2021 Early Summer Golfing Magazine New England Issue

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Annika Sorenstam to Play

• Road Trip Through Connecticut • Women on Fairways • Must Play Courses.

• Harris English Wins

New England Edition Early Summer 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

New England Early Summer 2021 Volume 49

Issue 3

Early Summer 2021

golfing m a g a z i n e™

Publisher Tom Landers TLanders@GolfingMagazine.net Creative Director Heidi Dyer Production@GolfingMagazine.net Editor John Torsiello Editor@GolfingMagazine.net Contributing Writers John DiCocco Claudio DeMarchi Mike May Mike Stinton George Connor, PGA Sue Kaffenburg, PGA Lucas Hitchcock, PGA Ron Beck, PGA Jimmy Damiano, PGA Gene Mulak, PGA

Connecticut National Golf Club INSTRUCTION

FROM THE PUBLISHER

6 Golf Remains a Welcome Companion 30 Five Sticks to Better Strikes in 2021 31 “LOOKING”... to Become a Better FEATURES Putter 8 Harris English Takes Eight Playoff 31 Make Short Game Practice Holes to Win Travelers Focused Championship 10 Annika Sorenstam To Play In Women’s Senior U.S. Open

TRAVEL

12 Golfing Fun in Connecticut This Summer

32 Puerto Rico’s Robust Tourism Rebound

18 Summer in Vermont Means Golf

34 What Women Want in Golf Trips On & Off the Fairways

20 New Hampshire Golf

Contributing Photographer Mark William Paul

22 A Magical Maine Trip Beckons

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24 Sterling Golf Management EQUIPMENT

MUST PLAYS

28

Wentworth Hills Country Club Heather Hill Country Club Hertitage Country Club

36 Golfer’s Product Guide 40 The Latest in Golf Balls

Golfing Magazine is published five times annually.

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From The Publisher

and nine-hole courses Unicorn Golf Club & Stoneham Oaks Golf Club in Stoneham, Chelmsford Country Club, and Maynard Golf Club. It also provides maintenance services for a nine-hole fully-lighted short course in Norfolk called-Fore Kicks.

Veteran sports scribe Bruce Berlet gives us the read the U.S. Senior Women’s Open to be played at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut July 29 through August 1. The legendary Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam will be in the field.

You’ll also find valuable instructional tips from our cadre of top-notch golf pros, get the lowdown on the hottest golf balls on the market, and read about several courses that you simply must sample this year.

We hope you enjoy this issue and get out to your favorite courses as much as possible.

Hit ‘em long and straight.

We thank you for your enduring love of golf.

about getting more people out to play the game, we do something about it!

To take advantage of this tremendous offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. Remember, you get four issues of our digital magazine in addition to discounted rounds of golf when you subscribe.

In this issue of Golfing Magazine we take you on a road trip of Connecticut golf courses, many of which are members of Golfing Magazine’s “Free Golf ” program, where you get a complimentary round of golf on a number of courses in Connecticut when you sign up. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to get aboard and take a road trip through the Nutmeg State.

We have some of the best layouts in the state in our lineup, including some private courses that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us.

We also offer up a number of courses in Vermont, a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.

Subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer.

We check out Sterling Golf Management based in Newton, which began with one course, Newton Commonwealth Golf Course, and since that time has expanded to include Norwood Country Club and Practice Center, Crystal Lake Golf Club in Haverhill, Rockland Golf Club (the second longest 18-hole Par-3 course in the U.S.),

Tom Landers, Publisher

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olf courses have proved to be oasis where we have been able to reconnect with friends while playing the game we love and enjoy the great outdoors in a safe fashion.

More and more people are turning to golf as a way to keep fit and get out of their homes during the long days of summer.

What better way to do this than to take advantage of Golfing Magazine New England’s Course Play Stimulus Program and play all the golf you desire.

Golfing Magazine is making it easier for readers to “Play Golf for Less” this year with our celebrated “Free Golf ” program that entitles an individual signing up for an annual subscription to the magazine the opportunity to play free or reduced rate golf at over 130 of the top daily fee courses and private tracks in the region.

We have worked tirelessly to enhance our course list for 2021 and your subscription promises to be worth more than ever.

We believe we are going beyond giving lip service to “growing the game” by offering this invaluable program. There’s a lot of talk

Golf Remains a Welcome Companion in 2021

DISCOVER MAINE Two Spectacular Mountain Courses. One trip.

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7

Tournament

Harris English Takes Eight Playoff Holes to Win Travelers Championship

By JOHN TORSIELLO

I

t took a remarkable eight playoff holes, but veteran Harris English came out the winner of the 2021 Travelers Championship over Kramer Hickock.

The victory was the second of the season for English, who triumphed at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January and finished third at last week’s U.S. Open. He pocketed $1.332 million for his win at the Travelers Championship.

The 31-year-old English canned a 16-foot putt at the par-four 18th hole shortly after 8 p.m., the sixth time in the playoff that the pair played the 18th (the par-four 17th hole was played twice).

The pair finished tied at 13-under-par after regulation play.

“I mean, 17 and 18, both downwind holes, both pretty difficult pins to get close to, and Kramer and I made some great putts,” said English after his fourth PGA Tour victory. “Hats off to him for a good fight. We were both fighting. It seemed like every hole we played one guy had the advantage and the other one ended up making a six- or

8

seven-footer to keep it going.”

English said he and Hickok joked that one of them was going to make a birdie at some point. “I had had that putt (on the final hole) a few times, the last probably hour and a half before, and finally got it right and hit a good putt. I’m excited about where my game is just coming off a three-week stretch where I contended at every tournament.”

English talked about his long day on Sunday.

“It was tough. My hamstrings were getting tired, my back was getting tired. I know Kramer was probably feeling the same thing. You’ve got to lock in and make every shot the most important.

It’s hard to stay mentally into it and not to lose focus, but I tried really hard to stay focused and stay sharp and really be on my toes, because in a playoff match play scenarios, you got to be ready for anything.”

English said winning the Travelers Championship was special. “It’s a course that’s so much fun to play. It’s always in great shape. The fans out here are incredible, and the Travelers team

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

2021 Champion Harris English holes winning putt on 18th green in 8th playoff hole. takes great care of us. I love coming to Hartford, have loved playing in this tournament, and I’ve really enjoyed this golf course.”

He also talked about possibly changing up the way a playoff at the tournament is handled. “I think 15 is one of the best short par-fours we have in golf, and it would be pretty cool to go 18 to 15, because if you hit a good shot you can make birdie or eagle, or if you hit it a little left you can make bogey really quick. But 18 is such a good finishing hole created by the amphitheater around the green, and the fans stayed out there. They were in full

force, and it was an awesome experience.”

Some 10,000 fans were allowed into the tournament each day after none were allowed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on crowd sizes.

Prior to the event, tournament director Nathan Grube, spoke about the challenges of holding the event last year with no fans and moving ahead in 2021 to a more normal scenario. “Trinity Health and New England Stanley Black and Decker said we’re in for 2021, no matter what the version of the Travelers Championship there was going to be.

People were patient with us, waiting to see what this version of the tournament was going to be. In January and February, we were looking at 3,000 to 5,000 daily fans. As things progressed around the country with the Tour, we talked about having 10,000 people a day. That was huge for us, that’s huge for our economy and for messaging.”

The Travelers Championship is one of the longest running tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule. The tourney was founded in 1952 as the Insurance City Open and in 1967 it was renamed the Greater Hartford Open, a title that was retained through 2003. From 1973 to 1988, the GHO also bore the name of the late entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., who would often play in the pro-ams and bring in some of his big-name friends, such as Bob Hope and Flip Wilson. Canon, the camera giant, was a title sponsor from 1985 to 2002, the car company Buick was title sponsor from 2004 to 2006, and The Travelers Companies, a Connecticut-based insurance provider, took over sponsorship in 2007.

The tournament was played for its first three decades at cozy Wethersfield Country Club. In 1984, after the PGA Tour bought and redesigned Edgewood Country Club, the event moved to the new TPC of Connecticut in Cromwell. In 1991, the course was redesigned with a completely new back nine holes and renamed the TPC at River Highlands. The Cromwell facility was the third PGA Tour-owned/managed golf course in what would grow to a network of over 30 TPC clubs.

The tournament has seen a who’s who of professional golf claim the title over the years, from Arnold Palmer and Billy Casper to Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth. Its position on the calendar has varied. Part of the FedEx Cup, the Travelers Championship is now played in June, the week after the U.S. Open. The Travelers is one of the most attended events on the PGA Tour and the tournament set a record attendance in 2002 with nearly 400,000 fans for the week.

The Insurance City Open was founded by the Greater Hartford Jaycees as a means to raise funds to support their philanthropic causes. The Jaycees are international leadership development organization for men and women ages 21 and 40. In 1971, The Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation, Inc. was established as a grant-giving entity by the Greater Hartford Jaycees, Inc. with the help of PGA pro Bob Murphy, who donated part of his winnings as 1970 Greater Hartford Open champion. The event raises more than a million dollars a year for local charities. www.TravelersChampionship.com

Runner-Up Kramer Hickok tees of 18th hole in playoff

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tourNament

Annika Sorenstam to Play in Women’s Senior U.S. Open At Brooklawn Country Club In Fairfield, CT.

By Bruce Berlet

W

orld Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam was at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut in late June to promote the U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship that she will be playing in when the event is held July 29 through August 1.

Sorenstam, whose 72 LPGA Tour titles include 10 major championships, is in the field as a fully exempt player. The Open is for players 50 and older. Sorenstam, who turned 50 on October 9, last competed in a United States Golf Association event at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota, where she holed out her second shot for an eagle on the final hole she played.

“When I finished that round at Interlachen, I’m not sure I would have expected to compete for another USGA title in the future, but to have this opportunity now, at this stage of life, is incredible,” Sorenstam said. “USGA championships set themselves apart with world-class venues and world-class fields, and I know the same type of challenge I used to relish at a U.S. Women’s Open awaits at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete, and to do it with my

family by my side.”

Sorenstam made her first LPGA start in 13 years in February at her home course, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Fla., in the Gainbridge Classic. She made her 299 cut in 308 LPGA career starts with her husband, Mike, caddying for her and her two children, Ava and Will, in her gallery. The cuts made include three U.S. Women’s Open titles, including a playoff victory over Pat Hurst at Newport (R.I.) Country Club in 2006, two seconds and seven top-10 finishes in 15 appear-

ances.

She talked about her return to action during her visit to Brooklawn.

I never thought I would come back and play anything. Obviously golf is a big part of my life and always will be, but it was more about giving back to the Annika Foundation, to junior girls, just to say thank you really, because without golf I wouldn’t be where I am today. I don’t know where 13 years have gone, but I look at my kids, they’re growing up, and time flies. I’m having a good time. “ She continued, “It’s almost thanks to COVID that I started to practice a little bit more. What else can you do when you’re not allowed to do much, right? So living in Florida, we were trying to be active. My son would say, let’s go play, and I’d watch him, and I’d say, why not just bring my clubs, I might as well do something, so I started to hit a few shots and I started to hit the sweet spot again, and I was like, it’s a little more fun when the ball goes where you’re thinking or wishing it’s going.

“The last 10 months or so I’ve been playing a little bit, and the last six--actually maybe eight months really focusing, and turning 50 was certainly a big day, and I realized that maybe I should support this tournament.”

