Sne golfer fall 2013 web

R W EA W O D .S U N NL EG IN S E O LF ER .C O M W

DEUTSCHE BANK/PRESIDENTS CUP ISSUE

FALL 2013

VOL. 3 NO. 4

HOW SWEDE IT IS!

Photo Credit: Geoff Bolte/Replay Sports Management

David Colt Photography

BEST COVERAGE OF GOLF IN RI, MASS & CONN

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson ties tournament record with his win at the Deutsche Bank Championship

TEE TO GREEN 3 4 6 7 9 11 12 15 16 20 23 24 26 29 30 34 36 39

COVER STORY EDITORIAL GOLF INSTRUCTION US AMATEUR RI OPEN RI NOTEBOOK JUNIOR GOLF WESTERN MASS NOTEBOOK CT NOTEBOOK DBC PICTORIAL CAPE COD NOTES EASTERN MASS NOTES PRESIDENTS CUP PREVIEW CENTRAL MASS NOTES PRODUCT REVIEWS LEGENDS OF GOLF TRAIL COURSE LOCATOR MAP MYSTICAL GOLFING IN M.B.

Shawn Warren wins RI Open and then NEPGA Championship

By LEONARD FINKEL

SNE GOLFER

Explosive Distance Off the Tee

G

olf can be very frustrating, especially for golfers struggling with distance issues. Are you looking to recover lost yardage or seeking to add significant distance off the tee? I believe I’ve found the answer to your prayers. It’s the Polara “Advantage” driver. Polara Golf ’s new drivers are designed to drive the ball farther than any other club on the market because they have gone beyond design limits golf companies adhere to in order to make clubs that can be used by PGA Tour players.

Polara is building clubs enabling recreational golfers to hit the ball up to 40 yards farther. These oversized clubs are engineered to launch the ball higher and faster than other drivers, while also providing an extralarge sweet spot for more forgiveness and power on off-center hits. They are intended for any golfer whose #1 priority is achieving significantly more distance off the tee.

Why are these drivers longer? The primary advantages come from an ultra thin beta titanium face and larger 475cc head size, versus the USGA limit of 460. Beta titanium is a more expensive but stronger alloy, which means the face can be made thinner, delivering a more enhanced trampoline effect. This translates into higher ball velocity, producing longer distance off the tee. The larger head

Golfers Gain Up to 40 Yards More

delivers a higher moment of inertia because the center of gravity is moved farther back. This combination also means greater forgiveness on off-center hits

User Testimonials Though the product was just recently released in limited quantities, it already has an almost cult-like following, many of whom have sent testimonials to the company.

William Yaeger (Penfield, NY) wrote, “I bought the new Polara Advantage driver and not only am I getting 1525 MORE yards per average but I’ve had many mis-hits forgiven by this driver. Especially off the toe.”

John Voros (Marshfield, WI) wrote, “I bought a Polara driver in May. Holy

Man!!!! It was like I went back in time to my 20’s (I am 52). I was driving the ball 275-300 plus yards. Golf is fun again. Thanks.”

The Advantage driver is designed to work with any golf ball but it works especially well with Polara’s own anti-slice balls. The combination of distance and accuracy technology is nothing short of a miracle. I personally know people that had quit the game because it was so tough and frustrating but have begun playing again using Polara equipment. One such player is Tom Matthews (San Marcos, CA).

Tom used to slice the ball so badly it would curve a country mile right.

He became a timid golfer, driving no more that 200 yards. Tom said, “I stopped playing altogether because the game was no longer fun. When I heard about Polara golf equipment I was skeptical, but I decided to give it a try.

I took out the Polara 12° driver and I hit a Polara Ultimate Straight ball as hard as I could. I added at least 60 yards to my drives. Using the Polara ball in combination with their driver, I stopped worrying about my slice and was able to swing freely. Polara has made the game fun again, improved my scores and now I am playing once a week.”

Polara drivers are available in four models. Find out which one will deliver the added distance you need.

David Moody (Louisville, KY) said, “I have no doubt the Advantage driver has added length to my drives. I have gone from the short knocker to one of the longer drivers in our group.

With the driver and the XD balls I have not lost a ball in the last several rounds. In fact the balls are getting beat up to the point I have to replace them.” Polara equipment is designed for the vast majority of golfers who want to take advantage of technology improvements and have more fun.

“We’re not trying to remove skill from the game,” said Polara’s David Felker. “We’re just trying to remove the frustration.”

For a limited time, purchase any Polara driver for $219 ($80 discount) and get a Polara 6-ball trial pack for free. For additional information or to purchase a Polara driver go to www.

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Purchase any Polara driver for $219 ($80 discount) and get a Polara 6-ball trial pack for free.

www.GetPolaraDriver.com or call (800) 274-8673 2

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

COVER STORY

By BRUCE VITTNER

Stenson Captures DBC Championship H

enrik Stenson from Sweden became the fourth international winner at the Deutsche Bank Championship (Adam Scott, ’03, Vijay Singh ’04 and ’08, and Rory McIlroy ’12) as he shot a record-tying 22-under par at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass. over Labor Day weekend.

Stenson, who had been very close to winning all summer, finally made it to the winner’s circle with rounds of 67, 63, 66, and 66 for a 262 total. It was only a three-putt on the last hole that kept him from the record as he beat part-time player Steve Stricker by two strokes.

“I have my wife and two children (6 and 3) with me this week and I’ve caught a cold from my kids,” said Stenson after his first round. “Beware of the golfer with a cold,” he added. He was right.

The tournament got off to a bang on the first day. Phil Mickelson went out in sevenunder 28 and when he eagled his eleventh hole (the par-5 second), he said, “I started thinking of 59.” Alas, he made bogey on the short par 4 fourth and stated, “I just wanted a low 60’s round.” His 63 tied him

with Brian Davis for the first round lead at the par 71 course. Mickelson had major trouble with his swing over the final three days, and although he was 8-under for his first eleven holes, he shot even par 71’s the last three days to end up in the middle of the pack with an eight-under total.

Another big name, Sergio Garcia, was the story of the second round as he shot 64 to take the lead that he would hold for two days. “I could have gone lower,” lamented Garcia each of the middle two days. He didn’t go lower the last day as he shot 73 to end up in a tie for fourth.

The biggest bang the last two days of the tournament might have been the lightning strikes that inundated the area on Sunday and Monday. The round began on time on Sunday morning, but torrential rain and lightning strikes caused everyone to get off the course. Officials made the determination to start the round again for everyone after the storm ended.

For both of the last two days the players were allowed to “Lift, clean and place.”

This is akin to us publinxers fluffing up

the ball after every stroke to make it easier to hit. It worked for the players as most everyone broke par and the scoring average for both days was in the 60’s.

Graham DeLaet, an up and coming star from Canada, went lowest on Sunday with a 62 that vaulted him into the final pairing with Garcia and Stenson on Monday.

Although missing a few makeable putts coming down the stretch, DeLaet hung on for solo third and earned himself a spot on the Presidents Cup International team.

The Monday schedule was moved up four hours because of afternoon threats of a storm. Typical with New England weather, lightning came into the area about 8 a.m. and pushed the start back for two hours. Players went off from both the first and tenth tees. The afternoon storm did arrive about 2 p.m. and players and fans were hustled off the course and play was halted for about two hours.

One of the last players to finish before the storm was Jordan Speith, the 20-yearold from the University of Texas who came out early in the season with no status on

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Tour and has earned his way into the FedEx finals by playing on sponsors’ exemptions and then winning an event this summer.

He shot a closing 62 that included a birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle finish. “I sure hope they are able to get this round in,” said Speith while being interviewed by the television networks. Speith’s round earned him a tie for fourth with Garcia, Matt Kuchar, and Kevin Stadler (who is the spitting image of his dad, Craig).

Steve Stricker, who played a very limited schedule all year, but is in the final race for the FedEx Cup, played his always steady game and was the only one to put pressure on Stenson in the final round. When he went birdie, birdie on 17 and 18 he closed to within one stroke of Stenson who had just hit into the short-side bunker on 17.

If Stenson made a bogey from the bunker he would be tied, but the Swede made the shot of the tournament as he holed his bunker shot to seal the tournament. His three-putt par from sixty feet on the 18th was more than he needed to win his third event in the United States.

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FROM THE EDITOR

I

love covering the Deutsche Bank Championship. This was our 11th year at the event and it just gets more fun— except for all the rain this year. The chance to interview the players, and in some cases their families, connect with many writers that I don’t see for the rest of the year, bring my family to the event and the opportunity to watch great golf and sometimes not so great golf is truly a pleasure.

It was great to talk to Phil Mickelson about his opening round, but also talk to him about when he and Amy went to see Clay Bucholz pitch a no-hitter at Fenway Park a few years ago—a point that he always brings up. Jason Day held his son, Dash, as he was interviewed about his round and the upcoming Presidents Cup. Henrik Stenson’s wife followed him around the first day and she talked about Sweden and how they met playing golf and about their oldest starting school in a couple of days as she waited for him to come out of the scorer’s tent. She also gave me tips on where to play when we visit Sweden next spring.

It was fun to interview Jordan Spieth (our rising star on page 6) and hear his thoughts about playing for his country after he just finished his final round of 62. Graham DeLaet was so much fun to talk to the first

day about making the Presidents Cup. “I think about it every night while I’m at the hotels, but I don’t think about while I’m playing,” said DeLaet who is from Canada and a former hockey player. He proceeded to tie for fourth to earn an automatic spot.

I was asked why we were doing a two-page spread about the Presidents Cup (I think there should be an apostrophe either before or after the S, but there isn’t in everything I’ve read). Don’t you think that international competition is fun? Roy Wagner wrote about attending the Ryder Cup last fall in Chicago and how he thought he was at a football game with all the emotion. If you were to ask Graham DeLeat what he thought about playing in the event, you would know.

Jordan Spieth talked about how he is so patriotic and loved playing in the Walker Cup and wants to play in the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup as often as he can.

Go USA. Shawn Warren of Maine might be the next PGA Tour player from New England.

At least that is the consensus of many scribes and all the New England PGA pros he beat in the Rhode Island Open and the New England PGA. Keegan Bradley is really from Vermont, although we sure call him a native of Southern New England. Warren might be

the next Northern New Englander.

This is our last issue of 2013. As of this deadline, there is no golf show scheduled in Rhode Island for the winter of 2014, thus we will not be publishing again until April of 2014. We will try to keep our website updated and send out email blasts with breaking stories, but you will not see this publication on the newsstands, golf courses and driving ranges until the spring. We’ll miss doing the publication but will enjoy the break, and hopefully have many warm rounds of golf before we meet again.

Keep your head down and swing easy.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

TRIVIA PRESIDENTS CUP 1. Where is this year’s event being held?

2. Where was the event held in 2011?

3. Who has served most often as captain for U.S.?

4. Who for the International team?

5. What year did it begin?

6. Where can International players reside?

7. Has there every been a tie?

8. If so, why?

9. If so, in what country was it held?

Editor/Publisher BRUCE VITTNER bruce@snegolfer.com Design/Production DEB BASILE Contributing Writers DAVE ADAMONIS, JR. BRUCE BERLET SCOTT CORDISCHI BOB DICESARE BOB DICKSON BILL DOYLE ROB DUCA KATHARINE DYSON LEONARD FINKEL TIM GEARY TOM GORMAN RUSS HELD DEREK HOOPER BRUCE HUTCHINSON DAVE McADAMS DR. KEVIN ROBY Staff Photographers JIM CALORIO BOB LAVALLEE Sales Manager JIM GRAY jamesgray4@cox.net Account Executive ROY WAGNER Web Design SUSAN VITTNER Publishing Information: Southern New England Golfer is published five times per year: January, May, June, August, and September Editorial: Mail all articles, releases, and other items to Editor, Southern New England Golfer, P.O. BOX 10038, Cranston, RI 02910.

Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All rights reserved.

Advertising: Southern New England Golfer is not responsible for advertising copy. Corrected advertising will be placed in future issues. © 2013. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Answers 1. Muifield Village, Dublin, Ohio 2. Royal Melbourne, Australia 3. Jack Nicklaus 4. Gary Player 5. 1994 6. Outside U.S., Europe and Great Britain 7. Yes 8. Darkness 9. South Africa

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

NEPGA

By DAVE McADAMS

Warren Captures 93rd NEPGA Championship I

n the final round of the 93rd New England PGA Championship, the top 65 were comprised of eight past champions, two first timers and just seven players under par to begin the day, and Shawn Warren of Nonesuch River, a Class A professional for just under a calendar year. Warren’s “freshman year” as a PGA Professional has been anything but ordinary. He started with a victory at the Pro-Pro Match Play Championship with his current Head Professional Jim Fairbanks, PGA. Next was a victory at the Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship with 2012 NEPGA Championship runner-up Jeff Seavey, PGA. Sprinkle in a couple of Pro-Am victories, the NEPGA Pro +1 Am victory, the State of Maine Championship and most recently the 2013 Rhode Island Open, and you have yourself a candidate for “NEPGA rookie of the year.”

The cherry on top would be the New England PGA’s crown jewel, the New England PGA Championship.

The only thing standing in Warren’s way for that title was another “NEPGA rookie” and the 2012 New England PGA Champion Ed Kirby, PGA. The rookie was Robby Bruns, PGA of

Shelter Harbor Golf Club, who had a share of the 36-hole lead and was trying to earn a wire-to-wire victory. After an opening 9 of -1 (33), Bruns looked poised to put his hands on Tom Mahan Sr., but two late bogeys on 15 and 16, and a timely birdie by Warren on 16, and the lead was stolen from him by the 17th tee.

2012 Champion Ed Kirby, PGA stumbled on the 15th hole with a bogey to drop him to -3 for the tournament. Kirby missed a makeable birdie on the 17th and a long birdie on the 18th to finish at the -3 (206) and 1 stroke back of our eventual champion. Warren hit quality shots on 17 and 18 and came up with championship style pars to wind up with a -4 (205) and a 1 stroke victory over 2012 New England PGA Champion Ed Kirby, PGA. The win by a narrow margin over Kirby in Rhode Island was the second time in as many weeks for Warren. Warren held off Kirby down the stretch just last week at the 2013 Rhode Island Open. The newly sparked rivalry has gotten the best out of both players, with Warren saying, “He and I play a different game, but we always seem to be close in the end.” Warren took home a check for $14,000, the largest

portion of an over $85,000 purse.

Besides the winner of the Tom Mahan Sr. Trophy, there were 12 additional winners for the week. By hosting the largest PGA Championship field in the country, the New England PGA has the chance to send 13 professionals to the PGA of America Professional National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in June of 2014. With exemptions given to Jeff Martin, PGA (Top 20 in 2013 Professional National Championship), Kirk Hanefeld, PGA (Top 20 in the 2013 Professional National Championship) and Ron Philo, PGA (2006 Professional National Champion), and an obvious spot going to Champion Shawn Warren, PGA, the Section will send the following 12 players to the 2014 PGA of America Professional National Championship: Ed Kirby, PGA (Alpine Country Club), Robby Bruns, PGA (Shelter Harbor Golf Club), Jeff Seavey, PGA (Samoset Resort), John Hickson, PGA (Dick’s Sporting Goods), Troy Pare, PGA (Wannamoisett Country Club), Boomer Erick, PGA (Boston Golf Club), Dan Wilkins, PGA (Laconia Country Club), Aaron Ungvarsky, PGA

(Cohasset Golf Club), Matt Zdon, PGA (Belmont Country Club), Chip Johnson, PGA (Hatherly Country Club) and Michael Dugas, PGA (JW Parks Golf Course). We wish the best of luck to all of our Professionals at the 2014 PGA of America Professional National Championship.

Results on page 33

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By DEREK HOOPER

T

GOLF INSTRUCTION

Swing Faults – Conceptual or Physical

here is a myriad of information sources available to today’s golfer.

There are libraries of information written about the golf swing and all that goes on around the game. Based on this you would think that it would be easy for players to learn about the swing and what they need to do to play better.

There are two major problems with that assumption: It is often impossible for you to discern if the information you are getting is coming from a knowledgeable source; and if you don’t understand what your current tendencies are then you have no hope of knowing if the information you are reading is relevant to your swing issues.

In my experience there are only two possible reasons that a player has a swing fault: Conceptual Problem – this means that the player has a belief that the body and club should move in a particular way in order to produce the desired shot, and they have practiced hard to accomplish this.

Unfortunately, their original assumption was flawed. The player could also believe they are moving the body and club the correct way even though the reality is they are not. Their feels are not providing them with accurate feedback on the exact swing motion.

Players often make the mistake of reading part of a bigger article and misinterpreting what they have read. Maybe they received their information from a dubious source or the information was good and they understood it, but applied it incorrectly.

Regardless of the reason, the way to improve the golf swing is not through a quick tip, reading more articles or watching more instructional DVDs. This player needs to get with a knowledgeable coach who can explain clearly what is actually happening in the golf swing and provide feedback as the player works through the change.

The player’s concept must change before there is any chance of them making a technical improvement to their golf swing.

Physical Problem – In this case the player understands what they should be doing but the swing fault they make is a direct result of their physical inability to do anything else. Players who have this problem rarely understand the reason why they are unable to make the change they want, despite their many hours of practice and lessons.

The body can only move in certain ways if there are restrictions in the range of motion or strength. The body will always seek to stay in balance, as your subconscious will always work to stop you from falling. Your body will also always work into positions where the areas of most strength are doing the majority of the work. The body and its subconscious primary function when it comes to movement, is to get the motion done as best it can with the flexibility and strength available. That is rarely the most efficient way to produce a powerful, repeatable golf swing.

