Full Swing October 2023

FULL SWING

FALL EDITION

Berberian Breaks Records POY Races Fall Business Meeting Award Winner Highlights

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

NEPGA LEADERSHIP

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BERBERIAN BREAKS RECORDS

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FALL MEETING SAVE THE DATE

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CHAPTER NEWS

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SECTION POINTS RACES

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NEXT STOP: AUGUSTA NATIONAL

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PGA NATIONAL DAY OF HOPE

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

New England PGA Officers

Mike Bradshaw, PGA President pgapro@kirkbrae.com

Chip Johnson, PGA Joanne Flynn PGA Vice President Secretary chip.johnson@hatherlycc.com joanne@windhamcc.com

Allan Belden, PGA Honorary President allanbelden@gmail.com

New England PGA Board Of Directors

Mark Aldrich, PGA District Director Mass.

(Central)

Ben Egan, PGA District Director Cape Cod

Brendan Walsh, PGA District Director Mass. (Southern)

Jeff Martin, PGA District Director Mass. (Eastern)

David Jankowski, PGA District Director Vermont

Cory Mansfield, PGA District Director New Hampshire

Lou Rivers, PGA District Director Rhode Island

Dan Gillis, PGA Seniors Director

Don Roberts, PGA District Director Maine

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A Message From Our President Fellow NEPGA Members, Happy Fall Everyone! The leaves are turning, the temperatures are falling, the days are getting shorter and “The 100 Day War” is safely in the rearview mirror for another season. Hopefully you’ve had a safe and successful season at your facility and can now take some time to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate over the coming months as 2024 is now firmly in front of us.

Reflecting back on the 2023 season in the New England Section, what a season it has been. It all started with record attendance at our Spring Meeting and over 150 players traveling to Pinehurst for the Spring Travel Pro-Am. Participation was through the roof throughout the season in all areas— Junior Tour, Amateur Series, Section, and Chapter Events—culminating in over 170 professionals heading to the “biggest little state in the union” for the NEPGA Championship last month.

And—selfishly—what a Championship it was. An unnatural late-Summer heat wave was no match for the skills of the field, and especially for our eventual Champion. Our now five-time Section Champion, Rich Berberian, Jr., shot a Championship-record 59 in the first round at the Agawam Hunt Club. Two days later, Rich and 13 other NEPGA professionals punched their tickets to the PGA Professional Championship this coming April at the home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. Congrats to Rich and all of the qualifiers. We know they will represent the NEPGA well!

We will once again welcome the entire section to Rhode Island next month for the section’s Annual Meeting, to take place at Kirkbrae on Friday, November 17th. This year is an election year, so our new slate of officers and Board of Directors will be sworn-in at the conclusion of the meeting. The meeting has been scheduled for early afternoon to allow everyone time to head to the office in the morning if needed, and then escape after the meeting and be home for dinner time. Further details will be sent out shortly.

The conclusion of that meeting will also conclude my term as President of YOUR New England Section —and for this opportunity, I will be eternally grateful. I have truly been awed by the amazing things that our Section professionals do each and every day to better not only their own lives, but the lives of the golfers at their facilities. It’s been an amazing experience to serve and I urge each and every one of you to do so at whatever level you can—chapter, section, national, committee member, committee chair, board member, etc.—as you will never put in more than you get out of the experience.

Thank you again for your support and I hope to see everyone here at Kirkbrae next month for the Annual Meeting!

Mike Bradshaw, PGA COO/Director of Golf

Kirkbrae Country Club President, New England PGA

A Message From Our Executive Director Dear NEPGA Professionals, We made it! Well, almost. Another successful season at the New England PGA is quickly coming to an end. I could not be more proud and thankful for our New England PGA Professionals efforts this year. The Section and Chapter tournament participation has been amazing. The number of PGA Professionals that raised their hands to support our foundation programs and grow the game was truly heartwarming. Across New England, PGA Professionals have been impacting the lives of their members and golfers alike.

Over the next five months we transition our focus to education, employment, planning and governance.

We have elections scheduled to take place at all six NEPGA Chapters, as well as at the NEPGA Section Meeting on November 17th where we will be electing a new Section President, Vice President, and Secretary. Please be sure to attend your Chapter and Section Meeting to show support for your fellow PGA Professionals.

I remember like it was yesterday, standing on the range at Worcester CC in 2016 when Allan Belden, PGA informed me of his intention to run for Secretary. It puts time into perspective, and I realize just how quickly eight years can pass. As Allan leaves the Board room and Chip Johnson, PGA assumes the role as President, I am amazed at how far we have come as a Section, and how far we plan on going. If you want to get involved at he committee, chapter or section level, there is no better time than now.

While the days begin to get shorter, golf gradually slows down, and we all gain a little bit of our lives back, this is our opportunity to choose how we spend our time. The Section will once again be providing weekly enrichment throughout Thursday, Empower Hour events. Mentoring has become a major focus in our efforts to help PGA Professionals grow and get better, so consider becoming a mentor or mentee in our Section Mentoring program and join us at our Mentoring Summit in November. Look closely at your contract, your staff, and your situation at your facility and use this time to connect with NEPGA Career Consultant, David Wilson, PGA or myself if we can be of service.

I always tell people that October through March is a different kind of busy at the New England PGA. As we plan, program, and promote for the benefit of our Section and PGA Professionals, I encourage each of you to reach out to your leadership, a member of your talented NEPGA Staff or even myself, if we can ever be of service.

Michael Higgins Executive Director

New England PGA Section

Berberian Sets Records at 103rd NEPGA Section Championship The 103rd New England PGA Section Championship was held at Kirkbrae Country Club and Agawam Hunt in the state of Rhode Island from Setpember 5-7.

