NEPGA Full Swing News Magazine - August 2016

NEPGA Senior Professional Championship Results PGA Award Winner Bill Flynn NEPGA Scholarship Recipients Drive, Chip & Putt Event Photos

2016 PGA Deacon Palmer Award Winner Bill Flynn

President’s Message...3

PGA Award Winner Bill Flynn...14

Junior News...24-25

Executive Director’s Message...4

Award Winner Spotlights...16

Chapter & Assn. News...26-30

NEPGA Centennial Belts...5

Membership News...19

Social Media Corner...31

NEPGA Credit Card...6-7

Rules & Decisions...20

Membership Updates...32

Tournament News...8-13

Drive, Chip & Putt Photos...22

Bulletin Board...33

Section News...14-18

PGA of America News...23

FRONT COVER: Ron Philo, Jr was named champion of the 2016 NEPGA Senior Professional Championship held on August 3 & 4 at Okemo Valley Golf Club. Read all about it on page 8 of this news magazine. Also featured in this publication is PGA Deacon Palmer Award Winner for 2016, Bill Flynn. Flip to page 14 to read about this tremendous achievement.

Rob Jarvis, PGA President robjarvis@pga.com

Ron Bibeau, PGA Vice President rbibeau@thefirstteemaine.org

Allan Belden, PGA Secretary allanbelden@gmail.com

Larry Kelley, PGA Honorary President larry@fivestargolfcars.com

Mike Bradshaw, PGA

Todd Cook, PGA

John Fields, PGA

District Director Rhode Island (401) 333-1303 pgapro@kirkbrae.com

District Director MA - Southern (781) 828-9717 toddcookgolf@gmail.com

District Director MA - Eastern (617) 484-5360 jfields@belmontcc.org

Scott Hickey, PGA

Brian Bickford, PGA

Timothy Loch, PGA

District Director MA - Central (508) 869-9900 scotth@cypriankeyes.com

District Director Maine (207) 829-2225

bbickford@cumberlandmaine.com

District Director New Hampshire (603) 742-8580 tloch72@yahoo.com

Jack Neville, PGA

David Soucy, PGA

Greg Yeomans, PGA

Senior Director 617.332.3757 jjneville@comcast.net

District Director Vermont (802) 422-4653 vtgolfpro@yahoo.com

District Director Cape Cod (508) 207-9215 gyeomans@bayclubmatt.com

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Rob Jarvis, PGA Greetings NEPGA Professionals, I trust the summer is still finding all of you well. Things within the NEPGA could not be brighter at the moment.

We are in the midst of our championships and some exciting golf is being played from our PGA Professionals. I know I am looking forward to the NEPGA Championship later this month and am equally excited to see many of you on the first tee during our final round. I have a few updates for you and some things for you to think about as we already begin the second half of our seasons.

Our fall meetings will be here before you know it and that always means some openings in the world of NEPGA Governance. For me, getting involved with chapter and section leadership was one of the best decisions I have ever made in respect to my career in golf. The relationships I have been able to create and the knowledge base I have gained from our NEPGA Professionals and section staff has paid dividends for me both personally and professionally. There is no greater feeling than being part of something like the NEPGA. The opportunity to work with our talented men and women and impact the lives of over 1,000 professionals is extremely rewarding.

It is not lost on me that some of us have more flexibility and time than others. We are all very active and sometimes adding “one more thing” seems impossible. For this reason, I would urge you to look at all of the potential levels of involvement.

As you probably already know, each chapter has their own set of committees, a board of directors, a district director, and an officer core. Maybe starting right at home in your chapter is the place to begin your governance career. My first position was as a member of the Maine Chapter Awards Committee. This was not a demanding role, but it gave me a greater sense of involvement and spurred my interest in future leadership roles.

In the next week or so, chapter operations staff will be emailing their respective members with positions that may be opening in the fall. If you are interested and would like more information on the roles that are available, and whether or not they are a good fit for you, please reach out to any current leader and I am sure they will provide you with some guidance.

Over the last few months I have had many conversations regarding how we communicate with our members. There is a lot of information to convey, and sometimes it may seem overwhelming.

We first addressed the potential of “email overload” at the NEPGA Planning Session.

It was mutually agreed that we needed to make some changes. As you may be aware, we have now hired Kristen Garrone as our Marketing and Media Professional. Kristen has hit the ground running and is doing some wonderful things already. Our goal in the winter season is to reform the Marketing Committee into the Marketing & Communications Committee. This group of NEPGA Professionals will work directly with Kristen to revamp our communications efforts and increase the efficiency in which you receive content. I would like to see significant involvement from all of you as NEPGA Professionals. When the time comes, we will need your feedback on what is currently working and what is not. Once we compile some data, Kristen and the committee will create an action plan and begin its implementation. If this new committee is something you feel passionate about, and would like to be a part of, please contact me and I would be happy to discuss it with you further.

Recently there have been a couple of articles circulating on social media implying that the game of golf is dying, or headed for disaster. Certainly some of this has been prompted by Nike’s decision to discontinue their production of hard goods. I have never put too much stock in what internet blogging personalities write or knee jerk reactions to changes within our industry, but I do take interest when their comments potentially harm my fellow PGA Professionals and their livelihoods.

There are definitely some areas in which certain market segments are not gravitating towards golf. That does not mean that they will not in time. We can show them that this is the greatest game on earth. Or better yet…as Jim Remy, PGA says…the greatest SPORT on earth. I have personally seen significant growth in the millennial population at my facility and it keeps expanding. Millennials may be more challenging to engage when it comes to golf, but when you do, they come in waves. Some of them might not be “traditional” golfers but that does not mean that they don’t enjoy the sport as much as an active tournament player.

They are simply looking for a great experience and to have a good time on the course. Sure, they may turn on their blue tooth speaker while playing nine, but I promise you a little give and take and departure from the norms of our typical golfer will only increase your bottom line.

I know many of you are working hard and having success in growing the game.

Do not let these articles derail your efforts or your enthusiasm. Now is the time to prove people wrong and unite as PGA Professionals and overcome the stigma that golf is dead or dying. You breathe lifeblood into our industry every day and I hope you never lose sight of that. Together we will show the country that golf is far from dead and could not be more alive!

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Ron Philo Jr., PGA on his win at the NEPGA Senior Championship. This most recent win has certainly cemented him in the history books as one of the section’s alltime greatest players. Mr. Philo has previously won the NEPGA Championship, the Met Section Championship, and the PGA Professional National Championship just to name a few. That is a lot of great golf and I have a feeling he has no intention of stopping there. I look forward to watching him in the NEPGA Championship later this month in anticipation of a possible win there as well. Good luck to Ron and all of the other competitors!

Respectfully, Rob Jarvis, PGA New England PGA President

Mike Higgins It is hard to believe that it is already August. The lack of rain we have been experiencing in the northeast certainly has put a lot of stress on facilities, and many PGA Professionals are looking for a “rain day” just to try and catch their breath. I do sincerely hope that the season has been a great one for you, your facility and your family. It has been an extremely busy season for your Section staff up to this point with the administration of Section, Chapter, Junior, New England Series and Drive, Chip & Putt events. Earlier this month over 80 NEPGA Senior Professionals competed in our second major championship of the year – the New England PGA Senior Championship. A special thank you to our host PGA Professionals Jim Remy, PGA & Michael Santamaria, PGA and to our wonderful sponsors Terry Frechette, as well as Cary Gordon from Oxford Golf and Bob Marshall from Golf Life Navigators. Congratulations to our 2016 Champion Ron Philo as well as Don Brigham, Jeff Seavey, Mike Baker, Dan Gillis, Chip Johnson, Bill Andrews, Webb Heintzelman and Kirk Hanefeld for advancing to the Senior PNC this November. The New England Section will be well represented.