A player with this issue must get a physical screening from a qualified health professional or golf coach, and start work on an exercise program to correct the imbalances. Only then will they have any chance of obtaining an optimal golf swing.

So if you have been struggling with your golf swing for a number of years and have been unable to make the improvements you want, the time has come for you to find a qualified coach that will work with you to better understand your particular swing faults and the optimal way to correct them forever.

Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at the Troon Golf Academy Lake of Isles. Derek has a college degree in teaching and over 17 years experience conducting lesson programs in Australia, Japan and Taiwan. He specializes in personalized, improvement programs that cover the technical and physical components required to play your best golf. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 or dhooper@troongolf.com.

Rising Star Jordan Spieth Age: 20 Birthplace: Dallas, Texas Family: Single College: Univ. of Texas Turned Pro: 2012 Jordan Spieth has sewn up the Rookie of the Year honors for 2013. Turning professional and leaving the University of Texas in the middle of his sophomore year last December, Spieth entered 2013 with no status on any tour. He decided to play on sponsors’ exemptions to get into events; not a normal route to earning your card.

He was twice a Junior Player of the Year on the AJGA (only Tiger Woods had ever received the same honor), so he had credentials as a player and someone the Tour might offer sponsor exemptions. He finished tied for second at the Puerto Rico Open early in the year and that got him to the Tampa Bay Classic the next week where he finished tied for seventh and earned him a Special Temporary Membership Status where he could receive unlimited sponsor exemptions.

Spieth has played 21 events and has made the cut in 16 with an amazing eight Top 10 finishes. He won the John Deere Classic in a playoff to earn his card for the next two years, and lost the Wyndham Championship in a playoff.

He is currently eighth in FedEx points and has yearly earnings of $3,039,820 as of September 13.

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

AMATEUR GOLF

By TOM GORMAN

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick wins US Amateur

F

ew American golf fans had ever heard of 18-year old English lad Matt Fitzpatrick. Now few will forget.

Matt Fitzpatrick will be remembered as the 113th United States Amateur champion, who dominated 312 elite contenders, winning five matches, including the 36-hole final against Australia’s Oliver Goss, by a score of 4 and 3 played August 12 – 18 at The Country Club. He scorched his opponents in all five of his matches winning the last on the fifteenth green by a score of 4 and 3.

The newly crowned U.S. Amateur champion, with his 14-year old brother, Alex, caddying for him all seven sun-splashed days, is a magical and heartwarming story. Exactly 100 years ago this month, on the same historic fairways, a tall and lanky 20-year old American who lived across the street from The Country Club, Francis Ouimet, outplayed two golf titans, Englishmen Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, to win the 19th U.S. Open, which ignited a passion for golf in America. On the bag for Ouimet, was 10-year-old Eddie Lowery.

“Absolutely amazing,” Fitzpatrick said after his brilliant run of nine rounds, and who becomes the first Englishman to win the most prestigious amateur title in the world since Harold Hilton did it in 1911 at Apawamis Country Club in Rye, New York. “I also think it’s quite strange that I had my little brother on the bag, and most people this week were saying we’re a bit like Ouimet (and his iconic caddie, Eddie Lowery).”

Francis Ouimet walking with Eddie Lowery in 1913 at the U.S. Open

If Matty Fitz, who is one-third Irish, became an unlikely hero, all 5-foot-9, 133 pounds of him, of the 113th playing of the USGA’s oldest championship, it was only after becoming an unlikely participant.

In the spring, Matt’s father, Russell, went online to see where the tournament was being held after his son qualified by virtue of his world amateur ranking. When his dad discovered that it was at The Country Club, he knew they needed to make the trip, having read Mark Frost’s “The Greatest Game Ever Played” and appreciating the significance of competing in Brookline.

“If it had been another club where I wouldn’t have known the history, we probably wouldn’t have come,” Russell said. “We really wanted to come.” The Country Club’s celebrated past has been kind to America golfers such as Francis Ouimet (1913), Curtis Strange (1988) and the 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup team, at the expense of Englishmen like Vardon, Ray and Nick Faldo.

No doubt the family is glad they came over for the tournament, not just an abbreviated American vacation. Only four weeks earlier, Fitzpatrick finished the British Open as low amateur, the pinnacle of his career up until his most significant victory yet. The victory also earns the Sheffield, England native, who is enrolled as a freshman at Northwestern University, invitations to the 2014 Masters and U.S. Open.

The 36-hole final match against 19-year old Australian powerhouse Oliver Goss, (6foot-4, 210 pounds) featured power versus finesse. Fitzpatrick rolled in four putts of more than 15 feet during the morning 18 then three-putted just one green in the afternoon en route to getting his name etched on the Havemeyer Trophy, next to legends Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, a three-time winner.

“I’ve never seen putting like that,” Goss said. “He holed a lot of big, long sloping putts that I wouldn’t have thought he had a chance of holing. It was kind of hard to watch.”

amateur golf career 13 elite New England players competed: Ryan Riley (Easton), John Gratton (Wellesley), Colin Brennan (Andover, M.A.) Ben Balter (Wellesley), Peter French (Bellingham), Nate Pereira (Ludlow), Jamison Randall (R.I.), Evan Russell (N.H.), Will McLaughlin (N.H.), Chris Houston (N.H.), Peter Williamson (N.H.), Pete Ballo (C.T.) and Corey Birch (C.T.)...The U.S. Amateur isn’t kids’ stuff, even though the average age from the 312 qualifiers was 22; the oldest competitors were David Szewcul (59), Randal Lewis (56) and Curtis Skinner (56) and the youngest include Andrew Walker (14), David Snyder (15) and Brad Dalke 15)... USGA championship director Ben Kimball claimed that 7,003 entries were received representing 18 countries and 49 non-American flags. Four of the past eight champions have been International players, and for the first time in 113 years, four non-American have advanced to the semifinals: Fitzpatrick (England), Goss (Australia), Corey Connors (Canada) and

Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex celebrate Brady Watt (Australia)...The Country Club head pro Brendan Walsh reported a brisk business in sales of US Amateur merchandise...Over 1,000 volunteers participated in the event organized by TCC general chairman Sandy Tierney and assistant championship director, Jackie Singleton.

NOTEBOOK: Three New England players advanced into the top-64 match play portion of the event: Richy Werenski (So. Hadley, M.A. ), Chelso Barrett (Surry, N.H.) and Blake Morris (Waterbury, C.T.).

Barrett, 18, advanced to the round of 16 by beating Jim Liu (N.Y.) and Justin Shin (Canada) before losing to quarterfinalist Adam Ball (V.A.)...Highlighting their

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

7

By BRUCE VITTNER

JUNIOR GOLF

Eight Young Golfers from New England Heading to Augusta National

E

ight young golfers aged 7-15 from New England will be heading to Augusta National in Georgia on an all-expense paid trip on the eve of the 2014 Masters next April. They were the winners of the New England Regional Qualifier for the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championships held at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Mass. in August.

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is the golf development initiative created by the Masters Tournament Foundation, United States Golf Assn. and the PGA of America with the goal of growing the game of golf. There were 11 regions throughout the country and the categories were separated for boys and girls in the ages of 7-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15. Dates of birthdays were set as being of that age on the finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 6, 2014, and you could only enter one local event.

The final competition for the drives and chips will be held on the Practice area

at Augusta National G.C. and the putting competition will actually be held on the 18th green, the site of some of the most famous putts in golf.

There were 110 local qualifying sites throughout the country and thousands of youngsters participated. The top two qualifiers in each age/gender category at the locals advanced to their regional event.

The competition was a cumulative points score for three drives, three chips and three putts. Driving distance and accuracy, chipping closest to the hole and putting closest to the hole.

Jon Honeywell of No. Fayston, Vt., whose dad, Dave, is a good friend, won the boys 7-9 category. “Jon, who is 9 and loves golf and is a big Rickie Fowler fan, won the local qualifier in Essex, Vt. in July. His mom, brother and I accompanied him to Plymouth for the finals and were thrilled to watch him win,” said the proud Dad. “He never stopped talking on the ride back to Vermont,” added Dave who was

busy planning the trip to Augusta next April. “The whole family is going, but we only have to pay for two,” added the senior Honeywell.

Patrick Welch of Providence, who won his boys 14-15 category, is also heading to Augusta. Welch, who competed in the R.I. State Amateur and the R.I. Juniors defeated Davis Chatfield of Attleboro, Mass., but both will be going.

Editor’s Note: The 2014 competitions are already being planned, but we will not have a publication before the April 2014 deadline for entries, so interested parties should go to the website at www. drivechipandputt.com to get entry forms and information.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

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Jon Honeywell Boys 7-9 Jon Honeywell, N.Fayston, VT Sam Udovich, Montana Boys 10-11 Conner Willett, Wellesley, MA Colin McMahon-Shea, Arlington, MA Boys 12-13 Remi Chartier, Beaconsfield, QC Kevin McGovern, Hingham, MA Boys 14-15 Patrick Welch, Providence, RI Davis Chatfield, Attleboro, MA

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For advertising information, call Bruce Vittner at 401-464-8445 or email bruce@snegolfer.com.

8

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CHAMPIOSHIP GOLF

T

By BOB DICKSON

This Year’s R.I. Open Belonged to Warren

he odds seemed powerfully stacked against anyone other than a former R.I. Open Champion winning this year’s event at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston.

After all, take a look at the former winners who were entered. There was a trio of one- time PGA Tour players – Billy Andrade, Ed Kirby and Jumbo Elliott – competing along with two-time champ Kirk Hanefeld, who has been playing on the Champions Tour, and last year’s champ Jesse Larson along with 2007 winner Mike Carbone.

You had to figure one of those guys would step up and cash the winning check of $4,700. And Andrade was the heavy favorite because of his solid success on the PGA Tour and the fact that he’s gearing up to join the Champions Tour in January.

But, as we all know, anything can happen in any sport and surprises always seem to come about when least expected.

That, my friends, is exactly what happened at this year’s R.I. Open.

A young pro from the pretty much unheard of Nonesuch G.C. in Scarborough, Maine, Shawn Warren, stunned everyone by shooting rounds of 68, 69 and 68 for an 11-under total of 205 that gave him a jaw-dropping twoshot win over Andrade and Kirby, who tied for second at 8 under 207. Warren was so steady on his final round that he posted just one bogey along with 5 birdies (1, 2, 4, 8 and 10) and then pars for the final eight holes.

Warren, who had some decent finishes at the R.I. Open before, stood up to the daunting task of playing with Andrade and Marshfield, Mass., veteran Geoff Sisk on the final day. Kirby was just ahead of them.

Warren, however, did not wilt under an Andrade surge late in the final round when the Bristol native, now living in Atlanta, birdied the 15th to tie Warren for the lead. All the experts following that final group automatically placed the 2013 Open trophy in Andrade’s hands. No way he could lose it now, they said. They were wrong.

Instead, it was the 49 year-old Andrade who wilted with poor drives on 17 and 18 that produced hard-to-accept bogeys while Warren calmly parred the final two holes for his first, and unexpected, Rhode

Island Open championship.

Kirby is the head pro at Alpine so you would think he would have a big edge having home course advantage. And, for a while, it looked like he just might win his second Open (his first was 1989). Kirby opened with a nifty 65 the first day, skied to a 73 the second day but came back with a 69 on the final round. However, it was an ugly double bogey on the par three sixth that did him in.

The other past champions did well but never challenged for the lead. Carbone, from Dennis Pines, tied for 4th with Sisk at 7 under 209, Larson came in at 210, Shelter Harbor’s Elliott tied for eighth at 211 and Hannefeld from the Rennaissance C.C. in Mass. tied for 12th at 212.

So this year’s Open belonged to the 28year-old Warren. And he basked in the glow of congratulations.

“I talked to my coach the night before and he basically told me two under each nine, then I wouldn’t need to worry about anyone else,” Warren said. “ I didn’t shoot that, I shot 3 under the first nine and then one under but I stayed in my routine and thought process.”

But, Shawn, you were playing with a very good professional who has enjoyed great success on the PGA Tour. Wasn’t there added pressure in that final round?

“I knew I was going to play with Billy. My older brother knows Billy from Atlanta and we talked about that on the driving range,” Warren acknowledged. “We eventually met on the driving range and Billy is such a class guy, a great golfer. His background speaks for itself. For me it was just a joy to play with him but no, I didn’t feel any added pressure playing with him. Him being such a good guy helped me relax. At the end of the day it was me against the golf course.”

As for Andrade, who was fresh out of Wake Forest when he won his first pro tournament in 1987 at the R.I. Open, also at Alpine, coming back home was a fun experience, despite not winning. Off the tour for a while Andrade is trying to get sponsor’s exemptions to help him get some competition as he gets ready for the Champions Tour.

He missed out at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina, so he entered the R.I. event. “I just need competition and the only way to do that

is to play. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against. You need to get nervous, feel some pressure and hit golf shots. I was pretty good for 52 holes. The last two, I kind of gave away,” he said.

Bad drives and poor putts finished Andrade on 17 and 18. “I wasn’t as sharp as I was during the first two days. I didn’t have that jump in my step. I played pretty much flawless golf the first two days but I was sloppy on the final 18. A three putt and a bogey at the end, that’s not good but Shawn played well and deserved the win.”

As for Warren, he still has a desire to be a tour player. “I go to PGA Qualifying School every fall. If I can at least get through the second stage I would at least have a Web.Com and Nationwide Tour card but I’m not going to chase mini tours and stuff like that,” Warren said. “Right now I’m content teaching golf in Maine and being in that industry.”

Plus, he has a new addition to his trophy case, a very special one that was achieved

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

by beating a darn good veteran of the PGA Tour.

Open Notes: 21 players finished under par. . ..The R.I. Open still has no sponsor.

RIGA executive director Bob Ward continues to beat the bushes for that elusive sponsor. ...Brad Valois, the four time R.I. Amateur champ, was the low amateur in this year’s Open with a 5 under 211. . .Kyle Gallo of Kensington, Conn. had the lowest score of the final round with a 5 under 67. He finished at 3 under 213. . . .Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani suffered through what has to be the mother of all nightmarish finishes when he bogeyed 13, doubled 14, bogeyed 15 and 16, doubled 17 before parring 18. That disastrous stretch occurred after he moved up the leader board with an eagle on 10 and a birdie on 12. Young Giulani wound up tied for 18th at two under 214.

9

By SCOTT CORDISCHI

GOLF COMMENTARY

Cleaning Out the Golf Bag

I

t has been an interesting year for golfers and golf fans both locally and nationally this year. As we attempt to clean out the golf bag for 2013, where do we begin?

One of the great local stories this summer was the emergence of 13-year-old Patrick Welch. The Metacomet Country Club member became the youngest player to qualify for the Rhode Island State Amateur this summer where he made it all the way to the round of 16. He won the RI Junior Amateur Tournament and was the youngest player in the field at the United States Junior Amateur in California as well. He will also being going to Augusta National next April (see page 8). All of this while playing cross-handed! It will be very interesting to follow this young man’s career over the next few years.

Staying local for a moment, it was a tough year for local golf course superintendents. From a wet start to the season, to unbelievable heat and oppressive

humidity, it was not an easy year to keep courses in great condition. Some local courses lost greens and had to close down temporarily while others had to deal with burnt patches in fairways and the rough.

Here’s hoping for a better fall and winter because the supers could use a break.

Another successful CVS/Caremark Charity Classic at Rhode Island Country Club. Tournament co-hosts Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade assembled another great field including tournament champions Bo Van Pelt and Steve Stricker. Expect to see the tournament back at RICC again next year.

So what are we to think of Tiger Woods now? He has regained the No. 1-spot in the World Rankings, he won 5 times this year in the 14 events he had played in up to the time this column was written, and his $8.23 million is tops on the PGA Tour’s money list by almost $3 million over the next golfer on the list.

The problem is, Tiger’s “Major” drought

continues. Since he last won the 2008 US Open, Tiger has gone 0-for-18 in Major Championships. What’s much more alarming is his performance on the weekend at the Majors as of late. Having put together decent rounds on Thursday and Friday numerous times, Woods has collapsed on the weekends leaving many to wonder — what’s wrong with him?

Unfortunately for Tiger, this is the world he now lives in. He has set such a high standard of winning that he is no longer judged by his victories on the PGA Tour, but rather how many Majors he wins.

Here’s an interesting comparison between Tiger and the man he is trying to chase down – Jack Nicklaus. As most of you know, Woods currently has 14 Major Championships under his belt while Nicklaus holds the record with 18.

When Tiger tees it up in his next Major – The Masters – he will be 38 years old and will have gone almost 6 years without winning a Major. That means that from age 32 to 38, Tiger won a grand total of zero Majors.

Now consider what Nicklaus did during that same stretch. From age 32 to age 38, which some would consider to be the later years of the prime of your career, Jack won four Major Championships. It would appear that Tiger has missed some golden opportunities here.

But wait. There still may be time for Woods to catch Nicklaus if you use Jack’s career as a barometer. You see, those four majors for the Golden Bear were numbers 11, 12, 13 and 14 of his career.

That means he won 4 more Majors after turning 38. Does Tiger have four more Major Championship victories in him, which would tie Jack’s record of 18?

Possibly. But the smart money says he will likely win one or two more and fall short of Nicklaus’ feat.

Something to keep an eye on this winter – Bristol’s own Billy Andrade turns 50 on January 25, 2014 which will make him eligible for the Champions Tour.

Generally speaking, guys between the ages of 50-55 do well on the Champions Tour before slowing down a bit. However, being young is no guarantee of success out there.

