NH Golf Magazine Summer 2016

Laconia Country Club: A Closer Look at the State Amateur Tournament Host

Dinner of Champions: Granite State Greats Honored at Annual NHGA Gathering Greater New England Golf Expo: Region’s Newest, Biggest Golf Show Debuts

First Tee of NH: The Coaches Helping to Grow the Youth Game

COVER PHOTO: AMY DONLE

Laconia Country Club Head Golf Pro Todd Rollins surveys the course in preparation for this year’s State Amateur Tournament.

Member Course Directory Inside 2016 Edition

Woods, irons & Hybrid Fitting Putter Fitting PUTT LIKE A PRO

Wedge Fitting

present this ad & save

●

your putter is used twice as much as any other club in your bag. your putting counts for 42% of your score.

●

does your putter match your stroke?

●

the average amateur golfer takes 1 putting lesson every 4 years. tour Pros take multiple putting lessons with a putting coach.

●

the average amateur buys 2 putters a year!!

Why not buy one that fits you and your stroke.

Top 4 Key Elements to be a Great Putter 1. Alignment 2. distance control 3. Professionally fit putter to match your stroke 4. repeatable Putting Mechanics

$25.00

Ken Collins named by Golf Digest’s “List of America’s 100 best Clubfitters”

off a fitting analysis!

603-623-7876

www.kustomclubs.com

Kustom Clubs Fitting Center 726 E. Industrial Pk. Dr. #6 Manchester, NH 03109-5600

NH GOLF 2016 Edition

F E AT U R E S FEATURES 14 A Lakes Region Gem

Laconia Country Club to Host 2016 Amateur Championship

18 Taking the Game Indoors

First-Ever Expo Draws Golfers to Queen City

DDERARTMENTS E PA R T M E N T S 2 Letter from the Executive Director 4 Letter from the President 5 NHGA Tournament Schedule 6 The Golfing Life NH Golf News of Note

24 The Champions Dinner

NHGA Honors Achievements, Milestones, Relationships

28 Growing the Game

26 What the Pro Knows

Dialing In Shots That Require Less Than Full Swings

30 Member Club Listings

Meet the Leaders of the First Tee of NH

32 Parting Shot

PHOTO BY KAREN BACHELDER

Scene From the Course

Expo draws golfers to the Queen City.

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on . o rg | 1

FIRST OFF LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Excitement Abounds in 2016 I’d like to officially welcome all New Hampshire golfers to the 2016 season and our newest edition of NH Golf Magazine. A mild winter allowed many of our golf courses to open early and we hope that the excitement for an early start to the season will mean great things for the remainder of the summer. Your state golf association has been hard at work preparing for what we think is going to be our best year ever.

Over the past two years, we have worked very hard to lay a foundation that would allow us to grow and reach more of the golfing community around New Hampshire. With that strong foundation now in place, we have been able to increase our tournament offerings, make it easier than ever to become a member of the NHGA, and enhance the benefits that come with being a member of our association.

This year, we will see three new events added to the schedule with our Club Team Championship, Senior Match Play Championship, and Mid-Am/Senior Four Ball Championship all being very well received thus far. We also have a fantastic slate of Tournament Series tournaments open to anyone with an active GHIN handicap.

Wentworth by the Sea CC, Portsmouth CC, Sky Meadow CC, and Concord CC are all top notch facilities and will give all of our members a chance to come out and play with the NHGA. We were excited to roll out online memberships in 2015 and will do so again this year. New members can now join the NHGA directly through our website and will be entitled to all the great benefits that come along with supporting your state golf association. In addition to your copy of NH Golf Magazine, members are eligible to participate in our events and will receive an NHGA Member Card which entitles them to $10 off the cost of two entrees at any T-Bones or Cactus Jack’s location across the state. Current members can pick up a new member card at their home club. We will continue to work with our partners to provide special deals designed specifically for our members. We’re confident that there has never been a better time to join the NHGA. We remain committed to growing the game and our junior golf program has continued to flourish with the help of our friends at Adaptive Communications. We have added events to the schedule, including a scramble event in August. Membership in our tour is $25 and each player will receive a towel, bag tag, and sleeve of golf balls. The tour is open to kids as young as ten and single event entry fees start at just $10. The NHGA is also very excited to be assisting with the administration of the NHIAA state finals this fall. In addition to running the state tournaments, we will be conducting Rules of Golf clinics for high school players, coaches, and parents. We’re very appreciative of the NHIAA for allowing the NHGA to become more involved with high school golf within New Hampshire.

If you have any questions about the NHGA, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of our professional staff. We wish you nothing but the best for the remainder of 2016 and hope to see you out on the course soon.

Matt Schmidt, Executive Director New Hampshire Golf Association 2 | NH GOLF

New Hampshire Golf Association 56 South State Street, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 219-0371 nhgolfassociation.org

NHGA Officers Joseph Kane – President Glenn Walton – Vice President Pat Spooner – Secretary Dan Ethier – Treasurer Bill Krueger – Past President Ron Blythe Joanne Flynn, PGA Dave Friel Michael Hall Jim Jankowski Scott Peters Craig Steckowych

NHGA Staff E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R

Matt Schmidt TO U R N A M E N T D I R E C TO R

Greg Howell D I R E C TO R O F CO M M U N I C AT I O N S AND MEMBER SERVICES

Kate Kellar

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Sharron R. McCarthy A R T D I R E C TO R

John R. Goodwin M A N A G I N G E D I TO R

Bill Burke

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Jodie Hall

PROOFREADER

Liisa Rajala

ADVERTISING SALES

Connie Audet: (603) 413-5142 Josh Auger: (603) 413-5144 Talman Hauch: (603) 413-5145 Jenna Pelech: (603) 413-5141 Ronnie Schlender: (603) 413-5150 BILLING INQUIRIES

Mista McDonnell: (603) 413-5144 NH Golf is a publication of the New Hampshire Golf Association and distributed at member golf clubs throughout the state. NH Golf is published once a year

by McLean Communications, Inc., 150 Dow St., Manchester, N.H. 03101, 603-624-1442.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. © 2016 McLean Communications, Inc. 201 6 E D I T I O N

PLAYER’S LETTER FROM PRIVATE THE COACH PRESIDENT

Dear Members of the New Hampshire Golf Community: As we approach the 2016 golf season, I’d like take a moment to reflect on the season just past. Through the diligence and hard work of our professional staff we have made the several important strides in our quest to improve golf in New Hampshire.

The 2015 season was a great success for the NHGA as we saw our membership numbers grow and we engaged more golfers across the state than ever before. We want to sincerely thank all of you that have continued to support the NHGA

all of our NHGA events. Greg has worked to expand our tournament programs and you will find three new events on the schedule this year. In addition to our Tournament Series events, our new tournaments offer a playing opportunity to all golfers, regardless of your handicap. We encourage you to check out the schedule and join us on the course this year.

Greg’s promotion follows the resignation this past October of longtime Tournament Director, John Jelly. John was a tremendous asset to the NHGA over the years and while we will miss his on-course presence this season, we are pleased

and in particular, those of you that have volunteered your time to help our organization. Our dedicated volunteers serve many capacities including at our events, our course rating team, and our Board of Directors. We encourage those of you interested in learning more about the NHGA to contact our office and get more involved.

We’re excited to add three new sponsors this year in Audi of Nashua, Bushnell Golf and Willem Verweij Physical Therapy. They join Adaptive Communications, Golf & Ski Warehouse and Great NH Restaurants who have once again pledged their support to the NHGA. All of these companies have shown a commitment to see the NHGA expand our reach and grow the game throughout our great state. As we continue our growth, we look forward to engaging with more dedicated partners who share our goal of promoting and expanding golf.

In February, we were excited to add Kate Kellar to our staff as Director of Communications & Member Services.

Kate spent two years as the USGA PJ Boatwright intern for the Vermont Golf Association and she came highly recommended from our friends at the VGA. Kate fills the role that Greg Howell had previously held. Greg, as newly appointed Tournament Director for the NHGA, will now be running

to report that he is happily enjoying life in Florida.

We certainly owe our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Matt and his staff for a job well done in the continued development of the New Hampshire Golf Association and our efforts to enhance, foster, and promote golf, with a special commitment to the promotion and growth of Junior Golf.

While reflecting on New Hampshire golf in 2015 another thought came to mind; “What a wonderful game we play.”

We’re fortunate enough to be able to watch our golf heroes on TV every week and we marvel as a new generation of young players shepherd the game into a new millennium.

Golf has the unique ability to allow us to play into an advanced age when our skills in other sports may have passed us by. More importantly, we get to share the experiences of father’s verses sons and daughters, mother’s verses daughters and sons, and grandparents and grandchildren on a field where there is keen competition and a shared love of our game.

Yes, what a wonderful game we play indeed.

We look forward to serving our members, member clubs, and all New Hampshire golfers this season and hope to see all of you out on the course in 2016.

Regards,

Joseph Kane President, New Hampshire Golf Association

4 | NH GOLF

201 6 E D I T I O N

LEADERBOARD NHGA TOURNAMENT LISTINGS SCHEDULE May 7

July 11 – 16

September 11

May 14

July 27 – 29

September 19

May 15

August 2

September 29 – October 1

June 4 – 5

August 8 – 10

October 13

June 11 – 12

August 29 – 31

October 15 – 16

September 6 - 7

October 30

2016 Tournament Series at Wentworth Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, Rye 2016 Club Team Championship Green Meadow Golf Club, Hudson 2016 Spring Four-Ball Amherst Country Club, Amherst 2016 Players Invitational Baker Hill Golf Club, Newbury 2016 Four-Ball Championship Rochester Country Club, Rochester; and Owl’s Nest Resort and Golf Club, Thornton

June 27 – 29

2016 Junior Championship Concord Country Club, Concord

2016 New Hampshire Amateur Championship Laconia Country Club, Laconia 2016 New Hampshire Open Owl’s Nest Resort and Golf Club, Thornton 2016 Parent-Child Championship Derryfield Country Club, Manchester

2016 Tournament Series at Sky Meadow Sky Meadow Country Club, Nashua 2016 Mid-Amateur Championship Lake Sunapee Country Club, New London

2016 Stroke Play Championship Beaver Meadow Golf Course, Concord

2016 Tournament Series at Portsmouth Portsmouth Country Club, Portsmouth

2016 Senior Match Play Championship Country Club of New Hampshire, North Sutton 2016 Senior Championship Montcalm Golf Club, Lebanon

2016 Fall Four-Ball Ridgewood Country Club, Moultonborough

2016 Senior/Mid-Amateur Four-Ball Stonebridge Country Club, Goffstown 2016 Tournament Series at Concord Concord Country Club, Concord

