Northern New England Golf Monthly July 2016 – Vol.2 - Issue 2 by New England Golf Monthly

Quintessential mountain golf at its best.

Complete & Affordable Golf-Stay-Dine Getaways

3 day/2 night from just $198 per person

(800) 654-0125 bethelinn.com 21 Broad Street Bethel, Maine 04217

Golf Getaways â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Golf School Vacations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Group Outings & Retreats

V T

THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING HERE

2016 18-Hole Early Bird Programs

W S f C w

G a O S

VISIT THE NEW PEASE GOLF SITE, ENTER TO WIN A FREE MONTH OF GOLF! We’re excited to launch our brand new website. Special thanks to our friends at Fishnet Media for creating a fully immersive experience that shows you why Pease Golf Course really is “The Ultimate Golf Venue on the Seacoast” with great food and drinks, live entertainment, and fun events. Go to the site now and sign up for email updates. You’ll automatically be entered to win a free month of golf One lucky winner will be drawn July 31, August 31, & September 30, 2016!

NEW DATE

AUGUST 1-7

BUBBA

TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS CROMWELL, CT

KEEGAN

BRADLEY

ZACH

JOHNSON

PAUL

CASEY

WEBB

SIMPSON

ADVANCE TICKETS ARE $37 | KIDS 15 & UNDER ARE FREE!

Buy Tickets at TravelersChampionship.com

LOUIS

OOSTHUIZEN

TPC BOSTON | LABOR DAY WEEKEND DBC

WHERE THE

BEST COME TO

PLAY

TICKETS ON SALE NOW DBCHAMPIONSHIP.COM

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Our USGA or Theirs The USGA was originally formed in 1894 to resolve the question of a National Amateur Championship. Earlier that year, the Newport Country Club and Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Yonkers, New York, both declared the winners of their tournaments the “national amateur champion.” That autumn, delegates from Newport, St. Andrew’s, The Country Club, Chicago Golf Club, and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club met in New York City to form a national governing body, which would administer the championship and also the Rules of Golf for the country. On December 22, 1894, the Amateur Golf Association of the United States was officially formed, and was shortly thereafter renamed the “United States Golf Association”. The USGA has 8000 member clubs, courses and practice facilities in the U.S. There are also nearly 1 million golfing members that range from $10.00 yearly, to $2300.00 yearly, in 7 distinct membership categories. It is fairly difficult to find any accurate facts regarding the exact amount they earn but in 2013 it was said to be over $160 Million. Their recent TV deal with Fox was said to be worth almost $100 Million. The USGA is a non-profit entity that pays no U.S. taxes. Its mission is to grow, govern and protect the integrity of the great game of golf in our country. In the last 10 years the USGA has repeatedly been under fire from golfers at all levels of the game from PGA professionals to amateurs regarding rules changes and interpretations of rules in major tournaments. After the huge response from both the media and the public at this years U.S. Open regarding the ruling on Dustin Johnson the USGA for the first time in years has had to do damage control. If you think they are not listening, think again. Our membership dollars represent tens of millions of dollars in yearly income for the USGA and our attendance at USGA major events is tens of millions more. Golfers who are not members who attend and watch USGA events on TV are also making it possible for huge media contracts each year for the USGA. Sometimes it may not seem like it but this USGA belongs to all of us. We have every right to question the decisions and policies made as members and players.

Timothy R. Branco Editor/ Publisher

6 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

July 2016 2016|| Subscribe Subscribe at at myNEGM.com myNEGM.com || 77

Final-Hole Birdie Lifts Rich Berberian Jr. from Derry N.H to 49th PGA Professional Championship

VERONA, N.Y. (June 29, 2016) – Rich Berberian Jr., with his father’s “lesson of a lifetime” swirling in his head, rolled home a 33-foot uphill birdie putt on the 18th green to capture an improbable victory Wednesday in the 49th PGA Professional Championship at Atunyote Golf Club in Verona, New York. The closing dramatics by the 28-year-old PGA Assistant Professional at Windham Country Club in Derry, New Hampshire, capped a 8 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

rollercoaster final seven holes where Berberian overcame a triple bogey on the 12th hole with birdies on holes No. 13, 16 and 18. He finished with a 3-under-par 69, a onestroke triumph over Mark Brown of Oyster Bay, New York, and Omar Uresti of Austin, Texas, for a winning total of 11-under-par 277. Berberian is the second-youngest PGA Professional Champion, trailing Howell Fraser, who was 15 days younger when upon claiming victory in 1968.

Berberian earned $75,000 and became just the second New England PGA Section Member to capture the Walter Hagen Cup in the nation’s largest all-professional championship since Bob Lendzion in 1986. “I had practice from the day before (with a double bogey),” said Berberian with a smirk. “My dad said to play one shot at a time. It’s easier to say it than to do it. I hit that shot so bad, so far left, I had to laugh.

While Berberian was contemplating his next shot, his father, Richard Sr., was at home in Melbourne, Florida, watching the Championship on television and celebrating his 69th birthday. “I watched that last putt and was shocked,” said Berberian Sr. “I was expecting a two-putt, as it had to go over a hump in that green. It was the best feeling watching that, and it’s the best birthday present I could ever have.” July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 9

36 HOLES. 2 EXCLUSIVE COURSES. 1 MISSION.

CONQUER CANCER AT THE

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

JIMMY FUND GOLF TOURNAMENT MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 The International Golf Club, Bolton, MA Join us for the first annual Sunrise to Sunset Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament, an all-day, 36-Hole golf fundraiser with a series of contests on The Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two premier courses, The Oaks and The Pines.

Top fundraisers and top golfers can win great prizes!

Ace Ace Sponsors: Sponsors:

Eagle Eagle Sponsors: Sponsors:

Aizenstadt Aizenstadt Family Family

Callaway Callaway Golf Golf

Coca-Cola Coca-Cola

New New England England Golf Golf Monthly Monthly

Walmart Walmart

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Men’s Summer

GOLF FASHION GUIDE Stop sweating over what to wear to the course this summer because New England Golf Monthly and Golf Fashion Weekly’s 2016 Men’s Summer Fashion Guide is here! Sometimes it is hard to get excited over the basic polo and shorts combination but some of our favorite brands, like Betenly Golf and Holderness & Bourne, have produced a Summer 16’ line that will you have yearning to hit the links in a fresh new look.

Betenly Golf Hybrid-Tech Polo Shirts: The cotton/climax pique with Betenly’s signature checkerboard styling are dressed up with self-collars and a more tailored fit. The luxurious tech-hybrid fabrics that these shirts are composed of create the perfect balance of luxury and performance. Coming in a variety of bold colors that pop on the course, Betenly’s Polos pair well with any bottoms as they have a modern twist on the classic Polos that all sophisticated golfers love. Shorts: The modern player will love shorts by Betenly Golf, as they expertly blend together performance and style. The “hybrid-styling” with a jean-style front pocket and inset trouser-style rear pockets create a sporty, yet tailored look Carnoustie Performance Palmer Shorts: are a perfect weight and fit for the active player. These performance plaid shorts come in three different colorways, are flat front, and feature the craftsmanship and details found throughout our collection. Jacquard Stripe Polo: This mercerized cotton jacquard stripe polo is new for the 2016 Collection. The fresh new pattern, classic fit, knit collar, and three button placket will make this polo a favorite. This polo is offered in multiple stylish colors.

