March 2015

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myNEGM.com

March2015 Vol 8 | Issue 1

Editor / Publisher

Timothy R. Branco tim@nepubinc.com

Reach Over 700,000 New England Golfers Monthly

Graphic Design & Production

Chris Hunter

CollectiveThoughtMedia.com

Administration

Mary L. Hullett

mary@nepubinc.com

Contributors Tom Gorman John Molori Tim Geary Alice Scott Pam Borges Laura Ebrecht Bob DiCesare Steve Riggs Robert Martin Jeff Palopoli Kathleen Dyson Emily Kay Matt Adams Jack Ross Jim Hammond Danny Scott Ed Travis Leigh McKay Becky Blaser Elisa Gaudet Greg Sampson Matt Ward

Contributing Photographers Ken Dennis | kendennisphoto.com Rich Gagnon | Taunton, MA sales & Marketing

Greg Sampson - Manager

greg@nepubinc.com

Paul Mignosa – Associate prmignosa@gmail.com

New England Golf Monthly is published 9 times yearly by The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction of the contents, images and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publication. All rights reserved.

For product marketing, distribution and/or direct mail information contact tim@nepubinc.com

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Custom Wine Cellars And Humidors Since 1994, Vintage Makers has been designing, building, and installing wine cellars. We have recently formed Smokin’ Betty’s Cigars to pair our quality in climate controlled humidors with the offering of premium hand rolled cigars. Ask about our Cigar Consignment Program for retailers or our quality climate controlled humidors for the cigar aficionado.

Our commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction has been our foundation and our trademark.

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Build

15 Park Avenue Hudson, NH 03051 Ph. (800) 246-0150 www.SmokinBettysCigars.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

We Are Golf

W

elcome to our 2015 premier issue of New England Golf Monthly. Eight years ago New England Publishing set off on a mission to create the finest and most informative regional golf magazine in the country. Our motto was simple; lets make every issue better than the last. Eight years later our peers now recognize us as the number one regional golf publication in the U.S. It has been a labor of love, passion and most of all commitment with one of the greatest teams anywhere in the industry today.

The simple days of publishing have given way to a complex myriad of integrated platforms that function collectively like a fine tuned engine. What was local is now regional / global and is carried to millions at the speed of light across vast multi media communication channels. We are New England Golf Monthly, Fairways Lifestyles, Golf Fashion Weekly, Fashion Fridays, Private Club Weekly, Friday Foursomes, The Tinkers Nest as well as a multitude of other golf and lifestyle published platforms.

Our business is now print, video, radio, digital, social, mobile, web design, e-marketing, direct mail and full multi media marketing and management. Our staff at New England Publishing is engaged, motivated and passionate about the game of golf and everything that surrounds it.

We are here to deliver the best in informative news, features and products to you our readers in each and every issue through every medium possible.

It’s been a long winter, so lets dust off that gear and get golf ready for another great golf season. Its only 6 weeks to the Masters and I for one am rooting for the return of Tiger Woods to the game of professional golf. There is nothing better in spring than 18 holes on your favorite course with you friends followed by the spectacle that is the beginning of the golf season each year, The Masters.

Get Golf Ready Pay it Forward / Pass it On

Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher

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NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

14

GOLF COURSE LIVING 14

Katharine Dyson / Fairways Lifestyles

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY 20

Brittany Rayburn / TravisMathew Signs Keegan Bradley

22

Good Looks for 2015

25

Paul Mignosa / Buckle Up

GOLF TRAVEL 28

Couple of Travelers / The Southwest / Prince Edward Island

COURSE TRENDS

28

38

Tim Branco / Private Golf

52

Tim Branco / Semi-Private & Public Golf

CELEBRITY GOLFER 53

John Molori / Hanging 10 With Boston’s Best

62

Leigh McKay / Mark Bradley

TINKER’S NEST 70

Greg Sampson / Training Aids

74

Ed Travis / Equipment

OPINION 92

Gorman Vs Geary / Will Tiger Win in 2015

CONTENTS

74 Download Our FREE Course Finder & GPS App & Register to Win FREE rounds, equipment, apparel, vacations & more all season long!

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GOLF COURSE LIVING

GOLF COURSE LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON

Swinging & Living along Florida’s

East Coast

Florida’s East Coast from Jacksonville to Miami stretches along the Atlantic with its miles and miles of white sand beaches and a continuous chain of popular tourism destinations. Let’s take a look at some of the best from north to south.

ST AUGUSTINE The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine south of Jacksonville is one of America’s most historically rich places with roots reaching back to 1565.

Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the waterfront and sail boats cruise Matanzas Bay. Living: World Golf Village circles around a lake and spreads out with hotels, villas and condos.

Playing: Tee up at King & Bear, the first-ever Palmer-Nicklaus design collaboration and Slammer & Squire (1998) designed by Bobby Weed with consultation with Sam “The Slammer” Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen.

Off Track: Visit the World Golf Hall of Fame Nitty Gritty: The “Visit North Florida” package includes accommodations at the

Renaissance Resort World Golf Village, golf on both courses, admissions to the World Golf Hall of Fame, IMAX tickets and a choice of two attractions from $239 per golfer per night. Worldgolfvillage.com

PALM COAST Twenty three miles south of St. Augustine, Palm Coast has a more Carolina than Florida feeling with tall pines and cooler temperatures than places farther south.

Living: Hammock Beach, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, offers condo accommodations in the main hotel as well as villas in adjacent buildings and the Lodge. There are several three bedroom/three bath apartments along with two with two bedroom villas, great for golfing groups.

Playing: Hammock Beach has two very distinct courses: the Ocean Course by Jack Nicklaus with six holes by the Atlantic and the Conservatory Course by Tom Watson with very un-Florida-like elevations in a stunning natural environment.

Off Track: There is a marina, spa, pools, beach,

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com |13 15

Casino Del Sol kayaking, bicycle rentals and Sundancer cruises.

Refreshing: Find eight places to eat and drink from fine dining to casual.

Nitty Gritty: Classic Golf Package includes accommodations, golf on arrival and departure days, one round of golf per golfer, per night, $10 pro shop credit and use of locker, fitness and practice facilities from $159 per golfer per night.

Hammock Beach.com

VERO BEACH Of the more than 20 courses in the quietly quaint Vero Beach and Indian River County area, close to three quarters are private or part of a golf community.

Living: Coveted golf communities include Bent Pine, Grand Harbor and the Indian River Club evoking “Old Florida” architecture. Polo enthusiasts can buy into Pointe West while those who love the water can look into The Moorings.

Playing: Find classic tracks like the Indian River Club playing 7,013 yards from the tips and designer courses like the Moorings by Pete Dye stretching into the water.

Off Track: Area residents lead as active a life style as they wish with lots to do including concerts and art shows under the Oaks in Riverside Park.

Refreshing: There are many good places in the region like Countryside Citrus, The Tides and Scampi Grill.

Nitty Gritty: Verobeach.com

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PORT ST. LUCIE Forty minutes north of West Palm Beach, PGA Village’s Learning Center set on 35 acres has a huge array of training and practice facilities from high-tech virtual playing simulators to 100 FullSwing Practice Stations plus a three-hole Teaching Course and a 6-hole Short Course.

Living: Rent or buy into the Perfect Drive Villas or estate homes located in neighborhoods like Verano and the PGA Homes, Townhomes & Villas.

Playing: Tee up at Pete Dye’s links-style track along with Tom Fazio’s Wanamaker and Ryder Courses.

Corde Valle

Off Track: Check out the Historical Center with its extensive golf reference library and in nearby Daytona, catch the action at the NASCAR races.

Sandestin

Refreshing: Within a wedge shot of the Historical Center is San Snead’s Oak Grill and Tavern, a clubby-style eatery serving some of the best steak dinners around.

Nitty Gritty: Ramp up your golf game with five lessons for $99. PGA Village.com

WEST PALM BEACH Fox hunting, polo, shopping in CityPlace and yachts occupy some of the free time of affluent types who live and visit West Palm Beach and play on the close to 50 courses in the area.

Living: Top golf communities include Ibis Golf & Country Club with about 2,000 luxury homes and spa; Mariner Sands in Stuart; Jupiter Country Club; Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club and PGA National.

Playing: Play Emerald Dunes Club with its renovated Tom Fazio track; the polished Trump International Golf Club; and the three Jack Nicklaus’ courses at Ibis Golf & Country Club. River Ridge designed

by Pete and P.B. Dye and Golden Marsh, by Joe Lee are found at Harbour Ridge. The Champion course redesigned by Jack Nicklaus at the PGA National Resort & Spa resort community joins The Haig renovated by Tom Fazio II; The Squire by Tom Fazio; The Palmer; and the Estates at Palm Beach Gardens. Ballenisles Country Club next door has three fine layouts.

Off Track: Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway lined by exquisite mansions; take in a few chukkers of polo at the International Polo Club in Wellington; and enjoy cultural events at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts and the Harriet Himmel Gilman Theater. Nights turn lively in Purple Lotus Kava Bar and the Blue Martini while the Blue Boar Tavern rolls out great drinks and gaming fun.

range from the posh Doral Isles with 13 unique islands and five lakes where homes sell towards a million and up and Doral Estates to Las Vistas at Doral where condos start about $75,000.

There is high-rise living at The Terraces at Turnberry and communities like Ireland Coronado with condos, and townhouses, both close to the Turnberry Algarve, golf course. Don Portugal Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club is an easy, friendly, non-pretentious place while in Boca there is the Boca Grove Plantation built in 1982 in the middle of an orThe Algarve ange grace where villas and estate homes range between $50,000 and a million.

Playing: Miami’s “designer” courses by Hills, Ross, Devlin, Von Hagge, Norman and other top architects serve as magnets for popular residential neighborhoods. Doral’s five courses reveal stunning greens surrounded by water and sculptured fairways along with wide white sandy waste bunkers dotted with palms. It’s famous for the Blue Monster (now Trump National Doral), but the Great White by Greg Norman can get your golfing angst jump-started. Other excellent tracks include the Donald Ross classic at

Refreshing: You crave it; you find it from Asian fusion to Italian to tapas.

Nitty Gritty: westpalmbeach.com

MIAMI & BOCA RATON Close to 150 courses feed the golfing frenzy from Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale and Miami where pricey Art-Deco hotels in South Beach, Cuban sandwiches to die for and hip and trendy nightclubs punch up the Miami Beach scene driving the beat into the early morning hours.

Living: Area golf-oriented communities

the creamy Spanish-style Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables; Turnberry Golf Course, Crandon Golf Course where large green Iguanas patrol the fairways on Key Biscayne; and the Miami Beach Golf Club, a well maintained track updated by Arthur Hills.

Ireland Refreshing: The Latin beat is all the buzz in Miami along with Cuban sandwiches to die for, 48ounce steaks at Don Shula’s, and those hole-inthe-wall eateries in Little Havana.

Nitty Gritty: miamiandbeaches.com

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 17

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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY

New England Native Keegan Bradley Signs with TravisMathew Apparel Company

by Brittany Rayburn

Ever since 2007, TravisMathew has found its best inspiration from the Southern California culture. The apparel company works hard to create the most excellent men’s apparel for both work and play, and achieves this in an extremely distinctive fashion that cannot be found anywhere else on the golf market.

TravisMathew is a prime apparel brand for both quality and active-wear that is unique in its comfortable and stylish designs. The company enforces the fact that it is not necessary to be uptight or serious when enjoying the game of golf, which is a leading factor in the newest generation of PGA Tour professionals.

In order to perfectly capture this idea, TravisMathew has partnered with one of the most relevant players in the game.

Keegan Bradley is a two time Ryder Cup participant as well as a member of the winning President Cups team in 2013. In addition, he is a 2011 PGA Champion and a 2011 Rookie of the year.

On top of his outstanding resume and amazing start to his career, Keegan Bradley is an absolute stunning addition to TravisMathew apparel for the fact that he fits right in. Keegan Bradley is extremely successful and professional, yet still laid-back and ca-

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sual, allowing him to capture TravisMathew’s apparel spot-on.

Bradley states, “I am extremely excited to be joining team TravisMathew. I couldn’t think of a better fit for my personal style.”

TravisMathew’s Spring 2015 line is the perfect way to kick off your season. The apparel company created the line in hopes of returning “back to the basics.” This is achieved by the simple yet gorgeous designs and color schemes featured throughout the line. The Spring 2015 line highlights clean lines, quiet tones as well as outstandingly unique color blocking.

TravisMathew has apparel to fit all of your needs, whether you are playing golf, dressing up for a night on the town, or simply heading to your local gym. The new line is a great way for you to look professional both on and off the course, while still feeling cool, modern and comfortable.

FASHION & STYLE

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 21

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY

Good Looks on the Course for 2015

BY GFW STAFF

Golf Fashion Weekly has many brands on their radar but here are some of our favorites from the show….