LEADERBOARD ADAPTIVE COMMUNICATIONS LISTINGS JUNIOR TOUR SCHEDULE June 30

July 20

July 25

July 6

July 20

August 3

July 8

July 21

August 4

July 18

July 22

August 8

July 18

July 25

2016 Hoodkroft Junior Open Hoodkroft Country Club, Derry 2016 Birdie at Ponemah Green Ponemah Green, Amherst 2016 Birdie at Dublin Lake Dublin Lake Club, Dublin 2016 Birdie at Countryside Countryside Golf Club, Dunbarton 2016 Eagle at Derryfield Derryfield Country Club, Manchester

2016 Birdie at Atkinson Atkinson Country Club Par 3, Atkinson 2016 Eagle at Pease Pease Golf Course, Portsmouth 2016 Eagle at Nippo Lake Nippo Lake Golf Course, Barrington 2016 Birdie at Pine Grove Springs Pine Grove Springs Golf Course, Spofford 2016 Birdie at Rockingham Rockingham Country Club, Newmarket

2016 Eagle at Eastman Eastman Golf Links, Grantham 2016 Junior Tour Scramble The Shattuck Golf Club, Jaffrey 2016 Eagle at Ridgewood Ridgewood Country Club, Moultonborough 2016 Birdie at Farmington Farmington Country Club, Farmington Adaptive Communications is the title sponsor of the NHGA Junior Golf Tour in 2016

Chase Dembisky tees off in the 2013 NH State Am. Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on . o rg | 5

THE GOLFING LIFE

NHGA News and Notes Howell Named Tournament Director The New Hampshire Golf Association (NHGA) is happy to announce that Greg Howell has been promoted to the position of tournament director, effective October 1, 2015.

Howell previously served as the USGA PJ Boatwright intern for the NHGA for two seasons, before being added to the staff in a full-time capacity last fall. Howell will take the spot vacated by long-time tournament director John Jelley, who resigned last October. Executive Director Matt Schmidt felt that Howell’s previous experience with the NHGA made him a logical choice to replace Jelley.

“Greg was a natural fit for the tournament director position with John’s departure,” Schmidt said. “He’s been with us for three seasons now and understands not only how important our tournament programs are but also the workload that he’ll inherit. He is also well aware that the shoes he is filling are very big, but we feel that he is more than capable of continuing our tradition of running excellent events. He’s also eager to see our tournament programs grow and reach more players around New Hampshire. I’ve been thrilled with his enthusiasm for the job.”

Howell, 23, is a native of Sandwich, MA and is a 2014 graduate of Southern New Hampshire University where he majored in Sport Management.

“I am incredibly excited for this new chapter in my professional career with the association,” Howell said. “Over the past three years I’ve had the opportunity to work at tournaments with John, who is undoubtedly one of the best in tournament administration. He is someone that I have admired professionally since meeting him and I understand better than anybody that taking over for him is no small task,” Howell said. “I can’t wait to get started and sustain the great relationships I have built with our members and member clubs over the past three summers.”

Howell’s first season in charge will began with the NHGA Tournament Series event at Wentworth by the Sea CC on May 7th. He currently resides in Bedford.

Steckowych Leads Portsmouth Team to Club Team Title By the time a winner was crowned at the first-ever New Hampshire Golf Association’s Club Team Championship in May, participants saw two holes-in-one and some top-notch play. In the end, however, it was the Portsmouth Country Club team of Craig Steckowych, Peter Keilty, Andrew Hebert and Chris Kelloway who took the top spot.

The Club Team Championship, with a format of two best balls of the four-man team, was held on the Jungle Course at the Green Meadow Country Club in Hudson with 28 teams competing. The Portsmouth team finished its round with a score of 133 – 11 under par. Steckowych led the way with six birdies, shooting a 69 on his own ball, followed close behind by teammate Hebert with a 72 on his own ball.

Two notable accomplishments in the round were a hole-in-one on the eighth hole for Golf Club of New England member Brett Wilson and a hole-in-one on the fourth hole for Jay Cohen from Bushwood Country Club. The Golf Club of New England team of Wilson, Daniel Mulkern, Patrick Rahn, and Nick Hampoian finished its round with a 10 under par 134. Wilson also shot a 69 on his own ball.

The Net Division champion was the team from Manchester Country Club of Mark Thompson, Kevin Doherty, David Prothro, and Richard Sherman with a net score of 127 – 17 under par.

NHGA to Allow Distance Measuring Devices on Junior Tour The NHGA will adopt the note under Rule 14-3, which permits the committee to allow the use of distance measuring devices at all Adaptive Communications Junior Tour Events, effective immediately.

The policy change aligns the Junior Tour with NHGA Championships which allow Distance Measuring Devices provided that the device measures distance only.

“We are excited to introduce the use of rangefinders into all junior events in 2016,” NHGA Tournament Director Greg Howell said. “Our Junior Championship adopted the change in 2014 and we feel it is time to make the change for our Junior Tour as well. At this point, studies have found that the use of rangefinders has not had any significant impact on pace of play. The reality is golf is played with distance measuring devices now and our Junior Tour players should not be prohibited from using them.”

Some devices will not be allowed in NHGA Junior Tour events. If the device has the ability to measure other conditions that may assist the player such as slope, wind, or club selection the use of said device would be a breach of Rule 14-3. The penalty for a breach of 14-3 is a two stroke penalty, and a subsequent breach is disqualification. For more information on the use of distance measuring devices on the Adaptive Communications Junior Tour, please contact Greg Howell at greg@nhgolf.com.

6 | NH GOLF

201 6 E D I T I O N

NHGOLF

B r e tto nWo o d s .co m • 6 0 3 -2 7 8 -GO L F (4 6 5 3 )

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on . o rg | 7

THE GOLFING LIFE

And Now a Word From Our Sponsors...

Adaptive Communications to Sponsor Tour Again in 2016 Adaptive Communications will continue to be the title sponsor of the New Hampshire Junior Golf Tour in 2016. The tour will also have a different structure beginning in 2016: The NHGA will now offer a Junior Tour Membership to players who wish to play in Junior Tour events in 2016, with members receiving a personalized bag tag, golf towel and Titleist ProV1 golf balls. Membership will cost just $25 for the season. Junior Tour members will also be eligible for MembersOnly events such as NHGA rules clinics and College Golf Advising Roundtables. Adaptive Communications will also be providing a $1,000 college scholarship to a member of the Junior Tour.

NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt had this to say about the renewed relationship with Adaptive: “We couldn’t be happier with the support that we received from Steve Thorpe and the entire team at Adaptive in 2015, which made continuing our relationship with them in 2016 so exciting. The addition of the Adaptive Communications NHGA Junior Golf Tour Scholarship is a testament to how deeply Adaptive cares about seeing the game of golf make an impact on the lives of young people across our state.”

NHGA Tournament Director Greg Howell announced the new structure.

“Over the past three years I have made it one of my biggest priorities to make the Adaptive Communications Junior Tour the best place for New Hampshire junior golfers to play golf,” Howell said. “Each year we have taken great strides towards that goal, and I think our membership structure will help us continue our efforts to increase the validity of the tour.”

Since 2013 the Junior Tour has grown from 13 tournaments and 480 rounds of golf to 18 tournaments and more than 560 rounds of golf in 2015.

“Our Goal in 2016 is to see over 650 rounds of golf on the Junior Tour, and we have added variety to our schedule to get the tour to that goal” Howell said.

In 2016 the Junior Tour will branch out from strictly stroke-play individual tournaments with at least one of each a scramble and Four-Ball tournament to add variety to the schedule.

Golf & Ski Warehouse Renews Sponsorship with NHGA The New Hampshire Golf Association is pleased to announce that Golf & Ski Warehouse will once again sponsor the Junior and Tournament Series Player of the Year point lists. Golf & Ski Warehouse has been a proud supporter of the NHGA for many years and continues to show their commitment to the growth of the game.

NHGA Executive Director, Matt Schmidt was excited to be announcing another year of the NHGA/Golf & Ski relationship.

“Since I began my time with the NHGA, Golf & Ski has shown that they are truly invested in helping the game of golf to grow throughout New Hampshire,” Schmidt said. “We value not only their partnership but their willingness to support our initiatives in any capacity. They have been and continue to be great friends of the NHGA and the game.”

Founder and President of Golf & Ski Warehouse, Scott Peters, also commented on the continued relationship.

“Growing the game through junior golf has always been a goal of ours,” Scott Peters said. “We have been fortunate enough to be a part of it in the past and are thrilled to continue to be supporting golf in New Hampshire.”

Any golfer who participates in at least one Adaptive Communications Junior Tour event or NHGA Tournament Series event is automatically entered into the respective Player of the Year point race. Golf & Ski Warehouse will provide gift cards for the Junior Players of the Year and the top-10 players on the NHGA Tournament Series point list.

8 | NH GOLF

Bushnell Golf Begins Sponsorship with NHGA Bushnell Golf has joined the NHGA as a sponsor for the 2016 season. The NHGA is happy to have the support of a company like Bushnell that is working to further the game of golf through its technological innovations.

“Bushnell Golf has cemented themselves as a leader in GPS rangefinders,” NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt said. “The NHGA is thrilled to begin a relationship with Bushnell. Their products will allow us to enhance our tournament programs and provide an even better playing experience to our players.”

Schmidt has been working with Golf Channel National Sales Representative, Ryne Fisher, who said: “Bushnell Golf is thrilled to be partnering with the New Hampshire Golf Association to become the Official Laser Rangefinder of the NHGA. The history of the NHGA is tremendous, and we are excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization.”

201 6 E D I T I O N

Audi of Nashua to Sponsor 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship The New Hampshire Golf Association is excited to announce that Audi of Nashua will be sponsoring the 2016 New Hampshire Amateur Championship. The tournament, now in its 113th year, will be played at Laconia Country Club from July 11-16. This year will mark the seventh time that Laconia Country Club has hosted this championship event.

“For the past two years, the NHGA has been looking for highly dedicated and respected New Hampshire-based companies to partner with,” NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt said. “One name that continued to pop up was Audi of Nashua. After having a chance to meet with Larry Bedell we found that the synergistic opportunities which existed between the NHGA and Audi of Nashua were limitless. The State Amateur is the gold standard for amateur golf tournaments in New Hampshire and we are so pleased to have Audi of Nashua’s support for our signature event.”

“Audi of Nashua is proud to be the sponsor of the 113th 2016 New Hampshire Amateur Championship,” Audi of Nashua Chief Operating Officer Larry Bedell said. “Like the elite players in this field,

Audi of Nashua prides itself on hard work, integrity and honest competition, and I think it is a natural fit to pair up with this prestigious event.”