PUMA GoTime Swoop: Beat the summer heat with this classic yet cotemporary Swoop Golf Polo from Puma. The 92% Polyester and 8% Elastane fabric is breathable and moves with your swing. IT is UPF 40, the highest in sun protection rating. It has a a three-button placket and set in sleeves that was created to be appropriate for your morning commute to your evening on the town. Golf Tech Shorts: These Golf Tech Shorts will soon become a staple in your wardrobe this summer. Keeping you dry with the dryCELL moisturewicking fabric and a UPF of 50+ you will want to purchase a pair in every color. Not to forget the pockets, front hand pockets, back welt pockets, with printed pocket bags there are plenty of places to hold your keys, scorecards, etc.

12 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM Holderness & Bourne The Maxwell: It is hard to not fall in love with the Maxwell shirt. Featuring the classic Bengal stripe and a structured cutaway collar it will look good on any course with any shorts. It has a lightweight Americanmilled performance fabric, which offers a soft feel and breathable comfort perfect for the sunny days of summer. You will love how it fits too as it has the perfect “staytucked” length and a “Tennis tail”. The Chapman: This casually styled, moisture wicking performance top is the classic Honeycomb pique polo that Holderness & Bourne describe as, “Not so much a golf shirt as a shirt you might play golf in.” Featuring a semi-structured cutaway collar and engraved MOP buttons in a three button set-in placket. Offered in four colors, Annapolis Blue, Biscayne Purple, Bright White, and Everglade Green. Fairway & Greene Roosevelt Stripe Tech Jersey: Fairway & Greene reinvented this stripe style season after season - it’s an essential that we love for on and off course. A flat knit collar lends a polished detail. Their famous tech jersey fabric offers soft, freedom of movement, breathability, and moisture wicking. Larson Tech Shorts: The new short for Fairway & Greene is their best performance short ever. Ensuring continuous play and comfort no matter how hot your round gets, the Larson short is lightweight, 4-Way stretch, and breathable. It is offered in 8 stylish colors. Greyson Alphapaw Polo: Feel confident in your game and style with Greyson’s Alphapaw Polo made of 87% Polyester and 13% Elastane. With the Greyson concept of functionality, innovation, and creativity in mind this polo is lightweight, moisture wicking, and has a antimicrobial airflow jersey and four button applied placket. The patter of alphapaw is unique, eye-catching, and representative of Greyson’s inspiration of the Wolf. Montauk Short: Composed of 71% Polyamide and 29% Elastane these satin finished four-way stretch woven performance shorts redefine golf and activewear. They are antimicrobial, moisture wicking, quick drying, and UV-A and UV-B protected. Comfort and convenience are addressed with the sport waistband and extension accompanied with front and back pockets.

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 13

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY Footjoy Stretch Lisle Stipe Knit Collar: It will be hard to not notice these Polos on the green with color combinations like berry/navy/white, light purple/black/white, and lemon/light blue/ white. Not only do they feature the coolest and brightest colors of the season but they feature technology like easy care fabric, a lock stitched hem, ProDry Stretch fabric, double stitched seams, and an extra long back shirt tail perfect for tucking into FJ shorts. Madras Shorts: A classic pattern to golf shorts is plaid and with the Madras shorts form Footjoy you can achieve this style with a contemporary twist. The flat front styling and two side pockets provide generous depth and a complete range of motion is available when wearing them thanks to the four-way stretch and comfort fit. Bradley Allen Oxford Pique Gradient: Be refreshed with Bradley Allen’s summer 16 line. Their Oxford Pique Gradient Polo is “legendary”. Made from lightweight Pima Cotton and technical quick-drying polyester keeping you dry in the summer heat. Fine detail in style and performance is something Bradley Allen takes serious as seen in the Mother-of-Pearl Buttons. Stretch Gabardine Short: Just like their polos Bradley Allen’s Stretch Gabardine shorts will keep you both dry and stylish during the hottest days of golf this summer season. “Refined aesthetic with exceptional functionality” is what founder and creative director Brad Franklins aspires for, these shorts achieve this with the softest and most comfortable blend of premium cotton and technical polyester. Chase 54 Gravity Polo: DryFuze technology feels ultralightweight and chic for your swing and swagger. Seams are reinforced with topstitching for supreme quality. Includes CHASE54’s signature powder-coated metal collar stays. UPF40+ Kolton Shorts: One of C54’s most popular shorts, the Kolton features DryFuze moisture wicking, to keep you cool and dry through your round and beyond. Waistband gripper tape is just one of the details that sets these shorts apart - stowe your essentials in deep pockets while you play! Travis Matthew MK Polo: A part of their newest FH16 line this polo can be worn for both work and play, with a relaxed and fresh style you will want to wear this polo every day. It is perfect for the summer weather as it is lightweight and quick drying. Wrinkle resistant it is ready to go when you are. Not to forget that style is not it’s greatest feature with fabric that is soft to touch and has a four way stretch. Stig Short: Reinventing classics and inspired from the Southern California culture and lifestyle TravisMattew’s Stig Shorts capture the goal of the FH16 line, capturing the coast in city appropriate wear. They are apart of the Prestige7 series making them appropriate for any occasion and durable enough for your game. Moisture wicking, water resistant, four way stretch, and comfortable material are what makes these shorts so great.

14 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Women's Summer GOLF FASHION GUIDE By: Haley Fisher

The ladies of the links asked for it, and here it is, the Summer 2016 Women’s Golf Fashion Guide. This season presents the challenge of wanting to wear the hottest new trends while trying to stay cool in the summer heat. Thanks to brands like Chase 54 and PUMA, fresh new styles and technology are available for the summer 2016 season.

Chase 54 Milan Polo: With contrast topstitching and a flattering fit you will fall in love with this polo. Featuring the DryFuze® technology, it will keep you feeling fresh, light, and cool during the hot summer days on the course. Frieda Golf Skort: The DryFuze® technology will wick away all moisture so you do not have to worry about working up a sweat this season. Featuring a UPF 40+ protection and an 18” outseam, the Frieda is the ideal everyday skort.

EP Sport/EP Pro Tour Tech Sleeveless Jersey Stripe Polo: Stripes are Fun, Sporty, and Versatile! The fabric is cool and comfortable; The detailing is signature EP Pro! Solid trims accent this style at the back neck, placket and under collar, again not a Basic! Bi Strech Skort: This skort delivers form flattering, tummy tucking slimness! The fabric has bi-stretch comfort, keeps its shape, and offers a true slenderizing effect.

Footjoy Performance Skort: This contemporary styled skort is comfortable for play and has UV protection perfect for hitting the links. Featuring ProDry, it is moisture wicking, wrinkle resistant, and is easy care. ProDry Interlock Golf Shirt: You will never want to take this polo off as it so comfortable. Anti-microbial finish, inhibiting odor build-up when moisture is present.

Puma Bloom Knit Golf Skort: Make a statement on the green with the Bloom Knit Golf Skort by PUMA. The daring floral print is combined with UPF 40+ protection and dryCELL technology, for the best in moisture-wicking properties. 3D Stripe Sleeveless Polo: Add some flair to your golf apparel collection with this stripe top, fit for professionals and amateurs alike. Enhancements include a UV resistant finish and dryCELL fabrics to keep you comfortable during a long day on the links.

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 15

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

2016 Golf Shoe Guide By: Haley Fisher

One thing that Golf Fashion Weekly always stresses is the importance of having golf attire that is both fashion forward and practical. 2016 outdid itself in creating golf shoes that are not only stylish to wear on the course and into the clubhouse but has technology that ensures comfort, traction, and flexibility. Here are some of our favorite golf shoes for 2016.