165 NEPGA Professionals will head to the beautiful Pinehills Golf Club to compete in our 96th New England PGA Championship on August 22 – 24. As always the New England Section will boast one of the largest Section Championship fields in the country. Thank you in advance to our host PGA Professional John Tuffin.

The other day my daughter asked me if my favorite sport was golf. When I replied yes, she followed with another question – “Did you play any other sports growing up?” I let her know that I grew up playing baseball, basketball, soccer and then football when I entered high school. She quickly realized all the other sports I played were team sports and asked if I liked playing a team sport more than an individual sport. We had a great conversation about being a part of a team and how a team can elevate the performance of an individual. One common goal of each individual can result in the overall success of the team.

This conversation made me think about how a team does not only apply to sports. The New England PGA has assembled a wonderful team to run the programs and services for NEPGA Professionals. So I would like to pose a question to you. Who is on your team? Is there someone that is pushing you to be your very best? Are you pushing that person in return to be their very best? Is someone helping you become a leader and grow? Does your team have one common goal?

I would like each of you to think about the team you have assembled, or are a part of.

How has the year been so far? Does your team have what it takes to continue successfully until the end of the season? It is our job to help prepare your team and make it even better. We plan to help accomplish this through Winter Education Programs that will help you become the best possible PGA Professional, leader, or team that you can be!

As always, if there is ever anything our NEPGA team can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Respectfully, Michael Higgins New England PGA Executive Director

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AUGUST 9-12 Junior PGA Championship Wannamoisett Country Club AUGUST 16 New England DCP Sub-Regional LeBaron Hills Country Club AUGUST 22-24 NEPGA Professional Championship Pinehills Golf Club AUGUST 24 NEPGA Assistant Professional Championship Entry Deadline AUGUST 30 NEPGA Pro-Am Portsmouth Country Club

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Ron Philo shoots a pair of 67s to take Senior Championship Ron Philo, PGA (Stowe Mountain Club) shot a final round three under par 67 to finish the NEPGA Senior Championship with a six under par 134, and win the championship trophy at the Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, VT. Additionally, seven New England PGA Professionals have qualified for the Senior Professional National Championship in Port St. Lucie Florida.

If anything was to be learned from the New England PGA Senior Championship, it’s that experience is key. With the final day wrapping up on Thursday, August 4th, all of the golf professionals, many of which who have 30 plus years of golf experience, took on the tough play the field built from the first day. However, only some were able to capitalize on their first round successes.

Philo was atop the leaderboard at the end of Wednesday’s round. He came out on Thursday with his experience playing in national PGA events and his experience playing the Okemo Valley course. This experience helped him greatly in his round. He made two birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, and one bogey on the seventh to close out his front nine. On the back, he birdied the 10th and 14th to finish again with a 67, and finish the tournament at six under par 134.

Don Brigham, PGA (The Golf Club of New England) had an exciting day on Thursday as well. After finishing his opening round with a one under par 69, he came out in the final round showcasing strong play. He had five birdies and two bogeys on Thursday, to finish the second round with a three under par 67, putting him in sole possession of second place with a tournament score of four under par 136.

Many of the New England PGA Professionals were also using the NEPGA Senior Championship as a qualifier for the Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida on November 17-20. Kirk Hanefeld, the defending NEPGA Senior Champion and past Senior PGA Professional National Champion, was already exempt to the PNC. Ron Philo was also already exempt through his wins in the PGA Professional Championship. After Thursday, seven more professionals qualified: Don Brigham, PGA; Jeff Seavey, PGA; Mike Baker, PGA; Dan Gillis, PGA; Chip Johnson, PGA; Bill Andrews, PGA and Webb Heintzelman, PGA. Heintzelman captured the last spot after a playoff with Ed Kirby, PGA and Vince Molesky, PGA. The NEPGA congratulates all of the qualifiers and wishes them the best of luck in November. A big thank you goes out to PGA Head Professional and Past PGA of America President Jim Remy, PGA and his staff at Okemo Valley Golf Club for hosting this wonderful event. Also, thank you to partners in this event: Mercedes-Benz, RJ Shepherd, Oxford Golf, Golf Life Navigators and PGA Tour.

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Pos 1 2 T3 T3 T5 T5 T5 8 T9 T9

Player Total R1 R2 Total Ron Philo -6 67 67 134 Don Brigham -4 69 67 136 Jeff Seavey -3 70 67 137 Kirk Hanefeld -3 69 68 137 Michael Baker -2 71 67 138 Dan Gillis -2 70 68 138 Chip Johnson -2 67 71 138 Bill Andrews -1 68 71 139 Webb Heintzelman +1 72 69 141 Vince Molesky +1 71 70 141

NEPGA.com

Co-Champions from The Bay Club and Sebasco Harbor GR, Fox Ridge GC

Greg Yeomans, PGA, and John Paesani, PGA (Bay Club at Mattapoisett) and John Hickson, PGA (Sebasco Harbor GR) and Bob Darling, PGA (Fox Ridge GC) shot a 36-hole score of twelve under par, 132 to finish as co-champions at the NEPGA Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship at The Haven Country Club on Monday.

Ed Kirby, PGA (Point Judith CC) and his teammate John Rainone, PGA (North Kingstown GC) dominated the field in the first 18 holes of the day. In their opening round, they made seven birdies in total, and even notched an eagle on the 14th.

This was no small feat on Monday, as the heat and humidity were totaling at around 95 degrees, feeling even hotter to the professionals on the course.

In their second round, Kirby and Rainone struggled after starting at the tenth hole, making the turn at one over par. Two birdies on the fourth and fifth holes helped their cause, and they finished with a 36-hole score of 134, hopeful that the lead they built would hold up.

After their first round, Greg Yeomans, PGA and John Paesani, PGA finished with a three under par 69. Seeing the lead score ahead of them, they worked to knock the leaders from the top spot. They did just that, and they were on fire during their second round. Adding to the four birdies they made on the front nine, they made back-toback birdies on 14 and 15, along with 17 and 18. Yeomans and Paesani finished with a second round score of 63, putting their total at twelve under par 132.

John Hickson, PGA and Bob Darling, PGA also had a slow start to their day. After the first 18 holes, they shot a five under par 67, which was a good score, but they wanted to make a move for the top spot. In their second round, they minimized their mistakes; going from two birdies to one, and made eight total birdies. They finished with a twelve under par 132, and were Co-Champions with Paesani and Yeomans.

Thank you to The Haven Country Club, PGA Head Professional Hal Jacobs, PGA and his staff for making the Pro-Pro Stroke Play a success. Also, a big thanks to partners in this event: Martin Golf, Fennec, YRI, Signature Tumblers, Kirk and Matz, and PGA Tour. Also, a big thank you to Jeff DiBonna who was not only present at the event, but had great tee gifts for all of our players.

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Pos Team T1 John Hickson Bob Darling T1 Greg Yeomans John Paesani T3 Peter Doherty Sean Chipman T3 Jim Sheerin Don Brigham T5 Eric Barlow Thomas Tobey T5 James Burke Peter Norton T5 Allan Menne David Lane T5 John Rainone Ed Kirby 9 Greg Farland Scott Hickey T10 Timothy Bishop Lucas Langelier

NEPGA.com

Today Total R1 R2 Total -7 -12 67 65 132 -9

-12

69 63

132

-5

-11

66 67

133

-6

-11

67 66

133

-7

-10

69 65

134

-6

-10

68 66

134

-6

-10

68 66

134

-1

-10

63 71

134

-4

-8

68 68

136

-1

-7

66 71

137

Tramonti, PGA and Triggs Memorial win Pro-Senior Robert Tramonti, PGA, Richard Leary, Richard Squizzero and Peter Mcbride of Triggs Memorial Golf Club shot a ten under par 60 in the gross division to take the top spot at the 2016 NEPGA Pro-Senior Invitational at Metacomet CC in East Providence, RI on July 19th. Jeff Martin, PGA from Norton CC had the top Individual Professional finish shooting an even par 70.

