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the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 01

table of contents 04

get the most out of your game

golf cart 28 safety

tips for female 06 golfers

improve your 30 short gaME

08

etiquette for 32 rookies

2017 PGA tour schedule

golf instructions because we don’t 10 34 101 hit perfect shots

12

2017 LPGA tour schedule

14

the most common golfing equipment

joe rossi, licensed 16 associated real

estate broker

36

smart guide to electric golf trolleys

40 crossword puzzle local business & 41 service directory

golf instruction 18 online

20

be a golf mentor

22

solving your driver shots

24

hitting a great chip shot

26

book your tee time online

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 02

the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 03

get the most out of your game

re you an aspiring golfer A who doesn’t know where to start, or an intermediate golfer looking to improve your game?

This article is written for golfers of all skill levels who want to know what techniques they can try to improve their shots and lower their scores. Read on to find out how.

In order to be good at golf, one of the basic things that you need to take care of is your grip. It is good to know how the ball will act in response to your grip. The tighter you hold the golf club, the more likely it is that the ball will go to the right. The looser the grip, the more likely that the ball will go to the left.

Add power to your swing by using your body, not your arms. Lean in to power your shot. Turn with the ball on the downswing. This lets you use the power of all of the muscles in your body to get a better shot, instead of being limited to just your arm muscles.

Another helpful tip is to be sure that you are a positive role model on the course when it comes to sportsmanship. This will say a lot about your character and help to build up the relationship with whoever you are playing with. Never let competitiveness get in the way of friendship.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to make sure that you follow through with each shot that requires a full hit. This is helpful because you want to make the most out of your swing and stopping short may cause you to not hit the ball as far as intended.

If you want to get rid of a hook the first thing you should do is check your grip. If your grip is too strong, your right hand is rotated too far over your left hand, you should practice moving your hand to a more neutral position. This will open your club face at contact and should prevent the hook.

Additionally, always be sure to try to find the reason why things go wrong if you have a bad day or bad shot. It is common to blame outside factors for your shortcomings, but you will not become a better golfer unless you can narrow down how to improve.

We hope you enjoyed this article about improving your golfing game.

Hopefully, no matter what your skill level, you’ve learned something here that can improve your game and your overall skill as a golfer.

Apply these tips in your practice, play to see your scores drop and come out ahead of your opponents.

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 04

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Real Estate Salesperson

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t i ps f o r f e m a l e g o l f e r s

I

t’s no secret that quality golf gear can be a bit on the pricey side. But if you’re really committed to learning how to play your best game, then properly fitting golf wholesale equipment is essential.

Do you have to spend a fortune on all of the latest, most high tech, brand name clubs and gear? Of course not. But taking the time to see the club fitter at your local course or golf shop and getting the measurements for clubs that fit you best will go a long way towards improving your game from day one. Make the initial investment, and every other golf tip you follow will work out better for it.

Unless you’re giving yourself enough room to follow through, your swing won’t be nearly as effective. The secret to a proper stance lies in the width of your feet. You should be setting yourself up wide, with most of your weight on the right side of your body.

Tilt your shoulders to the right, as well. As a point of reference, your head should be aligned slightly to the right of the top of the zipper on your pants. Once you’re in position, make sure you’re holding your driver far enough from your body to allow for a powerful swing.

One of the biggest mistakes made by amateur women golfers is to attempt to scoop the ball into the air with the head of the club. In reality, this will cause your swing to slow down after impact. The definition of proper tempo is a buildup of speed.

Harnessing that acceleration and learning to control your speed and power is the best way to drive your swing through the impact on the ball, bringing you to a full finish.

Like anything else, perfecting your golf game takes effort, commitment, and most of all time. The bottom line is this: if you don’t get out and play, you’ll never get any better. Putting in at least two rounds a month (even if it’s just 9 holes) will go a long way towards getting you where you want to be.

Consider joining a women’s league!

Being around other enthusiastic beginners might be just the impetus you need to get out and put in the time on your game. Keep in mind that you’re still learning, so don’t stress your score too much to begin with. Instead, focus on developing your game and style, and experiment with different shots and clubs.