The final round was held at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, R.I. Nestled in the beautiful Blackstone Valley, Kirkbrae is a par-72 championship golf course. Today, Kirkbrae is considered one of the best golf courses in New England.

It was a record-setting week for Rich Berberian, Jr., PGA (Vesper

CC)

and

the

New

England

PGA

Section

Championship.

Berberian’s record-breaking score of 59 in round 1 at Agawam Hunt paved the way for him to secure the Mahan Trophy with the lowest NEPGA Section Championship score in the tournament’s 103-year history, at 18-under.

Berberian came out on top, as the Champion of the 103rd NEPGA Section Championship on Thursday, September 7th. This was Berberian’s fifth time claiming the Mahan trophy.

Berberian shot a 6-under, 66 in the third and final round, to complete the Championship at 18-under, 195, overall. He collected eight birdies in his final round, including four through the opening nine holes. He birdied three holes in a row, the par-5 third hole, par-3 fourth hole, and par-4 fifth hole. He also birdied the par-4 seventh hole to make the turn at 4-under. After a bogey on the 10th hole, Berberian went on to birdie another 3 holes in a row, 11, 12, and 13. He finished the back nine 2-under, as he ran away with the final 8stroke lead for the victory.

Berberian received an exemption into the PGA Professional National Championship which will be held from April 28-May 1 at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco, East & West Courses, Frisco, Texas. He will be joined by 13 other NEPGA Professionals who qualified on September 7th.

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CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO Rich Berberian (Vesper CC) EXEMPT

Eric Barlow (Winchester CC)

Shawn Warren (Point Sebago)

Chad Penman (Boothbay Harbor CC)

Brendon Ray (Point Judith CC)

Matt Arvanitis (SNHU)

David Jankowski (Golf Garage VT)

Robert Bruso (Blackstone National GC) Ed Kirby (The Aquidneck Club)

Frank Leja (The Club at New Seabury)

Sean Irons (Newport CC)

Greg Farland (Marlborough CC)

Eric Higgins (Webhannet GC)

David Bennett (CC of Vermont)

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Award Winners Spotlight ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Dustin Ribolini, PGA Queechee Club The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award is given based on a nominee's efforts as an assistant professional and involvement in the assistants’ association, Chapter, Section, and PGA of America activities.

Ribolini has been a member of the New England Section for 11 years. He served as an Associate Golf Professional at Hanover Country Club for eight years, Montcalm Golf Club for one year, and is currently in his second season as the Senior Assistant Professional at The Quechee Club in Vermont.

He focuses on empowering the other assistants and employees to work as one unit to get the job done. Everyone has different skill sets, and together the entire staff can achieve the goal every facility strives for.

Ribolini is recognized as the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the golf community.

Throughout his tenure at various clubs, Dustin has shown exceptional leadership and dedication. He spearheaded a program for local veterans and helped lead a highly successful Junior golf program. His inclusive and empowering approach has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, making him a valuable asset to any facility.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR Sean McTernan, PGA Brae Burn CC

The Teacher of the Year Award is used to honor those who show outstanding behavior in spreading and teaching the game of golf.

At the start of the 2015 season, McTernan fully took over the teaching responsibilities at Brae Burn CC. He introduced a new junior program that placed a larger emphasis on learning through playing. He focuses on enhancing skills, improving technique, and teaching his students how to play different shots. The Brae Burn junior program has expanded from eighty-five kids to 180 kids over the past eight years.

McTernan has also grown the game in women’s golf. The ladies' 9-hole program has grown from six participants in 2015 to over sixty participants in 2022. McTernan loves teaching and others love learning from him.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD Kelli Kostick, PGA Windham CC

The Player Development Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. This award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact made at the facility.

Kostick is actively involved as a PGA Class A Professional, an LPGA Life Member, and a member of the Proponent Group. She generously shares her knowledge and expertise with others through her attendance and participation in many seminars.

Kostick built a program for beginner golfers called “Get Going with Golf” and a program to introduce mothers to the game of golf. She hosts PGA Jr. League and Junior Golf Camps for junior golfers of all levels. Kostick is also involved in PGA HOPE, where she has participated in two NEPGA HOPE initiatives.

Kostick’s involvement and commitment to not only growing the game of golf, but also continue the existing love for the game in others makes her a deserving recipient of the Player Development Award.

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Award Winners Spotlight MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE Bryan Kienke, PGA Cohasset GC The Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes a PGA Professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Kienke’s philosophy in the shop has always been staying up to date with the latest and newest golf and lifestyle apparel trends.

Kienke picks out items in his shop with members in mind. He places a strong emphasis on creating relationships with the members and truly getting to know them. He has created these relationships in buying meetings, as he shops with specific members in mind. Those who nominated Kienke say, “Bryan has a great understanding of what the membership is looking for and has found a proven way of providing those items to them.”

Within his 5 years in the shop, Kienke has more than doubled sales while maintaining profit margins. He has also brought in many high-end lines an vendors.

Kienke’s efforts in the Cohasset Golf Club Shop make him a worthy recipient of the Merchandiser of the Year (Private) Award.

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - RESORT Vince Runyon, PGA Mount Washington Resort Runyon has taken over the management of the Golf Operation at Mount Washington Resort and there has been a remarkable improvement in customer service and the product that is being delivered to the consumer. Runyon makes others feel welcome and respected in the shop. His manners have set the perfect example for his staff, who follow the same behaviors.

Runyon’s key philosophies for running a successful golf shop are: inventory management, golf shop appearance, and the service and relationships they build with members and guests. Over the years he has increased the size and color variety carried in the shop.

Runyon’s character qualities and golf shop philosophies make him a worthy recipient of the Merchandiser of the Year Resort award.

