Golf Guide | 2019 by Bradford Publishing

Golf Guide

April 2019

Match play, Cardinal Hills stop added to 50th Penn-York schedule By Sam Wilson Special to the Golf Guide

After 50 years, the Penn-York Junior Golf League schedule is shaking up a bit this summer. To mark the 50th season of the program, director Kyle Henzel announced a handful of changes for this summer, starting with the addition of a sixth stop to the usually five-week schedule. Cardinal Hills Golf Course in Randolph will tee off the tour on July 1. Typically the Penn-York schedule takes a week off around the July 4 weekend, but with the Independence Day on a Thursday this year, Henzel decided to add another stop on the junior golf tour. Other stops this season include Elkdale Country Club (Salamanca), Pennhills (Bradford), Wellsville Country Club, Pine Acres (Bradford) and Bartlett (Olean). “There's a lot of players from that Randolph, Jamestown area the last couple years that have come on,” Henzel said. “I know it makes it so we have four New York courses and two Pennsylvania courses, but I felt as though I wanted to put something in the middle of the area and it's not really middle for Pennsylvania, but it's middle for New York. I wanted to give the Randolph and Jamestown players a chance to be closer to home so to speak and that made sense the most.” Additionally, Henzel plans to introduce a new match-play tournament for the oldest boys division. For the Ed Forrest Cup, named after the longtime league director who died in December, one mid-season stop will feature teams of New York and Pennsylvania golfers competing against each other in a match-play setting. “I want to see what kind of participation level I get from the older boys' division and I want to take a certain

Olean Times Herald file photo Connor Alfieri of Smethport (left) won the Penn-York Junior Golf League’s 2018 John Forrest Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Golfer by having the lowest overall scoring average at 77.25. Also pictured is league director Kyle Henzel.

amount of boys from New York against a certain amount of boys from Pennsylvania and have them play a match play event during the Penn-York week,” Henzel said. “For that week, they wouldn't play medal play. They would play a match play event for the Ed Forrest Cup. It's like a team event type of thing, New York against Pennsylvania.” Ed Forrest ran the league for 31 years, starting in 1975 after the founder Dr. Robert Davis. He later passed it on to his sons Kevin and then John (and Danae) Forrest. “They've all passed away and I have the John Forrest Outstanding Player trophy, I have the Kevin Forrest Trophy for (a) perseverance type of trophy for a player,” Henzel said. “I wanted to honor Ed in some way and so I felt this was the best way because I believe he would have started this New York against Pennsylvania match back in the early-to-mid ‘70s.” These changes also include a price

increase, from $20 to $40. Henzel said he increased the price to cover a variety of costs including the sixth date, trophies and two items every golfer will receive this season: a 50th anniversary golf bag tag and hat. Henzel said Allegany-Limestone student Sean Campbell designed a new 50th anniversary logo and Rick’s Golf World in Olean will produce the items at cost. “People seem to think that's a big jump, but in reality you're still getting six courses for $40 which is (about) $6.60. So it's still the greatest deal around,” Henzel said. “I'm working with Pete Lisi at Rick's Golf World to get the hats done and the bag tags and he's a big proponent of junior golf,” Henzel said. “He's not going to make any money on this, he's giving to me at cost. So between that and the trophies, I had to raise the price.” The league golfers are sorted into four divisions for each gender. For boys,

the breakdown goes: Division I (16-18 year-olds), Division II (14-15), Division III (12-13) and Division IV modified (8-11). For girls, Division I and II (148), III (12-13), and IV (8-11). The oldest two divisions play 18 holes from the men’s white tees, Division III plays nine holes from the women’s red tees and Division IV plays nine from the modified tees. “We had a great participation in girls divisions last year,” Henzel said. “We're doing that again obviously, all age groups and what I did was the last week I experimented with letting the girls play, at Bartlett, they played 18 holes and they loved it. This is the older division. So I'm going to, depending on how many girls enter, I'm going to keep going with the older division girls playing 18 holes.” The 10 lowest stroke averages receive an invitation to the SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur and the lowest 16 are invited to the Betty Bergreen Invitational, both at Bartlett at the end of the season. More information on the Penn-York Junior Golf League, including sign-up information to come, will be available at swnynwpa.com. The full Penn-York Junior Golf League 2019 schedule: July 1 – Cardinal Hills Golf Course, Randolph July 8 – Elkdale Country Club, Salamanca July 15 – Pennhills Club, Bradford July 22 – Wellsville Country Club, Wellsville July 29 – Pine Acres Country Club, Bradford August 5 – Bartlett Country Club, Olean

Golf Guide

Challenging and Scenic Golf Course The 6132 yard, par 70 layout is designed to provide an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. The front nine was built in 1927 and is cut along varied terrain and mature trees. The Back nine was added in 1960, is a bit longer and with larger greens.