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2017 PGA

TOUR SCHEDULE JAN 2-8 ♦ Hyundai Tournament of Champions ♦ Plantation Course ♦ Kapalua, Maui, HI JAN 9-15 ♦ SONY OPEN IN HAWAII ♦ Waialae Country club ♦ honolulu, HI JAN 16-22 ♦ CareerBuilder challenge ♦ PGA West Stadium Course ♦ La Quinta, CA JAN 23-29 ♦ Farmer’s insurance ♦ torrey pines golf course ♦ san diego, ca Jan 30-Feb 5 ♦ Waste Management Phoenix Open ♦ TPC Scottsdale ♦ scottsdale, AZ feb 6-12 ♦ at&t pebble beach pro-am ♦ pebble beach golf links ♦ pebble beach. ca Feb 13-19 ♦ genesis open ♦ riviera country club ♦ Pacific palisades, CA Feb 20-26 ♦ The Honda Classic ♦ pga national (champion) ♦ palm beach gardens, fl Feb 27-mar 5 ♦ world golf championships ♦ TBA ♦MEXICO CITY, MX Mar 6-12 ♦ valspar championship ♦ innisbrook resort ♦ palm harbor, fl Mar 13-19 ♦ ARNNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL ♦ BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE ♦ ORLANDO, fl MAR 20-26 ♦ World Golf Championships ♦ Austin Country Club ♦ AUSTIN, TX Mar 27- APR 2 ♦ Shell Houston Open ♦ Golf Cluib of Houston ♦ HUMBLE, TX Mar 13-19 ♦ Arnold palmer invitational ♦ bay hill golf club & lodge ♦ orlando, fl mar 20-26 ♦ wolrd golf championships ♦ austin country club ♦ austin, TX mar 20-26 ♦ puerto rico open ♦ coco beach golf club ♦ rio grande, PR Mar 27- apr 2 ♦ shell houston open ♦ golf club of houston ♦humble, TX Apr 3-9 ♦ masters tournament ♦ augusta national golf club ♦ augusta, GA Apr 10-16 ♦ RBC Heritage ♦ harbour town golf links ♦ hilton head island, SC apr 17-23 ♦ Valero Texas Open ♦ TPC San antonio ♦ san antonio, tx apr 24-30 ♦ zurich classic of new orleans ♦ tpc louisiana ♦ new orleans, la may 1-7 ♦ wells fargo championship ♦ eagle point golf club ♦ wilmington, nc may 8-14 ♦ the players championship ♦ TPC sawgrass ♦ ponte vedra beach, fl may 15-21 ♦ at&t bryon nelson ♦ four seasons resort & club dallas ♦ irving, tx may 22-28 ♦ Dean & deluca invitational ♦ colonial country club ♦ fort worth, tx may 29-jun 4 ♦ the memorial tournament ♦ muirfield village golf club ♦ dublin, oh jun 5-11 ♦ fedex st. jude classic ♦ TPC Southwind ♦ dublin, oh jun 12-18 ♦ US Open ♦ erin hills ♦ hartford, wi jun 19-25 ♦ travelers championship ♦ tpc river highlands ♦ cromwell, cti jun 26-jul 2 ♦ quicken loans national ♦ tpc potomac ♦ potomac, mdi jul 3-9 ♦ the greenbrier classic ♦ the greenbrier ♦ white sulphur springs, wvi jul 10-16 ♦ john deere classic ♦ tpc deere run ♦ silvis, il jul 17-23 ♦ the open championship ♦ royal birkdale ♦ southport, lancashire, ENG jul 17-23 ♦ barbasol championship ♦ robert trent jones trail ♦ auburn/opelika, al jul 24-30 ♦ rbc canadian open ♦ glen abbey golf club ♦ oakville, ontario, can jul 31-aug 6 ♦ world golf championships ♦ firestone country club ♦ akron, oh jul 31-aug 6 ♦ barracuda championship ♦ montrÊux golf & country Club ♦ reno, nv aug 7-13 ♦ pga championship ♦ quail hollow club ♦ charlotte, nc aug 14-20 ♦ wyndham championship ♦ sedgefield country club ♦ greensboro, nc aug 21-27 ♦ the northern trust ♦ glen oaks club ♦ old westbury, ny aug 28-sep 4 ♦ deutsche bank championship ♦ tpc boston ♦ norton, ma sep 11-17 ♦ bmw championship ♦ conway farms golf club ♦ lake forest, il sep 18-24 ♦ tour championship ♦ east lake golf club ♦ atlanta, ga sep 25-oct 1 ♦ presidents cup ♦ liberty national golf club ♦ jersey city, nj

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 08

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Golf Instructions 101

olf is not just about hitting a ball G with the end of a stick. It is much more than that. Though professionals

have always made golf seem like a relatively easy sport, it is in reality one of the hardest sports to play. It is all about hitting the ball correctly with the proper golf club. It is about controlling the swings to control the flight of the ball. Golf is more than what meets the eye. It is for this reason that golf instruction is quite needed for beginners and with this being said, here are a few tips that make up the basic golf instruction: 1. Add more loft at impact to make the ball fly farther To understand this golf instruction, it is important to know what loft is.

Loft is actually the degree of the clubface at the set up. When the drives hit off the upper half of the face, the result would be a higher dynamic loft. Hitting the upper half also makes the shot spin less.

Following these principles, when a player hits the center or the upper half of the clubface, this would result in a higher degree in initial launch and with less spins. This would then make the ball fly further and higher. It will also land with a stronger forward roll.

To be able to hit higher, it is suggested that the player tilt his shoulder during setup. The left shoulder should be lower than the right shoulder. This stance will make the player hit the ball on an increasing angle of attack.

This particular golf instruction would be perfectly executed when repeatedly practiced several times 2. Focus is the best play Golf is not a lazy and distracted man’s sport. This golf instruction number two focuses on the being and concentration of the player. To make sure that all hits would give the desired effect, the person should have his full attention to his drive. Focus does not necessarily mean that a person should make tactics or create game plays.

It only means that the player should be engaged in the game, relax when doing the swings, and think of the present. It would help when a golf player would imagine what his swings should result into and not what would happen after every strike.

3. Balance is a personal practice for golf instruction Though there is a standard stance that instructors teach beginners, there is also a certain stance that gives the player the most comfort and best balance. A player should therefore try a number of stances during initial set up and see which of these stance resulted in the best drives. A recommended routine is to try swinging with the legs together first, then swing with only the right foot on the ground. The next few swings would then be done with the left foot on the ground. Finally, when the person has fixed his balance, he should try swinging with his eyes close. This short routine helps a person with his balance.

