five qualifying berths. He decided not to try his luck in Monday qualifiers.

“That’s a tough life,” Hanefeld said.

He accepted an offer from Southworth Development in Newton to become director of instructor at Renaissance at its new golf academy. Southworth sponsored the Senior PGA Professional National Championship, the event for club pros that Hanefeld won in 2008 and 2011.

Hanefeld shot 80-72 to miss the cut by seven shots in the Senior

PGA Championship May 24-27 in Benton Harbor, Mich. A native of Claremont, N.H., he won three NEPGA championships and a number of state open titles in New England, but there’s one tournament he’d still like to win – the Massachusetts Open.

“The MGA has always run the best state open,” Hanefeld said.

Hanefeld played in the 103rd Mass.

Open at Walpole Country Club June 57 and he counted on his experience to compete with golfers half his age.

Hanefeld has won the Maine Open twice and the Rhode Island Open and the New Hampshire Open once each. He’s also captured three New England PGA championships, but the closest he came to winning the Mass. Open was losing in a playoff to James Gilleon at the Country Club of Pittsfield in 2000.

Hanefeld estimated he had played in 20 or so Mass. Opens.

“This is one tournament,” he said, “in my New England golf career that is certainly missing and it’s certainly one I

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Kirk Hanefeld would like to win.”

Earlier in his career, Hanefeld was director of golf at Salem CC and director of club operations at The Ridge Club in Sandwich.

Editor’s Note: Hanefeld will have to wait at least another year for his shot at the Mass. Open as he opened with a 78 and finished a disappointing tied for 36.

27

28

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CAPE COD NOTEBOOK In With the Old?

There is something old and something new to discuss in this edition.

Let’s start with the Cape Cod Amateur Golf Championship, which has been owned by the Dennis Pines Golf Course duo of Kevin Carey and Joe Walker. These guys have won the crown eight times and, heading into this year’s tournament, the last four in a row. The eight wins are the most by any twosome in the event’s 61year history.

This year, after a solid qualifying round that saw them finish tied for second after shooting a windblown 4-under-par 67, the talk was not focused on Carey and Walker, but rather the tandem of Whitney Trimble (Oyster Harbors) and two-time Massachusetts Player of the Year Brian Higgins.

Why? Because that twosome blistered the seaside Hyannisport layout for an eyepopping 8-under-par 62, a tournament record, and winning the medalist honors.

Often, that kind of opening day performance is the kiss of death once match play starts in the seven different flights (16 teams in each). Sometimes teams use up all their good shots and good karma in that qualifier, but not this year.

Trimble and Higgins fought off every challenge thrown at them including a grueling final round that had to be completed the weekend after the event was supposed to end.

Meanwhile, the three teams that tied for second at 67 all lost in the opening round – Carey and Walker to Higgins’ club mate at Franklin, Brad Stewart and Ken Bianco (Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds) in a wild 20-hole match; Ed Kangas and his new partner Dan Falcucci to recent college grads Chad Crocker (Hyannis) and Tim Norton (Cummaquid) and two time winners Joe Keller (Oyster Harbors) and Mike Boden (Hyannis) to Ray Richard (Willowbend) and Dave Houghton (Captains).

Richard and Houghton did a commendable job representing the aging players of the Cape as the two 60+ year olds eventually made it to the finals and went seven extra holes to lose to the new champions.

Richard grabbed Houghton as a partner earlier in the week before qualifying after his regular partner Jon Fasick had to bow out at the last minute. Not that the 67-year-old Houghton is a slouch. He has won the Cape Cod Senior Amateur Championship and plays like someone half his age.

Houghton tied the final match after regulation on a great par on the slippery 18th green. The two teams went three holes before the match was halted because of darkness and resumed the following weekend. Four holes later, a par by Higgins clinched the title.

It was golf drama at its local best.

More Late Tournament Drama

Apparently losing in the Seagulls did not affect Carey, Walker or Richard as a couple of weeks later they were involved in some more late tournament drama.

Carey and Richards, who paired up last year in the Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball Championship after Walker had to pass because of work commitments and won the crown at The Golf Club of Cape Cod, teamed up again, this time to defend their title.

It took a final-round 6-under 66 at Crumpin Fox Golf Club in Bernardston to move them from a logjam at 71 and four-shots back of first-round leaders Robert Currey (Brae Burn C.C.) and Bruce Carter (Blackstone G.C.) to the winning 137 score.

After shooting the improbable secondround score, the twosome had to wait almost an hour before finding out they had made it two titles in a row for the event.

“Unbelievable,” said Carey following the win. “When you sit down and try to figure out the percentages you have like a two percent chance of winning again. We had it going today, and it was just awesome.”

“Kevin was a horse and just played solid,” said Richard. “My job is to cover Kevin and to play golf and let him do what he can do. He is just the best.”

Finishing in a tie for second place was Carey’s Seagulls partner Joe Walker and another Dennis Pines member and no stranger to the winner’s circle, Jim Horvath. They ended the event one-shot behind Carey and Richard at 138 along with Bob Hickman (Reservation G.C.) and Don Reycroft (LeBaron Hills C.C).

OK, does that not confirm that the old codgers who live on the Cape can still get around the golf courses in good form?

man against boys as he rolled to a fivestroke victory in the 54-hole tournament played at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course and Hyannis Golf Club, shooting a tournament record 12-underpar 201.

The 47-year-old Sisk, who has also won the Mass. Open six times, is back in the area trying to find the joy of golf again and winning the CCO may have him going in the right direction.

He set the pace this year from the very beginning, with a record opening-round 64 followed by two under-par rounds in the 36-hole final day to lock up the crown and the $4,500 payday for the winner. Sisk was never really threatened by the runnersup, Dustin Cone of Bennington, Vt. and Andrew Giuliani of Westchester, NY. There was a three-way tie for fourth at 4-under-par 209 including former Cape Cod schoolboy standout Eric Dugas, who now lives in South Boston. Also at 209 were Rob Corcoran of Melbourne, Fla. and last year’s runner-up Abbie Valentine of Bayville, NY. First-round runner-up Mike Carbone of Brewster and a URI graduate struggled

By GEOFF CONVERSE in the afternoon final round and ended up tied for seventh at 3-under-par 210 with Paul Dickson of Montauk, NY.

First Tee Program

The First Tee Program of Barnstable forced the powers that be at the St. Augustine-based organization to take notice of part of the junior golf impact on Cape Cod. The largest singular school event was held at the Horace Mann Charter School with 144 kids in the fourth and fifth grade conducting a daylong event that had 18 teams in each group competing on a course set up in the school’s gym.

It was part of the teaching program of First Tee that emphasizes the nine core values that we live by – things like honesty, charity, self-esteem, etc. Two members of the First Tee hierarchy were on hand for the entire program and already it is having an effect with a number of schools in Massachusetts on hand to observe and put similar programs in place at their schools.

The on-course aspect of the program has over 60 kids partaking in the town program at Hyannis Golf Club.

Cape Cod Open

The 21st edition of the Cape Cod Open gave us a bit of the old as a twotime champion of this event came back to claim his third CCO crown. And, he did it in record form.

Marshfield resident Geoff Sisk, a veteran of the Nationwide Tour and brief stints on the PGA Tour made it seem like it was a

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

29

By BRUCE HUTCHINSON

PRODUCT REVIEWS Bionic Golf Glove

Now that the golf season is underway and you are more than likely trying out a couple of “new things”, whether it be with your short game or the distance factor, there is no better way to accomplish these feats than through the use of training aids.