Chase 54 sponsored one of the eight Fashion Shows followed by a cocktail reception. Golf Channel personality, Bailey Mosier, was the MC and highlighted many of the newest trends for 2015. Chase54 has become known for its new technologies and designs as well as its rare vertical manufacturing approach.

Chase54 controls all of its manufacturing, thus creating the most luxurious fabrics and technologies on the market.

Lulu Faddis, Chief Designer and Creative Director of Chase54, states, “We experienced such phenomenal success with our PGA Fashion & Demo Experience sponsorship in Las Vegas that this was an easy opportunity for us to support. To be able to highlight the best collection we’ve ever presented to a highly regarded audience of PGA Professionals, apparel buyers and industry leaders and celebrate the new Chase54 together is an absolute honor.” Visit chase54.com for more details.

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GOLF FASHION WEEKLY Aristo 18 takes pride in their “LUXURY GOLFLIFESTYLE” apparel collection featuring the world’s finest natural fiber fabrics and superior bespoke tailoring. Classic, elegant designs that celebrate the rich heritage of the game are accented with sophisticated detailing and rich color accents. In the Greek language, the word Aristo means “the best”, so it is fitting that their unwavering commitment to creating exceptional men’s clothing is directly reflected in their name. Each season, they build the collection from the bottom up, quite literally. While the core products began as “Best-in-Class” wool dress trousers that are produced in their own factories to exact specifications, they now have the top of the line sweaters. Visit artisto18.com for more information.

Antigua Group has introduced its Spring 2015 Men’s Golf Collection featuring the new Desert Dry Performance Cotton apparel.

the mood and nature of the city at night. The attitude of designs and bold color-play capture the free loving culture of Paris. Details in this collection pay tribute to the “couture” fashion for which Paris is known. Visit Dvrxgolf.com to check out the collection.

Straight Down athletic apparel is all about classic, comfortable styled clothes using the highest quality fabrics available for long lasting durability. The results are beautifully toned color, unique texture and patterns. Everyone loves a mid weight waffle knit long sleeve shirt for outdoor fall activities like the Alloy from Straight Down. The retro style is in right now so pair a vista light blue, lightweight, moisture wicking sweater and switch it up this fall on the fairways with a brown colored pant. The Clemson pant is buttery soft and consists of fine Spanish twill

President and CEO of Antigua, Ron McPherson, states, “We’re very excited about our Spring 2015 Men’s Golf Collection. Response to the bright colors, fantastic new styling, and the advanced moisture-wicking technology has been outstanding. This promises to be our best-selling men’s collection to date.”

The Spring 2015 Men’s Golf Collection includes 11 new shirt styles featuring proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite technology, as well as an assortment of pullovers, jackets, shorts, vest and hats.

Check out Antigua.com to get these latest trends.

Devereux’s new “Paris at Night” collection is inspired by the men and women who spent their creative primes enthralled with Paris, home to many Golden Era personalities such as Picasso, Matisse and Hemingway. Each of these drew inspiration from the city.

Brian Lohman, Devereux’s Director of Sales, states, “Although our business is year-round, I always look forward to the PGA Show each January as the official kick-off of the new season.”

Devereux is interpreting their art and vision with a modern flare.

Paris at Night is a line that is captivated by the free-flowing champagne, lights, passion, romance and music. Deep purples and electric blues grasp

Need to Know What To Wear On and off The Golf Course in 2015?

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cotton that is blended with spandex for a relaxed fit. These pants are perfect to wear at the office, playing golf or around town. The DuPont Teflon water repellent fabric protector makes the Strut Shorts perfect for golfers, as they dry quickly which saves time and energy. The pocket on the side fits a cell phone perfectly, keeping it in a safe spot. These

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY are available in silver, black, imperial purple, stone, khaki, white and mango. Visit straightdown.com to get a better look.

2ndGuy Golf is a company that was created to impact golfers in the most positive way possible.

The company was started by Founder and CEO, Russ Ortiz, after his career as an MLB pitcher. 2nd

Guy Golf produces affordable (every polo retails for $48), fashionable, high-performing golf apparel for Men and Women, and on top of that, plays a significant role in benefiting the variety of charities that it supports by donating 100% of its profits.

2nd Guy Golf supports charities that include but are not limited to ‘Feed My Starving Children’, ‘Josie’s Angels’ and ‘Phoenix Children’s Hospital’. The profits from each sale at 2nd Guy Golf go to charities, making sure that your purchases help to impact people in a positive way. By buying 2nd Guy Golf’s products, you are also paying it forward. Check out 2ndguygolf.com for these outstanding products.

Pukka A headwear company with capabilities unparalleled to the competition, Pukka

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has re-defined the meaning of custom headwear since it launched into the green-grass golf market 12 years ago . Whether your course or resort, golf team, from junior’s through high school and college, or charity tournament or corporate event, needs comfortable, quality headwear in low-minimums with your specific design, contact Pukka and they can get it to you in 30 days. Pukka stands for “original, first class, quality.” If you’ve ever worn a Pukka cap, you know the feeling of headwear perfection. Their custom headwear collection features over 125 new looks fitting into 7 different main categories (Core, Tech, Lifestyle, Ladies, Visors, Cold Weather and Specialty).

The headwear comes in a variety of looks and is made-to-order specific to your taste. Visit Pukka at Pukkainc. com or call 877-345-5110!

Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2015 golf collection for both men and women has a theme drawn from America’s Heartland that mixes the great outdoors with small town charm.

Three deliveries for the season begin with the Gallatin River in Montana featuring reinvented classics in a modern palette of blues and greens with pops of black and white. For men, the key look includes classic pools and shorts plus a zip-up jacket. Women can choose from polos and sleeveless polos that pair effortlessly with shorts or skorts to make a bold statement on the green. Stripes are the predominant pattern, juxtaposed against color blocking, ombré gradients and subtle plaids. The aesthetic exudes a relaxed, summertime feel with an adventurous spirit. usa.tommy.com/

GOLF FASHION WEEKLY

“Buckle Up for the 2015 Golf Season”

by Paul Mignosa

The 2015 golf season is underway. One of the biggest trends we see in 2015 is accessorizing your look on and off the course and what better way to start than your belt. Belts simply don’t get enough credibility. Yes, they’re used to hold your pants up, which is important, but they also serve another purpose by adding a whole other dimension to your look. Adding a stylish belt to your outfit can be used to match colors, materials, and textures or give your outfit that last finishing touch to make you look great and feel great on the course. In every outfit, the little touches and your attention to detail could mean the difference between a great look and the perfect look. For this season, let’s look at three of the major players in the belt game with three distinct belt categories; Exotics, Traditional Leather and Web Series.

Exotics: Patrick Gibbons Handmade

Patrick Gibbons Handmade belts are offered in a variety of different styles, including hand painted belts, business belts and golf belts.

One thing we can promise, you will not find any other belts like these on the market! Patrick Gibbons belts are available in almost every color imaginable.

All of the Handmade golf belts are created with square edges instead of a feathered edge; this gives it a thicker feel while still holding its original form. Gibbons’ passion and love for the game of golf is evident in his extremely detailed, gorgeous designs that are apparent throughout his entire line of products. Visit www.patrickgibbonshandmade.com for more information.

able, and due to their pin/buckle design have a tendency to wear quickly and unevenly. The Nexbelt ratchet technology, dubbed PreciseFit, allows wearers the comfort, style and flexibility associated with quality. Nexbelt is 100% committed to offering its customers superior customer service and the most innovative and technologically advanced products available. Visit www. nexbelt.com for more information.

Web Series: Nike Tech Essential Web Belts

Nike golf presents the Nike Tech Essential Web

Traditional Leather: Nexbelt

Nexbelt, “The Belt Without Holes”, provides maximum comfort and minimum adjustment hassle by allowing the wearer an adjustment pattern of ¼ inch as opposed to the outdated pin/ buckle belts of 1 inch. Traditional belts of the past century are uncomfort-

Belt. This lightweight 38mm wide webbing belt can be cut to size and features a tonal buckle with a cutout Swoosh and a heat transfer Swoosh on the tip. The Nike Tech Essential Web Belt comes in multiple colors and looks great on and off the course. You can purchase them at www.nike.com, www.golfsmith.com, www.golfgalaxy.com and your local golf retailers or call 503-548-2928 for wholesale inquiries.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 25

FASHION & STYLE

2UNDR

“The belt looks and feels great.

The PreciseFit gives me maximum comfort and playability” - Jim Furyk ™

See for yourself why top PGA Tour players like Jim Furyk choose Nexbelt. www.Nexbelt.com

Free Shipping Code FURYKNEM

GOLF TRAVEL

PEI: Story Island

By Alice & Danny Scott

Once upon a time, 150 years ago, the Fathers of Confederation met in Prince Edward Island and the Federal Dominion of Canada was formed. Today actors in vintage apparel weave the yarn of history in the marine village of Charlottetown while Golf PEI is making new history. On this laid back island, over 30 fabulous courses between farmlands and beaches are within half an hour of one another.

Begin at parkland style Brudenell River with Three 3s, Three 4s and Three 5s on each nine, perhaps inspired by the 3 rivers that converge along the course. Hole 17 is named “Panorama” and it truly is, leading to “The Orchard” for a sweet finish. The practice area and clubhouse are shared by the Dundarave course where LPGA player Lorie Kane returns for the tour like speed and condition of the greens.

Devouring fresh, steamed mussels, is a flavorful ritual at 19th holes in PEI. Learn how to harvest them or dig for clams and oysters. The Top Notch Lobster Tour is tops for lobster lovers aboard a commercial fishing boat.

Owner Mark and brother Cody entertain with crustacean fascination, a lobster dinner and fishing

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tales. A single blue fin tuna’s ticket to Tokyo can yield them over $12k but James Cameron (Avatar producer) purchased his catch for mounting. Larry the lobster, age 44 and 12 pounds, was summer vacationing in Mark’s ocean floor condo not to be eaten but to edify their wondrous physique. Lobsters can regenerate limbs, eyes and other essential organs, who knew?

Life’s a beach in PEI. Never more than 30 minutes away, a very merry part of the Maritimes is to kayak or swim in the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, or just stroll the vast sandy strands of ocean. Sea glass and pottery chards churn up with sand dollars and shells for collectors. Families, singles, couples or buddies all enjoy Cavendish Beach

GOLF TRAVEL with boardwalk trails for hikes or bikes, music, and events close to Avonlea, home and now museum of the braided red head Anne of Green Gables. Still required reading

by Japanese who love the dramatic dreamer, they are dropped off by busloads next to a tee box on the Green Gables Golf course. The course layout can seem as precocious and diverse as Anne’s personality, running through the Green Gables farm with a view of Anne’s house on hole #11.

The story was translated into the longest running musical – a fun must see. You might come out singing “Ice Cream” from the Sunday picnic scene and if so, PEI has Cow’s creamery, serving in most spots with a factory tour near the Confederate Bridge. This you will cross if making a long and pretty road trip north. You can instead fly into Charlottetown where the Delta Hotel on the Water’s Edge, is a perfect place to stay. Spacious rooms have a comfy window seat view of the harbor full of yachts.

Entertainment, shops and restaurants are all in walking distance. Musicians serenade al fresco diners along Victoria Row. Fishbones is centered across from the theater while Sim’s Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar with Kitchen Uncovered TV star Chef Kyle is simply the best, the place to see and be seen.

While the whole island is something to crow about, Crowbush Cove stands out. Number 16 is the signature hole of the island sprawling along the ocean. The carry from the back tees is long, especially against the normally prevailing wind. Look back and ahh from the green, then scramble up the steps by the 17 tee box to the crow’s nest for a 360 degree bird’s eye view and ahh again.

Head to the hills for more great views – Glasgow Hills with a memorable peninsula green on number nine. 120 golf couples flock to the Cavendish Beach Couples Event hosted at Glasgow Hills with 2 other courses, successfully running for 9 years.

Add to the itinerary a brewery, winery or the Myriad distillery for legal or possibly lethal moonshine. Check it all out at www.golfpei. com. Mark McLane, Executive Director of Golf PEI has a stellar staff ready to customize your vacation. 2 nights and any 3 rounds are packaged from $249-$509 during May. 6 nights packaged with unlimited golf at 4 courses is priced from $799-$999. Laid-back island culture, exquisite surf and turf, fantastic golf – that is why PEI is Canada’s number one golf destination. Create your own story there.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 29

GOLF TRAVEL

Southwest Scenes:

TUCSON

By Alice & Danny Scott

Scotts SOUTHWEST

More New Englanders are discovering the secrets of the southwest. While we love our four seasons with springtime blossoms and summer shades of green, the winter can grow weary, perhaps dreary and we seek SUNSHINE. Florida has long touted itself as the sunshine state directly south and it is wonderful, yet a couple more hours in the air or a nostalgic drive along route 66 finds serenity in the Southwest that is unparalleled. Phoenix is the hub where 98% of the time, the sun shines on your face and just a drive away are some of the world’s greatest attractions.