Allen Edmonds

Redan Spiked Golf Shoe: A classically designed wingtip golf shoe features a butyl leather sole and 11 CHAMP helix plastic spikes.

Muirfield Village 2.0 Spike-less Golf Shoes: These plain-toe spikeless golf shoes are topnotch in cushioning, comfort, and breathability thanks to their interchangeable Ortholite athletic insole. www.AllenEdmonds.com

Biion Patterns: All Biion shoes have an anti micro-bacterial composite, breathable holes, and a shock-absorbent innersole. With 9 different designs to choose, their sure to make a statement on and off the green. www.biionfootwear.com

Canoos Canoos Tour 2.0: The inventor of the Golf Boat Shoe, with a molded spike bottom and the highest quality pull up leather upper these shoes are the best in comfort and performance. Golf in the shoes you wore to the course with the Canoos Tour 2.0 golf shoes. www.canoos.com

Ecco BIOM G 2: These shoes were designed using the knowledge based off of the scanning 2,500 athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet. Offered in 7 different color combinations, style is not compromised with the BIOM G 2s. www.ecco.com

16 | Subscribe golftravelweekly.com at myNEGM.com | July |2016 July 2016

Footjoy Dryjoy Tour: Known as the #1 Shoe in Golf, Dryjoys feature a cushioned fit, a laser plus fit, leather linings, performance outsole, and tour-proven traction. Buy Dryjoy Tour and you will understand why so many PGA Tour players choose Footjoy.

Freestyle: Snazzy is one word to describe these golf shoes. Engineered to deliver an incredible flexibility and comfort, these are made for players who want footwear that is the bestin-class mobility. www.footjoy.com

New Balance New Balance 3001: Make the “toughest courses easy on your feet” with the 3001 waterproof leather golf shoes. The 3001’s are super thin and lightweight ensuring flexibility and the ability to move with the natural motion of your feet. www.newbalance.com

PUMA IGNITE Spikeless Sport: Focus and power are the two words to describe the IGNITE Spikeless Sport golf shoes. With PUMA’s IGNITE Spikeless Sport shoes you will have a smoother swing and a more stable game.

IGNITE Spikeless: Identical in the IGNITE foam and GripZone technology as the Spikeless Sport, these feature lace closure for a snug fit and have a sleeker and more refined shaped that provides more comfort and a better fit. www.pumagolf.com

July July2016 2016| | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 17

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

“Mad Dog” Russo is an ACE ON THE COURSE by John Molori

Multimedia sports personality Chris Russo is known for his edgy commentary and unbridled opinions, but the man they call “Mad Dog” was never more excited than he was on May 20 at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, CT. Let’s let him tell the story. “It was a really competitive tournament. Twenty-eight teams were vying for fifteen spots in the finals. I was not playing well at all heading to the 15th hole. It was 154 yards downhill. I knew I hit it at the perfect height. The ball hit the top of a ledge and started to crawl downhill and into the hole. It was my first ever hole-in-one!” Following this momentous feat, Russo felt even more pressure. “I really had to play well the next three holes. You don’t want to ruin a hole-in-one like that. I bogied, bogied, and double-bogeyed, and we went all the way to the finals!” A 20 handicap, Russo began his sports media career in Florida, but rose to national fame with Mike Francesa on the “Mike and the Mad Dog” show at WFAN Radio in New York. The influential and groundbreaking program aired from 1989-2008. These days, he headlines SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel where he hosts “Mad Dog Unleashed, weekdays 3-6pm. He also hosts “High Heat”, weekday afternoons on MLB Network. Russo and Francesa are currently nomi-

18 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

nated for the National Radio Hall of Fame in the Spoken Word category. Past inductees include Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, and Larry King. Says Russo, “It is a fan vote so I am not sure how it will go, but it would be a terrific honor for sure. We were on the air from 1989 to 2008. Those were great years.” Indeed, both Russo’s career and golf game improved when he got to the Big Apple. “I started playing as a kid, and went to Hilton Head a couple of times. When I started working in New York City in 1988, I got more into it. I joined Shorehaven in 2003. That was great because I now had a place to go play.” Among Russo’s favorite courses are Newport Country Club, Sankaty Head on Nantucket, Maidstone and Shinnecock on Long Island, Pebble Beach, and Cypress. He adds, “Obviously I would love to play places like Pine Valley and

POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM Augusta, and I would love to get over to Ireland and play Kingsbarns in Scotland.” With a family and busy media career, Russo has to find time for his golf fix. “I’ve gotten out there about eight or nine times so far this year. The biggest challenge for me is my hole-byhole inconsistency. In golf, you can get off the tracks on the same hole. When I play well, I play consistently.” Russo has played alongside sports legends such as Brett Favre Jim Palmer, but he has his own golf media etiquette. He explains, “I never talk shop on the course. Those guys don’t need to be interviewed when they are playing golf. “I once played in Palm Springs with (former MLB manager) Gene Mauch. He started talking about his biggest regret in baseball, blowing a 10 game lead in 1964 with the Phillies. Mauch was a great golfer and guy. He actually set up our game through a mutual friend, the late Jim Karvellas, the former Knicks’ announcer. I was just a young broadcaster at the time and I appreciated that.” A passionate golfer, Russo actually took some chipping lessons leading into his hole-in-one tour-

ney at Shorehaven, but otherwise, he eschews formal instruction. He relates, “I have not taken lessons too much. I have four kids so it’s tough for me to spend the day taking a golf lesson. I always seem to play better in tournaments when there is something on the line. I am very competitive out there. I don’t know all the rules, but I want to play my best.” John Molori is an author and columnist for numerous publications. Like him on Facebook at John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com.

• 850 to 1350 square foot cottages starting in $220’s. • 7 models w/ many optional upgrades

• 200 wooded acres: cozy cottage clusters, 65 acre preserve • Clubhouse, pools & many other amenities • 9 minutes to Dock Square, Kennebunkport Tours available:

www.capearundelcottags.com

Thursday through Monday, 10am to 4pm. Other times by appointment. Call 207-467-7000. July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 19

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

A VERY GOOD DAY FOR DUSTIN JOHNSON, A VERY BAD DAY FOR THE USGA by Jack Ross

When a USGA official pulled Dustin Johnson aside on the 12th hole of the final round of the U.S. Open last month, the marquee player who had seen several majors slip from his grasp in cruel ways must have experienced a déjà vu sensation. Six years earlier, Johnson had lost a chance at the PGA Championship when he was penalized for grounding his club in a rugged area strewn with footprints that turned out to be a bunker. Now, at Oakmont, he was told that officials had reviewed the situation on the 5th green where Johnson’s ball had moved slightly as he was preparing to putt, and that that a 1-stroke penalty was being considered. The conversation between the USGA and Johnson created a rules snafu that cast a pall of uncertainty over the remainder of the championship. At that point, Johnson and Shane Lowry were neck and neck, and other players were in contention. The problem was that no one knew whether the number posted next to Johnson’s name on the scoreboard was accurate – fairly important information for the competitors, not to mention the millions of fans watching the Fox broadcast. On the 5th green, Johnson had taken his stance and taken a couple of practice swings during which his putter did not touch