SKLZ .com allows you to preview many instructional videos mainly presented by the well known golf instructor, Rick Smith. An exceptional item is the Gold Flex that is used for warm up and tempo while providing a core muscle workout. It also encourages the downswing to be initiated by the lower body that helps to fight the slice.

Once you have viewed the products and made your choice(s) you can do so online or find the closest retailer.

They have products for ten different categories. To better train your mind and muscles go to www.SKLZ.com.

30

Are your hands the most important tools you have? The orthopedic hand surgeon that designed this ultimate glove of gloves thinks so. This innovative and revolutionary glove is like no other. Made with a patented pad technology it promotes a lighter more relaxed grip and also gives the player more protection in those areas that are prone to wear and tear. There are stategic web zones and mini terry cloth towels inside the glove allowing and helping the hands to stay cool, dry, and comfortable. The pre-rotated finger design maximizes dexterity and promotes natural hand closure. It has a great feel and fit to go along with all of its others attributes.

This product is offered in all sizes in both men’s and women’s. It is being looked upon as a piece of game improvement equipment and not just a golf accessory item.

While Bionic gloves are more expensive than others, the added life created by its unique technology makes it a smart investment. Available at local retailers and online at www. bionicgloves.com.

Who’s Your Caddy Mobile App

The Who’s Your Caddy mobile golf application is an innovative way to enhance your golfing experience...and best of all it’s FREE! The unique application provides an enhanced GPS system, scorecards, video training, club and course details and other features, all brought together in one powerful application connecting golfers to golf courses and the game they love. Unlike other golfapps that are only valuable during course play, Who’s Your Caddy is available to all users all the time. Visit www.whosyourcaddy.com or The App Store to download it right now and you’ll be using it on the golf course this afternoon.

By BRUCE VITTNER

Swedge

The Swedge Golf Training Aid was introduced by Avid Golf, Inc. at this year’s ING Conference and took top honors as “Best New Golf Product.” The Swedge is a simple, efficient training swing aid that is designed to eliminate the flying elbow while correcting a number of swing flaws simultaneously. When used correctly and with regular practice, the Swedge provides instant biofeedback to keep you compact and connected throughout your back swing. By placing the Swedge under your back arm, it’s unique shape, weight, thickness, and material help to keep your core body and arms together for a great swing. Developed over a 2-year period by avid golfer and entrepreneur Dana A. Clark, Ph.D., the Swedge is a simple and easy tool that conveniently clips right on your golf bag. For more information on the Swedge and to see it in action, check out the website at www. avidgolfusa.com or call 703-203-4102.

Priced at $29.95, it is made exclusively in the USA.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

EASTERN MASS NOTEBOOK Congdon Stays Busy

Chris Congdon seems to be mastering the art of work and play quite nicely this spring.

As an entrepreneur, the Foxboro native has put in countless hours as the new manager of STIX Golf & Baseball Center in North Attleboro, an entertainment facility which consists of a driving range, miniature golf course, and batting cages.

As for his playing prowess, Congdon has been remarkably sharp considering his limited time on the golf course. He defended his title in one tournament, recorded a hole-in-one at a media day, and played well enough at the Mass. Open to be a co-low amateur for the second straight year in a tournament that is open to both professional and amateur golfers.

The 42-year-old won the championship division of the 34th Cronin Memorial FourBall tournament at the Country Club of Halifax for the third straight year. But the third time was without his cousin, Scott Congdon, who couldn’t commit in 2012, so Chris Congdon turned to Matt Bianchini of Mount Pleasant C.C. and the duo shot a 4-under-par 140 for a two-stroke victory in the Cronin division. Kevin Smith of Norwell and Mike Callahan of Quincy captured the Lambert division with a 4-over 148 (73-75).

Congdon and Bianchini scorched the Halifax layout during the first round with the day’s best score at 4-under 68. A strong wind was a major factor for the final round as Congdon and Bianchini held on with an even-par 72 to seal the victory.

Less than a week later, Congdon participated in the Mass. Golf Association’s Media Day for the Mass. Open and recorded a hole-in-one on the sixth hole at Walpole C.C. Congdon earned an exemption into the Mass. Open as co-low amateur with Brian Higgins in the 2011 tournament. He didn’t disappoint in 2012 as he fired a 1-over-par 214 (70-71-73) to finish tied for 10th and earn co-low amateur status again for next year, this time along with Antonio Grillo.

“I had played nine holes in 10 days and honestly felt totally unprepared for the Mass. Open,” said Congdon. “I didn’t know what to expect. First, I was hoping to make the cut, which I did. Then, when a slow start dropped me out of contention, I concentrated on becoming low amateur again. I grinded it out and was surprised I did it. I’m thrilled with my finish, and I’ll take the MGA points, too.”

Congdon hopes to defend his New England Amateur Invitational title in June

and the Attleboro Open in August.

Megan Khang, a 14-year-old freshman at Rockland High School, was on a roll after qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links, and winning the Conn. Women’s Open, until her putting let her down as she placed second at the 21st Mass. Women’s Open at Mount Pleasant C.C. in Boylston.

Khang and Shrewsbury’s Brittany Altomare, who just finished her junior year at the University of Virginia, held the firstround lead at 4-under 70 (women’s par 74).

But a couple of three-putts on the front nine dropped Khang behind and Altomare never faltered to seal the victory.

Khang’s goal is to play in four USGA events this year, of which she will also be attempting to qualify for her fourth straight U.S. Girls Junior Championship and the U.S. Women’s Amateur. She is also the defending champion in the women’s division of the Ouimet Memorial Invitational at Woodland G.C. in Newton and the prestigious Tarlow Invitational at Thorny Lea G.C. When Colin Brennan of Indian Ridge C.C. in Andover turned in his scorecard following Saturday’s final round of the 48th Hornblower Memorial Tournament at Plymouth Country Club, he duly noted that he recorded the same 3-over-par 141 score

that he had in the 2011 tournament.

The difference between then and now, however, is that Brennan finished in fourth place last year at 74-67-141, while his 7566-141 this year was good enough for a two-stroke victory to capture the Henry Hornblower Trophy.

Brennan’s triumph was significant as rain and wind made for adverse conditions at Plymouth C.C. Yet, Brennan still managed to break par, the only golfer to do so on the day, and overcame a nine-stroke deficit to earn the victory.

Kevin Carey of Dennis Pines (76-76152) and Ray Richard of Willowbend (75-77-152) were the Skeet Ellis Award cochampions in the senior division. Two weeks ago, Carey and Richard were in the winner’s circle as playing partners at the Mass. Senior Four Ball in which they successfully defended their title.

Capturing the inaugural Henry Picard Award as the top junior golfer was Brian Carlson, a 16-year-old who plays out of Clinton C.C. in Clinton, CT. Carlson stepped foot onto Plymouth C.C. for the very first time on Friday and proceeded to shoot 74-71-145 to win the junior division.

