Full Swing - Winter 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

10

12

14

Champions Are Made in the Offseason

Krupa Recognized as Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

Olney Earns NEPGA Patriot Award

16

18

20

Chapter Award Winners Announced

Worcester CC, Marlborough CC to Host 101st NEPGA Championship

Sovring, Litwack Join NEPGA Staff

26

28

Rules to the Max: Hold The Phone!

Your View from the Fairway

32

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2021 NEPGA Tournament Schedule

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NEPGA OFFICERS

Allan Belden, PGA President allanbelden@gmail.com

Mike Bradshaw, PGA Vice President pgapro@kirkbrae.com

Chip Johnson, PGA Secretary chip.johnson@hatherlycc.com

Ron Bibeau, PGA Honorary President rbibeau@coegolfcars.com

NEPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Bennett, PGA District Director Vermont (802) 244-1800 dbennett@countryclubvt.com

Doug VanWickler, PGA District Director Maine (207) 787-2890 dvanwickler@thewoodlands.com

Jeff Martin, PGA District Director MA Eastern (617) 698-0909 jeffmartinpga@gmail.com

Joanne Flynn, PGA District Director New Hampshire (603) 434-2093 joanne@windhamcc.com

Mark Aldrich, PGA District Director MA Central (508) 853-5087 markaldrichpga@gmail.com

Dan Gillis, PGA Senior Director (978) 692-4606 dangillis.nlcc@gmail.com

Lou Rivers, PGA District Director MA Southern (508) 543-4661 lourivers@pga.com

Dave Donnellan, PGA District Director Cape Cod (508) 362-2606 daviddonnellan@pga.com

Dave Tiedemann, PGA District Director Rhode Island (401) 322-2107 dtiedemann@shgcri.com

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Allan Belden, PGA President New England PGA

NEPGA Officers President Allan Belden, PGA Vice President Mike Bradshaw, PGA Secretary Chip Johnson, PGA Honorary President Ron Bibeau, PGA Board of Directors Central Mass Mark Aldrich, PGA Cape Cod Dave Donnellan, PGA Eastern Mass Jeff Martin, PGA Southern Mass Lou Rivers, PGA Vermont David Bennett, PGA Rhode Island Dave Tiedemann, PGA Maine Doug VanWickler, PGA Seniors Dan Gillis, PGA

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Greetings NEPGA Members, I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season as best as possible in the middle of COVID. We all have had to make sacrifices and adjust our normal traditions in an effort to try and minimize the spread of the virus. I hope you all have had the opportunity to relax, unwind and share some quality time with family. As we put 2020 in the rear view mirror, I wish everyone a happy New Year and the best wishes for a successful and healthy 2021.

As I know everyone is still catching their breath from a very busy and extended season, I also want take this opportunity to remind you that the start of the Spring season will be here soon. It is pretty clear that the Spring of 2021 will not be business as usual. It is imperative that everyone have their “plan B and C� protocols in place to be ready to open and operate safely within the guidelines. Not knowing what those guidelines will be with any surety, having a basis to start from is critical so we are all ready to open when the time comes.

We are obviously much better suited for this Spring than last. There is much more that we know and understand now that we did not know a few months ago. Using that knowledge and exercising common sense and caution will allow everyone to open in a timely and safe manner.

One of the other things we discussed at the beginning of this pandemic was that there will be certain operational items that will not go away once this is

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“

Adjustments to operations will be needed to meet that demand, but this will be very good for the game in the long term

over. There are many protocols that were made necessary by the pandemic but allowed clubs to realize that maybe there is a better way to operate. Clubs who had never operated with tee times are doing so. More golfers are walking and families are playing more golf together. Round counts are up substantially across the country. The biggest challenge facing clubs heading into Spring is trying to figure out how to maximize golf course access.

With round counts being up, trying to make golf courses easily accessible is no small feat. There is no doubt that some of the demand for golf will decline once other activities begin to open back up. I believe it is safe to say that much of the demand for golf is not going away. Adjustments to operations will be needed to meet that demand, but this will be very good for the game in the long term.

In the coming weeks your NEPGA Board of Directors as well as your committee chairs and Chapter leaders will embark on finalizing plans for the upcoming season. We will be meeting in January and February and conducting our meetings and planning sessions on virtual platforms. We all realize that it is not the same as being in-person, but we must make sure that we are ready to conduct business as close to normal as possible. We are planning to conduct our Section activities at a high level and as close to normal as will be allowed once the Spring comes. We realize that there will most likely be some impact to our budgets but we have budgeted as aggressively as possible while remaining fiscally responsible. Our Section activities and events were conducted at an extremely high level in 2020 considering the unique challenges that we faced. With that experience as knowledge and with the expectations to improve in areas where we can, we fully expect to conduct Section activities as close to normal as we possibly can. A notice regarding schedules and how we expect to implement Section activities will follow the planning session. Once the picture of what Spring will look like is clear, we will continue to keep you updated.

I wish you all the very best in the New Year. Be well, stay safe and continue to lead at your facilities. Golf needs the PGA Professionals now more than ever.

Allan Belden, PGA President New England PGA

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2021. All in all, last year was very stressful, it was at times very exciting, and I will admit that overall it was a successful year for the New England Section. It certainly was not our most financially successful year, but when it comes to staff rallying for a cause, or a Mike Higgins Executive Director membership being so supportive and understanding, New England PGA it was a HUGE success. As we continue to plan and prepare for this year, I expect the excitement from the staff to continue and I expect the same support from the membership as well.

Currently we are chin deep in planning for the upcoming season and when I tell you that we are extremely positive, excited and even a bit aggressive, that could be an understatement. Last year we were laser focused on providing our PGA Members the support and tools needed to help each of you reach your full potential as a PGA Professional during the pandemic, and we are not going to 6 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

We will continue to encourage people to wear a face covering, stay six feet apart, get the vaccine when you can, and go PLAY GOLF! stop. Even if COVID-19 disappeared tomorrow, we would continue to do our best to serve the membership in a way that would help you to be prepared and successful. This aggressive plan would not be possible without the dedicated leadership of our Officers, Board of Directors, Committees and the amazing staff that we have leading the New England PGA.

FULLswing face covering, stay six feet apart, get the vaccine when you can and go play golf!