GEORGE S. WEMYSS AWARD Matt McDonald Five Star Golf Cars

Matt became involved with the New England PGA and PGA Professionals from day one. He was recommended for a sales position with the Brudan company to sell golf cars by the Woodlands head pro, John Brown, and he never looked back. Through his time with Brudan, and then when he transitioned to Country Club Enterprises, he was always a big supporter of the NEPGA. In 2009 Matt and his partners started Five Star Golf Cars. Matt’s “work harder” approach made it evident that no matter what brand he represented, people bought from Matt. Under Matt’s leadership, Five Star ramped up their support of the NEPGA partnering with all 6 NEPGA Chapters, the Pro-Officer, Pro- Superintendent, and in 2022, the Las Vegas Pro-Am was re-named in their honor.

Becoming one of the largest supporters of the NEPGA, Matt felt it was also important to support the Superintendents Association, the Club Managers Association, and just golf in general.

It is very important to Matt to give back. He passionately supported the Make a Wish Foundation creating custom carts for kids.

There are very few people who are not PGA Professionals that support the New England PGA as much as Matt McDonald.

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Golf Professional of the Year Jim Salinetti, PGA Winchester CC

The 2023 Golf Professional of the Year award goes to Jim Salinetti, PGA (Winchester CC).

This award looks at the overall performance, as a golf professional, at his/her golf facility, level of service to his/her Section and the association, leadership ability, image, and the ability to inspire fellow professionals and promotion of the game of golf.

Salinetti is the Head Golf Professional at Winchester Country Club, where he has taken great pride in leading golf operations. Those who nominated him say he approaches each day with an eager attitude, ready to overcome the challenges of a busy facility. He demonstrates his passion for tournament golf by organizing and executing member tournaments, showcasing his deep knowledge of the game, its rules, and its traditions.

Salinetti is a highly respected leader, who sets a great example for his staff and club members. He prioritizes customer service throughout the facility and ensures that the entire staff shares his vision. As a well-established professional in the Boston area, he acts as a mentor to both new and experienced golf professionals and his staff, offering support and guidance when needed. Along with this, he is an inspiring figure for golf professionals

thanks to his creativity and encouraging attitude. Salinetti consistently seeks self-improvement, motivating his assistants and colleagues to do the same. His commitment to educational events highlights his dedication to helping and inspiring fellow professionals and those not involved in the sport just yet.

In addition to exceeding expectations in his performance, leadership, and serving as an inspiration, Salinetti’s service to the local Section and the association has been exceptional. He has been a part of the NEPGA Membership Committee, the NEPGA Communications Committee, and a Chairman of the NEPGA Junior Golf Committee. He has hosted and led PGA Junior League educational events, NEPGA Junior Tour Awards Banquets, College golf seminars, and Section Junior Golf Summits. Most recently, along with fellow Winchester golf professional, Seul-Ki Hawley, Salinetti helped host PGA HOPE golf clinics for female veterans.

Whether he is teaching the game that he loves, helping a member make a tee time, improving the pace of play on a busy Saturday, or officiating the final match of the Club Championship, all of Salinetti’s actions are genuine and for the good of the game. Over the past 12 years he has greatly revived a junior golf program that has grown to over 250+ active participants. He has shown great commitment to fostering a love for the game in junior golfers.

Salinetti has been awarded the prestigious Golf Professional of the Year award for his outstanding performance as the Head Golf Professional at Winchester Country Club. His unwavering dedication to the game is evident through his leadership, service to the local Section and association, and his ability to inspire fellow professionals and juniors. His genuine passion and commitment to golf makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

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NEPGA Section Fall Meeting NETWORK. LEARN. GROW.

NOVEMBER 17TH Kirkbrae Country Club 12:00p.m.-3:00p.m.

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Friedman Clinches Assistants Championship in Playoff Fashion

The 2023 New England PGA National Car Rental PGA Assistant Professional Championship was held on Tuesday, September 26th at Alpine Country Club in Cranston, Rhode Island. The Championship was originally scheduled as a 2-day, 36-hole event, but due to continued rain over the weekend and into Monday, the opening 18-hole round was canceled early Monday morning. The event moved to a solo round on Tuesday. Six qualifying spots for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port Saint Lucie, Florida in November were up for grabs as well as four alternate spots were also determined.

Liam Friedman, PGA (Wollaston Golf Club), claimed his first NEPGA National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship title in playoff fashion. After finishing at 2-under, 70 and holding the lead for most of the day, Chris Houston (Laconia Country Club) also finished with a 2-under, 70, turning his scorecard in with the last group of the day and forcing a playoff.

After bogeys on the opening two holes of the day, and making the turn at 1-over, Friedman went on to play lights out on the back nine. He carded birdies on the par-5 10th hole and par-4 14th and 17th holes, to finish 3-under on the back and 2-under overall. In the playoff, Friedman hit a beautiful drive to the edge of the green on the par-4 1st hole. He parred the hole to secure the victory.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RECAP

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Liam Friedman (Wollaston GC) Greg Kelly (Myopia Hunt Club) Aaron Walker (Worcester CC) Brian Owens (North Kingstown GC) Nate Myers (Ipswich CC) Brendan Bond (Wannamoisett CC)

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Calhoun Crowned NEPGA Senior Champion

Jason Calhoun, PGA (Brown University), Webb Heintzelman, PGA (Turner Hill GC), and Scott Hickey, PGA (Cyprian Keyes GC) returned to George Wright GC on Tuesday, August 8th to break a three-way tie in the NEPGA Senior Championship that was halted due to weather on Tuesday, July 25th.

The sudden death playoff took just one hole to determine the winner of the 2023 NEPGA Senior Championship. Calhoun was victorious as he shot an even-par on the par-4 1st hole to take home the cup for the first time.

