Northeast Golf - December 2021/January 2022

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 6

It’s aboutGOLF Indoor Golf Simulators

Indoor Golf & Fitness Luxury Simulators DIY Golf Simulators Featured Facilities

Destinations

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INSIDE DECEMBER • JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 6

COVER STORY

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aboutGOLF is the world’s most authentic and accurate indoor golf and entertainment platform, and a market leader in technology and applications as well.

IN-HOME GOLF

Luxury In-Home Golf Simulators Some of the top in-home systems to consider

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INOOR GOLF PREVIEW

Indoor Golf: Growing the Game Inside Out Golf, Competition, Training, Entertainment & Fitness

Watch the show on NBC Sports Boston, on social media and on GolfingTheWorld.TV

continued

22 DIY SIMULATORS

Economical Solutions to In-home Golf There are limitless choices in features and options with almost all systems.

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5

PRO SHOP Golf Equipment for Your Bag

47 28 The Rise of Indoor Golf: How technology is changing the way we train

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INDOOR GOLF PROFILES

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FROM THE EDITOR FA I R P L AY

Simulators today offer all aspects of the game outdoors on grass, including putting, chipping, sand, and all the rest.

The Death of Golf’s Off Season

I

F YOU CHERISHED THE AGE of putting your clubs away for the season, you have my condolences; it officially has passed! There will be no dust or cobwebs, no dried-out wrinkled-up golf gloves, crinkled-up hats that wintered over in your side bag pocket, and best of all, no rust in your game to shake off in the spring.

Like the typewriter and fax machine, the off-season of golf is no more and for one, I am ready to skip the eulogy and just move on. Welcome to winter, no yard work, outdoor projects or cookouts to go to – It’s Indoor Golf and Fitness Season and it has never been better with more indoor golf facilities, more simulators, more courses to play, and plenty of leagues Newport Indoor Golf and tournaments. You can play Pebble Beach in two hours with your favorite foursome while watching the PGA Tour, NFL football, NHL Hockey while eating and having your favorite cocktail.

Gone also are the days of less than realistic indoor golf. Simulators today offer all aspects of the game outdoors on grass, including putting, chipping, sand, and all the rest. If you think it’s cool to watch the PGA Tour’s shot tracker at every event on TV, then actually watching your shot being tracked with every imaginable stat on every swing is even better.

You can even capture data, play competitions and tournaments against players all over the world and

even have a full player profile with all your rounds and stats shot by shot on an app on your phone.

There were almost 37 million rounds of golf played in the U.S. last year, with over 12 million played indoors on simulators and golf entertainment centers. On your next winter golf trip, you will not only be amazed by the transition from very cold and grey to very warm and green, but also you will notice another great thing, mid-season form in your golf game.

Not putting your golf swing away for the winter has distinct advantages and you will be amazed at the result.

So now there are no excuses, no early seasons, no grove to search for, just the front door of your local Indoor Golf & Fitness Center and a tee time, yes, they’re still called tee times. Swing On, Play Through and Play Away…..

Go Play!

Be Your Best!

Timothy R. Branco Editor, Northeast Golf

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Editor / Publisher Timothy R. Branco

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NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MB E R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

9

COVER STORY aboutGOLF

aG Home Simulator

THE BEST

BY NEG STAFF

Just Keeps Getting Better

Golf

was a game conceived to play outdoors, exposed to the variables of weather and playing conditions. If Scotland is truly the home of golf, then they could not have picked a much more difficult place to invent and play this game. In most regions in the world today, weather makes it very difficult, and in many cases, impossible to play golf for nearly half of the calendar year. The invention of indoor golf has forever changed how we play the game and our ability to play anywhere, at any time, with anyone; it is truly amazing.

Norman Golf, the natural evolution was to create golf games that gave golfers a larger than life, experience. The next step was giving people the ability to hit real clubs and balls while delivering accurate measurements

Over 25 years ago, aboutGolf was founded by Bill Bales, a true innovator in the golf world. The company started as a golf focused software company creating games like Microsoft Golf and Greg 10

“Necessity is the Mother of Invention,” a saying that has continually become relevant in the game of golf, especially in the “Modern Era” of the game today.

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aG Home Simulator

and a true-to-life experience. With software designed to analyze and help you improve your game and available multi-media enhancements, aG is leading the charge on the future of golf.

aG Family Options

It is no secret that aboutGOLF is the world’s most authentic and accurate indoor golf and entertainment platform, and a market leader in technology and applications as well. With over 25 years in the golf simulation business, the company is dedicated to the pursuit of perfection of indoor golf. aG has deep roots as the world’s number one all-time distributor of computer golf simulation software and has blazed the trail to revolutionary technology.

Characterized by an insatiable desire to push the envelope, the team challenges the conventional and continues to innovate, create and enhance the experience of indoor golf while growing expanded applications and programs. Indoor golf simulators today have evolved through advanced technology

to become multi-media centers for golf, fitness, sports, home theatre and full entertainment venues for the entire family.

They have become an integral part of primary living space in homes, great additions to indoor golf facilities, private clubs and corporate businesses for events, conferences, and training. Their ingenuity is only limited by the imagination of what’s

aG Technology

next in interactive technology in golf and entertainment systems.

Golf simulation and ball tracking has come a long way since the days of Microsoft Golf 1998. Revolutionary technology has allowed aboutGOLF to progress from radar in 2002 to the state-of-the-art machine vision tech they use in their simulators today. Golf simulator accuracy is determined by three main factors. First, is golf ball spin measured, or estimated. Second, how does the ball interact with the digital world after it has been struck. Finally, realistic interaction between the ball and the physical objects that it collides with on the course.

At aG, they’ve been developing technology that puts a premium on accurate measurement and physics for over twenty years. Every aboutGOLF sim is custom built with 3Trak© technology that measures the three-dimensional position of the golf ball with stereo vision (multiple cameras) in the first few feet of flight after being hit by the golf club.

These high-performance cameras use proprietary machine vision technology to precisely track every shot. From world long drive champions hitting drives at speeds of more than 220 miles per hour to short putts rolling at a leisurely 2 MPH, the tech was built from the ground up to ensure that every shot is measured and interacts with the digital golf course the same way you would expect to see it in the real world.

aG Curve Simulator

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COVER STORY aboutGOLF

Microsoft, Esports, Epic Games, PGA of America and the Ryder Cup have expanded our access and reach leading us to a new generation of products and applications for what’s next in the industry.”

Market Trends Ken Reynolds who has been part of the team at aboutGOLF for almost 10 years has seen the evolution of the product over the years from research, development, installation and sales and servicing. Reynolds was recently promoted to Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Ken said,” In the last 5

aG Instruction & Teaching

It Takes a Village The team at aboutGOLF is driven to provide the most realistic technology environment to enjoy the game of golf with unlimited options for stats, connectivity and learning in your home, local country club or retail golf entertainment businesses. The company’s team of design engineers, research specialist, manufacturing and quality control managers have decades of experience in creating the most innovating solutions in the industry worldwide.

Ken Kamada, aboutGolf CEO said, “Our new team is focused on advancing and expanding the technology, software applications and partnerships to the next level in our indoor golf and entertainment systems, providing the ultimate in perfor-mance and service to our users. Our new client service programs enable full oper-ational monitoring and live updates to existing and new user systems for optimum performance and up to date software enhancements. Our partnerships with

aG Curve Simulator

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aG CEO Ken Kamada

years there has been rapid growth in both residential and commercial sectors for the company. In the residential marketplace, our products have come out of the basement or the garage into the forefront as part of a home’s primary living space. Advanced multi-media in functions and applications have made our products more universally used as entertainment centers for golf, sports viewing, movies, television and a host of interactive gaming and streaming systems. aboutGOLF’s commercial installations with indoor golf centers, private sporting and golf clubs have created new opportunities for growth year-round in a sector that was once only seasonal.

aG Business Suite

aboutGOLF focuses on an authentic experience, which we think, is very close to the real thing. Our commercial applications are expanding into new sectors in corporate business, conventions, resort venues and massive entertainment centers throughout the world. Becoming the Peloton of golf simulators with a comprehensive subscription model that keeps all systems updated and running perfectly is just the beginning. We are moving into a much more diversified model fully capable of unlimited integration for all levels of golf and entertainment”

service team is available to answer questions and upgrade systems to ensure that our customers are having the best experience possible.

We are passionate about golf, particularly indoor golf. It is our intention to continue to invest in that experience, making it rival the outdoor game in every way possible. With a strong commitment to research and development, we continue to invest in new technologies, add new games and courses, and develop new software. New and existing customers can be assured that their simulator will always remain exciting.”

Our Mission Statement to Our Customers

aboutGolf Systems

“With over 25 years in the golf simulation business, aboutGOLF is committed to providing an unparalleled experience to our customers no matter who they are. Making the best golf simulator in the world is only the beginning. We employ knowledgeable

aboutGOLF simulators are custom built for the space they’re meant for, which takes approximately 8-weeks from the time you sign your sales agreement to final in-stallation touches. The minimum dimensions for a custom simulator with single-hitter stance are

aG Accuracy First

individuals to support our customers from the design process through using the simulator on a daily basis. Our customer

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MB E R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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COVER STORY aboutGOLF

aG Ryder Cup

9’6” H x 12’ W x 18’6” L. To accommodate both left and right-handed hitters, the width must increase to 15’. If you are exceptionally tall, the height can vary. All installations are handled by factory trained teams; they are the best in the industry. Configurations come in flat screen, curved screen and the ultimate multi-player system, the aG Max. Full systems start at just over $40,000 for the flat screen model and increases with the aG Curve and aG Max systems. Options for split screen viewing are available on all full systems.

The aG Trainer offers a DYI model that delivers the same technology at a lower price point and includes a high-performance

14

aG Business

Trainer Pro with state-of-the-art technology without the frills. You choose your add-ons and configuration, and we’ll do the installation. In addition to a screen enclosure, you’ll get a high-performance PC, 3Trak® technology, full turf, cables, and our white-glove installation service, starting at $34,500.

The aG Platform for Modern Golf

laptop, 3Trak® technology, hitting strip, stance mat, cables, and step-by-step installation instructions, starting at $20,500. The aG

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

The aboutGOLF platform gives users the ultimate way to experience indoor golf, giving you a way to remotely connect to your game and a community of passionate golfers via aG Locker. There are frequent new releases with new aG Content like fresh courses and games for every skill level. Their platform is software-based and cloudenabled, providing you ways to play the game anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. aG Locker provides cloud-based access to your game anytime and anywhere through your mobile device.