www.elkdalecc.com

April 2019

Golf Guide

April 2019

Golf Guide

COUDERSPORT GOLF CLUB P.O. BOX 446 COUDERSPORT, PA 16915

COURSE PLAY Play: All players are required to sign in at the pro-shop before starting their round. Tee times are available by calling the pro-shop. Dress Code: Shoes and sleeved shirts are required for course play. Metal spikes are prohibited. Golf Cart Usage: The club has golf carts available for rental by both members and the general public. When driving a golf cart on the course:

2019 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION DATE: ________________________ APPLICANT:

DATE OF BIRTH:

SPOUSE:

DATE OF BIRTH:

Only If Family Membership

ADDRESS:

NAMES OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN: Only If Family Membership

SPONSOR:

2. Please drive carts with caution at all times and keep carts at least 20 yards away from the greens where possible.

CHECK ONE

4. For all rounds, please keep your cart on the cart path only for holes 4 & 8. 5. We request that you remove all personal items and debris from rental carts and return the key to the pro shop at the end of your round.

TELEPHONE #:

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

1. You must be at least 16 years of age to drive any cart on the course.

3. Please abide by the golf cart usage sign to the left of the first tee. This will indicate either 90 degrees, meaning drive the cart in the rough entering the fairway only to get to your ball, or cart paths only. If it says cart paths only, please drive your cart on a cart path or in the rough only.

April 2019

Required

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP Resident – Single*** Resident – Family*** Under Thirty – Single Non-Resident – Single Non-Resident – Family Resident – Single Resident – Family Student <Age 14 Student Age 14 to 19 Student – College Social Plus

(Includes 72 holes of golf & cart)

_____

Social

DUES

ASSESS

TOTAL IF PAID BEFORE 03/01 OR LUMP SUM

MULTIPLE PAYMENTS

$633.00 $715.00 $633.00 $633.00 $770.00 $1,056.00 $1,227.00 $75.00 $100.00 $150.00

$170.00

N/A

$25.00

N/A

NON-RESIDENT DEFINED AS ANY ADDRESS WITH A ZIP CODE OUTSIDE OF 16915. ***TO QUALIFY YOU CANNOT HAVE BEEN A MEMBER IN YEARS 2016, 2017 or 2018. THE FIRST YEAR RATE IS DISCOUNTED AND WILL INCREASE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. DATE APPROVED OR DENIED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: _____________________

$664.65 $750.75 $664.65 $664.65 $808.50 $1,108.80 $1,288.35 N/A N/A N/A

April 2019

Golf Guide

New PGA Pro ready for Pine Acres ‘rebrand’ By Anthony Sambrotto Special to the Golf Guide

He’s been on the job less than a month, but John Bedford already has some big plans for Pine Acres Country Club. And you don’t have to look hard, inside or out, to see some of the work the new PGA Professional has already put in at Bradford’s only public golf course. “Right here in the pro shop is probably the most stocked it has been in quite some time,” Bedford said. “Rick’s Golf World up in Olean actually stocked all this and then I’m pushing it for him. So this is the biggest upgrade right here.” On the course, Bedford and his team have begun the process of taking down hazardous trees and freeing up some more space and better sightlines on the course. That includes clearing out trees to clear up some room off of several tee shots. Bedford may be new to Pine Acres, but he has plenty of experience around the local golf scene. He spent the last two years as the general manager at Kane Country Club, but before that, he played college golf for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford — which calls Pine Acres home — and worked on the grounds crew as an intern at Pine Acres while in college. “When I worked over at Kane, this was always one of my favorite places to come in and get a round in,” he said. “I am very familiar with the course.” Membership at Pine Acres this year is at $550 for a single player and $650 for a family. And those family memberships will be amongst Bedford’s biggest strategies to growing the game at Pine Acres. “I like to focus on the women and children,” he said. “I want to grow the women’s game and then I need to grow the junior game as well because if I don’t do that I don’t have future members and

Photo by Caleb Huntoon Pine Acres County Club removed several trees from its course in 2019 in hopes of a more playable course.

then I don’t have future employees which then means I am unemployed. Those are my two biggest focuses. The more women I get out here the better. The better for the membership, the better for everyone.” It’s all part of what Bedford calls a “rebrand,” a new look, on nearly all aspects of the game at the historic club. “We are trying to rebrand and remake Pine Acres Country Club,” he said. “That’s kind of what we are going with and we want people to know. Pine Acres is a place you can come. “It’s a great course, super fun out there and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s very welcoming in here and at the bar and on the course.” Similar to years past, Pine Acres is packed nearly every weekend with some type of tournament or event, highlighted by the 2019 Golf Fore Heroes Tournament on July 6 which has raised nearly $30,000 for wounded veterans in just three years.