“The meaning of this is truly amazing...there are some really awesome players that have come before me, and two really great players that were out here in the playoff with me today… It’s a lot of years of work, a lot of years of effort, and a lot of failures, but this is my first Section Championship in any shape or form, so I am thrilled”.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RECAP

-Jason Calhoun, PGA (Brown University)

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Kirk Hanefeld, PGA (Salem CC) EXEMPT Jason Calhoun, PGA (Brown University)

Webb Heintzelman, PGA (Turner Hill GC), and Scott Hickey, PGA (Cyprian Keyes GC) Ed Kirby, PGA ( The Aquidneck Club) Dale Abraham, PGA (Cape Arundel) Todd Rollins, PGA (Laconia CC) John Hickson, PGA (Northport GC)

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PGA GOLF CLUB | PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. | DECEMBER 2023

Registration Opens October 11th at 8AM Six two-day events in Port St. Lucie, FL

Open to members and associates (who have

$375 entry fee

completed Level 1)

Great opportunity for members to compete

All information can be found at go.pga.com/ts

for a purse of up to $37,500 and guaranteed

Questions can be sent to Sara Jane Bowers at

first place $5,000

sbowers@pgahq.com or 561.281.7321

TOURNAMENT DATES

HOST COURSE

ENTRY DEADLINE

Event #1 Nov 30-Dec 1

PGA Golf Club (Ryder)

Nov. 22 (5pm)

Event #2 Dec 4-5

PGA Golf Club (Dye)

Nov. 27 (5pm)

Event #3 Dec 7-8

PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker)

Nov. 30 (5pm)

Event #4 Dec 7-8

PGA Golf Club (Ryder)

Dec. 4 (5pm)

Event #5 Dec 11-12

PGA Golf Club (Dye)

Dec. 7 (5pm)

Event #6 Dec14-15

PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker)

Dec. 11 (5pm)

LEARN MORE

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Chapter News Cape Cod Chapter Chapter Pro’s Retain the Cape Cod Cup in Draw Through the first nine holes of the 37th annual Cape Cod Cup golf match held at the Ocean Ocean Resort and Golf Club Wednesday afternoon, the amateur team was clearly dominating the professionals, jumping out to a 5 points to 2 lead.

However, the pro’s putters became red-hot on the back nine, their birdie putts began to drop and they rallied to forge a 10 ½ - 10 ½ tie.

The Cape Cod Cup matches a team of 14 of the best amateur golfers in the area against a team of 14 club professionals from the Cape Cod Chapter. Each of the seven matches has three points at stake - one for the front nine, one for the back nine and one for the 18-hole total.

This year’s deadlock is the fourth tie in the 37-year series of Cape Cod Cup matches. The amateurs lead the overall series 18 – 15 – 4, however the Pro’s now hold the Cup for the 3rd straight year.

Stolze wins 2023 Cape Cod Chapter Championship Twenty-eight Cape Cod PGA Professionals teed it up at The Club at New Seabury on Wednesday, September 20th for the 2023 Chapter Championship.

In a new twist this year, the Chapter reintroduced an 18-hole Senior Championship division which allowed players ages 50 and over to compete for both titles. Greg Yeomans, PGA of The Bay Club at Mattapoisett took home the Cape Cod Senior Championship with a score of 2-under par 70, edging Alledale CC’s Bob Giusti, PGA by seven shots. This was the first time the Championship was contested since long time Cape Cod PGA Professional Mickey Herron won in 2010.

Yeoman’s opening round 70 found him also leading the Championship division, leading Jake Bosse, PGA (Sankaty Head) and Andrew Stolze, PGA (New Seabury) who sat at 1-under par and even par respectively.

Playing in the lead group, Stolze followed up his consistent first round with another strong showing of 2-over 74 to claim the clubhouse lead at 2-over 146.

For the tournament he carded 5 birdies and 30 pars to go along with seven bogeys.

Fellow New Seabury Professional Jim Clay, PGA made a surge up the leaderboard in the second-round shooting a round of 1-under 71 to finish at 3over par in solo second place. Stolze’s total of 2-over held up to win the Championship after Yeomans and Bosse recorded rounds of 79 and 78 to finish in a tie for 3rd place.

Sweet is Last Man Standing in Cape Cod Chapter Match Play Bracket Cape Cod National Golf Club’s Zack Sweet, PGA took home the 2023 Match Play Championship after defeating Jim Clay in the final Match. Sandwich Hollow’s Tom Tobey, PGA defeated Dieter Widmeyer, PGA in the consolation match to claim third place.

In Sweet’s first round matchup he defeated Chapter newcomer, Carter Cheek 2-up. He followed that up with a victory over this year’s Chapter Champion, Andrew Stolze in the quarterfinals. And then won 3&2 against Tobey.

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Chapter News Massachusetts Chapter Young Shoots Even Par at Charter Oak to Win MA Chapter Championships The 2023 Massachusetts Chapter Championship came down to the final group of the day as Chris Young, PGA of Thomson CC captured his first Chapter Championship with a score of even-par 71.

Prior to Young submitting the winning card, it appeared that the Championship would be decided via a three-way playoff. James Burke, PGA (Ponkapoag GC), Shawn Durocher, PGA (Cyprian Keyes GC), and Kirk Hanefeld, PGA (Salem CC) each recorded scores of 1-over 72 to share the clubhouse lead. All three players played great rounds to finish in a tie for second place.

However, that playoff was not meant to be thanks to a strong back nine from Young.

Young’s round got started by making the turn in 2-over 37, recording three bogeys and one birdie. Young made back-to-back pars on the 10th and 11th holes and then followed up with his best stretch of the round on holes 12 through 14, some of the most difficult at Charter Oak. His three consecutive birdies, the longest such streak of the day, propelled Young to 1under for his round and in sole possession of the lead. A bogey on the par-4 16th hole dropped him back to even par and within one shot of joining Burke, Durocher, and Hanefeld in a winner take all playoff. Young took matters into his own hands making par on the 17th and 18th holes to secure the Championship.