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2017 LPGA

TOUR SCHEDULE Jan 25-31 ♦ Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic ♦ Paradise Island, Bahamas Feb 13-19 ♦ ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open ♦ Adelaide, S. Australia Feb 20-26 ♦ Honda LPGA Thailand ♦ Chonburi, Thailand feb 27-Mar 5 ♦ HSBC Women’s Champions ♦ Singapore mar 13-19 ♦ Bank of Hope Founder’s Cup ♦ Phoenix, AZ Mar 20-26 ♦ Kia Classic ♦ Carlsbad, Ca Mar 27-Apr 2 ♦ ANA Inspiration ♦ Rancho Mirage, Ca Apr 10-15 ♦ LPGA Lotte championship BY HERSHEY ♦ KAPOLEI, Hi Apr 24-30 ♦ VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA TEXAS SHOOTOUT ♦ IRVING, TX may 1-7 ♦ LORENA OCHOA MATCH PLAY ♦ MEXICO DISTRIO FEDERAL, MEXICO May 15-21 ♦ Kingsmill Championship by JTBC ♦ WILLIAMSBURG, VA May 22-28 ♦ LPGA Volvik Championship ♦ ANN ARBOR, MI May 29-Jun 4 ♦ ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer ♦ galloway, NJ Jun 5-11 ♦ MANULIFE LPGA CLASSIC ♦ ONTARIO, CANADA Jun 12-18 ♦ Meijer Classic FOR SILMPLY GIVE ♦ GRAND RAPIDS, MI Jun 19-25 ♦ Walmart NW Arkansas PRESENTED BY P&G ♦ Rogers, Ar Jun 26-Jul 2 ♦ KPMG Women’s pga championship ♦ olympia fields, IL Jul 3-9 ♦ THORNBERRY CREEK LPGA CLAssic ♦ oneida, wi Jul 10-16 ♦ US WOMEN’S OPEN CONDUCTED By the usga ♦ bedminster, nj Jul 17-23 ♦ MARATHON CLASSIC BY OWENS CORning ♦ sylvania, oh JUL 24-30 ♦ aberdeen asset management scottish open ♦ n. ayrshire, scotland Jul 31-aug 6 ♦ Ricoh women’s british open ♦ fife, scotland AUG 14-20 ♦ solheim cup ♦ west des moines, ia Aug 21-27 ♦ CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN ♦ ontario, canada AUG 28-Sep 3 ♦ CAMBIA PORTLAND Classic ♦ PORTLAND, OR SEP 4-10 ♦ INDY WOMEN IN TECH BY GUGGENHEIM ♦ INDIANAPOLIS, IN SEP 11-17 ♦ The Evian Championship ♦ evian les bains, france SEP 25-Oct 1 ♦ Mckayson new zealand women’s open ♦ auckland, new zealand Oct 2-8 ♦ alisports reignwood ♦ beijing, china Oct 9-15 ♦ lpga keb hana bank championship ♦ incheon, korea Oct 16-22 ♦ swinging skirts Taiwan Championship ♦ Taipei, Taiwan OCT 23-29 ♦ sime darby LPGa malaysia ♦ kuala lumpur, malaysia OCT 30-NOV 5 ♦ toto japan classic ♦ IKIBARI, JAPAN NOV 6-11 ♦ blue bay lpga ♦HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA Nov 13-19 ♦ CME Group Tour Championship ♦ Naples, Fl. The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 12

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the Most Common Golfing Equipment

or a person to thoroughly enjoy any sport, it would be best for him Fto have the proper equipment. Golf is

just one of those sports that require a person to know the different kinds of golfing equipment if a person wants to completely understand the game.

Basics #1 - Golf Attire All the golf ranges have their own set of golf dress codes. A person cannot just enter a golf range with whatever attire and expect that he would be permitted to play. Though the dress code depends on the golf range, the universal set of golf attire is a clean collared polo shirt and golf pants. A golfer should avoid wearing jeans and cargo pants to the field. Rubber shoes are also not allowed inside, as they tend to ruin the grass. A good pair of golf shoes is highly recommended.

Basics #2 – Golf Ball The golf ball is a small ball that is covered with dimples. It is typically white, though there are also golf balls available in bright neon colors, to make it easier for the golfer to locate.

This is one piece of equipment that has strict regulations. For example, golf balls are not allowed to be used until they have passed the test of approval by the R&A and the US Golf Association.

There are two common types of golf balls: recreational and advanced.

Basics #3 - Golf Club This is used to hit the ball. In a regular game, the maximum number of clubs a person is allowed to carry is 14.

It is important to know the different kinds of golf clubs as each type results in different flight distance and degree of loft. The basic kinds of clubs are putters, wedges, irons, woods and the hybrid club.

Optional #1 - Golf Tee This equipment is used to elevate the ball from the ground and provide an easier shot for the player. It is a tiny spike, which has a cup at the top where the ball is placed. It is pushed into the ground and can only be used at the start of the round.

Optional #2 - Ball Marker This object is used to mark the exact spot the ball landed, just in case the player has to temporarily remove the ball. Though players are not allowed to move their ball, there are still exceptions to the rule. One exception is when the ball lies directly on the putting line of the opponent and needs to be temporarily moved out of the way.

Optional #3 - Golf Bag This is an elongated bag mainly for golf clubs storage. It is characterized by a number of pockets at the side for additional golf equipment compartments. There are different bags depending on how it would be carried.

There are shoulder bags, two-wheeled cart bags, and bags for golf carts.

There are a lot more golf equipment. A player does not need all of it. It would be best for him to identify the optional equipment that he would be actually using to help improve his game.

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♌ advertising to move your business forward ♌ 14

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Joe Rossi, Licensed Associated Real Estate Broker

“T

ypical” is not a word that clients use to describe Joe Rossi’s approach to home buying and selling. Building upon years of experience, Joe employs creative marketing approaches, combined with a vast network, to quickly sell homes. By including home floor plans and online marketing videos in home sale advertisements, Joe is able to depict the layout to the potential buyer before stepping foot in the home; this saves the seller valuable time by attracting only buyers who are truly interested in their home. Additionally, by employing directed online advertisements, he targets buyers searching for homes just like yours.Joe builds upon his exemplary communication skills, negotiation experience, and his legal background to ensure his clients are well represented.

He clearly explains transaction details and is by his clients’side every step of the buying and selling experience. Furthermore, Joe listens to his clients’ wants and needs. In a recent transaction, the buyer profusely thanked Joe, stating he, “[W]as the only one in the transaction that was capable of communicating with the sellers in a way that ensured we were able to close on our dream home”.

For six years, Joe Rossi has been a driving force in the local real estate industry. After spending several years in corporate law and business startups, and after nearly eight years negotiating complex multimillion-dollar contracts, Joe applied these skills to benefit his clients.

Joe earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing Management from Siena College and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School. He lives in Loudonville with his wife and son and has been an active member of the Board of Directors for CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services since 2004.