Imagine the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, London Bridge, Sedona’s red rock mountains, or pool lounging in Brandel Chamblee’s sexy Scottsdale where PGA’s greatest show on grass just surpassed its own record attendance while the Patriots won the Super Bowl in Glendale. Arizona has well over 300 golf courses, spas galore, and globally acclaimed chefs.

Next door to the east is New Mexico, famous for Albuquerque’s hot air balloons, Santa Fe and Taos’ art communities, Truth or Consequences named for the game show and stuck in the 50’s with the Virgin Galactic space port minutes away, the best of Caverns in Carlsbad

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and who knows what secrets, really are in Roswell? We know this; New Mexico is indeed the land of Enchantment.

How about experiencing the greatest year round climate along the southern stretch of Pacific Ocean? From San Diego to Hollywood and Malibu or through the celebrity enclave of Palm Springs, surf, turf, wineries, and the Rose Bowl parade draw migrators every year. Rediscover the Southwest on your own custom trip.

We will help by exploring each month a different corner of what we call peace on earth, starting with the greater Tucson area where the PGA Champions Tour plays this month.

Omni Tucson National Resort will once again be the PGA Tour host. This is where Legends have played, and the grill is so named.

Happy hour starts with $2 soup or upgrade the happiness upstairs at Bob’s Steak and Chophouse. Either spot offers alfresco, dinner with a view over the 18th incoming and 1st fairway outgoing. Omni has a California ranch resort

GOLF TRAVEL vibe with flowering trees and annual blooms meticulously pruned. Stately palms line the zero edge pool and eucalyptus trees blow in the breeze.

“Bob” has visited Omni for 25 years and believes it originated as a retreat for Chicago gangsters.

This is not corroborated and there is no gangsta rap, rather old time swing music piping through speakers.

Catalina is the tournament course where legends’ names are honored on certain holes.

Fairway and green conditions will please the pros as will the view of the namesake Catalina’s, reflecting the purple mountain majesty we sing about. Rooms are spacious with a walk in closet, balcony views and during our stay served as overflow for a global wedding to be held at the 5 Star Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain, home to the Accenture Match Play for many years. The nearby Gallery is also regarded as one of the best golf layouts in Tucson and is incredible but so is La Paloma, which means, “dove.” You will see more than a few of them on any desert track along with roadrunners and quail.

Tucson tranquility permeates the foothills courses. Though prickly vegetation, it tickles the senses. At Arizona National, a large topiary A stands for the U of A team as they practiced there before moving to the new Sewailo course at Casino del Sol. We returned there in December like swallows to Capistrano, celebrating its first birthday with a bagpiper blowing Scottish tones over the practice field. Designed by Notah Begay it is quality managed by Troon Golf. Streams with falls lull golfers into a cadence of play. Owned by the Pasqua Yaqui (flower people) tribe, their commitment to service blossoms like the desert flowers, especially in their Hiapsi spa. We suggest the hot stone massage, truly spatacular! Savor casino winnings with succulent cuisine at the PY Steakhouse. Tucson hit the jackpot with this newest resort.

Tried and true is the JW Marriot Starr Pass with an impressive tiered patio and pool complex overlooking the sprawl of serene dessert and then townscapes. Passing by the pool fence were a family of javelinas. Rattler, Roadrunner and Coyote are the names of three 9-hole

courses carved out of the dessert terrain. Some say they are too tough to play. We say they are too fun, bordering the Saguaro National forest.

Guided nature walks depart from the lobby before dawn while coyotes are yelping. Sojourners return to the fireside where Larry Redbird in full Navajo garb presents a morning ritual of flute music in rhythm with songbirds and sage burning for a clean start of the day. In contrast, a tequila toast with the story of Pancho Villa is offered guests before sunset. Have dinner at the open view Signature Grill with clever chili cocktails and follow it up with music on the patio for a great resort day.

Starr Pass is central to downtown, the Old Tucson Movie Studios and Sonora Desert Museum where volunteer docents show off birds of prey, reptiles and more. Start with the cave habitat, wander through the aviary, and visit the sea otter, mountain lion and even an aquarium with Sonoran ocean swimmers from the Sea of Cortez, 2 hours south of the border.

Just north of the border Tin Cup was filmed at Tubac Golf Resort.

Tucson is where Cowboys, Indians and Mexicans meet suburbia and college town hipsters.

There is always a fiesta, the Biosphere II, shows and golf at many more courses, private or public like Crooked Tree ($29+ up) where “real golfers” like Gary and Rick play. Rick served our nation for 30 years and now his son flies Black Hawks for special ops, special people! Fly into Tucson or Phoenix. Average nightly resort rates range from $159-449 but special package deals are found at www.visittucson.org

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 31

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March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35

GOLF TRAVEL

THE PLAYERS Championship to showcase excellence in professional golf

In early May, the best players in the world will gather in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass for the 42nd edition of THE PLAYERS Championship, which will once again set the standard for excellence in professional golf through its breathtaking competition featuring the strongest field in golf and a fan experience that is second to none.

THE PLAYERS has set the precedent for the high watermark of excellence in professional golf since its inception more than 40 years ago, beginning with the construction of the now iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Designed by Pete Dye, the Stadium Course is the purest test in golf, favoring no particular style.

Long hitters like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods are part of the exclusive club of champions, but short hitters can also fare well, with players like Fred Funk and Tim Clark claiming the title.

Dye designed the course so that every hole has elements of risk and reward, drama and excitement – none more apparent than on the 16th hole, the iconic short par 5 that is reachable for most of the players in the

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field. And of course the island-green 17th hole continues to be the most iconic in golf. Players must have complete control of their games to walk up the 18th hole with a chance to win and join the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Fred Couples as THE PLAYERS champion.

When the Stadium Course was designed, Dye made special considerations to make sure the venue would be a shrine to golf fans, offering the best views of golf in the world to the thousands of spectators that flock to Ponte Vedra Beach every year to watch the most talented players in the world compete.

“THE PLAYERS continues to set the standard for fan experience at a golf tournament,” said Matt Rapp, Executive

GOLF TRAVEL Director of THE PLAYERS Championship. “From the unmatched views of golf to the modern amenities and technology on-site that today’s fans expect, THE PLAYERS allows fans to not only get to walk beside champions, they also get to feel like one.”

Proving the commitment to making the fan experience unmatched, THE PLAYERS has offered a variety of new dining options to fans on-site over the last few years. In 2014, the tournament debuted a centrally located area for fans to taste food from the Jacksonville area, made directly by the restaurants in food trucks, called Trucks on 10.

Aside from dining, fans also have the option of upgrading their tickets to one of the upgraded hospitality options, which provide spectacular views of golf, while providing comfortable seating and easily-accessible food and beverages.

The Benefactor Pavilion is located directly behind the 17th tee and gives fans the opportunity to see golf from a different perspective, as there is seating available on the second deck. Fans can see all the action on the 16th and 17th holes from the Benefactor Pavilion, making it one of the most unique views in the sport.

If you are looking for a nontraditional spectator experience, look no further than the Blue Room VIP Lounge presented by Michelob ULTRA, where fans can purchase a ticket for all-inclusive beverages and take part in a variety of activities, including Corn Hole-in-One, 3-Hole Mini Golf and Oversized Connect 4. In

2015, the venue will also feature live music, signature dishes from top local restaurants and Tshirt printing on-site.

THE PLAYERS is also the perfect place for a family to spend the day, as youth 18 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult, meaning that it is one of the most cost-effective ways for families to see a world-class sporting event in the world.

In addition to the world-class golf, visitors can experience Northeast Florida by visiting one of Jacksonville’s beautiful beaches, taking a trip down golf’s memory lane at the World Golf Hall of Fame or exploring the historic sites of St. Augustine.

Once the action starts, all eyes will be on the Stadium Course and the outstanding field of players vying for the chance to become THE PLAYERS Champion. The tournament is designed to showcase the very best professional golf has to offer, with only the very best players in the world invited to play. Like Martin Kaymer in 2014, any player that lifts the trophy on Sunday knows that he has beaten the game’s very best.

Fans from all over the world are invited to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., this May to once again witness history, as another player will join the legends in the game as THE PLAYERS champion.

Visit www.theplayerstravel.com to book your travel to THE PLAYERS Championship May 5-10, 2015.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37

PRIVATE GOLF // BY TIMOTHY BRANCO

Private Golf Forecast 2015

The challenges faced by private golf clubs throughout New England will continue through 2015. Already, far more people play golf at public courses than private ones. Of the estimated 28 million golfers in the United States, about 2.1 million belong to private clubs or less than 9% of the market. The solution is clear, make private golf more viable for the almost 26 million public golfers and their families who have grown to love the game. Private clubs in New England are top heavy with members who are 50-65 years old. Failure to attract younger members and families will be the downfall of even the most prestigious clubs.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve only seen 39 private courses close in America, but we’ve seen 400 open their doors a little, or a lot,” said Joe Beditz, the president and chief executive of the National Golf Foundation. “For a golfer, there couldn’t be a better time, the private golf club model will never go away and is now more accessible than ever. In 10 years, there will be about 4,000 private clubs and about 12,000 other golf facilities, just like we have now.” According to the National Golf Foundation, from 1986 to 2005, the number of golf courses increased by 40 percent across the country, but there were not enough golfers to keep them all afloat.

Elaine Gebhardt, executive director of the New England Golf Course Owners Association, doesn’t hesitate to say that the region’s country clubs will probably never see the glory days of the 1990s again. Gebhardt said, “customer service and social media have become more important than ever. Some clubs are reaching out to golfers by posting their photos from tournaments on Facebook and Twitter. This is a younger demographic, that’s how you’re

38 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

going to reach them,” Gebhardt said. “ You’re not going to reach them by TV, radio, newspaper or even golf shows and open house events, they are a mobile society.”

Most private club web sites, e-marketing and communication are designed on non- responsive platforms that are not even readable on cell phones. This is a major factor as well with most clubs operating on outdated communication platforms. Gebhardt is not a fan of third party tee time discounters who bring in play that has little or no value as far as growth and sustainability for the clubs.

Private clubs need to target golfers though platforms that are golf specific. For car dealers, furniture stores and cell phone providers, TV, radio and newspapers are great, the target audience uses all of these products. For golf courses these mediums only reach a 7% golfing market share wasting 93% of their marketing dollars. Private clubs need to focus on consistent and product specific multi-media golf marketing that is measurable and flexible to each clubs needs. This is the only way the industry will have a chance to prosper and survive moving forward.

PRIVATE GOLF

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March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39

FALL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB

Make Your Own Mark in Golf History A N D P L AY W H E R E L E G E N D S P L AY E D

Celebrate 120 years of Great Golf at Fall River Country Club

October 20th, 1900 Harry Vardon Tees it up at FRCC

Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet and Ted Ray 1913 The Country Club

Bobby Jones Newport Country Club 1930

Celebrate 120 years of Great Golf at Fall River Country Club The history of Fall River Country Club is as rich as the game of golf itself. Founded in 1895, its 9-hole course was considered one of the best layouts in New England by some of golf’s most famous and legendary players, including Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet and Bobby Jones, to name just a few. In fact, many players would stop to play the Fall River CC on their way to the U.S.Open Championships in Newport and in Boston in the early years of the game in New England.

A welcoming membership and beautiful

clubhouse offers members and guests a wonderful New England country club experience with a full service restaurant that presents first class menu offerings including; White Glove Din¬ner Service, Hors D’oeuvres, Brunch Menus and Banquet Services for Business Meetings, Weddings and Reunions.

A staff with decades of experience caters this active club membership. Whether a wedding, business meeting, golf outing, family reunion or private party; the staff at FRCC is graciously waiting to serve you. Fallrivercc.com

PRIVATE GOLF

Fall River Country Club C O M E P L AY, R E L A X A N D E N T E R TA I N

S P R I N G P R O M O T I O NA L R AT E S No food minimums for six months Category A Full Single Membership $2,595 Category A Senior Full Single Membership $2,395 Family Membership $4,240 | Family Senior Membership $3,915 Young Professional-Ages 27-35 $1,845 | Young Adult-Ages 19-26 $1,295 12 Month Memberships Available

New Categories and Promotions for 2015 Social golf-limited membership. $600 plus greens fees. Maximum play-2 eighteen-hole rounds or 4 nine-hole rounds per month. Limited to first 25 who sign up.

Category B-$2,195 Play anytime Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays when the course is available. Wednesdays-Must tee off on any given nine before 11:00 a.m. Satur-

days, Sundays and Holidays. May tee off starting at 11:30 a.m.

