GOLF NEWS

Michael Goodcase, Director of Golf

The Men’s McLean Member-Member Tournament was played the first weekend of June. We had a nice field of 56 players. This event is always a spectacular experience for the members, and this year was no different.

Our F&B staff shined over the two days with food and drink stations on the golf course. They also wrapped up the weekend with an incredible evening for the players and their spouses. Chef Abdu Romero, and his culinary team, showcased their talents with an awesome meal, followed by a live Bananas Foster station in the Lobby manned by Alex Loreto, our Pastry Chef. All of these spectacular meals would not be as enjoyable without an open bar. Also, there was a golf event taking place over two days. After round one, 24 teams competed in a Horse Race. What is a Horse Race, you might ask? All 24 teams play together beginning on the first hole. The format is straight alternate shot. Teams can pick which player will tee off and then they alternate hitting shots until they are eliminated or stand victorious. It was a grueling four-hole event that lasted two and a half hours. The winners were Kelly Vandever and Austin Muller, the place team was Chris Gregoire and Rob Crane, the show team was Crosby Slaught and Billy Grokenberger. The main event was loaded with teams playing some incredible golf. Our winning team led wire to wire. After opening with a first round net score of 57.5, they followed that up with an impressive score of 60 in the Better Ball Format. However, it was not easy as multiple teams shot a score of 59 to make up some ground. Ultimately, Pete Chambers and Bryan Brand would not be denied. They took home the title of 2023 McLean Member-Member Champions with a four-shot victory (117.5). Teams coming in second through sixth were all within 3 shots of one another. Second Place went to Kelly Vandever and Austin Muller (121.5). Third Place went to Dylan Perkins and Jeff Cole (122.5). Our gross champions were Chris Gregoire and Rob Crane at 127. Congratulations to all of the winners.

Half-way through the month of June, we are still experiencing our share of June “Gloom”. The golf course is eager to see consistent sunny days. Will Soto has done a great job of maintaining quality playing conditions for the past couple of months. June 19th marks the first day for Brian O’ Laughlin, our new Director of Agronomy. I am excited to welcome Brian to the Birnam Wood Executive Staff. He will be a wonderful addition to the team with all of his expertise and knowledge. When you see him, please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to Birnam Wood.

The BWWGA 2023 most improved players:

January - Anne Hall

February - Barbara Kummer

March - Dina Wilson

April - Dina Wilson

May - Marta Babson

HOW TO ELIMINATE THE FLIP IN YOUR SWING. Scott Maier, PGA Certified Teaching Professional

A common flaw in the golf swing is an early extension of the lead hand, otherwise known as a flip. An early extension creates many problems for a golfer, such as thin shots, topped shots, heavy shots, hooks, and slices. An early extension rarely results in ball first, center face contact, making it very difficult for a player to control trajectory, spin rate, direction, and distance.

Eliminating early extension of the lead hand is critical for good ball striking. A little bow or flex of the lead hand is useful as well.

Here is a drill to help you create a flat or bowed lead hand in your golf swing. Find a wall and place your lead foot next to it, get into your golf posture (See photo below). Now turn your body towards the wall while at the same time moving your hands to the wall and stop. If the back of your lead hand is touching the wall, you will know you have done it correctly. Notice in the photo below, that the back of my lead/left hand is flat to the wall. If only the knuckles of your lead hand are touching the wall, then you have early extension.

An additional benefit to this drill is you do not have to be at the practice facility to do it. So, when life gets busy and you are not able to get to the practice facility, find a wall in your home or office and do the drill.

Schedule a lesson today to eliminate the flip in your swing.