If a golf simulator is in your future for personal or business applications, then aboutGOLF is a great place to start and finish your search for the very best of the best. Reach out and make your dream a reality at www.aboutgolf.com/contact.

S S II M MU UL LA AT TO OR RS S

Experience the World’s Best Courses Experience Experience the thelove World’s World’s Best Courses Play the game you on 87 Best of the Courses most premium

Play Play the the painstakingly game game you you love love on on 87 87 of ofto the the most most premium premium courses rendered provide the most courses courses painstakingly painstakingly rendered rendered to to provide provide the the most most authentic experience possible. From Whistling Straights authentic authentic experience experience possible. possible.

From From Whistling Whistling Straights Straights to the Old Course, our simulators allow you to travel the to to the the Old Old Course, Course, our our simulators simulators allow allow you you to to travel travel the the world without ever leaving home. world world without without ever ever leaving leaving home. home.

A Multimedia Experience A A Multimedia Multimedia Experience Experience

The aG Curve was made for seamless integration with The The aG aG Curve Curveaudiovisual was was made made for for seamless seamlessOur integration integration with with cutting-edge equipment. clients use their cutting-edge cutting-edge audiovisual audiovisual equipment. equipment.

Our Our clients clients use use their their simulator environments to hold conference calls, practice simulator simulator environments to to hold hold conference conference calls, calls, practice practice yoga, hostenvironments family movie night, watch the big game, or use yoga, yoga, host host family family movie movie night, night, watch watch the the big big game, game, or orit. use use their flight simulator. If you can imagine it, we can do their their flight flight simulator. simulator. IfIf you you can can imagine imagine it, it, we we can can do do it. it.

High-End, Custom Installations High-End, High-End, Custom Custom Installations Installations

aboutGOLF simulators are known for our pinpoint aboutGOLF aboutGOLF simulators simulators are are known known for fortrust our our pinpoint pinpoint accuracy.

Experts like Michael Breed us because accuracy. accuracy.

Experts Experts like like Michael Michael Breed Breed trust trust us because because we’ve worked hard to stay at the top of theus game since

we’ve we’ve worked worked hard hard to to stay stay at at the the top top of ofago. the the game game since since we pioneered golf simulation 20 years But the we we pioneered pioneered golf golf simulation simulation 20 20 years years ago. ago.

But But the the reason our customers love us is our team’s dedication reason reason our our customers customers love love us us is is our our team’s team’s dedication dedication to providing the best experience possible. to to providing providing the the best best experience experience possible. possible.

DOWNLOAD THE APP DOWNLOAD THE APP

Questions? Contact sales@aboutgolf.com or call 800-445-GOLF Questions?

Questions?

Contact Contact sales@aboutgolf.com sales@aboutgolf.com or call call 800-445-GOLF 800-445-GOLF For more information visit aboutgolf.com or For For more more information information visit visit aboutgolf.com aboutgolf.com

INDOOR GOLF PREVIEW

Indoor Golf:

aG Curve with Putting Green

Growing the Game Inside Out Golf, Competition, Training, Entertainment & Fitness

I

IT WAS ONLY 3 DECADES AGO that golf was just a seasonal game. In 1990 nearly 65% of all public and private golf courses in North America were closed for play from 3 months to 6 months annually. In fact, 20 out of 25 of the states with the most golfers per capita fell into seasonal limited play.

Most players simply put away their clubs until spring of the next year. Off-season golf trips here and there in the winter months only reminded them that golf is a game you have to focus on to maintain skill levels. It is the primary reason professional golfers live in regions where they can play and practice year-round.

The passion that surrounds the game of golf for everyone who has caught the bug, is pretty much the same. Watching golf on TV is great and we all love it, but it is for the most part, well short of the real experience of playing. Golf is a very personal chess game, much like life and it has to be played out to complete the process. It was only a matter of time and technology for this problem to be solved by some of the best visionary minds in and around the game. Much like computers, cell phones, and other advances in our history, the creation and acceptance of indoor golf have certainly arrived and it’s spectacular. Much like the game itself, once you have tried it, you’re hooked.

The History of Indoor Golf

Private Country Club Indoor Golf Amenity

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The earliest tales of indoor golf date back to 1890 in Ireland, when a group of Royal Dublin Golf Club members known as the” Syndicate” ventured by boat to a small island in Dublin and founded The Island Golf Club. With no structures for a

The Island Club Donabate Ireland

clubhouse, the small group acquired a large military tent to gather in. During inclement weather, white chalk circles were drawn on the back wall of the tent to practice hitting shots while enjoying libations. As the tale goes this was the first indoor hitting space in the game of golf, a primitive but effective solution to Ireland’s bitter weather for golf with refreshments.

In the late 70’s simple indoor golf hitting nets and basic simulators with hitting screens were developed. There was little or no ability for measurement or accuracy, but microphones were used for target tracking.

In the 1990’s as technology advanced, engineers began to design and build more

advanced indoor golf systems using optical sensors that measured pinpoint landing areas, ball spin, axis of exit, speed and trajectory. Soon after gaming software, which was emerging for all sports, was added to provide a more realistic experience. In 1989 Sony Corporation registered a patent on a golf gaming simulator invented by Bruce Hutchon using both a mechanical arm and options for players hitting golf shots; it was later abandoned. In the late 1990’s and at the turn of the century, numerous companies began to develop products for indoor golf simulation systems.

Nearly 20 years ago at the PGA

Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, advanced technology full-scope golf simulators were on display for the first time. Golf professionals, golf clubs, resorts, and golf entertainment venues got an opportunity to test fully integrated simulators that offered advanced technology and accurate measurement and stats. It was a major hit at every level for residential and commercial applications in golf. It was the beginning of an industry that would boom in the next two decades, as dozens of companies entered the indoor golf simulator business offering a full suite of custom services.

As Real as it Gets and Then Some

aG at The PGA Show

Technology improved design and advanced engineering today allow golfers to play indoor golf in a golf simulator much like they play on a real golf course. They can play courses from all over the world and many famous courses that they otherwise would never get to play. The technical advancements have turned a practice tool into a way, players can experience a full round of golf without ever leaving a room. This makes it possible to do far more than simply practice your swing to see how far and accurately you can hit any particular kind of shot. You can now hit a variety of shots using different clubs and still get a very accurate readout of how NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MB E R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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INDOOR GOLF PREVIEW

national indoor golf events which continue to expand in the indoor golf world. You can even schedule golf matches with multiple players on almost any course of your choice with no green fees!

X Golf Entertainment Center

The Simple Demographics

well you’re playing. From your tee shot to fairway shots, bunker shots, and short game chipping and putting, it’s all realistic, accurate, and offers more insight and information for game improvement than any on-course experience.

The Expanded Experience In the game of golf, we all face choices.

One of the most common is to be on the course during major golf events or watch the event on TV from the comfort of our home and take in all the moments. It used to be a very difficult choice for us all, but indoor golf today offers us an opportunity

to play golf while enjoying watching golf at any time of the year, in any weather, with all of our friends and family. What could be better than watching the Players Championship while playing the same course the tournament is being held on, in our home, our club, or a nearby indoor golf entertainment center?

Indoor golf has expanded our opportunities to play, train, improve, and enjoy the game we love so much. Today with cloud-based data and apps you can compete with others anywhere, be a part of indoor leagues, share rounds and information on your game, and play in regional and

There were almost 37 million Americans who played golf in 2020, over 12 million played in off-course facilities. This means one-third of all players are playing golf fully or partially indoors. In addition, over 100 million people in the country carry a strong interest in the game and follow golf, which is nearly 1/3 of our Nation’s population. With only 16,000 golf facilities in the country for the first time in history, golf has an available inventory problem, there are simply more golfers than prime open tee times available. With private country clubs making up nearly 20% of all clubs and golf resorts accounting for 5%, only 12,000 clubs have public access of some kind. Indoor golf has not only arrived, but it has arrived at the most opportune time in the history of the game. Indoor golf has removed the stigma and intimidation of playing on a real golf course for so many that want to learn to play the game.

Manchester Country Club Vermont

National Golf Foundation Stats

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What we’ve seen for years, and are seeing today, is a lot of spending on consulting and design, deficient planning, and a surprisingly consistent lack of ability to obtain the right knowledge from which to make intelligent design and buying decisions. This has led me to launch Clarity, which provides private golf facilities and their members a resource for best practices and procedures to follow as well as recommendations for various applications. One of the indoor golf simulators large growth sectors is private and semi-private golf facilities and resorts for new review streams and extended seasons.

Trackman Business Simulators

Indoor Golf & Entertainment Centers There are nearly 100 huge golf entertainment centers by Topgolf, Bigshots, Drive Shack, and others that pack golfers in for a golf-like entertainment experience with dining and celebrations. In the next year, the industry model is expected to grow by over 50% nationwide. In 1990, there were no indoor golf centers in the New England market. Today there are over 50 indoor golf businesses and over 500 golf simulators in homes, golf clubs, sports facilities, and resorts. The residential market will see the largest growth with systems offering more features and more competitive pricing for in-home indoor golf simulators. The key element of indoor simulators’ popularity in homes is the expanded applications and uses. Indoor golf simulators offer home theatre, multiple sports applications, TV viewing, work centers for meetings, and interactive health and fitness suites. In a sense, simulators are becoming family activity and entertainment centers. Once mostly found in garages and other remote areas, today’s home simulators are front and center in the home and part of the integral living space.

Contemporary in Home Simulator

Industry Professionals Insights One of the top experts in golf simulators is Bill Bales of Clarity.Golf. Bill shared some insights with Northeast Golf recently. Bill said, “I have seen this industry emerge from its conception. As the founder of aboutGOLF, I was at ground level with the technology, design, building and installation of over 4000 indoor golf systems. Like any planned project in a home, golf club, or golf entertainment venue the first and most important thing is proper planning. Golf simulators are often squeezed into areas that are not viable for best-case outcomes.

Bill Bales Clarity Golf

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INDOOR GOLF PREVIEW

Ace Indoor Golf Residential Simulator

In this market sector, it is even more crucial to get professional advisory services that cover all aspects of the endeavor.”

Bales states that putting a concerted effort to provide very thorough input and advice to simulator customers for free is very much worth his time. “Not all of the customers purchase sims, but we make friends every time, and even though we work on extremely low margins when we aggregate systems, we manage our overhead well and it works great for us.”