The New Hampshire Amateur Championship showcasing the top amateur golfers from around New Hampshire. Eight 18-hole pre-qualifiers will be held in advance of the Championship proper.

Players advancing from the pre-qualifiers, plus all exempt players will compete in 36-holes of stroke play qualifying at Laconia Country Club beginning July 11. The low 64 players will then move on to the match play rounds, beginning July 13 with the 36-hole Championship match being held on Saturday, July 16. Registration for the 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship opened on February 1st. The competition is open to players with an active NHGA GHIN handicap not exceeding 12.0.

William Verweij & Associates Physical Therapy Sponsoring Two NHGA Events

Great NH Restaurants Deal is Back with New NHGA Member Cards

Willem Verweij & Associates Physical Therapy, of Rochester, will sponsor the 2016 Four Ball Championship being held at Rochester Country Club on June 11, Owl’s Nest Golf Club on June 12, and the Tournament Series event at Portsmouth Country Club on October 13. The New Hampshire Golf Association is excited to welcome them aboard as a sponsor in the 2016 tournament season.

“After having a chance to meet with representatives from Willem Verweij it was clear that there was a natural fit for our two organizations,” NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt said. “The importance of golf fitness is now more evident than ever, and having a TPItrained staff member in Ryan Hubbard presents a very attractive opportunity for our members. I’m confident that this will be a long and fruitful relationship for both the NHGA and Willem Verweij.”

Ryan Hubbard, PT, DPT, TPI Certified with Willem Verweij & Associates Physical Therapy said: “Willem Verweij and Associates Physical Therapy is very excited to be working with the NHGA in sponsoring the 2016 Four-Ball Championship and 2016 Tournament Series at Portsmouth. We look forward to serving the New Hampshire golf community in a time in which fitness and injury prevention are emerging as the standard for golf performance. We hope to continue to develop our relationship with the NHGA to support their community of golfers whom have shown their talent, passion, and enthusiasm for the game.”

The Four Ball Championship is a two-day, 36-hole event, held on June 11 and June 12, with both gross and net divisions.

The Tournament Series event at Portsmouth Country Club will be held October 13 and is open to players of all skill levels that have an active, GHIN handicap at a New Hampshire club.

The NHGA is pleased to announce the continuation of its relationship with the Great NH Restaurants Group in providing a discount to all current and future NHGA members at any T-BONES or Cactus Jack’s restaurants in New Hampshire.

This year, NHGA members can present the new Membership Card to get a discount of $10 off the purchase of two entrees, which is an increase from last year.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with NHGA and its members,” said Great NH Restaurants Marketing Manager Nicole Barreira. “There are so many beautiful golf courses throughout our great state, many of which are located near our Copper Door, T-BONES, & CJ’s locations. We enjoy offering the food and beverage discount to the players and look forward to a beautiful and tasty New Hampshire summer!”

The NHGA and Great NH Restaurants Group feels this relationship has been beneficial both for NHGA member golfers as well as their restaurants. “We were delighted to hear how many of our members took advantage of this benefit last year and we are very appreciative of Great NH being open to increasing the deal to our members,” NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt said. “We are constantly looking for ways to increase the value to an NHGA membership and continuing our relationship with Great NH allows us to do that. This is truly a win-win.”

NHGA members can obtain the card by picking it up at their home club this spring. Anyone who is not yet an NHGA member can join by maintaining a GHIN handicap at an NHGA member facility. New members can visit any of our member clubs or can join the NHGA online for just $50 per season by visiting nhgolfassociation. org/join.html.

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on . o rg | 9

THE GOLFING LIFE

More NHGA News Manchester Country Club to Host 2017 Open Championship The New Hampshire Open will be heading back to Manchester Country Club for the first time in almost fifty years, in 2017. The premier professional event in the Granite State will be held at the exclusive club located in Bedford. The 2016 Open at Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club will be the debut of the new format for the event, spreading the fifty-four holes over three days of play, with a cut after thirty-six holes.

“This is an incredible opportunity to bring our second longest running event to a club with the history and prestige of Manchester Country Club,” NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt said. “We think this will be not only a challenging test for the region’s best golfers, but will be a great showcase of the club and all that it has to offer.”

“On behalf of the membership of Manchester Country Club, we are honored to host this iconic event,” said Brian Kelley, Manchester Country Club’s general manager. “It is gratifying to have confirmed that our club

and course is of championship caliber and we look forward to showcasing an exceptional experience for everyone involved.”

The dates of the 2017 New Hampshire Open will be July 26 – 28.

Kellar Joins NHGA Staff

NHGA Announces State Amateur Exemptions

The New Hampshire Golf Association is happy to announce that Kate Kellar has joined the NHGA staff in the role of Director of Communications and Member Services.

Kellar previously served as the USGA PJ Boatwright intern for the Vermont Golf Association for the last two seasons. Kellar will take the spot vacated by Greg Howell, who was promoted to tournament director in October. Executive Director Matt Schmidt felt that Kellar’s previous experience with the VGA made her a logical choice to join the staff.

“Kate comes highly recommended from the staff and board in Vermont, an association that we work closely with,” Schmidt said. “She understands the demands of working for a State Golf Association and I am fully confident that she will be an asset for the NHGA for years to come. Her position will be vital in our continuing effort to provide outstanding support to our member clubs and 13,500 members. I’m thrilled that she has chosen to join our team.”

Kellar is a 2013 graduate of New England College in Henniker, where she majored in Sports and Recreation Management. She was a four-year member of the Varsity Women’s Ice Hockey team at NEC while earning Dean’s List honors in eight semesters. Kellar is eager to put her past experience to work.

“I wanted to continue my golf career because of my past experience working with the Vermont Golf Association,” she said. “Working with them for two seasons as the Boatwright intern was one of the best decisions I’ve made because it gave me more experience and led to this job with the NHGA. I’m excited to continue this career and it is an extra benefit to be able to do it in New England.”

Kate can be reached at kate@nhgolf.com

The New Hampshire Golf Association announced the list of thirtysix players exempt from pre-qualifying for the 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship. The exempt players will eligible to sign-up directly for the Championship Proper, which will be held at Laconia Country Club July 11–16. There are 11 categories that can automatically exempt a player for the Championship. Joe Leavitt led all players with six category exemptions for 2016, although Leavitt will not be eligible for the Championship as he turned professional prior to the event.

The categories are as follows: Past Amateur Champions, last three winners of the Player of the Year, last two winners of the Stroke Play Championship, the reigning Senior & Junior Champions, the reigning Senior & Junior Players of the Year, the reigning Low Amateur at the New Hampshire Open, The Round of 16 participants from the 2015 New Hampshire Amateur, the top 10 players from Stroke Play qualifying at the 2015 State Amateur, the top 15 and ties from the Stroke Play Championship, the top 10 and ties from the Mid-Amateur Championship, and NHGA exemptions.

The thirty-six exempt players are: Joe Leavitt, Chelso Barrett, Damon Salo, Matt Paradis, Jim Cilley, Jamie Ferullo, Griffin Brown, Josh Chamberlain, Austin Fox, Phil Pleat, Michael Martel, James Pleat, Nick Pandelena, Bob Mielcarz, Chris Houston, Matthew Jensen, Josh Kibbe, Dylan Cowette, Nick MacDonald, Phin Choukas, Jeff Cohen, John Devito, Ryan Tombs, Craig Steckowych, Nick Fairweather, Tim Manwaring, Danny Arvanitis, Ryan Kohler, Connor Greenleaf, Josh LaCasse, Brandon Gillis, Cameron Salo, David Sherborne, Jeffrey Weishaar, Michael Mahan and Brett Wilson.

10 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

Work here.

Live here.

Bank here.

Eastern Bank knows that good banking starts with great service. That’s why we’re always here to listen, understand, and help with everything we can. From checking and savings to home loans and investment advice, we have the tools and expertise you need. easternbank.com/nh

BEDFORD • CONCORD • DOVER MANCHESTER • NASHUA • PORTSMOUTH

18 Holes with Cart: Maniac Mondays–$35 Fridays–2 for $80 Everyday–$45 with this ad Jaffrey, NH • 603-532-4300 sterlinggolf.com/shattuck

18 Holes with Cart: Weekdays–$36 Weekends–$42 Twilight, Everyday @ 5pm–$22 Winchendon, MA • 978-297-9897 winchendongc.com Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 11

THE GOLFING LIFE McDonough Scholarship Recipients Announced The Richard D. McDonough Caddie Scholarship Foundation recently awarded scholarship grants to 74 young men and women employed at New Hampshire golf courses who are currently attending more than 50 colleges and universities.

The McDonough Foundation was established in 1955 to award college scholarships to caddies who worked at New Hampshire golf clubs. Any student employee of a New Hampshire golf course or club is eligible to apply.

Application forms and instructions for applying for both new and returning scholars can found on the Foundation website at mcdonough.memfirstweb.net or on the Foundation’s Facebook page at facebook.com/mcdonoughfoundation. The application can be completed electronically or printed and submitted as a hard copy.

The most recent scholarship recipients are listed below by name, club affiliation and college they will be attending: SENIORS/CLASS OF 2016

Sasha Antequera-Ordonez, Portsmouth CC, University of Maine Michael Bettencourt, Nashua CC, UNH Casey Bloise, Cochecho Country Club, Marietta College Liam Burke, The Overlook Golf Course, Penn State University Brandon Ciaramitaro, Pease Golf Course, University of Vermont Kristyn Fedorchuk, Hoodkroft GC, UNH Durham Peter Gibson, Bald Peak Colony Club, University of Vermont Elizabeth Hinds, Colebrook Country Club, Lyndon State College Jacquelyn Kurkul, Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, UNH Calvin Lord, Abenaqui CC, New York University Jonathan Malloy, Bretwood Golf Course, Skidmore College Timothy Manwaring, Nippo Lake Golf Course, UNH Haylie Matta, Manchester Country Club, Plymouth State Stephen Osgood, Bald Peak Colony Club, UNH Kevin Pepin, Candia Woods, Maine Maritime Academy Mckenzie Thibeault, Intervale CC, University of Maine Hannah Marie Young, Loudon Country Club, UNH CLASS OF 2017