Weekend Membership $1,200 (Includes greens fees). Teeoff after 2:00 pm on weekends only. Limited to the first 25 members who sign up.

For membership information please call 508-678-9374 or E-mail Jim Downs upsidedown1@msn.com

MEMBER FOR A DAY PROMOTION SPRING 2015

(Includes Cart) April $45.00 May $50.00 | Call 508-677-9828 to Book Tee Times

Fall River Country Club

4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA 02720

MEMBERSHIP AT ONE LOW PRICE TO JULY 2016 If you are a golfer and you love the game then finding the perfect place to hang your spikes is sometimes one of the most difficult decisions to make. Today players who enjoy private club membership have a multitude of choices with so many private clubs looking for members. Lets face it if your joining a private club then you are obviously looking to play more golf, so choose to play on a great golf course.

Segregansett Country Club has a rich history dating back to 1893 and is the fourth oldest established golf club in Massachusetts. The original 9-hole course was redesigned to its present 18-hole layout by Geoffrey Cornish in the 70’s. The course is

just less than 6700 yards and is a par 72 rated 73.3 at a slope of 133 from the blue tees.

Segregansett is a players club with a wonderful layout a range and also a short game practice facility. There is pro shop a full clubhouse with locker rooms, saunas and a gym for members. There is also a full service restaurant and function facility with a great outdoor deck and dinning area overlooking the course. The staff is friendly and helpful as are the members at the club. There is never a problem finding a game or getting out to play, and there are plenty of club run tournaments for all levels of players.

Beginning March 1st new members can

Segregansett Country Club offers innovating 2015-2016 membership special and continues its “Member for a Day” Program through the year in 2015 “New Member Program is only Available for a Limited Time” Join Now to be Locked in for Golf Until July 2016 Call Segregansett CC at 508-824-9110

New Membership Special for 2015-2016

Single $2950 March 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Family $3200 March 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Young Adult 21-29 $1500 March 1,2015 - June 30, 2016 Mid Adult 30-35 $2100 March1,2015 - June 30,2016

Member For a Day Pricing | $40 Weekdays | $50 Weekends Call Pro Shop for Tee Times @ 508-824-9144

join the club for $2950.00 that would cover their membership fee the full year in 2015 and to July 1st in 2016.

Aside from being the best deal in golf in the region for a private club member the new members on this program are exempt from monthly assessment fees and only are required to pay monthly food minimum of $55.00, the MGA handicap fee of $40.00 yearly and locker fee of $35.00 yearly.

Segregansett is also offering a full Family Membership for $3200.00 and new lev-

els of Young Adult Memberships, 21-29 at $1500.00 and 30-35 at $2100.00 that offer full playing privileges.

Segregansett will continue to offer its “ Member for a Day� program, which will allow single players, groups and families to enjoy the club for a day and meet some of the members and the staff.

Weekday tee times are available for only $40.00 with a cart and $50.00 weekends.

The program will be extended throughout the 2014 season.

mynegm.com/tauntongolf For more information on memberships contact Gary Palmer at GARYL53@verizon.net or call @ 508-942-5873 or call the main office at the club at 508-824-9110 For tee-times contact Rob Baxter at 508-824-9144

PAWTUCKET

COUNTRY CLUB The Best Membership Deal in Rhode Island “Fast Greens, Fast Rounds, Fast Friends”

• Dues of $4800 per year for the first two years • Golfing spouses/domestic partners can become Class C restricted members for $1300 • Children under the age of 18 are free • Family pool membership is included in every membership besides the Class E social • Locker room, bag storage are free • No tee times necessary • PCC’s pick up games are the best way to meet new people • Group discounts and social memberships available • Great golf course conditions are the norm

Join PCC Today Pawtucket Country Club has a long and proud tradition of offering members regularly scheduled games without the hassle of tee-times.

Founded in 1902, the club offers members and their guests the opportunity to relax in an unhurried, family friendly atmosphere. In addition to a classic par 69 golf course, the club has a full dining and banquet facility and an Olympic sized swimming pool. The club located at 900 Armistice Boulevard is situated in both Pawtucket and Seekonk.

(401) 725-2918 | www.pawtucketcountryclub.com Pawtucket Country Club | 900 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket, RI 02861

PRIVATE GOLF

Pawtucket C.C. purchased by member group who pledge to preserve golf operations

Pawtucket, RI -- At a special meeting held in February at Pawtucket Country Club, an overwhelming majority of members voted to sell the 113 year-old club to a group of members who have pledged to preserve golf course operations while making capital investments in the facility. The member group is being led by Rhode Island businessmen David Rampone and Gary Reis. Pawtucket Country Club is now debt free and repositioned to attract new members.

“As a member of Pawtucket Country Club for the past 28 years, I’m pleased to be in a position to take this action along with my partners to preserve one of Rhode Island’s best golf courses and to protect the traditions that have lasted here for the past 113 years,” said Rampone.

I grew up playing golf at Pawtucket with my father, my son is a member and I want my grandson to learn to play golf at

Pawtucket Country Club. The sale completely repositions the financial standing of the club.

It also allows us to recruit new members and provide them with assurances that the club is financially sound and they can join without concerns of assessments looming.”

“There is no doubt that the economic collapse in 2008 greatly affected the golf course industry both regionally and nationally. We were able to weather the economic downturn while continuing to make investments in the club. This sale will allow us to make additional capital investments in both the facility and the course to enhance the family friendly atmosphere that currently exists.

The sale marks a new beginning for Pawtucket Country Club,” added Rampone.

Those interested in membership opportunities should contact PCC’s Director of Golf and House Operations at michaelgelinas@pawtucketcountryclub.com.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 45

all of your milestonesfrom first stroke to final putt Milestone wines is proud to sponsor Boston’s National Golf Expo. Here’s to more glasses raised, fewer strokes taken, and all of life’s milestones.

Captains Golf Course

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2015 SEMINAR STAGE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 1:00 PM

The Putting Doctor | Joe Bermel Jr.

Joe Bermel Jr. is THE PUTTING DOCTOR, a golf teaching professional who has been teaching amateurs and professionals the putting game for over 28 years. Great putting tips – come early to get a great seat!

3:00 PM

Golf Fitness Tips | Kaitlyn Sharpless, Founder & Strength Coach, Felix.Fortis

Kaitlyn Sharpless developed her passion for golf fitness while playing on Methodist University’s Women’s Golf Team where sh e trained her teammates as well as members of their National Championship Team. A PGA Certified Professional, Kaitlyn has worked at TPC Boston and Lake Shore Country Club as a Golf Fitness Instructor. She is now the founder of Felix.Fortis, a Ballymeade sports fitness studio in Providence, RI specializing in golf fitness.

4:00 PM The Putting Doctor | Joe Bermel Jr. Joe Bermel Jr. is THE PUTTING DOCTOR, a golf teaching professional who has been teaching amateurs and professionals the putting game for over 28 years. Learn the mental part of great putting forever!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 11:00 AM The Putting Doctor | Joe Bermel Jr. Joe Bermel Jr. is THE PUTTING DOCTOR, a golf teaching professional who has been teaching amateurs and professionals the putting game for over 28 years. Great putting tips – come early to get a great seat.

12:00 PM Golf Fitness | Kaitlyn Sharpless, Founder & Strength Coach, Felix.Fortis Kaitlyn Sharpless developed her passion for golf fitness while playing on Methodist University’s Women’s Golf Team where she trained her teammates as well as members of their National Championship Team. A PGA Certified Professional, Kaitlyn has worked at TPC Boston and Lake Shore Country Club as a Golf Fitness Instructor. She is now the founder of Felix.Fortis, a sports fitness studio in Providence, RI specializing in golf fitness.

1:00 PM

WBZ’s Sports Hub 98.5 Golf Clinic with Hardy

The Sport’s Hub’s Hardy will be joined by local pros. Paul Gozbekian, personal trainer at Equinox Boston, certified with Titleist Performance Institute, will talk fitness and nutrition. Jim Hackenberg, creator of the Orange Whip and related products will discuss equipment. And check out a quick lesson by Scott Allen, head professional at George Wright Golf Course.

3:00 PM The Importance of Club Fitting | Daren McKinnon, Director of Club Fitting, Joe & Leigh’s Performance Center Daren McKinnon is a Factory Certified Club Fitter for all brands and a PGA Apprentice.

Recently named a Top 100 Club Fitter by Golf Digest magazine, Joe & Leigh’s Golf Performance Center is located in South Easton, MA 4:00 PM

The Putting Doctor | Joe Bermel Jr.

Joe Bermel Jr. is THE PUTTING DOCTOR, a golf teaching professional who has been teaching amateurs and professionals the putting game for over 28 years. Learn the Putting Doctor very successful Pre Putt Routine (PPR)!

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 47

48 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 49

2015 NATIONAL GOLF EXPO EXHIBITOR LIST 3 Up Golf Adams Golf Ameriprise Financial Audi of America, Inc. Audi Long Putt Challenge Azores Golf Islands Bermuda Tourism Big Skinny Wallets Callaway Golf Cape & Islands Golf Shop Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce/CVB Celebrity Cruises Central NY Golf-Utica, Rome, Verona CJ’s Golf Apparel Cleveland Golf Coastal Golfaway Productions Cobra Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS Championship Cruise Planners American Express Cutting Edge Promotional Products Deutsche Bank Championship ECCO Retail Energy Now Enovative Technologies Executive Women’s Golf Association-Boston FitGolf Performance Center Florida Golf Alliance Gina Cigar Golf Ball Retrieval Golf Maine Golf Prince Edward Island, Canada Golfing Magazine Golfsmith International, Inc. GolfTEC - Boston Great Northern Catskills Golf Green Mountain National Golf Course Happy Feet Hilton Head Island & The Lowcountry Golf Jay Peak Golf Club & Resort Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop Kartmate by Elite Seats Killington Resort Golf Course Kings Creek Plantation KlitchIt.com Lake Morey Resort LeaderBoard of Boston-Mini Golf Liberty Mutual Insurance LITE4NITE golf balls Live In Colors Maine’s Golf Trifecta Massachusetts Golf Association Massachusetts State Treasury Milestone Wines

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PUBLIC GOLF // BY TIMOTHY BRANCO

Semi Private & Public Golf

in New England 2015 Public Golf Editorial

With the decline is private club membership throughout New England public access golf courses have seen a more stable business model with more available golfers in the last few years. Having said this there are still issues that are hurting both semi-private and public facilities and most of them are synonymous with discounting. The math is plain and simple, more discounted rounds through 3rd part sellers are not equating to profit for anyone.

If a public access course does 30,000 undiscounted rounds at an average rate of $50.00 their income is 1.5 million dollars. A course doing 50,000 rounds using Golf Now, player’s cards, free golf promotion and advertising and promotion trades may look much busier but in their retrospect profit may be substantially less. In addition discount golfers hold no loyalty and rarely create any measurable sustainability for repeat business.

What makes a successful public access golf facility is really all about the experience and that will never change.

Understanding that golf is a hospitality industry is key to success at every course today. Great course conditions, friendly welcoming staff and great 19th holes are key to capturing a customer for 5 hours of their precious time. Having a bad day on the links for any golfer is difficult but compounding it with unfriendly staff, a bad meal and slow play is a recipe for disaster when it comes to repeat business. We want the game to be a lifetime of learning and enjoyment for everyone who

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plays the game and always do everything possible to keep them coming back for more.

Creating new innovating programs to grow the game is critical at public facilities. Family, junior and women’s clinics bring new players into the game and open courses to a broader customer base. Kids leagues in midafternoons are catching on across the country with 3,6 and 9 hole formats. Couples golf and family golf are becoming increasingly popular as well. Golf is a great game to share with family but few courses today create opportunities where new players can learn the game and are not pressured and intimidated on the course by more experienced players.

Last but not least there are a lot of courses out their vying for the same golf dollar. Every course is different and unique, getting the word out is always a challenge. Seek professional and experienced golf marketing firms to create a vision for your facility and be consistent with message. Keep your product in front of your customers throughout the golf season.

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CELEBRITY GOLFER // BY LEIGH MCKAY

Mark Bradley A professional golf, ski, and fly-fishing instructor—Mark Bradley has enjoyed the good life outdoors in Wyoming and New England.

Include life as a young man playing golf with his sister Pat and then include life as an adult watching his son Keegan succeed on the PGA TOUR—Mark Bradley has been remarkably fortunate.

And he appreciates it very much.

I met Mark at the PGA Merchandise Show in January where he was busy at the National Car Rental tour bus. National is the Official Rental Car of the PGA of America, and both Bradleys serve as ambassadors for the National Car Rental ProAm Series. We had a short, lively conversation and set up a future phone interview.

Mark called me the Saturday night of the Farmers Insurance Open after following Keegan around the South Course at Torrey Pines. I had asked for 30 minutes, but Mark regaled me for an hour with what has made his life such a special one.