Patty Tavatanakit, a leading LPGA Tour

18th Green at Brooklawn Country Club 10 10

Golfing GolfingMagazine Magazine••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition

player who won Sorenstam’s college event in Minnesota, said it felt like “a Tiger (Woods) feeling a little bit” having Annika back in February, while Gaby Lopez called it “a dream come true” to be in the same field.

“Just being with her gave me this kind of peaceful environment and just reminded me of how blessed and how thankful I am to have this opportunity to be able to compete with her, just because I remember the seven-yearold Gaby chasing her down the golf course to get a signed golf ball,” Lopez said. “Her role in this game, at this time of her career, I guess, is just to keep inspiring girls. I played with her at Diamond Resorts, and I can tell you that she’s still as competitive as probably when she was 20 years ago.

“You can see that her short game, putting is still on. That’s something that she has in her veins and is going to shine forever. She said she’s probably not hitting it as far or straight as she was before, but at the end of the day, I’m going to say it again: she’s my superhero. Her and (fellow Mexican) Lorena (Ochoa) are probably why I’m out here.

Being able to share this with them, with her specifically, is just unbelievable.”

Sorenstam’s competition could include former longtime Connecticut resident and PGA of America president Suzy Whaley, who inspired the Swede to accept a sponsors’ exemption to play in the PGA Tour’s Bank of America Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2003. Whaley had earned an exemption to the Buick Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell when she captured the 2002 Connecticut PGA Championship. That made her the first female to win a PGA of America Member Invitational Championship in PGA Section or national championships and first to qualify for a PGA Tour event in 57 years.

In 2014, Whaley became the first female and first member of the Connecticut Section PGA to be elected an officer in the PGA of America (secretary), and it came on the first ballot, a rarity. Her two-year reign as president ended in October, but she and the Section weren’t able to host the organization’s annual meeting in Hartford due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whaley, 55, is going to try to qualify for the 120-player U.S. Women’s Senior Open Championship field and have a reunion with Sorenstam. Whaley is a leading golf teacher at the Country Club of Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Earning a spot in the Buick Championship ended up inspiring Sorenstam to play in the Colonial. Sorenstam said she had thought about competing in a PGA Tour event because she knew so many of the players,

1st Hole at Brooklawn Country Club including close friend Tiger Woods, but quickly reconsidered.

“I’d think about for about 10 seconds and then go back to watching television,” Sorenstam said during a teleconference call before her Colonial start. “But after Suzy qualified, it changed my mind.”

Sorenstam won a record eight LPGA Player of the Year awards and six Vare Trophies given

to the player with the lowest seasonal scoring average. She is the only female golfer to a 59 in competition and holds various all-time scoring records, including the lowest season scoring average, 68.6969 in 2004.

In 2012, Sorenstam received the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates spirit, personal character and respect for the game.

Her time in recent years has been spent raising her two children with her husband, the son of 1979 Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open champion Jerry McGee, and participating in numerous ventures to grow the game through her Annika Foundation.

Sorenstam represented Europe in the

Solheim Cup eight times between 1994 and 2007 and was the event’s all-time leading points earner until it was surprised by England’s Laura Davies during the 2011 competition against the United States. She also was captain of the 2017 European Solheim Cup team.

Last December, Sorenstam was appointed president of the International Golf Federation starting January 1 of this year, which was six days before she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump. Because the women’s golf competition in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo was the week after the U.S. Women’s Senior Open Championship, Sorenstam hesitated about playing at Brooklawn. But after being encouraged by Olympic officials, she decided she would go to Connecticut.

Davies, another Hall of Fame member, won the inaugural Senior Women’s Open by a stunning 10 strokes at Chicago Golf Club in 2018.

Swede Helen Alfredsson triumphed in the second edition in 2019 at Pine Needles Golf Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina, but last year’s championship scheduled for Brooklawn CC was canceled due to the pandemic.

This will be the fifth USGA event to be played at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, and past champions have been David Nevatt (1974 U.S. Junior Amateur), Jerilyn Britz (1979 U.S. Women’s Open), Gary Player (U.S. Senior Open) and Sukjin-Lee Wuesthoff (U.S. Girls’ Junior).

Tickets are available at https://www. usga.org/content/usga/home-page/ championships/2021/u-s--senior-women-sopen/tickets.html

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11

MUST PLAYS

Golfing Fun in Connecticut This Summer

By TOM LANDERS

G

olfing Magazine’s “Free Golf ” program you get a complimentary round of golf on a number of courses in Connecticut when you sign up. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to get aboard and take a road trip through the Nutmeg State.

Here are the layouts, some of which are private, that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us.

PRIVATE COURSES The Golf Club at River Oaks (www.ClubRiverOaks.com) is located on the Sherman/New Milford town line in western Connecticut. The courses has a number of holes on its back nine that hug the Housatonic River, which is visible through the trees in late autumn or early spring. The look from the tee box on the par-four dogleg left ninth hole reminds one of playing golf in northern New England rather than Connecticut. Many consider this to be one of the top two or three courses in the state.

Robert McNeil designed the course that opened in 2003, and he built into it challenge and fairness.

Farmington Woods Country Club (www.FarmingtonWoods.com) in Avon was

designed by American designer Desmond Muirhead, who also crafted the famed Jack Nicklaus Muirfield Village course in Ohio.

The layout is unique to the Farmington River Valley area in that there are dramatic elevation changes in what is usually a rather flat section of Connecticut. The course features woods that line many of the fairways, as well as wetlands.

Tumble Brook Country Club (www.TumbleBrookCC.com) was incorporated and organized in 1922 and features 27 holes. Willie Park, one of the foremost golf course architects of the time, was commissioned to design the first nine. A second nine, designed by Orrin E. Smith, was opened to play in the spring of 1949.

The third nine, designed by George Fazio, opened for limited play in the fall of 1970, and was eventually integrated with the rest of the golf course in 1971.The seventh hole on the “Green Course,” a combination of two of the three nines, is a 440-yard beast where par is an accomplishment for any level of player.

Suffield Country Club (www.SuffieldCC.com) is an historic track crafted by Ian Smyth in a classic, traditional New England-style. The course ambles over the rolling land, and plays around 3,000 yards for nine holes. The short distance of

First Hole at Sunday River Golf Club 12 12 12

Golfing Golfing Magazine New England Edition GolfingMagazine Magazine•••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition

the course is offset by tight fairways and small, fast undulating greens. Out-of-bounds borders holes three through six, and heavy rough and tall oak trees lurk off the fairways.

Only two holes, three and seven, have fairway bunkers.

THE GREATER HARTFORD AREA Simsbury Farms Golf Course (www.SimsburyFarms.com), which measures 6,509 yards in length from the championship markers, was designed by Geoffrey Cornish and opened for play in 1972. Recognized as one of the top 100 courses in New England by one New England publication, the course provides an excellent test of golf and a visually pleasing round. A driving range and large practice green, as well as a newly constructed clubhouse compliment the golfing complex.

Blue Fox Run Golf Course (www.BlueFoxEnt.com) in Avon has 27 holes of golf. A new nine was added several years ago and these holes are a pleasing mix of those that are open in nature and several that are lined by trees. There is ample bunkering in the fairways and around the modest-sized greens. One of the best new holes is the 512yard par-five fourth on the White Course.

If you can steer clear of fairway bunkers to the left of the fairway and high grass on the

Tumble Brook Country Club

right, you may be left with an opportunity to go for a large, oblong green in two.

The Kemp family of purchased the Airways Golf Course (www.Air waysGolfCourse. com) in West Suffield in 1996 with the intent of providing good, affordable and friendly golf to the town and surrounding communities. Their course is on the short side, 5,845 yards from the tips, and you can score here as long as you drive the ball well. Included in the final five holes of the front side are four par-fours measuring around 300 yards, including the ninth at 273 yards. The 16th is a strong par-five playing 481 yards from the tips. The hole doglegs to the right and there is water to worry about off the tee and on the second shot.

Keney Park Golf Course (www.KeneyParkGolfCourse. com) in Hartford underwent renovations and upgrades that turned the par-70 track in the 700-acre Keney Park into a beauty. The first nine holes of the course were finished in 1927, and the remaining nine were completed in 1930. Keney was designed by notable early 20th century American architect Devereux Emmet, several illustrious courses to 10th who Holehas at Sugarloaf Golf Course his credit, including Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., the site of several U.S. Opens.

Keney PArk Golf Course Goodwin Park Golf Course (www.GoodwinParkGolfCourse.com) in Hartford offers 27 holes, with the shortish North Course (2,544 yards) a great place for beginners and senior players to hone their skills and enjoy a leisurely round. The more demanding 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the back markers and features a number of par-fours that are drivable, or approachable, off the tee for long hitters.

The 381-yard ninth hole may be the tough-

Gillette Ridge Golf Club

est par-four on the track.

Gillette Ridge Golf Club (www.GilletteRidgeGolf.com) in Bloomfield is an Arnold Palmer Signature course and a layout that fits nicely into the existing natural landscape.

Great care was taken to preserve the numerous trees that serve to frame fairways and greens, as well as the ample wetlands on the property.

The architects built a number of peninsula or island greens, using granite from the site to construct walls near several greens and tee boxes.

There are some forced carries at Gillette Ridge, both off the tee and on approach shots to the medium size, undulating putting surfaces, but nothing so daunting to scare away the average player. Bunkers, ponds or wetlands come into play on almost half the holes. The fairway landing areas are ample.

East Hartford Golf Club (www.EastHartfordGC.com) was designed by Al Zikorus, plays around 6,200 yards from the tips, and has a nice mix of short par-fours that can be attacked with driver, reachable-in-two par-fives and solid par-threes. There are a number of tee settings to cater to all abilities. This classical design is great for newcomers to the game, but tree-lined fairways and small greens present a challenge to even the most skilled golfer.

Hunter Golf Club (www.HunterGolfClub.com) in Meriden offers great views of surrounding trap rock ridges and Castle Craig in Meriden’s Hubbard Park, which can be seen while playing the fifth hole. The layout has one of the most challenging and perplexing opening holes you will find anywhere. It’s only 368 yards from the back tees, but a stream dissects the fairway a little over halfway to the green, so the dilemma is to take driver and risk hitting it short or right and into the water, or lay up and be left with a long approach to an elevated green. The 10th hole is a demanding 587-yard par-five that bends to the left and has water hazards on the left side of the fairway and near the green, which makes the second shot and approach tricky.

The 27-hole Stanley Golf Course (www.StanleyGolf.com) in New Britain www.GolfingMagazine.net 13

MUST PLAYS has long been considered one of the premier daily fee facilities in the state. With three distinct nines to select from and some of the best conditions in the Greater Hartford area, Stanley has a dedicated following among the state’s golfers. Some modifications were made a few years back to the course, with several new or reshaped holes created and some shifting of the nines, which made the course even more interesting and more challenging.

Manchester Country Club (www.ManchesterCountr yClub.com) opened in 1917 and was designed by two early 20th century course architects, Tom Bendelow and Devereaux Emmett, the latter creating famed Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C., and Keney Park’s golf course. Manchester has bunkers placed strategically around fairway landing areas and putting surfaces, which puts a premium on accuracy both off the tee and on approaches to medium-sized greens. The course plays 6,339 yards from the tips and has a par of 72.

There are some elevation changes and water comes into play on several holes.