Just ask Barrington’s Brad Faxon. He’s won twice in his 2-1⁄2 years on Tour but it hasn’t been easy. Many of the same great golfers he competed with for years on the PGA Tour are now competing with him on the Champions Tour, and you have to play well to bring home the bacon.

There is still time to play a few more rounds this fall, so we won’t clean out the whole bag just yet. Enjoy the off-season.

For breaking local golf stories visit www.snegolfer.com and click “Breaking Stories.”

Luke hit his second shot at the par 5 18th hole into the environmentally protected hazard in front of the green. His caddie saw the ball in the hazard, and Luke went in to hit it. Is that allowed? What is the ruling?

Calvino Ruling: Under Local Rules, Rule 33-8a allows the Committee to publish local rules for abnormal conditions. Assisting preservation of the course by defining environmentally-sensitive areas where play is prohibited is allowed.

The area is treated as a hazard, and thus the ball can not be played from there.

Normally the committee sets up a drop area with white chalk to define the drop point. If no point is specified, the ball must be dropped in accordance with rules for ball in a hazard. Luke could not hit the ball from there.

10

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

RI NOTEBOOK Tuthill New Chairman One thing former R.I. Amateur champion (2000) Ben Tuthill realizes is that as the new chairman of the prestigious Northeast Amateur Invitational, his amateur tournament playing days are pretty much history.

“Oh, yeah, that’s probably true,” Tuthill told Southern New England Golfer as he takes over the chairmanship job that has been run so well at Wannamoisett C.C. for 20 years by Denny Glass. It has been Glass who, over the years, has turned this event into a sparkling gem of the amateur golfing world.

Tuthill, 32, knows he has big shoes to fill, but what folks at Wannamoisett like about the new chairman is that he strongly believes he is now the only man for the job. That’s why he openly campaigned for the chance even though the Northeast selection committee wasn’t considering him for the post. He found out that he had a big selling job to do.

It all seemed cut and dried back in April when Glass told everyone that he was stepping down as chairman after a 20-year run. It also was quickly decided that Joe Sprague, then director of the Massachusetts Golf Association and former director of the RIGA, would take over for Glass. But in the summer a snag occurred when Sprague accepted a position with the USGA that would not allow him to run the Northeast Amateur.

Suddenly, folks at Wannamoisett, which has run this event for 50 years, had a problem.

Tuthill, a member of the Northeast Committee, expressed an interest in the position but others had different ideas.

Instead of backing off, Tuthill a successful financial services advisor in Providence, turned up the pressure. Meetings were held, interviews conducted and lo and behold, Tuthill’s enthusiasm won the day.

“Look, my family has been at Wannamoisett since 1988 and I have been a member since 2007” said the URI grad, who enjoyed a very good golf career with the Rams. “My work schedule is flexible which will allow me to provide the time needed to do this job the right way, as Denny has done. I have always had a passion for the Northeast event dating back to when I was a caddy and would meet the guys coming here to play. I really enjoy the folks at Wannamoisett so I know I am the right guy for this position.”

Ben Tuthill Tuthill has already put in a lot of hours learning about his new responsibilities but he also knows he is going to have help. He says Glass will work with him and show him the ropes during this first year of the transition. “He, basically, will be holding my hand this first year,” declared the three-time RIGA Four-Ball champ.

Still, in the end, Tuthill understands that the success the Northeast has developed over the years comes from the field of top young amateur players who compete here year after year. Things begin to get hectic around February when he and his committee start keeping track of how well the better players are doing and who will likely be asked to compete in the field of 88 next June.

“My goal will obviously be attracting the strongest field in amateur golf,” Tuthill said. To some, that may seem easy enough, almost like recruiting good basketball players to schools such as Duke and North Carolina. You don’t recruit them, they just show up. That’s like the top amateur golfers who understand what the Northeast Tournament is all about (ranked as high as 7th and 11th in the world according to various amateur polls) and they can’t wait to be asked. Still, it takes a lot of work and Ben Tuthill, who has played in four Northeast Amateur championships, believes he is more than up to the task.

He just won’t have the time to pick up his sticks and be a competitor himself.

Schmidt Wins First RIGA Title He may be getting older but Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt can still smack the daylights out of a ball. Only now, that ball is a bit

smaller than a baseball and isn’t steaming at him at around 90 mph.

Having joined the Carnegie Abbey Golf Club in Portsmouth for the summer season a few years ago, Schmidt regained his amateur status and became a member of the RIGA. And just a few weeks ago the righty-swinging Schmidt blasted his way to his first RIGA title when he captured the 2013 Senior Amateur Championship at the Pawtucket C.C. Schmidt’s 36-hole total of 2-under 136 put him one shot ahead of RIGA Hall-ofFamer Dr. George Pirie.

Schmidt trailed Pirie by three after his opening round 70 while Pirie displayed his Hall-of-Fame skills with an opening round two under 67.

By BOB DICKSON this year’s R.I. Open. For the first time father and son were entered in the same professional tournament. They have both played in charity events together but never in a tournament that actually counts for something.

“It was pretty cool,” said Cameron who is now in his freshman year at Wofford College in South Carolina. “It sure was a different feeling, I haven’t had that before.

It was the first time we were in an event where you have to make a cut and play good golf.”

While Billy ended up in a tie for second with a 9-under 207, Cameron made the cut and finished tied for 39th with a 223.

“I think I would grade myself a C. I didn’t play well enough but I struck the ball well for three rounds,” he said. “During the rounds I didn’t think about my dad, he was just another guy in the tournament.

But, it was fun.”

Morrell Struggles in Quebec

Mike Schmidt On day two, however, Schmidt heated up, posted five birdies and only two bogeys and came home with a nifty three under 66 to Pirie’s one over 70. Pirie maintained a two shot lead after 27 holes but faltered on the final nine when he bogeyed 12 and 13 while Schmidt birdied 11, parred 12 and birdied 13 to go up by two. Pirie birdied 15 while Schmidt birdied 16 to regain his two shot lead. Pirie sliced the final margin to one when he birdied 18.

In two other senior categories, Tom Acciardo won the Super Senior title finishing at five-over 143, two shots ahead of Tom Goryl. RIGA Hall of Famer Paul Quigley won the Legends crown with a 6 over 144.

Father & Son Play R.I. Open It was a pretty neat feeling for onetime PGA touring pro Billy Andrade and his college bound son Cameron at

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There was nothing but disappointment for North Kingstown’s Samantha Morrell at last month’s Royal Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in Boloeil, Quebec.

Morrell struggled in the first two rounds and failed to make the final round cut.

Morrell skied to rounds of 82 and 77 for 17 over par 159. She doubled 5, 6 and 11 during the opening 18 and had just one birdie (17th) on the second round. The tourney was won by 15 year-old Brooke Henderson of Ontario. She finished at 9 under 275 that included a 5 under 66 the final day.

Back home Morrell and Carolyn Brown combined for a 68 to win OSWGA’s R.I. Women’s State Junior-Senior Championship at Laurel Lane. The first net winners were Kibbe Reilly and Ann Moran with a 63.

Newport Country Club’s Johnny Hayes IV won the RIGA’s Stroke Play tourney with an 11 under par 54-hole total of 202. Right behind Hayes at 10 under was Ledgemont’s Bobby Leopold at 203.

The Agawam Hunt team of Joshua Helm and Caroline Farber captured the RIGA’s Mixed Foursomes Championship with a 2 and 1 win over Metacomet’s Dean and Laura Parziale at Valley C.C. Farber added to her title-winning effort with a hole-in-one on the 125-yard 6th hole using a 9 iron during qualifying play.

11

JUNIOR GOLF

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR Deutsche Bank, Boston Golf Club Host Dream Week for Junior Golfers The John D. Mineck DBC Junior Cup has become the annual highlight of the season for junior golfers throughout the country. The competition, which was the brainchild of former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO Seth Waugh, pits the top 20 juniors from New England against 20 of the top players from across the country and beyond.

The “Dream Week” teed off on Friday of Labor Day weekend, as the field of 40 junior golfers played their practice rounds at the prestigious Boston Golf Club in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Over the weekend the players competed in a team match play format. Team New England captured the title for the fifth consecutive year, coasting to a 35-25 victory over Team USA. The team of Jake Shuman and Connor Greenleaf led the charge, finishing their DBC careers with an undefeated record. The duo rallied from a 4-down deficit, by carding 8 birdies over the last 12 holes to defeat Team USA’s top team of David Snyder and Gary Daoust 1 up. Greenleaf sealed the match in dramatic fashion by nearly holing out his approach shot at the home hole.

Following competition each day the players and their families were special guests at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

After their final round of competition, they were recognized at the Deutsche Bank’s Sunday Celebration.

“It is a special couple of days,” stated Waugh. “The players are picked based on character first. The competition is secondary. It is more about the camaraderie than anything. The players and their families meet new people and develop relationships that will last a lifetime.”

On a personal note, as the director of the Challenge Cup, yours truly would like to thank the many folks who made the week possible. The folks at Boston

Golf Club are unrivaled. They treated our players and their families like they were on Tour. Ditto to Eric Baldwin and the folks at Tiger Woods Foundation….and of course Seth and Deutsche Bank. Seth is a remarkable man. He and Deutsche Bank have done so much for this community.

The impact this tournament has on our economy and charitable foundations is enormous. The Challenge Cup, its players and all of New England are fortunate to have such wonderful friends.

Tiger Time – A large amount of Challenge Cup players got to spend some time with Tiger Woods courtesy of his caddie Joe LaCava. It was the second consecutive year Woods spent some quality time with the players from the event.

Charitable Chip In – In a tribute to Boston Golf Club co-founder, John Mineck, Challenge Cup players and their families contributed over to $12,000 to the John D. Mineck Foundation. John passed away in 2007 in a tragic accident at the club. His memory lives on through a foundation in his name. The foundation supports many charities throughout the area.

Shuman Receives Mineck Award – In yet another tribute to John, Jake Shuman was presented the 8th annual John D. Mineck Award. The award is annually presented to an outstanding junior golfer, who best exemplifies John’s many outstanding qualities. Former recipients include Evan Harmeling (Princeton), Tony Grillo (Harvard), Ryan Gay (St. John’s), Cameron Wilson (Stanford), Andy Mai (Boston College), Nick McLaughlin (Virginia) and Danny Guise (Wake Forest). It was quite a week for Shuman, as the Wake Forest commit closed out his Mineck/DBC career winning for the 4th time in four appearances.

Top Coaches in Attendance – In a testament to the caliber of play at the John D. Mineck DBC Junior Cup, coaches

New England Junior Amateur Championship 1 Brian Carlson (CT) Clinton C.C. T2 Reese McFarlane (ME) Purpoodock Club T2 Jake Shuman (MA) Blue Hill C.C. T2 Matt Naumec (MA) C.C. of Wilbraham 5 Patrick Albanesi (CT) Hartford G.C. T6 Dan Woodbury (MA) Pleasant Valley C.C. T6 Steven DiLisio (MA) Salem C.C. 8 Drake Hull (VT) Rutland C.C. 9 Matt Paradis (NH) Derryfield C.C. T10 John VanDerLaan (CT) Heritage Village C.C. T10 Alex Rainville (VT) St. Johnsbury C.C.

12

-3 -1 Even +1 -4 -3 Even Even +4 +2 +3

F F F F F F F F F F F

-4 -2 -2 -2 -1 +2 +2 +3 +4 +5 +5

72 71 71 69 70 75 72 74 73 71 70

from two of the top schools in the country were amongst the spectators. URI’s men’s coach Greg Burke and the University of Kansas men’s coach Jamie Bermel were in attendance.

Alums Roll to Victory at Inaugural Foon Cup The team of Jake Shuman and Connor Greenleaf posted a 6-under par round of 66 to take top honors at the inaugural Foon Cup, but their effort wasn’t enough as the Challenge Cup alums topped a team of the Challenge Cup’s current players 7 to 3 in the team best ball competition at the Golf Club of Cape Cod. Former Challenge Cup Players of the Year (and best friends) Michael Carbone and Brent Wanner led the alumni with a 4-under par round of 68.

Challenge Cup Alumni Evan Harmeling - Chris Fitzpatrick Jared Adams - Andrew Fiorenzano Jeff Dantas - Jamison Randall Brendan Lemp - Brian Butler Nick Pandelena - Joe Leavitt John Jackopsic - Andy Mai Cody Paladino - Kevin Jospehson Brian Higgins - Dan Falcucci Ken Lewis - Eddie Hjerpe Michael Carbone - Brent Wanner Total

68-1 75-0 69-1 71-1 72-0 71-0 69-1 71-1 71-1 67-1 7

Current Players Jonathan Woods - Patrick Frodigh Billy Walthouse - Matt Naumec Evan Grenus - Ryan Tombs Eric Dietrich - John VanDerlaan Jake Shuman - Connor Greenleaf Patrick Albanesi - Chris Butler Patrick Welch - Jake Bauer Ben Balter - Jeffrey Lang McKinley Slade - Ethan Zexter Danny Guise - Megan Khang Total

71-0 73-1 71-0 73-0 66-1 68-1 73-0 76-0 72-0 72-0 3

Carlson, Team Massachusetts Win New England Junior Titles The summer of Carlson continued at New England Junior Amateur Championship, where Purdue commit, Brian Carlson hoisted the individual

69 70 69 70 75 72 72 71 69 74 74

68 70 71 72 67 68 71 71 75 73 74

209 211 211 211 212 215 215 216 217 218 218

hardware for the second consecutive year.

Carlson, representing Team Connecticut, fired rounds of 72-69-68 to post a 4-under total of 209.

In the team competition, the duo of Jake Shuman and Matt Naumec led Team Massachusetts to a 10-stroke victory over defending champion Team Connecticut.

The seven-player team from the Bay State posted a 10-over par score of 1075 at the immaculate Connecticut National GC in Putnam, CT. The victory was extra special for Team Massachusetts, as team captain Scott Whitcomb had to leave the competition upon learning of his mother passing away.

“The players wanted to win this to show their support for Scott,” said fill-in captain Jesse Menachem. “This group really came together as a family this week.”

Fall Finish With a dozen tournaments left on the Challenge Cup calendar, the Northeast Junior Classic at Bethpage State Park takes center stage. The prestigious competition is the final event on the Challenge Cup calendar before final selections for team New England are announced.

The champions from 7 of the Challenge Cup’s elite events this season and the top three players from the Challenge Cup Point Standings will earn automatic berths on the 12-player team. The final spot will be determined in a special qualifier at the Doral Publix Sectional Qualifier in October. Players ranked in the top 30 of the Spinal Technology Challenge Cup Player of the Year Standings will have the opportunity to earn the final spot on Team New England at the qualifier. In late December, Team New England will match shots with Florida’s finest junior golfers in the Dave Adamonis Sr. Challenge Cup Matches at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. One day later the same group of players will join 600 other junior golfers in competition at the Doral Publix Junior Classic.

Date / Tournament / Site 10/5-FCWT/Sawgrass Sectional Qualifier-Cranston C.C. 10/6-Presidents Cup-New England C.C. 10/12-13-Northeast Junior Classic-Bethpage Red & Blue 10/26-27-Orange Bowl Sectional Qualifier-Cranston C.C. 11/2-3-Challenge Cup Junior Invitational-Pinehills G.C. 11/9-10-Challenge Cup Tour Championship Willowbend C.C. 11/11-Junior Roundup-TBA 12/20-Dave Adamonis Sr. Challenge Cup Matches Doral Golf Resort & Spa

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

JUNIOR GOLF

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

Team New England Girls Vinh Hop-Ngo, Jackie Eleey, Megan Khang and Julia Ford

Team New England’s Steven Dilisio, Asst. Capt. Steve DeSantis, Patrick Welch and Will Dickson Team New England Aces Connor Greenleaf and Jake Shuman (r) with Captain Dave Adamonis

Gately Cup Champions Julia Kemmling and John VanDerlaan

TEAM USA - Captain Steve Feinstein, Points Will Minton - Miguel Delgado 0 Erica Herr - Michael Davis 1 Brooke Henderson - Gary Daoust 2.5 Cecily Overbey - Thomas Walsh 1.5 Alexa Hammer - Charlie Kennerly 1.5 Calvin Beckwith - Greg Sibick 0 David Snyder - Aaron Whalen .5 David Hicks - Thomas Hixon 2 Christian DiMarco - Cole Berman .5 JB Thompson - Ben Albin 3 DAY 1 TOTALS 12.5

Team New England - Dave Adamonis Jr., Points Brian Carlson - Drake Hull 3 Jacquelyn Eleey - Patrick Albanesi 2 Megan Khang - John VanDerlaan .5 Julia Ford - Dan Woodbury 1.5 Vinh-Hop Ngo - Patrick Welch 1.5 Connor Greenleaf - Jake Shuman 3 Chandler Morris - Connor O’Brien 2.5 Matt Naumec - Michael VanDerlaan 1 Steven Dilisio - Will Dickson 2.5 John Beadle - Evan Grenus 0 17.5

Miguel Delgado - Ben Albin Charlie Kennerly - JB Thompson Aaron Whalen - David Hicks Cole Berman - Michael Davis Thomas Hixon - Calvin Beckwith David Snyder - Gary Daoust Christian DiMarco - Greg Sibick Will Minton - Thomas Walsh Alexa Hammer - Cecily Overbey Brooke Henderson - Erica Herr DAY 2 TOTALS FINAL SCORE

Evan Grenus - Drake Hull Matt Naumec - Dan Woodbury Patrick Welch - Michael VanDerlaan Steven Dilisio - Will Dickson Patrick Albanesi - John VanDerlaan Connor Greenleaf - Jake Shuman Chandler Morris - Connor O’Brien Brian Carlson - John Beadle Megan Khang - Julia Ford Vinh-Hop Ngo - Jacquelyn Eleey

.5 0 2 1.5 0 1 1 2.5 1.5 2.5 12.5 25

2.5 3 1 1.5 3 2 2 .5 1.5 .5 17.5 35

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Planning Your 2014 Advertising Budget?