ACE Indoor Golf and GIMME Simulators is an Ohio based company that is the industry’s foremost builder, designer, and installer of golf simulator hardware and technology for residential and commercial applications. They have installed over 1000 systems and also provide best-in-class custom-built screens, enclosures, hitting mats, and accessories for the golf business’s top simulator brands, retailers and teaching, fitting and entertainment companies.

The Company manufactures the hardware and enclosure design of Foresight Sports Sim-in-a-Box and the industry’s highestquality screens (front and back), foam pads, carpet pads, and skin tops for simulators.

Ace Indoor Golf offers its hard-earned 20

Golfzon Garage Simulator Installation

Joe Neumeyer Ace Indoor Golf

innovations to the public by establishing Gimme Simulators as an official seller and dealer of top-brand golf simulator packages and launch monitors along with the hardware, design and installation know-how trusted by leading retailers like PGA TOUR Superstore and upscale entertainment venues, like Five Iron Golf.

Co-Founder Joe Neumeyer said, “We’ve seen everything that can go right or wrong in the process of installing a simulator and we’ve developed practices and expertise, so we can easily design and build the best product for the given space and customer.”

He adds, “Whether for a home, business,

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

entertainment venue, or golf/resort facility, our team can walk in and identify quickly the best area and way to build out your simulator to maximize your enjoyment at every level.”

Ace Indoor Golf is unsurpassed in the golf industry when it comes to building, designing and installing golf simulator hardware and technology. Having recently launched Gimme Simulators as an expert turnkey sales and service solution for consumers or businesses looking to create the ultimate indoor golf experience, Ace brings its clients more than two decades of expertise in simulator builds and installations. The company founders have installed more than 1000 simulators in both the commercial and residential markets.

By representing multiple manufacturers, Ace Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators can customize products to meet customers’ specific demands. A simple free consultation call will get you on track with everything you may need.

Nora Dunnan the Co-Founder of Five Iron Golf an upscale golf simulator company based in New York City, said “Our venues serve the serious golfer who expects the very best in class simulators

Nora Dunnnan Five Iron Golf

every location”.

In November, Callaway Golf Company announced the completion of a strategic minority investment in Five Iron Golf, of 30 Million dollars. “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Five Iron Golf and are excited to support the continued growth of off-course golf and entertainment,” commented Chip Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer of

in today’s sim market. Laura Harrison V.P. of Marketing at X-Golf commented, “X-Golf provides one of the most accurate simulators in the world. What has made our product stand out is its reliability, durability, and some of the newest technology in putting, which is 95% accurate. Our franchise locations are doing very well with many more coming throughout the U.S. in 2022”.

There are literally dozens of choices in the marketplace for indoor golf sports entertainment systems. There are quality products that range widely in price points and features. The single most important step to finding the right one for your home or business is the ability to understand what best, will work for you. Like any major financial undertaking in life, it is paramount to know what your needs are and what features are the most important. So, whether for business

and amenities. Five Iron’s locations Five Iron Golf Business offer flexible event spaces, full bar service, fantastic food menus, games like ping pong, shuffleboard, pool, and Golden Tee (depending on the location), widescreen TVs, regular women’s events, junior programs, and much more.

Five Iron has quickly re-shaped urban golf culture and has expanded from Manhattan to Chicago, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, growing from Callaway. “Five Iron Golf has built a the original lesson crew to a re-imagined, strong brand and leadership position high-tech, inclusive urban golf experience in the evolving indoor golf market for golfers and non-golfers alike. Five Iron is by creating technology-driven, for everyone. Five Iron offers best-in-class eye-catching venues appealing to commercial grade Trackman systems with avid golfers, pure entertainment Trackman lesson studios, access to teaching seekers, and everyone in-between”. professionals, practice time, leagues, club X-Golf America, a Los Angeles Airport Indoor Golf storage, showers, top-of-the-line clubs that based simulator system company, Facility Minn/ St Paul Minneapolis are free to use during your booking, and was founded in 2005 and has sold in-house club fitting services. Since 2017, over 3000 commercial and Five Iron has 9 metro locations and has 7 residential Systems worldwide. In 2015 the or commercial use or just great addition to new permitted sites planned for 2022. Nora company launched a franchise model that your home starting with a well-seasoned and said, “We are in the service and hospitality currently has 75 locations with 50 more well-versed simulator professional is a must. business, so the reliability of our equipment planned for 2022. Industry firsts such as the We will show you some of the most popular is key. We strive to use the best equipment variable lie stance platforms and the systems with some of the very best features and carry the best service for our systems, automatic ball teeing system have elevated at the top end of the market, and smaller ACE Indoor and Joe Neumeyer has been a X-Golf to one of the top brands. These DYI installed out-of-the box systems as well vital asset to our growth and sustainability distinguishing features, along with 19 that provide a lot of the bells and whistles as we have a minimum of 8 simulators in patents, have made X-Golf a popular choice you may be looking for.

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LUX SIMULATORS IN-HOME GOLF

THE ABOUTGOLF CURVE

Luxury In-Home Golf Simulators Every Journey Begins with the first step –Your first step - professional advisement!

Here are some of the top in-home systems to consider and their price points.

THE ABOUTGOLF CURVE AboutGOLF has been active in the simulation industry for more than 25 years and provides the highest quality and latest technology in 3Trak®Accuracy in their golf simulators. They provide you with a natural playing experience from tee to green. All your shots will be captured and analyzed on the aboutGOLF cloud-based platform. Price range $60,000 $100,000 + software subscription. www.aboutgolf.com

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C

OMPLETE INDOOR GOLF SIMULATORS

can range in price from $1000 to well over $100,000 for custom in-home, design-build installations that require structural buildouts and in some cases, complete additions to a home to accommodate dedicated space for complete in-home entertainment rooms with additional features such as pool tables, ping pong, bars, and fitness equipment.

Once delegated to garages and other secondary living areas, simulators have now become front and center in the home as family and entertaining space for multiple sports and gaming applications, theatre rooms are great locations for the big game or that big PGA event.

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TRACKMAN

GOLFZON GOLFZON is a popular golf simulator brand based in Asia (30,000 sold in 62 countries) and they provide accurate data through their use of the latest technology, and they are gaining a lot of traction in the U.S. There are currently 190+ worldclass courses in detail and some of the most desirable courses. The Golfzon Vision range pricing is $40,000 - $70,000. www.golfzongolf.com

TRACKMAN TrackMan is the most widely used professional tour player system used today.

The best launch monitor in the market offers one of the best simulators as well. The software used by TrackMan is the Virtual Golf 2 software and is loaded with features designed for fun. The prices for the Trackman simulators range between $49,995 – $100,000 +Software subscription. www.trackman.com

GOLFZON

FULL SWING GOLF Full Swings simulator owned by Gary Woodland, PGA Tour player above. Full Swing Golf is one of the leading suppliers in the top-end golf simulator market. They offer a Pro series and Sport series. The company is recognized for its quality products and is used by the world’s finest golfers. The simulators are endorsed by Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods.

Full Swing Pro series from $55,000 - $100,000. www.fullswinggolf.com FULL SWING GOLF

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LUX SIMULATORS IN-HOME GOLF

TRUGOLF TruGolf is the developer of E6Golf software that powers most high-end golf simulators. Along with some of the most superior tracking technology out there, it features 85 world-renowned courses and 36 modes of play. Bottom line, you’ll never get bored. True putting surface is great.

Prices range from $30,000 - $70,000 trugolf.com

HIGH DEFINITION GOLF High Definition is one of the most realistic systems with the use of Computer Vision Technology(CVT) and the AccuPutt line software is exceptional as well. HD Tournaments allow you to compete worldwide from your home. System comes with a variety of flat & widescreens and has extensive practice range features as well. Prices range from $35,000 - $70,000. www.hdgolf.com

FORESIGHT SPORTS Foresight Sports Golf simulators are one of the most complete all-in-one virtual golf systems with high quality GC2 launch monitors. Foresight Sports is a total technology provider with more than 15,000 GC launch monitors and golf simulation solutions in use in retail stores, driving ranges, commercial facilities, and homes worldwide. Prices range from $20,000 and up for full in-home systems. www.foresightsports.com

XGOLF Founded in 2005, XGolf has been providing its consumers with some of the best simulation experiences in golf. They were the first to introduce variable lie stance platform as well as the indoor automatic ball teeing system. These distinguishing features, as well as others, have made XGolf a go-to for golf enthusiasts everywhere. Price ranges from $40,000 - $70,000. www.xgolfsimulator.com

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Real Game. Real Results.

www.skytrakgolf.com NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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INDOOR GOLF DIY D I Y S I M U L AT O R S

DIY Golf Simulators

I

F YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MORE

economical solution to in-home golf simulators there are a number of companies that offer excellent highquality solutions. You should spend just as much time on research and planning on these less costly options for in-home simulators as you would for a full-blown build-out system.

There are limitless choices in features and options with almost all systems.

You will still need the appropriate amount of space for your home golf simulator. Best case 12 feet long, 12 feet wide and 9 feet high is a good rule of thumb here.

Here are some of the top in-home systems to consider and their price points.

SKYTRAK SWINGBAY STUDIO / SKYTRAK RETRACTABLE SKYTRAK, one of the top names in golf technology, pairs with SwingBay Enclosures to bring you turf to screen and a gaming laptop for running SkyTrak software and any other golf sim software. Full studio $9,500 / Retractable $8,000 www.skytrakgolf.com

TRUGOLF VISTA 8 The TruGolf Vista 8 is the most affordable in their series which includes the 8, the 10 and the 12. It comes with TruTrack 2 technology that utilizes sensors for data and full E-6 software.

One of the best simulators in the market for the price Starting at $10,000 www.trugolf.com 26

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FLIGHTSCOPE MEVO + SWINGBAY The FlightScope Mevo+ SwingBay Package has everything you need to make your dream home simulator a reality. From the turf and hitting bay, the laptop and software, to all the random cords and adapters you need.

The Mevo+ SwingBay Golf Simulator is a golf experience like no other. Priced from $8000 www.foresightsports.com

FORESIGHT SIM IN A BOX Every SIM IN A BOX™ package includes every component necessary to enjoy true-to-life golf gameplay, including a GC launch monitor, game-optimized computer, hitting mat, and complete net or screenbased hitting structure. Starting at $9,995 shop.foresightsports.com/collections/ sim-in-a-box

OPTISHOT GOLF IN A BOX OptiShot is an award-winning golf simulator with 15 world-renown courses included, a realistic 3D environment, and the ability to play up to 4 players.