In Glastonbury, you will find the nine-hole Minnechaug Golf Course (www.MinnechaugGolf.com). The wellmanicured layout is only 2,668 yards from the back markers and plays to a par of 35.

But the fairways are narrow and the parthrees demanding. The course features a true island green, a 125-yarder that plays from an elevated tee box.

One of the best-conditioned, playerfriendly tracks in Connecticut is Rockledge Country Club (www.GolfRockledge.com) in West Hartford. The relatively flat layout has a parkland setting and offers a pleasing mix of holes. Rockledge has a mix of holes, ranging from short par-fours, like the 290-yard second and 317-yard 11th, where birdies await, to classic risk/reward par-fives.

Timberlin Golf Club (www.TimberlinGolf.com) in Berlin also has a park-like routing, and was given a facelift a few years back in the form of new bunker complexes, fairway and green complex work, an effort led by noted golf course architects Stephen Kay and Doug Smith. The track is kept in immaculate condition and the renovations added more teeth to this scenic track, originally designed by Al Zikorus.

Tallwood Country Club (www.TallwoodCountryClub.com) in Hebron is known for its classic New England landscape. Situated on over 200 acres of rolling country farmland, it’s another perfect place for a quiet golf getaway. The course offers a pleasingly eclectic mix of strong parthrees, long and demanding and then shorter and tricky par-fours, as well as par-fives that sometimes are reachable in two for long hitters and other times, not so much.

THE GREATER WATERBURY AREA Originally a nine-hole private golf club, purchased by the town of Watertown in 1975, a second nine holes were added in

1980 to make Crestbrook Park Golf Course (www.CrestbrookPark.com) one of the best daily fee tracts in the area. Crestbrook features fast, sloping greens and has four sets of tees for all levels of play. The course, which plays almost 7,000 yards from the tips and features a number of elevation changes, has par-fives that demand thoughtful tee and approach shots and beefy par-threes, like the 228-yard seventh where the tee shot must clear a pond to reach the putting surface.

Southington Country Club (www.SouthingtonCountryClub.com) is fairly wide open with a few delightfully quirky holes, such as the deceptively short 306-yard par-four second and the 120yard par-three 12th. The course is well maintained and the new ownership has made improvements to the layout and the facilities. It’s a track that is approachable for golfers of all levels.

Hawk’s Landing Country Club (www.HawksLandingCC.com) in Southington is not long, 5,825 yards from the tips, but the course has great par-threes and some interesting par-fours. The seventh and ninth holes both play around 230 yards, while the 18th is 190 yards from the back markers with the tee shot having to carry a pond. The 360-yard par-four fifth is a good test. It doglegs to the right and the drive and approach must steer clear of water.

Whitney Farms Golf Club (www.WhitneyFarmsGC.com) in Monroe

Southington Country Club 14 14

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

was designed by Hal Purdy and yardages range from 5,480 yards to 6,714 yards, with slope levels of 127 to 134. The layout starts in stern fashion, with three holes that will test you immediately. The first is a 426 yard par-four, the second another par-four measuring over 400 yards, and the third a 526 yard par-five.

After letting up a bit, the front nine again rears its head with four difficult holes to end the outward journey. There are two par-fives that play over or around 500 yards and a pair of par-threes that are 200 yards or longer. The back nine is a bit less severe with shorter par-fours where birdie awaits. But you’ll also encounter two par-fives that play over 560 yards from the tips, and the final hole is a brutal, 442-yard par-four that can make or break a round.

Laurel View Country Club Tallwood Country Club (www.LaurelView.com) in Hamden is a classic Geoffrey Cornish track, and a stern test of playing ability. The course can be HEADING EAST stretched beyond 7,000 yards and features Coventry’s Twin Hills Country Club some of the toughest par-fours in the state, (www.TwinHillsCountryClub.com) was like the 479-yard fifth. There’s a pond guard- built on a former farm and offers golf in ing the right side of the green, which often a rural setting yet convenient to Hartford must be attacked with a long iron or fairway and other cities off Rt. 84. Twin Hills has wood. Number nine is 450 yards from the the country charm of stone walls, a covback markers, and climbs up a hill to the ered bridge and its signature stone bridge putting surface, making the hole play 20 to located on hole number three (a massive 30 yards longer than its listed yardage.

600-yard par-five) that makes one think of The seventh hole is a monstrous par- the famous bridge crossing to the 12th green three, measuring around 250 yards from at Augusta National Golf Club. the tips, leaving even the best players with a Nestled into the rolling hills of the tiny fairway wood in their hands on the tee box. town of Hebron is Blackledge Country

Norwich Golf Club

Club (www.BlackledgeCC.net) that boasts two 18-hole courses. The club’s owners added nine holes in 1995 and another nine in 2000, creating what is called the Gilead Highlands course. The newest nine on Gilead Highlands is a bit reminiscent of Carolina courses, with wide fairways, bunkering, and tall pines and oaks framing many of the landing areas and large greens.

Anderson’s Glen has the club’s original 18 holes and is another very solid test. The fairways are tree lined and the greens undulating.

Quarry Ridge Golf Club (www.QuarryRidge.com), located on the slopes of the Connecticut River valley in Portland, offers some of the best views in Connecticut. This is a true shot-maker’s delight, with dramatic elevation changes, a mix of long and short holes, and tricky greens. The course is regularly listed among the best in Connecticut. The course plays 6,369 yards from the back tees, but it’s all about proper club selection and accuracy at Quarry Ridge.

Portland Golf Course (www.PortlandGolfCourse.com), which measures just over 6,200 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71, is also set in the rolling hills of the Connecticut River Valley. Its tree-lined fairways, various elevation changes, and doglegs make the track challenging and enjoyable for all players. The 405-yard par-four first hole is a strong way to begin a round. The tee shot is relatively easy, but the second shot is down a 60-foot drop www.GolfingMagazine.net 15

Fox Hopyard Golf Club to the green, making club selection difficult.

Black Birch Golf Club (www.BlackBirchGolf.com) in Moodus has earned a reputation as one of Connecticut’s “hidden gems.” Ownership has improved the course, which included increased turf quality, new tee boxes on select holes, redesigned holes (13 and 14 in particular), a new fleet of carts, and the installation of an updated irrigation system.

Fox Hopyard Golf Club (www.GolfTheFox.com) in East Haddam, designed by Roger Rulewich, is considered one of the premier daily fee layouts in southern New England. The club offers a blend of challenging golf, first-class customer care and a setting that is difficult to beat. There isn’t a weak hole at Fox Hopyard. At almost 7,000 yards from the back markers, which carry a slope rating of 136, the par-71 track offers a stern test for even the best players. But five sets of tees allow the course to be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The par-three fourth and par-five fifth may be the best one-two punch in the region.

The Golf Club at Windham (www.WindhamClub.com) first opened in 1922 and was once maintained as a private facility. The putting surfaces are medium in size with some undulation. They roll true and reward good approach shots with make16

able birdie opportunities. The rough areas are kept at a height to punish wayward tee shots but still allow players to advance the ball to the greens.

GOLF BY CONNECTICUT’S CASINOS Elmridge Golf Club (www.ElmridgeGolf.com) in Pawcatuck features three nines that are approachable for golfers of all abilities. The par-fours are on the short side, most measuring between 340 and 370 yards from the middle tees, but a number of them are doglegs. The par-threes are strengths of the layout and several measure close to or over 200 yards. One of the best par-fives on the course is the 525-yard seventh on the Blue Course. The hole bends slightly to the right and a good drive will leave you with a shot to go for the green in two. But there are bunkers guarding the putting surface and the green is elevated.

Nor wich Golf Club (www.NorwichGolf.com) is known for its fine playing conditions and is a tricky layout that is fun for players of all abilities. The course opened in 1925 on July 4th. It was designed by Tull and Tull, a famous golf course architectural firm of the day, and there is some indication that Walter Travis, a noted designer and legendary amateur player, had a hand in the routing. Norwich isn’t long, just 6,191 yards from the tips.

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

But its slope of 131 from the championship markers gives you an idea of just how difficult it can be.

Connecticut National Golf Club (www.CTNationalGolf.com) in Putnam was reborn after extensive renovations several years ago added 800 yards of length to the original 6,169 yards, as well as modern styling. In all, some 4,000 trees were removed, new fairways seeded and sodded, bunkers added or altered, and new green complexes built. It’s now one of the best daily fee layouts on Southern New England. Connecticut National Golf Club is a pleasant mix of links-style and parkland holes.

River Ridge Golf Course (www.RiverRidgeGolf.com) in Jewett City opened in May of 1999 and is a carefully maintained course. The first three holes were built on open space that was formerly an apple orchard. The other 15 holes are characterized by rolling hills and scenic vistas that present various challenges. The front side plays to a par of 37 and is a demanding nine holes. It has three of the course’s par-fives, all pretty much asking for three good shots to find the green in regulation.

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17

Road TRip

Summer in Vermont Means Golf

V

ermont is a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.

Several of the state’s best courses are in Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf program.

To take advantage of his offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. You also get our digital magazine sent to you when you join.

The Mount Snow Golf Course (www.MountSnow. com) in Dover is one of Green Mountain National Golf Club Vermont’s premier “mountain” courses and has been rated one of the top five layouts in Then there is the drivable par-four sixth, the state by Golf Digest magazine. The the classic risk-reward par-five seventh, and 18-hole, 6,943-yard (there are three other the long par-four 11th, where bogey doesn’t sets of tees) course has also been named one feel all the bad. of the top 10 resort courses in the country.

A number of improvements to the The track meanders through the course and clubhouse have been made Vermont countryside and provides views of in recent years, including a fresh look in the Green Mountains, including the peaks the dining room, kitchen, and bar area, of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain. irrigation, tree work, cart paths, enhanced Tamaracks, oaks, birches and sugar maples gardens and more. The club also has a new line fairways, while the mountains provide fleet of golf carts. a majestic backdrop. The front nine is Green Mountain National Golf Club spread over scenic expanses and the back (www.gmngc.com) in Killington is in nine winds its way through wooded terrain. its second year under new management, Water comes into play on 11 holes and Brown Golf Management Company, which 41 sand traps are strategically located on is working tirelessly to enhance an already almost every hole. notable facility.

Brattleboro Country Club Green Mountain features holes that (www.brattleborocountryclub.com) has have demanding tee and approach shots and been called “a hidden gem” and our read- places a premium on all-around ability. The ers simply must try out this classic New course was carved out of the mountains, England layout. and thus offers solitude and a “private” golf The course measures 6,533 from the experience. Gently sloping fairways that tips and is full of interesting, challenging feature generous landing areas, distinctive and fair holes. Take the par-five second for changes in elevation, and undulating greens instance. The hole heads up a hill, takes a add to the beauty. There are centuries-old right turn to a narrow strip of fairway only rock formations carved by glaciers, and the to head up another hill for the third shot. view from 16th tee is stunning.

18

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

The seventh hole is a downhill par-three that plays shorter than its 151 yards. With a ridge in the middle of the green, put your tee shot to the side of the ridge where the pin is located. There’s a bunker in the back of the green.

The Killington Resort course (www.KillingtonGolf.com) features a layout that takes full advantage of unique mountain terrain. Streams, a 2,000-foot elevation, and stunning vistas create a visually sweet venue in which to enjoy the game.

The routing features a pleasing mix of holes. There is water on a number of holes, and enough sand bunkers to keep your attention on tee shots and approaches to the modest-sized putting surfaces.