Aces were wild at Marshfield Country Club this spring as several golfers recorded six holes-in-one, including five in a recent

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By BOB DICESARE

13-day span and two in one day. The aces were recorded by Charley Enwright on No. 16 (April 14), William McMann on No. 9 (May 19), Rick Wadel on No. 9 (May 23), Dr. Fred Trozzi on No. 14 (May 23), Dan “Big Red” O’Gara on No. 6 (May 25), and Jim Bianchi on No. 14 (May 31).

“It’s been like a hole-in-one festival here at the club this year,” said head professional James Antonelli. “Typically, we see 3 to 5 per year, but never this many so early.”

Antonelli also made his presence felt on the golf course. He paired with member Mike Gunderson and the duo combined to shoot a 15-under-par 129 (63-66) for a one-stroke victory in the NEPGA Pro-Am Championship at Pinehills G.C. There were 84 teams who competed in the 36-hole tournament on both the Jones and Nicklaus courses. The win was Antonelli’s third triumph in the section already this year.

Frank Vana Jr., the two-time MGA Player of the Decade and former nine-time Player of the Year, shot a 3-under 137 (64-73) for a two-stroke victory over Doug Clapp of Old Sandwich G.C. in Plymouth in the 34th Norfolk County Classic at Presidents G.C. in Quincy.

Bob DiCesare is the golf columnist for The Patriot Ledger of Quincy and The Enterprise of Brockton. He is also a member of the International Network of Golf.

31

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF Tournament Tap Ins cont. from p. 14 All-State - Speaking of the All-State team the following players were named to the coaches’ team: David Kraunelis, Jake Bauer, Matt Occhi, McKinley Slade, Colin Zegarzewski and Brad Auclair. In addition to finishing tied for sixth in the state tournament Auclair posted the lowest scoring average during the regular season.

Fond Farewell – Bishop Hendricken coach Joe Cichon announced his retirement at the end of the 2012 RIIL season. Cichon, who led the Hendricken Hawks to 3 RIIL titles and 8 Challenge Cup Championship crowns, has been a mentor to thousands of young men. He has coached the likes of John Plaziak, Mike Capone, Troy Pare, Bob Fournier Jr., and David Sampson.

Divisional Kings – Three divisions in the RIIL ended the season with co-champions.

Barrington and Portsmouth shared the East Division title, Cranston West and Hendricken the Central Division crown and Mt. St. Charles and Lincoln the North Division title. North Kingstown H.S. (South Division) and undefeated LaSalle Academy (West Divison) rounded out the divisional winners.

Team Results 1.Barrington HS 2.Portsmouth HS 3.Bishop Hendricken HS 4.North Kingstown HS 5.LaSalle Academy Individual Results

32

297-303-600 296-309-605 300-319-619 307-316-623 312-324-636

1.David Kraunelis, Barrington 69 70 139 2.Jake Bauer, Portsmouth 71 75 146 3.Matt Occhi, Portsmouth 75 73 148 4.McKinley Slade, S. Kingstown 77 72 149 5.Colin Zegarzewski, Chariho 73 76 149 6.Brad Auclair, Mt. St. Charles 75 76 151 7.Tim Carroll, Portsmouth 73 78 151 8.Justin Matrone, Bishop Hendricken 72 80 152 9.Justin Pratt, N. Kingstown 70 82 152 10.Philip Krause, Toll Gate 75 78 153

MASS OPEN NOTEBOOK continued from page 7: Low amateur honors was

shared by Antonio Grillo (Farm Neck) and Chris Congdon (Foxboro) shooting 1-over, 214 total; defending champion Kyle Gallo finished 1-over, 214; part-time Champions Tour player and pre-tournament favorite Kirk Hanefeld skied to rounds of 78-69-79221; while six-time Nationwide Tour player Geoff Sisk stumbled around the lightningfast Walpole C.C. greens in 77-70-76-223; 50 players from the field of 150 made the cut after round 2 including New York pro Andrew Giuliani, son of former N.Y. mayor Rudy Giuliani who finished T-10 with scores of 71-75-68; two-time champion Andy Morse recorded two eagles, beginning in 1 on the 518-yard, par 5 15th hole and round 3 on the 368-yard par 4 13th hole; despite a 30-minute rain shower midway through the final round, Ponkapoag G.C. pro Mickey Folan drew the biggest gallery of 20-plus Ponky loyalists enroute to carding 71-70-73 for a T-10; Walpole C.C. has hosted four MGA championships and pro Tom Giffin, who missed the cut, received a steady stream of compliments of the condition of the course, which he described as the “best-ever” in his 27 years; MGA executive director Joseph Sprague announced the 2013 site at Woodland C.C. (Newton), which he expects will draw 450 applications.

Listen to the Golf Radio Show every Saturday at 7 a.m. on WEEI in Springfield and Worcester.

In Providence listen on Saturday at 6 a.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m.

Central Mass Notebook continued from page 26

CLUB NEWS: Gardner Municipal Golf Course slashed the cost of its junior and college memberships to $99 this year and more than 70 young golfers signed up. Last year, only four did when junior memberships were $325 and college memberships were $375. Gardner has mostly a much older membership.

“It’s nice having the younger kids here,” Gardner head pro Ben Egan said. “It brings a renewed energy to the place.”

Egan and superintendent Bill Frank carved out a three-hole, par-3 course near the maintenance barn along Eaton Street and the course may be expanded to six or seven holes with design help from the PGA of America.

Petersham Country Club became the first golf club in the state, according to general manager Tim Bishop, to open a disc golf course. Bishop, superintendent Glenn Hause and volunteers cleared brush, hung baskets and built an 18-hole disc golf course that runs parallel to and at times crosses the existing regular golf course. PCC has already booked a disc golf tournament of 80 players for Saturday, July 7.

“This could not work at Holden Hills or Worcester Country Club,” Bishop said, “But our membership knows we have to think outside the box to stay afloat.”

The 18-hole disc golf course takes about two hours to play, the same time it takes to play nine holes on the regular golf course.

PCC charges $6 for 18 holes of disc golf and $10 to play all day. The cart fee is $10. PCC charges $16 to walk nine holes and $25 to ride up to 18 holes during the week.

Bishop wants to hold what he called a “no-sweat triathlon,” a competition in October involving regular golf, disc golf and curling with the curling club next door. Stay tuned.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL

A

By BRUCE VITTNER

Maine’s Golf Trail

labama’s Golf Trail might be more famous, but there is an excellent golf trail less than a two-hour drive from Boston that offers great golf, reasonable prices and excellent scenery.

“The Maine Golf Trail was the brainchild of Maine Tourism to go along with their museum trail, lighthouse trail, fine-arts trail, etc.,” said Peter Webber who has been executive director of the Golf Maine Association since 2002. In 1998 a handful of golf courses had formed this association whose mission was to use their collective advertising power to drive more golfers to Maine. “I came on board just when Maine Tourism agreed to fund the brochures for our advertising campaign, and the association has been growing every year and is now up to forty courses,” added Webber.

We had a chance to sample five of these courses in May, and it was definitely worthwhile. “A few of our courses are stay and play facilities, and we would love to have even more, but many courses are working together with each other to provide great golf from central locations,” said Webber.

Our first stop was the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks. Just off the Maine Turnpike at Exit 44 next to the Maine Mall, the Marriott offers wonderful rooms, a fine restaurant, a large banquet facility that can host up to 500 people, and for us golfers, an excellent Cornish-Silva-designed Sable Oaks Golf Course just out the back door. “We will be happy to shuttle our guests over to the first tee,” said general manager Ed Palmer who mentioned that the guys often opt for a replay while the women go shopping.