Consider Southern New England Golfer and reach a powerful demographic group in all of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Zone advertising also available. Contact Bruce Vittner at bruce@snegolfer.com or 401-464-8445.

13

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

PROVIDENCE OPEN

Pandelena Equals Mark, Buchanan Punches Q-School Ticket

T

o say that Nicholas Pandelena has an affinity for Triggs Memorial G.C. in Providence would be a serious understatement. Two years after posting a tournament record 8-under par 64 at the World Series of Junior Golf, the Boston College sophomore equaled the single round tournament record of 9under par 63 en route to victory at the rain shortened Providence Open.

While it would be hard to believe someone enjoyed a better week than Pandelena, first-year professional Jeb Buchanan certainly made a strong argument. The former University of Connecticut standout, not only took home the winner’s check at the Providence Open, but he also cruised to victory in the Q-School Qualifier. For the week Buchanan earned $9,260.

Through two holes of competition at the Q-School Qualifier Buchanan looked like the least likely candidate to win top honors. After a par at the reachable par5 opening hole at Ledgemont C.C., Buchanan lost two balls at the 365-yard par 4 second hole en route to a quadruple

bogey 8. Essentially, he spotted the field 5-strokes. The Loudonville, N.Y. resident battled back though to post a 2-over par 73.

“After the second hole I took a deep breath and told myself I still have 70 holes of golf to play,” stated Buchanan. “My goal was to post a score somewhere around par.”

The following day Buchanan was spot on, as he flirted with the course record, playing the opening 14 holes at 8-under par. He ultimately settled for a 6-under par 65 to move within 1-stroke of Kyle Gallo and Jake Katz at the halfway point, as the action moved to Triggs G.C. for the final two rounds.

Buchanan’s stellar play continued at Triggs G.C. (where players’ rounds at the Providence Open doubled as the final two rounds of the Q-School Qualifier).

Buchanan posted a 7-under par 65 to take a commanding 5-stroke lead in the QSchool Qualifier over Kyle Gallo.

While he trailed Pandelena by 2-strokes for the hardware at the Providence Open, he was 3-strokes clear of the closest

professional entering the final round, 2003 champion Michael Carbone.

Another amateur, Wake Forest freshman Danny Guise, joined the fray posting an opening round of 5-under par 67.

Both Pandelena and Buchanan were looking forward to matching shots, but Mother Nature intervened. The first groups completed 15 holes of their final rounds before a torrential storm dumped nearly three inches of rain over a 4-hour period, leaving the course completely unplayable.

The Providence Open was reduced to an 18-hole competition, with the Q-School Qualifier being halted after 54-holes.

“We were hanging in there for a few hours,” reflected tournament official Brian Harbour. “We knew it was a race against the clock. It was inevitable once the brunt of the storm hit we would be all done.

Unfortunately we lost the race.”

Nicholas Pandelena “It was pretty difficult out there,” stated the newly crowned champion Pandelena.

Par was a good score today. I was 2-over through seven holes, Jeb was 1-over and Danny was even for the day. I was looking forward to finishing the event and testing myself down the stretch. It wasn’t possible though. It rained harder and longer than the last time I won here at the World Series.”

“I am thrilled with the win,” he continued. “This is an event I look forward to every year. The Providence Open always has a strong field of professional and amateur players. It is an honor to have my name among the past champions (Adamonis, Gallo and Sisk).

All three of those players have played on the Tour. I hope to do the same when I finish school.”

Two players who would have certainly liked to finish their rounds were Bryant University men’s golf coach Charlie 14

Jeb Buchanan Blanchard and reigning RI Open champion Shawn Warren.

After opening with an uncharacteristic 5-over par 77 Blanchard was razzed by his players (as he trailed five Bulldogs through one round). The RIGA legend fired a 6under par 31 on his opening nine (the back nine).

“I told the boys we still have another 18 to play. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish. I guess I will be hearing about it at the first day of practice.”

Warren, a former Q-School Qualifier winner, carded a 3-under par 32 on the front nine to close within 1-stroke of Buchanan for the Providence Open title.

“I would have loved to finish my round, but it just wasn’t possible. It was pretty difficult before they halted play. Ten minutes after they blew the horn, the entire course was under water.”

Despite settling for a tie ninth, Warren spoke glowingly of his love of the Ocean State and its courses. In the month of August, Warren captured both the RI Open and the NEPGA Championship.

“Not to discount any of the other New England states, but the quality of the courses we play in these (two) events and the RI Open is exceptional. The courses really fit my game.”

History Maker – Nicholas Pandelena equaled the single round scoring record of 9-under par 63 at the Providence Open.

Pandelena now shares the single round record with former PGA Tour players Geoff Sisk and Jumbo Elliott. Speaking of Elliott, he is gearing up for a run at the Champions Tour.

Pandelena, also became the second amateur to win the Providence Open.

Former MGA amateur standout Steven Tasho won the Providence Open in 2005.

Results page 32

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WESTERN MASS NOTEBOOK DOWNES QUALIFIES Billy Downes of Longmeadow may have a little more time to play golf, but that doesn’t mean he has a place to play.

On-going construction has shut down Hampden Country Club for the better part of two seasons, as it upgrades to a high-end, private facility.

So the head professional there has made the most of his limited opportunities. “I can’t play the course and we don’t have much for (completed) practice options yet,’’ Downes said. ”But I have made the best of it.’’

So what happens?

The former longtime national mini-tour player goes out and wins the Connecticut PGA Professional Championship to qualify for next year’s PGA Professional National Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He won by two strokes at Crestview Country Club in Agawam and a top 20 national finish would land him in the 2014 PGA Championship field.

“It’s pretty cool,” Downes said of the path he is on. “For a club professional, it’s a pretty cool thing.” A couple of weeks earlier, Downes, 47, was ousted by Jeff Curl in a playoff in his quest to win the 79th Connecticut Open.

“It was fun to be in the heat of it again,” Downes said. “I haven’t been in that situation in a long time and I obviously would have liked to have won it. But it’s fun to play so solid, hang around and have a chance to win.”

Downes has battled injuries in recent years, and he had not been eligible to compete in the Connecticut Open prior to earning his PGA Class A certification last winter.

TOSKI CLINIC Golf Hall of Famer Bob Toski, a Haydenville native, returned to the area to give a free clinic at the Western Mass.

Family Golf Center in Hadley. Toski, 86, is a member of the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame and the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame. He won five times on the PGA before he retired at age 30. The clinic was run in conjunction with Toski’s brother Tom, who has been a longtime teacher at the range.

GREAT GARVIN Angela Garvin of Feeding Hills was a runaway winner of the Connecticut Section PGA Junior Player of the Year. Garvin,

12, won ten tournaments competing in the age 13-18 division. Her final rankings points were more than double that of the runner-up. She capped her summer by winning the tour’s Jack Kelly Tournament of Champions tournament. The seventhgrader will be honored at the section’s Special Awards Banquet in November.

MATT FINISH Matt Naumec of Wilbraham enjoyed a solid summer. He finished second at the Massachusetts Junior Amateur at Essex County Club in Manchester and helped lead Team Massachusetts to the title at the New England Junior Amateur Championship at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, Conn. as he tied for second in the individual competition at the New England championships.

Naumec is a junior at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

O’Neill, 48, had played 35 years before making an ace. Consensus odds list the possibility of making an ace at a par-4 to be 1 million to one. He described himself as an “above-average golfer” who plays at the Berkshire County course about a dozen times each season.

The two-ace-in-one-round feat is the region’s first since Sue McClellan of Florence did so at Berkshire Hills C.C. in Aug. 2007. The Western Mass. Golf Hall of Famer aced the 13th and 17th holes at the Pittsfield course.

Back to Demarsh . . . he used a driver at the straightaway, downhill hole seems to happen every 12 years. John Glynn of Holbrook was the last to do so, using a driver when the hole played at 305 yards during the Massachusetts Public Links Championship in 2001. It was reported then that it was first hole-in-one made there since Jeff Cyboron of Chicopee made double eagle in Sept. 1989.

HALL OF FAMER Former Crumpin-Fox Club golf pro Ron Beck was one of three people named to the Connecticut Section PGA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013. Vic Svenberg and Fran Marrello will also be inducted in a November ceremony at Lake of Isles in Stonington, Conn.

Beck spent 12 years at CrumpinFox, and the last 13 at sister-course Fox Hopyard. Marrello has won a total 21 Connecticut Section PGA tournament titles, while Svenberg was head pro at Copper Hills G.C. for 37 years.

ACE NEWS When does making an ace at a par 4 take a back seat in local news? When someone else does the same thing, just two holes after making a conventional hole-inon at a different course. Adam Demarsh of Chicopee accomplished the rare feat, recording a “1” at the 285-yard par-4 ninth hole at Chicopee Country Club on July 9. And if he was upstaged, it was with good reason.

A day earlier, Rick O’Neill of Pittsfield made two aces during a three-hole span at Donnybrook Country Club in Lanesboro.

O’Neill aced the 138-yard par-3 fourth hole, and then holed out from the tee at the 348-yard, par-4 sixth. Major golf publications place odds of making two aces during the same round to be 67 million-to-one.

HALL OF FAME Western Mass. Golf Hall of Fame will welcome its seventh class of inductees at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield on Oct. 4. The committee announced that Tom DiRico, Sue McLellan, Tracy Mehr, Jackie Mattson and Dr. Joseph Troll will be honored in 2013.

DiRico is the director of golf at Chicopee Country and longtime head pro at Shaker Farms C.C. in Westfield.

McLellan, who plays out of Beaver Brook G.C. in Haydenville, has forged a successful playing career and she once made two holes-in-one during the same round. Mehr, an Amherst resident and longtime collegiate coach at Amherst College, was the first golfer (1971) from Western Mass. to win the Massachusetts Amateur. Mattson was superintendent at C.C. of Wilbraham for 37 years who enjoyed an accomplished playing resume as a junior.

Troll is a professor of agronomy at UMass and nationally renown for his work with turf research.

In addition, Ron Letellier and Allan Mackintosh will be honored in memoriam.

Letellier played on the PGA Tour during the 1970s and is a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame. Mackintosh was a pro and superintendent for 40 years at C.C. of Wilbraham.

By RUSS HELD

Billy Downes won the Connecticut PGA Professional Championship to qualify for next year’s PGA Professional National Championship in Myrtle Beach.

Russ Held is a sportswriter for the Springfield Republican and writes a Western Mass. Notebook column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

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By BRUCE BERLET

CONNECTICUT NOTEBOOK

Curl Wins Connecticut Open in Playoff

A

s late July approached, Jeff Curl admitted his golfing frustrations had reached a new high, which was saying plenty considering the litany of injuries that he had had to endure for almost five winless seasons.

“This has been the most humbling (golf ) year of my life,” Curl said. “I never thought I’d ever have to go back to the mini-tours.”

But after playing on the Web.com Tour and countless mini-tours for more than a decade, the 34-year-old who grew up in Ellington, Conn., and now lives in Birmingham, Ala., had been relegated mostly to Monday qualifiers in his bid to return to the winner’s circle. But his frustrations ended in dramatic fashion in the Connecticut Open at Torrington Country Club, though it appropriately came with a lot more anguish.

After back-to-back 5-under-par 67s, Curl began the final round with a threestroke lead that he lost when he bogeyed the third hole (three-putt from 5 feet) and made triple-bogey 7 at No. 4, where he whiffed a chip. Curl righted himself with four birdies in a nine-hole stretch before losing a two-shot lead with a bogey-double bogey finish for 75. That gave Curl a 54-hole total of 7-under 209, dropping him into a tie with Eric Steger (71), Bill Downes (71) and Ben Conroy, who had nine birdies in a closing 65, a competitive course record and low round of the championship. Steger, Downes and Conroy each bogeyed the 18th hole, as did defending champion Jason Caron (73) to miss making it a five-way playoff.

16

“Coming off the 18th green, I can’t remember a time when I’ve been that down on myself,” Curl said after missing a 5-foot putt for bogey 5 that would have given him the title in regulation. “I thought I was done, just toast, but somehow I pulled it out.”

A pep talk from caddie Jeff Swanson, the pro at Cedar Knob Golf Course in Somers, Conn., helped Curl right himself again. Curl holed a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-4 first hole that he didn’t see disappear because he was sprinting across the green with his back to the cup. When Downes missed a 25-foot birdie chip to tie, Curl pocketed the $12,500 top prize from his first victory since an eGolf Professional Tour event in October 2008.

“This is awesome,” an emotional Curl said after depression turned to bliss in about 30 minutes. “I pride myself in never choking, and I still won the tournament.

To win in 2007 meant a ton, as I was sponsored by Foxwoods and winning on my home course. But this one, considering the injuries and what I’ve been through, was incredible. To make a double and triple bogey in the final round and still be standing with the trophy is unbelievable.”

The EGolf Tarheel victory came 14 months after Curl shot a closing 7under 65 to rally from a four-stroke deficit to a four-stroke victory in the 2007 Connecticut Open at Lake of Isles, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which runs Foxwoods Casino and sponsored the part-Wintu Indian before his game headed south. Most of Curl’s victory drought could be traced to the long list of injuries, the most damaging occurring on Nov. 5, 2011, when he sustained five fractured ribs in his back in an accident and was told he might never play professional golf again. That capped three years in which he also had two shoulder surgeries, five cortisone shots in his left knee, one cortisone shot in his wrist and a torn ligament in his left ankle that sidelined him most of 2011.

Curl recovered to qualify for his first major championship, the 2012 U.S. Open, on the 46th anniversary of his father, former PGA and Champions Tour player Rod Curl, making his debut in the national championship at the same Olympic Club

in San Francisco, not far from where Jeff was born on a Wintu Indian reservation in Redding, Calif.

But after battling hard to make the cut, Jeff almost didn’t make it to the first tee for the third round due to a hairline fracture in his right index finger he sustained on his tee shot on the 15th hole the previous day.

He reinjured the finger on No. 17 while finishing off a 5-over 75, and when he woke up the next morning, his hand was badly swollen. He called the tournament’s orthopedic surgeon, who rushed him to an emergency room. A hand specialist diagnosed the hairline fracture, so Curl took some Advil and got a steroid rubbed on the hand.

“They told me to stop, so I called my orthopedic specialist in Birmingham,” Curl said. “He said if it gets worse, I’ll probably be out 4-to-6 weeks but that it shouldn’t completely fracture, that if I could withstand the pain, I could keep playing. After all I’d been through with all the injuries, I said I can’t stay out because I’m playing so good.”

Curl managed to close with another 75 for a 72-hole total of 14-over 294 and a tie for 56th. He finished 13 strokes behind winner Webb Simpson but beat players such as Hall of Famers Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, fellow major champions Bubba Watson and Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson and the world’s top-ranked players at the time, Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy.

“It was gratifying to finish the way I did,” Curl said. “It also was a week that could have been a really breakout week.”

It also led to the most frustrating stretch of his career, starting with a knee injury that short-circuited much of his 2012 season on the Web.com Tour, where he finished 108th on the money list with $48,733. But all those agonies seemed a distant memory thanks to his giddy, topsyturvy triumph in his first Connecticut Open start since 2008.

Then three top-10 finishes in eGolf Professional Tour events, giving him seven in eight starts, and shooting a 59 at his home course, Greystone C.C. in Birmingham, continued to help get Curl in the proper frame of mind for another run at the PGA Tour beginning with the

first stage of qualifying on Oct. 22.

“I’m confident because I’m playing the best I ever have in my life,” Curl said. “I’ve been really, really solid all year, so it’s weird how timing can work out sometimes.”

DOWNES WINS CLUB PRO TITLE Two weeks after the Connecticut Open, Bill Downes, of Hampden (Mass.)

C.C., shot 2-under 142 for 36 holes to win the Connecticut PGA Professional Championship at Crestview C.C. in Agawam, Mass. Tony Kelley (Wyckoff C.C.-Holyoke, Mass.) finished two shots back, and he, Downes and the section player of the year qualify for the 2014 national championship June 22-25 at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club and the Grande Dunes Resort Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C. ... Jack McConachie (Pine Valley-Southington) birdied three of the last seven holes for a closing 3-under 68 and 36-hole total of 138 to capture the Senior Connecticut PGA Championship at Wethersfield C.C. McConachie won for a fourth time by a shot over Fran Marrello (Quaboag-Monson, Mass.), who bogeyed the last hole in his bid for a fourth consecutive title. Kelley, the first-round leader, finished third at 141. Marrello, Dave Dell (Springfield C.C.) and Ron Dellostritto (Wethersfield C.C.) were the top three finishers in the battle for spots in the national championship Oct. 11-14 at Creighton Farms in Aldie, Va., and the River Creek Club in Leesburg, Va. The top 35 in the nationals advance to the 2014 Senior PGA Championship at the Golf Club of Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich. ... Adam Rainaud of the host club shot a course record-tying, 7-under 65 in the final round for a 36-hole total of 9under 133 and an eight-stroke victory in the section’s assistant championship at the Black Hall Club in Old Lyme. It was the third title in four years for Rainaud, of South Hadley, Mass., who easily outdistanced runner-up Tim Buczak (Madison C.C.).