The second hole is a 515-yard par-five that demands a long, straight drive to set up the second shot. The green is reachable in two shots by big hitters, but there is water that fronts the putting surface, so the wiser play is layup and wedge for the third shot.

The 18th is a nice finishing hole, playing 321 yards. Be careful on your tee shot on the par-four, as water hugs the left side of the fairway.

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19

Road Trip

T

Play New Hampshire Golf

hanks to Golfing Magazine’s ground-breaking Course Play Stimulus Program, subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer.

One of the premier courses in New England has joined our program to allow you to sample a classic layout that was designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross. Indeed, there are 27 holes to enjoy at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.

The 18-hole Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course (www.OmniHotels.com) was completed in 1915. Its backdrop features New Hampshire’s spectacular Presidential Mountain Range. The par-72, 7,004-yard course has hosted four New Hampshire Opens and the prestigious New England Open Championship in 2010.

Reopened on Aug. 1, 2008, the Mount Washington Course was restored to Donald Ross’ original plans by noted golf course architect Brian Silva, including bunkers crafted in a classic flair and infinite variet-

ies of recovery shots in the closely cropped areas around the putting greens. The parfive 11th hole and the par-three fifth hole feature stunning views of Omni Mount Washington Hotel and the surrounding mountains.

The nine-hole Mount Pleasant Course first opened in 1895, and has been host to generations of golfing enthusiasts from New Hampshire and beyond. Greats like U.S. Pro Golfer Gilbert Nicholls, Golf Course Designer Alex Findlay, British Golf Champions Harry Vardon and J.W. Taylor, and U.S. Open Golf Champion Willie Anderson have all played this historic par35 course. In 1989, the course was restored and upgraded by Cornish & Silva Golf Course Architects, with advice from worldrenowned golfers Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi, and now offers players a more challenging round alongside New Hampshire’s scenic Ammonoosuc River.

You will want to stay and play when you visit, as the Omni Mount Washington Resort is a grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, and named

Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course 20

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

a National Historic Landmark. The Inn originally opened in 1902 and has served as a retreat for the famous and every day folk ever since.

New Hampshire is also where you will find one of the most challenging courses in New England. The Shattuck Golf Club (www.ShattuckGolfCourse.com) in Jaffrey was carved out of granite and mature woodlands and demands a well thought out approach to every shot on every hole. This is a tough routing and target golf at its best.

You must hit your spots, both off the tees and on approaches to the greens The 200-yard par-three second is a picture perfect hole, with elevated tees that look down over a grassy hillside to a large, bunkered green set in front of a pond. The tee area doesn’t feel all that high, but it’s unusually deceptive. The most common error here is over-clubbing.

The 426-yard par-four 10th starts from a highly elevated area, offering a spectacular view of a large green below, with Mount Monadnock serving as the backdrop. The hole is a dogleg left with a deep drop-off at the turn. Drive the ball too far and you’ll go

over an edge on the fairway.

The par-four, 391-yard 16th is another beauty and played over a reflecting pond in front of the tee to a wide, rolling fairway and bunkered green with a Colonial farmhouse behind. Keep it straight, as there’s deep rough left and right. A big green is slightly elevated, so your second shot may require one more club.

Pay a visit to Brookstone Golf and Driving Range in Derry (www.Brookstone-Golf.com), a ninehole, par-three golf facility, to get you ready for your northern golfing exposure.

The sweet little track was designed to fit the existing landscape and mix a blend of nature and course architecture. The layout was crafted by noted architect, Howard Maurer, and the course features large greens, sand traps, rolling hills and water hazards strategically placed to create “target style” putting surfaces.

Eastman Golf Links (www.EastmanGolfLinks.com) in Grantham is situated within a four-season recreational and residential community located just two hours from Boston, in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The first nine holes opened in 1973 and a second nine opened in 1976.

The Shattuck Golf Club Several upgrades and renovations have taken place during the last decade.

The 408-yard par-four fifth at Eastman doglegs sharply about 200 yards from the tee, making the club of choice for the first shot a hybrid or fairway, which might be followed by the same club on the approach to a green well protected by bunkers. The 11th hole is a dangerous par-four. Big hit-

ters can fly their tee shots over the right side of a pond that juts out from the left. But pull it left and you’re in the water.

To take advantage of Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. Remember, you get five issues of our magazine in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.

Come enjoy the day at one of the top 10 public courses in Massachusetts.

Relax before or after your round on the new Heron’s Nest deck with lunch, dinner or your favorite 19th hole refreshments!

BLACKstone national golf club 227 Putnam hill road, Sutton, MA 01590 508-865-2111 • www.bngc.net

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21

Road Trip

A Magical Maine Trip Beckons

By JOHN TORSIELLO

M

aine has miles and miles of rugged ocean coastline, forests, rivers and lakes, mountains and, of course, lots of wonderful golf courses, some of them dating back 100 years or so and others of recent vintage.

Why not plan a trip to the Pine Tree state and blend a week’s worth of golf with charming hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, great seafood, and a plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking and fishing to hiking and sailing.

Here is a sampling of the some of the best courses you can play in Maine, thanks to Golfing Magazine’s Course Play Stimulus Program.

To take advantage of Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf offer, call 860563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net.

Remember, you get five issues of our magazine in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.

Established in 1895 by Arthur Fenn and re-designed by Donald Ross in 1912, the Links at Poland Spring (www.PolandSpringInns.com) claims to be the first golf course built at a resort in the United States. Poland Spring Resort recently added a new 330-yard driving range with natural grass, artificial tees, and a spectacular view of the rugged White Mountains. After a round at Poland Spring you can relax on the clubhouse porch overlooking the championship golf course at Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant, or grab a quick bite at the Pro

Bethel Inn Golf Course Shop Café before you join your family for a swim in the large crystal clear swimming pool, all just a few yards from the 18th green. The Inn offers many options for dining, such as a home cooked breakfast and evening meals that are served daily, buffet style, in a comfortable dining room.

Spring Meadow Golf Club (www.SpringMeadowGolf.com ) at Cole Farms in Gray is a delightful routing, with management taking great pride in the conditioning of their layout. The course measures 6,656 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71. The par-fives here are

very sturdy, including the 600-yard third that tests your ability early in the round.

Speaking of early, you can’t have a much more demanding start to a loop than the first at Spring Meadow. The par-four plays 430 yards from the tips and there is a pond to the right that must be avoided on the tee shot. If you play safe to the left you will have a longer approach that again must contend with the water and a bunker.

Spring Meadow Golf Club, the Links at Poland Spring, and Fox Ridge Golf Club are part of the Maine Trifecta (www.

MaineTrifecta.com ) golf offering, were you can golf all three and stay at Poland Spring Resort for two different prices; $319, which includes lodging, three allyou-can-eat buffet meals, 18 holes at each course, golf carts and range balls at each course; and the $339 Deluxe Trifecta, which includes the above plus upgraded accommodations and four buffet meals.

All rates are per person, double occupancy, plus seven percent Main sale tax.

The Bethel Inn Resort (www.BethelInn.com ) golf course in Bethel, built just over 100 years ago, remained nine holes of little recognition until 1988 when it was redesigned and expanded to an 18hole championship layout by the renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish. The 6,663-yard, par-72 course takes maximum advantage of mountain vistas and the natural beauty of the area. Large, well-trapped greens, treelined fairways and five tee positions make play challenging for all golfers.

There is a pleasant mix of short and long par-fours, tough par-threes, and demanding par-fives that will test the ability of all levels

The Links at Poland Spring Tumble Brook Country Club 22

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

of golfer. America’s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the Bethel Inn layout among the top 10 resort courses in the Northeast, and Golf Digest magazine has awarded it 3 1/2 stars.

Riverside Golf Course (www.RiversideGolfCourseME.com) is owned and operated by the City of Portland. The popular and traditional public golf facility first opened in 1932.

The facility features an 18-hole course, a 9-hole course and a 3-hole practice course. The classic layout, rolling hills and tree-line fairways are bordered by the Presumpscot River.

The toughest hole on the 18-hole course is the 554-yard 10th hole, a parfive. The tee shot is elevated to a low, long and wide fairway bordered by a water hazard the left. The approach to the green is guarded by a line of pine trees on the left and more water on the right. There are also bunkers on both sides of the putting surface. The nine-hole course is a feel good layout with four of the first five holes shortish par-fours. There is only one par-five, the 540-yard sixth, that can prove tough if you wander on your tee shot and second strike of the ball.

Dunegrass Golf Club (www.Dunegrass.com) in Old Orchard Beach has been offering local and visiting golfers the opportunity to experience an uncommonly high caliber of golf for Maine and New England since 1998. Designed by internationally known golf course architect, Dan Maples, Dunegrass Golf Club has quickly gained the reputation as the Portland area’s premier public golf course. Maples

Dunegrass Golf Club imbued the course with the look and feel of a layout one might find in the Carolinas.

The par-threes at Dunegrass are all very good and water comes into play on the four short holes. The 17th can play almost 200 yards from the tips and has water short and to the right of the putting surface.

One of the most spectacular and scenic courses in New England, the Sunday River Golf Club (www.SundayRiver.com ) is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design featuring 18 breathtaking holes that wind through the Maine woods and over dramatic elevation changes in a stunning mountainside setting.

Overlooking the Sunday River Valley with the Mahoosuc range towering above, the course follows the natural topography of the landscape while striking the perfect balance

Sugarloaf Golf Club

between challenge and playability. Facilities include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range.

As Maine’s premier golf destination, Sugarloaf Golf Club (www.Sugarloaf.com )is a must-play for any golfer. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design provides golfers with stunning panoramic mountain views and an unforgettable experience from first tee to final putt.72 6,910. Aptly named for the course’s designer, the first hole plays downhill, and is a dogleg right par-four that is as demanding as it is scenic. The hole offers your first glimpse of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Be sure to factor in elevation change on both your tee shot and approach. Bunkers to the left and right guard the small green.

Lake Kezar Country Club (www.LakeKezarGolf.com ) in Lovell is one of the oldest courses in Maine, built in 1923, when several summer camp owners recognized the need for a golf course to entertain summer visitors.

The world-renowned golf architect, Donald Ross, was chosen to design the course. His trademark design was “naturalness”, which is evident at Lake Kezar, with the course flowing through pines, stone walls, brooks and flowers.

The back nine was added in 1998. The course offers four sets of tees. The design invites you to bump and run it onto the green whenever you can to avoid trouble behind several of the greens.

The Club at River Bethel Inn Oaks, Resort 17th Hole www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Profile Must Plays

New England’s Sterling Golf Management

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

K

evin Osgood, Founder and President of Sterling Golf Management based in Newton, Ma., came into the business as a golf course superintendent in 1980.

He’s still working that side of the steadily growing company, as well as various at other administrative and employee training duties.

“I started a golf course management company 28 years ago,” said Osgood, “because I always loved my profession, the game, the golf business, understood what the golfer wants, could assist properties with improvements and knew how to run a business. I stepped forward.”

Osgood is Past-President of the New England Golf Course Owner’s Association, Past-President & the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England and has been on the MGA Board of Directors, as well as the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund.