“Sable Oaks might be the toughest 6,400yard (from the tips) course you’ll ever play,” said general manager and head professional Roger Densmore III. “It is a 36-34 Par 70 course, and there are many long par 4’s and tough par 3’s that make it a good challenge, he added.” The course is built on ledge with many elevation changes. The tree-lined fairways make you hit it straight to score well. The 460-yard par 4 12th is the number one handicap hole but the signature hole 14th that requires you to go over a brook twice on the way to the par 5 can lead to a big number. “It’s the ultimate risk/reward hole,” said a smiling Densmore.

They have a great stay and play package that you can see at www.sableoaks.com. or www. marriottsouthportland.com.

Our next stop was Point Sebago Resort in Casco that is about 40 minutes from Portland along Route 302. Sitting right on Lake Sebago, the resort offers many different types of housing arrangements and a great golf course that has hosted the Maine Open.

Designed by George Sargent and Phil Wogan, the 7,000-yard layout has five sets

of tees and is a sprawling design that travels through woods, into open fields and around ponds and wetlands. Numbers 3, 7 and 9 are tough holes on the front. The signature third hole, a par 4 that snakes around and over a water hazard is quite a design.

Mike Cloutier, director of golf and a member of the Golf Maine board of directors said, “We have probably the largest and best practice area in Maine.” He might be correct as they have many short-game areas. Cloutier went on to mention that the resort has a Five-Star activities program for children and has wonderful golf package programs, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Our meals were wonderful during our visit in May and we were joined by a group of about 20 guys from the South Shore who have been coming every year for the last 15 years. Visit them online at www.pointsebago. com for more information.

We had written about Poland Spring Resort in 2003. Poland Spring was the first golf course built at a resort in America. This old hotel and course designed by Donald Ross offers many risk/reward holes on its short (6,159-yard) layout, but it is by no means an easy round of golf. It might be wise to keep the driver in the bag on some of the narrower holes. Cyndi Robbins, owner of this quaint property and also a board member of the Golf Maine, offers great stay and play golf packages that include most meals. Contact them at www.polandspringinns.com.

Two other courses near Poland Spring Resort use it as their host hotel for stay and play packages through their Golf Trifecta program. Spring Meadows G.C. in Gray, Maine was designed by Brad Booth, a design partner with Brad Faxon. It opened as a nine-holer in 2000 and the back nine was completed in 2001. This tree-lined course is a wonderful blend of hills, wetlands and doglegs. The view from the seventh tee is spectacular. This signature par 4 hole is a steep downhill to a green guarded by a pond and a pot bunker in front.

David Pollard, general partner at Spring Meadows said about the Golf Trifecta, “We are a short driving distance apart and have known each other for many years and have always enjoyed a special relationship. It was easy for us to form this unique partnership four years ago when we started our Trifecta program. Poland Springs provided the accommodations piece that was needed for our package. You can now play three great courses at one low price.”You can reach them at www.springmeadowsgolf.com.

The third piece of the Trifecta is Fox Ridge G.C. in Auburn. Owned by the Sullivan family and opened in 2001 this 6,800-yard course with a slope of 132 from the back tees is an excellent test of golf. It might be the

only course designed by the person who used to hunt on the property as a kid. Lennie Myrshall, a golf course shaper by trade who grew up in Freeport and spent much time on the property, actually designed the course that is 35 minutes from Portland. Nolan Sullivan, Sharon Sullivan’s son and the club manager, said,” We received 4 1⁄2 stars from Golf Digest for our course in 2010.

In our first year of hosting a Maine championship in 2006 even par was the winning score.

The course has rolling hills and a links-like feel to it. Holes 4, 5 and 6 are an excellent stretch with number 4 being the #1 handicap, 6 the number 3 and 5 the par 3 over a pond. There is also a pond in front of the par 5 ninth hole and long hitters have a shot to carry the water to get home in two. With Colonial bentgrass fairways and PenLinks greens, the course is always in excellent shape. You can get more information at www.foxridgegolfclub.com.

The Maine Golf Trail is an excellent branding tool and the 40 members are seeing an increase in out-of-state golfers through

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Fifth hole at Fox Ridge this marketing program. A relatively short drive to great food, clean air, maybe a moose spotting, and mostof all, great golf is worth the trip. You can get more information at www.golfme.com or contact Peter Webber at 877-553-4653.

Editor’s Note: We are going to feature more courses on the Maine Golf Trail in our August/September issue.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

33

By BRUCE VITTNER

GOLF TRAVEL

The Sagamore—A Great Lake George destination

M

ost people in southern New England have ventured to Lake George in upstate New York, usually for a summer vacation.

We’ve just found another great reason to go. The Sagamore Resort is located on its own island on Lake George. This grand hotel, originally built in 1883, reopened in 1985 and listed on the Historical Hotels of America, underwent a $75 million dollar renovation program in 2003 and was sold to Ocean Properties in 2008.

The new owners have just done another $35 million dollar renovation including 37 new rooms. Golf Magazine lists it as one of its silver medal resorts with good reason.

The original owners of the hotel commissioned the legendary Donald Ross to build them a golf course in 1928. Since the hotel is located on a 70-acre island, Ross had to find another location. The Sagamore Golf Course is two miles uphill from the resort. It is a gem with a great view down to the lake from the clubhouse and first tee.

The course is a typical Ross design. In fact, the Donald Ross Society has held their tournament and annual meeting there in the past. Many of the holes are doglegs. Ross uses “risk/reward” shots everywhere.

As with most old courses, there are three sets of tees. From the blues it plays to 6,821 yards with a slope of 137 and a rating of 73.8. You definitely need to be a good player to go back to the tips. The whites are a fair 6,392 and the red tees are 5,177.

The view from the first tee makes the day worthwhile. The lake a mile away and the mountains in the background make for a wonderful picture. We played it in June, but the views must be awesome in the fall when the leaves turn. Your tee shot falls about 80 feet to the landing area, and then your second shot is back uphill to a large green sloping back to front (typical Ross).

Make par on this number 5-handicap hole and your day is off to a great start.

There are a few ponds and many winding creeks throughout the course, so spend some time looking at the yardage guide or the markers on each tee. Number 5 is a perfect example of risk-reward. Big hitters 34

THE RICH AND FAMOUS

By Carolyn Vittner

can carry the pond to leave themselves a short pitch, but the prudent shot is to lay up short of the pond and leave a 150-yard second shot. The par 5 sixth also has a pond in front of the green.

The front side is pretty, but the back nine is what makes this a course that is rated one of the top five public courses in New York by Golf Digest. The holes are much tighter, and the opening to the greens is narrower. Again, however, Ross lets you run up to the greens without bunkers immediately in front.

The par 3’s are excellent, with number 11 being the best. It is only 145 yards from the white tees, but the green is elevated and big numbers are probable if you miss the dance floor with your tee shot. The hardest hole on the course is number 13. It is a 446-yard par 4 with water on the right in the landing zone and then a pond to carry with the second shot to an elevated green. “Most people play it as a par 5, and Ross’s original scorecard showed it as a par 5,” says Dave Cummings, director of golf and head professional at The Sagamore.

The course was in disrepair in the 1980s.

Most of the course had been overgrown and they had to go looking for the greens.

