Northern New England Golf Monthly August 2016 – Vol.2 - Issue 3

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Olympic Golf Over the last month one professional golfer after another has dropped out of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro August 11th – the 17th. Players are citing schedule, the Zika virus, safety concerns and a host of personal reasons none of us may ever know. Let’s all do a reality check here. Olympic athletes spend years training for a single opportunity to win a gold medal in a global competition held every 4 years. This single purpose challenge represents a lifelong mission to reach the pinnacle of excellence in their sport. “The Best in The World”. The amount of money earned by an Olympic athlete is just a bit more than a true amateur golfer. While some countries pay salaries to their athletes, most do not. Their training and expenses are funded through corporate contributions making what they endure to compete all the more impressive. Professional athletes should never be invited or allowed to play in the Olympics. The opportunity should be reserved for those who have made a commitment to excellence in their life to be the best of the best for the love and passion of world competition. The pride and honor of amateur athletes should be upheld and respected. There is no place for professionals at the Olympic games. One of golf’s most prolific players in the history of the game was Bobby Jones. Jones was the most successful amateur golfer ever to compete at a national and international level. During his peak from 1923 to 1930, he dominated top-level amateur competition, and competed very successfully against the world’s best professional golfers. Jones earned his living mainly as a lawyer, and competed in golf only as an amateur, primarily on a part-time basis. He chose to retire from competition at age 28, though he earned significant money from golf after that, as an instructor and equipment designer. Let amateurs be amateurs on the world stage they have worked so very hard to get to.

Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Fall in Love

WITH FASHION By Haley Fisher

On a perfect fall day, whether you are on the golf course, apple picking with the kids, or enjoying a pumpkin latte, there is no better feeling than watching the vibrant leaves fall wearing the finest, fashionable, fabrics. Check out the brands below to pick your next outfits this Fall.

BERMUDA SANDS Bermuda Sands is a brand that focuses on creating a garment that “ensures confident performance on the course and elevated style wherever you may go”. With vibrant colors and water repellent technology, Storm Cotton, you know you will be prepared for whatever the day on the green has in store for you. The Metro ¼ zip Micro Fleece is the prefect mashup of comfort and technology. Made with Strom Cotton technology, making it 100% water repellent cotton. MSRP $65.00

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CARNOUSTIE SPORTSWEAR

Carnoustie Sportswear has introduced their Fall 2016 performance apparel line and they have redefined their line with new pattern and color ways for their timeless pieces. The Lightweight Cotton Interlock Sweater would be a great piece to keep you warm during the colder months ahead. This collection was developed a few seasons ago because sometimes a garment that is a little lighter in weight than our brushed fleece is all you need. Nothing affords easier layering than an easy on/off full zip jacket and ours stands out as it is casual yet elegant. MSRP: $106.00


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Shattering expectations of golf clothing, Chase 54’s Fall 2016 line is innovative in fit, feel, and fashion. Chase 54 helps to embody the pursuit of perfection not only in your golf game but your golf attire. The Bronx, Chase’s signature metal collar stays and DryFuze® moisturewicking material are features that make this polo a top performer, but the innovated spacedye print is what makes it stand out from the crowd. MSRP $80.50 The Chase 1/4 Zip, is designed with ultimate comfort in mind. With a luxe tech fabric that's soft to the touch and DryFuze® moisture wicking material to keep you cool, it's a top pick for the course and beyond. MSRP $87.00 The Pioneer Pant, with waistband gripper tape and DryFuze® moisturewicking material, the Pioneer Pant is a go-to for the course. MSRP $92.50

DEVERAUX

Simple-yet-sophisticated. Superb attention to detail. Clean modern styles are designed to fit properly and inspire performance, both on and off the course. You’ll wear Deveraux confidently, comfortably and above all fashionable. Part of the 72 Collection, The Johan, is made from 65% Pima Cotton & 35% Polyester giving you that ultra comfortable feeling. A clean & modern

design, the Jonah pairs great with slacks or jeans. MSRP $80.00 Also part of the 72 collection is the Montgomery Vest. Made from 97% Polyester is offers an intricate hem finishing, joey pocket, is 2 way stretch and also water repellent. MSRP $135.00 The Prescott Pant, is a narrow fit pant that was designed for functionality while maintaining an acceptable look, whether you are on the course or at the office. MSRP $120.00

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY FAIRWAY AND GREENE Fairway and Greene is the top choice for luxury golf resorts and country club frequenters. When wearing Fairway & Greene you belong on any first tee in the world. Just like Demaret, Hogan, Snead and Nelson.

Baruffa Italian Merino sweaters are a Fairway & Greene specialty. The best performing Merino yarn available, water and wrinkle resistant, will last for years. MSRP $165.00 The James Zip Windvest is distinguished by details. Ideal on course, to the office, or on the weekend, you will find this layer becoming a staple in your wardrobe. With diamond quilting and soft Merino wool, the James vest is one of the best in the industry. MSRP $225.00

FOOTJOY Comfort, performance, and tradition is Footjoy’s prerogative when creating golf apparel and accessories. Their attention to detail and performace fabrics are the reason why so many PGA Tour players choose to wear Footjoy over the rest. Lightweight Softshell Vest achieves the perfect balance between performance and stylish comfort. Constructed with a Four Way stretch knit-shell and a Durable Water Repellent Finish, it keeps you

dry during any Fall conditions. MSRP $135.00 Half-Zip Pullover is a versatile piece that allows the player to adapt to changing weather conditions. The four-way stretch shell helps keep your core warm while allowing free range of motion throughout the golf swing. MSRP $95.00 Athletic Fit Pants ensure a comfortable fit, superior movement, and breathability. FJ pants feature flat front styling and two side pockets with generous depth for golf. MSRP $88.00