NEGM: How did you become a PGA golf professional?

MB: I started later in the golf business than most people and did not get my Class A card until I was in my mid-30’s. I was moving back East after having spent 10 years in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as a ski instructor and fly-fishing guide.

I wanted to get back into golf because it had been such a big part of growing up with my sister Pat. My wife Kaye bought me a membership at Woodstock CC in Vermont, and I started to work on my game again. I became the head pro at

62 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

Haystack GC in nearby Wilmington and earned my Class A in five years, by which time we had Keegan and Madison.

NEGM: Why did you go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the first place?

MB: I left New England as a young man in 1973 to go to Jackson Hole, mostly for the skiing—my father owned a ski shop, you know— but I also worked one summer as the night water man at Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club. Then I got the fly fishing bug and became a fly-fishing guide all over Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

NEGM: What influenced Keegan to become a TOUR player?

MB: At age six he came to work with me on a daily basis, and he just loved golf. He loved it!

He would play 36, 45, 54 holes a day. I gave him a lot of instruction, but I did not want to cloud his mind with a lot of technical stuff. My best advice to Keegan was, “Hit it hard, and then we’ll go find it.” He got a steady diet of that, and it’s working so far. Pat has told me that the most important thing I ever did for Keegan was to instill in him a love for the game—and I think that’s a true statement.

NEGM: How did you and Pat learn to play golf?

MB: Through my dad and Nashua CC in New Hampshire. He was very serious about golf and demanded a lot from Pat and me. He was a wonderful man, but he was tough on us. My approach has been different. I decided to make golf fun and lighthearted. I never overloaded Keegan with instruction or demands. I wanted

CELEBRITY GOLFER to be a presence; I wanted to be helpful; I did not want to dominate.

My dad would drive Pat and me to Nashua CC each morning and then pick us up after he closed the ski shop. Pat so impressed the head pro John Wirbal that he gave her free lessons.

To this day Pat and I have a special bond, and those summers were a wonderful time for us.

Pat is obviously way into what’s going on with her nephew, and it’s been very, very helpful to him. As a boy, Keegan would follow her outside the ropes. And, of course, her playing on the LPGA Tour served as a great incentive for Keegan’s ultimate goal to play on the TOUR.

NEGM: When did you know Keegan had a chance to make the TOUR?

MB: The summer after his junior year proved that Keegan was something special. Kaye and I had divorced, and I moved to Hopkinton, Massachusetts, for the season of 2003 to become the assistant golf professional at Hopkinton CC. Keegan played out of the club and played some superb golf in junior tournaments.

However, I had to figure out where Keegan would spend his senior year, back at Woodstock or somewhere else.

As destiny would have it, Keegan played 36 holes of golf one Monday with a bunch of kids at the club. When he returned home, he had this wide-eyed look, and this look was a turning point for him and me. Keegan said, “Dad, I played so well today. I could smash my tee ball as hard as I could hit it, and it flew in a deadstraight rope. I played great!”

I said, “Wow, Keegs, it sounds like you’ve had a breakthrough.”

And he said, “No, Dad, this was freakish!”

And I said to myself, “Whoa! We’ve got something going on here.”

Then Keegan said, “Dad, those boys all want me to go to Hopkinton High because they said we can win the high school state championship going away.”

The next day I enrolled Keegan in the high school. And wouldn’t you know it—the golf team

was loaded with incredible talent. The Hillers won the state championship by 21 strokes. Keegan shot 69, was medalist, and was named the Massachusetts Player of the Year.

Really, really wonderful stuff!

NEGM: Tell us about your return to Jackson Hole in 2005.

MB: In February of 2005, I learned the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club was looking for a new head pro, and, as luck would have it again, I got the job. This is my 11th year back to the club where I was the night water man more than 30 years ago.

Keegan came out for the summers while he was attending St. John’s University and worked with me in the pro shop. He won the state amateur by 10 shots, and I was on his bag. Keegan participated all over the state for three years and became well known. Then he goes out on TOUR and wins the PGA Championship. Cowboys, who don’t even play the game, are turning on golf broadcasts just to watch Keegan play.

NEGM: What do you remember about Keegan’s 2011 PGA Championship victory?

MB: What I remember is not being there at the Atlanta Athletic Club for Keegan’s first major because I had to work at the club.

On Sunday, we had a huge member scramble, and I got everyone started, but then I went home to watch the last 15 holes by myself. The moment that really struck me was when Jim Nantz on national television said he was handing the trophy “To the son of a PGA club pro.” Then he concluded with, “Keegan Bradley is the 93rd winner of the coveted Wannamaker Trophy.”

I’m sitting there all alone thinking, “This is surreal. This is incredible.”

NEGM: What are your plans for the future?

MB: I want to continue as Director of Golf Instruction at Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club.

I want to continue to ski. I want to continue to be involved in my children’s and grandchildren’s lives. And I want to be a good Christian man who gives thanks to God for all I have.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 63

MOLORI UNPLUGGED

Golf maven Bourassa moves from fire to Fore!

Ryan Allen, punter for the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots has had a whirlwind ride over the past couple of years. Undrafted out of Louisiana Tech, he signed with the Patriots in April of 2013. Allen beat out veteran punter Zoltan Mesko, and this year, was part of a World Championship team as the team’s punter and holder for kicker Stephen Gostkowski. At age 25, he has already had a life in fotbal, and of course, golf.

“My dad got me into the game when I was about 9 years old,” says Allen, a native of Salem, Oregon. “We played at Fiddler’s Green outside of Eugene. Dad golfed with his co-workers and I would caddy for him. He would let me hit some balls on a few holes. I really didn’t play a lot in college, I eventually got back into it. I was pretty good at young age, but I had to get my swing back after being away for a while.”

Allen redshirted at Oregon State before transferring to Louisiana tech where he was a unanimous All-American and two-time Ray Guy Award winner as the nation’s top punter.

He sees the similarities between golf and punting. “The mental aspect is very similar. Both golf and putting are a one-rep exer-

64 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

cise. You only get one swing, and you only get one chance at punting. Your approach, progression, and alignment are all very important.”

Salem Golf Course and Lanigan Barn in in Oregon are among Allen’s favorite home courses. He has also played Spring Valley with Gostkowksi and looks forward to trying Ferncroft and other local courses this offseason.

Says Allen, “We all put a lot of effort and time in at the facility, so it’s great to have something that takes your head away from the game for a little while. The veterans on the team have really passed golf down to

MOLORI UNPLUGGED

Courtesy of New England Patriots

I don’t think we’ll miss a beat at all.”

So, what was the punter doing when Malcolm Butler’s reception heard ‘round the world took place? He responds, “We were all kind of just standing around hoping that the defense would make a big play. I was also with Stephen planning what we would do if we got the ball back. When Malcolm

made that interception, everybody just screamed.

It was amazing.”

ts Courtesy of New England Patrio

us. We are all svery competitive and golf can be quite frustrating at times.”

Frustration is tempered by elation. Allen discusses his most memorable golf moment. “It was back in Oregon. I was playing with my grandfather and my father when I was only about 10 years old. They kind of picked and chose which holes I would play. I actually birdied a par 4, and they were absolutely amazed. I was walking around on my high horse for the next two weeks!”

Playing for the best team in the NFL is great for any player, but playing for Bill Belichick, a special teams maven, is extra special for a punter. Allen relates, “Coach Belichick always puts an emphasis on special teams, and we know the knowledge that e brings to the table. He recalls moments and information that he experienced many years ago.

It’s almost like he is never wrong.”

Speaking of coaching, Allen’s special team coach Scott O’Brien announced his retirement after the Super Bowl and will be replaced by Joe Judge.

Allen sees no blip in production. “It was my great pleasure to work for Coach O’Brien and nobody works harder than Joe Judg. I look forward to working with him and I know he will do the best job possible.

The Patriots have forged an unmatched winning formula, so what is the secret? Allen points to leadership. “Guys like Tom Brady and Darrelle Revis relate to us on a truly inspirational and positive level. They help to build camaraderie. You don’t expect a pro football team to be like a family, but that’s what we are.

Their attitude and personalities set the tone and allow us to weather any storm.”

This includes tropical storm Deflategate, which hit the New England shores after the AFC Title game. Allen explains the team’s approach stating, “It was a big deal to everyone except us. We have no control over that. We were more focused on preparing to go to a Super Bowl. I think as a team we handled it very well.”

I typical Patriot fashion, Allen’s offseason will consist of a little golf and a lot of doing his job. He relates, “It’s a blessing to be in an organization where everybody works hard. No matter how successful you become, you have to maintain and keep working. We all work hard in the off-season. It’s important to do that in order to contribute to the team. I love these players. That’s my driving force to keep giving it my all.”

John Molori is the co-author of “The Cracker Jack Collection: Baseball’s Prized Players.” Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia.

Email molorimedia@aol.com

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 65

THE TOUR SNAPSHOT // BY JACK ROSS

Players At Arnold Palmer Invitational Will Confront A New Look When the Bay Hill golf course was carved out of unproductive wilderness in central Florida in 1960, no one could have predicted that it would one day host one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour: the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Palmer fell in love with the course and the site while playing a charity event there in 1965, and bought Bay Hill in 1975. The club serves as his winter headquarters.

I had an opportunity to meet “the King” and play the championship course when I attended a USGA event at Bay Hill a number of years ago. The club reflects Mr. Palmer’s down-to-earth personality; guests at the lodge are made to feel like members during their stay. My scores on the course are less memorable than the opportunity to mingle with Mr. Palmer and some of his good friends at the cocktail hours and dinners.

The inaugural Arnold Palmer Invitational was held in 1979. The event has become a prestigious event and one of the critical warm-ups for the Masters.

Tiger Woods has dominated the event in recent years with eight wins at Bay Hill, but his entry in this year’s field in uncertain. New England’s Keegan Bradley was the runner up last year, and hopes to repeat his solid play on Palmer’s layout.

The biggest pre-tournament news was Rory McIlroy’s announcement that he will play in the Bay Hill Invitational for the first time, fulfilling a commitment to Palmer. “Mr. Palmer is the father figure of modern golf, widening its appeal and bringing the game to a new audience,” said McIlroy. “Every playing professional of my generation owes a debt of gratitude to Arnold Palmer.”

The 7,381-yard championship course plays to a par of 72, and confronts players with water on numerous holes. One of the most challenging tees shots the players will face is on the 434-yard 3rd hole, which doglegs sharply around the largest lake on the course. The green is perched above a stone wall bordering the lake. Players who fail to read the tricky crosswind may end up dropping from the hazard.

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Two exacting closing holes will confront the leaders on Sunday. The 221-yard par-3 17th hole plays from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by water on three sides with challenging bunkers to the left. The green is small, firm, and fast, making birdies a premium. The striking 458-yard par-4 18th hole looks simple from the tee, but on the approach shot players will face a kidney-shaped green fronted by rocks and water. These final holes create the possibility for swings in the tournament.

As a result of several projects directed by superintendent Chris Flynn, players will face a different Bay Hill course this year. First, the bunkers have been upgraded with the addition of 1,700 tons of sand that is more angular and holds the ball up better; there will be fewer buried lies.

Flynn and his staff have also added five more acres of fairway to restore the original design of the holes. “The fairways were very narrow…the rough had encroached into the fairways,” said Flynn. This change translates into more driving area, but also brings bunkers and water hazards more into play since strips of rough have been removed. “It’s easier for the average player, but it also increases the chances for better players challenging the course to find a bunker or water,” said Flynn.

Finally, Flynn embarked on a tree-trimming campaign to remove limbs encroaching on the line of play. I recall hitting some trees at Bay Hill, but I’m not sure whether they were in the line of play.

Jack Ross is the former editor of Ross’s Rules. This column takes a new direction. Jack will continue to cover golf rules topics at www.mynegm.com.

FAIRWAYS LIFESTYLES & LIVING // BY KATHERINE DYSON

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 67

TEAM NEW ENGLAND | BY STEVE RIGGS

Team New England Update: Top 10 Players for March 2015 This year NEGM will list the Top 10 players of Team New England each month including top amateurs from the region as this 2015 golf season unfolds. When the snow melts that is.

Team New England Player of Month Scott Stallings Worcester, MA Scott Stallings, (MA) leads our list this month with earnings of $786.156 through the Farmers Insurance Open where Scott was defending champion. Stallings came up just short this year losing to Jason Day Jon Curran, (MA) is close behind Stallings. It is Curran’s rookie season on the PGA Tour after finishing 12th on the Web.Com Tour money list in 2014. Curran has made 3 cuts in 9 starts including his T-10th at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am. Not a big hitter Curran is ranked 180th in distance off the tee. However, he is 34th in driving accuracy resulting in a rank of 25th in GIR, (Greens in Regulation). That’s pretty impressive. Curran’s earnings sit at $321,644 with a lot of golf to play.

in a four man playoff. His 2014-15 season began with the Frys.Com Open making 6 cuts in 7 starts.