The course will also play host to scrambles for organizations across McKean County, including UPB, DresserRand, and ARG. Pine Acres is also set to host one round of the Penn-York Junior Golf League on July 29, a competitive six-course summer tournament that features the top youth golfers from both Pennsylvania and New York. More events means more exposure, something Bedford hopes to take full advantage of now that he’s working in a bigger market. “Here, you pull from everywhere in Bradford, Olean, and places in Upstate New York that you’re getting from. I had a couple members from Kane follow me up here, as well. The membership is a lot bigger here (than Kane) and that probably has a lot to do with it being much cheaper here than most places.” “Membership is pretty cheap here, pretty reasonable for middle class people.”

This year, Pine Acres is also partnering with Golf Evolution for lessons. The company, founded by Web.com Tour player David Wedzik in 2008, offers a full-range of lessons for both individuals and groups, focusing on the full swing, short game, and putting, with the latest the game has to offer in technology. The lessons will be taught by Jim Yurkewicz, an experienced coach and former Pine Acres board member. It’s yet another way Bedford and the leadership at Pine Acres hope to recruit, and keep, new members from all across the region. “The changes that have made here is what attracted me to come here,” he said. “I heard about the changes going on, and I thought this was a great opportunity to grow and if I have the chance to help and grow this place to what it could be, then I’m fully on board with that.”

Golf Guide

April 2019

North Tier clubs focusing on quality, playability By Joel Whetzel Special to the Golf Guide

As the area thaws out from the winter doldrums, local golfers will surely be eager to get back out on the course of their choice. In Pennsylvania’s North Tier, the options are aplenty for both newcomers and seasoned veterans on the links. Alongside courses within the immediate Bradford area, country clubs at Smethport, Kane, Emporium and Coudersport are up and running, and are eager to welcome golfers to their courses. These clubs all boast courses that are both playable and affordable, which is a sticking point for Craig Stanley, the new Pro Shop manager at the Kane Country Club, and Dan Schott, a board member at the Coudersport Country Club. “We have a nice 18-hole course, and it’s wellmaintained,” Stanley said. “The rates are fairly reasonable, too, so it’s a nice play to play golf. We really try to keep the course affordable.” Kane boasts roughly 150-200 members and is semi-private, meaning the public can pay to play on the course. Coudersport Country Club, which has about 95 playing members, features an 18-hole, semi-private course, and this year there are a few new redesigns at a few of the holes. “We’re continually making improvements on what we have,” Schott said. “And it’s one of the better-kept courses in the area as far as mowing and upgrades go.” Both Kane and Coudersport feature notable events this summer that are open to the public. At Kane, various companies hold tournaments for employees, and in addition, there are tournaments open to the public such as the UPMC Kane Tournament and Kane Lutheran Home Tournament. “These are some really good events, and they’re for a really good cause,” Stanley said, and added that those interested should call the Pro Shop at Kane at 814-837-9491 for more information. Meanwhile, at Coudersport, no official tournaments have been scheduled yet, but there is the Ham and Leek Scramble set for May 5. The four-person scramble has a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and a ham and leek dinner will follow the golf tournament. Members of the club can get into the tournament for $35, while non-members must pay a $55 or $50 recipro-

cal price should they be a member elsewhere. Call 814-274-9122 to register or for more information. In addition to these two courses, Smethport Country Club and Emporium Country Club offer similar services. Smethport is a nine-hole, semi-private course that “will reward good shots and provide a fun golf outing for everyone,” according to the Club’s website. The course is open through the end of October, and the club also features the standard Pro Shop as well as league play for members. On Mondays, a Senior League for those aged 60 and older runs from 9 a.m. to noon. During that time, the course is still open to the public, but busy. Ladies Day is each Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the course is closed to men. Men’s Day is each Wednesday, and so the course is closed to women. The course has a “Couple’s Club” each Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a male and female team. The nine-hole tournament features a buffet-style dinner at the conclusion of golfing. There are no leagues on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Contact the Club at 814-887-5641 for more information on leagues and memberships. The Emporium Country Club is open each day from 7 a.m. until dusk, and is an 18-hole, semi-private course that’s open to the public unless a special tournament or event is taking place. The course is challenging, according to Emporium’s website, and each hole has a unique look and obstacle to it. Like Smethport, the Emporium Country Club offers various leagues for men, women and couples. Men play a nine-hole tournament on Wednesdays and an 18-hole scramble on Sundays, while a men’s retiree league takes place on Thursdays. Ladies take the course on Tuesdays, and a mixed scramble takes place on Saturdays. Call 814-486-7715, ext. 1 to schedule tee times or learn more about memberships. Both Emporium and Smethport offer various tournaments and events through the summer. You can also find each course online at the following websites: https://www.emporiumcc.com/, http://www.smethportcc.com/, http://www.kanecountryclub.com/, https://www.emporiumcc.com/.

Photos by Caleb Huntoon Coudersport Country Club has redesigned several of its holes to give the course a new look in 2019.

Emporium Country Club boasts 18 holes on a challenging and unique course.