Golf In A Box 5 includes a Retractable Screen Enclosure from HomeCourse. Golf In A Box Pro is offered by PGA Superstores. Priced from $5000 www.pgatoursuperstore.com

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The Rise of Indoor Golf How technology is changing the way we train

A

S AN INSTRUCTOR, I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how it can help players improve.

In 2010, I moved to Miami and learned directly under Jim McLean for 3 years.

Jim was one of the first to get TrackMan, which was the latest technology at the time. TrackMan gave golfers an inside look into their golf swing by measuring exactly what happened at impact. Jim and I studied the differences between amateurs and professionals and eventually wrote a book together on how to help players improve with this technology.

I believe we are at the beginning of a major boom in indoor golf due to the advancement in technology, like TrackMan, and the continued growth in the game. Of course, nothing will ever replace the experience of playing outside, but there’s so much you can now do indoors. Do you want to get fit for a new driver? Do you want to play a quick 9? Need a lesson? All these things can be done indoors, and done well, with the right technology.

From a performance standpoint, practicing indoors has many advantages.

You are in a controlled environment with feedback that can be tailored depending on what you’re working on. Outside on the range, your feedback is the ball flight and

BY ADAM KOLLOFF 28

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

what you thought you did in your swing. If you’re not careful, this can open the door to working on the wrong things if you misdiagnose your swing.

For many years I knew the importance of feedback during the improvement process, which is why I opened Pure Drive Golf in 2018. My vision was to blend the highest quality instruction with the best available technology and build an environment where serious golfers could train all aspects of their game. My staff and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity we have helping golfers in the Boston area improve their game. It will be exciting in the years to come as we continue to grow the Pure Drive community alongside the growth of the game.

INDOOR LESSONS TECHNOLOGY & TRACKMAN

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS AT PURE DRIVE GOLF

About: Adam Kolloff Adam is the owner and Director of Instruction at Pure Drive Golf with over 12 year’s experience as a golf instructor. Adam started his teaching career being mentored by Hall of Fame golf instructor, Jim McLean, and has worked with Jim for over 7 years. Prior to starting Pure Drive Golf, Adam was Director of Instruction at Liberty National Golf Course, site of the 2017 Presidents Cup. Adam is ranked as a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher in America, a Best Teacher in the State of New Jersey, and recently awarded Massachusetts PGA Teacher of the Year in 2019 and New England PGA Teacher of the Year in 2021.

About: Pat Bigelow Patrick is the Lead Instructor under Adam Kollof at Pure Drive Golf in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Patrick was recently nominated

as one of Golf Digest’s Best Under 40. Patrick has worked with players of all abilities, ranging from D1 college players to total beginners, and has studied under the top coaches in the world, including Butch Harmon, Adam Kollof, Shauheen Nakhjavani, George Gankas, James Ridyard, Phil Keyon, James Oh, David Orr, Dana Dahlquist, and many more.

About: Brian Dunleavy Brian started playing golf in high school and immediately became fascinated with the mechanics of the golf swing. He

played in the GNAC conference in college before leaving school to pursue a career in golf. Throughout his career Brian’s worked with some of the world’s top instructors, was certified under Adam Kolloff, and has enjoyed teaching others using the information he has accumulated. Brian has done extensive research into increasing player’s distances, personally reaching club head speeds of over 143mph with his driver and will be competing in World Long Drive events across the U.S. in 2022.

About: Athan Goulos Athan Goulos, born and raised in Peabody, MA, has been with Pure Drive as a certified instructor for a year now. Athan went on to play golf at one of the best Division II golf programs in the country; Saint Leo University. In 2016, he transferred to Endicott College where he was named 2017 Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Year

and was named a part of the 2017 PING All-Region (Northeast). After enduring a wrist injury, Athan decided to take the next step in his golfing career and help others in the game that he loves; no matter what skill level.

CONTACT INFO

PURE DRIVE GOLF 224 West Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801 (978) 339-3318 puredrivegolf.com

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INDOOR GOLF PROFILE BIG STICKS GOLF

Keep Those Clubs Out Practice, Improve & Learn Year Round

Big Sticks Golf

is a PGA recognized indoor golf practice, training and instruction facility used by golfers of all levels. Established in 2004, we help golfers learn and improve.

BSG offers innovative technology and professional instruction so golfers can work on their game all year long.

Our bays are equipped with simulators, launch monitors, or video technology for self practice, virtual golf, and PGA lessons.

• aboutGolf Sims- accurate with stunning graphics to play courses from all over the world. Our sims allow for putting, chipping and pitching with no shot delay!

• JC Video with ground force balance board-#1 in Swing & Motion Analysis, gives instant visualization of your swing with 1 & 2 camera angles.

• aG LM -3Trak device that goes beyond basic ball data • GCQuad most accurate ball feedback available, called “the game changer” • GC2HMT Instantly see club data

Our bays are equipped with simulators, launch monitors, or video technology for self practice, virtual golf, and PGA lessons.

COMING SOON GCHAWK

About the owner…

Terry Felty, a PGA professional since 1998, specializes in teaching for 20+ years. He uses video technology, ball flight data and experience to help students learn a more repetitive and efficient swing to improve their overall game. He was named MA teacher of the Year & Ranked on Golf Digest “Best Teachers in Your State” .

CONTACT INFO

Big Sticks Golf 26 Ray Ave Burlington, MA 01803 781-229-2269 bsgoffice@verizon.net www.bigsticksgolf.com NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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INDOOR GOLF PROFILE SHANKS

Shanks Clubhouse is Rhode Island’s newest golf facility With a focus on inclusion and fun Shanks has something for everyone

Shanks Clubhouse

is a brand-new golf facility in East Greenwich RI that is as much for the seasoned pro as it is for somebody swinging a club for the first time. Shanks Clubhouse offers four golf bays, one of which is an especially large private room with a curved screen.

With thousands of courses to choose from There are great options for everyone.

Additionally, there are over a dozen target practice games and challenges along with mini golf and “easy golf” that are fun for every skill level. Shanks has proven to be an ideal place for date night with a hip soundtrack and so many options to pick from, it’s easy to see why.

Shanks Clubhouse is a BYOB establishment. The Waysider Grille next door also delivers its full menu directly to your golf bay, simply order online using our qr code. Golf leagues and lessons are also popular at Shanks. Leagues have gross and net divisions along with the option to play 9 or 18 holes weekly. Our instructor is PGA certified and has been in the golf industry her entire life.

Shanks Clubhouse is also a great place for private events with a reasonable buyout price and a capacity of 60, it is the perfect location for an array of festivities.

CONTACT INFO

(401) 243-4241 info@shanksclubhouse.com www.shanksclubhouse.com 5700 Post Rd. East Greenwich, RI 02818

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Leagues have gross and net divisions along with the option to play 9 or 18 holes weekly.

Meghan Clark, PGA • Grew up in a golfing family just

outside of Portland, Maine and learned the game through her father who is a PGA professional in Maine.

• Played collegiate golf at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

• Worked at several Top 100 Clubs up and down the East Coast including the Country Club at Brookline, The Everglades Club and Aronimink Golf Club.

• Her goal as a teacher is to provide a positive and uplifting experience for her students to improve their unique skills!

CONTACT INFO

mclark@pga.com

INDOOR GOLF PROFILE R E S U LT S D R I V E N G O L F

Results Driven Golf Drew Anderson Golf - PGA Logo The Ultimate Golf Coaching Experience

Results Driven Golf

is an indoor golf coaching facility where all players performance is aided by principles and practices that are based in experience, research and objective data.

This approach, along with a positive learning environment provided by Drew, will lend a clear road map to long term sustainable development.

Supporting technologies that accelerate the learning process and having players achieving

BEST TEACHERS RHODE ISLAND 2022-2023

their respective goals at RDG include Trackman 4 launch monitor, Hackmotion wrist sensor technology and V1 video analysis.

Recently awarded Best Teacher in Rhode Island by Golf Digest Magazine and 3-time top instructor in the state

by Northeast Golf Magazine, Drew brings over 17 years of golf coaching experience to the lesson tee. Drew’s passion and the positive learning environment he creates will support the player to maximize his or her potential of shooting lower scores and finding more enjoyment on the course in a shorter period of time.

Drew Anderson, PGA • Results Driven Golf – Indoor Golf Studio • North Kingstown, RI. Web: drewandersongolf.com • Email: drewandersongolf@gmail.com • @drewandersongolf

INDOOR GOLF PROFILE NEWPORT INDOOR GOLF

“At Newport Indoor Golf, players can hone their skills, play all year round or catch 9 holes in an hour or less.”

CONTACT INFO

Newport Indoor Golf 401-847-1947 www.newportindoorgolf.com 1947 West Main Road Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871

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Newport Indoor Golf Southern New England’s Indoor Golf Destination

Newport Indoor Golf offers 6 Trackman Bay Simulators in its large and open facility. We have over 130+ courses from around the world including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Liberty National GC, and St. Andrews Old Course. With a private club fitting area for 1-on-1 fittings, we offer all the top brands including Titleist, Taylormade, Callaway, Mizuno, Ping, and Cobra. You can find everything you need for your golf game at Newport Indoor Golf!

Our mission is to help golfers maintain and improve their golf game all year round.

At Newport Indoor Golf, players can hone their skills, play a quick 9 holes with friends, or enjoy our many games and contests featured on our Trackman Golf Simulators. Our facility is open for golfers of all levels, from the first-timer to the scratch handicapper. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the game of golf at our facility!

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INDOOR GOLF PROFILE NEWPORT INDOOR GOLF

GOLF INSTRUCTION

Newport Indoor Golf continues to excel in professional lessons with RJ Soares returning as our Head Teaching Professional. RJ comes to us from Sakonnet Golf Club (Little Compton, RI). He has also worked at other top clubs around the country including Jupiter Hills, Charles River, Old Marsh, and The Aquidneck Club. Over his travels, RJ has worked with some of the best teaching professionals in the world and he hopes to bring that level of excellence to Newport Indoor Golf. RJ works with players from every skill level including beginners, collegiate, high school, and mini-tour.

If you would like to set up a lesson please email RJ at rjsoares@newportindoorgolf.com or you can call the Pro Shop at 401-847-1947.