Along with his 2nd at the Farmers, Scott has 1 top 10 and 4 top 25 finishes. He has been working out and it shows as the announcers in the Tower at the Farmers took note of Stallings’ conditioning and how it has helped his game.

J.J. Henry, (CT) Since 2001 JJ has been in the top 125 each season until last year when he finished 128th, just outside the magical 125 number. J.J. didn’t shrink but continued to grind making 3 cuts in 4 starts competing in the Web.Com Tour’s 2014 playoff series. This season Henry has made 7 cuts in 9 starts with a T-11th at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Earnings of $239,329 thru the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am find Henry with an All-Around Rank of 89th.

Our PGA Tour elder statesman is back inside the top 125 with a rank of 100th at this writing.

Keegan Bradley, (VT) is having a slow start to his 2014-15 season on the PGA TOUR. Having made 4 cuts in 4 starts with a T25 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, his earnings are $174,976. Bradley finished T-3rd in both the Hero World Challenge and Franklin Templeton Shootout, (events not considered PGA Tour events). Bradley, consistently long off the tee, needs to improve his GIR ranking of 146th and his Putting Average rank of 191st. That said, it is early for our star TNE player.

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TEAM NEW ENGLAND \\ CHAMPIONS TOUR

Team New England 2014 player of the year Champions Tour Billy Andrade Billy Andrade, (RI) had a good rookie year on the Champions Tour in 2014 earning $747,435 after a long layoff from competitive golf. The tour is just underway with two events and Billy has a T25 finish via the Allianz Championship. His earnings are currently $23,504. It appears he needs to work on his putting and sand game, often the last pieces of the swing/game puzzle to come together the beginning of a season.

Peter Uihlein, (MA) is putting in his third full season on the European PGA Tour. Six events played thus far, Peter has 4 cuts in 6 starts with two T-25 finishes. His earnings sit at $103,376.70.

Peter’s Greens in Regulation as well as his Putting averages are areas needing attention. We are anxious to see Uihlein a regular member of the American PGA Tour.

TNE Top LPGA Tour and Symetra Tour Players Alison Walshe, (MA) may currently be TNE’s only LPGA Tour player, she still deserves our accolades as she is off to a good start this year earning $53,595 and in 12th on the LPGA Tour money list just behind Stacy Lewis. Alison finished 6th at the COATES Golf Championship, her only start so far this year. Joining the LPGA Tour in 2010, Alison’s career earnings are $740,778.

Brittany Altomare, (VT) 16th on Symetra Tour in 2014 earning $35,546.

The four year ACC All American at Virginia is keeping her aspirations to play the LPGA Tour in check choosing not to take advantage of her conditional LPGA Tour status in 2015 saying, “…bouncing back between tours can really hurt you. I feel like I started off well on this (Symetra) tour, and I feel like the best chance of getting my (LPGA Tour) card is to focus here.” Brittany will be joining the LPGA Tour when she is ready.

TNE Top Amateur to watch in 2015: John VanDerLaan, (CT) is the 2014 New England Amateur and Challenge Cup Match Play Champion. The 18 year old from Southbury, CT attends Florida Southern. In addition to his NE Am and Challenge Cup Match Play wins, John’s high school resume includes Connecticut Division II High School Player of the Year ... First-Team All-Conference honors and team captain; helped Pomperaug High School, Southbury, CT to the Division I State Championships to name but a few accolades. VanDerLaan spends time practicing at the Country Club of Waterbury, (CT), and Lone Palm in Lakeland FL when not competing.

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 69

TINKER’S NEST

THE TINKER’S NEST

THE TINKER’S NEST

We have all invested countless hours and dollars whether professional or intermediate to peak to new heights in “our game.” The Tinker’s Nest is for those of us that constantly tinker with our gear and our games. From technology to training aids and equipment to grips, NEGM will bring you the latest and greatest to assist in your quest to handicap greatness!

The following is a preview of what’s to come on the NEGM Platform and some of our favorites from the 2015 PGA Show.

April

apps & music | gps’ & lasers | launch/swing analyzers | bags & carts

May

irons & shafts | grips & gloves | aids & golf schools | distance control

June

drivers & shafts | fitting options | travel cases & shipping options

July

wedges, putters & balls | ways to grip it | short game aids

• WEEKLY EDITION SENT EVERY FRIDAY • DAILY CONTENT ON myNEGM.com • MONTHLY FEATURE IN NEGM MAGAZINE • Subscribe FREE at myNEGM.com/subscribe

August

fairways & hybrids | laying up & going for it | cover those heads

Sept/Oct

junior & womens gear | college prep | lady golf camps

Oct/Nov

simulators & facilities | fitness plans | indoor aids

Nov/Dec

gifts & stocking stuffers | new for next year | tinker’s nest awards

The World’s Largest Selection of Golf Teaching and Training Aids 70 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

TINKER’S NEST

Aids For Some Not For All | by Greg Sampson

Choosing a training aid to improve a facet of your game is a trying task as not all aids work and some will not coincide with your learning method. My suggestion is to purchase the aids your coach uses in your sessions and take into consideration expert reviews to select the proper aid(s) to bring your game to the next level. Here are some aces in the hole from this years PGA Show and as I always say watch their videos online as sometimes words do not don’t even do the best of training aids justice!

DST Golf - Delayed Strike Technology Golf

We have all heard that impact is everything.

In my opinion this is true, however most will agree that optimal impact is accomplished from a golfer controlling the club face before and after the strike. Their concept is simple and true; the hands lead the club face through im-

Swing Click

This may be the most simple device I have ever seen for timing, rythmn and distance control in one. It just sraps to your arm and you can

pact. Set up the white line square to the club face during set up and watch your chipping, pitching and over all ball striking improve. I also find this aid great for flighting your ball. This winner of a training club comes in a wedge and iron. A great investment for almost any golfer and odds are your coach has not seen or heard of it yet but will love it when they do!

adjust it based on the length of swing. You wait for the click at the top, click it at the ball and even work on that picture perfect finish with a click at the end. This genius device is well worth the price for any golfer of any skill level. Period!

Enter Promo Code NEGMFREE For Complimentary Shipping. *Within the United States

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 71

TINKER’S NEST

Tech Out in 2015

Technology has been improving year after year in the golf industry.

Some of it is a bit too far in my opinion but there are many useful gizmos and gadgets that are on our radar this season. We will cover them more in depth in our weekly editions of The Tinker’s Nest.

Apps There are so many cool apps available for golfers to improve their games and enjoy their practice/rounds more. We as golfers almost all have the PGA Tour app and hopefully the New England Golf Monthly app. However, a must have is the Golf Rules Quick Reference App that lets you decide on quick rules decisions out on the course.

Bags and Carts Some of us are riders and some walkers. Many like to push and others go the electric route. Brands like Alphard, Bag Boy, ClicGear and Sun Mountain all have great products.

The silencer bag system by OGIO now available in a stand bag and GolferPal’s new folding electric cart, the EasyPal are both something to add to your purchase list this season.

72 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | March 2015

Grips The grip leader on tour and with club manufacturers is Golf Pride. Their new MCC Plus 4 was a show stopper featuring a built up lower hand which is what must players on tour request. Super Stroke known for its putter grips came out with Plus Series Grips with Counter Core Weight Technology.

A 50 gram weight can be changed back and worth to turn any putter into a traditional or counterbalance setup. Super Stroke also entered the market this year with a full swing grip called the Tour Extreme (TX1) featuring an upper cord that extends further down the grip then most others. The other major players like Iomic, Lampkin, Pure Grips, and Winn Grips also came out with some must haves for the season.

TINKER’S NEST Lasers & GPS Units We all know that a laser is more accurate than a gps, however a gps unit ca act as a personal caddy for the average golfer providing them valuable course management information that they would have to shoot with their laser to discover. There are some solid new products in this space this year from brands like Bushnell, Garmin, Laser Link, Leupold, Nikon and Precision Pro. We have our eyes on the new laser from Callaway and the gps watch from Golf Buddy.

Launch Monitors The days of just your professional having the launch monitor to fit you on and analyze your data may be over as this year there are a few affordable consumer models that hit the market. Pioneers like Flightscope, Foresight and TrackMan are still the best money can buy. We love

the new SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor as it is accurate and affordable providing ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin and side angle to your mobile device. Best of all it is wireless so it is completely portable!

Speakers Music on the range and on the course has defiantly reached the game. It is possible in the near future tour players will approach the first tee to their own entrance song. The PLAYERS Championship just named its unofficial theme song for 2015, “Love the Way You Love” by Stephen Carey. The PUMA Sound Chuck, Amp Caddy, and OontZ AnglePLUS to name a few have all enter this space. Earbuds by Bose, Ultimate Ears and Bang & Olusen to name a few have become very popular on the range, putting green and during work outs!

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 73

EQUIPMENT | BY ED TRAVIS

2015 Equipment Outlook The 2015 golf season is just around the corner and while attending the PGA Merchandise Show in late January we had the opportunity to become familiar with the new equipment lines. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most interesting items we saw in Orlando and as always we will continue to do more in depth coverage during the year, with special features on everything from drivers to putters.

Adams Golf

In addition to new models for their Idea Tech hybrids and Tight Lies lines (both of which we thought were very nice) Adams has another new hybrid named simply Red—presumably for the red-colored weight plate on the sole. Rather than continuing to increase the head size of hybrids as other makers have done, Adams made the Red, with a small 95cc clubhead which makes it easier to hit from difficult lies and allowing golfers more shot-shaping potential. The Red ($229) makes use of Adam’s patented “upside down” head shape and has slots in both the sole and crown plus three sole weights can be moved to compensate for a slice or hook tendency.

Axis1 Golf

Axis1 says with the impending ban of anchored putting strokes in 2016 this year will be decisive for putters and that they are well placed to take advantage of the putter change being forced on thousands of golfers. Luis Pedraza’s Axis1 putter is balanced so the center of gravity is on the putter face in line with the shaft rather than further back in the head. The result is a putter without the tendency to open on the back stroke, meaning the path can be more on line naturally. The four Axis1 models range in price from $199 to $349.

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EQUIPMENT

Ben Hogan

One of the PGA Merchandise Show highlights was the chance to see and hit the new Ben Hogan irons due to be released in retail this spring. Perry Ellis, the apparel company that owns the Ben Hogan name, has formed the new club company along with Eidolon Wedge’s Terry Koehler to make strikingly good looking forged irons in lofts from 20 to 47 degrees. Priced at $150 per club these FW15 models (FW as in Fort Worth, Hogan’s home town) feature thin top lines and what is being called “Perimeter weighting... Redefined” to make them as forgiving as possible. Made to custom order only they are aimed to appeal to the Hogan-style player who wants irons with the iconic name. Additionally there is also a line of TK15 wedges with the V-sole from Koehler’s Eidolon design—48 to 63 degrees for $150 per club.

Bettinardi Golf

Bob Bettinardi has a worldwide reputation for making some of the most sought after milled putters and though not an exhibitor at the Show is now entering into another hotly contested category, wedges. His new H2 wedge series has a distinctive milled face pattern and a C-grind sole that lets the forward edge stay in contact with the ground slightly longer at impact. Because of this, shot versatility is enhanced on each of the five stock wedges of between 52 and 60 degrees loft. H2 wedges (the H2 is for High Helix, the CNC machine tool used to mill the face) retail for $195 in either a nickel or bronze finish.

Bridgestone Golf

Bridgestone makes the point they don’t bring out new clubs just for the sake of being able to say they have a new model, so it was with interest we looked at the new J715 driver. Rather than a sole slot it uses the Flex Action Speed Technology (F.A.S.T.) crown made so it is very thin close to the face and gradually thicker toward the rear allowing a lot of flexing by the crown at impact for a better launch. There’s also a milled pattern face and movable weights in the heel and center of the sole to adjust trajectory and spin tendency plus face and lie adjustments. The J715 driver ($399) is available in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12-degrees loft.

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EQUIPMENT | BY ED TRAVIS

Callaway Golf

Callaway of course has a couple of new drivers (the V Series, Big Bertha Alpha 815 and Big Bertha 815 Double Black Diamond) plus iron models for 2015 but we spent a lot of time talking with their people about the Chrome Soft golf ball ($38 dozen) which Callaway thinks will be a big winner for them in the ball wars. It has a low compression core (named the SoftFast Core), a mantle layer and a urethane cover giving it an overall compression rating of 65. In addition to the benefits of the low compression, the soft cover should be a big help on touch shots around the green—a sharp contrast to other low compression balls with a firmer Surlyn cover. The niche for the Chrome Soft then is a “soft but fast core” for distance and the soft cover for feel.