The field of 34 teams took on a challenging Donald Ross-designed course with gusting winds on Tuesday. Many of the professionals today said the sloping, quickrunning greens really put their putting game to the test.

Tramonti and his team were up to the challenge that the course and winds brought. The group made four birdies on the front nine holes. This would be impressive by any standard, but this wasn’t the shining star on their scorecard. On the back nine, the group made five consecutive birdies from the 12th to 16th holes and made an additional on the 18th to close out a stellar round. They finished with a ten under par 70 for the afternoon.

Jeff Martin, PGA and his team from Norton

CC made a great day for themselves on the course as well. They started their round by making two birdies, on the first and second holes. Their round didn’t quite catch fire with a birdie barrage like the Triggs Memorial group’s did, but they did make an eagle on the ninth to finish the day with five birdies and one eagle. The Norton team finished tied for second with the Bay Club’s team with a seven under par 63. Martin made a two under par 68 on his own ball to finish as that top professional in the field.

Tuesday’s awesome play also saw a holein-one. Kevin Nilson, an amateur from Ridgewood CC, made the ace on the par three seventh hole. Playing about 150 yards, Nilson said he hit his nine iron, had some right to left movement, and saw the ball find the hole.

A big thank you to C.J Talbert, PGA, head professional at Metacomet CC, and his staff for hosting this fun event. We also thank our partners in this event, Mohegan Sun and Golf Life Navigators, along with Golf Life Navigators’ representative Bob Marshall, who was at the event.

Pos 1 2 3 4 T5 T5 T5 T5 T9 T9

Player Jeffrey Martin Scott Hickey Brian Owens Greg Yeomans Brendon Ray Gregg Richbourg Robert Tramonti Shane Drury Thomas Tobey Craig Coombes

+/-2 E +1 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4

Total 68 70 71 72 73 73 73 73 74 74

Derek Franklin, PGA and Abby Hood take Pro-Lady Darek Franklin, PGA and Abby Hood from Bass Rocks GC shot a combined three under par 67 in the gross division to finish in the top spot at the NEPGA ProLady at Kernwood CC in Salem, MA on July 14th. They were the only team to finish in the red in the gross division.

The team from Bass Rocks started out strong. With a fifth hole start, they made a birdie on the sixth. They continued their strong play to the back nine, making three more birdies on holes 11, 13 and 14. Franklin and Hood struggled towards the end, and made two bogeys on the second and third holes. They still had a standout performance, finishing first in the gross division.

The format of the event of select drive alternate shot made for an interesting round for many of the players, as the professionals and amateurs had to really depend on each other to make shots.

This is especially important considering Kernwood CC has also gone through some major changes recently. After taking out many of the trees along the course, even those who had played the course in the past year didn’t recognize it as the same course.

Bill Cunningham, PGA and Sheri Siegel from Oakley CC and Mark Nowosielski, PGA and Kim Zenisky from TPC Boston both finished tied for second in the gross division after shooting 1 over par 71.

A big thank you to PGA Head Professional Frank Dully, Superintendent John Eggleston, Kernwood CC General Manager David Mazur and the staff for a wonderful day on the course. Another big thanks to Sue Powers from Nivo for not only being a partner in the event but also being present and handing out great tee gifts.

Pos 1 2 T3 T3 5 6 T7 T7 T9 T9

Team Bass Rocks GC Kernwood CC Oakley CC TPC Boston Big Sticks Golf Academy Lexington GC Ipswich CC North Andover CC Cohasset GC Norton CC

+/- Total -4 66 -3 67 -1 69 -1 69 E 70 +1 71 +2 72 +2 72 +3 73 +3 73

The New England Section Professional Championship will be contested this year at Pinehills Golf Club, with Rich Berberian, PGA returning to defend his 2014 and 2015 titles. The New England Section’s premier event will be played on the Jones and Nicklaus Courses at Pinehills on August 22-24th.

Once again the New England Section was near the top of all 41 Sections of the PGA of America for number of entries filed assuring us of great representation at the 50th PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, OR in June 2017. The top scorers not otherwise exempt will move on to represent the New England Section.

Thank you to event partners Club Car, Mercedes-Benz USA, OMEGA, Nike Golf, Titleist/FootJoy, TaylorMade Golf Company, PGA TOUR and Mohegan Sun!

Next, on Tuesday, August 30th the NEPGA travels up to Portsmouth Country Club in Greenfield, New Hampshire for another Pro-Am event.

It’s a 2 best ball of four event with gross and net scores added together with an Individual Professional division. Players may also choose their own tee time. Thank you to event partners Mohegan Sun, along with adidas, Ashworth and Adams!

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Coming up on September 12th , we’re traveling out to Plymourth Country Club in Plymouth, Mass. for the final event in our NEPGA Stroke Play Series.

As always, a huge thank you to Ahead, Yamaha, Cutter and Buck, PGA Tour, GolfBuddy and Avidia Bank for their continued support of this popular event.

And Finally, on September 13th & 14th we’re headed to Spring Valley Country Club in Sharon, Mass. for the National Car Rental Assistant’s Championship! This exciting event is the last in our NEPGA majors for the season! Practice rounds will be available to players, and registration is through the PGA of America! Thank you to event partners National Car Rental and Cleveland Srixon!

The 2016 Deacon Palmer Award has been awarded posthumously to William “Bill” Flynn of Windham (New Hampshire) Country Club. The Deacon Palmer Award honors a PGA Professional who displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. The recipient is an unsung hero at their facility and in their community, who served to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside the game.

Flynn was born with a physical disability that prevented the full use of his right arm. While Flynn’s disability restricted him from competing in team sports, it led him to golf, where he won the 1959 Vermont Open, 1963 Massachusetts Open and 1968 New England PGA (NEPGA) Championship. The 1976 and 1982 NEPGA Section Golf Professional of the Year; and the Section’s 1993 Merchandiser of the Year.

Flynn’s love for the game began as a 10-year-old caddy.

Across 52 years of PGA Membership, Flynn created programs that offered free golf instruction to inner-city and local juniors, women and disabled golfers.

One of his daughters, Joanne, followed in Bill’s path to become a PGA Professional, while sons Bob and Michael manage the other family courses.

A NEPGA Hall of Fame Member, former PGA Vice President and NEPGA Section President, he created Bill Flynn Golf Course Management and Development Company in 1980. The organization acquired Lakeview Golf Course and Far Corner Golf Course in Massachusetts, before building Windham Country Club in New Hampshire. He also managed and leased the George Wright Golf Club and William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park from the City of Boston for many years.

Flynn passed away in 2011 at the age of 74.

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Congratulations to the following students who have received Scholarships for the 2016/2017 academic school year. These recipients are the children and grandchildren of NEPGA Professionals. We applaud them for both their academic achievements and community activities!