The other highlight of the day belonged to Black Rock CC’s Jack Green, PGA. Green recorded his first career hole-in-one on the 150 yard 3rd hole!

Mass Chapter Madness Ends in Victory for Scott Shawn Scott, PGA (Longmeadow Golf Club) is the Champion of the 2023 Mass Madness Match Play Tournament! He defeated Rob Neaton, PGA (North Andover CC) in the final Match to prevail in the 16 player, year long competition. Congratulations Shawn!

Rhode Island Chapter Tramonti Edges Out Hulme in Playoff to Win RI Chapter Championship Bob Tramonti, PGA (Triggs Memorial GC) defeated Chris Hulme, PGA (Newport National GC) in a one-hole playoff to capture the 2023 Rhode Island Chapter Championship at Fall River CC on Wednesday, September 20th.

Tramonti and Hulme finished the round in a tie for first place posting scores of 1-under par 71 on the par 70 track. In the playoff, both Tramonti and Hulme missed the green of the 1st hole in regulation. Tramonti was able to make a nice up and down to secure par, while Hulme missed his par putt.

Rounding out the top five were Jason Calhoun, PGA (Brown University), Brendon Ray, PGA (Point Judith), and Ed Kirby, PGA (Aquidneck Club). They posted scores of 72, 73, and 74 respectively.

Ray Captures 2023 RI Match Play Championship Brendon Ray, PGA (Point Judith CC) won the 2023 RI Match Play Championship in decisive fashion, winning 7&6 in the Final Match against Bill Maguire. Ray has now won the Match Play Championship for two consecutive years!

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Chapter News Vermont Chapter Bennett Named 2023 Northstar Fireworks Player of the Year With the 2023 Vermont Chapter season now complete, David Bennett, PGA (Country Club of VT) has locked up the 2023 Northstar Fireworks Player of the Year Award.

Bennett's impressive 2023 season included three victories: the Pro-Lady, Dorset Field Club Pro-Am, and the Match Play Championship. He also had five runner-up finishes on the year, with his lowest individual event finish being a third place finish at the Pro-Junior Championship.

This is Bennett's sixth Player of the year award (2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016).

Thank you to our Presenting Partner of the Vermont Chapter Player of the Year; Northstar Fireworks!

Vermont Chapter Elects a New Board at Fall Meeting The Vermont Chapter elected a new board of directors at it's annual Fall Meeting on September 18th at the CC of Vermont. This new board will serve through the Fall Meeting of the 2025 season, with the exception of the 1-Year Director position. The new board is as follows: President: Dan Ruane, PGA (Stowe Country Club) Vice-President: David Jankowski, PGA (Golf Garage VT) Secretary: Sean Toof, PGA (Stowe Mountain Club) 1-Year Director: David Bennett, PGA (CC of Vermont) Honorary President: Tom Mackey, PGA (Ekwanok Country Club)

Bennett Captures Back-to-Back Match Play Titles David Bennett defeated Alex Watson 4&3 in the final match of the 2023 Match Play Championship to win the event for the 2nd consecutive year.

The event saw great play from the top 16 players in the Chapter as well as a few upsets along the way! Congratulations to David as well as all who qualified through their performance this season.

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Chapter News New Hampshire Chapter Riciputi Crowned New Hampshire Chapter Champion The 44th consecutive year playing the New Hampshire Chapter Championship at North Conway CC brought some challenges to complete the two scheduled rounds to be played. The summer of rain continued, but when all was said and done, all 36 holes were completed.

Rico Riciputi, PGA (Club Coach) ended round 1 at 2 under par 69 to take the day 1 lead. Day 1 of the senior division saw Vince Molesky, PGA (Apple Hill) shot an even par 71 to take a 1 stroke lead. The back nine of Round 2 saw some movement on the leaderboard. Riciputi parred the first 7 holes but faltered on 17 & 18, making bogie on both those holes. Joe Finemore, PGA (Portsmouth) shot even par on the back to end up even par for 36 holes and tied with Riciputi. Riciputi and Finemore went to the 1st hole for a sudden death playoff. They both hit nice drives in the very challenging conditions. Finemore slipped on his second shot and hit it to the right.

Riciputi hit a nice second shot leaving 15 fee for birdie. Finemore’s third shot was just short and plugged in the bunker leaving him an impossible shot to try to make par. Rico two-putted for par and was crowned NHC/NEPGA 2023 Champion.

Molesky shot a 3-over 39 to start day two. He took control of the tournament through the final nine holes of the day. He had all pars and two birdies to finish the day at 1-over and two day total of 1-over. Molesky ended up besting Bob McGraw, PGA (Eagle Mountain) by six strokes to take the Senior Championship.

Baker & Lacasse Earn NHC Pro/Pro Championship Title 42 Professionals competed in the Pro/Pro Championship at Portsmouth CC. There were 21 teams in the 1BB Tournament. A team of new comers showed everyone they could play. Austin Baker (Souhegan Woods) and Josh Lacasse (Beaver Meadow) shot an impressive 9-under 63 to be crowned the NHC Pro/Pro Champions. Dan Wilkins, PGA (Laconia) and Dan Kish, PGA (The Indoor Club) came in the 2nd spot shooting 7under.

Beaver Meadow Team Takes Pro/Lady Championship After being rained out in June, the New Hampshire Chapter Pro Lady was held on Thursday, August 24th. 21 teams (84 players) competed in the 2BB Gross or 2 BB Net Championship.

In the pro contest Joe Finemore, PGA (Portsmouth) shot a 1-under par 71 to take the top spot. In the team gross division, the home team from Beaver Meadow with Professional Josh Lacasse, Beth Hamilton, Mindy Williams, and Jennifer Kretovic shot a 5-under par 139 to be crowned the NHC Pro/Lady Champions.