Cleveland Golf

Cleveland is focusing on the fact we swing a lot slower than the pros and senior golfers especially need appropriately designed clubs to get better distance and the most out of their games. The new CG Black Custom driver is a solution we thought appealing. It’s lightweight (as far as we know the lightest on the market at 275 grams), adjustable from 9 to 12 degrees and comes with a stock Mitsubishi Bassara E50 shaft. The center of gravity has been lowered for higher launch, which is something that will help ladies or senior men or anyone with a swing speed between 85 and 105 mph. The CG Black ($400) also has a Y-Shape Sound Rib so impact sounds solid.

Cobra Golf

The Bio Cell brand from Cobra is no more, being replace by the Fly-Z line which includes the Fly-Z+ and Fly-Z XL models with fairways, hybrids and irons. Most of the talk was about the Fly-Z+ driver with Cobra’s first entry into the front and back weight-adjustable category. Called FlipZone, the system gives the choice of a mid-launch low-spin flight when the 15-gram weight is in the front positon and approximately same launch angle but 400 rpm of added spin when in the rear position. The Fly-Z+ ($399) has Cobra’s Speed Channel in the sole and their well-regarded forged E9 Zone face which makes for a larger sweet spot. Making a complete up to date package there is also an adjustable hosel with eight settings.

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EQUIPMENT

Cure Putters

High moment of inertia putters are made by almost every manufacturer but Cure combines high MOI with adjustable weighting and an alignment system based on a design by former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman. The result is a putter that gets lots of attention. Five models of the new RX series were introduced at the Show but we liked the RXi. It looks a bit more like a blade than the other Cure models and beats even mallets in MOI values which of course translates to greater resistance to twisting. The RXi ($300) has Cure’s adjustable weights and adjustable lie angle features.

Mizuno Golf

Thought Mizuno’s new JPX-850 driver ($400) with its dual weights in a sliding channel drew Show attendees we thought a couple of the company’s new forged irons especially the MP-H5 player’s iron line particularly worthwhile.

The “H” stands for hollow, which is how the 1- to 6-iron are constructed (yes, you still can get a 1-iron!). These mid- and long irons have a fully hollow clubhead while the heads of the 7-iron to pitching wedge are half-hollow. The MP-H5s are built to give players wanting irons with a traditional appearance the opportunity to get the benefits of modern high launch/soft landing and forgiving designs while not sacrificing look. Pricing for the 3-iron through pitching wedge with KBS C Taper Lite Stiff steel shafts is $1,000.

Nike Golf

Nike enters the golf season with a whole new line of clubs under the Vapor label which includes drivers, fairways, hybrids and irons in variations with the Vapor Pro, Vapor Speed, and Vapor Flex names. However, the driver that we spent the most time with was the Vapor Speed and though it was tempting to try the Vapor Pro, like the one used by Rory McIlroy, most of us lack the swing to take advantage of all it can do. The Vapor Speed, which is a user-friendly $299, is a worth considering if you need a lightweight high launch driver which of course is exactly what weekend golfers need. It has Nike’s adjustable hosel and a deeper face than either the Vapor Flex or Vapor Pro and comes with a 50-gram shaft, the MRC Fubuki Z 50.

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EQUIPMENT | BY ED TRAVIS

Ping Golf

Ping’s G30 driver ($350) with “turbulators” on the crown to redirect airflow has had a lot of media attention since fan-favorite Bubba Watson is using one—with a pink shaft that’s hard to miss. We were drawn however to the new Glide wedges that Ping people are calling “our best wedge hands down.” Ping says they are designed for control of both shot length and trajectory and we noted some very nice touches. Take for example the Dyla-wedge modified taper grips which are ¾” longer than normal to give more “gripping-down” room to better control trajectory. Also there’s a choice of three sole options: thin for shallow attack angle swings playing on firm conditions, wide for steep attack angles and softer turf or sand and the standard sole for more normal conditions. Lofts available run from 47 degrees to 60 degrees depending on the sole width chosen. Glide wedges have a MSRP of $140.

TaylorMade Golf

TMaG’s very popular SLDR driver of last year was a tough act to follow but the R15, (note the resurrection of the “R” series designation) is another example for the company’s technical expertise. The R15 (460cc or 430cc both $429), rather than the SLDR’s one sliding weight, has two for even more user refinement and coupled with the 12-position loft sleeve can match any player’s needs. The track for the two weights does double duty as the sole slot and has been moved much closer to the face to produce even better launch conditions. The new AeroBurner driver ($299) lacks the R15’s adjustability but does have an open channel sole slot, the largest TMaG has ever made and is very light weight—the stock Matrix shaft is 50-grams. The main features you’ll notice right away are the clubhead with an aerodynamically designed crown surface and an airflow vane on the hosel. TMaG also is creating what may be a new iron category with their RSi irons, the first clubs ever to have slots in the face. We have the opinion this could be a game-changer for iron performance raising forgiveness on off center impacts to a new level. There are three models starting with the RSi 1($799 steel; $899 graphite), the RSi 2 ($999 steel; $1,199 graphite) and the RSi TP ($1,199 steel).

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EQUIPMENT

Tour Edge Golf

Tour Edge is pushing the competitive price envelope with their Hot Launch series and the biggest news is the driver which carries a retail price of $200. No big deal you say--except the Hot Launch driver has a 460cc 4-piece titanium clubhead, a top rated Grafalloy Pro Launch shaft and to top it off is adjustable from 8.5 to 12 degrees.

Tour Edge has always been known for their quality and after hitting the Hot Launch our opinion is at roughly half the price of other titanium adjustable drivers, you really should take a look at this one.

Titleist

The new Titleist drivers, the 915 D2 and 915 D3, should be attractive choices for many golfers. Both, for the first time, have a sole slot to lower spin and add ball speed and use the Titleist forged face insert for forgiveness plus a hosel using their 16 loft and lie adjustment system. The 915 D2 has a 460cc clubhead and sells for $449 while the 915 D3 is targeted at better players with a smaller 440cc head but for the same price. For 2015 there are also new versions of the bestselling Pro V/Pro V1x. Titleist has made the cover of each even softer using a new urethane formula and improved the cover durability as well. Prices of both at $48/ dozen remain the same.

Wilson Golf

Wilson continues working hard on their comeback to the ranks of the premier brands and the great looking D200 irons for 2015 will help. The D200 ($600 steel and $700 graphite) have Wilson’s new Speed Sole Technology that allows for the face--sole transition to be thinner helping to give higher ball speeds which of course means more distance. According to the company the rebound effect of the face is similar to what would be expected to be seen on a driver. Complementing the sole design is a reconfigured weight distribution and weight saving making them even lighter than the previous D100 model.

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EQUIPMENT

Play with HEAT Knuth Golf ’s High Heat Driver

Knuth Golf officially launched its High Heat driver that was specifically designed from the ground up for scratch to high handicap amateur golfers, not tour pros, and the reviews have been spectacular.

One noted sportswriter, Gary Van Sickle of Sports Illustrated, called High Heat “the most significant technological innovation” at the PGA Show. He called High Heat “a game changer” and an “advantage” for amateur golfers compared to major brands because it “turns a flock of previously mishit shots into sweet-spot drives.”

High Heat, designed by former USGA Senior Director Dean Knuth, was the only driver named to two “Best Products” lists from the PGA Show, including the only driver recognized by golf writer Leigh MacKay as one of the top six products from the Demo Day. MacKay’s column appeared in New England Golf Monthly’s web site.

Here’s an excerpt: “Knowing that tee shots hit below the center of the face can lose up to 20 yards, Knuth has given High Heat a much deeper and lower center of gravity (CG) than any

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of the major brands, producing more total distance and forgiveness. The driver has a unique face—Knuth’s Fire Zone Face Technology—with a combination of seven different zones of variable thickness, including patented “parabolic” lobes at the top of the toe and heel of the face. This increases spring-like effect across the entire face while still conforming to USGA Rules and increasing the accuracy of High Heat.”

Golf Laboratories, the world’s leading independent, robotic testing facility, tested High Heat against major brands.

The test results showed that High Heat was longer, straighter, and had more forgiveness than the major brands.

High Heat’s regular price is $399. However, New England Monthly Magazine has arranged a special prelaunch price of $299 for its readers. You can obtain this price by going to www.knuthgolf.com, and selecting New England Magazine when asked “How did you hear about this?” You should definitely check out this amazing driver.

EQUIPMENT

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• Only $25.00 to Walk 9 Holes • T ry and Buy and The Only Golf Shop in New England with a 9 Hole Course

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Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop at The Pine Oaks Golf Course has undergone 3 major expansions in recent years, and now totals nearly 8,000 square feet filled with the leading brands in golf, all at exceptional value. That makes it one of the two largest pro shops on a golf course in the entire country.

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EQUIPMENT // BY PAM BORGES

BioMech AccuLock ACE Putter…

A More Natural, Efficient Putting System Pam Borges

On the putting green during the PGA demo day I was drawn to this bizarrelooking putter. It had an elongated shaft with a blue squarish-shaped concave head with a ball-shaped hole in its center. The set-up was strange at first but once I got into the groove I was dropping ball after ball into the hole! What was the magic about this club that it outperformed all the other putters I tried? There’s more to this story than what meets the eye.

Rhode Island-based, BioMech Golf’s CEO Frank Fornari, PhD and wife, Gwen Bauer, PhD, scientists in the biotechnology field, partnered in the research and design of the AccuLock ACE putter. The idea was born when Frank and tennis pro, Lavonne Davis were discussing their putting difficulty. Frank explained, “It became apparent that there had to be a better, easier way to putt. Lavonne started tinkering with putter shaft angles which eventually led to the optimal angle incorporated in the AccuLock system. Frank explained, “We saw that putting was in conflict with the way you should make that motion. In putting, golfers line up their putts straight-on; then turn sideways to stroke. It’s unnatural…neurophysiologically incorrect to look across a target line to make any movement! In traditional putting we’ve

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been taught to freeze our body and use our shoulders, arms and hands in a pendulum motion. We know that the arm muscles are prone to adrenaline and easily shake when nervous, diminishing functioning accuracy. We’re taught to use our core muscle playing golf, so why not use it in the putting stroke.”

Most putter designs focus just on mechanics. The ACE is designed from the body-out and fea-

tures the patented AccuLock Core Putting System, which converges the physiology of the human body with physics in creating an anatomically optimal putter design that triangulates the movement among hands, arms, body to promote a core-driven stroke rather than one controlled with the hands and arms. Every design aspect is based on empirical data, using thousands of people, to optimize each step of the putting process.

The ACE’s forward shaft lean allows the grip to rest against the inner surface of the leading forearm, stabilizing the hands, arms and shoulders, promoting a core-driven stroke and more open stance that improves aim and accuracy. The upright 12 degree lie angle automatically positions you for a consistent setup and stroke, further minimizing the arc in the stroke, creating a flatter, straighter putt. Shaft placement in the back of the putter head allows full view of the alignment aids. The cavity in the center of the putter head acts as a focal point for your dominant eye, aiding consistent alignment. The electric blue hue was chosen for the putter head because that color promotes relaxation and lowers heart rate.

The AccuLock ACE promotes a more natural, consistent set-up position resulting in more efficient putting. It conforms with USGA rules and is presently getting play on the PGA Tour by Heath Slocum and Bo Van Pelt.

The ACE is made of top grade milled aluminum, manufactured by T-Tech Machine and anodized by Summit Manufacturing (RI-based companies). Laser etching for the graphics is done by Advanced Laser Etching (Swansea, MA). Available for order from stores listed online. www.biomechsports.com/products/acculock_ace

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AROUND THE GAME South Hadley’s Adam Rainaud wins PGA Match Play Championship in Debut Appearance Norton, MA — Despite never playing the Dye Course at PGA Golf Club until this winter, South Hadley native Adam Rainaudcollected birdies on four of the seven par-3 holes en route to capturing the 52nd PGA Match Play Championship.

Rainaud, 28, who was an All-American at the University of Louisville in 2008 and earned PGA membership last April, defeated Rich Berberian Jr. of Derry, New Hampshire, 5 and 4, in the Championship match. To

vote for your favorites go to /www.mynegm.com

Megan Khang Caps Off 2014 With a Victory at the 2014 Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic

Norton, MA — One the Bay State’s best capped off the 2014 in winning style.

Megan Khang - who was featured in the winter issue of MassGolfer magazine - captured a divisional title at the 33rd annual Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic, which was held this month. Khang won the 16-to-18 division title by a remarkable 14 strokes with scores of 73-70-72–215.

“I’ve been coming here to play this event since I was 7, so it has been about 10 years playing in the tournament,” said Khang to the Miami Herald following her win.

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AROUND THE GAME Massachusetts Golf Day on Friday, March 20 from 9:30am-12:00pm at the Massachusetts State House.