Recipient Jacqueline Lajoie

College UMass Amherst

Recipient Victoria Bemis

College BU/Sargent College

Incoming Freshman Madeline Belden

College of the Holy Cross

Victoria Bemis

BU/Sargent College

Christopher Decker

Quinnipiac

Olivia Durocher

Worcester State University

Hannah Gillis

Wesleyan University

Richard Hardy

Champlain College

Jakob Harris Elizabeth Moison

Tufts University

Owen Quinn

Lehigh University

College Students Melanie Barber

Grove City College

Jacqueline Del Bonis

Stonehill College

Jennifer Dupuis

Southern NH University

Cassidy Engberg

Maine College of Art

Amber Fields

Umass Amherst

Ryan Fields

Umass Amherst

Rachel Gelineau

Bridgewater State University

Abigail Hood

Sacred Heart University

Jacqueline Lajoie

Umass Amherst

Hannah Moffatt

High Point University

Alyssa Wilson

Northeastern University

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In case you missed any of the air time surrounding the PGA Championship of Rich Berberian, Jr., here are a few clips for you to enjoy from our video vault.

As we have in the past, we are asking PGA Professionals to volunteer as Ambassadors for the DBC Pro-Am that will be played on Thursday, September 1st. Volunteers will receive a package prior to the Pro Am with an instructional sheet, suggested script, oxford cloth shirt, credentials, and parking pass for the volunteer lot at Norton High School. Please be sure to indicate your shirt size during the registration process. Yardage books are no longer available but please feel free to bring your own distance measuring device.

You will be assigned a Pro-Am group and your role will be to facilitate pace of play and in doing so assist the amateurs with club selection/yardage, etc. Your primary role as an official host is to insure that the day is enjoyable for the amateurs, while helping the group maintain a 4 hour and 45 minute pace of play. It is hoped that you might meet the amateurs and offer any advice, if so asked. Please note that cam-

eras/camcorders are not allowed to be used during the round or at the range.

We still need volunteers for the afternoon shift from 12pm— 2pm.

We will be proudly displaying pin flags from New England clubs at our Section Championship at Pinehills Golf Club on August 22-24.

We ask that you send a flag from your club to our Section office by August 15 (NEPGA, PO Box 743, Boylston, MA 01505). If you are playing in or volunteering at any of our upcoming events, feel free to drop off your flag with a Section staff member.

Spotlights What age did you begin to play golf?

5

Of all the courses that you have played, which one is your favorite?

The Country Club

Who taught you the game?

Father Where did you go to school?

College of Wooster, Wooster, OH

Brendan Walsh, PGA NEPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner

When did you decide to become a PGA Professional and why?

Great PGA mentors, Bob Nye, Jim Fitzgerald and Bill Adams. They allowed me to experience all the positive aspects to the business.

What age did you begin to play golf?

I began to play at the age of 12.

Who taught you the game?

My grandfather was my first exposure to the game.

Where did you go to school?

I attended Cumberland High (RI) and then Northeastern University.

Mike Bradshaw, PGA NEPGA Horton Smith Award Winner

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When did you decide to become a PGA Professional and why?

I decided to become a PGA Professional when I was in college. I grew up playing baseball as a child and switched to golf in high school. By college, I was completely hooked and decided this was the business that I wanted to go into.

What other interests do you have besides the game of golf?

Family & Health/Exercise What would you like to leave as your legacy to the game?

That I have helped those around me become a better person in all areas of their lives.

Of all the courses that you have played, which one is your favorite?

My favorite golf course that I've played is St. Andrew's. The entire experience is tremendous--the history, surrounding town, etc.

What other interests do you have besides the game of golf?

I officiate high school basketball in the winters and also enjoy coaching my son's basketball team.

What would you like to leave as your legacy to the game?

I would like to leave a legacy that I helped my members enjoy the game of golf to its fullest while also aiding my fellow PGA Professionals in building the image of the PGA.

NEPGA.com

Thursday, September 29

Vermont Chapter

Vermont National Country Club

2:00 pm after Pro/Pro 9:00 am

Thursday, October 20

Maine Chapter

Augusta Country Club

9:00 am

Thursday, October 20

Assistants' Association

Kernwood Country Club

TBA

Monday, October 24

Rhode Island Chapter

Kirkbrae Country Club

TBA

Tuesday, October 25

Massachusetts Chapter

The Haven Country Club

TBA

Thursday, October 27

Cape Cod Chapter

Sandwich Hollows Golf Club

TBA

Monday, October 31

Section Annual Meeting

TBA

TBA

tba in October

Seniors' Association

Pleasant Valley Country Club

9:00 am

Thursday, November 3

New Hampshire Chapter

Laconia Country Club

9:00 am

Check for updates on the Meetings page of NEPGA.com.

We encourage all NEPGA facilities to host a Patriot Golf Day Fundraiser during the week of September 2nd5th. Click here to download promotional materials for your event, view tips for success and download donation forms. PGA Professionals hosting an event and submitting donations to Folds of Honor will receive 2 MSR credits.

In addition, NEPGA partner Hole-inOne U.S.A. has developed a Folds of Honor Bag Tag Promotion to help you raise more money at your Patriot Golf Day event. Click here to view the promotion.

Bay Club at Mattapoisett - Sept. 7 The Golf Range Association of America Boot Camp presented

by PGA Magazine Group will be hosted at the Bay Club at Mattapoisett (MA) on Wednesday, September 7th. Guests include PGA Professionals, range owners, managers, superintendents and operators. Peers and sponsors have the opportunity to network and share information, discuss new technology and exchange best practices. Attendance is complimentary and includes all conference programs, continental breakfast and lunch. PGA Professionals will earn 1 MSR education credit. Click here to read about the speakers and to view the agenda. Click here to register!

We hope you participate in this inspirational annual program!

Donnie Lyons, PGA Click here to view the PGA of America Highlight Summary for the month of July featuring a recap of the 2016 PGA Championship, 2016 PGA Award Recipients, the Hit the Green for HOPE campaign supporting golf programming for military Veterans with disabiltiies and Ryder Cup news.

Congratulations to Kernwood CC Assistant Professional Steve Bramlett and his wife on the birth of their son, Colton Williams Bramlett.

Colton was born on August 1st at 4:29pm weighing 8 lbs 14 ounces and measuring 21 1/2 inches.

Lifetime PGA Member Founding Father of New Hampshire Chapter by Frank Swierz For more than 50 years, Tony Loch, PGA, has been a golfing legend primarily in the seacoast area of New Hampshire.

His dedication and interest in his fellow golfers and the industry has earned him numerous awards and honors. But chief among Loch’s leadership and organizational talents was his brainstorm along with fellow professionals Joe Clark, Sr. and Bud Levasseur to gather the state’s golfing professionals under the established umbrella of the New England PGA Section (NEPGA). Thus, in 1962, the New Hampshire Chapter (NHC) became a reality. Today, the NHC still functions under the arm of the NEPGA and continues to serve the golfing public with dedication and professionalism. Over 150 members comprise the New Hampshire Chapter and they direct the activities at over 80 golf courses throughout the state.

Loch, who began his golfing career as a caddy in 1939, has

served as Head Professional at Portsmouth Country Club as well as at Pease Golf Club. He is married, father of 10, grandfather of 24, great-grandfather of 26 and counting.

Among his golfing highlights are New Hampshire PGA Championship (1977, 1984), Michelob Team Gross Championship, Bermuda Good Will, Team Gross Championship, Exeter Country Club Champion (1950, 52, 53), Exeter Country Club Handicap Champion (1949, 50, 53). He also was victorious in more than 100 Pro-Ams throughout New England. He is especially proud of his victory with his son, Bob in the 1978 New England Pro Press Championship in 1978 and his three New England Pro Wife Championships with his wife, Sheila.