Lauren Blazon, Abenaqui CC, Merrimack College Brittany Catcher, Concord Country Club, UNH Cameron Chase, Portsmouth CC, Green Mountain College Mitchel Fortin, Manchester Country Club/Candia Woods, Sacred Heart University Mackenzie Fullerton, White Mountain Country Club, Plymouth State Kelsey Gallagher, Abenaqui CC, Seattle University Claire King, Abenaqui CC, Providence College William Knutson, Abenaqui CC, Cornell University Ryan Lamers, Abenaqui CC, UNH Cooper Lecza, Manchester Country Club, Bentley University Thomas Maisison, The Oaks Golf Links, University of Hartford Maggie Mcgown, Stonebridge Golf Course, University of Connecticut Nathaniel Michaud, Derryfield Country Club, Northeastern University Samantha Nadeau, Concord Country Club, UNH Brendan Ranagen, Keene Country Club, UNH Christopher Saunders, Abenaqui CC, UNH Joseph Smith, Concord Country Club, UNH Paul Tessier, Bald Peak Colony Club, Elmira College Ryan Tombs, Manchester Country Club, Bryant University Kyli VanCuren, Hoodkroft GC, UNH Manchester 12 | N H G O L F

Tyler Whitten, Sagamore Golf Club, Saint Joseph’s University Bertrand Wieliczko, White Mountain Country Club, West Virginia University CLASS OF 2018

Sydney April, The Oaks Golf Links, UNH Griffin Barbaro, Stonebridge Golf Course, UNH Sara Blazon, Abenaqui CC, Framingham State/UMass Lowell Michael Brabazon, Portsmouth CC, Manhattanville College Ryan Colby, Concord Country Club, Southern NH University Connor Diamond, Bald Peak Colony Club, St. Joseph’s College of Maine/UNH Nicholas Doucette, Golf Club of New England, UNH Jane Douglas, Abenaqui CC, Keene State College Bethany Fennessy, Nashua CC, Colby College Jared Lamy, Manchester Country Club, Plymouth State Ashley Mooney, The Oaks Golf Links, University of Tampa Garron Morneau, Maplewood GV, Keene State Amanda Myers, Nashua CC, University of Massachussets Amherst Zachary Peterson, Nashua CC, Arizona State University Shawn Roseen, Bald Peak Colony Club, St. Michael’s College Rebecca Scaer, Nashua CC, UMass Lowell CLASS OF 2019

Thomas Bengston, Concord Country Club, Georgia Tech Haley Fritch, Nashua CC, UC Los Angeles Matt Grassett, Manchester Country Club, UMass Lowell Geneva Heffernan, Baker Hill, Temple University Andre Kepler, Eastman Golf Links, SUNY Delhi Michael McCarthy, Concord Country Club, UNH Durham Jake O’Donnell, Passaconaway Country Club, Colorado State University Dennis Pickett, Golf Club of New England, Xavier University Jack Pierce, Kingswood Golf Course, Clark University William Pollard, Abenaqui CC, Penn State University Xavier Quinn, Abenaqui CC, Saint Anselm College Christian Sullivan, Nashua CC, University of Michigan William Tessier, Bald Peak Colony Club, UNH Ashley Tewksbury, The Oaks Golf Links, Coastal Carolina University Evan Tyros, Manchester Country Club, Southern NH University Aidan Wheeler, Manchester Country Club, University of Colorado-Boulder

201 6 E D I T I O N

Intervale Country Club

a semi Private nine hole golf course since 1903 membershiP Pricing

Public access greens fee weekdays before 4Pm & after 6Pm weekend & holidays after 12 noon

9 18 9 18

holes walk holes walk holes ride holes ride

Single $990* Family $1525* college $250 junior $125 *first year initiation fees apply

$25 $35 $32 $48

1491 Front Street Manchester, NH 03102 (603) 647-6811 www.intervalecc.com

2016 Registrations are now in

Register today spots available in all weeks! April vacation filling up quickly! After School Program open to all campers this year – check out the website.

APRIL SCHOOL VACATION WEEK AND ALL SUMMER LONG! BEGINNING APRIL 25th – AUGUST 26th BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7 - 16

Check out our After School Program on the website.

It starts in May!

BEGINNER TO ADVANCED PLAYERS REGISTER TODAY! www.fostersgolfcamp.com

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

Your Back9 is coming.™ nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 13

Laconia Country Club to Host NHGA Brings 113th Tournament to Lakes Region

T

here aren’t many courses in the state where you might spot legendary hockey icon Bobby Orr and shockrocker (and golf fanatic) Alice Cooper on the tee box - but there aren’t many courses quite like Laconia Country Club.

This Lakes Region gem has been a draw since it opened in 1922, challenging celebrities, sports figures, pros and beginners alike – and now, the venerable Laconia Country Club will host the 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship during the week of July 11-16.

It marks the seventh time (following 1930, 1954, 1958, 1965, 1981 and 2004) that the private club will put out the welcome mat for the New Hampshire Golf Association’s premier event.

“When the NHGA approached us it was a very easy decision,” said Laconia Country Club General Manager Mike Somma. “As a private club we like to support the game of golf,

and when that is part of your mission then you are more than willingly to do it. It’s very nice for us to have it here. We think a lot of our staff and think we can put on a very prestigious tournament for them.”

A total of 144 players, plus the New Hampshire Golf Association (NHGA) staff of tournament and rules officials, will descend on the club for the first two days of stroke play qualifying before paring the field down to 64 players in match play.

“The response from LCC has been overwhelming. In our preliminary meetings with the staff they were as excited as we were to hold the Championship,” said NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt. “I think they are eager to show off the course – as they should be – and I know the staff and membership are really thrilled that they have this opportunity.”

Hosting a high-profile, six-day event requires an all-in commitment by the club, requiring its members to give up the course, the maintenance staff to work different, longer hours

By Wayne Mills | Photos by Amy Donle 14 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

Laconia Country Club Head Golf Pro Todd Rollins walks the course in preparation for this year’s State Amateur Tournament.

2016 Amateur Championship and the food and beverage staff to alter their routines. It also requires a rotation of 16 club member volunteers to assist around the clubhouse and golf course.

Still, Laconia’s team is ready to embrace the challenge.

“We are in for the whole gamut,” Somma said. “We’ll have a challenging, manicured golf course and offer great food and beverage options for the contestants and spectators. We want to make this as prestigious for the contestants as possible.”

One perk granted to the host club by the NHGA is an exemption for one of their members to tee it up for the Championship. “At the end of May, we will have a 36-hole qualifier for one of our guys,” Somma explained. “We decided that is the fairest way to do it.”

Laconia Country Club has been hosting golfers since 1922, when a group of Bostonians began frequenting the town located between Lake Winnisquam and Lake Winnipesaukee as a summer refuge.

The original nine holes were designed by another Bostonian, Wayne Stiles – one of the great, but virtually unknown course architects of golf ’s Golden Age of Architecture in the 1920s. Stiles is probably best known as the designer of layouts at the Taconic Golf Club and Thorny Lea Golf Club in Massachusetts, but he also had his hand in the design of New Hampshire’s Cochecho Country Club, the Country Club of New Hampshire, Nashua Country Club and Wentworth-bythe Sea. New Hampshire native Ralph Barton added the second nine at Laconia in 1927. Barton took a rather circuitous route to course design through the world of academia. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Dartmouth College before becoming a college mathematics professor at several colleges, including Dartmouth.

At his last academic stop, the University of Minnesota, he somehow was given supervision of the construction of continued on next page

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 15

113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship Where: Laconia Country Club When: July 11-16 Format: 36-hole stroke play qualifier, with the low-64 players making match play.

Eligibility: Open to New Hampshire golfers with an active GHIN handicap of 12.0 or below. Non-exempt players must participate in an 18-hole qualifier to participate in the Championship proper.

the university golf course that was being designed by highly respected architect Seth Raynor. He was so fascinated by the process he resigned his academic post and, at age 48, signedon as an apprentice to Raynor and Charles Blair Macdonald, at their course design firm.

After working with Raynor and Macdonald on world famous courses such as the Yale Golf Club and Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda, he opened his own firm in New Hampshire in 1926, making Laconia one of his first solo projects.

The golf course was entrusted to homegrown talent again with a complete renovation in 2002, by another New Hampshire native, George Sargent, of the firm then-known as Wogan and Sargent. In addition to redoing greens, tees and bunkers, three new holes were added and three were eliminated. The updated course is only 6,813 yards from the back tees, which isn’t particularly long by today’s course standards, but 45 bunkers, strategically located wetlands and sloping multi-tiered greens will provide an appropriate challenge for the best amateurs in New Hampshire.

Laconia Country Club PGA Professional Todd Rollins gives the details how golfers will be tested: “I would say the pivotal holes for the matches will be 7-11. Also, our last four holes are a great finish which will decide a lot of the matches. I would think most of the longer hitters will be able to reach the par 5s in two, with 13 and 17 being the easier eagle opportunities.

Also, the sixth hole is a shorter par 4 that I’m sure a lot of the players will be enticed to try and drive. It is a great risk-reward hole for match play.”

As any golfer knows, however, getting to the green is only part of the equation.

16 | N H G O L F

Online

NHGA: nhgolfassociation.org Laconia Country Club: laconiacountryclub.com Audi of Nashua: audinashua.com

“There are definitely some greens that can be tricky, and the sixth green is the hardest green to read on the course,” Rollins said. “Also, the ninth is a three-tiered green, and three, 11, 13 and 18 could have some tough hole locations depending how hard they (the NHGA) want to make it.”

Rollins also pointed out that Laconia Country Club course Superintendent Tom DiFonzo and his staff will have the course in top-notch condition and the greens rolling at speeds appropriate for the State Championship.

Over the years Laconia has attracted residents and visitors to its inviting club but also many well-known people have teed it up at Laconia including World Golf Hall of Famer Gene Sarazen, legendary LPGA golfer Betsy Rawls, Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr, entertainers Jack Benny and Mickey Rooney and musicians Brooks and Dunn, Darius Rucker, Trace Atkins and Alice Cooper.

New for 2016, and for the first time in history, the New Hampshire Amateur will have a sponsor. Audi of Nashua has stepped forward to support the championship and is looking forward to being involved.

“Audi of Nashua got involved with the NHGA and sponsoring the 113th New Hampshire State Amateur Championship after getting to know several of our clients who have served or currently serve on the NHGA board,” said Larry Bedell, chief operating officer at Audi of Nashua. “I find that a high percentage of our clients are serious about their golf, whether in competitive or leisurely play and it seems like a great fit to pair our high performance and luxury brand, Audi, with this demographic.” b 201 6 E D I T I O N

THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING HERE VISIT THE NEW PEASE GOLF SITE, ENTER TO WIN A FREE MONTH OF GOLF! We’re excited to launch our brand new website.

Special thanks to our friends at Fishnet Media for creating a fully immersive experience that shows you why Pease Golf Course really is “The Ultimate Golf Venue on the Seacoast” with great food and drinks, live entertainment, and fun events.

Go to the site now and sign up for email updates. You’ll automatically be entered to win a free month of golf.

One lucky winner will be drawn May 31, June 30, & July 31st!