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POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM MAIDE GOLF Maide, gaelic for stick or golf club, is better fitting, classically stylish golf apparel as Bonobos launched a contemporary golf brand founded on the core principles of perfect fit and impeccable service, the result is the perfectly detailed wardrobs. The Heathland Golf Pant, Golf Camo, takes the page out of a golf course architects blueprints. Crafted from a cotton blend and boasts a shirt-grip insert in the waistband and a flattering, athletic fit. MSRP $128.00 The Highland Pant, burgundy mini check, is crafted from a breathable polyester fabric which is

great fitting and combines a classic style with performace features. MSRP $118.00 The M-Flex Flatiron Half-Zip is a lightweight polyester and spandex long mock neck quarter zip polo with moisture wicking materials and UV protection. With its performance stretch fabric and innovative M-Flex stretch-panel design, this half-zip is a game changer. MSRP $98.00 Flatiron Polo is simply, a game changer. Featuring a performace stretch 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex fabric with 30+ UPF, not only will you looks great but will also stay dry and proctected on and off the course. MSRP $88.00

TRAVIS MATTHEW draws its inspiration from all aspects of Southern California. They make premier men’s apparel for work and play. They remain committed to constant innovation and discovery to bring the best to their customers. Check out their fall lineup. The Fear of Flying Polo is made of Prestige77 fabric which is moisture wicking and quick drying, so this shirt has more than just a pretty face. MSRP: $84.95 TM’s Exchange & Stone sweaters, both offer ultimate comfort and style whether on or off the course. The Stone(MSRP: $114.94) is a classic V-Neck made of Acrylic/Nylon blend while The Exchange(MSRP: $124.95) is a cashmere blend foe those who like the softer things in life. To finish the look, the Hough pants, which is popular among their Tour Players, are the ideal pants for your round then dinner. The Hough pants will make you feel good but look even better! MSRP: $104.95

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Lifestyle Shoe Guide By Haley Fisher

We get it; you love your golf shoes! There is nothing wrong with loving the shoes you play golf in, but that does not mean you should wear them before and after around. Which is why Golf Fashion Weekly created the Lifestyle shoe guide, helping you to understand how comfortable and stylish you can be off the greens‌making you want to change out of your playing shoes.

FootJoy Is #1 shoe on tour so why shouldn’t it be the #1 shoe for you? FootJoy focuses on comfort, performance, and tradition. FootJoy is made for the lovers of the game which is why the pros choose it.

Club Casual: Available in both soft suede and full grain leather these spike less shoes are perfect for wear in the office or the golf club. They are waterproof, breathable, and durable. The contrast stitching details on the soft suede uppers provide a sophisticated look.

Club Professional: Comfort you can wear all day long, slipping into these after a round will feel like heaven. Constructed from premium full grain leather they are not only beautiful but they have an incomparable fit and resistance to stretching. Featuring a lightweight cushioned fit-bed, these lifestyle shoes are extremely comfortable with underfoot and heel support. These traditional and professional shoes were created off of thousands of digital scans of the FJ Laser Fitting System, ensuring you can tackle whatever the day has in store.

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POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM Allan Edmonds Handcrafted in the USA, sense 1922, Allen Edmonds produces some of the finest

footwear in the world. Quality, a timeless elegance, and a style that endures Allan Edmonds shoes are made from a 212-step process. You will be respected when wearing these golf lifestyle shoes. Daytona Driving Shoes: Their name says it all. These lower profiled style shoes compare nicely to the aerodynamic look on a racecar. The vamp and beef roll have contrast stitching and a sleek silhouette. Featuring an Asti outsole, they are durable and flexible providing comfort whether driving to the course or taking a break in the clubhouse. Oil tanned, smooth matte Fargo leather makes them look as good as they feel.

Northland Camp Moc: The popular classic New England-style moccasin just got better. Crafted in earthy colors from Horween’s Chromepak leather they mold to your feet and are durable, only getting better with age. Contrast rawhide lacing along the collar highlight the hand sewn construction.

Yorktown Cap-Toe Derby Shoes: Described as the “classic British bankers’ shoes” these lace-up derby dress shoes are lined with premium calfskin leather. Featuring a traditional cap toes, brogueing mirrored on the quarter, deco stitching, and refined perforations they are what Allan Edmonds like to call “armor against the mundane”.

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL DOES NOT MEASURE UP TO A GREEN JACKET by Jack Ross When the decision was made in 2009 to bring golf back to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, it was anticipated that adding the game into the mix of the most revered sports event would give golf a much needed boost in worldwide recognition and participation. However, on the eve of the Olympic Games in Rio, the debut of golf on this prominent stage appeared tarnished even before the 60 male and 60 female participants teed it up on the new Olympic Golf Course. Over the past several months, male golfers have been dropping out of the Olympics faster than the greens were running at the U.S. Open at Oakmont. At least 21 eligible golfers will be absent, including the top four players in the world: Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy. This has taken more than a little luster off the competition. Players have identified the threat of the Zika virus as the primary reason for their exodus from the Games, but that might afford a convenient excuse. Security concerns, scheduling concerns, and other health concerns about the Rio environs surely factored in. Stacy Lewis was more blunt in opining that the men simply make too much money to care about the Olympics. But perhaps the biggest reason for the lack of top male players in Rio is that, unlike other sports such as swimming and track and field, the Olympics does not represent the ultimate achievement in golf. McIlroy observed: “Most other athletes dream their whole lives of winning an Olympic gold and we haven’t. We dream of winning claret jugs and green jackets.”

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Gary Player suggested that professional golfers should not be part of the Olympics. “They should replace us with amateurs who would hold it at high esteem to represent their countries with great joy.” The format of the competition – a 72-hole stroke play event -- has also drawn criticism. A match play, team competition might have been more interesting. Adam Scott commented: “Just having another 72hole golf tournament with a weaker-thanmost field doesn’t really pique my interest.” Unlike the men, however, women golfers are embracing the Olympics. Only two women have withdrawn, and all of the top golfers will compete at Rio. Lewis epitomizes this attitude: “I want to be a part of the Olympics. It is the biggest thing out there.” Christine Kim said that “it’s going to be one of the biggest things to happen to women’s golf.” Some cynics have speculated that if the women made as much money as the men, their allegiance to the Olympics would wane. Nevertheless, some of the women who will compete at Rio are concerned that the exodus of so many top men will threaten the status of golf as an Olympic sport in the future. The Olympics are committed only through 2020. Lewis commented: “Their decisions affect us. It’s just really disappointing.” So the jury is out on whether the debut of golf at the Olympics will bolster the sport or prove to be short-lived. But it won’t be a good sign if the winners are swatting away mosquitoes on the medal platforms.