He has also served as the NHC Tournament Chairman, the NEPGA Board of Directors, NHC Board of Directors and was named NHC Professional of the Year in 1978. He was also instrumental in the planning and organizing of the Seacoast Amateur which started with six New Hampshire clubs and 90 of the top seacoast amateurs. Today, that event is stronger than ever as it includes 16 seacoast clubs.

Loch’s legendary career was captured in the entertaining book Golf is My Mistress, an autobiography about his life as a club professional. He was also involved in an annual ProCelebrity golf event called “Par for the Kids” which raised funds for Portsmouth’s Community Day Care Centers.

Thanks to Loch’s source of knowledge and concern for his fellow professionals, the New Hampshire Chapter of the PGA is a thriving organization helping to make one’s golf game better and make golf a better game.

Underscoring the PGA TOUR’s “Together, anything’s possible” charitable mission, the TOUR’s Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative will join with non-profit Golf For All (GFA) to host a golf clinic for veterans suffering from PTSD as well as individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and others facing physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. The clinic will be spearheaded by Golf For All Head Golf Professional Bob Beach. It will take place during the PGA TOUR’s Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday, August 29, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the practice facility at TPC Boston in Norton, MA. All participants are asked to arrive by 3:30 pm at the Xfinity Center, located at 885 S. Main Street in Mansfield, and park in the Brown Lot. A shuttle will take participants to the clinic. Click here to learn more.

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NEPGA.com

Pinehills GC (Nicklaus Course #18) Site of NEPGA Championship

Joan Stuart

ACH Payments for Purse Winnings This is worth repeating! Now that we are in the height of our Centennial tournament season, I would again like to remind you about the advantages of receiving your purse winnings as a direct deposit either into your checking or savings account.

Why wait to receive your money?

Why risk the possibility that the check may get lost in the mail?

Why wait for the check to be sent or forwarded to a new address?

Why have a stop payment fee deducted from your check when the Section has to stop payment because you never received the check?

The SIMPLE solution is to have the money deposited directly into your account. Please click here for the ACH Payment Form and follow the instructions on the form. If you need any guidance, please call the section office at 508.869.0000 or email jstuart@pgahq.com.

Complimentary Access Information: 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship Sept. 2-5, 2016 | TPC Boston Norton, Massachusetts Ticket Information (904) 285-3700 www.pgatour.com Class A PGA members and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children and PGA member's parents). (PGA members only; this offer is not extended to apprentices). Must show membership card and Photo ID each day. Go to Main Gate to pick up daily ticket.

Complimentary Access Information 2016 Ryder Cup 2016 RYDER CUP Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2016 | Hazeltine National Golf Club | Chaska, Minnesota Ticket Information (800) 742-4653 | www.RyderCup.com/USA PGA of America members and their accompanying spouse/partner or guest (not both) may receive complimentary PGA Member Club tickets. Members' immediate children, under21 years of age, will also receive complimentary access. Class "F" members, apprentices and PGM students do not receive complimentary admission. Tickets must be picked up on a daily basis from the Admissions & Will Call trailer and all individuals (spouse/partner or guest, children) must be present and visible with the PGA member to receive their ticket. Members must show current PGA of America membership card and photo identification. No PGA Member Club tickets may be collected for a future day of attendance, without exception.

Members may bring a different guest, to a limit of 1, each day of the Ryder Cup.

Ron Green, PGA I will preface this by saying, if you administer even a few tournaments at your facility I hope what we are going to discuss over the next few months will help you.

For those of you who aren’t as confident in making a ruling we want to make finding the information easier, so you can make an informed decision.

For those of you with solid Rules knowledge we want to reinforce that what you are doing is correct and may even make it a little simpler for you to negotiate your way around the Rules.

We are going to pay special attention to the Decisions Book (something everyone who is involved with tournament administration should have in their possession), but let’s not get carried away here, even with the hundreds of decisions we have to reference, every situation is not covered, that is why the decisions are continually reviewed and updated every two years. Many times you can find a decision that is very close to the situation you are dealing with, but it may still require you to use your Rules knowledge to reach a final decision on how to proceed.

Also remember, many answers we are looking for are contained in the body of the Rule we are working with and even some answers can be found in the Definitions.

Finding our way when looking for answers in Rule & Decisions Books.

This is not the first time I have discussed this topic, but I have been tasked with trying to share some ideas that will make finding answers to Rules questions easier.

You know, the complicated ones that invariably come up when you are the busiest, during one of your major events, Member-Guest, Club Championship, etc.

Well, to be perfectly honest, sometimes there is no easy way, and this is one of them.

Like any learning experience you need to start with a solid foundation to build on.

To become proficient in finding what you need in the Rule Book or the much larger and even more intimidating Decisions Book, you have to know the language of golf, THE

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DEFINITIONS. Located, not coincidentally at the front of each book, well before you ever encounter Rule 1.

I have written and said this so many times over the years when writing articles or giving Rules seminars, but it is true, without knowing the definitions you are setting yourself up for a lot of frustration and ultimately failure in using either book.

Trust me there is NOT a shortcut. If I knew one I would be happy to share it with you, but it doesn’t exist.

I don’t want to discourage you with the first article I write on this subject, but learning the Rules is about learning how to find things in the book, finding things quickly in the book is all about knowing where to start to look, the definitions are the key that unlocks that door.

This is not going to be a CliffsNotes version of using the Decisions book, if you are looking for that then skip these articles for the next few months.

Not putting in the time to build a strong foundation is a recipe for disaster, so, during this coming month, take a few minutes each day and gradually work your way through the definitions. Don’t read too many at one time, no matter how simple they seem let the information sink in, it will pay off in the long run.

You may even come to the realization that some Rules questions you have been asked could have been answered by simply having a sound knowledge of the definitions.

We’ll prove that to you over the next few months as well.

I know many people like to look ahead when it comes to learning, kind of a “what’s next, after all these boring definitions I have just read?”

Well, I will give you a hint (it is still kind of boring though), like any large reference guide or manual, you need to be able to find things easily and quickly. What helps us do that? Hint: It starts with “I” and ends with an “X”, and in the case of the Decisions Book it is at the opposite end from the Definitions. See if you can put your index finger on that?

NEPGA.com

Kids all over New England have joined us this year to take part in the Drive, Chip & Putt qualifiers in hopes of testing their skills in the national competition held at Augusta National during Masters week in 2017. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far! We still have one Sub-Regional qualifier to go on August 16th at LeBaron Hills CC. 2016 event results and all NEPGA DCP information can be found on nepgajuniortour.com/drivechipputt.

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NEPGA.com

The U.S. Department of Labor delivered its highly anticipated final rule on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) on Wednesday, which redefines eligibility standards for overtime. The rule increases the pay ceiling under which salaried executive, administrative, and professional workers can earn overtime pay for working more than 40 hours per week.

The new rule slightly more than doubles the threshold to $47,476 ($913 per week) from $23,660 a year ($455 per week) for non-exempt employees, which the Department of Labor established in 2004. The new threshold also can be adjusted every three years for wage growth over time.

The rule partially addresses concern from groups, including the golf industry, that bonuses and incentive payments can count up to 10 percent of the new salary level. According to the PGA’s Research department: 33.6% of active PGA Class A Members and 84.3% of Apprentices earn less than $47,500 in total compensation.

In addition, as encouraged by the golf industry, the “white collar duties test” was left intact, meaning that workers above the salary ceiling cannot become eligible for overtime by performing hourly-type wage duties. This part of the rule comes as relief to many small businesses, which were concerned that high-salaried workers could gain access to overtime wages.

The rule will formally take effect on Dec. 1. However, there are several legal challenges expected that could delay the rule from implementation or overhaul it entirely.