April 2019

Golf Guide

229 COUNTRY CLUB LANE EMPORIUM PA 15834 814-486-7715 WWW.EMPORIUMCC.COM

MIKEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRO SHOP OFFERS AN ARRAY OF CLUBS, APPAREL AND GOLF EQUIPMENT. MIKE HAS THE LATEST EQUIPMENT AT COMPETITIVE PRICES.

THE COURSE IS A CHALLENGING 5940 YARDS, WITH A RATING OF 69.1 AND SLOPE OF 122 FROM THE WHITE TEES. THE GREENS AND FAIRWAYS ARE WELL MAINTAINED AND EVERY HOLE HAS A DIFFERENT LOOK AND A NEW CHALLENGE WITH VISTAS THAT ARE THE BEST THE PA WILDS HAVE TO OFFER. TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ROUND, WE OFFER BOTH A DRIVING RANGE AND SHORT GAME PRACTICE AREA. THE EMPORIUM COUNTRY CLUB RECOGNIZES VARIOUS DISCOUNT GOLF CARDS (CANCER CARDS, GOLF CARD, ETC.). WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL WANT TO COME BACK AND PLAY AGAIN!

Golf Guide

April 2019

We also offer the facility for tournaments, reunions, weddings and other special events. The peaceful surroundings make this venue the perfect place for your special occasion. The Emporium Country Club Restaurant has a beautiful dining room that seats approximately 90 guests. There is a front outside deck and side patio that can accommodate an additional 100 guests. The Emporium Country Club is the ideal location to host your non-profit or corporate golf tournament. Contact us, and we will gladly help you organize your tournament to ensure its success.

April 2019

Golf Guide

COUNTRY CLUB Situated atop the mountains of northwestern Pennsylvania, in the heart of the beautiful Allegheny National Forest, this gem of a golf course is just waiting to be discovered. With a 3½ star rating from Golf Digest Magazine, this 18-hole Championship Course with a 136 slope rating will test even the most experienced golfers. With our well-stocked Pro Shop, along with our full service grill and bar, you will find your visit to Pine Acres Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania to be an enjoyable and memorable experience. You’ll be glad you stopped by … PINE ACRES COUNTRY CLUB opened for play in 1965 as a nine hole course. Three years later the second nine was added and created one of the most challenging tracts in northwestern Pennsylvania. Playing from the Club tees, Bradford’s public golf course measures out at a 6511 yard Par 72. And with the tight tree-lined fairways and fast sloping greens, Pine Acres has earned its slope rating of 134. You are guaranteed a great time playing this scenic three season golf course tucked away in the middle of the beautiful Allegheny National Forest.While Pine Acres invites and encourages daily play by members of the general public, we function as a semi-private club. Private membership in the Club provides members with numerous benefits, including advance preferred tee times, easy membership payment plan, member-only tournaments and much more. We have numerous classes of memberships to fit your family needs and budget.

Consider joining us at Pine Acres Country Club by becoming a member today.

Golf Guide

APRIL SPECIAL

$25 FOR 18 WITH A CART ALL MONTH LONG! Not applicable for League Play. No rainchecks.

April 2019

FRIDAY SENIOR SPECIAL $25 GOLF & CART 7AM - 11AM

DEW SWEEPER

CUSTOMER LOYALTY

MONDAY - THURSDAY $25 GOLF & CART 7AM - 11AM

18 HOLE GREEN FEE & CART AT REGULAR RATE, RECEIVE A REPEAT COUPON TO PLAY FOR $25

SPECIAL

GOLF COURSE CONTACTS Mailing Address:

Bradford Area Golf Association 1401 West Warren Road Bradford, PA 16701 Golfing & Tee Times: John Bedford, Golf Manager Ph: 814-362-2005 Email: jbedford@pineacrescc.com Golf Course: Kevin Kushner, Course Superintendent Ph: 814-362-7085 Email: kkushner@pineacrescc.com Restaurant: Janell Culver, Clubhouse Manager Ph: 814-362-3003 Email: Janell@pineacrescc.com CJ Mackey, Club President Email: president@pineacrescc.com General Info: Email: board@pineacrescc.com

PROGRAM

April 2019

Golf Guide

Seven simple ways to get more golf fit It was a long winter. If you’re the type of person who needs better weather to make improvements in your life, there are some really simple things you can do to look better, feel better and play better golf. According to Golf Digest, they’re minor adjustments. Consider these suggestions for a better game:

1. Drink a lot of water The health benefits of drinking water go well beyond body temperature regulation and improved bodily function. Perhaps the two greatest benefits: 1. Drinking more water can help you lose weight since it curbs your appetite. 2. It improves muscle function, which can translate into a more fluid (get it?) and powerful swing. It also can give you an endurance boost. No more collapses on the closing holes. THE ADJUSTMENT: Drink a minimum of 70 ounces of water a day

2. Walk more

(even more than that!) The health benefits are obvious, but for golf, it’s worth repeating that prolonged sitting often leads to back and hip problems, which are golf-swing killers. Conceding the fact that some golf courses prohibit walking or are too poorly designed to make it practical, find other places to tread. Walk the neighborhood, or to the store, or around the mall on a rainy day. Walk whenever and wherever you can. If you have a smartphone or fitness tracker, monitor your steps. THE ADJUSTMENT: Take at least 7,000 steps a day.