Rainaud and Buczak qualified for the national championship Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. ...

John Abbott of Higganum (3-under 68) and Angela Garvin of Feeding Hills, Mass.

(74) won the boys and girls divisions in

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CONNECTICUT NOTEBOOK the section’s Jack Kelly Junior Tournament of Champions at Shennecossett G.C. in Groton. It was the 10th victory of 2013 for player of the year Garvin, a seventhgrader. Aaron Donnelli of Newington was the boys player of the year, and he and Garvin will be honored at the section’s special awards banquet Nov. 17 at Lake of Isles. ... Danny Balin (Burning Tree C.C.Greenwich) won his second consecutive New York State Open with a 54-hole total of 7-under 206 at Bethpage Black G.C. in Farmingdale, N.Y. He earned a $17,500 first prize by finishing two ahead of Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

National G.C. in Washington, D.C. Whaley, 16, is the youngest golfing daughter of Suzy Whaley, who won the 2002 section championship to qualify for the 2003 Greater Hartford Open, and Bill Whaley, the general manager and director of golf at TPC River Highlands. She is in her junior year of high school at the Hank Haney Golf Academy in Hilton Head, S.C. ... Jen Holland shot 5-over 151 for 36 holes to notch a three-stroke victory over Fern-Boros in the Southern New England Women’s Golf Association Championship at Indian Hill C.C. in Newington.

Holland became the first person to win in three decades (1999, 2000, 2002, 2013).

TWO WINS FOR WHALEY

HUNTER CAPTURES FIRST STATE TITLE

Kelly Whaley of TPC River Highlands shot a record-tying, 5-under 211 for 54 holes to register a 16-stroke victory in the Connecticut State Women’s Amateur Championship at Rockledge G.C. in West Hartford. Whaley, the 2011 champion, was under par every round as she easily outdistanced co-runners-up Maggie Kennedy of the host club, who was second last year, and Lisa Fern-Boros (Highland G.C.-Shelton) with a total that tied the tournament record set in 2007 by Natalie Sheary, who now plays on the Symetra Tour.

The win came a week after Whaley shot 3-over 213 to notch her first AJGA title by 11 strokes in the Philadelphia Junior at Huntingdon Valley C.C. in Pennsylvania, where defending champion Theo Humphrey of Greenwich won the boys division at 204. And the two victories came after Whaley shot 13-over 297 for 72 holes to tie for 28th in the girls division of the Junior PGA Championship at Trump

Ben Hunter made four consecutive birdies early in a closing 4-under 68 to rally to his first state title in the Connecticut State Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship at Fairview Farm G.C. in Harwinton. Hunter (Sterling FarmsStamford), who moved to Connecticut three years ago from Davis, Calif., had eight birdies in a 36-hole windup to finish with a three-round total of 7-under 209. That was three less than runner-up Phil Perry (Black Hall Club-Old Lyme), who closed with a tournament-low 66. ... CSGA Amateur titlist Cody Paladino (Wethersfield C.C.) and Dave Szewczul (Tunxis Plantation C.C.-Farmington) each shot 2-under 70 to win their divisions in the CSGA. Tournament of Champions at Bull’s Bridge G.C. in South Kent. Paladino edged Kevin Josephson (Personal Golf Network) and Adam Vacarri (Torrington

C.C.) by a stroke only hours after arriving home from shooting 14-under 202 for 54 holes and then winning the California State Fair Amateur Championship with an eagle 3 on the third playoff hole. Szewczul virtually clinched his fifth consecutive CSGA Senior Player of the Year Award with a two-shot victory over longtime buddy Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club), Craig Dubois (Wintonbury Hills G.C.Bloomfield) and Tom Scarrozzo (Blue Fox Run-Avon). The next day, Paladino and Josephson combined to shoot 7-under 63 to win the CSGA Four-Ball Championship at The Course at Yale in New Haven.

BUBBA VISITS WESTWOODS Bubba Watson, whose four PGA Tour titles include the 2010 Travelers Championship and 2012 Masters, visited Westwoods G.C. in Farmington for 41/2 hours on Aug. 19 to shoot an ESPN commercial. Watson and the ESPN crew filmed a promo for “SportsCenter” at the 215-yard sixth hole that will start showing in late September. Watson went into some

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By BRUCE BERLET

trees about 80 yards from the green and hooked wedges in an attempt to replicate his shot on the first playoff hole at Augusta National last year that enabled him to make par and beat Louis Oosthuizen for his first major title.

“It was a shorter shot that he had to hook around the tree and under branches, and he hit each shot within 10 feet of the cup on all 20 takes,” Westwoods pro Larry Graham told Tom Yantz of the Hartford Courant. “My thought was, ‘Wow. That is why he is on top and why he won the Masters.” The shoot also included about 50 extras and 50 people on the production crew.

“Bubba left as quickly as he came; he obviously had a busy day after he left us,” Graham said. “We were thrilled to have him at our course, even for a short time.”

Bruce Berlet is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the retired golf writer for the Hartford Courant.

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By BOB DICKSON

W

hen U.S. Walker team captain Jim Holtgrieve attended this year’s Northeast Amateur Championship at the Wannamoisett C.C.in late June he insisted to Southern New England Golfer he didn’t feel any extra pressure to win back the cup from Great Britain and Ireland. With Holtgrieve at the helm, the U.S. lost to the Brits and Irish 14-12 in Scotland two years ago.

“All I want is a good team with quality players who have integrity, respect and character. That’s what I’m looking for, that’s all that matters. If we win, we win, if we lose, we lose,” the 63-year-old Holtgrieve said.

Well, as it turned out, Holtgrieve got all he wanted from his players and then some as the 10-member team scored a lopsided, 17-9 victory at the famed National Golf Links of America in Southampton, Long Island.

“It’s something I have wanted for a long time, especially after we lost in 2011.

Yes, I wanted to win but I wanted to do something good for our game,” declared Holtgrieve.

And making it extra special was having former President George W. Bush on hand

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

U.S. Wins Walker Cup to watch the American amateurs run away with their 35th victory in this series that dates back to 1922 when the National Golf Links of America hosted the first match. The U.S. now leads the series with a 35-8-1 record. The Walker Cup, by the way, is named after President Bush’s great grandfather George Herbert Walker, then head of the USGA. Bobby Wyatt, part of Alabama’s NCAA championship team, paced the American squad with 3 1⁄2 points while California’s Michael Kim went 3-0.

But it was one of the older guys, 35-yearold, four-time Mid-Am champ Nathan Smith of Pittsburgh, who clinched the win in only the fifth match of the 10-match singles final when he defeated England’s Nathan Kimsey 4 and 3 with pars on 13, 14 and a halve on 15.

Smith, who finished tied for 25th at this year’s Northeast Amateur, told reporters afterward that his victory ranked at the top of his golf list for accomplishments.

“I never wanted a point so much in my life,” he said. “I’m happy for Jim. Nobody deserves it more than him, he’s worked so hard with this team.”

Walker Cup Results National Golf Links of America September 7-8, 2013 Saturday Foursomes (Alternate Shots) GB&I 2 1⁄2 USA 1 1⁄2 Nathan Kimsey & Max Orrin (GB&I) tied Cory Whitsett & Bobby Wyatt (USA) Matt Fitzpatrick & Neil Orrin (GB&I) d. Jordan Niebrugge & Nathan Smith (USA) 1-up Garrick Porteous & Rhys Pugh (GB&I) def.Michael Weaver & Todd White 3 and 1 Patrick Rodgers & Justin Thomas (USA) def. Gavin Noynihan & Kevin Phelan 2 and 1 Singles (GB&I listed first) USA 6 1⁄2 GB&I 1 1⁄2 Neil Raymond vs. Bobby Wyatt-USA wins 2 up Max Orrin vs. Max Homa-USA wins, 5 and 3 Callum Shinkwin vs. Michael Kim-USA wins, 1 up Jordan Smith vs. Cory Whitsett-USA wins, 1 up Garrick Porteous vs. Jordan Nierbrugge-USA wins, 1 up Matthew Fitzpatrick vs. Michael Weaver-USA wins, 3 and 1 Nathan Kimsey vs. Justin Thomas—Halved Gavin Moynihan vs. Patrick Rodgers—GB&I wins 2 and 1 Sunday Foursomes 2-2 Cory Whitsett & Bobby Wyatt (USA) def. Nathan Kimsey & Max Orrin 2 and 1 Matt Fitzpatrick & Neil Orrin (GB&I) def. Michael Weaver & Todd White 3 and 2 Michael Kim & Max Homa (USA) def. Garrick Porteous & Rhys Pugh 1 up Gavin Moynihan & Kevin Phelan (GB&I) def. Pat Rodgers & J. Nierbrugge 2 up Singles (GB&I listed first) 7-3 USA 7-3 Neil Raymond vs. Bobby Wyatt-USA wins, 4 and 3 Max Orrin vs. Justin Thomas-USA wins, 6 and 4 Matt Fitzpatrick vs. Michael Weaver-GB&I wins, 3 and 2 Phys Pugh vs. Todd White-USA wins, 4 and 3 Nathan Kimsey vs. Nathan Smith-USA wins 4 and 3 Callum Shinkwin vs. Cory Whitsett-GB&I wins 2 up Garrick Porteous vs. Michael Kim-USA wins 4 and 2 Kevin Phelan vs. Max Homa-GB&I wins 2 and 1 Jordan Smith vs. Jordan Nierbrugge-USA wins 6 and 5 Gavin Moynihan vs. Patrick Rodgers-USA wins 1 up

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Truthfully, this match was over after singles play on the afternoon of the first day. The U.S. reeled off six singles wins to take a commanding 8-4 lead after day one. On day two, the two squads split foursomes play (alternate shots) before the Americans piled it on, winning 7 of the final 10 singles matches for its powerhouse win.

How dominating was it? By the time Golf Channel came on the air for its second day coverage, there was no drama left. Smith had just taken care of that. The Walker Cup would be returning to the U.S. Nigel Edwards, Britain and Ireland captain summed up his team’s brutal loss this way, “They adapted to conditions better than we did. They holed out a little better and I would say that short shots into the green and their distance control, that’s where they outdid us.”

Another so-called old-timer, 45-year old Todd White, a history teacher in South Carolina making his first appearance

on the U.S. Walker Cup team, aquitted himself well when he won his Sunday singles match toppling Wales’ Rhys Pugh 4 and 3.

Before Cup play began, White, a former Northeast Am champ, said, “I love competing against the younger players.

They’re so much fun to play golf with and even more fun to beat.”

Other singles winners on Championship Sunday for the Americans included Wyatt, Kim, Alabama’s Justin Thomas (who turned professional the next day), Oklahoma State’s Jordan Niebrugge and Stanford’s Patrick Rodgers.

“Everybody played so hard,” said Coltgrieve. “There were no individuals.

All our guys played their hearts out. They all worked together and helped each other with their games. I can’t say enough about them.”

The Great Britain and Ireland team will seek redemption in 2015 when the Walker Cup matches will be played in England at Royal Lytham St. Annes.

Team Massachusetts Wins New England Juniors The seven-member team from Massachusetts won the 2013 New England Junior Amateur Championship at Connecticut National G.C. in Putnam last month.

Led by Matt Nauman and Jake Shuman who both tied for second in the two-day, three-round event, Massachusetts won by 12 strokes over Connecticut. Connecticut had won this event in 9 of the last 13 events in this field, and led by returning individual champion Brian Carlson, they were considered the favorites.

Carlson did his part by shooting a 4-under total for the three rounds to again win the individual award, but it was not enough to carry his team to victory.

Results on page 32

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GOLF BUSINESS

I

n the mid-1990s Greg Norman had an idea, one that was ahead of its time but, unfortunately for Norman, also ahead of the technology to make it realistic and affordable.

Norman’s idea was to video a player’s swing on the range, then look at the tape and analyze it, pointing out what was good and what needed work. It was called “Greg Norman, One on One.” The trouble was logistics. In order to have the swing videoed, a player would have to be where Norman’s cameras were and that significantly limited availability.

Today, where everyone seems to have a digital camera or a smart phone with video capabilities and ever expanding internet services, the next generation of Norman’s brainchild is now reality.

Almost anyone can have their swing broken down and analyzed by somebody other than their brother-in-law, who may be a good plumber, but doesn’t know squat about a proper golf swing.

There is no doubt that actual physical interaction with a PGA teaching professional is preferable, but time is often a problem and lessons are not cheap, which is where Golf Coach Direct comes into play.

Founded by Philip Auerbach, GCD has a website (golfcoachdirect.com) where anyone can take a live ten minute webcam video golf lesson for just $20.00 with an experienced teacher.

“A player can have their swing recorded via the free Golf Coach Direct iPhone app or any device and then it can be uploaded to www.golfcoachdirect.com,” explained Auerbach, who then went on to explain

By T.F. GEARY

Website Golf Instruction

that the swing(s) are then viewed by a qualified teaching professional who is on the GCD staff. Then the coach goes over the swing with the student live over the internet where the coach can place their swing along-side a player who is swinging the club properly. The important aspects of each swing flaw are broken down and compared and the student can visually see the differences and what needs to be worked while they are sitting in front of their computer screen watching the lesson and talking to the pro at the same time.

“First you register with us and then you can video your swing and upload it to our website and then book a live golf lesson with a golf professional,” said Auerbach.

“The pro accepts the lesson and then goes over everything live with the student, who can ask questions and get instant feedback.”

“You can take a 10 minute lesson live, from your office, from your desk, or from your living room,” Auerbach explained.

“You can go over your swing with the coach and he/she can show you what you’re doing wrong. You can ask questions. They can either do comparisons with tour pro swings or swings the student has uploaded previously or they can put themselves into the webcam to demonstrate for you. Then at the end, the coach provides you with a printable game plan with up to three tips that you can take to the course and work on.

“There are a lot of systems out there where you can send your swing in and they get back to you in a couple of days with a one way lesson, but we call this live experience Private Interactive Television.

It’s never been done before, by anybody.”

The lesson is more than just live. They can all be stored and reviewed at any time.

In fact, with a smart phone a player could review their swing while on the course.

“For $20 you can meet with a coach and then take your game to the course,” said Auerbach. “Finally, it’s affordable to have a coach who can really help you with your game all season long. And once you’ve purchased a lesson, you get to keep it forever. I’m just a regular golfer who loves the game and is dying to get better. We built this system to help other like-minded golfers.”

The idea came while Auerbach was in college many years ago before the digital age. He took a lesson in Florida, and the pro handed him a VHS tape with a portion of the lesson recorded. “I had the tape but could never effectively receive continuing education. Before it was impossible to share video, but with today’s amazing technology we can not only share video

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Record your swing via the Golf Coach Direct app and upload it to www.golfcoachdirect.com. but we can also collaborate together like never before.

GCD has largely flown under the radar, but the website is very real, very accessible and very easy to use. Best of all it’s not going to break the bank.

Tim Geary is an award-winning retired sportswriter for the Fall River Herald and writes frequently for Southern New England Golfer.

19

DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Tiger Woods was smiling while being interviewed after his first round, but he never got going and finished near the bottom of those that made the cut.

The trophy is why they are playing the four rounds of playoffs. Oh, and $10 million in prize money to the winner, plus millions more to the top 10. The FedEx Cup was brought into the Military Outpost Pavilion the final day for the military men and women to look at and take their pictures next to it.

Steve Stricker, playing in only his 11th event of the year shot 20-under, including a 63 the third round, to finish second and earn an automatic bid to the Presidents Cup.

DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMP. VOLUNTEERS

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP Graham DeLaet, a former hockey player from Canada was all smiles as he finished alone in third place to win $544,000 and clinch a spot on the Presidents Cup, something that he said he thought about every night in his hotel room.

Local favorite Keegan Bradley gave out 150 tickets to family and friends. He played much better than the past two years, but his crowds were still much smaller than Tiger’s.

Phil Mickelson jumped out to an early lead the first day as he shot an opening nine 28 and a round of 63 to tie Brian Davis for the overnight lead. He lost his touch and was fried by the 17th on Monday as he talked to his caddie, Jim “Bones” McKay. Deutsche Bank Championship Partial Final Results: Henrik Stenson Steve Stricker Graham DeLaet Sergio Garcia Matt Kuchar Jordan Spieth Kevin Stadler Brian Davis Roberto Castro Brendon deJonge Jason Dufner Ian Poulter Jason Day Scott Piercy Hunter Mahaan Others of Note: Keegan Bradley Phil Mickelson Rory McIlroy Adam Scott Tiger Woods

67-63-66-66-262 66-68-63-67-264 67-68-62-69-266 65-64-66-73-267 66-66-69-66-267 67-66-72-62-267 64-71-64-68-267 63-72-66-67-268 65-65-68-71-269 69-65-69-66-269 66-66-66-71-269 66-68-66-69-269 67-67-67-69-270 68-66-67-69-270 65-70-66-69-270

1.44 Million 864,000 544,000 315,000 315,000 315,000 315,000 248,000 208,000 208,000 208,000 208,000 154,667 154,667 154,667

69-65-67-70-271 63-71-71-71-276 70-71-64-72-277 73-66-67-72-278 68-67-72-73-280

124,000 28,800 20,827 18,098 16,720

Jason Day had his number one fan, his son, Dash, with him as he was being interviewed after the first round.

His steady played earned him a tie for 13th.

Twenty-year-old Jordan Spieth finished the last round birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle for a 62 and climb all the way to a tie for fourth.