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INDOOR GOLF PROFILE O C E A N S TAT E G O L F

The Ocean State Golf Academy’s winter facility gets a facelift

Come train with friends or solo in multiple stations

A

fter a very successful first summer season at Swansea Country Club, The Ocean State Golf Academy, which formed in August of 2019, is in Cranston, Rhode Island, and shares a 6,000 square feet (about the area of a basketball court) space with VGolf Indoor Simulator Suites. The building is equally divided with 4 Trackman Simulator Suites for a private

36

golf experience on the left interior and the full academy on the right side.

Upon entering the wide angle of the room, it opens to a spacious well-laid area that has flow from one training station to the next.

Trackman, Robo Golf Pro, M.E.G.S.A (Most Efficient Golf Swing Available) are the featured training tools that can take any person from a beginner to veteran player

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and provide valuable & accurate insight.

They use innovative technology running 5 Ipad cameras while joining ball and club data via Trackman.

Science & Motion Sports provides the footwork metrics with Sam Balance Lab & Sam Putt Lab handling all the important data of putting on their new 340 square foot green. K-Motion Golf & SportsboxAi

INDOOR GOLF PROFILE O C E A N S TAT E G O L F

Judith Country Club, Phil Fecteau, Raleigh- Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jim Mclean, Jim McLean Golf Schools, Miami, Florida, Tony Martinez, Tony Martinez Golf @ Keeton Park Dallas, Texas, Abe Hernandez & Randy Smith, Royal Oaks Country Club, Dallas, Texas, Pomp Braswell III & Justin Klemballa, Scottsdale, Arizona Some other notable golf accomplishments for him are: • 6 career holes in ones - 3 different states & career Low Round of 67 • Callaway Golf Staff Professional since 2016.

He is currently re-enrolling in the PGA of America PGA Apprentice program, gaining better business and communication skills for golf instruction while joining the largest governing body of golf professionals in the country.

To schedule a lesson download oceanstategolfacademy.com/book-now Call the lesson line – 480-757-5575 Email – Rus@osga.golf IG: @OceanStateGolfAcademy Twitter: @Realgolfjunkie

are the 3-D Data and Biomechanical feedback units for precise anatomical movements.

The owner, Russel Johnson, is an East Side of Providence native, with over 25 years of golf experience in the industry.

He has developed his own instruction style with communication being a great asset. His mentors have been very influential to his growth as an instructor. Some are local friends that influenced him early on, while others from around the country have provided much guidance during his 2002-2019 tenure away from Rhode Island. His list of friends and mentors is as follows: Eddie Kirby, The Aquidneck Club, Dave Marcotte, Point NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS FLORIDA

St. Petersburg

Riding rescued horses in the ocean at C Ponies in nearby Bradenton

The Southern Swing Florida Golf and Beach Hopping

BY ALICE & DANNY SCOTT

I

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR when many travelers are ready to trade snow boots and

shovels for flipflops and golf clubs. Luckily, 1350 miles of Florida coastline are dotted with golf resorts that excel in delivering warm winter fun for everyone. Beach hopping and golf are a marriage made in heaven. Sandy beaches, pristine golf courses and blissful sunsets spark romantic moments for couples in the sunshine state. Here are a few choice spots:

First Coast is first up if you are driving southbound to Florida, beginning with Amelia Island off the northern tip of the eastern seaboard. Play on the Oak Marsh Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort or stay at Ritz Carlton Spa-Amelia Island and play The Golf Club of Amelia Island next door. Enjoy their beach fire pit with s’ mores, fine cigars and libation alongside crashing ocean waves. Tour historic downtown and book a boat cruise at the marina for a glimpse of wild horses on a distant shore. Romantic Moment: Concluding a couple’s massage at the Ritz Carlton Spa with a champagne toast.

St. Augustine is the oldest city in America

First Coast

Ritz Carlton Spa-Amelia Island

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with historic sites aplenty including a 17th century Spanish fortress and the World Golf Hall of Fame with its Slammer and Squire course. Stay at the nearby Ponte Vedra Inn and Club right on the beach with a golf course across the street and TPC Sawgrass just ten minutes away. Designed by Pete

named the Bear Claw. Turtles hatch and star fish sparkle between rocks on the exclusive beach. Romantic Moment: Sunrise on your balcony with a cup of coffee overlooking the resort and ocean beyond.

Daytona Beach has rows of hotels on the

St. Augustine

surf, all connected by a brick walkway.

Drive your car for miles right on the flat

TPC Sawgrass

Dye, it is host to The Players Championship and famous for the 17th island green.

Romantic Moment: Embracing on the Swilcan Bridge replica at the World Golf Hall of Fame and recalling or dreaming of your first St. Andrews experience.

Daytona Beach

Joe’s Crab Shack

In Palm Coast at Hammock Beach, tall palms line the dramatic drive for a palatial welcome. Secluded in nature on the Atlantic Ocean, it claims two of the top courses in Florida. The Conservatory, a traditional links course by Tom Watson appeals to players who appreciate a challenge while Jack Nicklaus’s Ocean Course meanders along typical Floridian flora and waterways until the striking close of seaside holes, aptly

Palm Beach

Hammock Beach

beach or zoom over to the International Speedway and watch the professional racers. Choose from 28 courses in the area including two at the LPGA International headquarters –The Hills Course where sand hill cranes strut their stuff and the Jones Course designed by Rees in 1994.

Seafood at Joe’s Crab Shack on the pier is freshly caught and parties rock on the roof.

Romantic Moment: Watching a Space X launch across the sky from the end of the pier as ocean waves lap below.

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS FLORIDA

Miami

Trump National Doral

Miami delivers winter golf as it should be from high end to solid municipals within 30 minutes of downtown. Miami Beach Golf Club, Normandy Shores and Pembroke Lakes are excellent choices for championship golf as you embrace the warm temps and steady breezes amidst picturesque, swaying palms. Shoot for the moon at Trump National Doral where 5 star is the only accommodation option and four fun courses include the famous PGA tour stop, Blue Monster, and the more affordable Silver Fox. Romantic Moment: Basking in the glow of a fading sunset while sipping tonics on a beach veranda.

Naples

Tiboron Golf Rersort

Naples on the gulf coast is laced with soft, sugar white sand. La Playa Beach and Golf Resort has been named #1 most romantic Naples Resorts. Naples Grande Beach Resort boasts 72 holes to play while Ritz Carlton Golf Resort’s Tiburon is managed by Troon. Their Mediterranean clubhouse is as impressive as the history of PGA and LPGA tour events played on 36 Greg Norman holes. The facility is on the top 20 list for Florida. Ritz Carlton Beach Hotel, four miles away is transforming itself to top the luxury lifestyle list. Romantic Moment: Simultaneous birdies on a par 3.

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Marco Island

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Marco Island is one of the best shelling spots in the world and a bridge away from Naples to the south. Stay at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort to play their two private courses, back on the mainland – The Rookery and Hammock Bay. Couples come from around the world to wed at Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa. Stay anywhere on the island for access to more Naples’ public courses, including the two at Lely - Mustang designed by Lee Trevino and Flamingo Island by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Romantic Moment: Gathering seashells before the light of dawn.

St. Petersburg The Vinoy

SAVE THE SAVE THE

DATES. SAVEDATES. THE

March 25-27, 2022 March 25-27, 2022 Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Foxboro, MA Foxboro, MA March 25-27, 2022 St. Petersburg brings travelers north along the gulf coast where the historic landmark, Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club has been beautifully restored to modern convenience in keeping with its time. Guests are shuttled to the private Vinoy Golf Club. The exotic clubhouse with onion dome atop a 80-foot minaret is guarded by two sphinxes, setting the stage for the par 71 course which is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designed by Ron Garl with over 900 palms from around the world. Trade Winds Island Grand Resort at St. Pete’s Beach is award winning for its crystal white sand. The concierge arranges tee times at partnering public courses. Romantic Moment: Riding rescued horses in the ocean at C Ponies in nearby Bradenton.

Palm Beach

PGA National Resort

DATES.

Gillette Stadium Foxboro, MA

NORTHEASTGOLFSHOW.COM

NORTHEASTGOLFSHOW.COM NORTHEASTGOLFSHOW.COM

Over 10,000 Golfers 10x10 Booths & Up Sponsorships Over Golfers Over10,000 10,000 Golfers Palm Beach Gardens is an elite area and home to the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa. Five championship courses and the new Staples par 3 are a delight to play every day.

While the grand spa is undergoing a massive renovation, nearby beaches offer long strands for strolling, kayaking, and fishing.

Shuttles transport from the resort. Sign up for unique airboat rides or Eco tours. Romantic moment: Sharing the 50-foot sprays of saltwater as the Atlantic breaks against the shoreline at Blowing Rocks Preserve..

10x10 & Up 10x10Booths Booths & Up Sponsorships Sponsorships

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: GREG SAMPSON - 757.621.7494 TIM BRANCO - 774.930.1623

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SAMPSON - 757.621.7494 FORGREG MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: TIM BRANCO 774.930.1623 GREG SAMPSON - 757.621.7494

TIM BRANCO - 774.930.1623

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MB E R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

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“The Distance Golf Shoe” Balance – Stability – Accuracy – Comfort”

America’s Sole is worn by golf legend, John Daly, and supports his charity with Combat Wounded Veteran Major Ed Pulido, Heart of a Lion. This patriotic shoe is emblazoned with our country’s colors and features a translucent sole that bears our nation’s flag.

SQAIRZ is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to increase awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer month through the ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ campaign. A portion of sales from these shoes will be donated directly to the ACS.

Get Yours Today @ https://sqairz.com $20.00 Off Use Code - GOLF

(Includes Free Sox – Shoe Bag – Free Shipping – Free Spikes for Life)

FASHION N O R T H E A S T

G O L F

{ A P PA R E L | G R A P H I C T E E S } 2UNDR

2undr.com

2UNDR had a straightforward vision. Set out to build a high-performance men’s sports underwear with the versatility of everyday use, inspired by the kangaroo pouch. Today, the innovative Joey Pouch® separates man’s most prized assets from the body using the most advanced construction techniques and materials to reduce unwanted skin-on-skin contact.

2UNDR products provide the best fit, comfort, and style a guy could ever desire, with more support than conventional briefs and enhanced airflow to keep you cool. Once you go 2UNDR, you’ll never go back!