3. Get your heart rate up. Most golf fitness experts agree a blend of steady-state cardio and interval training will do wonders for how you feel when you play. While you might think the top benefits are burning calories and improving endurance, the ultimate golf argument for heart-rate training is that it can dramatically improve your ability to focus under stress. Imagine what that might mean when you’re trying to close out a big match on the course. See your doctor before you start any vigorous exercise program, but when you get his or her approval your goal should be to ramp up your heart rate at least a few times a week. THE ADJUSTMENT: Three 15- to 45-minute sessions of vigorous movement a week. How vigorous depends on your age and fitness level.

4. Turn on your glutes The butt muscles are not only key to good back health, they’re also key to a balanced and powerful golf swing. They keep you from swaying, sliding, lunging and they provide a ton of energy you can transfer into the golf club in the downswing. When you’re sitting, contract them frequently during the day. It’s smart to alternate the contractions from the left side to the right, or vice versa. Also, take the stairs whenever you have the option. Finally, in the gym, Bulgarian squats and Romanian deadlifts should be a staple of your program. Kettlebell swings also are great for training power. THE ADJUSTMENT: Squeeze your butt muscles while you sit, take the stairs more, and add glute exercises to your workout program.

5. Exercise in all three planes of motion Most gym-goers work in the sagittal plane, meaning movements that are only forward or backward. But your body also is designed to move laterally and rotationally. A lot of times, you have to move in more than one plane at the same time—this is especially true in the golf swing. Your training should bolster these coordinated, multi-plane movements. Exercises such as lateral and rotational jumps, medicine ball throws and slams, and lunges with torso turns are terrific. THE ADJUSTMENT: Exercise laterally and rotationally more.

6. Foam roll more Who doesn’t like a good, hard massage? OK, when your muscles are super sore, it might not feel that great. But buying a foam roller and other self-massage tools (sticks, balls, etc.) are a cheap and great investment in your body and golf swing. These massagers make your muscles more pliable, and that translates to more range of motion in your swing.

You’ll be able to swing harder and faster while reducing the risk of injuries. Focus on the lower back, the hips, the upper back and calves. THE ADJUSTMENT: Use a foam roller for 15 minutes two or three times a week.

7. Track your calories Regardless of whether you need to lose weight, monitoring what you eat and drink will do wonders for your awareness of your nutrition. But if you are interested in shedding pounds, paying attention to calories and limiting them is a very effective way to lose weight without feeling like you’re on a diet. The golf benefits include less stress on your bones, more energy and better mobility. THE ADJUSTMENT: Download an app on your smartphone such as Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal and document what you eat and drink each day. The basic app is free and it will total your calories, as well as keep track of the amount of nutrients in your body.

Golf Guide

April 2019

Golf Guide

April 2019

Ischua Valley Country Club 2019 Membership Application

Member Number

Individual Member

$400.00

Two Person Family

$550.00

Junior Member

$200.00

Weekday Member

$300.00

*Includes Spouse or Child to age 19 or full time student to age 23 *Additional Family Members - $125.00 per person

*Child to age 19 or full time student to age 23

$100.00

18 & Under Weekday Walking Membership Main Account Holder Information: Name:

Birthday:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Email:

Phone:

Spouse/Partner Information: Name:

Birthday:

Email:

Phone:

Dependent Children (Under 18): Name:

Birthday:

Name:

Birthday:

Name:

Birthday:

Payment can be made at the time of service, paid via check or credit car in the Admin Office. Please make checks payable to Play More Golf LLC Please remit to:

Ischua Valley Country Club P.O. Box 187 Franklinville, NY 14737

I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the club. Name:

Date:

You will receive event information and club correspondence to the email addresses listed above. You can also view this information on the club website: www.IschuaValleyCC.com

We are social...join us: @ IschuaValleyCountryClub

Ischua Valley Country Club • 8903 Route 16 • Franklinville, NY 14737 • Tel: (716)676-3630 • Fax: (716) 676-3552

April 2019

Golf Guide

The best places to tee off in the Olean area By Shawn Campbell Special to the Golf Guide