The potential implications for both employees and small businesses are dramatic. The Labor Department says approximately 4.2 million people will benefit from the new rule. And while it can

 Beginning Dec. 1, 2016, the rule guarantees time-and-half pay to any salaried employee earning under $47,476 a year ($913 a week) and who works more than 40 hours in a week. That’s double the current salary threshold of $23,660 ($455 a week).  Bonuses and incentive payments can count up to 10 percent towards salary level determination.  There was no change in the “white collar duties test.” Workers who earn more than $47,476 cannot earn overtime, due to them performing duties of an hourly worker.  Automatically updates the salary threshold every three years, tying it to the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers in the lowestincome Census region (currently the South). The first update would be Jan. 1, 2020. Based on current wage trends, the DOL projects a salary threshold of $51,000 by Jan. 1, 2020.  Legal challenges are expected. raise income levels for hourly workers who work more than 40 hours a week (at time-and-a-half for the excess hours), it can also put a tremendous burden on a business to account for these extra expenses.

For example, the ruling could cause businesses to closely monitor hours of employees or eliminate staff to pay for the extra expenses. Theoretically, consumers who would benefit from higher pay—including salary increases higher than the overtime threshold—could also simultaneously feel a hit, too, in the form of higher prices, to keep pace with pricing pressures.

Last September, the PGA of America, Club Managers Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the National Club Association issued a joint letter to the Department of Labor.

The golf industry stated then that the rule would reshape the compensation structure for PGA Professionals and could harm their employment opportunities. Many PGA Professionals earn a salary of less than $47,476, yet their club allows them to retain fees from lessons, junior golf, and other golf programs. If all commissions and outside fees are not included in salary, the concern is that clubs will need to reconsider how they compensate their employees.

The rule could also force clubs to increase golf fees. This will impact access to golf and harm growth of the game.

Golf clubs will need to consider the impact of the rule when they prepare their budgets for the end of the year and 2017. Thus, it is important to educate PGA Professionals now about the rule, so they can consider it in their strategic and budget planning.

To help you understand the implications of the rule, the White House has created a Fact Sheet for the public. In addition, the PGA of America has designed a PowerPoint to help PGA Professionals prepare for its scheduled implementation in December.

Facility: Gorham Country Club Captain: Rick Altham, PGA League: Portland League #2 Years involved with PGA Junior League: 2 What has PGA Junior League meant to the junior programming at Gorham?

The league has created a lot of excitement and new players for our junior program. The registrations for our junior camps, course junior leagues and junior memberships have increased due to the success of our PGA Junior League Team.

What has worked best for you at Gorham with recruiting of your players each season?

Communicating with the parents of our current players throughout the winter via email is very important to us. We want golf to be one of the first activities on the family schedule for the upcoming year.

We also have a booth at two industry trade shows that helps up recruit new players.

This year your facility has grown to 18 players, how has that growth taken place?

Our team grew this year because of how successful the PGA Junior League was in 2015 here at Gorham. The feedback from the participants and parents was overwhelming positive. The team sells itself once you get involved.

How has PGA Junior League Golf helped you RAISE the engagement of juniors (and their families) at Gorham?

Families come out to the course on the day of our matches and are doing a great job supporting the players. Our matches have a gallery type feel with spectators clapping after every shot and offering the players encouragement. The smile on a player’s face after he/she hits a good shot and listens to applause is priceless. We also see the families more at the golf course on non-match days playing. The league is also helping our facility sell family memberships.

PGA Junior League Golf Sub-Regionals are underway! Click here to check out the brackets for this year.

For more information regarding PGA Junior League Golf or to share your success stories, contact Brian Bain, PGA Player Development Regional Manager-Boston at 617-820-4411 or bbain@pgahq.com.

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NEPGA.com

Jacy Settles NEPGA Junior Tour presented by

Hampoian, Ford Take Top Honors At 2016 Massachusetts Big "I" Junior Classic Nick Hampoian of North Reading, MA and Julia Ford of Shrewsbury, MA won the 2016 Massachusetts Big "I" Junior Golf Classic on MondayTuesday, July 11-12 at The Country Club of New Bedford (North Dartmouth, MA) and The Bay Club (Mattapoisett, MA).

By winning the boys’ and girls’ divisions respectively, Hampoian and Ford qualified Big “I” National Championship held at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, CA on August 1 – 4, 2016.

Hampoian, 16, posted a final-round 71 for a two-day total of 143 and an 8-stroke victory over Logan Stansbury (North Reading, MA), Ryan Anderson (Beverly, MA), Thomas Graham (Sherborn, MA), and Harry Grosso (Wellesley, MA).

Ford, 18, had a final-round 78 for a two-day total of 152 and a 3-stroke victory over Jackie Gonzalez of West Roxbury, MA. In addition to Hampoian and Ford, those players mentioned above will also advance to the Big “I” National Championship as the low five boys and low two girls qualified for the National event.

More than 270 youngsters competed in 6 qualifying tournaments around the state, with 63 earning spots in the state finals. The state tournament was sponsored by the New England PGA and the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.

The Trusted Choice Big “I” National Championship is one of the largest golf championships in the country with more than 2,000 boys and girls—ages 13 to 18—competing in over 100 elimination rounds throughout the United States. It is one of the most widely acclaimed junior golf championships in the U.S.

Help us spread the word about the NEPGA Junior Tour to the junior golf members or customers at your facility!

Use our suggested text to send out an email promoting the Tour, hang this flyer in your golf shop and be sure to mention our website, www.nepgajuniortour.com!

On the national level the tournament is sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), and Trusted Choice. As junior golfers, current PGA Tour players Tiger Woods and Billy Andrade each won two Big “I” championships. Andrade captured back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981. Woods won the prestigious tournament in 1990 and 1992, and claimed the Big “I” National Long Drive Championship in 1990 and 1991.

In addition to Woods and Andrade, the distinguished list of current professional players who as juniors played in the Big "I" includes Phil Michelson, Webb Simpson and Jonathan Byrd and Kevin Na.

The New England PGA Junior Tour is the place for fun junior golf competition on a local level. The New England PGA (NEPGA) Junior Tour consists of over 100 tournaments for juniors 9-21 years old. NEPGA Junior Tour competition ranges from the Elite Tour which is geared towards low handicappers looking to play collegiate golf, to the one day events which encompasses nearly all skill levels. Whether you are looking to play in college, make the high school golf team or a youngster looking to make new friends in a tournament setting, the NEPGA Junior tour has it all. The NEPGA Junior Tour provides a place for all juniors and there’s always room to play. Membership is $130 and includes a membership package and access to all events. For more information, visit www.nepgajuniortour.com or call 508-869-0000.

Submitted by Mickey Herron, PGA, Cape Cod & Rhode Island Chapter Tournament Manager

To all NEPGA Members & Apprentices: Don’t miss the upcoming Rhode Island Chapter Pro-Officer/Senior scheduled for Thursday, August 18th at the perfectly manicured Kirkbrae CC in central Rhode Island. Not only serving as a solid warm-up for the following week’s Section Championship at Pinehills, this Pro-Am also offers players (who have signed up for the Rhode Island Open on August 30-31) a competitive practice round. The RIGA Open entry deadline is the day before the Pro-Officer. Note: Fabulous post- round food, prizes and a friendly 6200-yard venue for your officers/senior members. Register on the Rhode Island Bluegolf pages. 1:00 PM shotgun start. The deadline is August 15th.

Kirkbrae’s fun 10th hole awaits!

Two looks at the new 9th & 18th holes with PGA HP Ryan Payne showing the newly-built pond fronting both greens.