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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Celebrity Golfer:

Fuzzy Zoeller by Leigh MacKay Fuzzy. That’s all a golf fan needs to hear. That nickname of Frank Urban Zoeller, Jr. identifies one of professional golf’s most memorable characters. Fuzzy joined the PGA TOUR in 1975 after playing golf at the University of Houston with Bill Rogers and Bruce Lietzke. He brought with him a fluid, powerful swing and a deft putting stroke. He also brought something more important to all of us outside the ropes: he showed us how to enjoy the game. Fuzzy would whistle his way down the fairways and around the greens—sunglasses hanging loosely around his neck—and display his unique, happy-go-lucky attitude. He also fashioned an enduring rapport with the galleries by having fun at his work and by winning their unreserved approval. Fuzzy had 10 wins on TOUR. His first one in 1979 at the Andy Williams-San Diego Open set the stage for his first Masters and his scene-stealing, two-hole playoff victory against Tom Watson. Five years later Fuzzy won his second Major in the US Open at Winged Foot in an 18-hole playoff with Greg Norman, 67-75. Fuzzy helped make the Skins Game a Thanksgiving weekend TV staple by winning it back to back in 1985-86. He won two events on the Champions Tour, including the 2002 Senior PGA. During his time on the big TOUR, Fuzzy was plagued with chronic back problems that required surgery, and he has limited his play on the Champions Tour this year to five or six events because the arthritis in his hands makes it difficult for him “to grip that old club properly anymore.” But Fuzzy, now 64, keeps himself busy with his two favorite pastimes, hunting and fishing, and he has become an entrepreneur with his own liquor brand, “Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka.” He also likes to design golf courses and has 19 to his credit.

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Photo courtesy of the USGA In 1985, the USGA bestowed its highest honor upon Fuzzy, the Bob Jones Award “in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship.” In 2015, Fuzzy received the Champions Tour Bruno Award for his “special and outstanding contributions” to the game and for “socializing with both sponsors and fans to create a unique experience.” An Indiana native through and through, Fuzzy lives with his wife Diane in Floyds Knobs and has four grown-up children, Sunny, Heidi, Gretchen, and Miles.

NEGM: How did your charismatic personality evolve?

FZ: First, you’ve got to look at my gene pool, at my mother and dad. I was always blessed to have their support, and they taught me the right way to play golf—to enjoy it through the good times and the bad and to realize it was only a game. I think a lot of people and pros lose track of that fact. My attitude all along has been to have fun on the golf course, and I certainly take pleasure in entertaining the people who come out to watch us play. Golf is the greatest game ever, but it is still a game.


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NEGM: What one victory had the most significance for you?

FZ: You would expect me to say the Masters or the US Open, I bet. Both are certainly at the top of my list. However, the one that probably means the most to me is the 1985 Bay Hill Classic. When I won Arnold’s tournament, I had just come back after six months off the TOUR as a result of my first major back surgery. I had to teach myself how to walk in that hospital there for six weeks, and then I had to get my game back to compete at the highest level. So that victory kinda sits in my mind as the one I’ll always remember.

NEGM: Were the Skins Games as much fun to participate in as they appeared to be on TV?

FZ: Oh, yes! In my three years, I got to play with Arnold, Jack, Lee, and Tom. I loved how we all went at each other, Arnold and Jack especially, when there was money on the line. If I had the only putt left to tie Arnold, Jack would say to me, “Don’t you miss that.” Then Arnold would tell me the same thing a few holes later. We just had a lot of back-and-forth banter that made the camaraderie that much better. Winning the Skins Game twice was pretty terrific, too.

NEGM: Do you look forward to returning to Augusta National each April?

FZ: Absolutely. It’s always been such an honor to go there, and that Champions Dinner is so special to us all. I’ve taken over for Sam Snead, who used to have us falling off our chairs with the raunchiest jokes ever. Now I don’t tell the raunchy ones, but I’ve got a lot of good ones. The Par-3 event is the showpiece for the past champions and the players before the tournament, and it’s our opportunity to show people just how important family is. Most of the players bring their kids as caddies, but my kids are older now. So I always pull one or two youngsters from the gallery to putt for me. We all just have a blast.

NEGM: How did you get into the vodka business?

FZ: Because I didn’t want my name on a private label wine! I had that opportunity, but I don’t drink wine. One of my buddies then said to me, “Why wouldn’t you invest in vodka? You certainly drink enough of it.” His idea had merit, and Fuzzy’s Vodka is the result. Now that’s something I believe in!

NEGM: You bet John Daly he wouldn’t live to be 50? You lost on April 28.

FZ: Yes, and I paid him off with something he could use, too. A 1.75 liter of my vodka! I wrote on it, “Happy 50th!” and signed it. I gave it to him on the first tee at his first Champions event in May at The Woodlands CC in Houston.

NEGM: You are a three-time Ryder Cup veteran. Can the US finally prevail this year at Hazeltine?

FZ: Yes, I think our boys can. But I can’t tell you why they can! What’s great about the Ryder Cup is that you’ve got 24 of the best golfers in the world. If one team gets hot—like the Euros did in 2014 at Gleneagles—that team’s gonna win. No reason why the US cannot get hot this fall and bring that cup back to this side of the Atlantic. It’s great golf, and it’s great theater, but that Ryder Cup format is very difficult, especially the alternate shot. But this is our year to regain the trophy—I hope!