VISIT PLAYPEASE.COM TO WIN ONE FREE MONTH! 200 GRAFTON ROAD | PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801 | PHONE 1-866-997-3273

© 2016 PEASE GOLF

Hanover Country Club

2015 NGCOA National Golf Course of the Year

Call for a tee time!

646-2000

Hanover Country Club is a semiprivate course open to the public, located on the campus of Dartmouth College.

We guarantee “ you’ ll enjoy your round – and, as a staff, we look forward to helping you reach your golfing goals.

18-Hole Championship Course Junior Camps Practice Facilities Pro Shop Private & group lessons

– Alex Kirk, Head PGA Professional at Hanover C.C.

• Award winning 18 Hole Par 72 & 9 Hole Par 3 Public Golf Courses • 10,000 sq ft Golf Academy • 12,000 sq ft of Practice Greens • Excellent Course Conditions Open to the public seven days a week.

85 Country Club Drive • Atkinson, NH 03811 (603) 362-8700 • atkinsonresort.com

More information: golf.dartmouth.edu Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

”

...Yes, weResort are public!

Atkinson & Country Club

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 17

Expo Draws Golfers to Queen City Turnout Reveals Strong Granite State Commitment to Golf

T

he stinging chill in the air didn’t exactly scream “golf,” but to the thousands of people who trekked to the first Greater New England Golf Expo, it didn’t matter.

Despite well below-zero temperatures, thousands of golfers packed the Radisson Hotel expo center amid aisles of vendors, simulators and the newest golf equipment. The expo was the brainchild of Amherst Country Club Director of Operations Chad Zingales. And for golfers itching for a chance to indulge their need to swing a club, it was just what the doctor ordered.

“It was awesome,” Zingales said as the expo wrapped in February. “We got lots of good feedback and the vendors were happy – it was great.”

The bottom line: Don’t question New Hampshire golfers’ commitment to their favorite sport. On what would prove to be the coldest weekend of the year this past winter, golf enthusiasts from around the region traveled to Manchester for the first-ever golf-only gathering. Zingales was talking New Hampshire golf with his business partners a year ago when the topic first came up. Together, the trio – Zingales, Justin Maguire and Brian Karoul – decided to bring a golf event to the area.

“We wanted to spread the word about the game of golf, the people that play it and all the benefits it has to offer,” Zingales said. “There hasn’t been a golf expo in New Hampshire for some time. Everyone knows about the Rhode Island show and the Boston show, so we thought – as a group – that it was time for this to happen. We thought it would be great to escape the cabin fever that time of year and get ready for spring.”

Zingales, Maguire and Karoul’s hunch was right. In a year that saw warmer than usual patterns (Amherst Country Club

was even open in early February), followed by a typical New Hampshire winter, the middle of the month brought with it frigid temperatures. The schizophrenic weather seemed to create an itch for golf.

“We were lucky with the weather, despite the fact that it was 20 below on Sunday,” Zingales said. “There were some challenges, but not having snow was a blessing. It was nonstop on Saturday – a steady stream of people.“ Zingales has a long history with golf in the Granite State.

He first stepped onto a golf course 23 years ago when he started washing golf carts at the Overlook Golf Club in Hollis.

After he graduated from St. Anselm with a business degree, he worked managing the Overlook before transitioning to the Green Meadow Golf Club in Hudson, and eventually the Amherst Country Club, where he’s worked for the past nine years.

“New Hampshire is such a central hub to so many great facilities,” Zingales said. “But it’s also got great retail and great recreational hot spots. Manchester is perfect, the Radisson is perfect, and there are so many golf courses within a 30 to 50 mile radius – it’s great. They’re all good, whether they’re private or public, they all have something to offer.”

It was evident early on the first day that the trio’s hunch was well-founded. Just minutes after the doors were thrown open, visitors filed inside to begin checking out the newest equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and to try out a few ideas to help cut a few strokes off their game.

“Everything is very good,” Maguire said just hours into the expo. “I spoke to our setup company, and of all the events they usually do for a nine o’clock showing, this is the most people they’ve ever seen, so it’s great. We’ve had a lot of traffic and no issues.”

By Bill Burke | Photos by Karen Bachelder 18 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

continued on next page Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 19

Attendees were drawn to the many interactive elements of the expo.

“The simulators are the most popular thing, I think,” Maguire said. “Especially the closest to the pin where you have a chance to win $10,000. The putting contest is pretty popular, and a lot of the big, strong, burly guys like the longest drive where they can rip it.”

It didn’t matter to Dawn Lucontoni, of Bedford, that the best golfing weather was still months away. She arrived ready to play. Lucontoni, accompanied by her husband, Jason, stepped up to the expo’s putting range, eyed the hole 22-feet away, took a few practice strokes and drained it.

“Yeah, I knew I would sink it,” she said, laughing, as those in line nearby cheered her effort. “I just got it in my head that I could do it and it worked out.”

Lucontoni actually described herself as an “occasional” golfer, adding that her husband is the real enthusiast of the family.

“Thousands of dollars in golf and he misses,” she said, elbowing her husband – who sent the ball just to the right of the hole.

The putting green, which pitched a bit to the left and challenged many golfers who lined up for a shot at sinking a putt, sat just between the longest drive and the closest-to-the-pin simulators.

“I love that they have simulators,” said Barry Horton, of Manchester, after leaning into one at the longest drive booth.

“I didn’t do well, but it’s fun to try. I’m a little out of practice.”

According to vendors, the show was a welcome addition to the season, and took place in the ideal location.

“This expo is the first one that’s really just golf,” said Susan Foster of Foster’s Golf Camp, in Manchester. “We’ve been hoping for something like this in the area. It’s targeted – everyone here plays golf or have children who play golf. It’s really the perfect venue.”

Foster said she was happy to see something that celebrates Granite State golf so close to home.

“It’s a great turnout,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of interest and a lot of new faces. We’ve had a lot of kids who have now grown up, stop by and say, ‘I went to your camp!’”

The location was a key element to its success, according to attendees.

“People were thrilled that it was in Manchester,” Zingales said. “They felt like it was on their own turf, their own territory. They thought it was nice that they didn’t have to drive super far. At the same time, we had people who traveled to get here. We had a nice mix of people coming from Vermont, Maine and even Rhode Island.”

Organizers said part of the key to the expo’s success may have also been that it was the first such show in the region all year. More than 36 people took home prizes ranging from free rounds of golf at New Hampshire courses and golf lessons, to car detailing and custom clubs. More than $1,000 was raised for Caddy for a Cure, and nearly $1,100 for the Manchester Police Athletic League.

So what’s next for the trio of Zingales, Maguire and Karoul?

Big winners at the simulators were Andrew York, who drove the ball 336 yards to take the longest drive on Saturday, and Tom Mareno, who hit it 331 yards to win on Sunday; meanwhile, Jacob Dube, a young teenager who traveled to the show, hit the ball closest to the pin – just inside three feet – to take the bragging rights on Sunday.

“We’re buttoning up all the loose ends now,” Zingales said.

“We’re going to take a deep breath and then start right back at organizing next year’s show.”

The 2017 Greater New England Golf Expo will be held February 11-12 at the Radisson hotel in Manchester. b

20 | N H G O L F

Greater New England Golf Expo: greaternegolfexpo.com 201 6 E D I T I O N

WE RAISED THE ‘PAR’!

“My chiropractor is an important member of my team, and thanks to his care, my all-time dream of winning the Masters Tournament has now become a reality.”

– JORDAN SPIETH

Derryfield Country Club and The Derryfield Restaurant invite you to enjoy the warm hospitality of our scenic 18-hole golf course, award-winning restaurant, lively lounge and memorable function area.

Create a healthy habit with chiropractic Conveniently located near I-93 at 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH

• Savory Cuisine • Serene Surroundings • New Carts • Fully Stocked Golf Shop • Newly Renovated Course!

NO APPOINTMENTS | NO INSURANCE NEEDED OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

Daniel Webster Shops | Nashua

603-669-0235 DerryfieldGolf.com

603-623-2880 TheDerryfield.com

219 Daniel Webster Hwy (603) 791-4900 | thejoint.com

SAGAMORE GOLF, INC. Visit us at sagamoregolf.com



SAGAMORE-HAMPTON GOLF CLUB Pioneers of Public Golf in New Hampshire

SAGAMORE GOLF CENTER One of America’s Top-50 Golf Ranges

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 21

The Champions Dinner: A Celebration Achievements, Milestones, Relationships Honored at Annual Event

T

he game of golf has always honored its history, traditions and the individuals who contributed to its storied past. The New Hampshire Golf Association did just that at its annual Champions Dinner held last October at the Manchester Country Club.

The Champions Dinner, where winners of the various NHGA tournaments, Players of the Year and the annual honoree are announced, drew scores of NHGA golfers together to highlight milestones, and to honor the achievements of important figures in the organization.

2015 Honoree, Danny Arvanitis.

Perhaps more importantly, however, it cast a light on the importance its guests of honor place on the friendships developed during competitions.

Created by the NHGA in 2008, the Champions Dinner has become a celebration of the game in New Hampshire encompassing its past, present and future.

Since coming on board three years ago as NHGA Executive Director, Matt Schmidt has worked diligently to make the Champions Dinner a special night for not only those honored with awards but for the entire membership and affiliated parties.

“This event has really transformed into one of the biggest things that we do,” Schmidt says. “It is an opportunity to showcase the NHGA and all of our programs and services.

It’s really become a celebration of the game of golf in New Hampshire. It allows us to recognize our players of the year, sponsors, honorees, and other individuals in a public setting, which is something that not a lot of organizations have the ability to do.”

Schmidt says the Champions Dinner has become more than even he anticipated.

“I think dealing with the growth has been a challenge, as it does seem like we get more and more people to show up each year,” he said. “But that’s a good problem to have.”

Recognizing the evening’s honoree has become the fitting finale to the event, and made a lasting impression on the most recent honorees.

“The honoree is someone who has made an immense impact in the NHGA and on the game of golf in New Hampshire,” Schmidt says.

“We know that it is a very special night for them and we want to make sure that it is something that they will remember.”

The 2015 honoree, Danny Arvanitis, a Manchester native who plays out of the Derryfield Country Club, was overwhelmed by the honor.

“I started playing NHGA events at 16-years-old and haven’t missed many except for a short period when I turned pro,” said Arvanitis. “The NHGA has sent me to many [USGA] State Team events which I have cherished. Playing with the likes of Phil Pleat, Steck [Craig Steckowych], Peter Malley are those times that I will remember forever. To follow Kirk Hanefeld, Rich Parker, Phil, Bob Mielcarz, and Steck as an honoree at the Champions Dinner was heartwarming. It was an incredible night.”