More importantly in his mind was that it gave him a shot at the Presidents Cup. He made it the next day by being a captain’s pick for Freddie Couples.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

21

WOMEN’SGOLF

By KATHARINE DYSON

I

Who Said There is No Golf after Labor Day? and adjacent to the Chatham Bars Inn. Dressing warmly in layers and finding a course that is open to play is one way to keep your golf going, another is to find a facility where you can practice and hone your game all fall and winter. Here are some ideas.

Year Round Golf Facilities Get custom fitted for new clubs and try them out at Joe & Leigh’s Discount Pro Shop and Performance Center at the Pine Oaks Golf Course in Easton, MA. www.Pineoaks.com Open year-round, many drive the distance even in the snow to hit balls and take lessons at the Golf Learning Center of New England in Norton, Massachusetts.

Facilities include 600 feet of grass tees, 15 heated stations, chipping green, bunkers and a 12,000 sq. ft putting green. A new 9hole Pitch and Putt course is open weather permitting, at a rate of $7 a round. www.Golflearningcenter.com Ironwoods Golf & Practice Facility in North Smithfield, RI, has both grass and mat tee areas along with a practice bunker, 100 sq. ft synthetic putting green, grip repair shop, professional instruction and heated bays for fall and winter practice. www.Lwgolf.com In North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the Pappas Indoor Golf & Baseball Center has three Par T Golf Simulators, a 1600 sq. ft. putting green, 12 practice bays, chipping areas, bunker, digital video coaching systems, private lesson area and for those who want to hit another kind of ball, baseball batting cages. bpappasgolf.com

ProAdvanced pop-up net Check out your local schools for golf lessons offered by adult education programs.

In-Home Golf Fixes For those with a love of home and hearth, consider repurposing your garage or family room by converting it to a golf room. There is a huge range of products available for outfitting a home practice area.

OptiShot Home Simulator (about $400) includes an infrared optical swing pad that connects to your computer allowing you to play golf on some of the world’s most legendary courses.

Full-length mirrors are great for checking things like your club takeaway, face angle and back swing.

Install artificial grass turf to create your own practice putting green. There are many putting aids available including

mats, “grass” strips and little machines that return your putts.

Driving nets come in all shapes and sizes to fit whatever space you have.

ProAdvanced pop-up nets are adaptable for use inside and out. The nets “pop up” into various sizes and shapes and can be collapsed in a flash into a very small package, a very clever idea for those who want to practice their shots in small spaces like their apartment or garage. www.Pro-advanced.com Try a swing analyzer app like Swing Smart or SwingTip. With SwingTip, you attach a small gizmo to your club, then the app you’ve launched on your smart phone or tablet, analyzes your swing and even tracks and charts your swing history. You know instantly what your swing path and face angle look like, your club speed, swing tempo and whether you’ve hit the sweet spot. Armed with all this knowledge, you can then understand what you need to do to improve your game. Sweet. www.Swingtip.com Want to get rid of those chicken wings, over-the-top, casting and other swing flaws? Then buckle yourself into the Swing Jacket and over the winter, develop the proper muscle memory to unleash your swing with your core not your hands. www.Swingjacket.com And did we mention a golf vacation in the Caribbean to a place like Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic or Royal Isabela in Puerto Rico?

Katharine Dyson is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America, the Golf Travel Writers of America and writes a feature women’s column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

ON NO �SA W LE � !!�

t seems each year the weather gods just know when to nudge all of us golfers into hanging up our clubs until spring. This year is no exception.

While the weather was hot and muggy, albeit with a few showers thrown in over the last weekend in August, the next week it turned cooler, even nippy, a harbinger of what was to come.

But no worries. There is plenty of golf left and plenty of bright blue skies and brilliant fall colors for southern New Englanders.

Other good news includes lower green fees and less crowded fairways.

Close to home you can play golf almost all year round on Cape Cod thanks to the moderating Gulf Stream. It’s a pretty good time to play too, with the summer crowds gone and prices much less.

For example at the Cape Cod Country Club, while summer rates are $52, rates drop to $29 after 1 p.m. in the off season and at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds, green fees after Nov. 1 are $45 plus cart (summer rates $66).

Many of the Cape courses stay open throughout the winter when good deals include a Fall Weekend Special priced from $239 per person including two nights accommodations at the Bayside Resort, three days of golf on a choice of nine courses, breakfast, $6 dinner voucher and use of a cart. www.baysideresort-hotel.com If you’re looking for a mini golf vacation leaving time to combine golf with other things like shopping and walking along the beaches, tee up at the nine-hole Chatham Seaside Links dating from 1895

Oct 2 - 27 1245�JEFFERSON�BLVD.�WARWICK�

22

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CAPE COD NOTEBOOK Rick Johnson Thrilled with Rehab Golf Teaching Rick Johnson spent decades teaching golf at Hyannisport and, more recently, at Willowbend in Mashpee. But the satisfaction he has received from working with students as an instructor in Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s innovative “Back in the Swing Adaptive Golf Program” has dwarfed all his prior experiences. “It has completely changed my life,” he says.

Johnson’s passion these days is working with people who have suffered traumatic injuries. He provides personalized instruction, and as part of the Adaptive Golf program, players are custom-fitted through Golfsmith and provided with Nike clubs and other apparel.

Johnson was at TPC Boston on Aug. 30 as part of The Deutsche Bank Championship’s Community Appreciation Day, where he joined with PGA Tour pro Robert Garrigus to provide swing tips to victims of last April’s Boston Marathon bombing.

In attendance was J.P. Norden, who remembers laying in his hospital bed after losing his right leg in the bombing, assuming his days of playing golf were over.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do anything ever again, let alone play golf,” he said. “This is an amazing program, and it’s unbelievable that they would do this for us. Playing golf again is something I really want to do bad. I’ve got a little road ahead of me, so I can’t really go out and do it this year, but I’m looking forward to it.

It’s the first thing I want to do.”

Also working with Johnson was Mery Daniel, 31, who lost her left leg on that horrific Patriots Day, and is taking up the sport for the first time.

“I never played before, but I liked to watch golf, especially Tiger Woods,” she said, a smile flashing across her face. “Golf is a challenge, and I love challenges. It helps me mentally and physically. I have to deal with the fact that I’ll never have my leg again, and I have to get accustomed to what I have and make the best out of it.

I’m just learning golf now and it’s exciting.

It’s a beautiful game and I think it will help me rehabilitate.”

The program is yet another step in their recovery, said Johnson.

“Social rehabilitation is just as important as physical rehabilitation. Golf provides a 360-degree approach that encompasses

all aspects of life. Adaptive golf gives these people a reason to get out, push themselves and accomplish something,” he said. “Golf is therapy for all of us who play it, in different ways. For some, it’s very competitive and for others it’s just to relax and enjoy great surroundings.”

Johnson learned of Spaulding’s program while listening to adaptive sports and recreation director Mary Patstone on a local morning radio talk show.

Intrigued, he volunteered to help. Soon after, he offered suggestions to improve the program, eventually redesigning the curriculum.

“I thought they needed to add something with the mechanics and knowledge of the golf swing,” he said. “I became passionate about it. The rewards you get from working with the participants and their caregivers is unbelievable. There is such joy in bringing people back into the game of golf.”

He works with people suffering from a wide range of disabilities, including strokes, spinal cord issues, amputations and brain trauma. “We have people who have looked at their clubs sitting in the corner for years thinking they would never play golf again, and all of a sudden they’re back in the game,” he said.

The nature of instruction is clearly different, the challenges unique. Johnson assesses each golfer based on their individual situation, then makes adjustments. “You take your knowledge of swing mechanics and see where they can fit in,” he said.

He finds that positive results are quickly achieved. “In some ways it’s easier [than teaching a golfer without a disability], because their minds are cleansed and the expectations are relatively low,” he said. “They just know that they’re back swinging a club and they think, I can do this again.”

large contingent of golfers from the Cape and Islands competing. Leading the local entries was Jake Pleczkowski of Sankaty Head on Nantucket with a T-22 finish. Plezkowski was 9-under par with rounds of 72, 73, 73. Sean Edmonds of Oyster Harbors was T-35, while missing the cut were Mark Heartfield (Sankaty Head), Tom Tobey (Bay Pointe), Bob Miller (The Golf Club at Yarmouthport), Gregg Richbourg (Cape Cod National), Barbara Boone (Chequessett), Mike Haberl (Hyannisport Club), Brian Hayes (Country Club of New Seabury) and Jim Knowles (Highland Links).

Heartfield fared better at the NEPGA Senior Championship, played at Woodstock Resort in Vermont. He was 10th overall and seventh in the 50-54 age division, while Miller was 19th overall and fifth in the 55-59 age group.

Carbone Fourth at Rhode Island Open

Flynns Second at Father-Son Tourney

Mike Carbone of Dennis Pines finished fourth in the Rhode Island Open at Alpine Country Club. Carbone was four strokes back of winner Shawn Warren. Carbone earned $1,166 for his efforts, finishing at 7-under par with rounds of 68, 73, 68.

Eric Dugas of Captains in Brewster tied for 14th spot, and Cummaquid’s Ken Lewis ended up 31st.

Cape Well-Represented at NEPGA Championships The NEPGA Championship at Wannamoisett in Rhode Island saw a

Barrasso Stars at U.S. Kids Worlds Michael Barrasso of East Sandwich recently competed in the U.S. Kids World Championship at Pinehurst, N.C. Barrasso, 10, shot 84, qualifying for next year’s event. He won twice this year on the U.S. Kids Boston Summer Tour.

Marathon Payoff for Oyster Harbors Oyster Harbors earned the distinction as the top fundraising club at this year’s Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s golf marathon at Stow Acres. Chris Catena, an assistant pro at Oyster Harbors, and fundraiser Steve Demirjian teamed up to raise $23,700 in honor of Rick Stimets, who coordinated the fundraising efforts for many years at Oyster Harbors. Stimets passed away earlier this year at 53.

Catena played 205 holes. Also among the top fundraisers were Bob Travers and The Ridge Club ($12,500) and Brian Hayes and The Country Club of New Seabury ($11,700).

The Father-Son Championship at Indian Pond in Kingston saw a number of strong performances from local teams. Tom and Andrew Flynn of Captains tied for second in the junior division (sons 13-17), while Jack and Lane Bohman of Eastward Ho! were fifth, George and George Costa of Quashnet Valley were eighth, and Jay and Jack Riley of Hyannisport Club were 12th. In the Mother-Son Championship at Foxborough C.C., Susan and James Curtin of Eastward Ho! finished first in the nine-hole division.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By BOB DUCA

Mery Daniel gets instruction from Rick Johnson at the Golfsmith booth at the Deutsche Bank Championship Nike Golf and Golfsmith Team up with Spaulding Rehab for Marathon Survivors A number of survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing and others who have suffered severe physical and traumatic injuries are being given a chance to return to a game they love: golf.

In conjunction with Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and its Back in the Swing Adaptive Golf Program, tournament sponsor Golfsmith partnered with Nike Golf to custom fit and provide golf clubs, apparel and gear to these courageous individuals so they can make further strides in recovery through golf.

The donation is part of the Deutsche Bank Championship Community Appreciation Day, with the tournament which took place at the TPC Boston in Norton, Mass.

Those who have lost limbs and suffered other serious injuries were presented with clubs and the opportunity to test Nike Golf equipment at Golfsmith’s interactive Swing Zone at the TPC Boston. Survivors shared their stories at a presentation ceremony and explained how golf is being used as a way to transition to their new life.

For Golfsmith, the world’s largest golf retailer, helping people enjoy the game of golf is a welcome opportunity. “We’re thrilled to partner with The Deutsche Bank Championship, Nike Golf and the folks at Spaulding who have played such an integral role in helping these survivors recover and rehabilitate,” said Golfsmith President and CEO, Sue Gove. “Everyday in our stores, our goal is to inspire people to enjoy golf.

These courageous individuals, however, are the real inspiration. Through their amazing spirit and determination, they show us that golf can have a profound impact both on and off the course.”

Rob Duca is managing editor of Golf & Leisure Cape Cod magazine and writes a Cape Cod notebook in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

23

By BOB DiCESARE

Beach Wins Patriot Award from PGA Bob Beach’s reputation for volunteering his time in showing veterans and the physically challenged how to enjoy the game of golf continues to grow.

Last year, the Braintree Municipal Golf Course head professional received the firstever Patriot Award from the New England PGA for his efforts. This year, Beach has been awarded the 2013 Patriot Award at the national level by the PGA of America.

Now in its fourth year, the Patriot Award is bestowed upon a PGA professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

Beach was automatically nominated for the national award following his selection by the NEPGA, which is one of 40 sections from around the country. The 28-year PGA of America member will receive his award at the 97th PGA Annual Meeting in San Diego on Nov. 23.

“I’m very appreciative and honored for this recognition,” said Beach, who first began supporting a Vietnam Veteran tournament at Braintree Municipal in 1991. “I want to tell my fellow PGA members how lucky I am to be able to help our veterans through golf. It is such a rewarding experience.”

“It’s nice to be nationally recognized because it brings attention to the NEPGA,” added Beach. “I’m looking at it as helping our section and representing them at the national annual meeting. Hopefully, I can see and hear some things at the national level which I can bring back to New England.”

24

EASTERN MASS NOTEBOOK “We are all so very proud of Bob for receiving this very well-deserved award,” said NEPGA executive director Mike Higgins. “He has made such an enormous impact on not only the lives of veterans, active military and their families, but on every person he comes in contact with.”

A Watertown native, Beach is the son of a World War II Air Force veteran and attended Norwich University, a military college in Northfield, Vt. He began caddying and playing golf at age 13 at Oakley C.C. and later earned a Francis Ouimet Scholarship.

In addition to the two Patriot Awards, Beach is a past recipient of the 1996 PGA Junior Golf Leader Award; 2005 Teacher of the Year; 2007 President’s Plaque; 2008 Professional of the Year; and 2009, 2011, and 2012 Horton Smith Award for contributions to PGA education. He is also a past recipient of Golf Digest’s Top Teacher in the State Award.

Despite his high profile, however, Beach always makes sure he finds the time to help military veterans and others with disabilities, such as blind and autistic children, enjoy the game of golf. After conducting 46 veterans’ clinics in 2012, Beach has already exceeded that number this year. His Monday night clinics are a mainstay at Braintree Municipal, and he also spends Friday mornings during the summer giving lessons at Cedar Hill G.C. in Stoughton. Beach has also enlisted two of his former pupils, Granite Links director of golf Chris Sleeper and professional Steve Clancy, with instruction at their Quincy facility.

“I am no expert when it comes to teaching the physically challenged, but rather someone who continues to learn with my students,” said Beach. “We continue to work and to improvise to help make their golf experience the best, growing this movement with free clinics year-round. I encourage all PGA professionals to get out of their comfort zone and get certification for teaching accessible golf.”

Connelly, Khang, and Mulcahy Dominate Women’s Scene Tara Joy Connelly of Cohasset G.C., Mary Mulcahy of Hatherly C.C., and Megan Khang of Rockland were frequent names in South Shore headlines this summer.

Connelly, 40, had what Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts executive

director Cathleen Beach called a “triple crown season.” She won the State Women’s Amateur, defeating Mulcahy in match play, 4 and 3, captured the prestigious Grace Keyes Cup, and gathered enough points by late August to clinch Player of the Year honors. She also earned the MidAmateur Award which is presented to the Class A player over the age of 25 who scores the lowest combined gross score from the Association championship and the Keyes Cup. Khang, a 15-year-old junior at Rockland High, had a whirlwind, three-week road trip that took her to several national tournaments. She made it all the way to the semifinals of the U.S. Girls Junior Championship in Fort Wayne, Ind., tied for third place at the 38th Junior PGA Championship in Potomac Falls, Va., and advanced to the match-play portion of the U.S. Women’s Amateur in Charleston, S.C. When she finally came home, Khang defended her women’s division title at the prestigious Tarlow Invitational tournament at Thorny Lea G.C. and set several records in the process.

Her first mark came during the first round when she fired an 8-under-par 66 to set a new women’s course record at Thorny Lea (women’s par is 74). She finished at 14-under 134, another record for the lowest winning score in the women’s division. She is also the only female to consecutively record sub-par rounds for both days of the tournament. Finally, she posted the largest margin of victory – 28 strokes – over second-place finisher Karen Richardson.

Not to be outdone, Mulcahy also put on a show this summer. The sophomore at the University of Central Florida won the Mass. Women’s Open at Mount Pleasant C.C. in Boylston before her runner-up finish to Connelly in the State Women’s Amateur. She closed out her summer before returning to school by teaming up with her father, John, to shoot 75 and capture their fourth consecutive title at the 31st MGA Father-Daughter tournament at The Golf Club of Cape Cod in East Falmouth.

World Series of PGA Junior Golf Team Northeast, a first-year group of junior golfers from various southeastern Mass. towns and golf clubs, finished in fourth place out of six teams that competed

in the World Series of PGA Junior Golf on Sept. 7-8 at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia.

Coach Glenn Brown said it was an experience of a lifetime for his group of 13-year-old junior golfers. Team members include: Dillon Brown (Halifax), Kyle Sylvester (Hanover), Casey Grindle (Halifax), Owen Fontaine (Halifax), Luke Myers (Raynham), Collin Fitzpatrick (Marion), Jason Gamache (Mattapoisett), and Zach and Logan Berube (Acushnet).

Dubbed the “Little League” approach to junior golf, the PGA Junior Golf League started in Georgia and went national this year. It consists of teams/clubs of 8-13 year-old boys and girls who play nine-hole scramble matches with substitutions. AllStar teams are formed at season’s end and proceed through regional and sectional events en route to the World Series.