For a fresh approach to your next home purchase or sale, Joe Rossi, Licensed Associated Real Estate Broker with Howard Hanna Home Services, located at 20 Aviation Road, Albany, NY 12205, or at 518-598-7711(cell).

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golf instrUction ONLINE

one are the days when golf clubs used to be sticks and pebbles G were used as golf balls! The first ever

sale of a set of golf clubs is credited to James IV. Formalwear while playing golf also became a trend in the early 1900s, with Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen and Bobby Jones leading the pack.

In regards with their golfing equipment, the wooden clubs were made of hickory wood and were handmade.

Iron clubs were heavier then but evolved into steel shafts and later shifted to graphite. Golf balls started out with rubber which flew quite a distance before the dimpled ball was introduced by William Taylor.

In this time of digital technology, modifications on golfing equipment could easily be improved. Now clubs could be tested first and players could check out a review on a certain set of clubs before deciding if they would get one.

Descriptions of the clubs, how they react and how they rate compared to other clubs could assist a player in making the right choices.

Golf training aids are also great tools to use for the busy handicapper. Usually the devices that help improve one’s swing are very portable and easy to carry since they are also meant to be used outside the golf course. This gives a golfer more time to practice even when he is at the comfort of his own home.

Video analysis gadgets are very much in the market nowadays too. The latest software for swing analysis that can be used on tablets and portable devices

that can measure the speed of the ball is readily available.

Books and DVDs on the game of golf are also part of golf training aids which could help both beginners and low handicappers alike. Swing fixes, experiences of professional golfers, golf games for both junior and adult golfers make up this catalogue of books about golf.

A lot of professional golfers endorse golf training aids and golfing equipment, sometimes even wearing the company’s logo while playing a tournament. Some of them have even made a golf instruction video on their field of expertise in the game.

Johnny Miller, winner of two major tournaments and 25 PGA Tour events, together with Top 100 teachers Brady Riggs, Brian Mogg, Rick Grayson, Mitchell Spearman and Kellie Stenzell are just a few of the professionals who have done golf instruction online.

Using the hips for power, eliminating a slice, how to make a sandy birdie, different types of shots and how to address the ball correctly are just a few examples of the tips you can learn.

Updates and the latest golf news could also be found easily, especially if someone is looking for a golf instruction online. Even junior golfers could simply find the most suitable golfing equipment, golf training aids and golf instruction online.

Learning a thing or two from these mediums is not a bad thing if it means shaving off a few strokes on the scorecard.

Even though golf has evolved over the years, its main concept of hitting a ball with a long stick remained the same.

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 18

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the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 19

be a golf me nt o r

T

hose of us who have been playing golf for any length of time understand that it is more than just a game. There’s no denying that golf instills certain physical attributes and that it’s good exercise but there’s more to it than that, and most golfers that I know would wholeheartedly agree. That extra component that

golf offers its players is a set of life skills that serve us daily — whether we know it or not.

This holds true for new golfers as well as they begin to learn the game and appreciate its overall value not just on the course but in life in general.

But golf isn’t like basketball or soccer or baseball when it comes to our younger

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 20

players. Kids who want to play but don’t have the resources to buy the needed equipment or mentors to teach them the game are pretty much left out. The truth is golf can be horribly expensive, even at the junior level.

So what can the average Joe do about this? That depends on how much you want to do. If you live a metro area, chances are there are mentoring programs already in place.

A call or visit to one might lead you into taking personal active action by becoming a mentor. If you don’t have the time or feel as if you don’t have the skills to teach others, perhaps you can do other things to help the program.

If you live a rural area or an area that simply doesn’t have a golf mentor program at all, well, consider creating your own mentoring program. You don’t have to be a pro to teach a youngster the fundementals of the game. Schedule a chat with your course manager and discuss the idea with him or her and see if you can’t work something out.

If you’re not the mentoring type, consider donating to a program. Many golfers (at least the ones I know) have old clubs and bags sitting in their garages that they will never use again. Why let them gather dust and spider webs? Give them to a program of your choice and let someone else enjoy them. Even if you only have a few old clubs (meaning less than a full set, or even an old putter or driver)... donate it to them.

Frankly, I think it’s something of a shame that kids who can’t afford clubs or have no one to teach them this game are left out. It doesn’t have to be that way, and you could be the one to change that in your community. the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 21

solving your driver shots

any golfers have a problem with their M drives. On this page readers

will learn how to properly drive the golf ball. Every golfer knows that the first tee box is a scary sight, with many viewers ready to judge your entire golf game off the first shot you take. However, just like any other sport, the start of a match can set the tempo for your entire game. This is why learning how to hit a successful driver shot can benefit you tremendously.

A successful driver shot in golf can you set you up in better position for the rest of your shots on the current hole you are playing. An unsuccessful driver shot can lead to disaster in your golf game, causing you to have to take extra strokes, or causing you to play your ball on an unfavorable lie. These steps will hopefully allow the viewers to gain a hold on their driver shots, which will improve their entire game as a whole.

The first step to hit a successful driver shot is to ensure that you have the proper equipment tailored to your game. The modern day driver has various customized features that one can apply to their weapon of choice. You first must get your driver sized properly according to your height and arm length. This will make sure that you are not swinging a club that is too large or too small. Another feature that is customizable on a driver is the degree of the driver head.

Many divers allow you to change the angle of the head to provide either more of a draw to their shot, or more of a slice in some situations. The shaft of the driver also allows for some change, providing either a flex or stiff shaft type.

A stiff shaft does not bend during your shot, and is more consistent in many cases. A flex club provides a bit more torque while swinging the club, although is harder to control. No matter how you choose to create your driver,

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you want to make sure it matches your style of play.