The 2014 honoree, Craig Steckowych, echoes a theme heard from all the honorees – although it was competition that continued on page 24

By Wayne Mills | Photos by Joseph Andruskevich/NHGA 22 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

of Golf in the Granite State

Joanne Flynn, owner and director of golf at Windham Country Club, receives special recognition.

“

NHGA Sponsor Golf & Ski Warehouse President Scott Peters.

“

Steve Thorpe and Jill Graham of Junior Tour sponsor Adaptive Communications, joined by NHGA Executive Director Matt Schmidt.

We know that it is a very special night for them and we want to make sure that it is something that they will remember.

Special honoree Lauren Thibodeau with The First Tee of New Hampshire Lead Coach Jim Blalock.

Shivani Vora, Girls Birdie Player of the Year, with NHGA Tournament Director Greg Howell.

Hannah Drew, Girls Eagle Player of the Year.

Owen Cook, Boys Birdie Co-Player of the Year.

Jacob Wolford, Boys Eagle A Player of the Year.

Brandon Gillis, Junior Player of the Year.

Bryce Zimmerman, Boys Birdie Co-Player of the Year.

C.J. Ladue, Boys Eagle B Player of the Year.

Senior Player of the Year, Phil Pleat.

NHGA Champions Dinner Honoree Danny Arvanitis.

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 23

brought the players together, it’s the lifelong friendships with their fellow competitors that endure.

“I’ve participated in NHGA events since I was in my mid 20’s,” he said. “I’ve garnered many lifelong friendships and great respect for many people through my participation.”

The lessons learned through the game have inspired Steckowych to want to participate in other ways.

“As I grow older, the focus on my playing competitive golf decreases, and I find myself wanting to pass on my experiences and knowledge of the game to the next generation,” he said. “My role as a director with the NHGA certainly provides that satisfaction of giving something back. Being named an honoree by my peers is humbling, and yet in a way, acknowledges that I have perhaps contributed something for the betterment of New Hampshire golf. It has certainly been a satisfying experience.”

“

“

Golf is a social game and a lot of what is learned on the Junior Tour has nothing to do with golf ability.

Another former honoree on-hand last October to receive his first Senior Player of the Year award was Nashua’s Phil Pleat, a man who has won more NHGA championships [18] than anyone in history.

“It was special to win it the first year I was eligible, but extremely satisfying last year at an advanced age, realizing that a lot of hard work paid off at a time when my skills are diminishing,” Pleat said. “I savor the award because you never know if it will happen again, so it’s very special.”

Pleat was another former honoree to explain that the relationships he formed meant more than the trophies.

“For me, the NHGA through my years has been about friendship and growth,” he said. “I got to know the leaders of the NHGA throughout those years. They became friends and watched my family grow. They also listened to players that had ideas from our travels to other events and they created more tournaments for players to compete in on a statewide level. They were looking for ideas to help grow the game in our state. The junior program is a perfect example. My two kids started playing in those.”

The Pleat children are among the many to have taken 24 | N H G O L F

advantage of the junior programs in New Hampshire. Part of the growth of the Champions Dinner has come from the inclusion of the NHGA’s Junior Golf programs.

“I saw a lot of potential with the event when I arrived two and a half years ago,” Schmidt says. “It was obvious that the groundwork had been laid and that it was already a great night and my goal was to make it an even more meaningful evening. I think that incorporating the junior players of the year really added some legitimacy to our junior program and shows that we want to grow the game and grow our junior programs.”

The NHGA’s Greg Howell, who last year took over for the retired John Jelley as tournament director, has administered the NHGA’s junior program since 2013, and has seen some great things in the state’s young golfers.

“When I started in 2013, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from a quality of play standpoint,” Howell said. “The one thing that stands out to me is how well our Birdie players do.

These are 10-13 year old boys and girls and they are playing incredibly well with some great on-course decision-making.

The future is bright for junior golf talent in New Hampshire.

“For a state the size of New Hampshire, with the season we have, the talent of junior golfers in New Hampshire is incredible. James McKee and Brandon Gillis are the last two New Hampshire Junior Champions and are both eligible again this year. Phin Choukas made the quarterfinals of the State Amateur in 2015 as a 15 year old.”

Great junior play is certainly to be applauded, but many people associated with the game are also concerned with how the young golfers conduct themselves on the course. It’s there that the NHGA’s young members also stand out.

“The kids on the Junior Tour have always been respectful of the NHGA Staff, the host golf course, and each other,” Howell says. “Golf is a social game and a lot of what is learned on the Junior Tour has nothing to do with golf ability.”

This October, Bob Erb, a longtime member of the McDonough Scholarship Foundation will be honored.

Erb was delighted to find out his name would be added to a very illustrious list.

“I am honored that the New Hampshire Golf Association would consider me for that award,” Erb says. “But, also I think it’s an award to the McDonough Foundation for everything they’ve done over the years in helping young men and women with the expense of their college education.” b About the 2016 NHGA Champions Dinner When: Thursday, October 20, 2016 Where: Manchester CC, Bedford NH Honoree: Bob Erb, McDonough Scholarship Foundation 201 6 E D I T I O N

NH Golf Featured Courses Keene Country Club

Beaver Meadow Golf Course

This private country club, located in the Monadnock Region, features an 18-hole course designed by Wayne Stiles with four sets of tees to offer challenges and enjoyment for every level of play. It measures 6,455 yards, with a slope of 130 and rating of 71.5 from the back tees. Teaching and practice facilities include a driving range, putting green and chipping bunker. Award-winning banquet facilities, a fine dining restaurant and fully stocked pro shop are open to the public.

755 W Hill Rd, Keene, NH • (603) 352-0135 • keenecc.com

Beaver Meadow Golf Course is a walkable, fun course to play for all skill levels with a full service pro shop, private and group lessons, large practice area and relaxed food and beverage experience. Our Concord, NH golf course hosts many outings and tournaments each year and is open to the public. We pride ourselves on an excellent golf experience.

Play the Beav’!

1 Beaver Meadow Street, Concord, NH BeaverMeadowGolfCourse.com

Pembroke Pines Country Club

Ridgewood Country Club

This course is located just minutes from Concord and Manchester. With two very different nines, it offers golfers one of the most unique golf courses in New Hampshire. The front nine presents a more wide-open experience and the back nine provides a challenging more wooded landscape. Golf simulators and pool tables offer golfers off-season opportunities as well. This course provides golfers of all levels with an affordable, friendly, golfing experience.

42 Whittemore Road • Pembroke, NH (603) 210-1365 • PembrokePinesCC.com

Located in central NH, this is a great course for all levels of golfers. The first nine holes are etched throughout a beautiful landscape and require the player to make precise and accurate shots. The back nine offers the player chances to play aggressively and attack each hole. The greens are some of the best in the state and offer true reads. This is a great place to take in an 18 hole championship experience.

258 Governor John Wentworth Highway, Moultonborough, NH (603) 476-5930 • ridgewoodcc.net

Kingswood Golf Club

Canterbury Woods Country Club

An 18-hole semi-private course originally designed by famed architect, Donald Ross and updated in 1987 by golf architects, Ault and Clark. Our reputation is providing quality and matchless course conditions and an engaging course layout to rival some of the best courses in the USA. The course offers a range of challenges from lengths of 5045 to 6366 yards, and 4 sets of tees with slopes from 118 to 134.

24 Kingswood Road, Wolfboro, NH • (603) 569-3524 kingswoodgolfclub.com

Conveniently located off of I-93 just north of Concord, this course offers an enjoyable and challenging golf experience for golfers of all abilities with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Wide fairways with generous landing areas set up multiple strategic options for playing each hole. Four sets of tees allow the golfer to play anywhere from 4,800 yards to over 6,600 yards on a course that promises to provide some of the best golfing conditions in the state.

15 West Road, Canterbury, NH (603) 783-9400 • canterburywoodscc.com

1915

Kingswood GOLF

C LU B / W O L F E B O RO

WHAT THE PRO KNOWS

By Todd Rollins, Head Golf Pro at the Laconia Country Club

Dialing in Shots that Require Less than Full Swings These exercises are designed to help master anything that’s less than a full swing, since these are the shots that most golfers are going to face many times throughout their round.

What you see most amateurs practice is their full swing – especially with the driver. But these are going to be the shots that can drop their scores the most. An average player (a bogey golfer) is not hitting many greens in regulation, so they have a lot of these shots throughout the course of a round. They’re more what I call ‘feel’ shots.

I like to use my most lofted club for these shots, but the first thing you have to do is find out how far you can hit that club with a full swing, and then back it off from there. It may go 85 yards with a full swing, but if you want to make the ball go 70 yards, you want to know what it feels like – how much of a swing will I need to take to make the ball go that distance.

And then you can break it down from there: 70 yards, 55 yards, 40 yards, etc. I try to have four or five different thoughts for how big of a swing I make: hip-to-hip, hip-to-chest, chest-to-chest, shoulder-to-shoulder and full swing.

The distances on these shots may vary from golfer to golfer. My hip-to-hip swing might go 25 yards where someone else’s hip-to-hip swing might go further, or not go as far. So for example, these are the feelings I have for making these distance shots: • 25 yard shot: Hands go hip-high to hip-high from backswing to forward swing.

• 40 yard shot: Hands go hip-high to chesthigh from backswing to forward swing.

• 55 yard shot: Hands go chest-high to chesthigh from backswing to forward swing.

• 70 yard shot: Hands go shoulder-high to shoulder-high from backswing to forward swing.

• 85 yard shot: Full swing.

When I say hip-high to hip-high, that’s more of what I’m feeling. It doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going that high, but it’s what the feel is to me. If it feels hip-high, whether or not it is doesn’t really matter – but that’s what I want to feel when I’m executing the shot: the feeling that my hands are going hip-high.

Another thing that’s important with these shots is that if I go hip-high on my backswing, I want to go at least hip-high on my forward swing – or further. You do not want to decelerate on the swing. You don’t want to go shoulder-high on your backswing and then hip-high on your forward swing. You want the club to be accelerating all the way through the hitting area.

When you’re making these shots, make sure you’re using your body – even if you’re only going hip-high. Make sure you’re still turning your body and using the bigger muscles to hit the shot. You don’t want to just use your hands and arms to swing the club. If I find myself in between yardages (say, 62 yards), I will simply choke up an inch on the club and make my 70 yard swing.

And the swing should be tension-free.

Hip High

Chest High

Shoulder High

Tension-Free Pitch Shot Drill For anything less than a full swing, you’ll generally see a lot of tension which usually does not end up with a good result. I like to practice a drill where it teaches you to be tension-free: Line up three balls and hit them without stopping your swing.

• Put three balls in a row about a club head apart • Start your practice swings right next to the first ball

PHOTOS BY AMY DONLE

• Slowly move in with your feet, trying to have a good rhythm, and hit each ball without stopping, one ball at a time.