“To think that a team put together just a few months ago would win its regional and sectional and be one of the top six teams in the country out of 750 teams nationally is amazing,” said Brown. “They were treated like kings at the tournament.”

Team Northeast faced Virginia in its first match and every team member contributed in a 7 1⁄2-4 1⁄2 victory. Later in the afternoon, Northeast ran into a juggernaut in Georgia, which captured a 9-3 victory. In the consolation match the next day, Northeast lost to Texas, 6 1⁄2-5 1⁄2.

Lanzetta on Top of Rules Charlie Lanzetta, director of golf at Rockland G.C. and a well-respected rules official, recently completed one of the lengthier periods of his officiating career. The NEPGA Hall of Famer first traveled to Pinehurst, N.C. where he served as an official at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships, then headed to Rochester, N.Y. where he served at the PGA Championship for the 26th time in his career. Named a U.S. Kids Top 50 Instructor a few years ago, this was actually Lanzetta’s first U.S. Kids event as a rules official.

“There were 1,250 kids from 47 countries, and it was really fun,” said Lanzetta, who worked with 151 boys and girls in the 12-year-old division. “It was great to be involved in the whole atmosphere that U.S. Kids puts on. These young kids can play.”

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

EASTERN MASS NOTEBOOK Lanzetta helped with rulings on the No. 8 course for three days, then served as a roving, troubleshooter official at the famed No. 2 course on the final day.

Lanzetta is no stranger to Oak Hill C.C. in Rochester, N.Y. He had previously worked there for the 1995 Ryder Cup, 2003 PGA Championship, and 2008 PGA Senior Championship, so he was familiar with the course. “They did a marvelous job with the setup,” said Lanzetta. “It was a great championship. It was one of my more extended trips in a while, but it was two great experiences.”

Golf Magazine Honor Roll Golf Magazine came out with its 30th anniversary Top 100 Courses issue for September, and a couple of South Shore gems made the list. In fact, one Plymouth club made Top 100 in the World.

Old Sandwich Golf Club, a 2004 Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw creation, is ranked 46th in the Top 100 in the U.S. and 90th in the Top 100 in the World. In an accompanying interview, Crenshaw said Old Sandwich is one of his most

“It is my favorite tournament of the overlooked designs. year,” said Jim Drohen. “If I could only Boston Golf Club in Hingham, play one tournament during the year, it designed by Gil Hanse in 2005, came in at would be the Father & Son.” 81st in the Top 100 in the U.S. “It’s always a pleasure to win a state tournament,” said Bill Drohen, a Names and Faces Steve Tasho fended off challenges math teacher at Southeastern Regional

by Matt Parziale and Jason Cook by Vocational High in Easton. “All together, shooting a 2-under 210 (70-67-73) to this was my seventh state title in the last win the Brockton City Open. It was the 10 years. It’s where I pride myself the sixth career triumph for the 54-year-old most now. Now, I get to look forward to Tasho, who first won this event in the attending the (MGA) Champions Dinner in January.” mid-1980s.

Pam and Erin Kiley of Braintree Parziale, the 2011 winner, finished Municipal G.C. captured first place in second at even-par 212 (70-71-71), and Div. 3 of the WGAM Mother-Daughter Cook, the only seven-time winner, was tournament. third at 1-over 213 (72-67-74).

Herbie Aikens of Pinehills G.C. fired Bill Drohen of Easton and his father, a 4-under 140 (71-69) to capture second James, edged Jack and Jack Domeck on place in the 32nd MGA Amateur Public the first playoff hole after each team shot Links Championship at Glen Ellen C.C. 4-under 68 in regulation, to win the MGA in Millis.

Father & Son Tournament at Indian Pond Jake Shuman of Blue Hill C.C. shot C.C. in Kingston. It marks the second 76-72-148 at the U.S. Junior Amateur time in four years that the Drohens have Championship in Truckee, Calif. to won the title following their first triumph advance to match play before bowing in 2010.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By BOB DiCESARE out in the first round. Shuman, however, rebounded nicely the following week by helping Team Massachusetts win the New England Junior Amateur Championship at Connecticut National G.C. and also tied for second place at 2-under 211 (7169-71) in the individual player category.

Nathan Davis of Taunton won the men’s overall title of the Rockland Open for the third straight year at Rockland G.C. “It was great to have a three-peat champion in my 35 years associating with the Rockland Men’s Golf Association,” said Charlie Lanzetta, director of golf at Rockland G.C. “It’s the first time it has ever been done.”

Tucker Dalton Gullbrants of Brockton finished second in the age-11 boys group of the U.S. Kids Golf Summer Tour series in Greater Boston.

Bob DiCesare is the golf writer for The Patriot Ledger of Quincy, MA and The Enterprise of Brockton, MA. He is also a member of the International Network of Golf.

25

By BOB DICKSON

PRESIDENTS CUP

Presidents Cups Have Been Dominated by USA

W

hen it comes to Presidents Cup play between the United States and a group of non-European International players, South Africa’s Ernie Els will be making his eighth appearance early next month in the 10th meeting between the two sides. He’s tasted victory only once (1998).

To say the United States has dominated is like saying Tiger Woods has won a few tournaments. To date, the USA owns a whopping 7-1-1 advantage. Folks expect another American win when they tee things up at Jack Nicklaus’ Muirfield Village G.C. in Dublin, Ohio Oct. 3-6.

When it comes to watching President’s Cup play some followers haven’t exactly been enamored by this competition saying it’s not exactly the Celtics vs. Miami but, instead, its been like watching the Harlem Globetrotters take on the Washington Generals.

Even Johnny Miller, NBC’s colorful lead golf analyst stated recently that to the Americans the holes look big enough for a basketball while to the International players the holes look barely big enough to hold a ping pong ball.

At the recent Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton Mass., Els was asked why the internationals have struggled so mightly in this competition. His answer was pretty simple: “We just haven’t had quite as good a team as the U.S.,” he tells Southern New England Golfer. “If you look at the depth of the American team and our team, it’s a different story. We have to play better. We haven’t had good starts; our foursomes have held us back in the past so we need to work on that. And this year we’ll be facing a very tough team.”

How about this American squad made

Format of Matches Thurs., Oct. 3 - 6 Four-Ball Matches Fri., Oct. 4 - 6 Foursome Matches Sat. Oct 5 AM - 5 Four-Ball Matches PM - 5 Foursome Matches Sun. Oct. 6 - 12 Singles Matches • 17 1⁄2 points to win • Four-Ball, each plays own ball, low score on each hole counts • Foursome, players play alternate shots until ball in hole, Alternate tee shots, odd or even holes 26

up of the top 10 PGA Tour money earners the past two years: Woods, Phil Mickelson, Brandt Snedeker, Matt Kuchar, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker, Bill Haas, Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson who beat out Webb Simpson by $5,715 for the 10th spot when he sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the last hole of the Deutsche Bank event.

Then three-time U.S. captain Fred Couples made his two selections bringing the roster to 12. He chose Simpson and 20 year-old sensational tour rookie Jordan Spieth, who carded a stunning 62 on his final round at the Deutsch Bank tourney.

Snedeker, Bradley, Dufner and Spieth are first timers for Presidents Cup play.

Meanwhile, this year’s International squad includes seven rookies: Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Branden Grace (South Africa), Graham DeLaet (Canada), Richard Sterne (South Africa), Marc Leishman (Australia) and Brendon de Jonge (Zimbabwe). Leishman and de Jonge were picked by captain Nick Price.

The rest of the International team is made up of Els, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Angel Cabrera, and Charl Schwartzel “We have to putt well in order to have a chance,” said Els. “But we all know that course. I’m sure Jack will have those greens running at 15 on the stimpmeter.

It will be just a matter of getting the putts in the hole. We do have a lot of rookies, but they’re hungry and we hope to bring them along but it will be a new format for them.”

Still, there is added pressure for the U.S. team to keep winning. “Look, making this team was one of my goals at the start of the season,” said Bradley, one of Vermont’s favorite sons. “But, there is pressure because you have a team and a captain and you want to do well. I don’t know if you ever Presidents Cup Teams United States Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker Phil Mickelson. Matt Kuchar Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley Steve Stricker, Bill Haas Hunter Mahan, Zach Johnson Capt. Pick Webb Simpson Capt. Pick Jordan Spieth (age 20)

get yourself ready mentally. You just have to be rested and realize there is going to be loud crowds and a lot of excitement.”

Added Kuchar, “Match play is a real different animal. There’s a lot more pressure. Every hole seems to be worth so much more. Every hole seems to be the 72nd hole of a tournament. Adding to the pressure is representing your country and having 11 of the best players from your country supporting you and counting on you. But I love match play. I enjoy doing something different than the standard 72hole stroke play.”

Snedeker is looking forward to a win.

“I’ve been on one U.S. Team and we lost in Ryder Cup play last year. I want to now feel what victory tastes like. We’re not naïve that we’re not going to lose a few matches but let’s hope we don’t lose it on my watch.

Sure, there’s pressure to keep winning.”

So everything is set, let the matches begin but as Adam Scott pointed out, “The Americans have a real good team, they will be tough to beat.”

Cup notes: Mickelson has been in every one of the Presidents Cup matches; he’s 18-14-10. . .Woods will be making his eighth appearance; he’s 20-14-1.. . .Spieth is the youngest player to ever represent the U.S. in Presidents Cup play. . .He also was the low amateur (t-21) when Simpson won the 2012 U.S. Open. . .Stricker earned his spot on the U.S. team with his runner-up finish in the Deutsche Bank Championship. . .Canada’s DeLaet got on the International team by finishing third at Deutsche Bank....The 2015 Presidents Cup will head to the Far East for the first time and be held at Jack Nicklaus’ G.C. in Inchon, South Korea. The facility opened in 2010.

International Adam Scott, Jason Day Charl Schwartzel, Ernie Els Louis Oosthuizen Hideki Matsuyama (age 21) Branden Grace, Graham DeLaet Richard Sterne, Angel Cabrera Capt. Pick Marc Leishman Capt. Pick Brendon de Jonge

Why Hold the Presidents Cup?

T

his will be the tenth playing of the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village, the Jack Nicklaus design outside of Columbus, Ohio on October 3-6. The U.S. holds a lead of 7-1-1 in the nine previous events.

Seems like it is rather one-sided, and looking at the rosters for 2013, the U.S. should be a prohibitive favorite to capture their eighth win in ten tries.

The American Captain, Fred Couples, had to leave off world-class players like Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Ricky Fowler (all top 20 in world rankings). On the other hand, International captain Nick Price was scrambling to find his two captain’s picks, Marc Leishman of Australia and Brendon de Jonge, a fellow countryman of Price from Zimbabwe.

There is the answer. Imagine having a player from Zimbabwe on the team? Two years ago there were three South Koreans on the team, K.J. Choi, K.T. Kim and Y.E. Yang.

When Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Greg Norman were talking about an international golf competition for those who were not eligible to play in the Ryder Cup (Great Britain and Europe make up the international team), it seemed like a way to expand top-level golf to the whole world. That is just what is happening.

We will have golf in the Olympics in 2016. The Presidents Cup will be held in Asia for the first time in 2015 when Incheon, Korea, forty miles from Seoul, hosts the event. As Frank Nobilo, former Presidents Cup player and current sportscaster for the Golf Channel said, “Golf is truly becoming a worldwide sport, and isn’t that the goal, to make our great game available all over the world?”

When Brendon deJonge was asked about his feeling about making the team, he responded, “Nick Price has always been my idol and is the reason that I got into playing golf. It is truly a great honor to play for him and represent my country.” Does it get any better than that?

Remember that the U.S. completely dominated the Ryder Cup for decades.

Not any more! The goal of the Presidents Cup was to enhance golf around the world and bring players together in a spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

That has happened and someday those stats of 7-1-1 will be a lot closer. —BV

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PRESIDENTS CUP Ernie Els talking to Bob Dickson “I think we have a very good team and most of them played well at Muirfield Village at Jack’s tournament this year.”

Keegan Bradley “I so love to represent my country in team events.

I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.”

Graham DeLaet “I honestly have been thinking about the chance to make the Presidents Cup every night in my hotel rooms for the last few months.”

Phil Mickelson “I’ve been fortunate to play in every one of the Presidents Cups. It is truly an honor.”

.

Jason Dufner is not ready to

throw in the towel.

“It is a real honor to represent your country.”

Fred Couples, Captain “I made the mistake two years ago of not picking the hottest player (Keegan Bradley), so I picked Jordan (Spieth). It’s so difficult making the call to tell people they weren’t picked.”

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Adam Scott “They are a very good team and will be difficult to beat. It’s great to have three Aussies on the team.”

(Day and Leishman also)

Nick Price, Captain “They will be very difficult to beat. I felt my countryman, Brendan de Jonge deserved a shot on our team.”

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MENTAL GOLF

By KEVIN J. ROBY, Ph.D., MGCP

A New Way of Keeping Score: Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

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reate a scorecard with room for eight entries per hole. Each time you make a shot, you’re going to enter either a “Y” (for Yes) an “N” (for No) or an “X” (for a penalty shot). There is no need to write down any actual numbers while you are out on the course. After you’ve completed your opening tee shot, ask yourself, “Was my Process pure?” A pure Process means you honestly selected a precise target, developed a clear image of the shot you intended to hit, fully committed to your plan, and allowed yourself to make a swing without any concern as to where the ball would end up. If you did all of these things, record a “Y” in the first box on the card, regardless

World Amateur Handicap Championship Celebrates 30 Years

By BRUCE VITTNER

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ne of my favorite events took place in Myrtle Beach during the last week of August. The Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship celebrated its 30th anniversary with a 21-handicapper from Ohio winning the event that drew a field of 3,300 players from 27 different countries.

Rich Breenan of Maumee, Ohio walked away with the championship trophy by shooting a net 62 at the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach.

The tournament is broken down into different flights based on handicap, age and gender. There are approximately 50 players in each flight, and the winners after four days get to play one round for the championship. It is a fun and competitive event that has free food and entertainment each evening at the 19th hole at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center where competitors can also bring a guest.

Next year’s event will be held on Aug. 25-29, 2014. For more information visit worldam.com.

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of how the shot turned out. If your Process wasn’t truly pure, then record an “N” in the first box, again regardless of where the shot ended up. (Keep in mind that it is entirely possible to have a pure process resulting in a bad outcome, or have a great outcome despite a very poor process.)

The point here is that we are not at all concerned about the outcomes of these shots; we’re only interested in the purity of your Process. Go through the same procedure for every stroke. If by chance your shot results in a penalty stroke (i.e.

O.B.) mark down a “Y” or “N” for the purity of the Process (yes, it’s possible to have a penalty even with a pure Process,) then in the next box, enter an “X” to

account for the assessed penalty shot.

At the end of the round, record the total number of “Y” entries you have on the card. Then get a separate total of the number of “N” entries added to any “X” entries; this is the “Other” total. Finally, add the “Y” total to the “Other” total to get your “Grand Total.” (Contact me if you need help with this.)

If you really want to play better, it’s crucial you improve your focus on the Process, not your score. To find out the percentage of the time your Process was pure, divide your “Y” total by the “Grand Total.” This is your baseline (whether it’s 60% or 90%); make it your goal to improve this percentage.

When you use this technique, be prepared for your scores to drop significantly. Your actual score will be the same as your “Grand Total.” If you’ve truly focused on your Process, you’ll find that you are scoring better than before, and your baseline will indicate there is still room for improvement.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Kevin J. Roby has over 35 years of experience in the field of psychology. He has spent the last 13 years providing mental skills training to professional and amateur golfers, and to athletes in other sports. To learn more about his work, visit his website at www.drkevinroby.com, contact him via email at DrKev4Golf@aol.com, or call 702-395-2170.

Springfield’s Julie McKenna Captures EWGA National Championship

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n September 7-8, 220 women descended upon the Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield, Arizona to compete in one of the largest women’s amateur golf competitions in the United States, the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) Championship Finals.

Despite the inclement weather, Julie McKenna, a local Springfield, Mass. resident defeated a field of thirty-two women in the Championship Flight to capture the title of Overall Champion of the 2013 EWGA Championship Finals.

McKenna posted a Final Gross Round Score of 146, four strokes ahead of her nearest competitor to win the Championship Flight. The former Wake Forest University and Western New England College School of Law alumna was ecstatic about her win. “I am sure I will be running on adrenaline for the next week or so,“ said McKenna.

McKenna, an attorney, is currently working at Egan, Flanagan, and Cohen P.C. located in the Greater Springfield,

Massachusetts area.

The 36-hole EWGA Championship Final consisted of 220 women amateur golfers who advanced through 117 local chapter qualifiers and 15 semi-final regional tournaments to advance to the Finals. The final field represented 81 EWGA chapters in 39 states as well as Canada. The championship’s format encourages women of all skill levels to compete, underscoring the EWGA’s mantra to enhance the careers and lives of working women through golf. For more information on the EWGA visit www.

EWGA.com.

Julie McKenna, right, with EWGA CEO Pam Swensen

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CENTRAL MASS NOTEBOOK

Symetra Tour May Be Coming to Shaker Hills The Symetra Tour could be headed to Shaker Hills Country Club in Harvard next year.

“I think the chances are strong,” Shaker Hills owner Fred Curtis said. “If I was to handicap it, I’d say seven out of 10.”

The Symetra Tour is the official developmental tour of the LPGA Tour.

David Lafrennie, director of corporate partnerships for the LPGA Tour and Symetra Tour, met with Curtis at Shaker Hills this summer and is working with him to secure sponsorships. The tour needs a commitment by the end of September and typically announces its schedule by Dec. 1. Interested sponsors can contact Curtis at the club.