The second step to producing a successful drive is your setup to the ball. You must first use a tall tee to raise the ball. You usually want the ball height to be about ½ of an inch above your club when placed in front of it. Once you have finished placing the ball in the corresponding fashion, you must approach the ball and focus on your driver stance. Unlike many irons, the driver is almost always played on your front foot. In order to match the weight of the club, place your front foot even with the ball. Next, make sure you have a slight bend in your knees, allowing you to swing with more degree of motion on your swing.

Once you have set up to the ball correctly, you can now focus on the actual swing itself.

Yes it is true, everybody will obviously not have the same exact same swing, but there are key pointers in your swing that a successful driver swing possesses. The first component of a smooth driver swing is the player’s grip on the golf club.

It is important that the player holds the club in a relaxed manner, because if the club is held too tight, the player will roll their wrists over, causing the ball to hook. If a player is too loose with his grip, the club face will open up, causing the ball to slice instead. The next step to a correct driver swing is to remain calm and collected in your downswing.

Once you bring your club back to a comfortable height, you must fight your first instinct, and control your club on the way down.

Many beginner golfers feel that in order to crush the golf ball, you must swing as hard as you can. This is hardly the reality of the matter. Remaining calm and collected on your downswing allows your body to remain loose, instead of tensing up and losing control of the club. Remaining loose allows your muscles in your body to act as rubber bands and produces a whip like motion, creating the overall power in your shot. Although it might seem awkward not to swing as hard as you can, it will prevent you from losing your eye on the ball and much of the time, force your body to raise up and top the ball. the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 23

hitting a great chip shot

1: THE SETUP Place the golf club level on its sole with the club face square to the target.

Measuring a foot and a half behind the ball, stand with your feet near one another.

Turn your entire body (feet, hips and shoulders) somewhat to the left of the target. This is called an open stance and makes the motion less demanding - even on short swings.

STEP 2: PREPARE TO CHIP Incline your abdominal area forward from your hip, keep your legs somewhat bowed and put your weight on your left foot.

Rest the club shaft on your left thigh and keep your usual grip on the club.

STEP 3: CHIP THE BALL Verify the weight stays on your left foot all through the swing to send the golf ball into the air.

The swing is produced by turning on the axis of your spine, verifying that your body inclines your arms and hands. Keep your arms and wrists loose during the swing.

The swing is similar to a pendulum where the backswing is similarly the length of the followthrough.

In order to make sure you are utilizing your body rather

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than your arms and hands, search for the V shape between your shoulders and hands. Keeping this shape will help with your follow-through.

Here are some different tips that you may find valuable...

Don’t Let Your Shoulders Come Up A simple approach to make the fancied plummeting blow is to hold your left shoulder down through the effect. Don’t raise your left shoulder -- keep it low and square to your target line.

Make Your WristS Flat You won’t chip well if you flip your hands or twist your wrists.

Your left wrist ought to be as level as could be expected under the circumstances. In the event that you experience difficulty keeping your left wrist from breaking down, take a stab at utilizing your putting hold.

Close Your Toe In spite of the fact that your hands ought to be detached and your left wrist straight, they do need to turn so the club turns over on its heel through the effect. Attempt to easily pivot the toe of the whelp to your target (don’t yank it) as you swing through the effect range.

Keep Your Weight Forward At location, circulate the dominant part of your weight over your left foot and, all the more important, keep it there through your stroke. On the off chance that you hang once again on your right side, you’ll swing up into effect and that is the issue that got you here in any case. the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 25

book your tee time online

T

here is no industry that has been unaffected by the age of the Internet. Web connectivity has effectively changed the way the world does business and the way people manage their lives.

Many times that management system comes courtesy of a smartphone.

People pay bills online, book event tickets, and make reservations all without needing to dial a number on a phone.

So, it was only a matter of time before the Internet revolution trickled into the golfing world.

The sport’s popularity is quickly gaining ground worldwide, with the Asian market bolstering a large part of that growth. The added growth has caused many golf courses to go online.

Now people can book golf lessons, tee times and more using software designed for the

sport’s aficionados. In the not too distant past, people who wanted a tee time had to show up at the course to request a time.

Then, showing up was replaced by a telephone call, and finally the call has been replaced by the Internet.

Today’s world moves at the speed of light and sometimes people are unable to book tee times during a course’s business hours. Now, no one has to wait for a business to open. They just simply go online whenever it is convenient and book their tee time.

The ease of booking can indirectly be attributed to a slight increase in people on the course. The easier and more innovative things are, the better it is for society.

Now it is simpler for courses to organize their schedules because of the availability of software catering to golf businesses.

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 26

There are a few companies which sell software specifically for use within golf courses. This software allows their businesses to run seamlessly and gives them the ability to manage everything from one computer.

Many software systems allow real time updates which permit golfers to be notified of any changes in availability which could possibly affect their tee times. The software has revolutionized businesses and someone would be hard pressed to discover a course or avid golfer that did not use some type of software to manage their golfing life.

The need to manage large numbers of people has caused some of the world’s top courses to use software to help manage members and guests at their courses.

Although many golfers have at least one type of tee management software on their computers or smartphones, many courses have a portal on their website for members to access available tee times, check the weather, and more.

The sheer access of information permits many golfers to ensure that there will be nothing but blue skies on the day that they want to play.

The software can also assist with increasing customer satisfaction, by giving them their ideal type of conditions to play.

For example, someone is interested in playing at a certain time, so they log onto the site and discover that while their desired time is available, the time slots surrounding it will be quite full. Thus, the golfer books a time when there are fewer people golfing and anticipates enjoying the day.

Another factor which aids golfers in enjoying their time spent golfing is the increased level of service software provides. Employees are granted more time to focus their energies to providing better service and ensuring things run smoothly since people have greatly reduced their call volume.

The Internet has transformed the golfing industry for the better. It has employed seamless software integration to allow golfers the ability to schedule their tee times and perform other duties without calling the course. This freedom has caused an increase in service which is then transferred to happier members and more revenue. the back nine of ALBANY ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 27

golf cart safety

G

etting the right cart is only half the issue when dealing with golf carts. The other half of the job is to ensure the safety of the players. The majority of on-course accidents occur while riding golf carts.