The golf industry is positioned for a very active and busy year and the Section is ready for it! We have new staff coming on board in 2021 and some of our veteran staff will be assuming new roles and responsibilities. I was fortunate to be asked to serve on the Executive Directors Committee, and I look forward to representing New England on the national level. I know many of you are extremely busy, but if you ever have the opportunity to get involved with your Chapter or Section, I encourage you to do so. Give back to your association and have your voice heard.

On February 3rd the Board of Directors will virtually conduct our annual strategic planning session. Topics will include governance, education, employment, tournaments, foundation and most importantly, member service. Feedback from the membership is so valuable to our planning process, and I encourage you to reach out to your District Director or one of your Section Officers if there is something you would like to see or contribute.

Our plan over the next few months is to work with the leaders of our allied golf associations to continually communicate the message that golf is a safe and healthy activity. We don’t want to wait until the season is upon us, then re-educate our state leaders that golf can be played in a safe, socially distanced manner that does not spread the virus. We are working with doctors at some of the best hospitals in Boston who are willing to be our advocates and go on record that they do not know of a single instance where playing golf has spread the virus (now don’t misunderstand that to mean people can’t catch the virus at the course, because those not socially distancing at the bar following their round, or not wearing a face covering and getting too close to someone can spread it). We will continue to encourage people to wear

There is so much unrest and friction in our world right now.

We cannot help but get distracted in our own lives and priorities by what is going on in our country. Opinions vary from one person to the other, and that is OK. It is OK to disagree with your neighbor, but it is how you handle that disagreement that is so important. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Albert Einstein once observed that the most fundamental and major decision that you must make in your life is this: “Do I live in a friendly or a hostile universe?” Think about that for a second. Which is it? Is your universe filled with hostility and anger or is your universe filled with hope and positivity, because which ever it is that you see, is exactly the world you will create for yourself.

Many of you might have noticed that on Monday’s your email inbox is receiving a note from me. These emails are called Mike’s Motivation Monday’s and they are my effort to engage our membership, offer some of my thoughts on success, management, engagement and motivation, but most importantly help each of you start your week off with a positive mindset. I value the feedback and I love the fact that so many of you are reading my messages. I will continue these throughout the winter and hopefully they can bring some value to your operation or even your life.

As always, if there is ever anything that either me or any of the talented NEPGA staff can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Respectfully, Michael J. Higgins Executive Director, New England PGA nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 7

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Winter Is A Terrible Thing To Waste

By Nick Heidelberger, New England PGA

Champions Are Made in the Offseason.

For decades, some version of the mantra has etched itself onto the walls of gyms around the world. The idea that the outcome of the next game, match, or season can and will be determined before it even begins fuels athletes to build an edge to carry to the next starting line.

Now more than ever, that mantra applies to golf.

These days, no golfer is ever far from an indoor hitting room where year-round golf is available.

Whether it’s a standalone facility, permanent part of an existing golf facility, or a converted pro shop or grill room at a nearby course, you can take your game indoors this offseason, and start playing your best golf in 2021.

Brian Diamond, PGA, teaches at the Willowcreek Academy at Atkinson Resort in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where students take advantage of the 10 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

“The winter provides for

opportunities

to focus on a lot of different aspects of the game and swing. year-round golf offerings to improve throughout the offseason.

“We are fortunate to have a facility where our students can practice and work on their games year round,” Diamond said. “The winter provides for opportunities to focus on a lot of different aspects of

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issues. Educating them on ball flight and having them see their ball flight and understand the differences between their good and bad shots is huge in increasing their personal golf IQ. Once we know which swing characteristics provide the most desirable results, we can train to make these characteristics more consistent throughout the offseason and into the golf season.”

the game and swing. Depending on the level of each individual student, winter can be a time to address basic fundamentals and a perfect time of the year to potentially introduce and develop new swing mechanics.”

The Willowcreek Academy offers a covered, lit and heated outdoor driving range to eliminate the elements during a cold, dark and snowy New Hampshire winter.

The indoor practice facility features a garage door style opening to give students the option to hit into a net, or open the door and watch their ball fly onto an often snow-covered driving range. The facility is complete with Trackman launch monitor technology, allowing Brian’s students to gawk at their numbers as they improve throughout winter. The radar technology captures 27 different measurements per swing, but most students focus on a key few, including the fan favorite, Smash Factor.

“TrackMan is a phenomenal technology for golfers of all skill levels to understand why their ball is doing what it is doing relative to their swing,” Diamond said. “Most of my students come in not knowing why their ball is curving one way or the other or why they struggle with other ball-striking

The Willowcreek Academy is not just a place for avid golfers to tune up over the winter and stay sharp throughout the summer. It also serves to grow the game, welcoming new or returning golfers, and a robust junior golf program. Junior camps, clinics and private lessons attract 50-100 junior golfers ages 5-18 each year. The junior program put its success on display to a national audience recently, when Atkinson’s PGA Junior League team was one of eight nationally to advance to the National Championship in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2017.

Of course, honing your swing is just one dimension of your off-season improvement plan. Golf fitness should be part of the equation as well. TB12 has curated a golf-specific program for all players, from those looking for more flexibility to increase their swing speed and driving distance, to those just looking to play 18 holes pain-free. The eight-week program, offered at both the TB12 Boston and Foxboro locations, emphasises hip and spine mobility, balance and core stability, rotational power, and conditioning.

“We take them through a movement screen and we’re really going to look at any postural and movement dysfunctions that they might have,” said Matt Leeds, TB12 Body Coach of the golf program. “Over the course of eight weeks we’re going to improve their mobility and we’re going to improve their stability so when they go back and work with their golf pro they’re able to move better, and they’re not only feeling better but they’re going to perform better.”

With a long offseason for golfers in the Northeast setting in, some golfers may pack the clubs away for months, as they always do, and put their golf game on the back burner until April. Others, however, will seize the opportunity to become the best golfer they can be. The difference will be clear at the starting line of the 2021 golf season. nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 11

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As a golf professional,

my biggest

MOTIVATION

is helping people to

enjoy and learn the game of golf.

JO-ANNA KRUPA RECOGNIZED AS NEPGA ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Jo-Anna Krupa knows her way around a golf course.