The greens are hand mown now and the bentgrass is quite fast. The restoration of the course is continuing, but you will know that you had played a Ross design.

They recently put in a new double-row irrigation system and improved drainage around the fifth and sixth hole. “The course is as dry as it ever has been,” said Cummings.

Back to the hotel. The Sagamore Hotel has 137 luxurious rooms and suites decorated in relaxed, club ambiance with earth tones. There are also seven lodges around the property, perfect for golf groups and families. The furnishings are elegant and the spacious suites have fireplaces and balconies overlooking the lake.

The resort has everything for the family.

There are boats to rent, a heated indoor swimming pool, a new outdoor pool and a private beach on the lake. Fishing charters, water skiing, wind surfing and parasailing are also available. A new 10,000 square foot interactive recreation center has been added for activities for all ages.

Kevin Rosa, director of sales and marketing said, “We have increased the size of our award-winning spa area, and we get about half of our clients for conferences, weddings and meetings and the other half as vacationers.”

There are many different golfing packages available at the resort. The Sagamore is one hour north of Albany and about four hours from Providence. Take the Mass Pike to Interstate 87 and get off at Exit 22. “We are a great resort with a wonderful golf course, not just a great course with a place to stay,” said Rosa. He is spot on. You can get more information about this AAA Four-Diamond Award hotel at www.thesagamore.com or by calling 800-358-3585.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

Saratoga Springs, New York is about a three-hour drive from Providence.

That is including a stop at DD’s for a bagel and coffee to go. Normally a typical Rhode Islander would pack a sandwich for the long ride but we were meeting friends for lunch before golf at Saratoga National Golf Club.

A sandwich on the patio of a beautiful golf course on a sunny day is a perfect way to start our mini vacation.

After an afternoon of golf, we checked into the Gideon Putnam Resort. This historic hotel’s setting is in Saratoga Spa State Park. In 1792 Gideon Putnam purchased an acre of land and built Putnam’s Tavern & Boarding House. In 1805 he added 130 acres of land for a village that had sites for a church, a school and a graveyard. That boarding house grew to become twice its original size. This “Jewel of Saratoga” has seen its share of celebrities, including Robert Redford, who stayed there while filming the Horse Whisperer. A scene from Dustin Hoffman’s Billy Bathgate was shot in the hotel lobby.

Jacob & Anthony’s American Grille was a great choice for our evening meal.

It has been opened for three years and is located in the heart of the bustling downtown area. After a delicious three course meal we were ready to retire for the night. During our short walk to the car we noticed that this was a happening town with several venues to choose from for your dining and entertainment.

The next day, after a lovely breakfast buffet at the hotel, we enjoyed a tour of the area. The Roosevelt Baths & Spa is located across the park from the hotel.

It was opened in 1935 as a bathhouse and is known for its healing powers from the bubbling spring waters.

People came from all over the world to take advantage of its health benefits, including Franklin D. Roosevelt. The water is bottled and shipped worldwide even today. The bathhouse has been renovated and reopened in the summer of 2004 as a full service spa.

There is a big horse presence here, as it should be, given the fact that the oldest continually operating track, Saratoga Race Course has been open since 1863. Remember Seabiscuit? I say Let’s Have Another! The Saratoga

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL Horse Museum is located nearby and will bring back many fond memories for all you racing fans. There is much more that you can see and you would need more than the few hours we had, perhaps a few days to take advantage of this very charming city that is a large destination wedding location.

As we were driving away towards our next destination, we noticed a lot of traffic entering the state park area to get a good spot for the Zac Brown Band concert that evening. (Did I mention celebrities?) I’m just a little jealous as this is one of my favorite country western bands and we would have to miss it.

Not to worry because now we are headed to Lake George for the next two nights. Everyone knows someone who has vacationed there as a child, right?

We are now riding along the wonderful honky-tonk area that brings you back to a fun time in life. We continue to Bolton Landing and across the bridge toward the most beautiful entrance of the Sagamore Resort. It is here that we will be treated like royalty for just a few days. We begin on the top deck of the Pavilion for cocktails overlooking the lake. Then it’s into the La Bella Vita for a delicious four (or is it five?) course dinner. It was a busy day so we retired to our suite early and fell into the most comfortable bed.

A tour of the property the next day revealed all the renovations that had taken place the past few years, including discovering a pool that had been covered years ago. Now the new pool area makes this resort a family friendly vacation experience.

Golf in the afternoon was postponed due to inclement weather and we had a few hours to kill. We went to town where we were lucky to be able to experience an Elvisfest. This four-day affair drew people from all over the country to listen and vote for their favorite Elvis. He has not yet left the building! This was quite a contrast from our resort setting.

Now it’s back to heaven where I enjoyed a wonderful massage at the Spa at the Sagamore. This would get me in the mood for our dinner cruise on the Morgan, the Sagamore’s 19th century replica cruise boat. A tour of Lake George and a wonderful dinner was a great way to end this most eventful day.

Now it is Sunday, and we are heading home. I love vacationing in our RV, don’t get me wrong, but I could just as easily cross over to the luxurious lifestyle of the Sagamore Resort.

By BRUCE VITTNER

Saratoga National Golf Course Shines

F

or the past five years at the Boston Golf Show Peter Tavares, vice president of Golf Services at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has been asking me to come up and play his highly rated, high-end golf course.

Five years isn’t a long time, is it?

What a mistake to wait that long.

Saratoga National, a Roger Rulewich design that opened in 2001 on a former horse farm and wetland area, is rated the second best public course in New York behind only Bethpage Black on Long Island.

It is easy to see why. “We have a $20 million clubhouse and a $10 million course and we are always open to the public,” said the proud starter as we headed for the first tee.

It had to take a huge amount of earth moving to get this course ready for play.

The advantage is that Rulewich, a western Mass. resident who designed most of the courses on the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama, was able to sculpt out some wonderful holes. There is water on many of the holes, and you need to carefully look at the GPS system that is in each cart.

There are quite a few forced carries, so pick the tee that best suits your game.

With five sets ranging from 7,241 from the tips to 4,930 to the forward tees, you have quite a few options. We played the preferred tees from 6,204 yards and found it very fair.

The greens are very large and undulating but were not that fast. The course is well bunkered and the fescue grasses on the course give you the look of a Scottish links. We were told that the maintenance budget was almost unlimited. Hyperbole, but the conditioning was outstanding.

There are quite a few memorable holes on the property. Holes four through seven is a great stretch--par 5, par 3, par 5, par 3.

The fourth is a long carry over marshland that then snakes around a bend and up a hill. The fifth plays over wetland to a long, narrow green, and the sixth is another snaking hole that has the green jutting out into a pond. It deserves its number one handicap rating. You then have to carry another wetland area on the par 3 seventh.

The 13th is an almost 600yard par 5 that requires a lay-up short of a creek, then a forced carry over more water to a green with water along the left side. It ends at the road; so it is the last hole you see on the way out, so try to make a good memory.

My favorite hole was the par 3 15th that is downhill over a sparkling pond with a lake behind it. Not quite an island green, but it gives that impression.

Rulewich can be proud of this excellent layout. The food and service is outstanding (see sidebar) and the conditioning make this a must play if you are venture to Saratoga. It is only 1-1⁄2 hours from Springfield and it also draws many people from all over southern New England.