Regardless of the number and cause of accidents, one rule of thumb applies to everyone: be safe!

Actions such as standing while inside the cart, driving without paying attention or while drunk, hanging arms or legs out of the vehicle, and taking turns too quickly can all result in unsafe situations.

Because these are also some actions that cause accidents on roads, it is obvious that the rules of the road apply even to the cart paths. Here are some guidelines to ensure safety while running a golf cart on the dedicated path.

Read and Observe Safety Guidelines Before getting inside the cart, go through the safety guidelines or warnings written on stickers on the vehicle. Nowadays, most carts do have such stickers. However, reading is only half the job. You also need to adhere to those rules.

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Mind Your Body Language While inside the cart, ensure that you do not stand up or stretch your arms and legs outside. If you hang a foot outside while moving, it can result in a sprained or broken ankle or foot. Further, one cannot ignore the impact of obstacles such as twigs or tree branches.

Follow Some Basic Rules When you buy a golf cart, ensure that it has safety belts and do use them while moving around. Furthermore, avoid turning at high speeds to prevent being thrown out of the cart. It is a fact that many people have lost their lives after been thrown from a cart. In addition, if you are driving the cart, consider pressing the accelerator only after individuals are seated.

You should also take care to prevent collision with another cart. For that matter, avoid speeding to a stop in the parking area, especially at the rear of a parked vehicle.

Be Vigilant Always keep an eye on the cart path. This might sound obvious but if you fail to watch, distractions can cause your ride to go bad. If you are distracted, your cart can go off the right path and can even cause an accident. You need to be extra alert on paths at intersections, near obstacles, or around the clubhouse. Moreover, avoid driving the vehicle through unsafe places on the course, such as rough terrain, trees, water or ravines. the back nine of ALBANY ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 29

improve your short game

article I will be discussing how your short game all the Iwayntothisimprove from your iron shot to putting on the green. These tips will ensure you play to the best of your ability out there on the course.

Iron Shots The first step in producing a successful iron shot is knowing what club to choose. Each iron club is used pertaining to the distance the golfer is from the hole. Depending on each player, you must match your personal distance with each club with your distance from the hole. For example, I personally hit my 7 Iron around from 150-170 yards, so if I am within that range on the course, that is my club of choice.

The next step in a successful iron shot is to line up your stance. The higher the number on the club, the more you want to place the ball even with the back half of your stance in order to provide loft to the shot. And vice versa for lower numbers; place the ball closer to the front of your stance. Since each club will provide you with a matched distance, you want to make sure you take a full swing no matter what club you have. Many beginner golfers make the mistake of shorting their swing if they are closer to the pin. However, if you have chosen the right club, there will be no need to do that.

Chipping If you are not an exceptional golfer, chances are you have not yet reached the green on your second shot. Chances are that your second shot ended up in the rough near the putting green. If this is the case, chipping is probably your best option for your third shot. There are multiple clubs with wchich golfers choose to chip their balls.The most common

type of club is a pitching wedge or 52 Degree Wedge. The 52 Degree Wedge provides a bit more loft to your shot, but both clubs are very similar. Depending of your distance from the green, a chip shot should be swung light and with proper follow-through. Many golfers use punch chip shots, which are sometimes effective, but are inconsistent at times.

You truly want to swing through the ball and finish through to give your chip shot maximum loft. Chipping is a very delicate type of golf shot because it is all dependent on the golfers touch. You don’t want to swing too hard or to light, in the end your speed of the club is up to the golfers own perspective.

Another type of chip shot commonly used in golf is the runner. The runner is a chip shot (usually used with the 8 Iron) where you have to bounce the ball far across the green. This club ensures that you won’t loft the ball that high, allowing the ball to run across the green toward the hole.

This shot is for more experienced golfers, but can be very useful in certain situations out on the course.

Putting Probably the most frustrating part of the game of golf, putting can turn your game around for better or worse.

The first part of ensuring a good putter shot is to read your ball’s lie. This means read the greens angles and elevation to predict the path of the shot you are about to take. This is seen a lot when you watch pro golfers. They usually stand behind their ball to get a key for the shot. The next part of a great putter shot is the swing itself. Many beginner golfers bring their putter head back to far in their shot, causing them to lose the path that they lined up. The correct shot is to bring the head back slightly, then push your club through the ball in the path you want it to travel.

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etiquette for rookies

ou have to be polite to play golf?

Y Well... sort of. After all, golf is a gentlemen’s game. Of course, you are not expected to follow every single unwritten rule of the game, but here a few you should pinpoint on…

Number One If you hit an errant shot (and trust me, you will) please yell “FORE” to warn nearby players. The last thing you need is a potential lawsuit on your hands because you didn’t open your mouth.

Number Two If you are playing ahead of a clearly more experienced and skilled group, please let them play through. You will save them a lot of frustration and yourself a lot of embarrassment if you happen to have a rough day.

The rangers on the golf course also appreciate if you keep up with the “pace of play” as they call it and this is easily accomplished by letting the big hitters be on their way.

Number Three This is an important one to follow and the rest of your friends will appreciate if you abide by it.

NEVER, under any circumstance, walk through the line of your buddy’s putt on the green. They’re worried enough about accounting for the break, speed, and slope of the green. The last thing they need is to figure out how to hit over your big fat shoe mark in the middle of their line. These are just a few simple tips

to follow when on the course but their importance is unmatched.

Earlier this month, I wrote an article explaining how out of the loop some new golfers are with the etiquette of the game and just how detrimental that is. No one can really fault you for having a poor day at the course if you are truly giving forth your best effort and just not getting results.

However, if you are being arrogant or violating the unwritten rules of golf over and over, you may get a well-justified earful after the round has concluded.

And rightfully so.