After beginning with one course, Newton Commonwealth Golf Course, where Osgood once served as Head Superintendent, the company has expanded to include Norwood Country Club and Practice Center, Crystal Lake Golf Club in Haverhill, Rockland Golf Club (the second longest 18-hole Par-3 course in the U.S.), and nine-hole courses Unicorn Golf Club & Stoneham Oaks Golf Club in Stoneham, Chelmsford Country Club, and Maynard Golf Club. It also provides maintenance services for a ninehole fully-lighted short course in Norfolk called-Fore Kicks.

Jay Miller, a past golf course owner in California, golf course owner of the year in California, and a recipient of the National Golf Course of the Year Award, serves as the company’s Director of Golf Course Operations.

Miller, like Osgood, is upbeat about the company and golf in general. “We were up in rounds about 38 percent across the board last year and our gross revenue was up and that is without banquets, catering and food and beverage sales.”

Because many activities that shut down last year have started up again, especially 24

Newton Commonwealth Golf Course adult and youth sports, Miller anticipates that rounds at Sterling Golf courses will be down by between 10 to 16 percent this summer. But that’s still far beyond the preCOVID-19 pandemic numbers when golf was in a bit of a holding pattern.

“Our nine-hole courses are doing particularly well,” said Miller. “Many people who worked at home last year found that they could easily sneak out for a couple of hours and play some golf. We see that trend continuing in 2021. Overall revenue should increase this year because banquets, catering and the restaurants are up and running again.”

Miller said, “We saw a lot of young people in their 20s and 30s playing last year, the millennials, and I think that will continue to be a plus for the industry a whole. They may not play by the rules all the time and listen to music on the course, but they have fun and always post photos on Facebook and Instagram. And they stop in and have a cheeseburger and beer afterwards. We are also seeing a spike in our lessons for youngsters and beginners, especially women. Our league play is also strong.”

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

Miller said Sterling Golf will bring new fleets of golf carts on line this year, although the carts were on back order early in the season because of a slowdown in the supply chain.

Sterling Golf is also deeply committed to growing the game among juniors. “We are the leading golf company in New England for Mass Golf ’s Youth on Course program rounds. Youngsters six to 18 can play on our courses at certain times for only five dollars (after an initial $15 registration fee). These youngsters are our future customers. Our PGA Junior Leagues and junior camps are sold out.”

Miller points to several factors for Sterling Golf ’s success. “We have a great staff, from our general managers through all our positions. We are customer service-oriented and Kevin Osgood and the Osgood family have created stability for our employees.

They are loyal to their employees and the employees return that loyalty. Hardly anybody leaves the company once they are on board.” https://www.SterlingGolf.com

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Private Eyes

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Wethersfield Country Club

ethersfield Country Club located in central Connecticut has perhaps the richest golf history in Southern New England, but it also has a strong commitment to the present and future of its membership.

They are still celebrating their 100th Anniversary.

WCC, incorporated in 1916, is very conscious and proud of its connection to the PGA, its rich tradition of champions at all levels of play and the current players making their mark on the tours.

In 1952 WCC hosted the first PGA tour event in the state. Golf professionals regularly frequent the course to test what some believe are the best greens around.

While the Club honors its past, it is

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the superb golf course and amenities that continue to draw members and corporate outings from throughout the region. A staff with over fifty years of experience maintains the course conditions. There’s an excellent practice facility, which includes two putting greens, teaching sections, a practice bunker

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

and separate area to hone your short game.

The clubhouse offers first class dining and event services along with casual dining both inside or outside on the wrap-around porch with spectacular views of the 1st and 18th holes.

WCC is known as ‘The Club of Champions.’ Twelve members of the Club are also members of the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.

Wethersfield Country Club is accepting appications for membership for 2021.

Contact us today to book a tour of the club.

Call us today at (959)777-4992. or email Joyce@WethersfieldCC.org

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Call The Ranch now to arrange your tournament, league, or group outing!

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www.GolfingMagazine.net

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MUST PLAYS

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Wentworth Hills Country Club

e know golfing is fun. The ownership at Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, Ma. is intent on making it even more enjoyable.

The club has purchased a new fleet of “Shark” golf carts that allows players to remain in contact with the clubhouse throughout a round. They can order food and refreshments while playing the front nine and pick up orders at the turn. In addition, the carts offer yardages and golfers can even watch video tips from Greg Norman between their own shots.

The club has a unique “challenge” that gets golfers who ante up $5 or $10 on top of their greens fees a shot at a $10,000 or $20,000 prize if they make a hole-in-one on the par-three 17th hole.

And, the club has developed an app for cell phones that make the user a member of the “Wentworth Hills community” once they get the app. Individuals are notified of discounts on greens fees and other promotions and specials. A map of the course and yardages are automatically available on the user’s phone when accessing the app. ”We are trying to keep up with the younger generation that is so into technology,” said one of the club’s owners, Constant Poholek. “The hole-inone challenge is a game within the game and money

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www.WentworthHillsCountryClub.com

Heather Hill County Club

ith 27 holes of golf, Heather Hill Country Club in Plainville, Ma., makes for a full day of golfing fun. The club offers one regulation 18-hole course and one nine-hole course.

The North Course (nine holes) has a few hills that can cause uneven lies.

The fairways are narrow, and the greens are small. The South Course (18 holes) has many more hills than the North Course, but doesn’t have a lot of sand bunkers. The fairways are wide open, but most are tree lined, so you just can’t spray it around and get away with it. The greens are large, and water hazards come into play on three holes.

The 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the tips and has a mix of short- and medium-length par-fours, tricky par-threes, and two par-fives that can reached in two shots by big hitters. One of those par-fives is the 478yard third that is very straightforward with few hazards complicating matters, although there are two bunkers near the putting surface. The seventh and eighth are solid back-to-back par-threes, playing almost 200 yards and 180 respectively.

The back side has three short par-fours that allow you a real chance at birdie, the 334-yard 13th, the 317-yard 14th, and the final hole, a 317-yarder.

Number 12 is a good par-five that plays 516 yards from the tips, with the hole doglegging to the right, which may demand a precise layup shot to set up a wedge approach.

The nine-hole layout measures 3,368 yards from the tips. It begins with a 157-yard par-three, with the toughest stretch of holes coming at three through five. The third, a par-four, plays 400 yards, while the fourth is a challenging 500-yard par-five.

The club has a restaurant and bar for after-round enjoyment. www.HeatherHillCountryClub.com 28

we receive helps out charitable causes. We are trying to do things to make golf even more fun and keep people coming back.”

The club also continues its popular “cigar nights” where players get a round of nine holes, a cigar and dinner for a reasonable fee that changes according to the dinner provided by the club.

Wentworth Hills is a fun course to play, offering classic risk/reward holes that dare low-handicappers to “go for it,” while allowing for alternate routes to the green for less experienced golfers. The varied natural topography here features rolling, treelined fairways, large, receptive greens, ponds and lakes protecting holes, and 60 strategically-placed bunkers.

The course, while playing just over 6,200 yards from the tips, has a slope of 128 and a rating equal to its par of 71. The track places emphasis on proper club selection and accurate approach shots to the putting surfaces.

Wentworth Hills is located between Boston and Providence and only minutes from Route 495, which makes it an ideal destination for golfers from the Metro Boston area to Federal Hill in Providence.

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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Heritage Country Club

eritage Country Club in Charlton, Massachusetts has long been a favorite of locals and those golfers who like to throw their sticks in the trunk and drive a bit to play a real good course. Heritage offers private club conditions and amenities at affordable rates.

Heritage CC has joined Golfing Magazine’s growing list of courses you can play when you subscribe to our magazine.

You get a complimentary round of golf with a small service fee charged when you arrive to take care of a motorized cart for the round.

The 18-hole course at Heritage Country Club features 6,335 yards from the longest tees and a par of 71. The course rating is 69.3 and it has a slope rating of 118. The layout was designed by Donald Hoenig, with the track opening for play in 1964. Shane Bayer manages the course as General Manager.

There are a mix of holes at Heritage CC that will keep you entertained through your entire

round. Some of the fairways are rather tight, so accuracy is called for off the tee to get you involved in the hole from the tee box.

The layout starts off in stern fashion, with a pair of fairly long par-fours followed by a 200yard par-three where par is a good score indeed.

The fourth is a 452-yard par-five that is reachable in two shots for long hitters.

The fifth hole is a beast of a par-five, playing around 600 yards and it’s a true three-shot hole to get the putting surface. Number eight

is a par-four of around 300 yards where birdie awaits before moving on to the monstrous 490-yard par-four ninth. The ninth can also be played as a par-five, which makes sense for most golfers.

The back side also starts off tough, with two par-fours of around 400 yards sandwiched around another long par-five of about 600 yards. The 305-yard par-four 14th is a birdie hole and then it is on to a demanding finish that includes another par-five that measures almost 600 yards from the back tees. Better bring a great long game when you play here and tee off from the tips. The wise option the first visit may be playing from one tee up, which will put the total yardage to around 6,000, shortening some of those long par-fives.

85 Sampson Road Charlton, Ma. www.HeritageCountryClub.com

Blackhead Mountain Country Club www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Book tee times on-line at www.golfrockledge.com

must plays Tournament Instruction

An award-winning public golf course with all the amenities of a private club

FIVE STICKS TO BETTER STRIKES

By Gene Mulak

• 36 picturesque holes • Practice greens, driving range, carts and club rentals • Friendly, highly-trained PGA Staff • Customized planning for corporate groups, tournaments and special events “Top Ten in the U.S.” -Golf Digest

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1000 Freeman’s Way Brewster, MA 02631 Toll-Free: 877-843-9081 www.captainsgolfcourse.com

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What was once solely utilized to prevent a snowplow from destroying a mailbox during the winter can now be found in almost every PGA Tour player’s bag.

What I will refer to as an “alignment rod” can be purchased for very little money at any hardware store. These rods can be very useful when working on your game. I have pictured five alignment rods that when set up in place, can work several parts of the swing that if executed properly will produce shots that are hit higher, fly straighter and will find the sweet spot on your clubface on a more regular basis. As you can see, the five alignment rods are all on or stuck in the ground.

Each rod serves a specific purpose.

The first rod is located on the ground, along my toe line. This is a commonly used tool to help players with their alignment. The rod is used by almost every player on the PGA Tour. The rod should be aligned parallel to your target. This will aid in making your swing not shift during the strike of the golf ball.

The second and third rods are forming a letter “V”. These are put into the ground on an angle which will help form an arc for the golfer to swing on. The most efficient golf swings form a concentric circle, with very little shifting to the swing plane. Moving the club around on the backswing, like a football player kicking a field goal, then returning the club back to the ball where the club will be moving slightly in-to-out and not in jeopardy of looping or “coming over the top” in the downstroke. As the club moves into the forward swing, most players that would hook and push the ball will hit out excessively, causing these results depending upon the clubface. The front side of the “V” will ensure that this does not happen, and the club will swing around the corner and form an arc.

The fourth and fifth rods serve what may be the most important part of a great swing. The rod that would be put next to the golfer’s trail foot will ensure the golfer is turning his or her hips going back and not sliding. If the golfer slides his or her hips back, he or she will move the club low behind the ball. This will cause contact issues!

This is probably the most common fault among amateur golfers. The center of the pelvis should not move back. If the golfer bumps the alignment rod in the backswing, this will provide instant feedback.

The fifth rod will serve as the opposite of the fourth rod at the back side of the swing.

On the down swing, not only does a good swing have a hip turn but it will have a hip slide. The idea of moving the hips linear is very foreign to most golfers. If a player only produces a rotary action, they will never get all their weight to the front side of the swing.