There can’t be any tension in your swing when you’re trying to hit these shots or you’ll notice your club will not have a consistent rhythm. Any time you get tension in your swing, your muscles contract and your club head speed will decrease resulting in a shot that goes shorter than you were expecting.

26 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

THE FIRST TEE

The Leaders of the First Tee of NH Blalock, Sargent Helping to Grow the Youth Game

Lead Coach Jim Blalock, above, works with some of the organization’s young golfers, as Program Director Chris Sargent, top right, gets ready to head out on the course with a group. The First Tee of NH motivates and teaches youngsters with a set of Nine Core Values, lower right.

I

n any growing organization there’s bound to be some change. At The First Tee of New Hampshire (TFTNH), there have also been a few constants – namely, Program Director Chris Sargent and Lead Coach Jim Blalock.

Standing at the head of a strong group of six core coaches and administrators and a database of more than 20 volunteers, Sargent and Blalock have been leading legions of young golfers into the sport for years, as the organization has expanded from a seacoast-based group to one that encompasses the entire state. There are now more than 10,000 Granite State youngsters involved through TFTNH’s National Schools Program, and 620 certified participants spread throughout 10 locations – including the newest at The Shattuck Golf Club in Jaffrey.

TFTNH is a youth development organization designed to instruct younger players in the game of golf and to instill character through a set of Nine Core Values ranging from honesty and sportsmanship to confidence and perseverance. It’s a philosophy that both Sargent and Blalock say attracted them to the group. Yet for Blalock, in particular, it proved much more valuable.

There was a time, years ago, when Jim Blalock’s enthusiasm for golf was starting to wane. When he was introduced to TFTNH, it all

changed. The inner fire that helped him compete for so many years had been rekindled.

It’s something the longtime coach attributes directly to TFTNH. “I absolutely love the game of golf again,” Blalock says. “And The First Tee of New Hampshire has done that for me.”

Blalock, who has his own storied golf resume, has served as Lead Coach for 11 years. And as much as he’s there to help the kids, this one-time Schoolboy Champion (Portsmouth High School, 1970) rediscovered his love of the game by teaching the younger set.

“When you’re in high school, you’re more concerned about how good of a score you can get, how well you can play – things that I call ‘the surface of golf,’” Blalock says. “It’s all about how to beat an opponent, getting a better swing and all of the logistics that go along with that. When I started with The First Tee of New Hampshire, I started paying attention to all of the beautiful things that go with golf.”

Seeing a need to refocus her brother’s golf game, Blalock’s sister, former LPGA golfer Jane Blalock, gave him copies of “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance.”

“I started to appreciate the spiritual side of golf,” he says. “Right after that I was introduced to TFTNH and I saw the pure joy in the

By Bill Burke 28 | N H G O L F

201 6 E D I T I O N

kids eyes when they got the ball up in the air for the first time or they were running through green grass areas – having fun playing golf, but also understanding the attributes TFTNH teaches.”

That teaching, and learning, is something Blalock never gets tired of. Not long after starting at TFTNH, he began work on his doctorate at Pacifica Graduate Institute, studying depth psychology. His dissertation came straight from the fairways of New Hampshire.

“I used my experiences at First Tee for my dissertation,” he says. “It was as if those two parallel tracks – TFTNH and my depth psychology studies – kept converging and informing each other. I never thought golf was depth psychological enough, but they kept noticing I was referring to golf. They said, ‘please do it.’ It made golf and TFTNH a lot richer for me.”

The experiences on the golf courses of New Hampshire paid off, and the young golfers in the program can refer to this coach as “Dr. Blalock.”

“Jim Blalock has been a constant for years,” Program Director Chris Sargent says. “I’ve learned so much from Jim – watching how he is with the kids. And during that time we’ve experienced a lot of growth.”

The organization has added both facilities and members to its already increasing numbers. Sargent, the group’s first program director, who came on-board in 2012, says TFTNH has grown by 150 participants in each of the last three seasons.

It all began at the Sagamore Golf Center in North Hampton in 2003, but the group’s leaders have worked to increase the perception that it’s no longer just a seacoast organization. In fact, succeeding in spreading that influence has been one of the more rewarding aspects of Sargent’s tenure.

“It’s the small moments,” he says of the milestones over the past several years. “Like getting toward our goal of being The First Tee of New Hampshire, and not the First Tee of the Seacoast. I remember that was one of our early goals and now that’s happening. People are coming to us now. We have facilities and courses who hear about how wonderful our program is, and they want to get involved.”

Sargent found his way to the organization after working for the Boston Celtics.

“I was the guy in the office who could play golf, so I’d be getting calls to go to golf tournaments,” he says. “So it was like, sure, I’ll play golf with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.”

At a certain point, however, it came time for Sargent to move on.

He wanted “more time and space, and to feel the give-back portion of work.” A spontaneous email to TFTNH resulted in an opportunity to fill the position for the summer, and then the full time offer as program director. It was the continuation of a golfing life that started when he was playing for his high school team.

“I had the perfect combination of family – my dad and his friends golfed – and a good group of three friends who all had memberships at Ould Newbury when we were younger,” he says. “We worked at driving ranges, and once we got our licenses, we took it and ran with it.

“A lot of kids don’t have both of those things. Some golf with their family, but they don’t have a core group of friends. It’s hard at 10-years-old to have a friend who plays golf religiously. That’s what made it stick with me.”

For Blalock, it was also familial. His sister acted as his entrée into the game, and his mentor.

“I was very, very lucky,” Blalock says. “I was probably about 10 when I started playing golf with my sister, who is nine years older than I am.

I remember one of the first times I got angry and threw my club. She took my golf clubs away. That’s when I realized this sport was a little different. As soon as I proved I could be more respectful to her or whoever I was playing with, I could have my clubs back.

“Shortly after that she did become a pro golfer, and she took me to tournaments around the country. As I got older I got to caddy for her and see her victories and losses, and how she reacted with class and dignity – whether she won or lost, which is a huge First Tee value.” b

About The First Tee of New Hampshire The First Tee of New Hampshire provides low cost access to its program and helps to provide access to equipment as needed. The organization is open to children and young adults ages 5-17.

The First Tee’s Nine Core Values • Courtesy

• Responsibility

• Honesty

• Respect

• Sportsmanship

• Integrity

• Judgement

• Confidence

• Perseverance

The program uses the Nine Core Values to teach the game of golf and to impart lessons that will equip young golfers with valuable skills they can use through life.

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

thefirstteenh.org 22 North Road North Hampton (603) 964-3033 info@thefirstteenh.org nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 29

LEADERBOARD MEMBER CLUB LISTINGS LISTINGS PRIVATE Abenaqui Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rye Beach • (603) 964-5563 Baker Hill Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . Newbury • (603) 763-8900 ext. 224 Bald Peak Colony Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin Village • (603) 544-2511 Cochecho Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Dover • (603) 742-8580 ext. 1 Concord Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concord • (603) 228-0232 Dublin Lake Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dublin • (603) 563-8559 The Golf Club of New England . . . . . . . . . . Stratham • (603) 772-4900 Keene Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keene • (603) 352-9722 Laconia Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laconia • (603) 524-1274

Lake Sunapee Country Club . . . . . . . . . New London • (603) 526-6040 Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club . . . . . . . New Durham • (603) 569-3055 Manchester Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bedford • (603) 624-4096 Montcalm Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enfield • (603) 448-5665 Nashua Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nashua • (603) 888-9858 Profile Club Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franconia • (603) 823-7083 Sky Meadow Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nashua • (603) 888-9000 Wentworth By The Sea Country Club . . . . . . . . . Rye • (603) 433-3050

PUBLIC Amherst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . Amherst • (603) 673-9908 ext. 22 Angus Lea Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hillsboro • (603) 464-5404 Apple Hill Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Kingston • (603) 642-4414 Atkinson Resort & Country Club . . . . . . . . . Atkinson • (603) 362-8700 Beaver Meadow Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . .Concord • (603) 228-8954 Bethlehem Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem • (603) 869-5745 Blackmount Country Club . . . . . . . . . North Haverhill • (603) 787-6564 Breakfast Hill Golf Club . . . . . . . . . .Greenland • (603) 436-5001 ext. 1 Bretwood Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keene • (603) 352-7626 Buckmeadow Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amherst • (603) 673-7077 Bushwood Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . .Manchester • (603) 569-3417 Campbells Scottish Highlands Golf Course . . . . Salem • (603) 894-4653 Carter Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lebanon • (603) 448-4483 Claremont Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claremont • (603) 542-9550 Colebrook Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colebrook • (603) 237-5566 The Country Club of New Hampshire . . .North Sutton • (603) 927-4246 Countryside Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dunbarton • (603) 774-5031 Derryfield Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .Manchester • (603) 669-0235 Duston Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hopkinton • (603) 746-4234 Exeter Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exeter • (603) 772-4752 The First Tee of New Hampshire . . . . . North Hampton • (603) 964-3033 Granite Fields Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kingston • (603) 642-9977 Green Meadow Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hudson • (603) 889-1555 Hidden Creek Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . Litchfield • (603) 262-9272 Hidden Valley Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derry • (603) 887-7888 Indian Mound Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . Center Ossipee • (603) 539-7733 Kingston Fairways Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . Kingston • (603) 642-7722

Kustom Clubs/Pocket Valley Golf Club . . . .Manchester • (603) 623-7876 Legends Golf/Mini Golf and Driving Range . . Hooksett • (603) 627-0099 Londonderry Country Club . . . . . . . . . . Londonderry • (603) 432-9789 Manchester Golf Matches Assoc. . . . . . . . Manchester • (603) 785-8597 Mojalaki Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franklin • (603) 934-3033 New Hampshire Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . Sanbornton • (603) 286-4268 Newport Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newport • (603) 863-7787 Oak Hill Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith • (603) 279-4438 The Oaks Golf Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Somersworth • (603) 692-6257 The Overlook Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hollis • (603) 465-2909 Passaconaway Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . Litchfield • (603) 424-4653 Pease Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portsmouth • (603) 433-1331 Pheasant Ridge Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gilford • (603) 524-7808 Ponemah Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amherst • (603) 672-4732 Profile Senior Golfers’ Association . . . . . . Manchester • (603) 345-6756 Province Lake Golf Club . . . . . . . . Parsonsfield, Maine • (207) 793-4040 Ragged Mountain Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danbury • (603) 768-3600 Rockingham Country Club . . . . . . . . . . .Newmarket • (603) 659-9956 Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club . . . . . North Hampton • (603) 964-5341 Souhegan Woods Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Amherst • (603) 673-0200 Waterville Valley Golf Club . . . . . . . .Waterville Valley • (603) 236-4805 Waumbek Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jefferson • (603) 586-7777 Wentworth Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackson • (603) 383-9641 Whip-Poor-Will Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hudson • (603) 889-9706 White Mountain Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . Ashland • (603) 536-2227 Windham Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windham • (603) 434-2093