She should, she spent the early part of her golf career designing them. But after four years at Dye Designs, Pete Dye’s firm in Denver, Colorado, she felt the urge to help others find their way around the course as a PGA Professional. She had left such a strong impression on Tony Rowe, PGA Professional from Ellington Ridge CC (Ellington, Conn.) from her days working in the maintenance and bag room, that he when she called Tony to express her feelings, he offered her a job on the spot. Since taking that job and becoming a PGA Professional, Jo-Anna has brought the same dedication and passion to the course each and every day, from roles at Ellington Ridge CC, to Charles River and now Belmont Country Club. Through her hard work and dedication, Jo-Anna has been recognized by her peers as the 2020 New England PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.

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NEPGA: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PGA PROFESSIONAL, AND WHY? JO-ANNA KRUPA: I attended graduate school at the University of Edinburgh, to pursue a Masters in Golf Course Architecture. After receiving my masters, I began searching for design work. I accepted a job working for Pete Dye’s golf course design company in Denver, Colorado. After nearly four years of designing courses for clients all over the world, I had a gut feeling I was not doing the right thing. I thought back to how much I enjoyed my previous job where I worked golf course maintenance and in the bag room at Ellington Ridge Country Club in Connecticut. I called the professional I worked for in Connecticut to discuss my concerns with my current career path. He offered me a job on the spot and expressed that he felt I was made for

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the business. I have never regretted my decision to accept that job. Being able to grow the game and gain the relationships I have through this career is invaluable.

NEPGA: WHO INSPIRED OR MENTORED YOU? JK: My biggest mentor has been Tony Rowe, retired Connecticut PGA Hall of Fame member. I worked for Tony throughout college and once I began my career as a PGA professional. In my six years at Ellington Ridge, Tony taught me the importance of customer service and to always learn and grow. The best piece of advice he gave me was if you don’t know the answer, tell a member you will get back to them. Providing honest and genuine service is the most valuable thing you can do. Tony has always given honest feedback but above all been my cheerleader. When I said I wanted to move up to Boston, Tony made at least 40 phone calls trying to get me interviews. The lengths he went to, to help advance my career will never be forgotten. He is a true ambassador of the game and mentor to so many fellow PGA professionals. I hope to leave a lasting impact on fellow professionals and members like Tony has for me.

NEPGA: WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF GOLF? JK: Outside of golf, I love to go on quick day trips exploring new places. My wife and I love to explore as many coffee shops as we can. I love to spend time with our dog Bunker and walk around Lowell where we currently live.

NEPGA: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AS A GOLF PROFESSIONAL? JK: As a golf professional, my biggest motivation is helping people to enjoy and learn the game of golf.

I feel that in this profession we are so fortunate to meet people from so many walks of life, those interactions help me to grow and to be open. The most rewarding part of teaching is when my students finally achieve a skill we have been working on.

Watching my feedback and pointers “click” for my

students is one of the best feelings to me. It is even more gratifying when those students contact me to say they shot the game of their life!

NEPGA: WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF? JK: My third year at Charles River Country Club I created a beginner women’s clinic. We held a 5-week series with 12 women in the group. Through this clinic, we created an open forum where the women felt comfortable to ask any questions they wanted.

A few women that had never met before became best friends afterwards. Not only did we grow the game through this series, but created lasting friendships for the participants, and for myself as well. The 9-hole women’s group at Charles River only continued to grow after that year and I’m so very proud of that!

NEPGA: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH A NEW ENGLAND PGA SECTION AWARD? JK: The New England Section has many of the top professionals in the country. To be acknowledged by my peers has been truly humbling and I’m so grateful for this honor.

NEPGA: ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE? JK: Since deciding to get into this career my wife and family have been so supportive of me. They pushed me when I needed it and supported me through every up and down. The members at Charles River and Belmont Country Club have been unbelievably supportive of me and my growth in this profession.

I couldn’t do what I do without the amazing people I’ve been fortunate to work beside at the River and now at Belmont. These people are more than my coworkers, but my family and I couldn’t be more grateful for them all! (John Fields, Matt Zdon, Andrew Sbordone, Daniel O’Connell, Jim O’Mara and so many more.)

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When you are working on something, you

aren’t doing it for an award,

but it is certainly rewarding when you are recognized, especially at the level of the NEPGA.

OLNEY’S DEDICATION TO LOCAL VETS YIELDS NEPGA PATRIOT AWARD Josh Olney’s motivation to never become complacent has spawned his habit of going above and beyond.

This motivation inspired Josh to create the Olney Invitational in 2018, with the funds raised supporting local Veterans and their families. That golf tournament generated $3,800 which helped 11 different Veterans and their families with things as basic as heat throughout the winter. While that may be a satisfying result for many, Josh out-did himself the next year, more than doubling that amount with the 2019 tournament, resulting in a $7,700 contribution to Veterans after more than 50 sponsors supported the second iteration of the Olney Invitational. For his efforts supporting our country’s patriots, Josh is the 2020 recipient of the New England PGA Patriot Award.

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NEPGA: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PGA PROFESSIONAL, AND WHY? JOSH OLNEY: In 1995, when I was a senior in high school. I was very passionate about golf and I was looking at Colleges and what to study, it seemed like an obvious career choice.

NEPGA: WHO INSPIRED OR MENTORED YOU? JO: My first experience with a PGA Golf Professional was when I was a junior golfer at Newport CC in Vermont. Guy Thompson was the Professional at the time, and he was very supportive and let me hang around as much as I wanted which added to my love of the game. After that, I was fortunate to work for Larry Kelley, (yes that Larry Kelley) at two different facilities, and learned a tremendous amount about the business and most importantly how im-

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NEPGA: WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF GOLF? JO: During the offseason. I have coached basketball for 10 years, mostly my son’s team. I now coach JV boys at Harwood Union HS where my son plays on the Varsity team.

I have no greater joy than watching my son and my daughter play school sports.

NEPGA: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AS A GOLF PROFESSIONAL? JO: Not to get complacent. I was at my last facility for 10 years, and now eight at my current facility and it is easy to just do the same things the same way year after year. I’m motivated to keep improving myself and my facility.

NEPGA: WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF? JO: I don’t know if this is an accomplishment, but I would say the countless relationships that I have formed through golf over the years.

NEPGA: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH A NEW ENGLAND PGA SECTION AWARD? JO: It is a tremendous honor, and honestly came as a big surprise.