Photo courtesy of the PGA TOUR

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Snell

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New England Golf Monthly

Best in Golf Awards Presented by SnellGolf.com

Newport National

Best Public Courses 1. Newport National - RI 2. Belgrade Lakes GC - ME 3. Meadowbrook GC - RI 4. Granite Links GC - MA 5. Cranberry Valley GC - MA 6. Shining Rock GC - MA 7. The Ranch GC - MA 8. Blackstone National GC - MA 9. Dennis Pines GC - MA 10. Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds GC - MA 11. Crumpin-Fox – MA 12. Green Mountain National GC - VT

13. Shaker Hills CC - MA 14. Lake of Isles – North - CT 15. Eastman Golf Links - NH 16. Pine Hills GC – Jones & Nicklaus - MA 17. Connecticut National GC - CT 18. Links at Outlook – ME 19. Rutland CC - VT 20. Glen Ellen CC - MA 21. Pease Golf Course - NH 22. Crestview GC - MA 23. Fox Hopyard - CT 24. Brattleboro CC - VT 25. Tunxis Plantation GC - CT

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Best Private Courses 1. 2. 3. 4.

Lake of Isles – South – CT The Kittansett Club – MA Newport CC – RI The Bay Club Mattapoisett - MA 5. Shelter Harbour GC – RI 6. The Boston Club - MA 7. The Country Club – MA 8. TPC Boston – MA 9. Rhode Island CC – RI 10. Country Club of Vermont – VT 11. Country Club of Fairfield – CT 12. Salem CC – MA 13. Golf Club of New England – NH

Lake of Isles

14. Wannamoisett CC – RI 15. The Stanwich Club – CT 16. Old Sandwich Club – MA 17. Charles River CC - MA 18. Valley CC – RI 19. Lake Winnipesaukee – NH 20. The Course at Yale – CT 21. Country Club of New Bedford – MA 22. Metacomet CC – RI 23. Portland CC – ME 24. The Preserve at Boulder Hills – RI 25. The International – Pines & Oaks - MA


BEST PRACTICE FACILITIES

BEST INSTRUCTORS

1. Harmon Golf & Fitness - MA 2. Joe & Leigh’s Performance Center - MA 3. Granite Links - MA 4. Cranberry Valley - MA 5. Mike Harbour’s Golf & East Bay - RI 6. Sun & Air - MA 7. Lake of Isles - CT 8. Mulligans Island - RI 9. Sagamore Golf Center - NH 10. Pine Hills - MA 11. McGolf Driving Range - MA 12. Golf Learning Center of NE - MA 13. Sports Center - CT 14. Shaker Hills -MA 15. Button Hole - RI 16. Golf Country - MA 17. Dennis Highlands - MA 18. Big Sticks - MA 19. Golf Quest - CT 20. Shelter Harbor - RI 21. Atlantic Golf Center - MA 22. Links at Lang Farm - VT 23. World Cup Golf Center - NH 24. Torza’s Golf - CT 25. The International - MA

1. Mike Harbour - RI 2. Bill McInerney Jr. – MA 3. Seth Dichard - NH 4. Brendan Walsh – RI 5. Shawn Hester – MA 6. Jane Frost – MA 7. TJ Valentine - MA 8. John Mullen - ME 9. Greg Yeomans – MA 10. Bob Miller – MA 11. Jay Moelli – VT 12. Tony Decker – ME 13. John Boniface – MA 14. Suzy Whaley - MA 15. Tom Cavicchi – MA 16. Gary Cardoza – MA 17. Paul Piveronas – ME 18. Ron Beck – CT 19. Scott Mayer – ME 20. Terry Felty – MA 21. Marc Spencer – NH 22. Kyle Phelps - RI 23. Ron Philo Jr – VT 24. Chad Spencer – RI 25. Roman Greer – MA

Mike Harbour


Best Golf Resorts 1. Samoset Resort – ME 2. Wequassett Resort & Golf Club – MA 3. Mohegan Sun – CT 4. Mt. Washington Resort - NH 5. Woodstock Inn & Resort – VT 6. Cranwell Resort – MA 7. Atkinson Resort – NH 8. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club – MA 9. Bethel Inn Resort – ME 10. Foxwoods Resort & Casino – CT 11. Lake Morey Resort - VT 12. Jay Peak Resort – VT

Samoset Resort

13. Okemo Resort - VT 14. Equinox Golf Resort & Spa – VT 15. Sunday River - ME 16. Jack-O-Lantern Resort – NH 17. The Wentworth – NH 18. Point Sebago Golf Resort – ME 19. Sugarloaf Resort – ME 20. Stratton Mountain Resort – VT 21. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa – NH 22. Sebasco Harbor Resort – ME 23. Poland Spring Resort – ME 24. Basin Harbor Resort – VT 25. Killington Resort – VT


GOL F AT YOUR

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T H A N K YO U F O R VOT I N G U S T H E 2 0 1 6 # 1 B E S T G O L F R E S O RT I N N E W E N G L A N D

For tee times and the pro shop call 207.594.1431 | samosetresort.com/golf

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The Back Nine Club

EXECUTIVE COURSES

BEST 9 HOLES

1. Blue Rock GC – MA 2. The Back Nine Club - MA 3. Cyprian Keys – MA 4. Atkinson Resort & CC – NH 5. Harmon Golf – MA 6. Southers Marsh GC – MA 7. Willow Brook GC – CT 8. Button Hole – RI 9. The GC at Yarmouthport – MA 10. Stoweflake GC - VT

1. Midville GC – RI 2. Whitinsville GC – MA 3. Highland Links GC – MA 4. The Fenwick GC - CT 5. Cotuit Highground CC - MA 6. Sebasco Harbor GC - ME 7. Catamount CC - VT 8. Jamestown GC - RI 9. Weathervane GC – MA 10. Whip Poor Will GC - NH

The 2016 Best of New England Awards were determined by an online survey, global/national/regional level award lists and a panel of judges from the golf industry. Our 2016 voting was one of the largest voting years to date. We would like to thank everyone who voted and a big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Snell Golf. We look forward to having everyone participate in our 2017 voting, which begins April 2017. Congratulations to everyone who made the list!

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

What You Need to Know About

2016 Golf Balls & Wedges By ED TRAVIS It’s great to hit a soaring drive down the fairway and most golfers are aware of the best way to maximize distance and control is by matching the driver and ball to their swing. But a driver is only used 14 times during a round while the shorter, scoring shots under 150-yards may occur every hole so they deserve attention as well. Golf balls are made with different performance characteristics to consider. Some, usually categorized as tour-quality, have urethane covers and multiple layers to better provide distance off the tee plus control spin and distance on scoring shots. Others with firmer ionomer or Surlyn covers have large cores and are made more for just delivering pure distance. They spin much less than tour balls and thus are more difficult to control on the shorter shots around the green. Others while having ionomer covers, have a third layer or mantle that give improved spin control in contrast to distance balls. High performance or tourquality golf balls sell for $40 or more per dozen while distance balls retail for $25 per dozen or less. Prices of the multi-layer ionomer-cover balls fall somewhere in between.