Another huge and crucial mistake most amateurs make is neglecting the mental aspects of the game. I’m not arguing against the fact that technique and fundamentals go a long way, rather pointing out that your performance can be heavily influenced by your attitude. If you are someone who has a quick temper, you need to address that immediately and leave the pouting at home. Getting down on yourself NEVER helps in the sport of golf. You will begin to cloud your head with negative thoughts to the point where you can hardly make contact with the ball anymore. Keeping a positive attitude before, during, and after the round is half the battle and you will notice results immediately. Golf is a game that takes quite some time to finally “master” so a good attitude will only speed up this process. As with any sport, one mistake can often snowball into many more if complemented by a negative attitude.

Keep that in mind next time you pick up (or want to throw) a golf club.

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because we don’t always hit perfect shots

J

ust when you think you have hit a great tee shot way up in the air, clear of the water and bunker ahead, you can’t imagine what could possibly go wrong! And then all of a sudden (thud) it lands in the rough. Sometimes this lie may not be bad at all; the grass is at times the perfect cut and acts as a tee for your next shot. Of course we can never get that lucky in this sport so it’s now time to learn how cope with this obstacle.

First, assess just how deep the grass is. Try to judge how much grass you are going to catch on the downswing at impact.

If you think your swing speed will be drastically reduced then you may need to club up. For example, if you are 150 out in the deep rough, a 6 Iron may play better than a 7.

Once you have the right club, it’s time to move onto the setup.

The setup. If you are using a 5 Iron Wedge, place the ball in the middle of your stance to ensure you make downward contact on the ball. This type of contact will allow you to get the ball nice and high in the air, which is vital to lifting the ball out of the rough.

However if you do have a 3 Iron or wood in hand, place the ball about an inch more forward in your stance. These clubs are designed to “launch” the ball by making contact on the upswing.

Utilize these keys next time you find yourself off the fairway and there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy better approach shots. Of course repetition will make the difference in the end so do not expect to master this skill right away! Happy golfing!

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smart guide to electric golf trolleys

U

ndoubtedly, the demand for golf trolleys is on the rise -- especially the electric ones that work on batteries. However, the increasing variety of electric trolleys has made selection a bit challenging for the firsttime buyer. Here are some tips for choosing the most suitable electric trolley for the first time.

Look for Entry Level In case you are unaware, golf manufacturers offer entry-level golf trolleys ranging from 100 to 300 dollars. This is a good way to begin in case of a limited budget, although it is worth investing more in case a budget vehicle

does not offer the features you need. Cost is truly the first factor but good value may be more important.

Check Out Features A few new or fancy features (such as a remote control) tend to excite beginners.

The remote control feature is likely to save energy and time by eliminating the need to continuously pull or push it. Another interesting feature is a distance function that allows the trolley to move ahead.

Although these features are very tempting, you should not lose your focus on what you need. For most new buyers, the weight, build quality and battery life are

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♌ advertising to move your business forward ♌ 36

essential. It is certain that no new buyer would like to have their new remote control trolley lose battery by the 15th hole, or to see their budget trolley falling by the 12th hole. Therefore, you should always focus on the basic features first.

However, you should not compromise other features for better quality. You need to ensure a long battery life, enough to cover the number of holes you usually like to play. Moreover, you should make sure the trolley is not too heavy and that it will last for a few years with good service.

Examine YOUR OPTIONS If you are purchasing from a street-side store, have a small discussion with the staff. Find out whether or not the disclosed weight includes the battery, check out features and warranty, and ask about the return policy as well. To know about the best trolley for your requirements, consider chatting with your fellow golfers at the 19th hole.

If you are buying online, spend some time searching for discounted offers and customer reviews to ensure you are getting the best quality product for your needs.

Jamie Mazuryk, REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON O: (518) 929-4475 • F: (518) 861-7040 • M: (518) 929-4475 jmazuryk@cmfox.com 2390 Western Avenue - Guilderland NY, 12084

“The process of buying and selling can be stressful, but I educate you and walk step by step with you through the process.”

- Jamie Mazuryk

New Scotland, NY

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ho w fa r i s “a vera g e” ?

A

lot of golfers get bogged down in the numbers game, analysing their every shot, loft, number of spikes in their shoes, buttons on their trousers, etc. It all makes us feel better when we hit another errant shot. But a lot of people would like to know just what average is, so let’s crunch some of the numbers.

What is the average handicap?

According to this extract from the Daily Mail , the average for men and women is 15.2. However the average score is well over 100. Why such a disparity? Well, the majority of scores posted are by keen golfers; i.e. those who play often enough to get their handicap lower. Plus you’re less likely to post that 115 in the rain...

Are people honest about their handicap?

Golf digest states almost 90% of handicaps are truthful. What about the other 10%? These fall into the following categories: • Sandbaggers: these post artificially high scores so they have more of an advantage in net competitions. They may post very few scorecards, or even simply cheat to make their scores worse. They make up around 2% of golfers.

• Vanity handicappers: the opposite of sandbaggers, these golfers post only their very best scores, or embellish them to appear better. It is estimated these make up around 10% of golfers.

The Back Nine of ALBANY ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 38

Scratch that, what are the driving distances A study from growingthegame.org demonstrated that the average drive for a 90-95 scoring male golfer is just 192 yards. For women scoring 95-100, the figure is 145 yards.

These figures taken from average golfer represent a lower handicap player: • • • • • •

Average driver distance, men: 200-260 yards.

Average driver distance, women: 150-200 yards.

Average 6 iron, men: 130-160 yards.

Average 6-iron, women: 70-130 yards.

Average pitching wedge, men: 80-120 yards.

Average pitching wedge, women: 50-80 yards.

Golfers overestimate their drivers by anything up to 20-30+ yards.

However, lower handicap players tend to be more accurate in their assessment.

How long should a round of golf take?