Player of the Year Race Update Jay Pollini, PGA (Ridgewood), who finished 2nd last year, has been a steady player this year and is the current Player of the Year points leader. To this point he has 172.75 points. He leads last year’s Player of the Year Sam Cody, PGA (Stonebridge), who has 155.50 points. The two of them battled last year’s race as Cody edged out Pollini in the final event of the year. Mitch Jefferson, PGA (Rochester) is a close 3rd with 150.33 points. It looks like it will come down to the wire again this season.

19

Chapter News Maine Chapter Warren Captures Third State of Maine Championship Shawn Warren, PGA (Point Sebago GC) won his third career State of Maine Championship with a winning score of 1-over,145 at Sugarloaf GC in July. Warren finished round 1 at 4-over, but carded four birdies in round two to finish at 1-over through the 36 holes and take home the trophy. Jeff Seavey, PGA (Goose River GC) and John Hickson, PGA (Northport GC) tied for second place, just one stroke behind Warren at 2-over, 146.

The low Amateur was Cameron Ray, shoot 7-over and the low Junior Amateur was Kellen Adickes, shooting 16-over.

Higgins Claims Maine Chapter Championship Webhannet GC's Eric Higgins, PGA captured the 2023 Maine Chapter Championship at Rockland GC and Samoset Resort. Higgins shot 2under, 139 through the two rounds to take home the cup. He carded two birdies in round 1 and entered the final 18 holes at 1-under. Higgins put up two birdies and a bogey on the front nine of the final round. His back nine was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 14th hole as he finished round two, 3-under for the 2-under total and the victory.

Jeff Seavey (Goose River GC) won the senior Championship, while David Grygiel (Tee N' Tee Golfland) was the Super Senior Champion.

Warren’s Team Takes Ledges Pro-Am Title Shawn Warren’s team of Shawn McCurdy, Dave Birkhahn and Neil Gerber took first place in the team contest with 14-under, 130.. Ledge’s host Professional Kolton Baker’s team of Dylan O’Neil, Jamie Fournier and John Warner finished one shot back at 13-under, 131. There was a three-way tie for third place at 9-under, 135 by the team’s by Kebo Valley’s Peiter Devos’s , Nonesuch River’s Paul Champagne’s, and Ledge’s GC’s Tom Gillis.

J.W. Parks’s Gavin Dugas shot 2-under, 69 for first place in the Individual Professional competition followed by 1-under, 70 by JJ Harris of Falmouth CC. Warren finished third at even par-71. Host Pro Kolton Baker shot 1-over, 73 along with Falmouth CC’s Sean Barrett to finish in the money.

Riverside GC Captures ME York Pro-Am

Jim Fairbanks, PGA of Riverside GC team of Tad Woolsey , Neil Suchecki, and Craig Robinson finished first in the team competition at 15-under, 125. Northport’s John Hickson’s team was one shot back at 13-under for second place. Warren fired a 3under, 67 to win the Professional division.

Webhannet Wins Home Pro-Am

Webhannet hosted the third pro am in the Southern Swing and was won by Webhannet’s Eric Higgins’s team of Adam Dubay, Andy Chaves and Rick Patton with an impressive 19-under, 123. Chan Longfellow of Falmouth CC was low pro with a solid 3under 69 followed by John Hickson and Sean Barrett’s -2 70.

Portland Country Club Scholarship Pro Am

The Portland Scholarship Pro-Am rounded out the 2023 Maine Chapter schedule on September 18th. The day ended with a 5way tie for low pro at 1-under 69. Tied at the top were Portland CC’s Dan Venezio and Cam Taylor. Webhannet professional Eric Higgins, John Hickson from Northport GC and Tom Gillis of The Ledges rounded out the 5-way tie for first. In the team contest, there was a tie at 13-under for 1st place between teams led by Shawn Warren, and James Durfee from the Harmon Club.

20

2023 NEPGA Points Races AVIDIA CUP FINAL STANDINGS

ANDREW STOLZE

2,633.33

The Club at New Seabury

points

ROBERT BRUSO

2,238.00

Blackstone National GC

points

SHAWN WARREN

2,108.00

Point Sebago GC

Ed KIRBY The Aquidneck Club

Greg Kelly

points

1,600.00 points

1,490.00

Myopia Hunt Club

points

DAVID JANKOWSKI

1,460.00

Golf Garage VT

points

ROLEX WOGAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

rICH BERBERIAN

2,979.00

SHAWN WARREN

2,858.72

ROBERT BRUSO

2,490.11

Vesper CC

Point Sebago GC

Blackstone National GC

points points

points

ERIC BARLOW

2,429.33

Winchester CC

points

JEFF MARTIN

2,083.33

Wollaston GC

points

BRENDON RAY

1,840.35

Point Judith CC

points

22

1st & 10th Tee Final Standings

Jeff Stewart

-3

Dave Jankowski

-3

Eric Barlow DAVID BENNETT

-3 -3

JEFF MARTIN

-3

ERIC BARLOW

-3

CHAD PENMAN KIRK HANEFELD

-3 -3 -3

BOB BRUSO

-3

ARTHUR WILSON

23

A Message from Dave Wilson, PGA Reflect, Recharge and Reward As the leaves begin to change and I am checking in on PGA Professionals I tend to get a similar response time and time again, one day closer to snow. The golf season, especially up here in New England, can feel like a track meet and that first snowfall is what many find themselves looking towards.

As you start to have a little more time, spend a few moments reflecting on the highlights of your previous year. How many lessons did you teach, how many juniors participated in PGA Junior League, what was the best event you organized, remember the best golf shot you hit, and how many smiles did you deliver?