Bridgestone Golf The B330 series has a new core material and high friction surface coating on the cover. The B330-RX is for swing speeds below 105mph and the B330-RXS above. • Urethane Cover • Three-piece construction • $40 dozen

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The wedges you carry should have lofts that “gap” properly starting with the pitching wedge and increasing usually in four-degree increments through the sand wedge. If the pitching wedge, which mostly likely came with your iron set, is 46 degrees adding wedges of 50, 54 and 58 degrees should cover the distances needed for the scoring shots. The grooves and bounce on your wedges are another important consideration though. Wedges with less loft have relatively deep and narrow grooves and higher lofts somewhat shallower and wider grooves. Bounce is misunderstood by many but the profile or grind of a wedge’s sole should match the playing conditions most often encountered. Higher bounce wedges usually produce the best results when the turf is soft and from the sand and lower bounce wedges work best when conditions are firm. As we have said often before, to best match the golf balls and the wedges you play to your game, consult a PGA Professional, she or he has the answers.

The best of the new golf balls:


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Callaway Golf The Chrome Soft has an added fourth layer, namely a second firmer outer core, and retains last year’s low compression inner core and soft cover. • Urethane Cover • Four-piece construction • $40 dozen

Oncore Golf The makers of the original hollow metal core ball have the new Caliber model which has a rubber-like layer surrounding the metal core. Ionomer cover with 80 compression. • Surlyn Cover • Three-piece construction • $30 dozen

Snell Golf My Tour Ball has a thermoset cast cover with a low compression core while Snell’s Get Sum ball is a distance ball designed for control around the green. My Tour Ball Urethane Cover Three-piece construction $32 dozen Get Sum Surlyn Cover Two-piece construction $21 dozen

Srixon The new Soft Feel gets a softer feel from a lower compression core and thinner cover. The 324 dimple pattern is reconfigured for lower drag for this 60 compression ball. Surlyn Cover Two-piece construction $20 dozen

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Vice These balls are high quality without the huge price tag. Each of the seven models with a precise dimple pattern designed for different levels of golfers; Pro Plus Cast Urethane cover Four-Piece construction $35 dozen Tour DuPont Surlyn Three-Piece construction $22 dozen

Volvik The Vibe is for mid to high trajectory and swing speeds between 75mph and 95mph with a soft feel and control on short shots. Urethane cover Three-piece construction $36 dozen

Wilson Staff The newest DUO golf ball is the Urethane is 55 compression joining the 29 and 35 compression models. It has a new 362 seamless dimple pattern. Urethane Cover Three-piece construction $38 dozen

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY Wedges we like for this season:

Ben Hogan Golf The Ben Hogan TK, though not a strictly new model, has weight evenly across the back of the clubhead, a V-Sole grind and loft-specific weighting to help controlling distance. Available in lofts between 48 degrees (bounce - 18 degrees leading edge and 4 degrees trailing edge) and 63 degrees (bounce -35 degrees leading edge and 6 degrees trailing edge). Forged with six-step process from 1025 carbon steel with CNC milled faces. Priced at $149 each.

Callaway Golf This year the MD3 models are the third iteration of the Mack Daddy line and come which a choice of three sole grinds and three groove designs. Callaway engineers headed by Roger Cleveland solicited Tour player input and specifically made the MD3s to be used in a variety of conditions. All are priced at $130 with the W-Grind having a wider sole for softer conditions and bunkers. The S-Grind accommodates a variety of shot types and attack angles while the C-Grind works best on firm turf with lots of heel and toe relief.

Cleveland Golf Just announced the new RTX-3 line with a blade and cavity back. All make use of Cleveland’s new “Feel Balancing Technology” that moves the center of gravity closer to the clubface’s center impact area to decrease vibration and give the head more stability. The RTX-3 Blade also has three new V-shape sole grinds for more leading edge bounce so the clubhead gets through the turf more easily giving a crisper feel and improved speed to increase spin on the ball. Cleveland also has improved their Rotex face design first seen on the 588 wedges in 2012. Grooves have been made with a deeper, narrower U-shape profile and the 2-pass micro milling is adapted according to wedge loft. Low loft wedges (46 to 52 degrees) have a straighter pattern, best for full shots, and the higher lofts (54 to 64 degrees) have a more angled pattern to help when the face is opened for flop shot trajectory. The RTX-3 Blades offer the choice of finishes between Black Satin, Tour Satin and Tour Raw. The RTX-3 Cavity Back and Women’s RTX-3 Cavity Back come only in Tour Satin. All will in stores Sept.16 at $130.

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Cobra Golf The King wedge offers three grinds all made from 8629 carbon steel in a new muscle back design that has been vibration tuned. The Widelow grind is for shots close to the green and from bunkers while the Classic grind has a thinner sole to accommodate different turf conditions. The Versatile grind has a softer leading edge with heel and toe relief. Clubfaces are CNC milled and surface roughness has been improved for more control by helping give more spin. Pricing is $119.

Fourteen Golf Fourteen has made a name for themselves in the club business with their wedges and the new RM-22 ($185) is the latest example. Designed with better players in mind there several features such as heel relief, a clubhead with their reverse muscle design and an aggressive leading edge. Three sole grinds are available: standard, the Bumper which has steep negative bounce on the leading edge and the wider Delta. Available in lofts from 41 degrees to 60 degrees and priced at $185 in chrome or black finish.

Tour Edge Golf The company best known for fairway woods and hybrids is pushing to make a bigger name in irons and the new Rally wedges are a good example of owner David Glod’s creative design. They are a high-toe configuration that allows the face to be opened when a high trajectory-soft landing shot is required with a cambered sole to keep the head from digging in too much. Rally wedges are priced at $80 with the stock KBS Tour Black Nickel shaft or $100 with the UST Mamiya Recoil graphite shaft.