For some, it’s about the challenging layout. For others, it’s the scenery. Invariably, every avid golfer has at least one favorite hole to play. The Times Herald asked some notable names in the golf community to weigh in on the subject as it relates to area courses. CHRIS BLOCHER Eight-time SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur champion No. 4, Bartlett CC, Olean (408-yard par-4): “I just like the contour of the hole, and it’s got a tough green. When I walk out on the course at night, it’s always been one of the holes where I chip and putt, so it’s always one of the holes I practice on. It’s a challenging hole. You have to drive to the fairway, you’ve got to get it on the right side of the fairway. That might be part of the reason I like it … because it’s a challenging hole. It’s not necessarily a hard drive, but the second shot’s important. And then the shots on and around the green are usually pretty difficult.” JIM BRADY Two-time SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur champion No. 2, Bartlett CC, Olean (560-yard par-5): “I’ve played a lot of rounds everywhere — all over the world. I live right on Bartlett on the 17th green, and I grew up on the second green. I look at all the courses in the area and there’s a lot of nice holes everywhere. … Probably my favorite hole is No. 2

at Bartlett, right where I grew up on as a kid. I can see it right now. It’s 570 yards uphill, and it’s a good hole … just as challenging a hole of any that I’ve played anywhere. The green is sloping and tilted and hard to putt. It’s probably one of the toughest greens to putt anywhere … anywhere you go it’s sloping, and you just have to stay below the hole. To me, it’s a three-shot hole. It’s hard to get there in two — I mean, I’ve never done it my whole life; I know the younger guys probably do because they hit it so far now. Still, even for them, it’s 570 yards uphill, all the way, so not many people have been on there in two, as far as I know.”

Photos by Jim Brady A view from behind the green of Bartlett Country Club’s second hole, as seen on Oct. 28, 2017.

KYLE HENZEL Director, Penn-York Junior Golf League No. 6, Bartlett CC, Olean (420-yard par-4): “I think that’s the best par-4 on the course. It’s a little dogleg and it’s a long hole and it’s got a three-tiered green, so to speak. You get up top on the sixth fairway and you can look out over the hills and see the scenery of the valley. Fifteen’s got a great view but I don’t like the hole, so I will go with six. It think it’s the most challenging par-4 at Bartlett, and I think it’s a great golf hole. We did a study three or four years ago where we recorded scores, and it was either the hardest par-4 or the secondhardest par-4 on the course score-wise with the members when they turned in the scorecards. … It’s a tough driving hole. You’ve got to hit a good drive, because if you hit it left, you’re out of bounds, and if you hit it right, you’re in the trees. So you’ve really got to concentrate on the drive.” ...continued on next page

A view of Bartlett Country Club’s fourth hole, as seen on Oct. 22, 2017.

Golf Guide A view of Bartlett Country Club’s sixth hole, as seen on Oct. 30, 2016.

PETE LISI Owner, Rick’s Golf World, Olean No. 2, Bartlett CC, Olean (560-yard par-5): “It’s a hard hole. You need to hit three solid shots, you need to position them in order to have a shot on the green. And then the green’s really, really hard. Just a challenging hole. I don’t love it — because I make like double and triple (bogey) all the time. It’s very long, it’s uphill, it plays really long, and you have to position your shots to knock it on the green.” CAROLYN SHIELDS Retired Olean High golf coach No. 9, Holiday Valley, Ellicottville (150-yard par-3): “Pretty look from tee box with stacked rocks along creek that run in front of green. Deceiving because green looks small but actually very large. If you bail out to the right you'll have a very long putt depending on pin location.”

Shawn Campbell/Olean Times Herald A view of St. Bonaventure Golf Course’s sixth hole, as seen on April 14.

April 2019

BILL SPRAGUE Former director, Hoffman-Kustra Memorial “Geritol” tournament No. 6, St. Bonaventure GC (132-yard par-3): “As strange as it may seem, I would look at No. 6 at Bona’s, because it always gives me a hard time. Although I often will collect some money … we have a closest-to-the-pin on that hole during the Geritol, and I’ve been fortunate there a couple three times. But I just look at it as it’s a good challenge for me, that’s the thing.” DAN STETZ Six-time SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur champion No. 6, Bartlett CC, Olean (420-yard par-4): “I say ‘favorite’ because I think it’s just a really well-designed hole. I don’t play it very well anymore. It’s got decent length — you have to get a good drive but place it well. And then the green … it’s a three-tiered green, so placing your shot on the green is important. If you miss it right or long,

you’re dead. And if you miss it left, the chipping is difficult because it’s coming basically straight downhill. And if you go short, it doesn’t bounce up because of the bank, but that’s at least your best chip shot. But even if you get on the green, if you’re not on the right level, or on the right side, the putting is difficult. If you hit a bad tee shot, you’re in trouble. So you’ve got to hit a good tee shot. But then you’ve got to really hit a very good second shot, too. And just hitting the green isn’t good enough, because if you’re not on the right tier, the putting is going to be extremely difficult. It puts a premium on a good drive and a good second shot, and the putting is difficult, too. It tests everything.” PAUL STETZ 1989 SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur champion No. 11, Elkdale CC, Salamanca (374yard par-4): “It’s a dogleg left, tree-lined on both sides, the green slopes towards you, and there’s a big cherry tree in front on the right-hand side and a trap on the left-hand side, so accuracy is of utmost importance. When you’re standing on the tee, you can see the hills across from the country club — it’s all forest, really. On a nice, sunny day, you get to see all the beauty of our natural terrain here. And in the fall, when the colors change, it’s just a very breathtaking view from there.” No. 3, Elkdale CC, Salamanca (481yard par-5): “You have to carry a crick, and the left the side of the fairway is all a hickory grove and the right side is some pines as you go up. The green sets back into the wooded area, so it’s a very natural setting — two bunkers in front. And the fact that it is set back into the woods, on any given day, you may see some wildlife — anything from squirrels, turkeys, deer — running around. Then when you look back, especially in the evening when the sun’s setting on the other side of the hill, you see the whole hole and the beauty of our area.”