A golfers’ goal should be to bump his or her lead hip into the alignment rod that is in the ground on the front side of their swing. Again, this simple alignment rod will produce instant feedback for the golfer.

Gene Mulak is the Director of Golf at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, CT . Gene is a certified Stack & Tilt instructor. He can be reached at (774) 406-1549 or Golf@SilverSpringCountryCC.org

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

Instruction

“LOOKING”… to BECOME A BETTER PUTTER Good putters pay attention to direction and distance control, deciding where to aim and how much energy to exchange onto the ball. Have you ever wondered which of these two is more important? When I pose this question in my clinics, most participants pick direction. (Nope!) Here’s a fact. Successful putters are focused more on imparting the right amount of speed onto the ball. Your procedure must include carefully aiming the face of your putter, but then, all your attention needs to be on rolling the ball the right distance!

First, choose to simplify all the noise of the mechanics processing in your head. Thinking about HOW to make a putting stroke is distracting, making you unavailable to feel your putt. Your most important job is to deliver the ball to the cup feeling the appropriate speed. What is that speed?? For the best chance of the ball falling into the cup, consider having the ball ARRIVE at the cup with only 2-3 revolutions left. This is a speed that allows gravity to act on pulling the ball down into the largest cup. You’ve seen and probably experienced the ball moving too fast though perfectly on line…only to lip out, spinning to a resting place farther away than the original putt!

Here’s a drill that can be done at any distance. Start with a straight, 10-15 foot putt. Set up as you normally do with your eyes directly over or just inside of the top of the ball. When you’re ready, turn your eyes to the hole and LEAVE THEM THERE. DON’T TURN YOUR EYES BACK TO LOOK AT THE BALL.

By Sue Kaffenburg

I know you will be worried that you’ll whiff the ball. You won’t.

Now LOOKING AT THE TARGET…putt to what you SEE. You might hit the ball too far. ADJUST and make a softer hit. The next might go too short. ADJUST AGAIN until it’s exactly right! That’s how you’ll learn to hit it the correct distance, with the ball travelling only 2 to 3 revolutions past if it doesn’t go in. The best part is you get to SEE in real time how far your ball rolled and what that felt like. Try a 25 foot putt. Try a 6 foot putt. See it, feel it, trust it. Be amazed at how good you get at delivering the ball with great speed.

You might even make some this way…not looking at the BALL, JUST looking at the HOLE. Crazy!

Can you use this “trick” of looking at the hole instead of the ball when you play? Sure!! Jordan Spieth did it successfully on short putts a few years ago. Alternatively, build a LONG look at the target into your procedure, burning a picture in your mind’s eye, and then return your eyes to the ball before your stroke. Either way, you’ll SEE…literally, as you focus on great delivery speed, the key to mastering distance control.

Sue Kaffenburgh, PGA/LPGA Bayberry Hills Golf Course, Yarmouth, MA. www.GolfLessonsCapeCod.com SusiePGA@comcast.net 508-364-GOLF (4653)

Make Short Game Practice Focused Practicing the short game can be boring for a lot of people.

Here is a great game that I like my players to use in order to remain focused during a short game session. Rather than chipping over and over to the same hole, play this game, keep score and always try to improve your best result.

Pick a hole and chip one ball into each of the four quadrants surrounding the hole. So, it’s one ball each that finishes: Past the hole and right; Past the hole and left; Short of the hole and right; Short of the hole and left.

Keep track of how many shots it takes you to get one ball in each quadrant. Now, go make the putts! Knowing that you have to make the putts will prevent you from “cheating” by hitting a chip shot very long and very right as an example. A perfect score would be 8. Practice this drill a few times per week in order to improve your ability to focus, chip into a defined area and make those short putts that will save par.

I also like players to think of which quadrant they want a ball to finish in while they are playing. If a hole is cut on a severe slope there will be one quadrant that is better than the other three. For most right handed players, the easiest putt is uphill with a little amount of right to left break.

Rather than just aggressively chipping the ball as you try to make it, or haphazardly chipping the ball towards the general vicinity of the hole, pick a specific spot in the preferred quadrant. Not only will this give you an easier putt, you will be more invested in the shot. Planning the shot out this way will let you visualize the chip.

As a result you will tend to hit more precise chips.

By George Connor

George Connor is the Head Golf Instructor at Farmington Woods Country Club in Avon, CT. 860-830-6969 or George@ConnorGolf.com www.GolfingMagazine.net

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TRAVEL

Puerto Rico’s Robust Tourism Rebound

By CLAUDIO DeMARCHI

I

n continuing on the theme, “Where do I want to go when this is all over,” and where is it safest to go? Puerto Rico is one of those places, having been to most of the islands in the Caribbean but not this one!

Statistics show that as domestic travel begins its revival Puerto Rico is faring far better than the U.S. average according to the April Travel Recovery Insights Dashboard from the U.S. Travel Association. This holds true for many of the Island’s travel niches, not the least of which is golf.

The Recovery Dashboard, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, includes not only a national overview of where key indicators stand but also a state and

territory breakdown. In this, it is evident Puerto Rico is faring far better than the U.S. average, with travel spending in March 2021 only 17% lower than the same prepandemic period in 2019.

Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), is sharing updates for U.S. inbound travelers stemming from the local

government’s latest Executive Order. The order, which goes into effect on May 28, 2021, includes modified restrictions such as the elimination of negative COVID-19 PCR molecular test requirements for fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights and the ability to utilize a negative antigen (rapid) test result when entering the Island, for passengers who are not vaccinated or those arriving internationally.

As of May 24, the local curfew is lifted, which was established in March 2020.

For us Canadians we will just have to see when our fearless leaders will get things figured out so we can get there too!

These encouraging facts bode well for overall travel to Puerto Rico going forward, as well as for the golf niche, which has been thriving during the pandemic due to the inherent safeness and ideal social distancing found

Palmas Atheletic Club

Kings Crossing Golf Club 32 32

Golfing Magazine Magazine •• New New England England Edition Edition Golfing

The links Poland Wyndham Grand RioatMar Golf Spring Course

TPC Dorado Beach East Golf Course

in the game and on the Island.

“It is fantastic to see the increased volume of inbound Island visitors coming to enjoy Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort,” said Seth Henrich, PGA, Wyndham Grand’s Director of Golf. “The increase in tourism coupled with a membership boom has set the stage for banner years to come.”

TPC Dorado Beach is doing so well that it has shifted strategy due to growth and demand.

“We are seeing a significant increase in resort golf rounds and membership sales for the club,” said Jeff Willenberg, PGA, Director of Golf at TPC Dorado Beach “Due to the growth of our membership over the past six months, the club now only allows members, their guests, and hotel guests from Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. We expect the momentum of resort rounds and membership sales to continue to grow as the year progresses.”

While both TPC Dorado Beach and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar are on the northeastern coast near San Juan, courses and resorts throughout the Island are

experiencing similar success.

Located on the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico, boutique resort Royal Isabela reports increased demand for its Links Golf Course and luxury casitas. “It is exciting to have tourists traveling again to enjoy Puerto Rico,” said Eugenio Lopez, Royal Isabela Sales Director. “We are maximizing this opportunity by continuing to improve our golf facilities and services.”

Palmas Athletic Club in Humacao on the eastern coast is home to two 18-hole courses designed by Gary Player (Palm Course) and Rees Jones (Flamboyan). Like TPC Dorado Beach, handling the high demand has required the club to proactively balance needs.

“We have seen exponential growth in our rounds and membership levels,” said General Manager Seth Bull. “We are open to the public on Monday through Thursday, with tee times available by calling our Golf Pro shop. Play on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings is reserved for members.

However, non-members may play after 11:00 am when accompanied by a member.

This schedule has allowed us to serve well our continually growing membership.”

There are 18 golf courses on Puerto Rico. Sixteen are open to the public. The other two – at TPC Dorado Beach – allow play by guests staying at the Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Island courses range from luxury resort to municipal, spread throughout Puerto Rico with several clustered near historic San Juan. Oceanside views, coconut trees, and mountain and rainforest vistas frame their settings. Price points, terrain, layout style, and related amenities are varied and complementary.

Traveling to the Island is convenient with many choices as it is the air hub of the Caribbean. Further traveler friendliness is found in Puerto Rico’s bilingual culture, U.S. currency, and no passport required for American citizens.

For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions, visit: www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

The Club at River Oaks, 17th Hole www.GolfingMagazine.net

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TRAVEL

What Women Want in Golf Trips On & Off the Fairways

By CLAUDIO DeMARCHI

I

n celebration of Women’s Golf Day on June 1, 2021, the Golfing Magazine would like to highlight a company whose

sole mission is to create memories on and off

the fairways. Women on Fairways, LLC is a golf and lifestyle travel company catering to women golfers.

Meet the ladies behind Women on Fairways…

Ashlee Ciora and Noreen Selberg have known each other since 2010. They worked together, entertained clients, and traveled the world for business promoting and marketing leisure travel to Greater Palm Springs, California. The two loved working together, built a strong friendship over the years and as their careers moved into different executive roles, companies, and locations, they always stayed in touch.

Women on Fairways was born out of a year that faced many challenges as the world had to navigate a new reality in 2020.

Their combined 60 years of working in the tourism and hospitality industry changed.

Ashlee was living in Los Angeles and moved back to Minnesota to be with family and Noreen stayed in La Quinta and spent time with her family.

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Thankfully the golf gods reopened the courses in Minnesota and Ashlee played a lot of golf in the summer and joined the LPGA Amateurs MN Metro Chapter. Her passion for travel and years of experience marketing golf destinations started to develop an idea and the vision of Women on Fairways was introduced.

The two reconnected and joined forces as they realized there was a gap in the market for women-owned golf companies focused on women’s golf trips. They create tailor-made itineraries designed around the experiences not only on the course but off the course for girlfriend’s golf trips, mother/ daughter golf trips, celebration trips, family golf trips, and couples golf trips. This past year has been an amazing year for golf, with millions of rounds, new players, and more women appreciating this newfound love for the game. In the United States alone, over 6 million females took to the golf courses in 2020, an increase of 450,000 junior girls and women playing golf according to the National Golf Federation. Women on Fairways is excited to be part of this trending growth to support women’s golf and be at

Golfing GolfingMagazine Magazine••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition

the forefront of designing trips catering to women golfers that will set them apart from the traditional guys’ golf trips.

Their motto is simple…“you don’t have to be a bucket list or scratch golfer to book with us. We celebrate the days we play golf with our friends…and that’s a great day!”

We asked Ashlee about the thought process of picking destinations with women in mind. “The destination is key in planning a women’s golf trip. The destination has to be easily accessible, safe, nice hotel product from golf resorts to luxury hotels, and offer a variety of activities and things to do.”

Women on Fairways select their destinations because they know them and experienced them first-hand. Ashlee and Noreen have lived primarily on the west coast and have lived, worked and played in Scottsdale, Greater Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, and other west coast cities. But they also have discovered hidden gems in the Midwest states offering some unique women’s golf packages.

They love planning golf trips tied around activities that the group loves to do like wine tours, private culinary tours, art tours, a spa day, or any specific experiences the client has requested. Noreen and Ashlee are wine lovers…especially California Chardonnays so the 19th hole is an important part of the itinerary. Golfing Magazine found out their favorite is Rombauer Chardonnay.