When you are working on something (in my case, work with the Veterans), you aren’t doing it for an

award, but it is certainly rewarding when you are recognized, especially at the level of the NEPGA. NEPGA: ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE? JO: Certainly any Golf Professionals that I have worked for, most notably Larry Kelley, but also John Fields, Ron Philo, and Peter Matthews. Most importantly, my family, by supporting me and allowing me to spend as much time as I do at the Club.

CELEBRATION OF 2020 NEW ENGLAND PGA AWARD WINNERS In order to safely celebrate the 2020 New England PGA Award Winners, the annual NEPGA Awards Dinner has been postponed to the Spring of 2021. Details about the site and date of the Awards Dinner will be announced soon.

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CONGRATULATIONS To the 2021 Chapter Award WInners from around the New England PGA! MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

Steve Sheridan, PGA (Meadowbrook GC) is the 2020 Mass Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

Jeff Martin, PGA (Wollaston GC) is the 2020 Mass Chapter Merchandiser of the Year.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER

Gordon Swennes, PGA (Wentworth by the Sea) is the 2020 New Hampshire Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

Ian Willikins, PGA (Derryfield CC) is the NHPGA Youth Player Development Award recipient.

Golf Professional of the Year Steve Sheridan, PGA.......................................Meadowbrook GC

Golf Professional of the Year Gordon Swennes, PGA.......................... Wentworth by the Sea

Youth Player Development Award Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA..............................................Winchester CC

Youth Player Development Award Ian Willikins, PGA...................................................... Derryfield CC

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Ed Doherty, PGA...................................................... Black Rock CC

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Sean Fellows, PGA........................................................... Abenaqui

Merchandiser of the Year Jeff Martin, PGA........................................................ Wollaston GC

Merchandiser of the Year Sean Chipman, PGA............................................ Atkinson Resort

Teacher of the Year Jo-Anna Krupa, PGA................................................... Belmont CC

Teacher of the Year Rico Riciputi, PGA................................... Wentworth by the Sea

RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER Golf Professional of the Year Seth Force, PGA..................................................... Potowomut GC Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Dan Guidarelli, PGA........................................Shelter Harbor GC Youth Player Development Award Nick Maresca, PGA.......................................................Kirkbrae CC Merchandiser of the Year Al Vallante, PGA.........................................................Harbor Lights Teacher of the Year Shane Drury, PGA........................................................Swansea CC

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Shane Drury, PGA (Swansea GC) is the 2020 Rhode Island Chapter Teacher of the Year.

Al Vallante, PGA (Harbor Lights) is the 2020 Rhode Island Chapter Merchandiser of the Year.

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CAPE COD CHAPTER

Darren Falk, PGA (Holly Ridge) is the 2020 Cape Cod Teacher of the Year.

MAINE CHAPTER

Kyle Dobbs (The Bay Club) is the 2020 Cape Cod Chapter Player of the Year.

Gary Philbrick Golf Professional of the Year Merry Holway, PGA.................... Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Youth Player Development Award Bob Giusti, PGA......................................................Back Nine Club Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Mike Abate, PGA.............................................Vineyard Golf Club Merchandiser of the Year Mike Roy, PGA.............................................................Plymouth CC Teacher of the Year Darren Falk, PGA........................................................... Holly Ridge Dutch Wessner Player of the Year Kyle Dobbs............................................Bay Club at Mattapoisett

VERMONT CHAPTER

Dan Venezio, PGA (Portland CC) collected both the Maine Chapter Strausbaugh and PGA Professional Development Awards.

Golf Professional of the Year Peiter DeVos , PGA................................................ Kebo Valley Bil Strausbaugh Award (tie) Rob Jarvis , PGA..........................................Bangor Municipal Dan Venezio, PGA..................................................Portland CC Teacher of the Year Casey Cox , PGA....................................The Woodlands Club Deacon Palmer Award Ron BIbeau , PGA................................................CCE Golf Cars Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Eric Higgins....................................................... Webhannet GC Player Development Casey Cox , PGA....................................The Woodlands Club

Golf Professional of the Year Patrick Berry, PGA.... Dorset Field

Youth Player Development Brian BIckford , PGA......................................................... MSGA

Merchandiser of the Year Steve Hosack, PGA.....Burlington CC Michael Harger, PGA.... Stowe Mtn

PGA Professional Development Dan Venezio, PGA..................................................Portland CC

Teacher of the Year Sue Horton, PGA........... Stowe CC Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Jaimie Pierson, PGA....Ekwanok CC

Casey Cox, PGA (The Woodlands Club) collected both the Maine Chapter Teacher of the Year and Player Development Awards.

Patrick Berry, PGA (Dorset Field GC) is the 2020 Vermont Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

Merchandiser of the Year Jan Murken, PGA (Private)................ The Woodlands Club Don Roberts, PGA (Public)...............................Waterville CC Zach Zondlo, PGA (Resort).............................. Sugarloaf GC

nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 17

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WORCESTER CC, MARLBOROUGH CC SET TO HOST 2021 NEPGA CHAMPIONSHIP The New England PGA is pleased to announce that the 2021 New England PGA Championship will be conducted at Worcester Country Club and Marlborough Country Club, both in Central Massachusetts.

The tournament will be contested from August 30-September 1, 2021.

Neither course is a stranger to Championship golf, with 2021’s NEPGA Championship being just the latest in a long history of prestigious competitions. Worcester CC has hosted the NEPGA Championship twice before, in 1996 and 2009, with Dana Quigley and Paul Parajeckas earning the Championship titles, respectively. On the international stage, Worcester is known for hosting the 1925 US Open, the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927, and the 1960 US Women’s Open, making it one of only three courses to host all three events (the others being Pinehurst and Hazeltine). The classic Worcester, Mass track was designed by Donald Ross in 1914 and has undergone significant renovations since it last hosted in 2009.

Marlborough Country Club has never hosted the NEPGA Championship, however its stint as host of the PGA TOUR Champions Marlborough Classic from 1980-1983 testifies to its merits as a Championship host venue. The course offers a blend of classic and more modern design, with the current back nine designed in 1921 by Wayne Stiles, and the front nine designed in 1968 by Geoffrey Cornish.

The New England PGA Championship is the premiere event run by the New England Section, and is open to all Class A PGA Professionals within the Section. The New England PGA Championship field is routinely among the largest of all the Section Championships in the country and tends to boast one of the largest purses available in Sec18 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

MARLBOROUGH CC

tion Championships nationwide.