April 2019

Golf Guide

April 2019

Golf Guide

THE BAVARIAN HILLS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN OPERATION Our golf course, driving range, restaurant and bar are (and always have been!) open to the public. Last year marked our 28th season of serving golfers, eaters, drinkers, and everyone else who made their way to St. Marys! To keep up to date on current events and specials at the Hills, follow us on Facebook or visit bavarianhillsgolf.net

251 Mulligan Road, St. Marys, PA 15857

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Pro Shop - Ext. 2 Restaurant & Lounge - Ext. 3 Course Maintenance - Ext. 4 Accounts Payable - Ext. 5

April 2019

John Bauer / Manager Nicole Meyer / Manager Jim Dornish / Superintendent Brian Jacobs / Secretary-Treasurer

April 2019

Golf Guide

Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS Tiger Woods celebrates after winning the Masters during the final round on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.

Tiger Woods once again in hunt for Jack Nicklaus’ major titles crown By Sam Farmer Los Angeles Times (TNS)

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Once again, Tiger Woods is hunting history. Having picked up his 15th major championship by winning the Masters, Woods is three short of tying Jack Nicklaus for the most ever. Nicklaus was 46 when he won his last major, the 1986 Masters. Woods is three years younger. They both went long stretches without winning one — six years for Nicklaus, and 11 years for Woods. But in an era when 41-year-old Tom Brady can win the Super Bowl, Woods has proved he’s entirely capable of keeping pace with, and surpassing, younger competition. After all, Tom Watson almost won the British Open at age 59. “I think it’s training and nutrition,”

Woods said of a key to his success. “Exercise programs have changed. They have progressed. Guys are able to take care of their bodies for a longer period of time.” Woods feels the effects of age, of course. He’s had four back surgeries. He can no longer keep up with his kids the way he once could. But he’s adapted his game, too. “I don’t have to hit the ball 340 yards,” he said. “I can still plod my way around the golf course. We saw it here with Jack in ’98.” Nicklaus, then 58, was in contention to win before finishing tied for sixth. He was 5-under after four rounds, the lowest score in Masters history for a player 50 or older. “In this sport we’re able to play a much longer period of time,” Woods said, “and you’re just seeing guys that are able to take care of their bodies a lot better and be able to play longer.”

Woods won his last U.S. Open in 2008 (Torrey Pines), PGA Championship in 2007 (Southern Hills) and British Open in 2006 (Royal Liverpool). The next two majors set up nicely for Woods. The PGA Championship is at Bethpage Black in May, where he won the tournament in 2002 and finished tied for sixth in 2008. That’s followed by the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in June, where he won the tournament in 2000 by a record-setting 15 strokes. “He knows how to get it around both those courses,” CBS play-by-play man Jim Nantz said. “This could get really interesting as far as the all-time major championship record. Just this summer alone.” Woods is capable of playing in another 40 majors, the way Nantz sees it, as long as his body doesn’t break down. “Surgeries aside, he’s done all he can do to keep his body fit, and his speed in

his swing alive,” Nantz said. “I think he can go another 10 years if the back and the knee and the Achilles and everything holds up. There’s no reason why, into his 50s, he couldn’t compete at places like this. Is it conceivable that he could win three of 40 majors to tie, four to surpass? Absolutely.” Unquestionably, Woods made a compelling case for that at Augusta. “I knew the 15th major was going to be the hardest,” said Rickie Fowler, still looking for his first win in a major. “But seeing how healthy he was, and how much fun he was having … But it’s about going out there and actually doing it.” Disappointed as he was that he didn’t win, Fowler said a Woods victory is good for the game. “There’s absolutely zero bad or ...continued on next page

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Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS

April 2019

negative things that come from this,” Fowler said. “And if you happen to think so, or there’s people talking bad about it, then you’d better find something else to do.” Justin Thomas won the PGA Championship in 2017, so he’s only … 14 behind Woods. “I would really like to start winning some majors when he’s out here so I have something to say,” said Thomas, who finished tied for 12th at Augusta. “Because,” he added with a smile, “he’s got me beat right now.” Thomas said he didn’t doubt that Woods would resume his winning. “To me, (18 majors) was never unreasonable,” he said. “I’ve played enough with him, and I know that he’s playing well enough. I thought today was going to be big, how he handled it and everything. “He’s been there a lot, and he’s

been there more than anybody, but it had been awhile since he’d been there here — had a chance to win here. Whether he admits it or not, I’m sure this is one of the most important and biggest ones.” Asked if he thinks Nicklaus should be worried about his record falling, Woods shrugged. “Well, I don’t know if he’s worried or not,” he said. “I’m sure he’s home in West Palm just chilling and watching.” Naturally, Woods was on target. Golf Channel got ahold of Nicklaus by phone the last day of the Masters, fresh off a bonefishing trip to the Bahamas. He got to shore in time to see Woods win. Nicklaus can do the math. “The next two majors are at Bethpage, where he’s won, and Pebble Beach, where he’s won,” he said. “He’s got me shaking in my boots, guys.”

Tiger Woods lines up his putt on 2 during the final round of the Masters on April 14 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.

9 ways to improve your golf game Warmer weather sends scores of golfers to their favorite courses each and every day. Golf is a challenging pastime, but a few pointers can help golfers hone their short games, long games and everything in between. • Choose the right clubs. There is more to selecting clubs than pulling any old iron out of your golf bag and whacking away. Wind, hazards and obstructions in landing areas should influence your decision of which club to use. Novice golfers may want to rely on their caddies to make club recommendations, and as they become more confident in their abilities they can start to make their own choices. • Anchor your feet. Anchor your foot behind the ball to drive the ball further. Right-handed players will keep

the right foot anchored, and lefties will do the opposite. Do not lift your foot prematurely; otherwise, you can lose power and distance. • Identify your weaknesses. As with any hobby, identifying those areas that need the most work can help you become a better golfer. Keep track of each shot you take, and then look at the results to see which areas of your game need the most work. • Fix your alignment. Align your shots by assessing the target from behind the ball. Then set the clubface behind the golf ball and align it with the target before you enter your stance. • Use your torso for power. The torso is essential to a solid swing. Practice rotating from your core to control your backswing and then maintain

the same spine angle and posture on the downswing. • Use the wind. Not every golf game will be played in perfect weather. A good player knows how to make adjustments for the wind depending on the shot. Use the wind to your advantage when you can, and adjust your swing when hitting into the wind. • Become a better chipper. Many players put so much emphasis on their backswings and putt shots that they fail to devote any practice to chips. All shots are important for golfers trying to shed strokes off of their scores. • Keep fit. Maintaining or improving your physical strength and overall health can help your golf game. Exercise and eat right, and you will have more endurance on the links.

April 2019

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April 2019

Golf Guide

How to help kids get into golf Golf is a game of skill that can take years, if not decades, to master. Many golfers find their time on the golf course both rewarding and relaxing, even on those days when the fairways seem impossible to find. Though many players never swing a golf club until they reach adulthood, it’s never too early to hit the links. Some of the world’s most accomplished golfers, including four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, began playing as toddlers, and many feel that getting an early start can lead to a more successful game down the road. Getting kids into golf is a great way for parents to bond with their children while enjoying the great outdoors. Golf can also be used to teach kids humility, sportsmanship and the importance of hard work. Thanks to the often frustrating nature of golf, parents may find it somewhat challenging to instill a love of the game in their youngsters. But there are ways to introduce kids to this wonderful game that kids might just play for the rest of their lives. • Focus on having fun. Few, if any, golfers at your local golf course on a given weekend could say with certainty that golf has never frustrated them. The challenge of golf may be its most appealing characteristic to older players, but young kids can be easily overwhelmed by the challenges golf presents. By focusing on having fun instead of perfecting techniques, parents can get kids to look forward to their time on the links. The more fun kids have, the more likely they will be to embrace the game and its many challenges. Don’t put pressure on youngsters as they develop their games, but encourage them through their struggles and reassure them that you faced the same obstacles when you started playing.

• Hire an instructor with experience teaching children. Instructors with experience teaching children will understand the basics of the game and how learning those basics provides a great foundation for future enjoyment and success on the course. Instructors who have taught kids in the past also know that teaching youngsters the finer points of golf requires patience and encouragement. Ask a fellow parent or an employee at the club where you play to recommend an instructor for your child. And take advantage of any kids’ courses your club offers. • Purchase the correct equipment. Even the best golfers are bound to struggle when using the wrong equipment. While it might be unwise to invest in especially expensive equipment for youngsters likely to grow out of it in a few months’ time, deals can be found on used kids’ equipment. Used kids’ equipment is typically subjected to less wear and tear than used equipment for adults, as kids tend to play less often and fewer holes than adults when they do play. But make sure to find correctly sized equipment that kids feel comfortable using. • Play some holes. Instructors may teach kids the differences between the types of clubs and how to swing and putt. But golf is most fun when players are out on the links going from hole to hole. Instruction is important, but don’t forget to play a few holes with your child each week as well. Golf is a challenging game, but it’s one that can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages.

April 2019

Golf Guide