Wilson Staff Wilson FG Tour PMP (Precision Milled Performance) wedges feature HM Grooves with eleven laser etched lines between them to aid in spinning the ball on shorter shots. Three sole designs are available - Traditional, Tour Grind, and Wide - and two finishes - Tour Frosted ($100) and Gun Blue PVD ($120). The PMP wedges can also be customized with different stampings and paint fill through Wilson Golf’s custom department. There are 97 sole, loft and bounce combinations so each player can have just the one for his game and the conditions at his course.

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

New Season New Putters! by GGW Staff What makes you want new putters? Is it the look? How shiny they are? The feel and smell of the new rubber and steel? Why not all those things? Most of all the new technology that are being implemented

Cleveland Golf

TFI 2135 We all play the game a little differently and under different circumstances. The new Visual Performance™ and alignment technology allows you to correct your shot no matter what your style is. Get an advantage over others with the 2135. $129.00 TFI ISO The TFI face technology offers golfers the best of both worlds from the feel of a milled putter to the consistency and forgiveness of an insert. Combined with Dual Axis Alignment- The TFI Smart Square series offers the feel and alignment golfers of all abilities seek. $159.99

Cure Putters

CX1 The Cure Classic Series CX1 square back is as stable as a putter should be, has the forgiveness of a High MOI mallet but with the looks of a blade style putter. Made in the USA, with 6 removable weights, you can really customize your putter. Robert Garrigus, PGA Tour Player, uses a Cure putter and since he put it in the bag he has been +2.38 in strokes gained putting! Try it for yourself! $299.95 RX3 The RX3 is the smallest putter in the RX Series, with a 5.25-inch profile, makes its look much sleeker and milled face for softer feel. Like the CX1 it has a High MOI making it extremely stable for your stroke. It can also be customized by weight and lie. Did I mention you can interchange the shafts? $259.95

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in these new putters are an advantage to any golf players that it is hard to pass up. Here are some new putters out in the marketplace. Get the credit card out and let’s start rolling a few!


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Odyssey Putters

Works Verssa #1 Hot List Gold Medal Winner, Works has a new roll technology and Fusion RX insert which makes this putter the best selling and has the most Tour wins. The contrast on the Odyssey Works Verssa #1 allow your eyes to focus on the linear design and improve the proper face angle of your stroke. Validated by the best players in the world. $159.99 White Hot Fang With the most wins on Tour, this icon has an incredible insert. The White Hot RX V-Line Fang has improved its performance to a faster roll and speed control. Now with an injected molded insert and softer core for better speed and feel. The putter maintained the oval design for the quicker roll, added some texture and clear coat to the striking surface. $219.99

Wilson Golf

8802 Elegant and timeless. With a classic heel-shafted head, it brings back the essence of numerous major wins. Milled from 304 stainless steel for precision and feel, this putter gives you great feedback. $179.99 Infinite South Side This putter has proven itself. Three-time major winner, Padraig Harrington, used the South Side. winning the 2015 Honda Classic and 2014 Indonesia Open. It has incredible counterbalance technology, with additional weight in the head and grips, gives the putter a higher point of inertia for the club, for better control and accuracy. $99.99

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

PUTT FORE SHOW! by GGW Staff You know that old saying, “Drive for show, putt for dough”? Well in this instance the Custom Milled Putters below would all be under the category, “Putt for show & dough!”, Within the last year we have seen an influx of custom putter brands in the equipment industry. You see all the ads for getting custom fit for your

irons and woods, but how come no one talks about being fitted for your putter? I mean, it’s the club you use most during your round. All the brands below offer you handfuls of options from loft/lie precision to color schemes, all to give each golfer their own one-of-a-kind putter, made to order. Start designing yours today!

Piretti | Cottonwood II Black Onyx

The Cottonwood II is a blade style putter, milled from a solid billet of 11L17 carbon steel. They added extra weight by increasing the flange width and thickness which lowers the center of gravity, promotes a more effective role, longer sight line for accuracy, and a more appealing sound. Available in weights of 365 & 375 grams. Starting at $350

Carbon Putters | Holliday Stainless Steel The Holliday is

a classic heel toe weighted designed blade. All Carbon putters are machined from a single block of carbon steel. Every angle, line and proportion is carefully crafted as well as measured to ensure exact specifications. Carbon offers each client a check list of options to design your own custom putter. Starting at $340

Toulon Putters | Madison Used from 303 Stainless

Steel, The Madison is an iconic looking blade that promotes confidence while standing over your putt. With its unique deep diamond face milling pattern, the ball will roll seamlessly into the cup. Now you can design your own in the Toulon Garage, which offers limitless opportunities for customization. Starting at $399

Edel | The Brick The Brick incorporates the incredible

stability of Edel’s Torque Balanced technology with added visual benefits. Torque Balanced technology strategically removes weight from the toe of the putter, creating a “toe-up” balance point. This simple look at address is free from shadows and conflicting milling geometry associated with typical putters; giving you a feeling that you intuitively know what you are meant to do with it. Starting at $300

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Get A Grip! by GGW Staff One of the most overlooked maintenance golfers neglect is replacing their grips. Standard practice is that your grips should be replaced every 30-40 rounds, sometimes even less. If your grips show any of the following signs, it’s time

to get them replaced: Smooth or loss of tackiness, cracks, wear spots or bare spots. Any of the above can negatively impact your game and cost you strokes. Take a look at the following brands that are changing the grip game.

Golf Pride

The MCC PLUS4 is a tour-proven, hybrid grip that features a larger lower hand and new softer rubber material. With a 4.6% larger lower hand diameter than the Original MCC, the Plus4 encourages lighter grip pressure, reduced tension, and increased power. Larger Lower Hand = More Power TOUR SNSR grips are made of a soft-tuned rubber formulation that gives these grips an extraordinary feel, and encourages a lighter grip pressure that golfers seek in creating a smooth stroke. The new SNSR compound also enhances Tour-level feedback into the hands to improve player distance control. The grips come in a straight and contour series.