Not everything can or should be quantified but in a time when we are racing to get through October, take a minute to appreciate all the positive moments that you have been a part of over the past year. Write down your accomplishments and ask your team to do the same. Schedule a time when you can get together with them and share these memories over the next few weeks. Write the memories down on a piece of paper and toss them into a bowl and go around the table picking one to read at random, taking time to reflect on the experience. The act of reflecting positively alone is powerful and sharing these experiences will only help to further develop the relationships you and your team have.

When you are sitting in your next Golf Committee meeting share the exercise that you did with your team and ask the Golf Committee to do the same. It is easy for us to focus on the small details that can always be improved but it is equally important to take the time to reflect and use the positive memories to recharge and hopefully, that will bring you some sort of reward.

Dave Wilson, PGA PGA Career Consultant Connecticut & New England Sections dwilson@pgahq.com

Off to Augusta National!

96 participants competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Boston on Saturday, September, 16th, as they looked to make their way to the finals at Augusta in April, 2024. TPC Boston is located in Norton, Massachusetts and is well known as one of New England’s premier PGA Tour Locations. Each competitor had advanced from a Local and Sub-regional Qualifier in order to participate in this event. The golfers battled for a spot in the National Finals, which are held at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament. Callen Cronin (Boys 10-11), Aarya Tsarong (Girls 10-11), Jackson Jodin (Boys 14-15), and Champa Visetsin (Girls 14-15) claimed 4 of the 8 qualifying spots and will be representing New England in the 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National in April.

boyS

GIRLS

boyS

GIRLS

callen cronin haverhill, Ma

aarya tsarong Newton, Ma

jackson jodoin bedford, nh

champa visetsin sudbury, ma

Augusta National

971 Miles

24

PGA National Day of HOPE PGA REACH New England, the non-profit charity of the New England PGA, has announced the official launch of the National Day of HOPE Campaign benefiting PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere) programs across New England. In its seventh year, the National Day of HOPE spans for over a month, running through Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) and culminating on November 30. This annual campaign celebrates our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom, while raising awareness and support for PGA HOPE New England.

PGA HOPE is designed to introduce golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. PGA REACH New England and PGA HOPE aspire to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community through a 6–8-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

Our National Day of HOPE campaign launches in conjunction with the 2023 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, which is held from Oct. 10-17. Through a longstanding partnership with Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. 20 Veterans from across the country, all of which are graduates of local PGA HOPE programs, will participate in an immersive, four-day event that includes advanced golf instruction and wellness training.

“The NEPGA is proud to have the support and commitment of Rick Ferguson as a local champion for PGA HOPE,” said Matthew Moison, Head Golf Professional and PGA HOPE Lead for the Worcester, Massachusetts program. Ferguson is a 2-time PGA HOPE Worcester participant, member of the 2023 Class of HOPE Graduates participating in National Golf & Wellness Week and most importantly, a United States Marine who was honorably discharged after serving his country in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.

“Rick is our ambassador. Our translator to the veterans. He is respected amongst his peers and is a wonderful part of our program’s success and will help serve our Veteran community as our newest New England Ambassador for years to come.”

In addition to financial support by the PGA of America, local PGA Sections like New England will offer an online fundraising opportunity to help supplement the existing 13-programs. In 2023, National Day of HOPE is expected to raise over $400,000 for local PGA HOPE programs in all participating Sections. Serving over 11,000 Veterans in 2023 and 30,000 annually by 2026, PGA HOPE is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in Veteran communities across the U.S.

To learn more about how you can support the 2023 National Day of HOPE Campaign, please visit the Official PGA HOPE New England Fundraising Page

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

25

Membership Updates EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Name

Current Employer

Alex V. Parente Anthony C. Loiselle, PGA Braxton R. Brown Brogan J. Kane Christian J. Brady Cory C. Yudkin, PGA Daulton T. Wickenden David E. Segal Dylan M. Casserly Ean M. Smith Maxwell R. Zahka, PGA Nathaniel T. Chhim Patrick J. Gocklin Ryan M. Carfara, PGA Ryan S. Peffer, PGA Steven D. Bristol

Quidnessett Country Club Louisquisset Golf Club Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club Biddeford-Saco Country Club Brookmeadow Country Club Cobra-Puma Golf Boothbay Harbor Country Club Thomson Country Club Braintree Municipal Golf Course Dorset Field Club The Old Collier Golf Club Fall River Country Club KGolf 360 Golf Genius Software Profile Club Weathervane Golf Club & Academy

Class B-8 A-1 B-1 B-8 B-8 A-20 B-8 B-8 B-1 B-8 A-8 B-8 B-4 A-20 A-9 B-4

NEW MEMBERS Name

Anthony C. Loiselle, PGA Samantha H. Morrell, PGA

Current Employer

Class

Louisquisset Golf Club Warwick Country Club

A-1 A-8

NEW ASSOCIATES Name

Current Employer

Alec T. Sloan Alex V. Parente Brandon G. Palmer Braxton R. Brown Brogan J. Kane Carter Burnell Charles J O'Connor Christian J. Brady Daulton T. Wickenden David E. Segal Dylan M. Casserly Ean M. Smith Jake M Civiello Loyal Broughton Nathaniel T. Chhim Nicholas J. Ciolino Nick Fantasia Patrick J. Gocklin Steven D. Bristol

Northern Spy Country Club Quidnessett Country Club Bald Peak Colony Club Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club Biddeford-Saco Country Club Dutch Elm Golf Course Falmouth Country Club - MA Brookmeadow Country Club Boothbay Harbor Country Club Thomson Country Club Braintree Municipal Golf Course Dorset Field Club Amherst Country Club Ralph Myhre Golf Course Fall River Country Club Brae Burn Country Club Mt Pleasant Golf Club KGolf 360 Weathervane Golf Club & Academy

Class B-8 B-8 B-8 B-1 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-1 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-4 B-4

26

Welcome to the Quarter Century Club!