2020 Champion Shawn Warren, PGA earned $11,225 for his play at Myopia Hunt Club and Tedesco Country Club during the milestone 100th playing last August.

The NEPGA Championship also offers PGA Professionals an opportunity to play their way to the PGA Championship. The top 12 finishers in the NEPGA Championship will move on to the national PGA Professional Championship the following April at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas, and the top 20 finishers in that event will qualify for the PGA Championship. At least one NEPGA Professional has represented the New England Section in the PGA Championship for the last six years.

2021 will also feature the first-ever New England PGA Women’s Championship, which will be contested at Worcester CC and Marlborough CC concurrently with the Section Championship.

More details about the Women’s Championship to come.

PRIZE POSSESSIONS SHOW SPECIAL!

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nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 19

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SOVRING, LITWACK JOIN NEPGA STAFF “With the potential that the junior programs have in New

I am just so excited to start this new

England,

challenge and bring some new ideas to an already successful junior program.”

SOVRING HIRED AS NEPGA JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER Brianna Sovring will oversee junior golf programs for thousands of New England juniors as the New England PGA’s next Junior Golf Manager.

Sovring will join the NEPGA on February 1, 2021, and will have the opportunity to oversee the NEPGA Junior Tour and it’s 120 annual events, along with the Section’s 12 Drive, Chip and Putt Competitions and one of the country’s largest PGA Junior League programs. Sovring brings a wealth of experience to the position after serving as the Player Development Director for the Central New York PGA since 2018 after completing two internships with the Section.

“We are very excited to have Brianna join our team and be a part of the NEPGA family,” New England PGA Executive Director Michael Higgins said. “She had a significant impact on the junior programs in the Central NY PGA Section, and I am looking forward to working with her to bring junior golf in New England to another level!”

Sovring graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Sport Management and competed on the women’s golf team all four years, including 20 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

her final two as a co-captain. In her role at the Central NY PGA, she oversaw the Section’s Junior Tour, Drive, Chip & Putt programs, PGA Jr. League, Green$Card sales, Women’s Association, and monitored the Section’s social media, website and marketing efforts.

“As a young woman from New York, to have the opportunity to work with such a successful and impactful group of individuals at the New England PGA is an honor,” Sovring said. “Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to be able to grow the game for amateurs, women, juniors and the families from all over New England. With the potential that the junior programs have in New England, I am just so excited to start this new challenge and bring some new ideas to an already successful junior program.”

Sovring began playing golf at the age of nine and before running the CNY PGA Junior Tour, she was a member herself, helping her build an understanding of what’s needed to help the next generation of golfers. Sovring make the move to Massachusetts with her long-time boyfriend of five years, Andrew Moesch.

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NEPGA BOLSTERS TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS WITH ADDITION OF CASEY LITWACK day-to-day operations and logistics of the league’s officiating program.

“I am extremely honored to be joining the New England Section as Tournament Manager,” Litwack said. “I feel very lucky to join such a talented group of people at the NEPGA office. The game of golf has long been a passion The New England PGA has bolstered its of mine and has brought me so much joy in my persontournament staff ahead of the 2021 sea- al life. I plan on bringing that passion and energy as I work to build upon the son with the addition of Casey fantastic tournament “The opportunity Litwack as Tournament Manprogram in place for the ager. In addition to assisting Section’s PGA Profesto work within with the robust Section toursionals. The opportunity nament operation, Litwack so much to work within the game will oversee the Chapter OpI love so much is a erations for the Rhode Island, is a dream come true.”

Cape Cod, and Massachu-

the

game I love dream come true.”

setts Chapters. He will also Litwack’s belief in golf’s serve in a support role for the ability to forge relationMaine, New Hampshire and ships between people from all walks of life drew him Vermont Chapters and will be involved to a career in the sport. In his new role as Tournament in NEPGA Reach programs as well. Manager, he is eager to develop relationships with the NEPGA membership and help provide a first-class tour“The Tournament Manager role is a newly created position that is going to bring add- nament program. ed value to each of our Chapters,” NEPGA Executive Director Mike Higgins said. “We are excited to have Casey onboard and are looking forward to having his skillset on our team.”

Litwack, an avid golfer and West Windsor, N.J. native, is no stranger to working in the sports industry. He comes to the NEPGA from the American Hockey League where he served as the Manager of Hockey Operations and had direct oversight of the

He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. He was a four-year player for the UMass Club Ice Hockey team, where he served as the captain and president his senior year. Since graduation, he has stayed involved as an assistant coach for the nationally ranked program.

Litwack was most recently a member at Springfield Country Club and is striving to break par for the first time during the 2021 golf season. Off the course, his interests include skiing, hiking with his dog, and his never ending pursuit of making the perfect pizza. nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 21

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As the New Year rolls on, PGA REACH New England is excited to share an update regarding the Diversity & Inclusion pillar of the Foundation. A newly established Committee, entitled “Women of the Game”, has been created to inspire and support female interest in the game of golf across the New England Section, through education, awareness, advocacy and mentoring within a supportive network. Eight PGA Professionals from across the Section, as well as three independent directors from the golf industry, have committed their time and expertise to raise awareness of the game to new and lapsed female golfers.

our off-season review of what worked well, what improvements we can make and how many more lives can we impact through the Foundation! The sub-Committees recently met and have tasked the staff to step up their game with some exciting events and programs.

During the upcoming months, as the planning for 2021 events and programming takes place, the Women of the Game Committee will be tasked to focus on two main objectives: the inaugural Women’s Golf Week, scheduled for May 31 to June 6th, 2021; and the creation of the NEPGA Women’s Summit. We anticipate this to be an active and engaging committee for the Section, so be on the lookout for more information or opportunities to support Diversity & Inclusion across New England!

•

•

Our programs and events related to the Youth and Military Pillars of PGA REACH New England concluded in November, setting the stage for

Keep watch for the upcoming communications on the following developments for the Foundation: • Quarterly PGA REACH New England Newsletter • NEPGA Professional Fundraising Opportunites • Birdies for Charity • NEPGA Hangout • Foundation Island Outing • Amazon Smile • BLOOM bags for Good PGA HOPE, Sets Fore Vets, Three Majors and a Vet Junior TOUR Development Series, Drive, Chip & Putt, PGA Junior League and the NEPGA Junior TOUR

The growth of your Foundation, PGA REACH New England, is dependent upon the effort put forward by fellow PGA Professionals, Staff and Partners. Growth will ensure that your programs are able to positively impact communities around New England. If you are interested in volunteering, partnering, or donating please contact me and let’s find a way for the Foundation to help your community.