Best Grips

The MicroPerf Club Grip is the best grip you can play on your clubs. Tiny perforations (micro perfs) boost the surface area of the leather allowing ProTack to react quicker and with more strength. The Gridiron Putter Grip combines the same leather used to make professional and collegiate footballs. The Gridiron leather is prefect for players looking for rugged grip with a lot of texture, that doesn’t wear your hands out.

Flat Cat

The Flat Cat is a game-changing new putter grip that puts the feeling of “SQUARE” in the palm of your hands. Ensuring your putter face is square to your intended target line is the key to making putts. The Flat Cat design enables every golfer to square their hands, square their shoulders and square their putter face to the intended target line.

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

New Hampshire’s Aaron Baddeley’s Wins at the Barbasol Championship By Steve Riggs Aaron Baddeley, Team New England, overcame 5-1/2 years of darkness, frustration and failure Sunday in Alabama. Baddeley’s dedication and belief in himself paid off with his win of the Barbasol Championship. It was his first victory since 2011 and the Northern Trust Open. To secure the win, the check for $630,000 and 300 FedEx Points, Baddeley made a 24foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to emerge victorious over 21 year old Si Woo Kim. The pair had finished regulation play 18 under par 266. It was his fourth PGA Tour victory since turning professional in 2000. Baddeley left no doubt how much the Barbasol win meant to him as he broke into acelebratory dance, tossed his club in the air, flung his cap on the green and greeted his family who rushed onto the green to congratulate their father and husband. A member of Team New England, Baddeley was born in Lebanon New Hampshire in 1981. His father Ron was chief mechanic for the auto racing team of Mario Andretti the auto racing legend based in New Hampshire. The Baddeley family moved back to Australia when Aaron was 2 years old. He holds dual American and Australian citizenship. Introduced to golf at age 8 by his grandmother, Jean Baddeley, young Aaron would be mentored by noted Aussie teaching professional and Coach Dale Lynch in Melbourne.

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“Dale’s approach to coaching me was about fulfilling my goals. We worked on a step by step planned approach, which saw me win the Australian Open as an 18 year amateur and the foundations established enabled me to achieve my ultimate goal of playing on the PGA TOUR”, Baddeley told Golf Digest in 2007. In fact Aaron won the Australian Open two years in a row. First in 1999, the youngest player to win then as a professional in 2000 before moving back to the U.S. and enlisting the coaching talent of David Leadbetter until 2004.Baddeley joined Mike Bennett and Andy Plummer in 2005 subscribing to the Stack and Tilt swing method. He was unaware of just how bad things could get as he continued to work to regain his form of years earlier in Australia. Baddeley struggled through perhaps his worst funk in 2013 on the PGA Tour when he missed ten straight cuts. It was the worst slump of his elevenyear US Tour career. The fine line he speaks was certainly evidenced by his missing the sixth of those ten cuts exactly on the number at the US Open at Merion. “The easy thing to do is to start sulking,” Baddeley said of bad form. “But you’ve got to be patient, keep working towards something, finding the positives in everything.” At the Barbasol Championship, Aaron Baddely’s hard work and dedication to his faith paid off.


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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY Bryan Smith Wins Vermont Amateur Championship Bryan Smith, Jay Peak Golf Club, went wire-towire to capture his first Vermont Amateur title at the historic Ekwanok Country Club. This was an emotional victory for Bryan who overcame the sting from 2 years ago when he had a 3 shot lead going into the 72nd hole at Burlington CC; a double bogey landed him in a playoff which he eventually lost.

Chris Houston Wins New Hampshire Amateur Championship Laconia, NH – Chris Houston, hometown golfer, member of Laconia Country Club, defeated Matt Paradis of Concord Country Club 4 & 3 in the final match of the 113th New Hampshire State Amateur Championship, sponsored by Audi of Nashua. Being the hometown golfer, Houston had a large gallery following him that included family, friends, and members of Laconia Country Club that watched him grow up at the club.

Matt Hutchins Wins Maine Amateur Championship Matt Hutchins won the Maine Amateur Championship hosted by York Golf & Tennis, closing with a 5-under par 65. The UCLA-bound Hutchins was 6-under for the tournament. Not many golfers in Maine knew the name Matt Hutchins before this week’s Maine Amateur Championship started at York Golf & Tennis Club -- but after his stellar play in today’s final round, he’s certainly on their radar now. Hutchins, who recently moved back to Maine from Massachusetts finished with a score of 204 ( -6) for the win.

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NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

If you’ve been paying attention this summer to all of them, and rules which I agree with onethen you know the answer to this question. What hundred percent, no exceptions. In 1968 we do Dustin Johnson and Anna Nordqvist have in witnessed Roberto DeVincenzo sign an incorrect common? Hint: It involves American golf’s govscorecard and lose The Masters. In the 2010 PGA erning body, the USGA making separate controChampionship we saw Dustin Johnson miss a versial and baffling rules decisions within a span playoff because he grounded his club in a bunof 22 days. ker on the 72nd hole. Incredible, heart-wrenchOn June 19 in the final round of the men’s US ing and dramatic moments but the USGA must Open, Johnson was assessed a one-shot penalty call out players who violate the rules. They have after his round because the “preponderance of to take immediate action to disqualify a player evidence” from a high-definition video replay of who fails to abide by them, despite the criticism his pre-putt routine on the 5th green showed his and potential embarrassment. ball wavered. On July 10 in a playoff to determine In the case of Anna Nordqvist, the USGA the women’s US Open champion, Anna Normake the proper ruling assessing a two-shot dqvist was assessed a two-shot penalty because penalty, which was confirmed by use of hightelevision video showed she accidently touched definition video replay. In some cases in golf the sand with her 5-iron before she hit her shot. tournaments, video reply is required and necesShe lost the prestigious title to Brittany Lang. sary to make the correct decision, although a The USGA has had a pretty rough go of time limit should be imposed, like one-hole or 20 things recently, having banned the use of anminutes. chored putters, which made a lot of golfers like The USGA’s summer scorecard reads 0 – 2 me angry. A few years ago, for the first time with clumsy rules situations which have overever in golf history, a penalty was shadowed two national champiassessed to a player based onships. Call USGA officials on a viewer calling into obnoxious or ingrates or PGA offices to comyou-fill-in-the-blank but I plain. Now, in the case believe we need golf’s with DJ, ranked No. 2 in governing body to enthe world, we have the force the rules and to call USGA doing the unfathout world-class players who by Tom Gorman omable on its biggest stage, might show indifference or igtaking almost two hours and six holes norance. Video cameras and instant of play to inform Johnson that he might be asreplays are here and golf had better get used sessed a one-shot penalty because high-definito it in future high-profile events. tion video footage showed his ball shaking while Tom Gorman has been a golf writer since he addressed it on the 5th green. 1992 and has observed bad officiating in golf Rory McIlroy called the situation “amateur and many other sports. hour.” Jordan Spieth said it was a “joke.” Rickie Fowler called it “laughable” and there is no reason to disagree. The situation should have been handled differently by the USGA but technology has intruded into high-level, televised golf. It has replaced the practicality and spirit of the rules with microscopic, super slow-motion high definition replays to try to prove a point. If someone is cheating we want to see it clearly on replay and call a penalty. What should have happened in Johnson’s case is that a rules official walking with the \group should have been consulted and if that official gave the okay that no penalty was committed then “Voila” that’s it. But golf is a sport that loves its rules and it has a history of strict interpretation and adherence