20 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

the ground, then moved his putter behind the ball – again without contacting the ground. He noticed his ball move slightly, backed away, and summoned an official. Johnson told the official he did not do anything to cause the ball the move; the official concurred and directed him to proceed to putt. The situation highlighted a 2016 change to Rule 18-2. Formerly, under Rule 18-2b, a player was deemed to have caused a ball to move if it moved after address. That rule was considered overly punitive when balls moved on extremely fast and sloped greens, particularly in heavy winds. A 2012 revision added an exception if it was clear that some other factor, such as wind, caused a ball to move after address. However, the 2016 revisions eliminated Rule 18-2b altogether. Under the revised rules, whenever a ball at rest moves, all of the facts and circumstances must be taken into account to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the player caused the movement. Contrary to the opinions expressed by a number of players and

commentators, the USGA was not bound by Johnson’s judgment, and was within its right to review the videotape. The USGA certainly was not blind to the fact that, in an earlier round, Lowry had called a penalty on himself in similar circumstances. After reviewing videotape, USGA rules officials determined that, after taking the practice strokes, Johnson momentarily grounded his putter next to the ball, and concluded that such action likely caused the ball movement. When advised of this on the 12th hole, Johnson adhered to his position that he did not think he caused the ball to move. At that point, the USGA had all the information it needed, and should have ruled that Johnson incurred a 1-stroke penalty. But instead, it deferred making a ruling, leaving players uncertain of Johnson’s score. The USGA’s explanation for the delay – that it wanted to discuss the matter with Johnson after the round – bordered on the absurd. The USGA official who appeared on the telecast all but admitted that they had made their decision; there was absolutely nothing to be gained from additional discussion. When the 2016 rules revisions were announced, Thomas Pagel, Director of Rules of Golf and Amateur Status for the USGA, noted that the repeal of Rule 18-2b would eliminate some unfair penalties but also would create some uncertainty and put pressure on players and rules officials to make difficult judgments. His words rang prophetic at Oakmont. The specter of one rules official initially absolving the player, only to be overruled after a close examination of videotape which did not conclusively demonstrate that Johnson caused the ball movement, did not sit well with players and many members of the media. Furthermore, reports had surfaced at Oakmont that some greens were running at an unprecedented 15 on the Stimpmeter, and that players were seeing balls move on greens after they came to rest. Under these extreme circumstances, it is certainly possible that Johnson’s ball moved spontaneously. The USGA was spared from catastrophe only because Lowry and other competitors faded down the stretch, and Johnson holed out on 18 with a birdie that gave him a 4-stroke lead

– until the penalty reduced it to three strokes. Imagine if he had led by only a stroke or been tied, and lost the championship on account of the videotape review. Ghosts of Whistling Straits would have been swirling around the USGA tent. Would the rules officials have had the courage of their convictions to assess the penalty in that case? We’ll never know. But even allowing the USGA the benefit of the doubt under the “more likely than not” standard, under which the imposition of a penalty does not have to be “free from doubt,” there was no excuse for deferring to make the call until after Johnson’s round and keeping him, and his competitors, in scoring limbo. As Bill Pennington of the New York Times aptly observed: “A scoreboard is not supposed to be just an estimation of who is leading and by how much.” Sunday at Oakmont will be remembered as Johnson’s long overdue breakthrough in adding a major title to his resume, but will not be remembered as the USGA’s finest day. On the day after the championship, the USGA stated that it regretted the distraction caused by its decision to wait until the end or the round to decide on the ruling. The USGA admitted that its action created “unnecessary ambiguity” for Johnson, other players, and spectators, and indicated that it will review its procedures for the timing of video review and communication with players. Good idea. However, the USGA did not back off its decision to impose the penalty, noting that the ball moved almost immediately after Johnson’s putter contacted the ground. Fine. But if they were so sure, they should have assessed the penalty immediately.

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 21

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Golf Bags...

the Right One is Essential By ED TRAVIS

It goes without saying every golfer needs a bag and in fact if we are fortunate to play regularly a replacement may be needed fairly often. Bags take a lot of abuse…in and out of car trunks, banging around on the back of a cart or if carried, being picked up and put down dozens of times a round not to mention having to withstand rainy, windy and even sometimes snowy weather. To complicate the buying decision there

are literally hundreds of bags on the market. Just considering basic models not counting different colors and logos (NFL and college teams are popular), we found almost 200 cart and carry bags. From that extensive list here are ones we like that both do the job and look good. Each comes with a rain hood, umbrella slot and are made from synthetic long wearing materials.

Bag Boy The lightweight Chiller Cart Bag has a removable, insulated cooler bag which holds six 12-ounce cans. Extra exterior slot for putter and spacious storage pockets. Weight: 5.85 pounds Pockets: Nine Price: $200 • 15-way top with full-length dividers • Two large side accessory pockets • Soft-grip over-sized putter well

Ben Hogan Golf A stand bag with lots of room, the BH1 is light to carry but with the convenience of storage found in cart bags. Weight: 6.6 pounds Pockets: Seven Price: $225 • Five-way top • Full length dividers • Dual strap harness

22 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Callaway Golf The Hyper-Lite 3 comes with a single or double strap and is Callaway’s lightest bag. Has multiple pockets, an alignment stick holder and Xtra Tracktion stable base. Weight: 4.5 pounds Pockets: Seven Price: $180 • Four-way top • Full length dividers • Single or Dual strap harness models Callaway’s complementary model to the HL-3, the Hyper-Lite 5 stand bag, features lightweight materials, multiple pockets and a reworked stand. Weight: 5.5 pounds Pockets: nine Price: $200 • Seven-way top with full length dividers • Xtra Traction base for better stability • Dual strap The Org. 14 is Callaway’s most popular cart bag and now has updated pockets, improved straps and base to integrate with many push carts. Weight: 5.6 pounds Pockets: 12 including 2 cooler pockets Price: $220 • 10.5 inch 14-way top with full length dividers • E-Trolley Base System and Trolley Lip • Single strap

Cobra Golf The Ultralight Stand Bag is very lightweight yet fully equipped with full length club dividers and an adjustable shoulder harness. Weight: 4.5 pounds Pockets: Four Price: $160 • 9 inch 4-way top with full length dividers • Waterproof fleece lined valuables pocket • Oversized apparel pocket

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 23

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

TactiCool The BAMF Standard stand bag allows attachment of up to seven pouches to fit the need of any golfer. Weight: 6.2 pounds Pockets: two plus two detachable pouches Price: $249 • 14-way top • Removable double strap • Stand upright for carts

Datrek The Go Lite Pro is good for walking or riding and is a fullfeature bag with an insulated beverage sleeve and ergonomic handle integrated in top. Weight: 5 pounds Pockets: Five Price: $160 • 8 inch 14-way top with full length dividers • Cart strap pass-through • Push cart compatible base Datrek’s DG Lite Cart Bag is super lightweight with a 15way organizer top and three full-length dividers for either push or riding carts. Weight: 4.25 pounds Pockets: Six Price: $140 • Integrated putter well • Six color combinations • Umbrella and towel holders The Carry Lite II stand bag has a large apparel pocket and other features making it a good choice for a dual strap carry bag. Weight: 5 pounds Pockets: Five Price: $140 • 8-way top with full length dividers • Dual straps and hip pad • Insulated beverage sleeve

24 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Wilson Staff The neXus II cart bag makes use of fiber reinforced plastic connectors to lower overall weight. Spacious pockets all may be opened from the front. Weight: 5.0 pounds Pockets: nine Price: $200 • 10-way 10x8 top with 14 S-lock club holders • Four full length dividers • Cart strap pass through Wilson’s newest carry stand bag is the neXus II has been completely reengineered for this season making the top, spine, stand and base work interpedently. Weight: 5.2 pounds Pockets: six plus two sleeves Price: $180 • 5-way 9x8 top with three full length dividers • Four point double strap • Hip pad has air-mesh for cooling