RESORT Crotched Mountain Golf Club . . . . . . . . Francestown • (603) 588-2923 Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club . . . . . . . . Jackson • (603) 383-9111 Hale’s Location Country Club . . . . . . . .North Conway • (603) 356-2140

Mount Washington Resort Golf Club . . . Bretton Woods • (603) 278-4653 Mountain View Grand Golf Course . . . . . . .Whitefield • (855) 837-2100 Owl’s Nest Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . Thornton • (603) 726-3076 ext. 212

SEMI-PRIVATE Candia Woods Golf Links . . . . . . . . . . Candia • (603) 483-2307 ext. 107 Canterbury Woods Country Club . . Canterbury • (603) 783-9400 ext. 12 Den Brae Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sanbornton • (603) 934-9818 Eastman Golf Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grantham • (603) 863-4500 Farmington Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . .Farmington • (603) 755-2412 Hanover Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hanover • (603) 646-2000 Hoodkroft Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derry • (603) 434-0651 Hooper Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walpole • (603) 756-4080 Intervale Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manchester • 603) 647-6811 Kingswood Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wolfeboro • (603) 569-3569 Lochmere Golf & Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Tilton • (603) 528-4653 Loudon Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loudon • (603) 783-3372 The Maplewood Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem • (603) 869-3335 30 | N H G O L F

Monadnock Country Club . . . . . . . . . Peterborough • (603) 924-7769 Nippo Lake Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barrington • (603) 664-7616 North Conway Country Club . . . . . . . . North Conway • (603) 356-9391 Pembroke Pines Country Club . . . . . . . . . .Pembroke • (603) 210-1365 Pine Grove Springs Country Club . . . . . . . . .Spofford • (603) 363-4433 Pine Valley Golf Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pelham • (603) 635-8305 Portsmouth Country Club . . . . . . . Greenland • (603) 436-9719 ext. 12 Ridgewood Country Club . . . . . . . . Moultonborough • (603) 476-5930 Rochester Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gonic • (603) 332-9892 The Shattuck Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaffrey • (603) 532-4300 Stonebridge Country Club . . . . . . . .Goffstown • (603) 497-8633 ext. 2 Waukewan Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Center Harbor • (603) 279-6661 201 6 E D I T I O N

Would you like to reach 15,000 golfers?

The NHGA strives to promote, protect and preserve the great game of golf for this and future generations. Join them by advertising your business to a group of like-minded golf enthusiasts and help make this great sport stronger than ever here in the Granite State.

NH Golf Magazine, brought to you by the New Hampshire Golf Association in partnership with McLean Communications, is published annually and is mailed directly to 15,000 members of the NHGA and 3,000 additional copies made available at select courses and advertisers around the state.

To advertise in NH Golf Magazine contact McLean Communications at 603-413-5154 or klencki@mcleancommunications.com

THE PUBLICATIONS OF

A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF YANKEE PUBLISHING INC.

parenting

COMPLIMENTARY

JUNE 2016

To subscribe or advertise, call 603.624.1442

NEW HAMPSHIRE

luscious lilacs | a revitalized

g

YOUR GUIDE TO

DININITGH

magazine

OUT W

–

www

R LIVING HOME: OUTDOO

r spring calenda

6

parentingnh.com

0 6

.com

est end portsmouth’s w

The Seacoast June r!2016 $4.99 is your Oyste nhmagazine.com

.NHHomeMagazine

chases garage

Shelter, Dining, Events

02648 78092

6

thesquarenh.com

may/june 2016

$4.95

06

0

74470 22772

nhmagazine.com

4

gorgeou s gowns at the currier cake and filling favorite s beyond the bouquet

PLUS: Shopping

An Antique Farmhouse With a Modern Ell

PICTURE PERFECT LOOKS

There were stories of lightning bolt moments, lots of laughter and plenty of entrepreneurial inspiration to go around at the Greater Salem Chamber Commerce’s recent Executive of Exchange at Atkinson Country Club.

The event featured three of New Hampshire’s most successful business owners from the food and hospitality industries: Amy LaBelle, co-owner and founder of LaBelle Winery in Amherst; Peter Egelston, founder and president Smuttynose Brewing Company of and Portsmouth Brewery; and Cort Mendez of Amherst, president and CEO of N.H. Glazed, LLC. Mendez recently sold his 10 Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurants and is about to bring Kreme brand to New Hampshire the Krispy and Maine as its exclusive franchise.

I served as moderator of the hour-long event.

All three were brutally honest didly funny at times, sharing and cantheir expeNH ENTREPRENEURS, PAGE 21

AT THE CURR IER

Trending: gow ns, Cakes,Flowers and more 125 places for Your reception

+ 100bridenh.com nhhomemagazine.com Insp iring IDEAS

real wedding s

Salem chamber forum features LaBelle, Egelston, Mendez BRIDE NH.CO M

6 new Hampshir e Weddings We Love

Spring/Summer

Official Magazine of the New Hampshire Golf Association

magazine

alone then there are in New England today,” “Go back to the 1850s and ‘60s, the mainstay said Kennard. of agriculture in New England was sheep,” But the post-Civil War era opened up the said David Kennard, owner of Wellscroft Farm Midwest, which offered richer soil and open in Chesham and co-founder of the NH Sheep plains, propelling the beef industry. And, and Wool Growers Association over time, New Hampshire’s .

Stonewalls seen lining thriving mills properties and, now dried up as a result of cheap labor in the wooded, areas across New Hampshire are the South, strikes /Summ and the Depression.

Spring lasting symbol of the sheep industry’s heyday Today, there are abouter 2016 42,000 lambs and in the state. sheep in New England – the U.S. Department “There were more sheep in Cheshire County of Agriculture only SHEEP INDUSTRY, PAGE 18 100+ inspiring ideas

Change on their terms

RAPTOR REHAB

am the penn progr

NH.com

End nting Pare Portsmouth’s West pg.46

Photo by Melissa Cooperman

2016

BRU AND MORE

Chases Garage

Artists give an old shop new life pg.40

S IN LITTLETON

g o o d e at s

Education outside the box pg.24

PAGE 35

New Hampshire’s effort to find possible PFC pollution grows PAGE 13

Three NH entrepreneurs share their inspiration

BY LIISA RAJALA

beautiful garde ns

square style

The Penn Program

E

• WHERE KIDS EAT FRE • GLUTEN-FREE DINING / BEST BREAKFAST • THE NCH SPOTS…

Q&A: Regional wine broker Dianne Carter

BY MIKE MORIN

New Hampshire’s sheep comebac k Industry picks up steam as a niche business

|

FREE

the Lakes Region

Pop into Spring pg.8

PAGE 10

Cherry trees

NEW HAMPSHI RE MAGAZIN E BRIDE SPRING/S uMMER

2016

Square Style

IN Community Creativity, Culture & NEW HAMPSHIRE OFESSIONAL ADVENTURE PR

spring/summer

The Magaz

FREE

Cornish Colony landscape | Historic

Can NH become a commercial drone manufacturing center?

FEATURED INTERVIE W

The pros and cons of a paid leave policy PAGE 20

m ay/ j u n e 2 0 16

T H E S Q UA R E

ine for Seacoast

Taking Flight

beauti fu l Gardens

UIDE EPIC SUMMER G

Spen Ed yoSur QUARKEIDS TH summer in

• $1.75

ONLINE @ NHBR.CO M

NEW HAMPSHIR E HOME

2016 M AG A Z I N E june NEW HAMPSHIRE

Flight in Eppin Page 48 Littleton Raptor Rehab Takes Big AdventuresPagein 40

MAY 13 - 26, 2016 VOL. 37 • NO. 10

2016

$4.95

nhbr.com

nhgolf associ ati on. o rg | 31

PHOTO BY AMY DONLE

par ting shot

Laconia Country Club Head Golf Pro Todd Rollins heads down the cart path along the course’s 11th fairway.

Your Support matters The New Hampshire Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports and upholds the ancient and honorable traditions of the game of golf in New Hampshire.

Since its inception in 1905, the NHGA has served as the governing body of golf in the Granite State. Our role and importance to the game of golf has continued to evolve since that time.

Did you know? The NHGA is headquartered in downtown Concord and employs a full-time staff of three.

Did you know? The NHGA annually gives back more than $130,000 to the game of golf in New Hampshire.

Did you know? The NHGA Adaptive Communications Junior Tour provides playing opportunities to young people across the state.

Did you know? The NHGA provides handicapping support to all of our 100 member facilities and over 13,500 individual members.

Did you know? The NHGA has a dedicated volunteer course rating team that rates and measures New Hampshire courses every year.

Did you know? The NHGA works closely with the NHWGA, The First Tee of New Hampshire, and McDonough Scholarship Fund to grow and foster the game of golf in New Hampshire.

Why Your Membership Matters: The support of our members is what keeps the NHGA alive. Not only does an NHGA membership support all the initiatives listed, it will also support your local NHGA member club. We are proud to have the support of more than 100 facilities of all shapes and sizes in New Hampshire and with your support to the NHGA and your member club, we’ll ensure that the future of golf is secure for years to come. For a full list of NHGA facilities, visit our member club directory at nhgolfassociation.org.

How to Support the NHGA: Many of you reading this are currently NHGA members and we thank you for your support of the NHGA and your member club. As a 501(c)(3), the NHGA also relies on donations from members and non-members alike. Your fully tax-deductible gift will go towards the continued growth of our Junior Golf program and support the growth, health and development of golf in New Hampshire. Donations are accepted online at nhgolfassociation.org/donate or by filling out and mailing in the form below.

Yes, I want to help support the New Hampshire Golf Association in their promotion of the game of golf throughout the Granite State by sending a personal donation in the following amount:

$25

$50

$75

$100

NAME

EMAIL

ADDRESS

PHONE

CITY

STATE/ZIP

Other:

make your donation check payable to + Please New Hamshire Golf Association and mail to: NHGA, 56 South State St., Concord, NH 03301

VERY… distinctive.

a remarkable golf experience

For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping people connect, celebrate, and succeed.

And now, for our members and honored guests, Manchester Country Club is better than ever. If you’re searching for a private club, we invite you to learn more about our exclusive amenities, year-round golf facillity, pedigreed Donald Ross golf course and fulfilling lifestyle.

Now accepting a limited number of new members.

The Attic at MCC, featuring a premier indoor practice and teaching center, and the ultimate golf simulator experience for members and their guests.

2016 Platinum Award Winner Association of Golf Merchandisers – Golf Shop Operations

Picturesque Bedford, NH

ManchesterCountryClub.com

603.624.4096