Should Video Replay Be Used to Access Rules Infractions? YES

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This is not a debate on the rules of subject to video scrutiny? golf. We are not going to argue whether If an Ana Nordqvist is to be penalized for or not somebody should be penalized two grounding her club in a hazard only because strokes for moving one grain of sand in it was later discovered only through video, a bunker or even how the United States shouldn’t Jane Doe also have every shot she Golf Association communicates possible takes videotaped? infractions with the players. Every shot Tiger Woods ever took is probNo, this debate centers around the pracably on video. I doubt that can be said of tice of using video from television broadcasts Ricky Barnes. of tournaments as a legitimate and fair way In other sports that have video replay of determining whether or not a competitor every play and every player is subject to the has violated a rule. same system. It is built into the rules. For years now rules infractions have been Golf has no such official policy. The playdetected through the T.V. screen, often with ers are expected to police themselves but people watching at home calling into the there are times when the player has no idea tournament (how they get the number is a that they may have violated a rule. mystery) to report that somebody has vioNow one could argue that every round of lated one of the rules. every tournament on the major tours are teleWe have already had that debate so vised and therefore have video evidence, we’re not going to rehash it here. but that simply is not the case. What happened to Ana Nordqvist during We all know that there are many playthe playoff with Brittany Lang at last month’s ers who are seldom shown during telecasts U.S. Women’s Open clearly and often players perform before showed a violation of the cameras are even turned the rules. That is not in on. Now while this is unquestion and when likely to effect who wins informed of the and who loses a tournadevastating news ment it can determine Nordqvist showed who makes the cut and her true character by who doesn’t, who keeps by Tim Geary accepting it with grace their card and who doesn’t. and class. Many years ago Billy Andrade lost But what about somebody who may have his card because he finished $5.00 out of the done the same thing on Thursday, somebody top 125 players on the PGA Tour. What’s to who was not on camera? As Hamlet once say that the person who finished that sawsaid, “Ah, there’s the rub.” Where is the buck ahead of Andrade inadvertently violevel playing field if only select players are lated a rule earlier in the year, but was not penalized because nobody saw it and it was not on video? Often that’s the difference. That’s my point. Either every player should be subject to video review or none should. We all know that the only similarity between the words “golf” and “fair” is that they have the same number of letters, but what we expect from all of our sports is that the playing field be the same for everyone. Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer whose swing has been videotaped several times and then burned.

Should Video Replay Be Used to Access Rules Infractions? NO

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TIPS from the TOUR by COACH JOEY D

‘Coach Joey D’ Diovisalvi

Dynamic Warm Up

golf-specific fitness coach & biomechanics expert

If you think youʼre going to play at your best without properly warming up your body, youʼre wrong. If your body isnʼt prepped for 18 holes of golf, in a best case scenario youʼre not going to play as well as you can. Worst case scenario, youʼre going to get hurt. If you know anything about me, you know that Iʼm all about optimizing the body for the sport of golf. The workouts, exercises, and drills I do with my players are designed to make sure that they can play to the best of their ability. If youʼve been doing my program at home youʼve also been pretty busy changing your body. But to make su that all of that hard work transfers over to the golf course, you need to make sure that your new body is ready to go sure play 18 holes.

Leg Swings

To loosen up the muscles around the hips in a very linear way — weʼll get to rotational moves later — stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight slightly so that most of your weight is on your left leg and you can lift your right foot off the ground without bending at the knee. Think of your right leg as a pendulum. Keeping the leg straight, swing it directly in front of you — think 12:00 on a clock — then let the momentum of the move swing the leg directly in back of you to 6:00. Every time the leg goes back to 6:00 is one rep. Do five reps on each leg. Now — while still facing forward — do the f 3:00 to 9:00. Do five complete side-to-side swings on each leg. Run through this series of same thing swinging the leg from swings twice. If youʼre having trouble with your balance, you can stabilize yourself with one of your clubs. Eventually, though, try to get to the point where you can do this without any balance aid.

Prisoner Squats

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your knees and toes should be pointing forward. Place your hands gently behind your head with your elbows flared out to the sides. Ideally, you wonʼt be able to see your own elbows when youʼre in this position. (That said, donʼt apply too much pressure to the back of your head to get into this position. Your neck wonʼt like you.) Slowly kick your hips back, bend your knees, and lower yourself as if you were sitting into an imaginary chair. Try not to let your knees slide forward. Keep them aligned over your heels or mid-foot. When your thighs are parallel to the ground, drive through your heels back into the starting position to complete the rep. Do two sets of ten reps. Youʼve worked hard off-the-course to get your body in condition to play its best golf. The final step is to make sure that youʼll be able to use those gains out on the course. This simple warm-up series will help keep you injury-free and will let you have a lot more fun and success when you play.

JOEY

J O E Y D G O L F. C O M


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