PING The 4 Series carry bag has adjusting shoulder pads with Senor Cool Technology and a strap connector for backpack-style comfort. Weight: 4.5 pounds Pockets: Seven Price: $185 • 4-way top • Wide leg span for stability • Insulated water bottle pocket Ping Hoofer 14 stand bag has a rigid top with integrated handle and pockets including ones for your rangefinder and water bottle. Straps are easy adjusting. Weight: 5.5 pounds Pockets: twelve Price: $235 • Cart strap channel • Dual straps with Senor Cool Technology • Eight zippered and four slip-in pockets

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 25

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Projekt Those wanting a super lightweight Sunday bag should take a look at the Projekt model. Though it’s small in size it’s big in features. Weight: 2.95 pounds Pockets: three Price: $100 • 7.5 inch three-way top • Two front and one back pocket • Single strap The Sengara cart bag has many extras making it a great choice including an external putter tube and a “Beer Garden” 6-slot holster. Weight: 8.2 pounds Pockets: six Price: $250 • 10 inch 14-way top with full length dividers • Rubber feet on bottom to prevent twisting • Insulated cooler pocket

Srixon Srixon’s Z-Four stand bag is spacious but light and comfortable to carry with its dual adjustable straps. Weight: 4.5 pounds Pockets: eight Price: $180 • 11 inch 14-way top • Scooped top front for easy club access • Comfort Suspension System straps The Z-Cart bag is ideal on an electric or push cart and comes with a hydration sleeve and other features for golfers. Weight: 6 pounds Pockets: eight Price: $200 • 13 inch 15-way top with full length dividers • Oversized putter slot • Roomy apparel pocket

26 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Sun Mountain The C-130 cart bag has lots of popular touches such as two valuables pockets and three handles for moving it from car trunk to car and back. Weight: 6.5 pounds Pockets: nine Price: $220 • 10.5 inch 14-way top with full length dividers • Cart strap pass through • All pockets are forward facing and accessible when on cart The 2 Five dual strap stand bag weighs so little at 2.5 pounds but is fully featured and functional just like heavier bags. Weight: 2.5 pounds Pockets: four Price: $230 • 9 inch 4-way top • Carbon fiber legs • High-density foam, lumbar hip pad with AirFlow System The Four 5 stand bag is a practical dual strap bag for those who carry and want separate slots for each club. Strap has been updated with additional padding. Weight: 5 pounds Pockets: seven Price: $230 • 10.5 inch 14-way top with full length dividers • E-Z Fit Dual Strap System • Roller Bottom legs for balanced, stable stance

Get the Inside Line on

Golf Gear & Apparel Sent to Your Inbox Every Friday. Readable on ANY Device!

golfcontentnetwork.com/subscribe

GolfGearWeekly.com | GolfFashionWeekly.com | GolfContentNetwork.com July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 27

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Push Carts

Does Walking Improve Your Score? By Ed Travis Golf is great exercise for everyone and especially for those of us who lead sedentary lives sitting in front of a computer. Walking the four miles or so for 18 holes can burn 500 calories in addition to being a pleasant way to spend time with friends but unless you’re a caddy on the PGA Tour, carrying a golf bag full of clubs, golf balls, rain gear and whatever else is another story. The alterative of course is to ride however if you would rather walk a push cart can make all the difference. The push models today of space age materials and construction are nothing like the drag-behind-you heavy, clunky carts of old, rolling easily even through the rough. They come with a lots of features to add to your enjoyment of the round.

Bag Boy The Quad XL with larger tubing in the frame has lots of stability from the four large wheels and other upgrades from the previous Quad model. Weight: 16 pounds Folds to: 24x17x16 Price: $200 • Handle mounted parking brake • Integrated beverage holder • Umbrella holder

Big Max The Autofold+ model is very compact and quickly folds and unfolds using auto-fix technology. Frame is aluminum and there’s padded ergonomically shaped handle. Weight: 16.75 pounds Folds to: 23x15x17 Price: $190 • Compact design with hand brake • Front wheel collapses automatically • Compatible with stand and cart bags

Clicgear As an update of their original popular push cart, the Model 3.5+ offers an improved brake system and a new set of straps for holding bag in place. Weight: 18 pounds Folds To: 13x15x24 Price: $220 • Accommodates all bag sizes • Console for scorecard, golf ball, pencil & tees • Built-in mounts for Clicgear accessories 28 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Founders Club The Swerve 360 Swivel Wheel model has Founders Club’s Qwick Fold system with a front wheel that pivots a full 360 degrees. Weight: 16.5 pounds Folds to: 32x18.5x18 Price: $149.00 • Front wheel hand brake plus locking foot operate brake • Adjustable bag cradles with elastic straps for any bag size • Scorecard holder with score counter, ball and tee storage and beverage holder

GolferPal The four-wheel Easy Pal uses a small electric motor to fold and unfold with the touch of a button and has better stability than three-wheelers on hills. Weight: 16.4 pounds including battery Folds to: 26.4x15.75x11.5 Price: $400 • Battery is rechargeable and lasts 25 rounds • Handle mounted brake • May be folded or unfolded manually by releasing two clips

Sun Mountain Sun Mountain’s newest Speed Cart is the V1 Sport with several improvements while keeping the easy fold/unfold system and frame strength of previous designes. Weight: 17.15 pounds Folds to: 37x16x13 Price: $210 • E-Z Latch system • Able to be folded with bag in place • Adjustable brackets hold bag without straps

Eat Healthy for the Price of Fast Food 2 FREE MEALS

with your 1st Order Use Code “Birdie”

Fresh Never Frozen Gluten Free Meals Delivered to Your Home or Office

Order By Friday for Monday Delivery at

www.CleanEatsDelivery.com #cleaneatsdelivered

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

2016 Golf Glove Guide By GGW Staff

The golf glove plays such an important role in the swing. Without a solid grip your clubface can not stay square. Here are our favorite golf gloves at various price points for 2016.

Bridgestone

Tour Premium: Made from a premium Select Cabretta Leather these gloves have a luxuriously soft feel with the additional feature of a soft terry cuff. They are Bridgestone’s thinnest glove ever and provide a constant grip, with outlasting durability. Priced at $24. Soft Grip: Be prepared for all weather with these ultra-soft water resistant synthetic leather gloves. Thanks to the mesh inserts they are topnotch in breathability and flexibility providing a constant and personal fit. Prices at $13.

Callaway

OptiColor: For the best in performance and fashion choose Callaway’s Opticolor gloves, offered in four bright colors. Made fully of leather these gloves have perforated palms and fingers providing optimal breathability. Priced at $19.99 Apex Tour: Made with Callaway’s X-SPANN technology theses Tour Grade Leather gloves have advanced performance in moisture wicking, breathability and flexibility. These gloves blend tradition and performance into a thin, light, and securing fitting package. Priced at $18.99

Copper Tech

Copper Tech: These compression-fitting gloves are one size fits all for optimal and personalized comfort. They help soothe arthritic hands by using copper infused technology, improving circulation and oxygenation, and preventing strain and fatigue. Priced at $19.95.