Tavares is smart to exhibit at the Boston

The 16th hole at Saratoga National Golf Show every year. Just wish he might have been more forceful to get me there sooner. You can get more information about the course at www.golfsaratoga.com or calling 518-583-4653.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

Saratoga Spa G. C. Offers Fun Golf

A

golf trip requires playing more than one golf course. If you are going to drive any distance, then you need to experience more than just a single course.

We stayed at the Gideon Putnam Resort (see sidebar) and Saratoga Spa Golf Course sits 100 yards out the back door. It is on a state park and has both an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole executive course.

After playing at Saratoga National the conditioning seemed pale by comparison, but it was a fun test and much less expensive. New York residents get even a better rate, but it was still very reasonable.

The original course dates back to the 30s, but it was really designed in the 1960s as Arnold Palmer got the country excited about golf. Tall pines line most fairways giving the place a feeling of playing down wide corridors. “The course is right in front of you,” said our starter who added that many people

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

preferred this course that the more expensive ones in the surrounding area.

The course has five sets of tees. The forward tees are a rather long 5,514 yards, but there are very few forced carries. The third hole is a short par 5 with a pond that you can try to carry on your second shot. It is the number one handicap hole, but it is the severely sloped back to front green that makes it hard.

Number 4 is a tough dogleg right from an elevated tee that requires the second shot to be played over a pond.

The course has over 40,000 rounds played each year. They must be doing something right. The greens are much smaller than Saratoga National, but were faster the day that we played them.

Find out more about Saratoga Spa Golf Course by visiting their website.

Log on to www.saratogaspagolf.com or calling them at 518-584-2006.

35

SNE GOLF LOCATOR MAP RHODE ISLAND COURSES

1. BEAVER RIVER G.C. (18) P 343 Kingstown Rd. Richmond, RI, 401-539-2100 www.beaverrivergolf.com, PS,CR,CH,SB,O 2. BUTTON HOLE SHORT COURSE (9) P, X Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI, 401-421-1664 www.buttonhole.org, CL,CH,DR,PS, Lessons 3. COUNTRY VIEW G.C. (18) P 49 Club Lane Burrillville, RI, 401-568-7157 www.countryviewgolf.net, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 4. COVENTRY PINES G.C. (9) P Harkney Hill Rd. Coventry, RI 401-397-9482, CR,CL,CH,SB, Senior Rates 5. CRANSTON C.C. (18) P 69 Burlingame Rd. Cranston, RI, 401-826-1683 www.cranstoncc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 6. CRYSTAL LAKE G.C. (18) SP 100 Broncos Hwy. Mapleville, RI, 401-567-4500 www.crystallakegolfclub.com, CL,CR,PS,CH,O,SB 7. EAST GREENWICH G.C. (9) SP 1646 Division Rd. E. Greenwich, RI, 401-884-5656, www.eastgreenwichgc.com CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant 8. EXETER COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 320 Victory Hwy. (Rt. 102) Exeter, RI 401-295-8212, www.exetercc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 9. FAIRLAWN G.C. (9) P, X Sherman Ave. Lincoln, RI, 401-334-3937 www.fairlawngolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 10. FENNER HILL G.C. (18) P 33 Wheeler Ln. Hope Valley, RI, 401-539-8000, www.fennerhill.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 11. FOSTER COUNTRY CLUB (18) P 67 Johnson Rd. Foster, RI, 401-397-7750 www.fostercountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 12. HARBOR LIGHT MARINA & C.C. (9) P 200 Gray St. Warwick, RI, 401-737-6353 www.harborlightsri.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 13. JAMESTOWN G.C. (9) P 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, 401-423-9930 www.jamestowngolf.com CR,CL,CH 14. LAUREL LANE C.C. (18) P Laurel Lane, off Rt.138, W. Kingston, RI 401-783-384, www.laurellanecountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 15. LINDBROOK G.C. (18) X CR, CH,O 299 Woodville Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI 401-539-8700 16. MEADOW BROOK G.C. (18) P 163 Kingstown Rd.(Rt.138) Richmond, RI 401-539-8491, www.meadowbrookgolfri.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O, PGA pro 17. MELODY HILL C.C. (18) P 55 Melody Hill Ln. Harmony, RI, 401-949-9851 CR,PS,CH 18. MIDVILLE COUNTRY CLUB (9) P 100 Lombardi Ln. W. Warwick, RI, 401-828-9215 www.midvillegolfclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 19. NEWPORT NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 324 Mitchells Ln. Middletown, RI, 401-848-969 www.newportnational.com, CR,CL,PS,SB,O 20. NORTH KINGSTOWN G.C. (18) P 615 Callahan Rd. No. Kingstown, RI, 401-2940684, www.nkgc.com, DR,PS,CR,CL,CH,O 21. PINE CREST GOLF CLUB (9) P 25 Pinehurst Dr. Richmond, RI, 401-364-8600 www.pinecrestri.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O, Leagues 22. RICHMOND C.C. (18) SP Sandy Pond Rd. Richmond, RI, 401-364-9200 www.richmondcountryclub.net, CR,CL,PS,CH,O

36

23. ROSE HILL GOLF CLUB (9) P 222 Rose Hill Rd. So. Kingstown, RI, 401-7881088, www.rosehillri.com CR,CL,CH,SB, Leagues 24. TIN CUP GOLF & DRIVING RANGE (6)P 2 Fairway Dr. Coventry, RI, 401-823-4653 www.tincupgc.com, CR,CL,CH,O,DR 25. TRIGGS MEMORIAL G.C. (18) P Chalkstone Ave. Providence, RI 401-521-8460, www.triggs.us, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 26. WINDMILL HILL G.C. (9) X 35 Schoolhouse Rd. (off Rt 136) Warren, RI 401-245-1463, www.windmillgolfri.com CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant 27. WOOD RIVER GOLF (18) P 78 Woodville-Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI, 401364-0700, www.woodrivergolf.com, CR,CH,SB,O 28. WOODLAND GREENS G.C. (9) P 655 Old Baptist Rd. N. Kingstown, RI, 401-2942872, www.woodlandgc.com CR,PS,CH,O

RHODE ISLAND DRIVING RANGES

A. BUTTON HOLE LEARNING CENTER (9) PAR 3, 1 Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI 401-421-1664, www.buttonhole.org target greens, two putting greens, lessons B. IRON WOODS GOLF PRACTICE CENTER 1081 Iron Hill Mine Rd. (off Rt.146) N. Smithfield, RI, 401-766-1151, www.iwgolf.com, putting greens, grass tees, covered area, bunker, lessons, repairs C. MULLIGAN’S ISLAND GOLF & ENTERTAINMENT (9) X 1000 New London Ave. (Rt 2) Cranston, RI 401-464-8855, www.mulligansisland.com 60 stall driving range, covered area, batting cages, mini-golf, par 3 course, 18-hole pitch and putt, PGA Golf Academy, Spargo Golf on premises, club fitting and repairs D. PAVILION RESTAURANT & DRIVING RANGE 15 Frontier Rd. Exit 1 off Rt. 95, Ashaway, RI 401377-9900, www.thepavilionrestaurant.com grass tees, mini golf, Restaurant, Sports Bar