SWING SHIFT

You can feel it right away with 2UNDR, absolute exquisite softness. In their distinctive modal fabric, the Swing Shift caresses the skin with the finest beechwood fiber. Furthermore, the material resists shrinkage and is less prone to fade or pill due to friction. The fabric’s smoothness also rejects hard water deposits, allowing it to remain soft even after multiple wash cycles. Perfection, in your pants!

FLOW SHIFT

Introducing the all-new ultra lightweight Flow Shift, which has a moisture-wicking polyester/modal combination. The semi-compression feel, and all-over perforation provide the optimum support and quick-dry performance for every activity, from top-level competition to everyday activities. Performance, in your pants!

TRUELINKSWEAR Truelinkswear.com OG SPORT - $165

The OG Sport offers a barefoot feel with zero drop, an extremely wide toe box, a thin (soft) sole, and maximum flexibility. The OG Sport was designed for the player who seeks purpose as well as wellbeing in their quest of par; For individuals who work out in their backyards, on the range, or at the gym.

TRUE LUX SPORT - $175

The LUX Sport is built on top of their WANDERLUX Superfoam midsole for optimum rebound and comfort, as well as a transitional (6mm) drop for a more athletic feel. Similr to the OG’s, the LUX Sport was designed for individuals who enjoy making morning dew stripes and shutting down the course after the cart barn has been locked up.

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

43

FASHION

ACTIVEWEAR | WHAT’S TRENDING

AGONY GOLF

Agonygolf.com

Agony golf is a Canadian based brand that offers hats, tee shirts, hoodies and creative and affordable golf gear. Their Tiger Woods, John Daly and Brooks/ Bryson rivalry designs top the list. All shirts are made from super soft fabric. Grab yourself a foursome today!

Greatest Lefty of All Time - $29 Daly 3:16 - $29

AFIRE GOLF

Sorealunlimited.com

Afire Golf’s mission is to provide innovative golf headgear and graphic tees to young people who adore the game, its history, and all the fun that comes with it. When the creators daughter first started playing the game, hats like this were difficult to come across - caps that fit properly while still capturing the game’s young enthusiasm. But, because they didn’t want to leave out the big kids (adults like us), they’ve included amazing designs for grownups as well.

Sight Lines & Sight Words - $25 Learning Curve Tour - Read. Write. Draw. Fade. - $25

44

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

STROKE PLAY APPAREL Strokeplayapparel.com

Welcome to Stroke Play Golf Apparel, a brand that began on the golf course in a couple’s league at a local Niagara Region course, now warn all over the world. Golf is a sport that anyone can enjoy, whether they are a pro or a novice. Their goal is to keep the game light-hearted, enjoyable, and to hopefully play as well as you’ll look do in their shirts.

The team behind Stroke Play Apparel hopes to meet some incredible people and establish a reputation that will last for many years.

Birdies & Beers - $30

SWINGJUICE

Swingjuice.com

In 2014, SwingJuice founder Jon Mason shifted the company’s focus from beverages to golf-inspired clothes. The company was founded on the belief that it was time to break the pattern, to dispel the perception that golfers are stuffy and conservative. SwingJuice gear allows you to express your love of golf in a more enjoyable, creative, and approachable manner.

SwingJuice isn’t just clothes..its a group of people that share a love of golf and a desire to keep our golf-loving spirits fueled.

Pimento & Cheese - $28 Tremendous Slouch - $28

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

45

Top 100 Clubfitter in America

We offer all the top names in club heads, shafts, and grips: from industry leaders to hard-to-find, high-end boutique brands.

Swing by our shop, Give us a call or visit our website to book your next appointment!

P: (401) 946-4653 | E: support@spargogolf.com 1000 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

www.spargogolf.com

Make sure you follow us on social media: @spargogolf

PRO SHOP N O R T H E A S T

G O L F

{Indoor Putting Greens}

Different Strokes for Different Folks – Making Putting Perfect PuttOUT Tour Studio

The Tour Studio from PuttOUT is a 12-foot by 3-foot mat with graphics to aid correct alignment, five targets marked on the surface and measured 10-foot markings. The training system’s primary tool is the Premium Pressure Putt Trainer, a cup sized parabolically curved ramp with a “micro-target” on the slope that stops the ball when it is struck with exactly the proper speed and line. Missed putts roll up the ramp are returned to the player by the Trainer the same distance as they would have travelled past the hole.

For added help the Trainer has a small hole to fit an included alignment stick that extends down the line of the putt. The Tour Studio comes with a PuttOUT Putting Mirror having an anti-scratch coating and steel base, plus there are training gates to aid starting the ball on the correct line.

The complete Tour Studio is $475.99.

M

uch has been written over the years about putting— proper alignment, stance, setup plus how to hold the club and the best club grip and then there’s the weighting of the head and shaft…should it be face balanced or toe down and if toe down how much?

How about the path of the stroke? Should it be straight back to straight through or back to the inside, squaring at the ball and finishing with the putter travelling back to the inside? Oh, did I mention shaft length and how it affects everything about how you putt?

BY ED TRAVIS NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

47

PRO SHOP PUTTING GREENS

The topic of putting is studied by some for an entire lifetime and even they readily admit they still don’t know everything there is to know.

When you have some time find a putting “guru” and ask him or her about ball compression, cover hardness, Surlyn versus urethane and how the type of a face insert changes the roll.

We at Northeast Golf however are sure of one truth about putting. The more you practice the better you will become and hopefully be able to answer some of these questions for your game.

When the weather cooperates a beneficial practice routine can be as simple as an hour after work at your local club but for much of the year it is too cold or snowing or just plain unpleasant spending time outdoors when you have to be dressed as though you were going skiing rather than putting.

An indoor practice putting mat is a solution and those with realistic surfaces that give feedback similar to a real putting green will make a difference to your putting whether you are looking to never miss a three-footer or two putt every time from over 20 feet. Here is a selection of several models covering a range of prices to fit most any budget.

48

Birdieball – Classic Indoor Putting Green The base is made from a patented ½-inch thick aerated foam and a surface that putts like real grass. The Classic offers practice into and against

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

the grain and the five sizes (4 feet x 10 feet to 4 feet x 18 feet) come with a choice of three speeds from slow to medium to fast. Corresponding Stimpmeter readings are respectively 9-10, 10-11 and 11-13. Included are six precut holes with cups and flags and rubber bumpers for each end which form a U-shape to contain the ball.

Also in the package are six shims to create breaking putts over the entire length of the putt or just around the cup and there are six reducers that decrease hole diameter to improve accuracy.

The Classic rolls up for storage and lays flat when unrolled and Birdieball also adds to the package a putting mirror for help with alignment and eye positioning.

The 4 feet x 10 feet model is $311.98 while the largest, 4 feet x 18 feet, is $398.98.

PRO SHOP PUTTING GREENS

The Green Monster assembles and disassembles without tools and easily portable for change of location room to room or out into the backyard. Single and double breaking putts can be created with a kit which Pro Putt sells as an option.

The entire package weighs 435 lbs. and sells for $4,723.

PUTTVIEW P7

PUTTR Green The folks at PUTTR know putting practice can be less than exciting, in fact some may consider it boring, so they have developed a smart putting green that connects to an app on your phone to provide crucial statistics with a course-like practice routine. The green unrolls from the storage box that has a computer with analysis software tied to an onboard camera which, using a Bluetooth connection to a PUTTR app, shows statistics, proper putting drills and games plus allows competitions with others.

The storage box/technology center has a USB charger in the rear so your phone or tablet can rest on top of the box to be easily visible while the battery is replenished. Variable tee positions allow practice of straight and breaking putts up the slope where the end of the green mat is contained in the box.

The PUTTR Twosome right now has a special price of $899 with shipment in April of 2022. A range of other models is also available.

Pro Putt Systems Green Monster If your needs call for a large putting practice green that accommodates several players at the same time the Green Monster covering 194 square feet is the answer. The six-cup surface allows putts up to 18 feet long and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The base is comprised of interlocking panels—50 in total—covered with a quality putting surface that rolls up for storage with a 10-year warranty.

The P7 Home Series from PUTTVIEW combines interactive practice with entertainment using an overhead projector that produces aim lines on to the 6 feet x 10 feet artificial green. Control of the projections is provided by a tablet remote that also analyzes putting performance. Priced at $9,980 the P7 bundle is assembled in the home by the user and offers guided practice routines for multiple players. The software is interactive and includes actual ball path, competitive games plus putting statistics all of which are fully customizable with templates matched to individuals.

The green has a variety of putts integral to the design and a slope of up to 3% for uphill straight and breaking putts.

Software included with the Home Series allows both free and guided practice with several predefined practice sequences offering a challenge to players of every skill level..

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBER 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

49

NEW!

SX550

PRO SHOP NEW RELEASES

A New Year Calls for

New Gear

During the Northeast regions “indoor golf and fitness season” we all tend to analyze how we can improve our handicaps for the coming season.

Here are some of the newest early 2022 releases to consider for your bag to hit more greens, wedge it closer and hole more putts.

WEDGE CLOSER Honma TW-W21

$150 | www.honmagolf.com The highlight of these pin seekers is the precisely engineered center of gravity (CG) locations for optimal distance and spin control on shots around the green.

This highly anticipated wedge line delivers responsive and consistent performance through seven strategic loft options along with sole and bounce options for every golfer. The classic club face made in mild soft steel with a satin, half-mirror finish, incorporates the premium brand’s proprietary CNC milling process making these wedges picture perfect.

MORE GREENS

PXG 0211 Z Hybrid Irons

$795 | www.pxg.com Whether a new to the game, play occasionally or need the most forgiving irons on earth the PXG 0211 Z Hybrid-Irons are for you. These super game improvement clubs offer a unique, hollow-bodied construction that incorporates the distance producing technology of a hybrid and the trajectory of an iron. 0211 Z Hybrid-Irons are PXG’s highest flying, easiest to hit, most forgiving irons yet. These sticks are so easy to customize, just your height, gender and approximate age to design your 6 - SW hybrid iron set.

HOLE PUTTS

2022 INOVAI 8.0 Spud

$400 | www.bettinardi.com The all-new INOVAI 8.0 was designed and engineered by Sam Bettinardi to instill maximum confidence and forgiveness while putting. The 8.0 was created with a 303 Stainless Steel front piece for a solid feel at impact, and a Military Grade 6061 Aluminum body that was designed with defined wings that offer more stability and higher M.O.I. numbers. The INOVAI 8.0 Spud has minimal toe hang, and is the perfect near face balanced mallet for players with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke. Precision milled to 358 grams in a gorgeous two-tone Stealth Black and Diamond Blast finish, the all new 8.0 offers players optimal visual cues for a clean appearance and enhanced alignment while framing the ball perfectly at address.