Michael Packard, PGA Director, PGA REACH New England

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FULLswing The New England PGA mourned the loss of Michael Wortis, PGA, last fall. But the legacy of the larger-than-life 33-year Leo J. Martin Pro will carry on through the Michael F. Wortis Scholarship, established by the Wortis family.

Mike was a quintessential gentleman with a million-dollar smile. He had a tremendous command of the English language and was known to have an extensive language of his own. Everyone had a nickname, whether they wanted one or not.

He was always impeccably dressed, extraordinarily generous and a gifted conversationalist. He had a joy of life, always surrounded by many friends, sharing interesting life stories and enjoying great food.

WORTIS SCHOLARSHIP REPRESENTS LONG-TIME PRO’S LEGACY SOMETHING FOR EVERY AMATEUR GOLFER!

The Michael F. Wortis Scholarship Fund will help fund the educational goals for those who are passionate about learning the game of golf. Donations to the fund can be in Mike’s name to the New England PGA Foundation, PO Box 743, 81C Shrewsbury Street, Boylston, MA 01505. Or, CLICK HERE to donate (mention Michael F. Wortis Scholarship in the comment box).

JR. TOUR

NEW ENGLAND SERIES

Click above to learn more about these NEPGA amateur golf programs!

Amateur golfers of all ages can compete in tournaments all over New England in 2021 through the New England PGA Junior Tour and the New England Series.

Junior golfers ages 9-21 years-old, as of September 1, 2021, can hone their skills on the NEPGA Junior Tour. The Junior Tour truly offers something for every junior golfer. With seven different divisions and 9-, 18-, and 36-hole tournaments, juniors can gain experience in a welcoming environment, and put their competitive spirit to the test when they’re ready!

A robust schedule that features around 120 tournaments annually ensures that junior golfers from all over New England are never far from a tournament. Membership registration can be done online at nepgajuniortour.com, and sibling discounts are available for families with more than one junior golfer. The 2021 tournament schedule will be available soon.

Amateur golfers over 21 can take their skills to the New England Series. As the Northeast’s Premiere Amateur Golf Tour, the New England Series offers more than 25 tournaments annually, exclusively visiting the finest private courses around New England. Not only are amateurs crossing top courses off their bucket-list from April to October, but they’re competing for season-long and tournament prizes in Gross, Net, Stableford and Senior Divisions.

Discounts are available to first-responders and military personnel (including retired). Membership registration and the 2021 schedule are live at NewEnglandSeries.com. nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 23

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Bryan Kienke, PGA Head Golf Professional Cohasset GC

PGA REACH New England is excited to announce a new spotlight piece dedicated to sharing the goodwill and support of local communities by our PGA Professionals. Chipping-In will trumpet the story of individual PGA Professionals and their efforts to differentiate their facility and personal PGA Brand within the community. This month, we share the story of Head Golf Professional Bryan Kienke, PGA of Cohasset Golf Club.

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Bryan Kienke was born and raised on Long Island, NY. After graduation from the Professional Golf Management Program at Methodist University, Bryan has held Assistant Professional Positions at Rockaway Hunting Club on Long Island, Medalist Golf Club and Adios Golf Club in South Florida & Aronimink Golf Club just outside Philadelphia. While an assistant, Bryan has served on the Philadelphia Section Board of Directors and as the Philadelphia Assistants Organization President. Bryan is currently the Head Golf Professional at Cohasset Golf Club.

Bryan and his wife Mary have two sons, William & Connor, and are very excited to be in the greater Boston area. When not at the club, Bryan is passionate about the foundation that he and his family started, the Gregg’s Wings Foundation, which raises money for The Cancer Center for Kids in memory of his brother, Gregg. In nine years they have donated over $530,000 to the center in Gregg’s memory.

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NEPGA: IS THERE A PERSONAL CAUSE OR GOAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING ATTENTION TO? BK: Gregg’s Wings is a foundation that I started 10 years ago.

Gregg’s Wings was created in memory of my brother Gregg who passed away at 10 weeks of age from cancer. Gregg’s doctors at the time have since started The Cancer Center for Kids. We are proud to support CCFK each year with our events and have been fortunate enough to raise over $530,000 in Gregg’s memory. www.greggswings.com has more information on our cause and ways to help.

NEPGA: WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? BK: The opportunity to see the positive impact that you can impart on others. We have been able to take a loss and turn it into a positive for so many other people.

NEPGA: HOW HAS GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY HELPED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF YOUR FACILITY? BK: I’ve had a lot of members reach out and ask me about Gregg’s Wings and how they can help support our cause. Each year we’ll have some hoodies, hats or t-shirts made up with our logo and another avenue to raise funds. It’s pretty special to see the number of hats at the club with our logo on it. Each year we have more people

asking about what we do and how they can help.

I think you’ll find out quickly that our members really do care about us, and they enjoy supporting causes that mean a lot to us.

NEPGA: HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH CHARITIES TO SUPPORT? BK: That’s always the hard part. We always want to support every charity that we hear about. I think the best way to pick and choose are to support causes that mean something to you. Having a personal connection to a foundation makes it easier to talk about their cause and how much their support means to others. The best way for these foundations to continue to grow is through word of mouth. Each year we have new attendees at our events and they always become repeat supporters. If you have a passion for something, it’s amazing how much that comes through when you talk to others about your cause.

NEPGA: ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW SOMEONE CAN START TO SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITY? BK: Start talking to your friends and colleagues about any causes that they support. It won’t take long before you learn about a cause that has had a direct impact on your life. The more the cause has directly impacted you, or your family or friends, the more it means to you and the easier it is to spread the message that you’re supporting. We really do live in a great society where others want to help people in need and that’s not always monetarily, but even with their time. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends or co-workers about some of the events you’re attending, even ask them to come along and see some of the great things you’re doing for your community, you’d be amazed at how quickly they’ll say yes!

nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 25

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#RulesToThe Max Max Doctoroff, PGA Tournament Director New England PGA

A player must not create a potential advantage by using equipment (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or

reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is

HOLD THE PHONE!

essential to the challenge of the game.