MASSACHUSETTS COURSES

29. AMHERST GC (9) P 365 S. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA, 413-256-6894 www.amherstgolfclub.org, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 30. ATLANTIC C.C. (18) P 450 Little Sandy Pond Rd. Plymouth, MA 508-759-6644, www.atlanticcountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 31. BALLYMEADE C.C. (18) SP 125 Falmouth Woods Rd. N. Falmouth, MA 508-540-4005, www.ballymeade.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 32. BASS RIVER G.C. (18) P 62 Highbank Rd. So. Yarmouth, MA 508-398-9079, www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com CR,CL,PS,CHO 33. BAYBERRY HILLS (27) 18 FULL 9 X 631 W. Yarmouth Rd, So. Yarmouth, MA 508-394-5597, www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 34. BEAVER BROOK G.C. (9) P 183 Main St. Haydenville, MA, 413-268-7229 35. BLACKSTONE NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 227 Putnam Hill Rd. Sutton, MA, 508-865-2111 www.bngc.net, CR,CL,CH,PS,O,DR 36. BLISSFUL MEADOWS G.C. (18) SP 801 Chocalog Rd. Uxbridge, MA, 508-278-6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com, CR,CL,CH,DR,PS,O

37. BRATTLEBORO C.C. (18) SP 345 Upper Dummerston Rd., Brattleboro, VT www.brattleborocountryclub.com, 802-257-7380 38. BUNGAY BROOK G.C. (9) P 30 Locust St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-1600 www.bungaybrook.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 39. CAPTAINS COURSE (36) P 1000 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA, 508-896-1716 www.captainsgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 40. CHEMAWA GOLF COURSE (18) P 350 Cushman Rd. N. Attleboro, MA, 508-3997330, http://chemawagolf.com CR,CH,O,CL 41. COUNTRY CLUB OF GREENFIELD (18) SP 224 Country Club Ln. Greenfield, MA 413-773-7530, www.countryclubofgreenfield.net 42. COUNTRY CLUB OF WILBRAHAM (18) SP 859 Stony Hill Rd. Wilbraham, MA 413-596-8897, www.countryclubofwilbraham.com 43. CHICOPEE C.C. (18) P 1290 Burnett Rd. Chicopee, MA, 413-594-9295 44. COLD SPRING C.C. (18) SP 336 Chauncey Walker, Belchertown, MA 413-323-4888, www.coldspringcc.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 45. CRESTVIEW (18) SP 281 Shoemaker Ln. Agawam, MA 413-786-2593, www.crestviewcc.org 46. CROSSWINDS (27) P 424 Long Pond Rd. Plymouth, MA 508-830-1199 www.golfcrosswinds.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 47. CRUMPIN-FOX (18) P 87 Parmenter Rd. Bernardston, MA 508-413-648-9101, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 48. EASTON C.C. (18) SP 265 Purchase St. Easton, MA 508-238-2500, www.eastoncountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 49. ELLINWOOD C.C. (18) SP 1928 Pleasant St. Athol, MA, 978-249-7460 www.ellinwoodcc.com, CR,CH,PS,O 50. ELMCREST C.C. (18) Private 105 Somersville Rd. E. Longmeadow, MA 413-575-7477, www.golfelmcrest.cc.com 51. FENWAY GOLF RANGE & PITCH & PUTT (DR) 112 Allen St. E. Longmeadow, MA 413-525-4444, www.fenwaygolf.com 52. FOXBOROUGH C.C. (18) SP 33 Walnut St. Foxborough, MA 508-543-4661x4, www.foxboroughcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 53. GARDNER MUNICIPAL (18) P 95 Pleasant St. Gardner, MA, 978-632-9703 www.gardnergolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 54. HICKORY RIDGE C.C. (18) SP 191 W. Pomeroy Ln. Amherst, MA, 413-253-9320 www.hickoryridgecc.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 55. HIGHFIELDS G & CC (18) P 42 Magill Dr. Grafton, MA, 508-839-1945 www.highfieldsgolfcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 56. HILLSIDE COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 82 Hillside Ave. Rehoboth, MA, 508-252-9761 www.hillsidecountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 57. HOLDEN HILLS G.C. (18) P 1800 Main St. Jefferson (Holden), MA 508-8293129, www.holdenhillssgolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 58. INDIAN MEADOWS (9) P 275 Turnpike Rd. Westboro, MA, 508-836-5460 www.indianmeadowsgolf.com, CR,CL,PS,SB,O 59. JOHN E. PARKER MUNICIPAL G.C. (9) P 17 Fisher St. Taunton, MA, 508-822-1797 CR,DR,CH,SB, Skins Thurs. at 3:45

60. JUNIPER HILL G.C. (36) P 202 Brigham St. Northboro, MA, 508-393-2444 www.juniperhillgc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 61. LAKEVILLE C.C. (18) P 44 Clear Pond Rd. Lakeville, MA, 508-947-6630 www.lakevillecountryclub.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 62. LEICESTER C.C. (18) P 1430 Main St. Leicester, MA, 508-892-1390 www.leicestercc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 63. LOCUST VALLEY G.C. (9) P 106 Locust St. Attleboro, MA, 508-222-1500 CR,CH,SB,O, new low rates 64. MAPLEGATE COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 160 Maple St. Bellingham, MA, 508-966-4040 www.maplegate.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 65. MGA LINKS AT MAMANTAPETT (18) P, X 300 W. Maine Rd. (Rt 123) Norton, MA 508-222-0555, www.mamantapett.com CL,PS,CH,SB,O 66. MIDDLEBROOK C.C. (9) P 149 Pleasant St. Rehoboth, MA 508-252-9393, CR,PS,CH,SB 67. NEW ENGLAND C.C. (18) SP 180 Paine St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-2300, www.newenglandcountryclub.com CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 68. NORTON COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 188 Oak St. Norton, MA, 508-285-2400 www.nortoncountryclub.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 69. OAK RIDGE G.C. (18) P 850 S. Westfield St. Feeding Hills, MA 413-789-7307, www.oakridgegc.com 70. OLDE SCOTLAND LINKS (18) P 695 Pine St. Bridgewater, MA, 508-279-3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com, CR,CL,SB,DR,O 71. PETERSHAM C.C. (9) P 240 No. Main St. Petersham, MA, 978-724-3388 www.petershamcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 72. PINE RIDGE G.C. (18) P 28 Pleasant St. No. Oxford, MA, 508-892-9188 www.pineridgegolf.net, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 73. REHOBOTH C.C. (18) P 155 Perryville Rd Rehoboth, MA, 508-252-6259 www.rehobothcountryclub.com, CR,CH,PS,O 74. RIDDER G.C. (18) P 389 Oak St. E. Bridgewater, MA 781-447-9003, www.ridderfarm.com CR,CL,PS,SB 75. SHAKER FARMS C.C. (18) P 866 Shaker Rd. Westfield, MA, 413-568-4087 www.shakerfarmscc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 76. SHINING ROCK G.C. (18) SP 91 Clubhouse Way, Northbridge, MA, 508-234-0400, www.shiningrock.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 77. SOUTHAMPTON C.C. (18) P 329 College Hwy. Southampton, MA 413-527-9815, www.partnersrestaurant.com CR,SB,CH,PS,O

KEY Golf Course Driving Range DR = Driving Range ( ) = Holes PS = Pro Shop P = Public CH = Clubhouse SP = Semi Private O = Outings X = Executive SB = Snack Bar CR = Car Rental CL = Club Rental