The extensive golf course renovations are complete at The Cape Club, formerly Ballymeade, in N. Falmouth. Re-inventing itself as a daily fee facility only, official play will begin August 3rd, followed by an ambitious demo-day++ two weeks later on August 20th on the picturesque new range (though hard to pick) featuring large bunkers just off the back of the huge clubhouse and new golf shop. All golfers are welcome to join the fun on August 20th! The Cape Club is adjacent to The Golf Club of Cape Cod and just down the road from Cape Cod Country Club, Paul Harney’s & Quashnet Valley – all on Rte. 151.

After capturing this year’s edition of the Section’s Pro-Pro Stroke Play at The Haven GC, besting 40+ teams, The Bay Club’s PGA HP John Paesani speculated, “this has to be the longest period of time between Pro-Pro wins in Section history!” John had won this event 29 years ago (1987) with Dan Diskin (then PGA HP at Lexington CC). This intrepid writer decided to gather some research on this event (it is our Centennial year!).

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2016 NEPGA Pro-Pro Stroke Play Champions John Paesani & Greg Yeomans

NEPGA.com

In doing so, Paesani’s achievement was indeed rare, but just shy of the incredible efforts of the late NEPGA Hall-of-Famer Bob Crowley, who spent most of his career at Pinebrook GC, winning the Pro-Pro six times between the years 1933 & 1967, a stretch of 34 years between wins! Crowley’s overall competitive record is unequaled by virtually every other NEPGA golf professional in history & too long to mention here, but CROWLEY’S SIX SECTION Championships are one better than his fellow post-war colleague Les Kennedy (the RI Chapter POY is named after Les) whose five Section Champ wins were also equaled by Dana Quigley before Dana took his talents to the Senior Tour ($16M in earnings!).

Note: Paesani is a former TWO-TIME winner of the Connecticut Section Championship as well (1997 & 2001)!

More Pro-Pro fun factoids: This was Yeomans’ 2nd win (2009 with Paul Parajeckas). Paul recorded three other wins (with Paul Barkhouse in 1987 & 1992, & with Quigley in 1994). Paesani’s first winning partner Dan Diskin had won the Pro-Pro with his brother Kenny in 1980 (Kenny was this writer’s first Head Pro at Cranberry Valley in 1979!). Other superstars of the Pro-Pro are too numerous to detail, but suffice to say great players like Kirk Hanefeld, Chip Johnson, Lee Danielian all paved the way for our current stars such as Jeff Seavey, Shawn Warren and Jeff Martin, all multiple winners of this fine championship.

The Back Nine Club’s PGA HP Bob Giusti participated in the CCPGA Pro-Junior with 4 of his PGA Junior League players.

Editor Note: This writer won with Teddy O’Rourke (1990) and Tommy Tobey (2005), a 15 –year gap between wins.

conducted by the Rhode Island Golf Association Kirkbrae CC | August 30—September 1

Deadline to register is August 17th!

Pictured Right: The 2016 CCPGA Titleist-FootJoy Pro-Junior at Squirrel Run. Titleist’s Dave Moynihan speaking to the field… “who’s playing Pro-V’s?!”

Click Here to Register & View Event Info

Submitted by Mark Aldrich, PGA, MA Chapter President The Massachusetts Chapter Board of Directors newly approved a $750 award for the Massachusetts Chapter Player of the Year! This is just another great reason to come out and play in the Chapter events!

As we are on the cusp of turning the “corner” of the busy summer, please check out the upcoming MA Chapter schedule as we have a wonderful lineup of events. Click here to register for any of the below events on our BlueGolf page.

Date

Event

Facility

Details

Register

August 17

MA Chapter Individual Stroke Play

Beverly G&T Club

Event Info

Click Here to Register

September 8

Massachusetts PGA Championship

Sterling National GC

Event Info

Click Here to Register

September 19

MA Chapter Individual Stroke Play

Bellevue GC

Event Info

Click Here to Register

October 6

MA Chapter Individual Stroke Play

Kettle Brook

Event Info

Click Here to Register

October 25

MA Chapter Fall Pro-Pro

The Haven CC

Event Info

Click Here to Register

November 7

MA Chapter Individual Stableford

Thomson CC

Event Info

Click Here to Register

Submitted by Maine Chapter President Jason Hurd, PGA The Maine Chapter has not had a lot of events in the months of July and August, due to the busy schedules of all our PGA Professionals. I hope you are all extremely busy and enjoying the spectacular weather we are having this summer.

Take a few moments to check out the upcoming schedule for the end of August and into September. We have a lot of golf ahead of us and I hope your responsibilities will lessen in the fall and you have time to play a few or all of our events. Also note the dates as we have changed a few from the original schedule that was set in early April.

NEW DATES Cape Arundel Pro Am: Wednesday, September 14th Webhannet Pro Am: Tuesday, September 20th

bleford event. PGA Professional Don Roberts fired a 68 and took home the individual professional honors. A special thank you to Augusta CC for contributing to the prize pool for the day.

Tuesday, August 16th Pro Senior Championship—Waterville CC Tuesday, August 30th Pro Lady Championship—Cape Arundel GC Tuesday, September 6th Senior Championship—Rockland GC

The Pro Junior Championship at Val Halla GC had a repeat winner this year. The team from the Purpoodock Club led by PGA Professional Tony Decker came through for the second year in a row to capture the title. Congrats!!! Thank you to Host Professional Brian Bickford and to the MSGA staff for their help in organizing the event for the juniors. Our participation increased from a year ago. Also, thank you to the PGA Professionals that volunteered their time to play and make it an enjoyable day for the added juniors that we had in the field.

Tuesday & Wednesday, September 6th, 7th Chapter Championship—Rockland GC and Samoset Resort

Pro Am #4 of the season was held at Augusta CC. Thank you to Host Professional Jason Hurd and his staff for a great day. The team from Fairlawn GC led by PGA Professional David Bartasuis took home the top honors in the Team Sta-

Tuesday, September 20th Pro Am—Webhannet GC

Pro Junior Champs from Purpoodock Club with PGA Professional Tony Decker

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Wednesday, September 14th Pro Am—Cape Arundel GC Thursday, September 15th Pro Am—York Golf and Tennis Club Monday, September 19th Pro Am—Portland CC

Pro Junior participants led by NEPGA VP Ron Bibeau

NEPGA.com

Submitted by NH Chapter President Ken Hamel, PGA

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1. The New Hampshire Chapter is ex-

tremely proud of Rich Berberian, Jr., Windham CC Assistant Professional, for winning the PGA Professional Championship and advancing to the 49th PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. Rich’s week at PGA was filled with memorable events and although he missed the cut, his future is bright as he has six exemptions on to the 2017 PGA schedule.

2. The New Hampshire Chapter gave

$2000 to the Pease Greeters. Accepting the check is Chuck Cove, Pease Greeters Chairman Scott Devito, Pease GC General Manager and Ken Hamel, NHC President. The Pease Greeters is a volun-based organization with more than 4,000 members who welcome men and

women in the Armed Forces who pass through Pease International Airport on their way home from Afghanistan and Iraq. This past June, they welcomed their 1,000th flight.

3. Rich Berberian, Jr., Windham CC,

and Eric Soderman, Hoodkroft CC, won the NHC Pro Pro Championship at Montcalm GC. The duo posted 10 birdies and one eagle on their way to a 12under gross score of 60.

4. Participants in the NHC Pro Lady

Championship are shown trying out the practice putting green at Derryfield CC prior to teeing off in the NHC Pro Lady Championship. The event was won by the foursome from Rochester CC led by Head Professional Jon Ellis who was low

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pro with 67. Others in the group were Joan Cyr, June Ferland and Lisa Strong.