30 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Footjoy

Pure Touch Limited: Exceptionally soft and available in a limited amount of shops, these gloves are made of a select Cabretta leather that provides a supple feel through utilizing proprietary leather preparation techniques. Get a tailored fit through the targeted elastic strategically placed. Priced at $30. StaSof: Focus on your game with these gloves; with the Advanced Performance Leather by Pittards of England players are ensured a powerful grip, exceptional moisture resistance, and the finest feel. Proprietary 3-Directional ComforTab closure provides a precise fit and stress-free comfort and the PowerNet Mesh along fingers and knuckles keep your hands cool and flexible. Priced at $25. SciFlex: Get gloves that stay soft and provide exceptional moisture resistance thanks to Footjoy’s innovative technology. You can rely on these gloves to help provide optimal performance and fit, which is why they are known as Golf’s #1 combination glove. Priced at $20.

Srixon Z-Star Premium: For constant fit and feel buy Z-Star Premium gloves by Srixon. They use a tanning process called Cabra-Esx that uses hybrid resins to maintain leather’s original softness and prevent hardening. Priced at $18.99 Cabretta: Using the finest Cabretta leather these gloves will enhance your grip and control during play. A Lycra insert across the knuckles provides exceptional fit and feel. Priced at $12.99

Wilson

Staff Conform: If you are looking for comfort and breathability then the Wilson Staff Conform is for you. The Abyssinian Cabretta leather uses a 3M Scotch guard protection for optimal softness and the anti-microbial performance mesh on the knuckles and palms dissipate heat and moisture. Priced at $14.99 Staff FG Tour: Elite gloves made specifically to the tour player specifications. These thin gloves will provide you with a soft and feel with the Abyssinian Cabretta leather that uses the Tack Teck tanning process for a strong grip throughout each round. Priced at $18.99 July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 31

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Celebrity Golfer:

Jim Remy by Leigh MacKay

The PGA of America is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and Ludlow, Vermont’s Jim Remy, a past president, represents what has made this a thriving organization of more than 27,000 professionals. Currently the VP and GM of the Okemo Golf Division at Okemo Valley GC, he has worked at one of New England’s leading ski and golf facilities since 1997. Remy became the first New England PGA Section member to become president when he was elected in 2008. He promoted both the business aspect of the profession and the fitness and healthy lifestyle that the sport can provide. Remy has served the NE PGA Section in almost every capacity and was its president from 199597. He was the 1997 NE PGA Golf Professional of the Year and was inducted into the NE PGA Section Hall of Fame in 2008. Remy and his wife, Darlene, live in Ludlow and have a daughter, Niki.

NEGM: What was most important to you as you were growing up?

JR: I grew up in Leominster [MA] and played football and baseball on the Blue Devils high school teams. At 12, I started skiing and fell in love with it. During the summer, I played golf at a little nine-hole course called Grandview. I was involved in sports all four seasons. Sports, sports, sports. That’s all I wanted to do. After I graduated from high school, I told my mom I was going to Vermont to teach skiing for a year and then I’d go to college. That was 43 years ago, and I’m still in Vermont.

NEGM: How did you become a golf professional?

JR: I was a professional ski instructor in Ludlow and a racer for the US Pro Ski Tour in the 1970’s. After about seven years, I knew I needed a dependable summer job so I asked PGA pro Ed Bellow at the nearby Fox Run GC, “What do I have to do to become a golf pro?” I entered the PGA golf professional program and got my first assistant job at Worcester CC [MA], and I found my dream. The combination of skiing in the winter

32 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

and golf in the summer just worked out perfectly. My apprenticeship continued at Mt. Pleasant CC in Boylston [MA], and when I got my Class A card, I became the head professional at Killington Golf Resort and the Director of Ski Competitions. I worked there for 13 years before returning to Ludlow in 1997 to help build the Okemo Valley Golf Course.

NEGM: How has the PGA of America evolved since you became a member? JR: The PGA has always been evolving, but it always sticks to its original goals—to grow the sport of golf and to improve the standards of the profession. The 27,000 men and women of today have made the PGA a much larger and a much healthier organization than when I first joined it. I think we have taken on more of a business role as we try to grow the game. We’ve seen a downturn in the last 8-10 years. We’ve seen a generation go away from golf, and the PGA has taken the lead—through the PGA Junior League, Get Golf Ready, and Play Golf America among other programs—to rekindle that interest in a great

NEGM: What was your main focus as President of the PGA of America?

JR: My two years as President, 2009-10, were a very trying period for the organization and its members as we were going through a severe recession. I was a members’ president. I’m a grass roots guy—a club pro in Vermont. Simply, I was a golf pro just as they were. I had to try to keep people positive, moving forward in the business. I talked a lot—including to CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz—about the health and welfare inherent in the sport and what’s good about it and why people should play golf. People who play

golf live longer; kids who grow up in golf become good people. We all learn responsibility, honor, ethics, and other wholesome characteristics through the playing of golf.

NEGM: In 2011, why did you propose the posthumous induction of John Shippen, Ted Rhodes and Bill Spiller as PGA members and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis as a posthumous Honorary PGA member?

JR: One of my greatest and proudest moments of being a PGA member and a PGA officer was that occasion in New Orleans when we recognized these four African-American pioneers who made a huge difference in the direction of

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 33

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

American golf. I apologized to the four families that it took so long to induct those men. It should have been done a long time ago. It was a moving day. Joe Louis was an avid golfer. He did so much for golf, due to his celebrity status, and he started to break down that race barrier. Because Joe was not a golf professional, like the other three men, he had to receive an honorary membership.

NEGM: What are your favorite NE courses? Favorites around the country and world?

JR: Okemo Valley, Worcester CC, Ekwanok CC [in Manchester, VT], and The Country Club [Brookline, MA]. Cypress Point, Augusta National, The Old Course at St. Andrews, and all the unheard of but magnificent courses in Scotland.

NEGM: Who would be in your Dream Foursome of today? In your Dream Foursome for the ages?

JR: I just love the Irish boys, having spent a lot of time with them at the Ryder Cups: Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, and

34 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

Rory McIlroy. President George W. Bush, his father President George H. W. Bush, and Arnold Palmer

NEGM: What does Davis Love have to do to get the Ryder Cup back to American soil?

JR: I’ve been to six Ryder Cups and have been involved with four as an officer of the PGA. These are the greatest players in the world, and any captain just needs to give his team the opportunity to win and not get in the way. Davis Love was the captain at the heartbreak at Medinah in 2012, and I think he’s learned from that. He’ll be able to help his players to relax, have fun, play their best, and avoid the incredible tension of the competition. Each pro has to embrace the moment, much like Bubba Watson on the first tee at Medinah when he got the fans involved. He embraced the moment, and he got everyone motivated. The players can’t make it happen; they have to let it happen. Photography courtesy of the PGA of America

The Quechee Club presents The 2016 couples invitational Saturday, October 1st, 2016 | $300 /couple

play two of vermontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top rated courses during peak foliage. Tournament includes 18 holes of competitive play on day one, followed by an awards reception & dinner. All participants enjoy a complementary non-competitive round on day two. the quechee club, quechee, vt

(802) 295-9356 QuecheeClub.com

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 35

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY Lecontes Capture 2016 Father / Son Championship Rain threatened all day at Bath GC in the 2016 Father/Son Championship, but in the end, the team of Kevin and Andy Leconte beat the storms and a slew of chasing teams by one stroke. The Lecontes, playing in the second group of the day, had the lead early with a round of 74, and watched as teams kept finishing at 75, one shot back. The score held all day, as the duo claimed their first Father/Son Championship. Finishing in a four-way tie for second were Peter and Chris Deroche, Tim and Ben Estabrook, Scott and Jackson Cogger, and Kyle and Justin Ladd. READ FULL STORY

Mellonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Putter Wins the Vermont Open in a Playoff

Spencer Mellon poured in a 20 footer to beat the newly crowned PGA Professional , Rich Berberian on the first playoff hole at Lake Morey Country Club to take home a $7,000 check. READ FULL STORY | Click Here to See Full Results

Everyone who votes receives a special discount courtesy of SNELLGOLF.com

36 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | July 2016

POWERED BY MYNEGM.COM McKee Earns Second Junior Championship Title with Stellar Play The match got off to a shaky start for McKee as he lost the first three holes to go to the fourth hole 3-down to opponent, Brandon Gillis. In fairness, two of those holes were lost in part to Gillis making birdies and proving that you had to make a birdie to win the hole or, in some cases, halve the hole. READ FULL STORY

Lauren Thibodeau conquers all for sixth straight NHWGA Junior Championship 16 year old Lauren Thibodeau set a tournament record by firing a 7-under-par 66, which beat her previous record of two-under set in 2013, while also breaking Intervale’s women’s course record previously held by Louise Billy. Club pro Matt Thibeault could not confirm logistics on Billy’s previous mark, but said Thibodeau undoubtedly took down the record by a few strokes. READ FULL STORY

July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 37

A College-Owned, Semi-Private 18 Hole Course Open to the Public!

• 18 Hole Rates: $49/Walk - $69/Ride - $25/Juniors - Twilight from $20 • Monday Special: $35/Walk & $49/Ride - All Day • Range Tokens & Passes Available • Short Game Area & 3 Practice Holes - Practice membership=$125 • 3-Day Junior Camps for ages 8-14. July 19 & Aug 10 • Ladies Night - Wednesdays 5:30 & Men’s Night - Thursdays 3pm • Fully stocked Pro Shop & PGA Swing Analysis w/ TrackMan/SAM Putt Lab

603-646-2000 golf.dartmouth.edu 36 Hilton Field Ln. Hanover, NH

“Golf In The Scottish Tradition” 18 Championship Holes Just Over One Hour from Boston

July 11-15 • July 18-22 • July 25-29 August 1-5 • August 8-12 • Full & Half Day

COME PLAY HISTORY! THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OLDEST DONALD ROSS GOLF COURSE

OutlookWeddings.com

Our semi-private course is known for its beauty along the shores of the Kennebunk River. This Walter Travis design, links style course is a shot maker’s dream, with small greens, rolling terrain, and tidal creeks.

SPECIALS • 18 Holes Mon-Fri - 2 Players w/cart $69.00 • 18 Holes Sat, Sun & Holidays - 2 Players w/cart $79.00 PLEASE PRESENT THIS AD FOR THE SPECIAL RATE

(603) 869-5745 | www.bethlehemccnhgolf.com 1901 MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM, NH 03574

207-967-3494 • capearundelgolfclub.com 19 River Road Kennebunkport, ME 04046 July 2016| Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 39

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

Think about this for a minute. What if the empty hits an immoveable, man-made object such as suits at the US Golf Association conducted a US a sprinkler head. Open that allowed the world’s best players to According to Rule No. 19 a sprinkler head is compete under the “winter rules” format? an outside agency and the deflection of a ball Wouldn’t that be fun to watch? Lift, clean by it is a “rub of the green” and the ball must be and place to a more favorable lie without penplayed as it lies. One of my favorite golf expresalty. And, the bonus is that we wouldn’t need sions is “rub of the green.” In my experience the the anal, blue-coated rules officials to step in “rub of the green” can have a happy ending, and make a bogus call about a ball allegedly but mostly it’s a wretched moment. The Official shaking from the wind before striking a putt, or Duffer’s Rules of Golf, authored by John Noble, whatever it is that happened to Dustin Johnson define “rub of the green” as a good excuse for to cause a one-stroke penalty, even though he hitting a bad shot. It also describes it as an opclearly did nothing improper. ponent’s bad luck. Guess it depend on who’s on If golf needs anything these days, it needs the receiving end. levity. The game is difficult to master, and it Sprinkler heads around putting greens can seems no matter how many years you’ve been sometimes lead to confusion as to whether we playing, you need a lawyer to interpret the rules. get relief and the rules state we get relief if our The Rules of Golf trace lineage to 1744, when the ball lies on or against the sprinkler head. You golfers of Leith, Scotland drew up 13 rules of play also get relief if it interferes with your stance. You comprising just 338 words. In 1899, the Royal and may not take relief if the sprinkler head at the Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews issued its first side of the green is in your line of play to the hole. official code evolving in 1952 with the US Golf AsAnd, under no circumstances do you get relief sociation into a uniform world-wide if there is mental interference, but no policy. Decade by decade physical interference, for an the rulebook grew and intended stroke by a sprintoday it is a whopping kler head. Wow, imagine 132 pages, comprising how long a round would nearly 40,000 words. take if you got relief for No one I know feels mental interference? sorry for Dustin Johnson, Some people would never by Tom Gorman who has choked in five prefinish! vious majors and has 10 wins and In sum, the rules say play the ball as bankrolled over $30 million in career earnings, it lies, but it sure would be a lot more fun to play but everyone I know agrees that Johnson was winter rules in the summer! the victim of a horrendous rules decision by the Tom Gorman, a golf writer for over 20 years, USGA. If the gods of golf were trying to balance has learned the hard-way of many of the rules, the scales for Dustin Johnson, they sure picked a which means he’s been called on it. strange way to do it in the final round of the US Open. Only 12 months ago, Johnson infamously three-putted the final green at Chambers Bay from 12 –feet allowing Jordan Spieth to win. And so it goes. The big boys make millions always abiding by and sometimes getting screwed by the rules of the game, but what about guys like Tim Geary, who has a swing like he’s raking a snake in his backyard. If his ball hits a sprinkler head and ricochets’ out of bounds, should he be allowed a replay? I say absolutely not and Rule No. 26 addresses freaky situations that can happen on a golf course. Here’s a guy who hasn’t won a $2 nassau in years, and now Mr. Geary is proposing to change the rules so he can take another shot, without penalty, if his shot

Should replays be allowed when your ball hits a sprinkler head?