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

51

PRO SHOP PAT R I O T G O L F

The Pursuit of Golf Happiness

P

atriot Golf was formed by a team of golf industry professionals who wanted to do something special for our country and honor the brave men and women who serve it.

Patriot Golf is a veteran friendly employer who seeks to teach and mentor veterans entering the work force. You can be proud to know that every club is assembled right here in the U.S.A. by US Veterans.

Patriot Golf is committed to assisting charity organizations in raising funds and awareness through their “United We Golf” initiative which helps to support various charity golf tournaments and special events. Patriot Golf believes that the game of golf can be used as a great platform to help unite us together and make a powerful impact in our communities and country.

Mother of All Balls

52

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

TRAILBLAZER GOLF BALLS Patriot Golf has thoroughly tested Trailblazer Golf’s new line of golf balls and has given them their Patriot Stamp of Approval. Trailblazer Golf has engineered state-of-the-art golf balls for golfers seeking more distance, control and accuracy. Designed with every golfer in mind, from beginners to pros, Trailblazer Golf has a ball especially fit for your golf game.

Mother of All Balls - $40 Stinger Trailblazer - $30 Skybolt Trailblazer - $20 Bolt Trailblazer - $20 Experience “The Pursuit of Golf Happiness” and make Patriot Golf your new golf brand of choice!.

To learn more go to: www.patriotgolf.com

PRO SHOP PAT R I O T G O L F

B2 Driver

B2 Hybrid

B2 SPIRIT LIMITED EDITION PATRIOT GOLF CLUBS When I make solid contact, it’s a BOMB! I received the new clubs and immediately put them in my bag and took them to the practice range. I really like the shafts that were chosen for my woods. They have a strong/firm feeling when swinging and create a solid impact. The 5 and 7 woods work good off the fairway and rough and of course off a tee. The B2 Bomber Driver stands up to its name. When I make solid contact, it’s a BOMB! With 10.5 degrees of loft, the golf ball really takes off.

C. Townsend B2 Driver - $200 B2 Fairway - $180 B2 Hybrid - $180

B2 Fairway

Experience “The Pursuit of Golf Happiness” and make Patriot Golf your new golf brand of choice!

To learn more go to: www.patriotgolf.com NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

53

THANK YOU! To our tournament organizers, golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and generous donors, thank you for helping us defy cancer from the golf course in 2021.

Your support helps Dana-Farber Cancer Institute continue its groundbreaking cancer research while providing lifesaving care to children and adults with cancer.

Presented by

Ace Sponsors

Eagle Sponsors

Aizenstadt Family

Birdie Sponsors Fairway Sponsors:

Northeast Golf

Antigua Sportswear

Arbella Insurance Group

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GET ON THE RIGHT COURSE TO FIGHT CANCER®

JimmyFundGolf.org GFGEN2121423

PLAY.

PRACTICE.

REPEAT.

Award Winning

Cape Cod

Golf Destination

508-430-5234 CranberryValley.Golf Harwich, MA

MOLORI UNPLUGGED

By John Molori

The International - Bolton, Massachusetts Renovation with an Eye on Tradition at The Oaks Course

L

IKE A PHOENIX RISING from the ashes or Lazarus rolling back

Course. Davis relates, “New tees are going to give the players

the stone, The International Golf Club in Bolton, MA and its

more options to find a tee they are comfortable with, and the

revered Oaks Course have come back from

new bunkers are geared more towards being in

the dead, looking to once again set the stan-

play for better players.

dard for New England golf courses.

“We have worked to give the average player

In 2020, The International filed for bank-

more options to avoid trouble, but it’s still very

ruptcy citing a glutted golf marketplace,

much a course where the better players will have

declining memberships, and the COVID-19

to be on their game to play well.”

pandemic. It was eventually purchased by

Davis had no trouble balancing moderniza-

Escalante, a boutique owner and operator of

tion with tradition. He relates, “The Oaks is not

numerous golf properties across the United

that old of a course, so the modernization was

States.

subtle. What we have done is more profound

Over the past few months, the Oaks Course

in the structure of tees and bunkers - how they

and practice facility have undergone sublime

are built and can be maintained.

makeovers – changes that have been made with one prime priority: golf.

“We are a golf club, not a country club,” says

“The changes are about helping the course Tripp Davis­—Architect

interesting look and more varied playability.

Steve Brennan, General Manager of The International “Our

There is an element of modernization just to account for the

overall goal was to create a purity of golf. We really wanted to

length most better players have gained. On this course, that

maintain the culture of the Oaks Course with this renovation.”

was part fairway bunker placement, part adding some tees,

Jody Tavarez, Director of Agronomy at Escalante Golf, is pleased with the results of the renovation. “It exceeded every goal we had in mind for the Oaks Course - innovative in design approach but remaining true to the traditional style of golf course architecture.

“Bunker design requires a specific artistic ability in order to make them feel like they’ve always been there, while improving playability and maintainability. The new bunkers on the Oaks Course achieve exactly that and are some of the best I have ever seen. Tripp and his team are humble and easy to work with.”

Tripp is Tripp Davis, the true star of the Oaks Course renovation. Tripp Davis and Associates embarked on an architectural journey and took the good folks at the International with him.

As Brennan states, “We didn’t look to Tripp for confirmation of our goals. We looked to him to lead us down a path. He is extremely knowledgeable and very good at what he does.”

From bowled out bunkers to laser leveled tees, golfers can look forward to some significant changes on the Oaks 56

appeal to a broader audience with a more

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

and part enhancing the strictness of angles into greens.”

Like Davis, Brennan eschews the word modernization. “I actually don’t like that term,” says Brennan. “This course is

not about flowers and signage. Our tee markers are numbered 1,2,3,4. We want to maintain our traditional golf culture and have it feed the renovation.”

Davis puts the modernization question into perspective.

“Modernizing is mainly about the structure of things like bunkers, tees, greens, and drainage, so they are capable of being maintained to modern expectations.

“Relative to play, the game has changed so there is more disparity between your lower handicap players and the higher handicap players. In this way, modernization focuses on more strategic challenges for the better player in the way they play, and more playability and fun for your average to higher handicap players.”

Indeed, Davis’s creativity has created a course that values

are also current and upcoming renovations on the Pines

both length and precision – one that is tailored to every aspect

Course, Clubhouse, and Lodge. Davis talks about upgrades at

of every golfer’s game. “We did add some tees for the lower

The International’s practice facility. “We improved the target

handicap players,” says Davis. “We also added tees for shorter

greens and gave the short game area more variety in the

players and took out some bunkers that mainly impacted the

shots that can be practiced.”

average to higher handicap player.”

In addition to the Oaks Course, Brennan relates that there

Davis offers insight on the architecture of the Oaks Course and how it seamlessly meshes with its bucolic surroundings.

“We tried to make the bunkers better fit the style of the land and make the course more strategic with bunker and tee placement. It is a challenging course, but it offers options to play more conservatively.

There are some holes with mostly oaks, holes that are in the Pine Barren eco system that runs through the site, and holes that flow along beautiful terrain. There is also a variety between flatter holes and hilly holes. The Oaks Course really offers some dramatic views. It’s beautiful.” .

John Molori is an award-winning author and columnist for numerous publications. Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com.

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

57

ROSS’S RULES

By Jack Ross

USGA and R&A Finalize Simplified Rules of Amateur Status

T

HERE WAS A TIME when the distinction between “amateur” and “professional” golfers was fairly clear. Bobby Jones,

acknowledged as the greatest amateur golfer in history,

In an interview with Northeast Golf, Craig Winter, USGA senior director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status, explained

won the Grand Slam in 1930

that “our impetus for this en-

but never turned pro and

tire project was to make sure

instead pursued a career in

the rules reflected how the

law. Some of his contemporar-

modern game is played.” Win-

ies (Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen,

ter noted that while elite am-

and Byron Nelson) followed

ateurs will find the new rules

the then traditional profes-

simpler and less restrictive,

sional golf path—earning their

the vast majority of amateur

livelihoods as club profession-

golfers who play at the club

als giving lessons and selling

level won’t see any changes.

clubs while making modest

He emphasized a commitment

money on the side on the early

to preserve and “celebrate”

professional tour.

But golf has changed, and

Greg Winter: USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf & Amateur Status

over time some of the tradi-

club golf, and explained that the new rules “carry that culture forward.”

tional distinctions between

Generally, the new rules

professionals and amateurs

remove many of the restric-

became more difficult to define

tions that previously applied

and enforce. Elite amateurs

to amateur golfers, while

did not always know when

ensuring that the integrity

the receipt of reimbursements

of the game is protected by

for expenses or competing for

limiting the form and value of

prizes might cross the line into

prizes an amateur golfer may

“professional golfer” status.

accept. The rules eliminate

And in the new world of social

restrictions on expense reim-

media, restrictions on golfers’

bursements, sponsorships, and

use of their names, images,

advertising. And elite ama-

and likenesses (NILs) became

teur golfers will now be free

problematic. Meanwhile, it was important that club golf

to monetize their NILs (a development that parallels the

competition—the essence of amateur golf—be preserved.

NCAA’s loosening of such restrictions for college athletes).

So in 2017, the USGA and the R&A undertook a modern-

58

ateur Status that will take effect January 1, 2022.

Winter noted that all options were on the table, includ-

ization of the Rules of Amateur Status. The modernization

ing adopting the concept of “open golf” with no distinction

initiative had three main goals: to ensure that the rules (1)

between amateurs and professionals. However, he stressed

are in the best interests of the game; (2) reflect the mod-

that feedback from clubs and state golf associations con-

ern game; and (3) are easily understood and applied. After

firmed the importance of amateurism (which is buttressed

reviewing comments on proposed rules issued last March,

by the handicap system). “Golfers cherish the club golf tra-

the ruling bodies of golf recently finalized new Rules of Am-

dition,” Winter noted. “These rules are in part a celebration

DECE M B E R 2 02 1 / J A NUARY 2 02 2 | NORTHE AST.G OLF

YOUR WINTER TEE TIME CAPE COD DESTINATION

of club golf but also help the golfer who is trying to take the next step to professional golf.”