The NHC Pro Senior Championship, held at Pease GC, was won by the foursome from Portsmouth CC. Bill Andrews, Portsmouth Head Pro led the way with a round of 66. His amateur partners were Bill Leonard, Steve Cronin and Scott Hatch.

The race for NHC Player of the Year has tightened as Todd Rollins, Laconia CC holds a slim lead (133.50) over Dublin Lake’s Jason Malcolm (128.25) Rounding out the top five are C.J. Konkowski, Keene CC (121.33), Eric Soderman, Hoodkroft (104.91) and Matt Arvanitis, Lake Sunapee (91.25).

Submitted by Vermont Chapter President Roger A. King, PGA Hi Fellow Professionals, I hope the summer is going well and it’s hard to believe it is August already.

I just want to say thank you to all my fellow professionals that take time out of their busy schedule to play in our events and also to the many sponsors who make our events what they are. Without all involved, the VTPGA and the NEPGA wouldn't be as great as it is.

I am very proud of the VTPGA Scholarship tournament and committee. They work hard to raise a ton of money and to put on a great event. It was a huge success.

Good luck to all playing in the NEPGA Section Championship. It is a great event that is run by the best staff in the country.

Have a great rest of the summer.

Roger A. King, PGA Head Golf Professional Sugarbush Resort Golf Club 1091 Golf Course Rd Warren, VT 05674 t: (802) 272-0958 e: rking@sugarbush.com

Our Junior Tour has seen steady participation over the past month. Our juniors this week just completed the Match Play Championship and Stroke Play Championship on August 5th.

On July 11th, the VT Chapter Pro Am was held at Rutland CC with Greg Nelson, PGA, as our host. This was also our Mohegan Sun qualifier. We thank our longtime sponsor Farrell Distributing for their generous added money to the purse. Format was one best ball gross and net. Our team winners were led by Paul Politano, PGA, and his team from Montague GC with a score of 129. Professional scores included a tie between David Bennett, PGA, CC of Vermont and Patrick Berry, PGA, Dorset Field Club both with a score of 73.

Our Vermont Stroke Play Championship was played July 18th-19th at Burlington CC hosted by John Paul, PGA, Matt Havers, PGA, and Bob Prange, PGA. At Vermont National CC our hosts were Zack Wyman, PGA, Brian Gara, PGA, Sean Toof and Mike Abate. Our sponsors included Jim Mayo with Antigua and Bushnell, Farrell Distributing, Event Man, Grazer’s Restaurant, Matt Cunningham with Tournament Solutions, Avidia Bank, Vermont Golf ValueBook, and the PGA Tour. Our first round at Burlington CC ended up being washed out due to heavy storms and the championship became a one day event played at Vermont National CC. David Bennett, PGA, CC of Vermont is our 2016 Vermont Stroke Play Champion with a score of 72. Next was RJ Austin, PGA, Stowe CC, with 73 followed by Host Professional Brian Gara, PGA with a 74 and John Paul, PGA, Burlington CC with a 75. Our Pro Pro winning team was David Bennett, PGA and Chris Daly, PGA, Ralph Myhre GC with a 67.

On July 25th, we held our Pro 3 Am Championship at Quechee Club Highlands hosted by Steve Rogers, PGA and TJ Anthoine, PGA. Format was one best ball gross for 36 holes. This year’s Championship team was led by Greg Nelson, PGA and his Rutland CC team

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Stroke Play Sponsor, Jim Mayo from Antigua Clothing with Champion David Bennett, PGA.

with a score of 122. The runner-up team at 130 was from CC of Vermont and led by David Bennett, PGA. On August 1st, we held our Scholarship Fundraiser Pro Am at Vermont National CC. Our host professionals included Zack Wyman, PGA, Brian Gara, PGA, Sean Toof and Michael Abate. We thank Ogio and Ron Delehanty and Golf ValueBook for their sponsorship with amateur prizes and added purse. A special thank you goes to our local sponsor Dealer.com for adding $2500 to the purse and $5000 to our scholarship fund. There was a three-way tie for Gross team winners led by Host Michael Abate and the VNCC team, David Bennett and the team from CC of Vermont, and Will Benton, PGA, and his team from Basin Harbor Club all with a score of 66. Net team winners were also from the home club led by Host Sean Toof with a score of 59. Ron Philo, PGA, Stowe Mountain Club, was low professional with a score of 70 followed by David Bennett with a 72.

8/22-24: NEPGA Champ., Pinehills GC 8/29: Dorset Field Club Pro Am 9/4: VT Senior Champ., Neshobe GC David Christy, PGA NEPGA Vermont Chapter Operations Manager

NEPGA.com

NEW APPRENTICES Name Michael T Gravelese Guerin C Miller Ryan A. Skoglund

Class B-8 B-8 B-6

Facility Four Oaks Country Club William J. Devine Golf Course GolfTEC - Burlington

NEW MEMBERS Name Robert P. Bruso, PGA Kevin C. Walker, PGA

Class Facility A-8 Worcester Country Club A-8 North Conway Country Club

NEW QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Name Paul G. Tessier, PGA

Class Facility A-1 Bald Peak Colony Club

CLASSIFICATION CHANGES Name David J. Jankowski, PGA Todd W Prescott Rick O. Veitch, PGA

Class A-6 B-8 A-19

Facility Saint Johnsbury Country Club Cochecho Country Club Acushnet Company

EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Name David J. Jankowski, PGA Ryan S. Peffer, PGA Todd W Prescott Rick O. Veitch, PGA

Class A-6 A-6 B-8 A-19

Start 7/25 7/26 7/19 8/1

Facility Saint Johnsbury Country Club Southborough Golf Learning Center Cochecho Country Club Acushnet Company

FIRST TIME TRANSFERS INTO SECTION Name

Class Facility

Nicole C Keyser B-8 Diane McHeffey, PGA A-13

TPC of Boston

Section Championship Results 2016 NEPGA Awards Dinner Details

CONNECT

NEPGA.com

Tournament of Champions

Shining Rock GC Mon. August 29th

Open to all men Club

MARKETPLACE

Champions in MA

For Sale: -

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TaylorMade Project (a) Balls 6 Tartan Turf Mats

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GC2 Launch Monitor

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Custom Club Rack

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Pro Shop Counter Junior Explanar

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2017 U.S. Senior Open

Set of 6 Shop Fixtures

Salem Country Club

Looking to Buy: -

Range Ball Washer

Click here to see details on all items!

Michael J. Higgins Executive Director mhiggins@pgahq.com

Dave McAdams Director of Operations dmcadams@pgahq.com

Ron Green, PGA Rules & Championships Director rgreen@pgahq.com

Dave Christy, PGA (VT) Ch. Tournament Manager Cell 802.476.7007 dchristy@pgahq.com

June 26-July 2, 2017

~ View Event Information ~ View Volunteer Details

Eric Stepanian Tournament Director estepanian@pgahq.com

Jacy Settles Director of Junior Golf Programs jsettles@pgahq.com

Mickey Herron, PGA (CC/RI) Ch. Tournament Manager Cell 508.505.5120 mherron@pgahq.com

Joan Stuart Accounting/Finance Director jstuart@pgahq.com

Kristen Garrone Marketing & Communications Manager kgarrone@pgahq.com

Tom Moffatt, PGA (ME) Ch. Tournament Manager Cell 508.523.4261 tmoffatt@pgahq.com

New England PGA P.O. Box 743 (mailing) | 81C Shrewsbury St. (Shipping) | Boylston, MA 01505

Frank Swierz (NH) Ch. Tournament Manager Cell 603.493.5282 f.swierz@comcast.net

Ph: 508.869.0000 | Fax: 508.869.0009