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

78. ST. ANNE C.C. (18) P 781 Shoemaker Ln. Feeding Hills, MA, 413-7862088, www.stannecc.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 79. TEKOA C.C. (18) P 459 Russell Rd. Westfield, MA, 413-568-1064 www.tekoacc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 80. TEMPLEWOOD G.C. (18) P 160 Brooks Rd. Templeton, MA, 978-939-5031 www.templewoodgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 81. THE BLANDFORD CLUB (9) P 17 North St. Blandford, MA, 413-848-2443 www.massgolftennis.com, CR,SB,CH,PS,O 82. THE RANCH G.C. (18) P 65 Sunnyside Rd. Southwick, MA, 413-569-9333 www.theranchgolfclub.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 83. THOMAS MEMORIAL G.C. ( 9 ) P 29 Country Club Ln. Turners Falls, MA 413-863-8003 84. WAMPANOAG G.C. (9) P 168 Old Providence Rd. Swansea, MA, 508-3799832, www.wampanoaggolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS 85. PINE GROVE G.C. (18 ) P 254 Old Wilson Rd. Northampton, MA, 413-584-4570

86. WENTWORTH HILLS G.C. (18) SP 27 Bow St. Plainville, MA, 508-316-0240 www.wntworthhillsgc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 87. WIDOWS WALK G.C. (18) P 250 The Driftway Scituate, MA, 781-544-0032 www.widowswalkgolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 88. WINCHENDON SCHOOL G.C. (18) P 435 Spring St. Winchendon, MA, 978-297-9897 www.winchgolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 89. WORTHINGTON G.C. (9) P 113 Ridge Rd. Worthington, MA, 413-238-4464 www.worthingtongolfclub.net CR,CL,CH,PS,O

MASSACHUSETTS DRIVING RANGES

E. ATLANTIC DRIVING RANGE/ SHADOWBROOK (9) X 754 Newport Ave. So. Attleboro, MA www.atlanticgolfcenter.com, heated tees, retail shop, mini golf, chip and putt F. GOLF LEARNING CENTER OF NEW ENGLAND 19 Leonard St. Norton, MA (Exit 10 off Rt.495), 508-285-4500, www.golflearningcenter.com 1,000 ft. grass teeline, heated bays, putting, chipping, bunkers

G. SEEKONK DRIVING RANGE 1977 Fall River Ave. (Rt. 6) Seekonk, MA 508-336-8074, www.seekonkdrivingrange.com covered heated tees, batting cages, mini golf, lessons, available, grass hitting area

CONNECTICUT COURSES

90. CEDAR KNOB GC (18) P 446 Billings Rd. Somers, CT, 860-749-3550 www.cedarknobgolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 91. CONNECTICUT NATIONAL (18) P 136 Chase Rd. Putnam, CT, 860-928-7748 www.ctnationalgolf.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 92. ELMRIDGE GOLF CLUB (27) P 229 Elmridge Rd. Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-2248 www.elmridgegolf.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 93. FOX HOPYARD (18) SP 1 Hopyard Rd. East Haddam, CT 860-434-6644, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 94. LAKE OF ISLES C.C. (18) P Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT, 860-3123636, www.lakeofisles.com CR,CL,PS,SB,Rest.,O, Golf School

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

95. MINNECHAUG G.C. (9) P 16 Fairway Crossing Glastonbury, CT 860-643-9914, www.minnechauggolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS 96. RACEWAY GOLF COURSE (18) SP 205 E. Thompson Rd. Thompson, CT 860-923-9591, www.racewaygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 97. RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB (18) P 259 Preston Rd. Griswold, CT 860-376-3268, www.riverridgegolf.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 98. ROLLING MEADOWS C.C. (18) P 76 Sadds Mill Rd. Ellington, CT 860-870-5328, www.rollingmeadowsgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 99. SHENNECOSSETT G.C. (18) P 93 Plant St. Groton, CT, 860-445-0262 (PS 448-1867), www.shennygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,Rest.,O 100. TOWER RIDGE C.C. (18) SP 140 Nod Rd. Simsbury, CT, 860-658-9767 www.towerridgecc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O

37

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF Ledgemont C.C. Hosting Second Annual Dickson to Represent R.I. Senior Open Set Challenge Cup in AJGA DAY OF THANKS Golf Tournament Commemorative Event Benefits Local Veterans Monday, August 6 will be a special day at Ledgemont Country Club as members, guests and community businesses come together for the second annual Day of Thanks Golf Tournament. This commemorative event was created to salute and remember the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight to keep this country free and safe. The tournament beneficiary is WISH For OUR HEROES, a national 501©(3) charitable organization.

In 2011, Ledgemont hosted the inaugural Day of Thanks Golf Tournament and raised $26,000 as businesses, club members and the local community generously participated.

The tournament was sold out within days of its announcement and the club anticipates the same commitment on August 6.

Sponsorship opportunities also are available at various levels starting at $2,000 and going up to $10,000. For more information on sponsorships or playing spots, contact Sharon Teich at 401-241-7215 or Steich55@gmail.com.

The eighth annual Rhode Island Senior Open will be held on August 14-15 at Valley Country Club in Warwick, R.I. The event is open to both professionals and amateurs with an entry fee of $250 for pros and $200 for amateurs. For more information contact Rick Holcomb at 401-862-4119 or melodi.events@yahoo.com.

Birdies for Charity Providence, RI phenom Will Dickson will once again be representing the United States Challenge Cup this season in the AJGA’s Birdies for Charity Program.

When Dickson competes in AJGA competitions, each time he cards a birdie he will raise money through this program.

The proceeds will support a local charity chosen by the junior (in this case the U.S. Challenge Cup) as well as the AJGA’s youth development programs.

Target Your Audience in SNE Golfer!

Call Mark O’Connor at 413-348-2779 or email markjoc@aol.com.

FOR BREAKING LOCAL GOLF STORIES VISIT WWW.SNEGOLFER.COM AND CLICK “BREAKING STORIES.”

answer on page 4

38

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

TIGER WOODS

PHIL MICKELSON

BUBBA WATSON

WEBB SIMPSON

RORY McILROY

LUKE DONALD

RICKIE FOWLER

LEE WESTWOOD

THE TOP 100.

AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME. COME CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF A LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRADITION AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 3.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Go to dbchampionship.com, call 877.TIX.4DBC (877.849.4322), or visit any area Golf Town location.

Player appearance subject to qualification.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / June 2012 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

FOLLOW US:

39

CVS CAREMARK CHARITY CLASSIC June 17-19, 2012 Rhode Island Country Club Barrington, RI World-class golf for worthwhile charities.

Don't miss out on the 14th Annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

Visit a nearby CVS/pharmacy® and ask about our

Co-hosted by PGA pros and Rhode Island natives Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade, this year’s tournament will feature a field of 20 elite PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR professionals. To date, the tournament

TICKET OFFER

has donated over $15 million to local nonprofit organizations. Get your tickets now!

when you make a qualifying purchase.

Find a store near you at CVS.com®

For volunteer or ticket information, visit www.cvscaremarkcharityclassic.com or call 1-866-CVS-9441

Annika

Ochoa

Andrade

Faxon

Presented by: 1

#

When it Comes to Joint Care... Trust the

DOCTOR & PHARMACIST RECOMMENDED BRAND ◊