What sets them apart from other golf companies is their years of experience in destination marketing, golf, luxury hotel sales, event planning, and domestic and international travel. Noreen’s background in luxury hotel and golf resort sales and Ashlee’s career in destination and golf marketing makes for a talented duo that holds the designation as a top luxury travel agency for experiential golf travel for women. They understand the importance of customer service, attention to detail, hotel product, and women amenities expected at a golf course. They have a long list of destination, hotel and

golf course relationships that provide their clients access to VIP services and additional amenities only bookable through Women on Fairways. They are an affiliated agency of the luxury travel company, Travel Edge headquartered in Toronto with offices in the United States.

As an exclusive announcement through Golfing Magazine and the Traveling Golfer, Women on Fairways is organizing an escorted women’s golf trip in celebration of their one-

year anniversary tentatively scheduled for November 8-12, 2021. This trip will bring women together in a fun setting, where the sun will shine, the destination will be scenic, golf will be played, the wine will be enjoyed, relaxation is mandatory, and memories will be made. Women on Fairways is planning this exclusive 4-night / 5-day trip for women golfers and will include two rounds of golf, transportation in the destination, a variety of experiences, and some surprises with an option for additional days. Stay tuned for more details, pricing, and booking information in July 2021, or email info@ womenonfairways.com if you are interested.

Ashlee and Noreen would love to connect with you!

Follow Women on Fairways on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @womenonfairways or visit their website at www.womenonfairways. com to sign up for their newsletter. www.GolfingMagazine.net 35

Golf Product Guide Links Drink

For years golfers have looked forward to this cocktail at the turn, or in the clubhouse. Now, Links Drinks has created a ready to drink Transfusion cocktail in a can! Made with Vodka, Ginger Ale and Grape Juice. 7% abv, no preservatives, natural ingredients and gluten free. On the course, beach, boat or bbq at home, you can enjoy this golf tradition anywhere! Sold in “foursome” packs. The perfect gift! Enjoy Life! https://www.LinksDrinks.com https://youtu.be/QmNyg2gYx20

Straight Down Patton Jacket

The Patton Jacket blends textile technology to allow for a range of activities in different climates. It features stretch binding on the side panels to block the wind, and it’s super compactable. Whether you’re golfing, hiking, camping or fishing– this jacket will be perfect to take with you on any adventure you choose.

https://www.straightdown.com/patton-jacket/ https://vimeo.com/555939962

HyperFLX Glove

The new HyperFLX golf glove from FootJoy is Tour-proven, using a super-soft Cabretta leather for the perfect feel and grip in all playing conditions. The breathable mesh along the knuckles creates a cool comfort while increasing moisture control and fit consistency. Shop the #1 Glove in Golf for Dad with the new HyperFLX golf glove.

https://www.footjoy.com/golf-gloves/men/ hyperflx/003HFX.html

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

SIK Putters

SIK putters are crafted for superior feel and better performance using our patented Descending Loft Technology™ and by milling each putter out of a 100% solid block of 303 stainless steel. Our Descending Loft Technology™ will correct for ball position and shaft delivery variance, providing you with consistent launch angles and truer roll. Always delivering proper loft at impact means better distance control, more confidence, and more putts made. .Custom putters from SIK Golf not only ensure individualization, they truly “Change the Way You Roll”. It is a literal game-changer for players and duffers alike. Custom putter fitting is now available at Club Champion locations nationwide. For information or to schedule a fitting visit www.sikgolf.com Click Here for BRYSON DECHAMBEAU ON WHY HE TRUSTS DESCENDING LOFT TECHNOLOGY™

Customized Golf Balls from Golfballs.com Celebrate golf with Customized Golf Balls from the very best brands in golf! Add a name or funny message, upload a personal photo, or improve his game with a custom alignment aid. Choose from top brands such as Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, Bridgestone, Srixon, and many more! Plus, shop a huge selection of golf clubs, shoes, apparel, accessories, and much more. All available at Golfballs.com, the World Leader in Golf Customization. https://www.golfballs.com/ printed?promo=PRINTED&utm_ source=gmagdadgiftguide21&utm_ medium=referral&utm_ campaign=gmagdadgiftguide21&utm_content=printe d&t=gmagdadgiftguide21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmwkrdY5OL0

Premiere Series

Designed in collaboration with several PGA Tour players, The Premiere Series from FootJoy features three new upper designs, inspired by golf shoes of the past but supercharged for today’s game. The Premiere Series is infused with performance innovation, led by the all-new VersaTrax+ outsole. This revolutionary antichanneling pattern is engineered to provide grip for any lie or angle, providing total traction coverage, reducing any slippage.

https://www.footjoy.com/premiere-series.htm

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Golf Product Guide

Vegas Golf The Game New 26 Piece ALL IN Edition !

You will have a blast with you Golf Buddies when you break out the ALL IN “On The Course” game. This exciting game begins with golfers agreeing on a value of the 26 authentic poker chips.

Golfers want the positives & want to avoid the negatives. New Grave Digger chip … takes you more than one shot to get out of the sand trap. Furthest from the pin on a par 3 … gets you the new beer chip, which puts you on the hook for a round when the beer cart comes by. See instructions section for definitions of all chips.

ONLY ONE GAME NEEDED PER FOURSOME !

FREE DELUXE TEE BAG ONLY $39.95! FREE SHIPPING SPECIAL Buy 2 games and get the third for FREE https://www.VegasGolfGame.com

Harry Taylor Golf HT-1000 Laser

https://vegasgolfgame.com/pages/demo-videos

The Most Powerful Laser Rangefinder in Golf Under $200 *1000 Yard Range *Accurate to +/- 1 yard •Slope with On/Off •Rechargeable with Micro-USB •”Flag-lok” visual and vibrating target verification •Weather-proof Comes with a free carrying case! All for only $149 https://www.harrytaylorgolf.com/pages/harrytaylor-range-finders

Orange Whip

THE ORIGINAL #1-RATED GOLF TRAINING AID - Don’t settle for imitations. The Orange Whip has been voted #1 Teaching and Training aid by PGA and LPGA Professionals for a reason: it’s simply the best. Maximize your golf game with our award-winning golf training products and programs.

Improve your golf body and golf swing so you can play better and score better. “

https://orangewhipgolf.com

FLEX XP

The redesigned waterproof FLEX XP delivers enhanced comfort, style and performance on the course, in the clubhouse and beyond, led by the popular VersaTrax spikeless outsole. The multiple traction zones on the outsole maximize golf performance in all conditions and produce exceptional multi-surface grip.

https://www.footjoy.com/golf-shoes/men/spikeless/flexxp/010FLX.html?dwvar_010FLX_color=56273

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

Harry Taylor Golf 405 Wedge

Get out of the sand the first time, every time.

The 405 is impossible to chunk!

Created by legendary golf club designer Harry Taylor. The perfect sand wedge for most weekend golfers.

Super-forgiving wide dimpled sole: The wider sole, with its golf-balllike dimples, is engineered to glide through sand or thick grass easily.

Precision milled face and grooves produce a perfectly flat face and high spin rates.

Soft feeling 303 steel: Softer, higher quality than the traditional 1025 carbon steel forged golf clubs 4 lofts available, right or left handed.

Change ypur wedge game in one swing!

Only $67 or 2 for $124 https://www.harrytaylorgolf.com/pages/1234 https://youtu.be/xiCf-jJopV8

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Rangefinder

Upgrade your game. The new Tour V5 Shift features an integrated BITE magnetic cart mount, PinSeeker with Visual JOLT to further reinforce you have locked onto the flag and not the background clutter, as well as more magnification and better clarity. Most importantly, the Tour V5 Shift features our patented Slope Technology with an updated Slope algorithm to provide golfers the most precise compensated distances in golf. https://www.bushnellGolf.com

Square Strike Wedge Accurate Chipping, Makeable Putts

Chip it close from any lie. The Square Strike Wedge makes chipping easy and accurate. No more complicated set up. Just use your simple straight-back-andthrough putting stroke, and the Square Strike Wedge pops the ball on the green and close to the hole. Leave yourself short putts for more pars and birdies thanks to the Square Strike Wedge. Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. https://www.autopilotgolf.com/lp/squarestrike/ssw45/?a_aid=golfingmag&a_cid=7608c485&data1=golfing-mag-ssw-giftguide

GustBuster Pro Series Gold™ Golf Umbrella

As the number one umbrella for all professional golf tours, this award-winning product makes your time on the green even more pleasant. It fits perfectly in any golf bag, making for easy access when the elements becomes too much to handle. Features a Pinchless Manual Open & Close Release System, Lightweight, Black Fiberglass Frame, Hand-Contoured Rubber Comfort Grip Handle and is Lightning Resisting.

UNFLIPPABLE, UNFLAPPABLE, UNLEAKABLE www.GustBuster.com

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Selecting The Right Ball For You!

S

electing the right golf ball is a critical step toward better golf. Unlike the rest of the equipment being used, the golf ball factors into every shot.

So which ball is best for you?

There are many golf balls in the marketplace and all are being marketed differently.

“This one is soft, this one is hard, this one is long, this one is better for slow swing speeds or high-spin or low trajectory.” In an instant gratification world, it’s understandable why the majority of golfers just grab a sleeve of balls at the course based on the golf staff’s recommendation. Instead, let’s review how Tour professionals test/fit their golf balls: Start on the Putting Green Elite players all start on the putting green. Start by bouncing a few different types of golf balls off the face of your putter.

By doing so, you will feel/hear how soft each one is. Today, there are a lot of 2-piece balls that are actually made softer than tour balls.

A Tour-caliber ball with a thin cast urethane cover will be quieter and softer. It’s important to choose a ball that sounds & feels right. After all, more than 30 percent of your strokes will come off the putter face.

The Recovery Zone (Inside 40 Yards) I call this the “recovery zone,” because if a golfer is off the green 40 yards and using a wedge, he/she has missed the green in regulation and now needs to recover by getting up and down for par. Since an average 15-handicap golfer only hits about four greens per round, a lot of time should be spent in this zone when testing balls. Using the club you prefer on short pitch shots, hit a series of small chips and flops to evaluate the ball’s behavior. Did the ball stop immediately? Bounce once and check? Run out?

This can be an arduous process, but will be one of the biggest determining factors in choosing the ball right for you.

The Scoring Zone (Inside 100 Yards) This is the distance where players are

the most accurate. It is also where performance differs from ball-to-ball. In my experience with Tour pros and average players, the better player will spin the ball with their wedges twice as much and as a result, are able to zip the ball backward. Having a ball that will stop faster and reduce roll out may eliminate additional strokes. As a general rule, if the ball is settling near the pitch mark (and not running out), it is a good fit.

Approach Shots (Inside 165 Yards) The final step in finding the right golf ball is with mid and long irons shots to test the ball’s performance into a headwind. Which ball travels at the highest peak trajectory? If a ball is consistency shorter, it may be spinning too much.

Off The Tee All golf balls today travel the same distance, so I don’t advocate ball fitting with a driver. The proper loft, shaft selection and strength are the best ways to add extra distance!

Golf Balls - Premium OnCore Golf Vero X1

39.99 www.OnCoreGolf.com Using a proprietary formulation and manufacturing process, along with a high modulus, metal-infused mantle, the Vero X1 features enhanced perimeter-weighting that results in the highest allowable velocity off the clubface and superb distance. Incorporating a nano-engineered transition layer to manage the interface between the mantle and a thin cast urethane cover, the Vero X1 delivers spin, control, and feel. The Vero X1 promises to take even the best golfer’s game to an entirely new level.