A festive and informative day is planned as members from the Massachusetts Golf Industry meet with our state legislators in recognition of the positive impact the game and business of golf have on the Commonwealth.

A continental breakfast will kick off the day. Followed by a press conference and then time for putting lessons, full swings in the hitting bays, and a quick golf lesson.

Events will be taking place in the Nurse’s Hall and the Grand Staircase. For more information: visit Massachusetts Golf Day Contact your local legislator and invite them to attend!

New England Native Brad Faxon to Be Honored With the 18th Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf Award on April 13

The Ouimet Fund announced that the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s 64th Annual Banquet will be held on Monday, April 13 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. The evening’s guest speaker will be New England native Brad Faxon, who will be honored with the 18th Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf Award.

“I’m very honored to be the 2015 recipient of the Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf,” said Faxon. “Having grown up in New England and having grandparents and parents who were all so involved in the game makes it even more special to me. My grandfather, Raymond Faxon, started in the game at the old Hyannisport Caddie Camp and went on to start and run several other caddie camps on the Cape – so supporting caddies and kids who work in the game is deep in my roots.”

Faxon has won eight times on the PGA Tour and played on two Ryder Cup teams. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the best pure putters in golf history. He led the PGA Tour in putting average in 1996, 1999, and 2000 (when

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AROUND THE GAME Longtime MGA Executive Committee Member Bill Van Faasen to Receive Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s Spirit of Golf Award on February 9th

Van Faasen (far right) shown with (from left) Tom Bagley, MGA 1st Vice President, Clarence Bennett, MGA President, and Jesse Menachem, MGA Executive Director.

Norton, MA — A longtime member of the MGA’s Executive Committee will be recognized for his philanthropic work in 2015. Bill Van Faasen, who has served on the MGA’s Executive Committee since 2005, will receive the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s Spirit of Golf Award at a dinner celebration scheduled for Monday, February 9 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly towards establishing an endowed scholarship to help inner-city youth in achieving their goals through education.

Mr. Van Faasen has been engaged in numerous civic and community activities since his arrival to the Boston area in 1990 and has selflessly lent his hand to many of the community’s signature organizations.

2016 Qualifying Schedule Released for Drive, Chip and Putt Championship This past week, the Masters Tournament, USGA and the PGA of America officially opened the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship by announcing the qualifying schedule for young golfers hoping to earn an invitation to next year’s National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.

The breakdown and schedule of the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship qualifying is as follows: Local (May/June/July/August): 255 host sites spread throughout

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all 50 states 3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue Sub-Regional (July/August): 50 host sites spread throughout 45 states 2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue Regional (September): 10 host sites in 10 defined regions 1 junior advances in each age/ gender category from every venue National Finals (April 3, 2016): 80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club

AROUND THE GAME GCSA New England Distinguished Service Award goes to Kevin Osgood Kevin Osgood was honored by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England for the GCSA of New England Distinguished Service Award. Osgood has been shaping the Golf Course Superintendents Association for several years by being a part of other golf related groups in New England.

Some of the roles he has played has been President

of the GCSA of New England and the New England Golf Course Owners Association. Another role that Osgood has played for the golf community has been the owner of Sterling Golf Management which manages many courses in the New England area. In addition, he also the owner of The Shattuck Golf Club in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

Osgood is known to the golf community as being extremely generous and always offering his courses to support the Association’s Scholarships and Benevolence Tournament.

Atkinson Resort and Country Club 2015 NEGCOA Course of the Year Award!

The New England Golf Course Owners Association is pleased to announce Atkinson Resort and Country Club has been named the 2015 Chapter Course of the Year. Atkinson Resort was recognized as course of the year based on four key areas including Exceptional Quality of the Course, Exceptional Quality of Ownership and Management, Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, and Significant Contributions to the Game.

Atkinson Resort and Country Club is an 18 hole championship course open to the public. Additionally, the facility has a 9 hole Par 3 course and the state of the art Willowcreek Golf Academy.

Operated as part of the Lewis Group of Companies, Atkinson Resort is now actively managed by Christine Lewis Morse (President and Owner). Christine is a third generation to manage the facility.

The Willowcreek Golf Academy provides year round instruction and practice- ideal conditions for growing the game

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to right): family (left The Rubin d Doug , Hilary, an ad Br rt, Robe

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A father’s passion, a family’s tribute Honor a loved one with Jimmy Fund Golf Ted Rubin passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2009.

An avid golfer, he was an icon in the local wine industry.

To honor his passion for golf and to help others facing the same disease, Ted’s family, friends, and colleagues started the annual Ted Rubin Memorial Golf Tournament with assistance from Jimmy Fund Golf staff. In five years, the tournament has become a can’t-miss food, wine, and golf event.

Most importantly, tournaments like this help countless patients by raising critical funds for groundbreaking research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Join the Rubin family and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Start a golf tournament today at

JimmyFund.org/NEGM

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GORMAN VS GEARY

These are strange times on the PGA Tour.

You have kids under 25 like Patrick Reed (4 wins), Justin Spieth (2), and, of course, world No. 1 Rory McIlroy (10 wins), dominating leaderboards while sultans of swing Tiger Woods & Phil Mickelson, with a combined career 121 wins, missing cuts.

Not only did the 2014 PGA Tour produce more players earning over $1 million (95), there was a monumental changing of the guards in on-course supremacy.

The numbers show a staggering decline by 44-year old Mickelson, and 39 -year old Woods.

In any sport but golf you’d hear murmuring of “retirement.”

But professional golfers never retire, even Arnold Palmer, who just turned 86, never announced his retirement from the game.

While Phil’s demise to mediocrity is expected, the future looks foggy for Tiger’s game.

Since the start of last season, that includes 56 weeks and nine PGA Tour starts, Woods has three missed cuts, had three withdrawals due to injury and three measly paychecks for finishing 25th, 69th and 80th. These astonishing statistics lead to the obvious question “Will Tiger ever win again?”

Yes, Tiger Woods will win again and he’ll win this year. Everyone and their cousin can stop hyperventilating and quit offering unsolicited swing advice to the greatest player ever. Have you ever heard more crap, gibberish from empty-suits, all trying to prognosticate what ails Tigers chipping game? Give me a break. A few bad rounds, a bunch of chunks and skulls, and a few stabbed putts is nothing to get choked up about. Chill out – please! While you’re chilling, glance at a

medical dictionary to look up the meaning of “deactivated glutes.” I think it’s something off a Chinese food menu.

Even though The Great One popped out an ugly 82 at the Phoenix Open on January 30, a score that Tim Geary would delight in, Woods has become accustomed to intense public scrutiny when he posts one bad round. When he posts two bad rounds it’s a full-blown world crisis. Even the Almighty Woods can make several pedestrian chilly dips while competing.

Let me remind naysayers like Mr. Geary, who wrongly predicted a Seattle victory over the Patriots in the Super Bowl, that we are talking about the Superman of Golf. Not some jamoke like David Duval or Anthony Kim, whose fall from the top echelon of the sport was worse than moving from a penthouse condo with ocean view into a trailer park mobile home, next to a dumpster.

Shooting high scores is embarrassing, but history has proven that Tiger Woods can overcome supreme personal embarrassment, after his 2009 escapades with hookers and fire hydrants were exposed. Name another player more comfortable finding the winner’s circle? Only two years ago, Tiger won five times. That’s a happy career for most pros. Should I mention he has 14 majors and was named PGA Tour player of the year 11 times, including his amazing 2013?

There’s no crystal ball on Tiger’s future but this is the way I see it starting in March. A few more missed cuts to get the rust out and tens and thousands of opinions that he’s toast. Tiger will make the cut at the Masters but is not a factor and unlikely to finish top-10 in the other majors. A return to No. 1 is out. Maybe one major in the next four years is possible but Nicklaus’ record of 18 is safe. So the 2015 season is not lost once Woods is fired up, comfortable and confident with his short game and, most important, healthy. There is no reason why he can’t win four times in his 40s to break Sam Snead’s record of 82 titles.

Tiger Woods has compiled the greatest career record of his generation and it’s far from over!

(Tom Gorman once called a Chinese restaurant to order deactivated glutes with a side order of maximus glutes. It was bitter-sweet.)

Will Tiger win in 2015?

by Tom Gorman

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GORMAN VS GEARY

I’m going out on quite a limb here, arguing that Tiger Woods will not win a tournament in 2015, but as of this writing he has failed to win since 2013, has not won a major since 2008 and has been playing more like Tom Gorman.

Okay, admittedly that’s a stretch. When Woods cards an 82 it’s as though he’s fallen off the top of Mt. Rushmore. When Gorman comes home with an 82 it’s time to pop the cork off a bottle of Krug and then warm up the polygraph machine.

But while it may not be Mt. Rushmore, Tiger has certainly fallen off the mountain and not any of those that he’s been seen on, toothless, watching Lindsey Vonn swoop by.

This year, young as it is, has been an unmitigated and embarrassing disaster for the guy who once was golf’s version of the Sun God. Consider the train wreck that was 2014.

First, because of injuries and such, he only participated in seven events and not only did he not win, he only played on the weekend three times and never finished UNDER par. In fact the only time he did finish under par was at the Honda Classic and he withdrew because of back ailments, which have become chronic.

Twice he withdrew last year and two other times he missed the cut. Of the three tournaments where he did make the cut he finished at 6 over (Farmers) 5 over (British Open) and 6 over (WGC Cadillac).

This year, in the two events in which he was entered, Woods gave new meaning to the Waste Management Open, recording a two-day total of 13 over par (dead last) and had to withdraw (back again) from the Farmers Insurance Open after only 11 holes.

The plus 13 was the worst total of Tiger’s professional life.

After his infamous run-in with a fire hydrant on Thanksgiving night a few years back, Woods has continually fallen from grace, tumbling from the top spot in the world rankings and seemingly flat on his face (which might have explained the missing tooth).

Two years ago the biggest concern in the Woods’ camp was his failure to win a major, but it was generally considered only a mat-

ter of time before he broke through again and added onto the 14 already in the trophy case. He did, after all, win five times on tour in 2013 and was the overwhelming choice as Player of the Year.

But it remains a fact that Woods has not won a major title since his doctor, Anthony Galea, was arrested for smuggling HGH across the border from Canada in 2009.

It also remains a fact that Woods’ body has been betraying him more times than he has changed swing coaches.

Of late even the short game, that made him a legend and caused his opponents to melt into the greens, has dissolved into what can only be described as a yips and chili dip festival. You can’t win your club championship if your short game becomes radioactive, much less a PGA Tour event.

Woods is now 39 years of age. His prime belongs to history and it’s a magnificent history, second only in stature to Jack Nicklaus.

And while 39 is not ancient and plenty of players have not only won tournaments in their 40s (Nicklaus won his last major at 46), but have thrived, Woods is an old 39.

Will he win this year? Maybe, but I doubt it.

Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer.

His last victory came in bingo Gorman vs Geary is a point / counter point column with two of New England’s top golf media analyst who have never agreed on anything in the game for decades, if ever. Please feel free to reach out to us if you would like to see a specific subject covered in future issues. Write to Editor - tim@ nepubinc.com

Will Tiger win in 2015?

by Tim Geary

March 2015 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com |13 93

EVERYTHING’S HOTTER IN VEGAS AND WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER

We prefer “under par” to “below zero,” don’t you? Take your shot at “going low” enough to hit a few recordsetting numbers of your own on 18 legendary holes inspired by the British Open rotation at Royal Links Golf Club, or immerse yourself in a tranquil, tropical paradise at Bali Hai Golf Club. With these exclusive, unbeatable golf deals at two of Las Vegas’ hottest courses, you’ll discover a better way to defrost.

HOT GOLF PACKAGES

PLAY 2 OF LAS VEGAS’ BEST GOLF COURSES

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES

3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS/2 ROUNDS

59 $199 FROM ONLY

FROM ONLY

PER PERSON

PER PERSON

Not to be used in in conjunction with any other offer.

Must present at check-in.

Source – NE Golf Monthly

Not to be used in in conjunction with any other offer.

Must present at check-in.

Source – NE Golf Monthly

$

TEXT NEGOLF TO 313131

PLEASE VISIT

WaltersGolf.com CALL (855) 441-0886

Golf Ocean Cit y, Maryland

At OceanCityGolf.com, you can plan and book your next golf getaway to Ocean City, Maryland 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 17 championship courses designed by the legends of the game, great golf is just the beginning. Add miles of beach and boardwalk, exciting nightlife and excellent dining, Ocean City, MD is the ultimate golf getaway. Book your golf trip today by visiting OceanCityGolf.com or call (800) 4-OC-GOLF.

2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / F Weekday all s$ Weekend 153 s $175

“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” Ocean City, Maryland www.OceanCityGolf.com