40 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2016

During the second round of this year’s Memorial Tournament Matt Kuchar hit a beautiful approach shot that was covering the flag. It should have landed close to the hole and given Kuchar a very makeable birdie putt. Instead it landed on a sprinkler head just on the fringe, bounced high into the air and down a steep hill to the left of the green. Kuchar was fortunate to salvage a bogey. Rub of the green? Under the existing rules of golf that’s exactly what it was, but to my mind there is a huge difference from a ball taking a crazy bounce off something natural, like a tree or mound than something that is only there to put water on the grass. Same is true with asphalt and cement cart pats and, heck, carts themselves. I’m not advocating my rule change to include I maintain that a player who has their shot alballs striking another ball on the green or a flag tered by certain man made objects, such as sprinstick, or even a rake (which is why many clubs ask kler heads and cart paths should have the option that you leave rakes inside the bunkers). Those are to re-hit the shot without penalty. integral to the game, part of it. But a cart path Rub of the green? When’s the last time you saw would not be there if not to ferry players who cana green cart path? And sprinkler heads are only not, or will not walk the course. It shouldn’t green if they are painted. Nothing affect the outcome of a round. natural about them. The folks who invented golf Golf is tough enough and wrote the rules, never enwithout adding to its visioned cart paths, carts or difficulty. sprinkler heads. To them the One of the courses rub of the green (or the that’s in our area, Swansea the way the ball bounces) was (Mass) Country Club has by Tim Geary confined strictly to natural objects power lines that traverse the and surfaces. course and come into play on a But then they have a rule where if the ball few holes. moves one dimple, such as Dustin Johnson’s at the The local rule allows a player the option to re-hit U.S. Open when he may or may not have caused if their shot strikes one of those power lines. Makes the ball to move, he is penalized. sense. Power lines should not impact somebody’s If that’s not silly enough, he later gets relief from round. heavy rough because a T.V. tower (a temporary Now if you strike a bird with your shot then you obstruction) is between him and a green, only behave to live with (the bird likely does not) the results. cause he duck hooked a shot so badly that he Call that rub of the sky. nearly put it in the adjoining fairway. The relief takes D.J.’s ball out of the primary cut and puts it in the first cut, changing the entire integrity of the shot. There are rules to gain relief from temporary man-made obstacles, such as grandstands and such. Rub of the green doesn’t apply there because it would be unfair. Yet if a player were to hit a ball into a grand stand and liked the lie they had, as did Phil Mickelson last year, they have the option to either take a drop or hit the shot. Nothing is perfect. There are problems with everything, but objects that are not a natural part of a golf course should not affect who wins and who loses.

Should replays be allowed when your ball hits a sprinkler head?

June 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 41

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

THE FAIRWAYS LIFESTYLE Private Clubs & Golf Course Living GHW Staff

Playing Private Golf For many of us who love the game of golf the first step we take to playing more is to join a private country club. Private club membership gives us an opportunity to grow friendships within a community of other players who are passionate about the game. Private clubs offer amenities not available to public golfers by providing its members with a host of benefits including onsite practice facilities, personalize instruction and competitive tournaments. Private golf clubs also are great places to build relationships through social engagement that can last a lifetime. For many years, private golf was unattainable for most people who loved and played the game. Today private golf courses throughout New England and the country are not only attainable but in many cases a far better deal for the avid player. With so many players in the game at every level, public golf facilities have become more crowded and preferred tee

42 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2016

times are hard to come by. In todays private club market, even the most exclusive facilities are offering great flexible membership options to fit the needs of everyone who would like to become a member. Putting it simply, there has never been a better time in the history of the game to become a member at a private country club. If you play golf and love the game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to visit a private club

and review your options. Joining a Private Club The first and most obvious consideration when choosing a club is location. The closer your club is to your home the more likely you are to use it frequently. Next take the time to visit clubs in your area and see what new member programs they are offering. Lastly and most importantly, play the course, review the facilities and if possible interact with some members to see if the facility fits your needs. Golf Course Living For many of us the ultimate in the game today is to live where you play. A home on a golf course combines private golf course membership with the lifestyle of living in a golf course community. Golf courses encompass hundreds of acres of open space in park like settings offering extensive living amenities and accessible open space for recreation and enjoyment. Golf Course Living, once mostly viewed as retirement living, has now evolved to lifetime living. Why wait until retirement to enjoy the ultimate living experience? What better place to live, raise a family and enjoy life, than in a private golf course community. In the U.S. today, golf and recreational features are high on the list of homebuyers as key amenities they want in a new home. In the past it was very common to have new homes built around golf courses creating quality living communities adjacent to courses. Real estate values bordering some of New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious golf courses hold some of the highest real estate values in the market today. Golf course communities today offer gated and secure environments to live and raise a family. Residents enjoy a very high quality of life

surrounded by vast open space and a host of activities. With time being our most precious resource, having it all right in your own back yard is a huge advantage. The new home market in New England is brisk with rising prices. A golf course home may be much more attainable for many buyers especially those choosing to build custom designed homes. There are many of us who choose a second home on a golf course in the southern states to escape New England winters. For others living on a golf course and seeing all four seasons in New England is the ultimate living experience. For those fortunate enough to have the resources, having two homes is great. Like every journey in life, it begins with first step. Visiting properties that fit your own personal choices in any market will allow you to see first hand what each facility has to offer.

If you have dreamed about living on a golf course, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market conditions are very advantageous whether it be a first or second home. Mid to high end golf course facilities hold the best opportunities for across the board equity gains in 5-year projections. Amenity rich developments are high on the list of buyers who are looking for well-planned communities to fit into their active lifestyles and golf is very high on that list. New construction of custom homes and existing homes over 2500 sq. ft. in some of the most sought after regions will see the largest value gains as the market trends upward. This market presents obvious opportunity for buyers right now. In addition, a new trend in golf course communities is smaller and more efficient designed custom homes. Many buy

June 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 43

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF MONTHLY

ers are choosing quality over quantity when it comes to first and second homes, bigger is not always better. How to Begin Buying a first or second home in a golf course community is not much different than buying a home in a specific town or neighborhood. You will want to visit the facility, get a tour, look at various home styles and get information on amenities and community fees and cost. Here are a few suggestions on some Northeast and Southern communities that may help you get started. Highland Green, Topsham, Maine Sprawling over 650 acres, Highland Green in Topsham is Maine’s first adult resort, a community where great emphasis is placed on celebrating the beauty of the land and wildlife. 230 acres have been set aside as a preserve and there is a 35acre Heath Sanctuary, a haven for birds. According to former Golf Magazine editor and New York Times best-selling author Jim Dodson, the course is “perhaps the best nine-hole shot maker’s course in New England.” For info Highlandgreenlifestyle.com Quechee Lakes, Quechee, VT Located just north of Lebanon, Quechee Lakes is a 5,500acre treasure trove for those who like to play golf, cast for trout and bass in the pools of the Ottaquechee River and enjoy nature.

44 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | June 2016

Quechee Lakes residents get to play two superb courses designed by Geoffrey Cornish, one of New England’s most revered designers. More than 600 single-family homes and condominium villages are nestled into the hills along the River. For info Quecheelakes.com

June 2016 | Subscribe at myNEGM.com | 45

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

FOCUS ENERGY STAMINA FUEL FOR GOLF Stop giving shots away because you run out of gas on the back 9! Dump those sugary sport drinks and fuel up with great tasting Amino VITAL® Focus Zone™. Pros trust Focus Zone™ to deliver the smooth powerful energy and laser focus they need to perform their best through the ENTIRE round. Give yourself an edge with our #1 performance product for golf. Plus, get our authentic tour towel absolutely free!

All Natural • No Sugar • No Caffeine As Seen On The

Proud Sponsor

SAVE 20% ON YOUR 1ST ORDER & GET A FREE TOWEL! USE PROMO CODE:NEGM I AMINOVITALGOLF.COM May not be combined with any other offer or discount.

EVERY YARD MATTERS.

JUST ASK ROB OPPENHEIM. Less than a year ago, Rob Oppenheim sat on a bubble with only a handful of ticks left on the end of a long Web.com Tour season. By the time the last tic faded, Rob had moved up from 27th, into the coveted 25th spot, earning himself a PGA Tour card by an incredibly slim $101 margin. Since then, Rob has been making the most of his rookie year on the PGA, including a top 10 finish at Congressional, proving what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always believed at Evolve Golf, that every little bit counts. Especially in golf. See more of Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story at evolvegolf.com/Rob

evolvegolf.com