WHAT WE LIKE: Perimeter weighting gives you stability in flight, super velocity off the clubface.

OnCore Golf ELIXR

39.99 www.OnCoreGolf.com The ball has an innovative core composition delivers the highest initial velocity permitted by the USGA (99.84 percent of the allowable limit). Perimeter weighting allows for tight shot dispersion off the tee and on the fairway, and outstanding back spin for great control around the green. The ball has high initial velocity combined with perimeter weighting for accuracy and the longest, straightest shots possible. And low driver spin and an optimal launch angle yields extreme distance and control off the tee.

WHAT WE LIKE: Perimeter weighting gives you a tight shot dispersion, exceptional feel around green.

Titleist Pro V1

$50 www.Titleist.com The V1 offers total performance and features longer distance, very low long game spin, penetrating flight, even more Drop-and-Stop greenside control and a softer feel. Features include a soft cast urethane elastomer cover system, a fast low-spin casing layer, a reformulated 2.0 ZG process core and a new spherically-tiled 388 tetrahedral dimple design. Benefits of the ball include longer distance with consistent flight, very low long game spin and a penetrating trajectory, increased dropand-stop short game control, and a softer feel or chips and putts.

What We Like: The classic “player’s” ball, offering both distance and control.

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

Titleist Pro V1x

$50 www.Titleist.com The Pro V1x offers total performance and features longer distance, high trajectory, low long game spin, increased Drop-and-Stop greenside control and softer feel.

The ball is designed to provide longer distance with consistent flight, low long game spin and a high trajectory, increased short game control and a softer feel around and on the greens. There’s a softer cast urethane elastomer cover system, a faster lowspin casing layer, a reformulated 2.0 ZG process dual core and a new spherically-tiled 348 tetrahedral dimple design.

WHAT WE LIKE: Superb all-around ball for the better player, distance isn’t sacrificed for feel.

Titleist AVX

$50 www.Titleist.com The AVX offers golfers an alternative to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in the premium performance segment with unmatched Titleist quality and consistency. The AVX delivers excellent scoring control for golfers who prioritize distance and an extremely soft feel with a piercing, low ball flight. The ball provides long distance, excellent greenside spin and control, a very soft feel and a very low long game and iron spin. The ball features a large core formulation, a high-flex casing layer, a thin cast urethane elastomer cover system and a unique spherically-tiled 352 catenary dimple design.

WHAT WE LIKE: Great alternative to the Pro V lines, distance and a very soft feel for short shots and putts.

Volvik S3 White

$44.99 www.Volvik.com The S3 White promises Tour-like performance and pinpoint accuracy and produces maximum distance for swing speeds 85 to 105 miles an hour. The ball offers low driver spin and high wedge spin thanks to a unique three-piece oversized BISMUTH mixed core construction. There’s a patented VU-X urethane cover for outstanding durability and increased spin control. Consistent and stable ball flight results from a patented 336 dimple design.

WHAT WE LIKE: Players with a broad range of swing speeds can benefit from the ball.

Volvik S4

$44.99 www.Volvik.com The S4 provides Tour-like performance and pinpoint accuracy to a wide range of golfers.

The S4 generates maximum distance for swing speeds between 95 and 120 miles an hour. It offers low driver spin and a high wedge spin. Explosive distance and energy transfer is generated by a four-piece BISMUTH dual core technology. A patented VU-X urethane cover offers outstanding durability and increased spin control. The ball has a 95 compression and a patented 336 dimple design results in stable and consistent ball flight. The ball comes with spade, diamond, heart, and clover ball insignias.

WHAT WE LIKE: Golfers with a wide swing speed can benefit from the ball, very durable.

Volvik XT AMT

$34.99 www.Volvik.com The XT AMT employs advanced material technology to create a ball that offers enhanced distance and more accurate ball flight generated by a dual power core. A matte finish delivers optimized soft feel and greenside spin, and extreme accuracy is delivered with a 360-degree alignment system. A patented seamless dimple design produces improved ball flight stability to keep shots from the tee and fairway on line and headed toward the intended target.

WHAT WE LIKE: A 360-degree alignment system promotes stable ball flight.

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Golf Balls - Performance Bridgestone e12 Contact

29.95 www.BridgestoneGolf.com The e12 Contact is straight distance you can see. A true game-changer is a new Contact Force dimple, which features a unique structure with a raised area in the center and an outer portion that slows horizontal rotation during flight. The raised area allows for 38 percent more contact with the clubface at impact than traditional dimples, yielding a much more efficient transfer of energy and improved core activation. The result is faster ball speed and straight distance with every club in the bag. The ball is available in white, matte green, matte red, and matte yellow colors.

WHAT WE LIKE: Raised areas on the ball face gives you extra pop.

Bridgestone e6

$24.99 www.BridgestoneGolf.com.

The e6 promises soft feel and long distance. The reformulated e6 is designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds seeking maximum distance on all shots. The ball has the heritage of e6 in a construction that is now easier to compress thanks to a larger and softer core. A new two-piece construction with low compression core is designed for high ball speed while maintaining soft feel. The ball is available in white and optic yellow.

WHAT WE LIKE: A ball made for golfers with moderate swing speeds.

Titleist Tour Soft

$34.99 www.Titleist.com The Tour Soft is designed to deliver soft feel with plenty of distance off the tee, and replaces the NXT Tour and NXT Tour S in the company’s lineup. The Tour Soft was designed to feel significantly softer at impact than the NXT balls, while still delivering distance off the tee and surprising amounts of short game control. The Tour Soft features a large core that measures 1.6 inches in diameter to ensure greater speed off the clubface and longer distance.

WHAT WE LIKE: Soft feel around the greens with excellent distance off the tee.

Titleist Tour Speed

$34.99 www.Titleist.com The Tour Soft is designed to deliver soft feel with plenty of distance off the tee, and replaces the NXT Tour and NXT Tour S in the company’s lineup. The Tour Soft was designed to feel significantly softer at impact than the NXT balls, while still delivering distance off the tee and surprising amounts of short game control. The Tour Soft features a large core that measures 1.6 inches in diameter to ensure greater speed off the clubface and longer distance.

WHAT WE LIKE: Large core delivers great speed off the clubface for distance, soft feel around the greens.

Titleist Velocity

$27.99 www.Titleist.com The Velocity’s two-piece ball construction features the patented LSX core technology that the company claims to be the “the fastest solid core” of any golf ball on the market.

With this core, initial velocity is increased allowing for better distance. Additionally, a 328 spherically-tiled tetrahedral dimple design reduce the ball’s drag while in the air, allowing for high flight and long carry. The Velocity is also an ideal choice for around and on the green, as it has superb feel.

WHAT WE LIKE: Great distance off the tee without sacrificing feel.

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

Titleist TruFeel

$22.99 www.Titleist.com The TruFeel is the softest Titleist golf ball with low spin for long distance along with excellent control into and around the green. A proprietary TruFlex cover is designed for excellent control on your short shots to help you play better, score lower and enjoy the game. The aerodynamics of the TruFeel have been enhanced to maximize flight to allow for more distance off the tee and on approach shots to the greens. This is a ball for the player looking for all-around performance.

WHAT WE LIKE: Excellent and approach shots to green, good all-round performance.

Volvik Vivid $32.99 www.Volvik.com

The Vivid features maximum spin off the driver, along with a high launch angle and more distance driven by the company’s Nano Bi High Energy Resilient Core. The ball’s patented matte finish and vibrant colors minimizes glare on the surface and promotes concentration and improved ball striking. Vivid colors were also developed to improve increased visibility in flight. The V•A•S (Volvik Alignment System) was created as a visual key off the tee and on the green.

WHAT WE LIKE: Great spin off the driver for more distance, VAS alignment system a plus.

Volvik Soiice

$34.99 www.Volvik.com The high launch, low spin, and enhanced distance of the Solice are generated by Volvik’s Nano Bi High Energy Resilient Core. The ball offers improved greenside control with consistent spin from a soft V-HPF mantle Volvik’s unique high gloss metallic coating increases ball flight visibility and durability. There’s a patented 322 dimple design that helps the ball deliver flight consistency and exceptional distance.

WHAT WE LIKE: A high launch and low spin rate results in enhanced distance off the tee.

Volvik XT

$37.99 wwwVolvik.com The XT is a three-piece ball with a urethane cover and a soft compression for explosive distance off the tee. The ball also produces accurate greenside control with its VU-X urethane cover; a cube octahedron dimple design provides ball flight stability; a VU-X urethane cover maximizes feel and shot shaping control; and the V•A•S (Volvik Alignment System) was created as a visual key off the tee and on the green. The ball comes in multiple colors to fit the eye of every golfer.

WHAT WE LIKE: Superior distance and great feel is a winning combination.

Volvik Crystal $24.99 www.Volvik.com

The Crystal offers maximum visibility thanks to its bright colors and semi-transparent cover. Extreme distance is provided by a highly resilient soft power core. Stable and consistent ball flight comes from an innovative aerodynamic technology.

Longer distance and superior control, consistent and accurate control on approach shots and putts is a result of the ball’s soft and comfortable feel on all shots.

WHAT WE LIKE: Bright colors help the golfer focus on each shot.

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Golf Balls - Recreational OnCore Golf Avant

19.95 www.OnCoreGolf.com The Avant 55 features a large soft inner core for added perimeter weighting and straighter, longer shots off the tee. He ball has an ideal balance of flight and control. A soft surlyn cover with 392 dimple pattern offers optimal trajectory and playability. SoftCell technology achieves an ultra low 55 compression. A high coefficient of restitution (COR) core generates maximum ball velocity. The ball is ideal for moderate swing speeds. A two-piece construction allows for high launching wedge shots and a very soft feel around the greens and off the putter face.

WHAT WE LIKE: Optimal ball flight and control in one golf ball. .

Snell Get Sum Golf Balls

www.SnellGolf.com $20.99 The Snell Get Sum golf ball is a high performance, two-piece ball that offers excellent feel and control. A large, soft low compression core allows for very low spin rates, which increases distance and creates less hooks and slices. The cover is constructed of a thin, soft Surlyn for a soft feel, and works in conjunction with the golf ball’s core to help players get the ball in the air easier and reduce spin rates for straighter shots from tee to green.

WHAT WE LIKE: Soft feel provides excellent control on short shots and putts.

Volvik Power Soft

$19.99 www.Volvik.com The Power Soft gives players explosive speed and a softer feel, a best of both worlds scenario. An oversized power core results in that explosive ball speed and outstanding driver performance with reduced spin rates and a mid-high launch angle. A super soft ionomer cover gives you greenside control. Excellent visibility when over the ball and when it is in the air is the result of five glossy color options.

WHAT WE LIKE: A ball that provides both superior ball speed off the clubface and feel around and on the greens.

Volvik Vimax Soft

$19.99 www.Volvik.com The Vimax Soft features high visibility thanks to a matte finish, as well as superior distance and a soft feel, all in one ball. A high energy soft core with soft feel and fast initial ball speed helps produce superior driver distance thanks to the resulting low spin and high launch. You will find yourself with improved focus because of outstanding visibility from the matte colors.

Optimal ball flight and excellent flight stability is generated by an Icosahedron dimple design.

WHAT WE LIKE: A soft core promotes super feel off wedges and the putter.

44

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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