As much as cell phones and other telecommunication technology have become so prominent in our lives over the last decade or so, the events of 2020 have made digital tech even more central to our lives. Most of our business meetings and social visits with friends are done over Zoom these days, so we’ve found ourselves leaning on our phones and computers almost all the time, whether at work or when we’re off the clock. As much as this technology has helped us maintain our business and personal relationships while social distancing, cell phones can also be helpful to golfers while they’re on the course. As such, it has become necessary for the Rules of Golf to address what golfers are allowed to do with their cell phones and other devices during their round. Most of this info can be found in Rule 4.3a in greater detail, but I’ll touch on a few of the major points. Use of cell phones during a round has become one of the most common topics of phone calls I get from Professionals while they officiate their

member events, so I hope this summary will help you educate your members and officiate your competitions at the club.

26 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

The over-arching principle behind these Rules is stated at the beginning of Rule 4.3a: “a player must not create a potential advantage by using equipment (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game.” Please keep this in mind while reading, since even if you don’t memorize the do’s and don’ts listed below, remembering this overriding principle will help steer your towards the right answer intuitively.

So what are we allowed to do with our phones and other devices during a round?

DISTANCE AND DIRECTION DO: Use a GPS app to obtain distance information, or use the compass app to determine direction.

FULLswing Distance and north/south direction are publicly available information, so have at it!

DON’T: Use an app that recommends what club to hit, shows elevation change, or recommends a line of play. Golfers are expected to make these judgments themselves, and this is part of the challenge of the game.

WEATHER/WIND INFORMATION DO: Use a weather app and take advantage of anything it tells you based on its weather forecast. This includes wind speed and direction!

DON’T: Measure wind speed at the golf course. The difference here is while you’re allowed to learn wind information on your weather app, there are limits to how specific that information is allowed to be. You’re allowed to know the prevailing wind in your general geographical area, but not specifically on the spot where you’re standing.

DON’T: Use an artificial object for the sole purpose of getting wind-related information. For example, if a player takes out a handkerchief for the sole purpose of holding it in the air to see which way the wind is blowing, they are in breach of Rule 4.3.

However, if they take it out to blow their nose and happen to notice that that wind is blowing it a certain direction, that’s no problem.

INFORMATION RECORDING OR GATHERING DO: Use information that was gathered before the round begun (such as information from previous rounds, swing tips, or club recommendations).

DON’T: Process or interpret playing information from the round (such as club recommendations based on current round distances).

DO: Record, for use after the round, playing information (club distance, playing statistics, etc.) or physiological information from your Fitbit (heart rate, etc.).

DON’T: Use any of the recorded information above to help you during the same round in which it was recorded.

AUDIO/VIDEO DO: Listen to background music during the round.

DON’T: Listen to music for the purpose of eliminating distractions or helping with swing tempo. The easy, general way to interpret this is that a speaker in the golf cart is generally fine, but wearing headphones during the round is generally not, as it would help eliminate the distraction of a car horn beeping in your backswing, for example.

Just remember that there are nuances, and a conversation with the player should always take place before making a ruling.

DO: Watch videos unrelated to the competition being played.

DON’T: Watch videos showing your own play, or the play of others in the competition, that helps you in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round. I recently got a call from a Professional about a member who had his partner videotape one of his swings, then viewed the video. This player was in breach of Rule 4.3a(4) because he could analyze his swing and correct flaws during the round.

DO: Watch video that is being shown publicly during the round. If there is video being shown for the benefit of spectators at a competition, and a player is able to see a public screen showing live coverage of the competition, statistical information, wind speed or the like, there is no penalty under Rule 4.3. This is true even if it helps the player choose a club, make a stroke, or decide how to play.

Since your cell phone is probably always within reach during a round, I hope this helps to understand when you can confidently reach for it, and when you should leave it in the cart.

As always, reach out if you have any questions, and I’ll look forward to seeing you in the spring! nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 27

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Your View From The Fairway

SAFE SPORT ACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION As an entity that engages in youth golf programs and whose members include adults who are in contact with minors, the PGA of America is subject to certain requirements under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (the “Act”), enacted by the U.S. Congress. This Act has the potential to affect not only national governing bodies, but also camps, public and private schools, collegiate sports, country clubs, community organizations and sport facilities.

As PGA Members and facilities consider the impact the Act may or may not have on their own youth programs, the PGA of America is providing an informative update regarding the Act and the PGA of America’s compliance efforts.

The Act, created in reaction to the abuse found at various youth sports organizations, provides for a new standard of care that affects youth-serving organizations nationwide through its creation of requirements for:

•

Background checks;

• Adoption of mandatory reporting policies and prevention policies that provide reasonable procedures that limit one-on-one interactions between an adult and participating youth without being in an observable and interruptible distance from another adult; CLICK HERE to begin implementation of prevention training. The cost of the training is $5, to be paid by the member or associate. Two (2) MSR credits will be earned towards the PGA Required category.

28 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

Joan Stuart NEPGA Director of Accounting & Finance

Additional resources can be found on the Safe Sport website.

For more information about the Act, CLICK HERE. To comply with these requirements, the PGA has introduced a company-wide online abuse prevention course which must be completed prior to working with any youth in a National PGA Youth Program.

Each PGA Professional who successfully completes the course and an assessment at the conclusion will earn 2 PGA Required MSR credits. In addition, members will also receive a certificate of completion.

Recertification will be required every two years. The education component is part of Captain registration for PGA Jr. League.

Implementation into other National PGA Youth Programs, such as PGA Junior Camps and National Junior Championships, will be further communicated as applicable.

Additionally, as part of its compliance efforts associated with the Act, the PGA of America has updated its reporting requirements and prevention policies, effective immediately. Communication of the applicability of the PGA of America’s new reporting requirements and the PGA of America’s new prevention policies will be made to PGA members and participants on a program-by-program basis.

MANDATORY REPORTING Any National PGA Youth Program Captain, Coach, Volunteer or Parent who has reason to suspect an incident of child abuse - sex abuse, physical or mental injury and negligent treatment - are required, as soon as possible (within a 24-hour period), to report such incident to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, as determined by state or federal law. Reasonable, moderate and non-cruel discipline

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administered by a parent or legal guardian to their child does not have to be reported. Failing to make a required report may subject one to criminal penalties.

A person will not be held liable if they make a report in good faith, including in situations where the reported incident is determined not to be child abuse.