Under the new rules, amateur status will be lost if a golfer accepts any prize with a value exceeding $1,000. In competitions based on handicaps, the receipt of prize money will result in the loss of amateur status. Amateur status will also be lost if a golfer “plays in a golf competition as a professional,” accepts

Scan to Download the Dennis Golf App

compensation for giving instruction (with some exceptions), is employed as a golf club or driving range professional, or holds membership in an association of professional golfers. Once lost, amateur status may be reinstated.

The new rules also clarify that the restrictions on prizes apply only to “tee-to-hole” competitions played on a golf course or on a simulator, but not to skills competitions such as long-drive, target, or putting competitions.

Winter stressed that the elimination of restrictions on expense reimbursements and sponsorships will enable local communities and business to support developing golfers. “This is about being inclusive and bringing a new face to the game.

This is about local communities getting behind local golfers and allowing them to play at the next level. It’s about the democratization of golf.”

So next year, if you are an elite amateur travelling to competitions, you won’t need to worry about receiving expense reimbursements or sponsorships. But if you accept an $1,100 set of clubs as a prize in a competition at your club, you’ll lose your amateur status. Of course, you are always free to trade the clubs for a less valuable prize..

508-385-8347 www.DennisGolf.com NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MBE R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

59

Campton, NH-6 Bedroom / 5 Bath, 6000 sq. ft. Contemporary Custom Home. One of the only new construction custom homes around. Welcome to your own slice of paradise with the most exclusive views in the region. Less than 3 miles to Owl’s Nest resort, New Hampshire’s only Nicklaus Design golf course. Automatic backup heated 4 car-garage, Italian marble throughout, solid hardwood floors, radiant bathroom floors, heated mirrors/towel racks, all rooms having tremendous mountain views, indoor sauna all at walkout level, leads to an outdoor hot tub and covered patio one of the ample entertaining spaces available with this home. $1,800,000.

Owl’s Nest Thornton, NH

Mountainside home at the Owl’s Nest Resort -Along private practice hole, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, 2500 square feet of living space. The only available home in Owl’s Nest, comes furnished, within the Glades association, low cost HOA. Finished bonus room with wet bar over the 2- car garage, great landscaping, patio, and golf cart garage door $750,000

Lots at The Owl’s Nest to Build Your Dream Home

Rising Ridge Road Lot # 2 Knollwood - Spectacular 1-acre mountain lot for building in the Owl’s Nest Community with sunset views and beautiful mountain vistas. Our builders or yours! $200,000.

00 Lilac Lane Campton – Lot #6 Knollwood - Owl’s Nest Campton, NH - ¾ acre lot for building in beautiful Knollwood. Mountain views north and west for sunsets, close to all resort amenities $210,000

00 Rising Ridge Road Lot #3 One half acre lot - One of the last lots available in Phase #1 at the resort perfectly situated for westerly sunset & mountain views, many local builders to choose from $155,000.

OO Covered Bridge Road Lot #18 Crampton NH-Welcome to Covered Bridge Road. Peace and quiet, but also only minutes off of I-93. This lot offers over 5.3 acres with ample space to keep that feeling of seclusion. $55,000.

RESORT STYLE LIVING T H E O W L’ S N E S T R E S O R T

Owl’s Nest Resort Community Thornton, New Hampshire

T

HERE ARE FEW PLACES anywhere in the Northeast that offer unprecedented Jack Nicklaus designed golf, four-season vacationing and living, and amenities and recreational opportunities in every month of the year.

Surrounded by the White Mountains and ski havens in the winter, Owl’s Nest is the fastest growing resort in New England and has been delighting golfers for over 20 years.

Over the next year, the expansion will include the grand opening of a brand new beach and pool complex, Phase 1 of the Hotel Village, which will be inclusive of 13 new lodging units with 3 suites each along the lake, 4 model homes for real estate sale in the new North Lake development, as well as a LakeHouse Venue with the ability to host upwards of 500 people. Furthermore, the expansion will include a new Boathouse Venue with a bar and grill overlooking the pool and beach, a 10-mile paved loop for jogging, biking, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing, a year-round pool with a new food and beverage pavilion to host concerts. Energy efficient, prefab modern mountain cabins are planned as well as larger single-family homes.

The Community The master plan organizes the homes around communal outdoor spaces all connected by multi-use trails. Each house is nestled perfectly throughout the resort, giving you spectacular views of the White Mountains. You will be secluded in your own little sanctuary without being reclusive and still being able to enjoy all

the amenities of resort life. Homes range from cozy one-bedroom cottages to custom built larger seasonal or year-round residences within the community. Living in the White Mountains is always spectacular, but the proximity of the Owl’s Nest gives you full access to all White Mountain’s major attractions and tourist areas with a

NORTHE AS T.GOLF | D ECE MB E R 2021 / JAN UARY 2022

61

RESORT STYLE LIVING T H E O W L’ S N E S T R E S O R T

quiet private resort community of your own at your front door. The area is simply one of the most pristine regions in the Northeast.

The Golf Club Owl’s Nest Golf Club was ranked #6 Best Nicklaus-Designed course by value worldwide by NBC Golf Pass which takes

into account 400+ Nicklaus Design courses in 40 states and 45 countries throughout the world. Owl’s Nest features New Hampshire’s only Nicklaus-Designed course which builds on a challenging but playable track for players of all levels. This eighteen-hole course boasts the ultimate golf experience, extraordinary scenic

views, an award-winning restaurant, and a luxury home community. Owl’s Nest is an ideal venue for weddings and events, offering on-site catering and accommodations. Here, visitors can enjoy scenic inspired living that can only be found in the White Mountains.

Spectacular White Mountain Homes Cradled by the majestic White Mountains and surrounded by hardwood forests that put each season’s beauty on display, our homes offer authentic mountain charm with the comfort of modern efficiencies. Each one is secluded but not reclusive and is located just two hours north of Boston. At Owl’s Nest, the weekend escape is never more than a short drive away.

Limitless Four-Season Amenities & Activities Experience both indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you want to relax or play, “boredom” doesn’t exist in the Owl’s Nest vocabulary. Our homes are for the young, the old(er), and the young at heart.

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inquisitive mind and a continued search for the good life.… and the best is yet to come.

With restaurants, amenities and an Inn in the works, now is the perfect time to join the community and watch it blossom.

General Manager Brad McCoil, said, “The expansion of Owl’s Nest will not only allow people to experience the getaway of a lifetime, but will also provide various real estate opportunities to own a vacation home in such an exciting and up-and-coming location. Owl’s Nest’s expansion is planned to continue into 2022 and 2023, and will include 2 luxury apartment buildings, the

“Lakeside Lodge” with 36 hotel room suites with private balconies, Phase 2 of the Hotel Village which will include standalone units and boutique hotels with a brand-new spa and fitness facility as well as lifestyleinspired upscale restaurant, and more”.

The Owl’s Nest Resort is located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, less than

two hours north of Boston and one hour from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. The Nest is situated on 600+ acres with spectacular panoramic mountain and forest views.

For more information on Owl’s Nest Resort, please visit www.owlsnestresort.com

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THE FINAL HOLE FA S H I O N

Fresco Golf –

Accessories for the Enthusiast

W

hen looking for luxury golf accessories look no further than Fresco Golf, makers of premium quality belts, travel bags, shoes and wallets.

Owner, Yulian Bardales describes Fresco’s product lines as custom made to order for those wanting the best in modern designs constructed from quality materials to the highest manufacturing standards. “I have been in the bespoke clothing business for many years,” he said. “With many of my clients being golf enthusiasts, I decided to create my own company offering casual luxury accessories aimed towards them.”

His track record is evident and in addition to sales made over the Internet at FrescoGolf.com and other sites he told me, “Fresco Golf has representatives in New York and Florida who

make visits to golf clubs and private clientele.”

What then makes this company standout in the crowded field of golf-oriented accessories?

The answer is simple as shown by their catalog on FrescoGolf.com. Fresco’s aim is to

attract the golf enthusiast wanting the absolute best, someone not satisfied with the typical cookie-cutter-look belts or shoes.

Fresco’s signature Alligator Skin belt ($495.00) comes in a matte or glossy finish plus there is a hand painted version for $100 additional. Each is made to order after an accurate to the fraction of an inch measurement of the wearer’s waist plus they offer a choice of belts in python, caiman, ostrich and several other leathers and a cotton stretch model selling for $125.

The travel bags are also special and we like the Marco Polo Club bag of vegetable tanned leather made by hand in Florence, Italy. It is a convenient size for weekend travel with a lined interior, double handles and a shoulder strap priced at $625. Fresco’s shoe lineup includes sneakers, spikeless and plastic cleated models which are also made to order in Florence from custom leathers. To ensure each wearer receives a precise fit providing the maxi-

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mum comfort Fresco measures each foot individually with their 3D foot scanner.

He added in that in addition to Internet sales, “We sell in person at trunk shows, private events and golf tournaments. Our products are on display for purchase at country club pro shops. We measure clients in person at these shows and events, and we train employees at golf clubs on how to properly measure belts and provide them the tools.”

A large part of Fresco’s marketing plan is event-specific and corporate gifting that Bardales pointed out, “…clients have the ability to customize products to their liking. Clients may contact us with whatever modifications they want. Fresco Golf offers event and corporate gifting programs as well. We have a reputation for providing handcrafted leather belts as premium gifts for corporations.”

Fresco Golf’s ultra-premium selection of products may not be for everyone but for golf enthusiasts looking for unique styling and outstanding craftmanship their shoes, belts and other items are a must-have.

Shop Your Style at www.FrescoGolf.com

HIT THE LINKS IN STYLE WITH FRESCO GOLF CASUAL LUXURY ACCESSORIES Reward yourself with a style upgrade from Fresco Golf, a premium seller of bespoke golfing accessories. Our online store includes handcrafted leather belts, golf bags and shoes, bespoke sneakers, travel accessories, and wallets.

All our accessories are made from the finest Italian leathers and are made to last.

Classic style that speaks quietly on and off the course.

Our belts are worn by PGA Pros including Kevin Kisner (winner of 2019 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play), Charlie Hoffman, and Kelly Kraft.

www.frescogolf.com info@frescogolf.com | 800.903.3516

Play Where the Pros Play Experience world-class golf at Innisbrook Resort in Tampa, Florida — home to the legendary Copperhead Course, which welcomes the world’s finest golfers each year during the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship.

Play and stay like a pro with the Platinum Golf Package.

Rates from $339 per golfer, per night.

855.998.7384

InnisbrookResort.com

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