PGA Of America Quarter Century Club DOUGLAD JUHASZ, PGA Life Member

JOHN R. SIMMONS, PGA Agawam Hunt

MICHAEL T. MOORE, PGA The Kittansett Club

27

October

Aaron J. Ungvarsky, PGA Abigail L. Spector, PGA Alec A. Vozzella, PGA Alexander C. Watson, PGA Alexander K. Kirk, PGA Austin V. Baker Bob Sanderson, PGA Brennan G. Earls, PGA Brian C. Anderson, PGA Brian D. Gara, PGA Brian J. Spitz, PGA Brian K. Golden, PGA Brogan J. Kane Christian A. Grace Christopher A. Kasheta, PGA Christopher A. Young, PGA Christopher M. Houston Chuck Holmes, PGA Corey W. Mckenna Daren R. MacKinnon, PGA David A. Blankenship, PGA David F. Donnellan, PGA David F. Wilson, PGA David Grygiel, PGA David J. Sibley, PGA Don Small, PGA Douglas A. Ruttle, PGA Douglas Juhasz, PGA Dylan E. Goldey Edward J. O'Connell Eric D Harbilas Gary M. Parker, PGA Gary Rees, PGA Glenn Kelly, PGA Gregory H. Howlett Hal L Jacobs, PGA Harold E. Balboni, PGA Issac R. Moniz, PGA Jack Gale, PGA Jacob A. Hempel James B. LeClair, PGA James R. Corrigan, PGA Jason C. Hurd, PGA Jason J. Howard, PGA Jeff E. Flesner, PGA Jeffrey G Monteleone, PGA

Jim W. Campbell, PGA Jo-Anna R. Krupa, PGA Joe C. McKinney Jr., PGA John C. O'Neill John F. Sullivan Jr., PGA John H. Sheehan Jonathan R. Tamburro, PGA Karen H. Gray, PGA Kevin C. Walker, PGA Kevin G. Murphy, PGA Kevin P. Christofaro, PGA Kurt D. McDowell, PGA Merico A. Riciputi, PGA Michael McLaughlin, PGA Michael S. McGillicuddy, PGA Mick Herron, PGA Morgan M. Lemieux Nathan R. Hopley, PGA Nicholas C. Jagoe, PGA Nicholas W. Gruber Nicole Mallette Colt, PGA NoraNoel Nolan Patrick J. Gocklin Patrick J. Sharron Peter Dupuis, PGA Randy Hodsdon, PGA Rodney K. Bicknell, PGA Roger A. King, PGA Ryan D McDonald, PGA Ryan Kesten, PGA Scott F. Carroll, PGA Shawn A. Lapworth, PGA Shawn D. Scott Stanley Baluik, PGA Stephen Diemoz, PGA Stephen P. Poremba, PGA Steven D. Bristol Terrence P. Crimmins, PGA Thomas A. Stevens Thomas E. Rooney, PGA Thomas L. Russo, PGA Timothy Bishop, PGA Timothy P. Leigh, PGA Wyatt J. Frazier Zachary J. McKinley, PGA Zachary M. Mahan, PGA

November

Aaron G. Walker Kelly J. Violette, PGA Amanda S. Davis, PGA Ken C. Jeremiah, PGA Anthony J. Cardarelli Kevin J. Frawley, PGA Anthony J. Lauro, PGA Kori D. Doring, PGA Barry G. Pearson Jr., PGA Lauren E. Strong, PGA Benjamin C. Stone, PGA Lewis B. White Brad S. McCluski, PGA Madeline A. Belden, PGA Brady C. Nash Matthew D. Hughes Brandon M. Gilbert Matthew J. DeLois, PGA Brian J. Caravana Jr., PGA Matthew L. Moison, PGA Christian J. Bourque, PGA Matthew R. Davis, PGA Christopher J. Anthony Maxwell L. Welt Christopher M Twombly, PGA Michael N. Haas-Zanghi, PGA Christopher R. Carter, PGA Michael Pry, PGA Christopher R. Rogers, PGA Nathaniel H. Adelson, PGA Cory C. Yudkin, PGA Nicholas A. Adjutant Craig R. Smith, PGA Patrick K Berry, PGA Dan M. Botelho, PGA Paul J. Dumont David G. Tiedemann, PGA Paul T. Piveronas, PGA David P. Marcotte, PGA Reed J. Besch, PGA Dick R. Dichard, PGA Richard F. Packish Jr., PGA Eddie K. Whalley, PGA Richard Y. Ingraham, PGA Edward J. Doherty II, PGA Robert E. Giusti, PGA Edward T. Kirby, PGA Robert F. Broderick Frank R. Leja Jr., PGA Robert T. Citrano Jr., PGA Gifford H. Nutbrown, PGA Ronald A. Margeson Jr, PGA Gordon Guss, PGA Ronald Raposa, PGA Gregory A. Wright, PGA Sean P. Morahan, PGA Gregory Sherwood, PGA Stephen C. Ventre, PGA Gregory W. Kelly, PGA Steve Bramlett, PGA Jacob A. Fisher Thomas F. Doherty James F. Hart, PGA Thomas S. Tobey, PGA James Frank, PGA Trevor D. England, PGA Jan P. Murken, PGA Tyler J. Henning Jason A Winslow, PGA Varun A. Anand Jason M. Calhoun, PGA W N Pappaconstantinou, PGA Jason T Dufresne, PGA William S. Jones Jeff A. Seavey, PGA Young G. Jang, PGA Jeff D. Czerwinski, PGA Jeffrey C. Barnes, PGA Joe Chen John A. Stacy, PGA John P. Fields, PGA John T. Geraci, PGA Joseph M. Zielinski, PGA Joseph S Rocha, PGA 28