States also have laws related to mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect. It is imperative that individuals engaging in youth sport activities understand the impact of the Act, as well as the respective state-specific obligations applicable to their participation.

WHERE TO REPORT • Appropriate law enforcement authorities •

PGA (via one of the two methods outlined below)

HOW TO REPORT • Submit a PGA-provided form to : pgayouthsafety@pgahq.com •

Call the PGA Youth Safety Helpline: (844) 742-7233

• Contact your local Law Enforcement (Note: submitting a report to the PGA under one of the methods outlined above does not relieve one from the obligation to report the incident to appropriate law enforcement authorities.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to the New England PGA Professionals and Associates born in the month of January!

Andrew T. Abbott Joshua E. Ancahas Griffin L Andrews Matthew P. Baran, PGA Robert S. Baxter, PGA Colin P. Beaupre, PGA Allan J. Belden, PGA Shaun M. Bishop, PGA John C. Boniface, PGA Joshua M. Brickley, PGA David L. Brubaker, PGA James R. Burke, PGA Christopher D. Card Gary G Cardoza Jr., PGA Joe Carr, PGA James L. Cook James L Corrigan Griffin T. Cosgrove, PGA Paul F. Coutoumas, PGA Nicholas A. Desjardins, PGA Steve Dietz, PGA Anthony D. DiGiorgio, PGA Nicholas P. Erlichman, PGA Darren T Falk, PGA Steven M. Field, PGA Jeffrey M. Flis, PGA Liam C. Friedman, PGA Dan Gillis, PGA Brian J. Goulart Matthew H. Griffith, PGA Rusty Gunnarson, PGA Nicholas F. Hallowell, PGA Richard W. Hasenfus, PGA Seul-Ki Park Hawley, PGA Matt Hibbert, PGA Christopher J. Hixenbaugh, PGA Collin S. Hubbell

Christopher J. Hulme, PGA Richard Bryce Huntt, PGA Scott D. Johnson, PGA Adam L. Kaplan, PGA Lawrence C. Kelley, PGA Timothy J Kilcoyne, PGA Tyler C. Krause, PGA Lucas J. Langelier, PGA Mark T. Laviano, PGA Richard A. LeBeau, PGA Jim A. LeBlanc, PGA Scott D. MacArthur, PGA Carl M. Marchio, PGA Kevin Maynard, PGA Butch Mellon, PGA Curtis R. Niven, PGA Mark T. O’Brien, PGA James O’Mara, PGA Robert J. Oppenheim, PGA Jill M. Philips, PGA Michael H. Pratt, PGA Ken Raynor, PGA Harry K. Rose, PGA Vincent J. Runyon, PGA Daniel J. Russell, PGA James Schouller Jr., PGA Samantha T Smith Robert H. Stonehouse, PGA Daniel C. Taylor, PGA Patrick A. Thornell, PGA Timothy J. Tierney, PGA Shawn P. Warren, PGA Dieter M. Wiedmayer, PGA Geoff Williams, PGA Chuck Yaeger, PGA Michael A. Zaranek, PGA

nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 29

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USE PROMO CODE: FORE21 30 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES NEWLY ELECTED PGA MEMBERS Alexandra Michielini, PGA The Country Club

A-8

NEW ASSOCIATES Blake A. Phillips Burlington Country Club

B-8

Thomas F. Doherty Woodland Golf Club

B-8

Kevin M. Fay Bellevue Golf Club

B-8

Jarett G. Leonard Norton Country Club B-8

EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Aaron Ungvarsky, PGA TopGolf International

A-19

EMPLOYMENT CORNER

Hello, World!

Use the links below to explore assistant professional, head professional, and golf industry positions.

ASST POSITIONS HEAD PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES GOLF INDUSTRY POSITIONS

Maya Lane Jan. 15, 2021 (9:01 PM) 7 lbs 11 oz Daughter of Andy Lane, PGA Worcester CC Head Golf Professional

Gavin Heidelberger Dec. 7, 2020 (12:25 PM) 7 lbs, 0.2 oz Son of Nick Heidelberger NEPGA Marketing/Communications Mgr nepga.com | WINTER, 2021 | 31

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2021 NEPGA SCHEDULE DATE

EVENT

SITE

March 21-24 Pinehurst Pro-Am Pinehurst April 15 Pro-Pro Scramble TBA April 20 Stroke Play Series #1 Newport National April 25-28 PGA Professional National Championship PGA Golf Club May 3 Portsmouth Pro-Am Portsmouth CC May 10-11 Pro-Pro Match Play Championship Kirkbrae CC May 13 Hudson Cup Marshfield CC May 20-23 PGA Championship Kiawah Island May 24 Acushnet Pro-Assistant Championship Bay Club at Mattapoisett June 1 Pro-Am Championship Ledgemont/Agawam June 7 Stroke Play Series #2 Nashawtuc CC June 14 Whitinsville Pro-Am Whitinsville CC June 28 Senior-Junior Championship Alpine CC July 6 Stroke Play Series #3 Presidents GC TBD Pro-Officer TBD July12 Thorny Lea Pro-Am Thorny Lea GC July 20-21 NEPGA Senior Championship Woodstock Inn & CC July 22 Pro-Lady TBA July 26 Pro-Pro Stroke Play Champoinship The Haven CC August 4 Pro-Senior Sky Meadow August 9 Stroke Play Series #4 Green Hill TBD Pro-1Am TBD TBD Head Pro/Teaching Pro Championship TBD August 30-Sept. 1 NEPGA Section Championship Worcester CC/Marlborough CC September 7 Stroke Play Series #5 Granite Links September 13 New England PGA Reach Outing TBD September 27-28 NEPGA Assistant’s Championship Abenaqui CC October 4 Avidia Cup Finals Portland CC TBD Mohegan Sun Sox vs. Stripes Mohegan Sun October 12 Cape Cod Fall Fest #1 Oyster Harbors Club October 13 Cape Cod Fall Fest #2 Eastward Ho! October 14 Cape Cod Fall Fest #3 Pocasset CC October 15 Cape Cod Fall Fest #4 TBD October 20 Pro-Superintendent Franklin CC November 8-10 Las Vegas Pro-Am Cascata, Reflection Bay, Rio Secco TBD Goslings Intl Invitational Mid Ocean, Port Royal, Belmont Hills 32 | WINTER, 2021 | nepga.com