A round of golf is commonly quoted as lasting around 4-5 hours. However, this increases or decreases depending on your handicap. A study showed that 60% of use take 4-5 hours, however 40% of 0-9 handicappers get a round done in under 4 hours. 10% of 30+ handicappers take 5-6 hours to finish a round, looking for their lost balls presumably.

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crossword puzzle 1

3

2

4

5

6 8

7

9

10 11 13

12 14

15 16

17

ACROSS

3. The intended path of the ball, usually referred to in the context of putting 4. The position of the feet at address 8.A complete miss (also known as an “air ball”) 9. The direction which the blades of grass grow, which is of primary importance on the greens 10. A score of two over par on a hole 11. The rotational movement or spin of the ball produced by contact with the clubface 14. Another term for a practice area (also known as a golf range, practice range or learning center) 15. The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five 17. A score of one under par on a hole

ACROSS 3.

4.

8.

9.

10.

11.

14.

DOW N

1 . T he custom of hitting a second ball — without penalty — on a hole 2 . A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance 5 . The act of aligning the clubface to the target 6 . A swing flaw in which the lead elbow bends at an angle pointed away from the body, usually resulting in a blocked or pushed shot 7 . To successfully hit a shot from a poor location 1 2 . The placing and positioning of the hands on the club 1 3 . The proper distribution of weight both at address and throughout the swing 1 6 . A derogatory term describing poor play that results from nervousness

ANSWER KEY: 3. LINE, 4. STANCE, 8. WHIFF, 9. GRAIN, 10. DOUBLEBOGEY, 11. BACKSPIN, 14. DRIVINGRANGE, 15. PAR, 17. BIRDIE, 1. MULLIGAN, 2. CADDIE, 5. AIMING, 6. CHICKENWING, 7. RECOVER, 12. GRIP, 13. BALANCE, 16. CHOKE

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local business & service directory Architec tu re

Wallant Architecture................................................................................15

Awards

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Buye rs’ AGENTs

Jamie Mazuryk - CM Fox Real Estate................................................19, 37 Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17

Comme rc i al Real Esta te

Christina M. Sutherland - Weichert Realtors..................................... 11, 39 Kenneth MacDonald - Weichert Realtors........................................05, 35

Comme rc i al Ti nti ng

Tint World..............................................................................................15, 35

Conc re te Co n tractin g

Collar City Concrete...........................................................................13, 31

Cond o Rea l esta te

Sandra McGeough & Paul Clink - Dream Street Properties, Inc......... 15

Consultatio n fo r Pon d Aeration

Pond View Koi.....................................................................................07, 31

Consultatio n fo r Ko i Ponds

Pond View Koi.....................................................................................07, 31

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Donovan Tree Service..............................................................................11

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Labbie Electrical Contractors..................................................................13

Dr ug & Alcohol Reha bilitation

Recovery Bootcamp.....................................................Front Inside Cover the back nine of ALBANY ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 41

local business & service directory

Elec tric al Con tractor

Labbie Electrical Contractors..................................................................13

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Deborah A. Christopher - Edward Jones Investment........................... 09

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Deborah A. Christopher - Edward Jones Investment........................... 09

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Labbie Electrical Contractors..................................................................13

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LDV/Design for Living and Work Places............................................05, 33

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Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17

Koi Fis h

Pond View Koi.....................................................................................07, 31

LICENSED Rea l Esta te AgentS

Andrew Barber - Keller Williams Realty...................................................09 Christina M. Sutherland - Weichert Realtors..................................... 11, 39 Kenneth MacDonald - Weichert Realtors........................................05, 35 Jamie Mazuryk-Licensed Real Estate Salesperson CM Fox Real Estate.

Jeff A. Stannard - Stannard Realty..........................................................07 Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17 Sandra McGeough & Paul Clink - Dream Street Properties, Inc......... 15 The Back Nine of ALBANY ♌ advertising to move your business forward ♌ 42

local business & service directory

Luxury Custom Residential Architecture Wallant Architecture................................................................................15

Lux ury Homes

Andrew Barber - Keller Williams Realty...................................................09 Christina M. Sutherland - Weichert Realtors..................................... 11, 39 Kenneth MacDonald - Weichert Realtors........................................05, 35 Jamie Mazuryk-Licensed Real Estate Salesperson CM Fox Real Estate.

Jeff A. Stannard - Stannard Realty..........................................................07 Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17 Sandra McGeough & Paul Clink - Dream Street Properties, Inc......... 15

Masonry

Collar City Concrete...........................................................................13, 31

Millwork & Architectural Interior Design

Wallant Architecture................................................................................15

Per s onal Fitn ess Tra i ner

FitnessVision...............................................................................................19

Ph otography

Eyemax Digital Video & Photography....................................................19

Promotiona l Pro du cts

National Business Promotions...................................................................11

RESIDENTIAL Real Esta te

Sandra McGeough & Paul Clink - Dream Street Properties, Inc......... 15 Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17

Remod e ling

Todd Jobs.............................................................. 03, Back Outside Cover

Residential Ti nti ng

Tint World..............................................................................................15, 35 the back nine of ALBANY ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 43

local business & service directory Retireme nt Pla n n er

Deborah A. Christopher - Edward Jones Investment........................... 09

Selle rs’ agentS

Jamie Mazuryk-Licensed Real Estate Salesperson CM Fox Real Estate.

Joe Rossi - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.................................... 17

Service Calls & Electrical Repairs

Labbie Electrical Contractors..................................................................13

Staging & Space Pla n ning

Jamie Mazuryk-Licensed Real Estate Salesperson CM Fox Real Estate.

Strength & Con di tio n i ng

FitnessVision...............................................................................................19

Stump Grindin g

Donovan Tree Service..............................................................................11

Sub stanc e Abuse Trea tment

Recovery Bootcamp.....................................................Front Inside Cover

Tr ee Se rv ice

Donovan Tree Service..............................................................................11

Videography

Eyemax Digital Video & Photography....................................................19

W edding Events

Eyemax Digital Video & Photography....................................................19

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