“It’s nice that we have a venue that would support such a professional event,” Curtis said. “I’m proud that they would consider us.”

The Symetra Tour conducted 15 events this year with purses ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, but Lafrennie said the tour wants to expand to more than 20 events next year, including two or three more stops in New England. This year, the only New England event was held in Concord, N.H. Brittany Altomare of Shrewsbury played on the Symetra Tour this year after graduating from the University of Virginia last spring.

Labor Day Four-Ball Congratulations to Matt Leger and Adam Rubin, who knocked off four-time defending champions Matt Bianchini and Jeff Zidonis, 1 up, to win the championship flight of the Holden Hills Labor Day Four-Ball, the oldest Labor Day four-ball open to the general public in Worcester County.

Zychowski Qualifies Holy Cross isn’t really known for golf, but Steve Zychowski did his best to change

that. Zychowski, who graduated from HC in May, reached match play in the U.S. Amateur last month at The Country Club in Brookline.

Zychowski shot an even-par 70 in the opening round of medal play at Charles River Country Club in Newton, and then fired a 3-over 73 in the final round of medal play. The 21-year-old from Mendham, N.J., thought he had qualified for match play for the first time in three trips to the U.S. Amateur after sinking a 4-1/2-foot putt on 18 to end his second round of medal play, but a rules official informed his threesome that they were in danger of being penalized a stroke for slow play. Such a penalty would have dropped him into a 17-player playoff for the final 14 spots in match play.

For 20 minutes, the trio pleaded their case in the scoring tent with Ben Kimball, director of the championship, while Zychowski’s parents, three brothers, two sisters, two former HC golf teammates and friends anxiously waited. “That was scarier than any movie I’ve ever seen,” Zychowski said. “It was the worst 20 minutes I’ve ever had.”

Finally, Kimball decided not to award a penalty. In the opening round of match play, Zychowski lost to Sebastian Cappelen of Denmark, 4 and 2. Zychowski is the only HC golfer to qualify for the U.S. Amateur in Bob Molt’s 35 years as golf coach.

Karbowski Wins R.I. Senior Open Rick Karbowski shot 71-71 on Aug. 13 and 14 for a 36-hole total of 2-under 142 to win the Rhode Island Senior Open by a shot. “It confirmed the fact that I can still win,” the 58-year-old Auburn Driving Range instructor said.

Karbowski has won a lot of tournaments over the years, including the New England Open in 2003 and 2004, and he played on the Champions Tour full-time in 2006, but he hadn’t finished atop an individual, multi-day tournament since he won the Rhode Island Senior Open in September of 2011. He also won the NEPGA Senior Championship in August of 2011.

Karbowski trailed Jerry Courville of Stratford, Conn., by three shots entering the second round, but he shot the low round of the day with the wind gusting up to 30 miles an hour.

Cordial Shoots His Age - Again He’s done it so many times, he’s lost count. All Fran Cordial, 77, of Sterling knows is he’s done it more than 100 times

By BILL DOYLE

since he first shot his age at age 68. “I hope it lasts forever,” he said, “but I used to play three or four times a week and now the body is letting me play about two or three.

The adrenaline rush is still the same. I’m still very competitive, but my body doesn’t let me do what I used to.” Cordial has also carded nine aces, including three in 2010 in Florida, at Townsend Ridge and at Petersham C.C. Cordial belonged to Oak Hill C.C. in Fitchburg for 35 years, but now he plays at Shaker Hills C.C. in Harvard where he works on Thursdays and Saturdays as a starter or at Ellinwood C.C. in Athol.

Baldi Makes History On Aug. 14, Jake Baldi did something that had never been done before in the 60year history of Hopedale C.C. – he aced the 293-yard, par-4 seventh hole. Baldi, 17, a senior at at Hopedale High, used a driver to card a hole-in-one while playing with his father, Dave, and uncle, Paul O’Neil.

Bill Doyle is a sportswriter for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and writes a Central Mass. column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

McCarthy in the News During NBC’s live coverage of the final round of the U.S. Amateur, Dan Hicks interviewed Julia McCarthy of Worcester about her inspiring life story. NBC aired a story about Francis Ouimet’s victory at The Country Club in the U.S. Open 100 years ago, and then Hicks interviewed McCarthy, a Ouimet Scholar who was the student speaker at the Ouimet Centennial Gala last spring.

“It was crazy. It was a lot of fun,” she said.

“I can’t believe it. I feel so honored. It was very humbling that to be a Francis Ouimet Scholar gave me this opportunity.”

McCarthy’s family, with 11 children and a father who abandoned them, was homeless for a few months a few years ago.

At age 13, she became a caddie at Green Hill Municipal Golf Course to help feed her family. Green Hill pro Matt Moison became her father figure and helped her apply for her Ouimet scholarship, which helped her attend HC.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By BRUCE HUTCHINSON

PRODUCT REVIEW Datrek Lite Rider Cart Bag

DuoCart

The Duo Cart is an all-in-one pushcart and golf bag combination that is extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car, and takes just seconds to set up. The Duo Cart features four large wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the toughest terrain.

The Bag has many storage pockets for balls, tees, raingear, and other necessities as well as a builtin Cooler Pocket (with drains) that can store up to six drinks. It comes standard with attachable accessories like an umbrella holder and adjustable drink holder. Other accessories like a GPS holder and cart seat will soon be available.

Best of all the Duo Cart is “Riding Cart Friendly,” which means its wheels can be removed from the anodized aluminum frame in just seconds and converted into a cart bag, which fits on all standard electric or gas carts, should you decide to ride instead of walk! The Duo Cart is available in red, black or navy and sells for $279.95. For more information on the Duo Cart from Alphard Golf visit www.AplhardGolf. com. —BH

P3 Golf Simulator & Swing Analyzer

Datrek has introduced the Lite Rider cart bag. The cart bag is one of the lightest on the market today, weighing only 4.7 pounds. It also features a 14-way organizer top with an oversized putter well.

“The cart bag is not only super lightweight but it delivers all the cart-friendly features that golfers prefer in their bag, including the 14-way organizer top with full-length individual dividers and plenty of storage,” said Craig Ramsbottom, President, Dynamic Brands.

The Lite Rider cart bag is consumerfriendly and features a contemporary style.

The bag is made of durable nylon fabric with an oversized soft grip putter well and two soft grip lift assist handles for carrying and loading convenience. There is ample storage room in the Lite Rider cart bag with seven pockets that are all easily accessible when the bag is on a cart. The pockets include two oversized apparel pockets, a large ball pocket, a fleece-lined valuable pocket and an oversized insulated cooler pocket.

The Lite Rider cart bag’s bottom includes rubberized feet for added stability on a riding or push cart. Also for the golfer’s convenience the cart bag includes a Velcro® glove holder, external tee holder, divot tool, pen and umbrella holder.

The Lite Rider cart bag is available in seven colors - white/black, white/red, black/ charcoal, black/red, black/royal and charcoal/pink and navy/lime. The suggested retail is $169.95. For more information visit their website at www.datrek.com. —BV

Single Plane Swing

A new golf simulator and swing analyzer combined in one unit is being produced in Bethel, Maine from all parts made in the United States.

How refreshing.

The patented technology in the P3 allows professionals, courses, teaching pros, golf shops and home golfers around the world to play golf on a professional simulator and swing analyzer at fractions of the cost of other units.

The base model lists for $599, with the Pro X model available for $1,199 and the Pro XS model for $2,899 said the owners who have patented key elements of the unit. Pros can give lessons using the product, stores can allow customers to try products with simulated courses, and friends can actually compete against each other with the technology. For more information call 1-877-737-7646 or visit their website at www.p3proswing.com. —BV

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By BRUCE VITTNER

How would you like to start fixing your swing today so you hit the ball farther and straighter with your driver and irons and enjoy the consistent play the pros do?

Something to consider is following the method of the golf legend Moe Norman, considered by golf insiders as the “Greatest Ball Striker” who ever played the game. Moe could hit shot after shot exactly as he wanted, long, straight and directly at his target.

Jack Nicklaus called him the best ball striker he ever saw.

You might become a much better ball striker by becoming a user of the Single Plane Swing. One of the exciting benefits of the swing is keeping the club and body on plane by starting the swing at the point of impact. A simple shift in the body keeps the ball on target right from the start of the swing. This swing reduces stress on the back, elbows and body and allows you to generate maximum efficiency from each swing. To see Moe Norman’s stellar golf record and to learn more about the Single Plane Swing go to www.moenormangolf.com or call 866377-2316. —BH

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF BUSINESS

By BRUCE VITTNER

Spooky World Presents “Terror in RI” at Mulligan’s Island in Cranston

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hat do you do when business slows down for the season at your golf course? In the case of Mulligan’s Island, they are bringing in a Halloween-themed attraction called Spooky World and calling it Terror in Rhode Island.

“We have the space and we had heard about this company in New Hampshire that sets up a haunted house attraction on your property. For the five weeks we have just converted our 18-hole pitch and putt course to nine holes and are setting up the three haunted houses, tombs and headstones. People will still be able to play nine holes and the driving range and par 3 course will remain open,” said managing partner Jim Piquette.

Terror in Rhode Island includes a 3-D funhouse, a 10,000-square-foot cemetery with zombies and skeletons and a “blackout” house where ticket holders use glow sticks for light. The company starts making the props and building the houses for the Spooky World attractions in April.

When asked if the building and large foot traffic and parking for cars would cause a problem for the course’s condition, Piquette referred to all the big golf tournaments that set up tents and park cars on their property. “They do it every

year, and the courses always come back,” he added.

“Mulligan’s Island just clicked as the place to bring Spooky World for the Halloween season,” said Michael Accomando, Spooky World’s co-owner.

“It’s a fun place, they have plenty of room for the attractions and parking and it’s right in the center of Rhode Island just off major highways,” he added.

Terror in Rhode Island runs from September 27 through November 2. For the first two weekends it is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, but for the last four weekends up to and just after Halloween it is open Thursday through Sunday. The attraction is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ticket prices are $29.99 on Fridays and Saturdays and $24.99 on Sundays. We are not the cheapest attraction out there, but we do keep the bar high. We are going to be the best,” said Accomando. “For our first weekend we will be running a ticket special through Dunkin’ Donuts where you can buy one and get one free,” said Piquette.

Mulligan’s Island is located next to the Rhode Island Registry of Motor Vehicles on Route 2 in Cranston and is just off Routes 95 and 295.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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SCOREBOARD Providence Open Results Name 1.Nicholas Pandelena (a) 2.Jeb Buchanan 3.Danny Guise (a) 4.Michael Carbone 5.Matt Smith 5.Hunter Stone 5.John Elliott 5.Zach Zaback (a) 9.James Smith 9.Tim Lamb 9.Mike Ryan 9.Shawn Warren 9.Ryan Gay 14.Greg MacKay 14.Kyle Gallo 14.Jeff Evanier (a) 14.Monte Mullen (a) 18.Jesse DiBiasio (a) 18.Zach Regine (a) 18.Nick Torrance (a) 18.Brandon Parker 18.Jonathan Pannone 18.Dustin Cone 18.Ken Lewis 18.Brendan Hunter (a) 18.Kyle Buschmann (a) 18.Samuel Russell (a) 18.Jack Zierolf (a) 18.Matt Cowgill (a)

City/State Atkinson, NH Loudonville, NY Greenwich, CT Brewster, MA Thompson, CT Sunderland, MA Westerly, RI Farmington, CT Middlebury, CT Locust Valley, NY Johnston, RI Windham, ME Pittston, ME Nantucket, MA Kensington, CT Clinton, CT Farmington, CT Warwick, RI Lincoln, RI East Lyme, CT Jupiter, FL E.Greenwich, RI Port St. Lucie, FL Dennis, MA Groton, MA E.Haddam, CT Southborough, MA Fairfield, CT Weston, MA

Q-School Qualifier Results Name 1.Jeb Buchanan, Loudonville, NY 2.Kyle Gallo, Kensington, CT 3.Ryan Gay, Pittston, ME 3.Jake Katz, Williamsville, NY 3.Eric Egloff, Sandy Spring, MD 3.Shawn Warren, Windham, ME 7.Jesse Larson, Mendon, VT 7.Mark Baldwin, Laconia, NH 9.Eric Dugas, Brewster, MA 9.T.Kitson, West Palm Beach, FL 9.Greg MacKay, Nantucket, MA 9.Michael Carbone, Brewster, MA 13.Matt Smith, Thompson, CT 14.J.Pannone, East Greenwich, RI 14.James Smith, Middlebury, CT 16.Brandon Parker, Auburn, MA 17.Mike Welch, Quincy, MA 18.A.Dilisio, Swampscott, MA 19.Matt Broome, Barrington, RI 20.Dustin Cone, Port St. Lucie, FL 21.M.Purrington, Dartmouth, MA 22.M.Dubrowski, Bergenfield, NJ 23.Trevor Sahn, Bronxville, NY 24.C.Dolan, Brookline, MA Jimmy Hazen, Miller Place, NY

Earnings 73-65-65-203 67-70-71-208 75-66-70-211 69-68-74-211 70-68-73-211 70-71-70-211 66-72-74-212 70-69-73-212 72-69-73-214 71-70-73-214 70-73-71-214 73-73-68-214 74-72-69-215 71-73-72-216 74-72-70-216 71-74-72-217 73-68-77-218 72-74-73-219 73-71-77-221 73-78-72-223 78-72-75-225 74-75-77-226 84-72-77-233 79-75-81-235 76-WD

Earnings 63 65 $4,000 67 68 $2,000 69 $1,600 69 $1,600 69 $1,600 69 70 $1,000 70 $1,000 70 $1,000 70 $1,000 70 $1,000 71 $725 71 $725 71 71 72 72 72 72 $200 72 $200 72 $200 72 $200 72 72 72 72 72

-11 $5,260 -6 $ 500 -3 -3 $ 500 -3 -3 -2 $ 800 -2 E E E E +1 +2 +2 +3 +4 +5 +7 +9 +11 +12 +19 +21

2013 New England Open Presented by Cobra Puma Golf & Lincoln Motors Supported by Mohegan Sun & PGA TOUR Belmont Country Club, Belmont, MA September 10, 2013 Par 36-35-71 Partial Final Results 1 Kyle Gallo Kensington, CT 2 Geoffrey Sisk Marshfield, MA T3 Eric Dugas Brewster, MA T3 Ed Kirby Wakefield, RI T5 Kirk Hanefeld Acton, MA T5 Shawn Warren Cape Elizabeth, ME 7 Mike Van Sickle Wexford, PA 8 Eric Egloff Sandy Spring, MD 9 Abbie Valentine Bayville, NY T10 Dustin Cone Port Saint Lucie, FL T10 Michael Carbone Brewster, MA T10 Sean Mcternan Newton, MA T13 Sam Brackett Hanover, NH T13 Michael Baker Casco, ME T15 Scott Berliner Delmar, NY T15 Mack Duke Loxley, AL T15 Troy Pare Seekonk, MA T15 J J Harris Bath, ME 19 Andrew Duvall Stamford, CT T20 Tom Murray Orange Park, FL T20 Tim Hegarty Briarcliff Manor, NY T20 Jesse Larson Mendon, VT T20 Matt Zdon Lowell, MA

70-69-67--206 -7 69-71-68--208 -5 70-70-70--210 -3 70-69-71--210 -3 71-71-69--211 -2 72-69-70--211 -2 74-72-66--212 -1 69-74-71--214 +1 70-73-72--215 +2 76-69-71--216 +3 73-70-73--216 +3 73-69-74--216 +3 75-71-71--217 +4 71-75-71--217 +4 79-69-70--218 +5 71-76-71--218 +5 76-69-73--218 +5 69-73-76--218 +5 72-71-76--219 +6 75-74-71--220 +7 73-75-72--220 +7 70-77-73--220 +7 70-76-74--220 +7

$9,000.00 $5,200.00 $2,925.00 $2,925.00 $2,050.00 $2,050.00 $1,775.00 $1,625.00 $1,475.00 $1,191.67 $1,191.67 $1,191.67 $975.00 $975.00 $825.00 $825.00 $825.00 $700.00 $725.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00

Three locals made match play at the U.S. Amateur

Blake Morris of Waterbury, Ct. (upper left) Richy Werenski of So. Hadley, Mass. (left) Chelso Barrett of Surry, New Hampshire (above)

Listen to the Golf Radio Show every Saturday morning on the WEEI network at 6AM in Providence, 6:30AM in Boston and 7AM in Worcester & Springfield.

32

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

Burke Fund Adds 26 New Scholars

By BRUCE VITTNER

Gallo Captures His First New England Open

By BRUCE VITTNER

Twenty-six new students were recently presented with scholarships for the 20132014 academic year. They will be joining 55 returning scholars this academic year. Over $134,000 is being committed in financial aid to the 81 students for the 2013-2014 school year.

Established in 1946, the John P. Burke Memorial Fund, a non-profit charity, provides financial aid for qualified students who have worked at least two years in the service of golf. Member courses of the Rhode Island Golf Association can nominate students who work at their clubs.

The Fund is introducing a new event this year, a Golf Marathon. Over 40 golfers have volunteered to participate at the 1st Burke Fund 100 Classic Golf Marathon at the Potowomut Golf Club on September 23. Their goal is to play at least 100 holes each to raise funds for Burke Scholarships. For more information about the Burke Fund visit their website at burkefund.org.

New England PGA Championship Partial Results: 1 Shawn Warren Nonesuch River G.C. 2 Ed Kirby Alpine C.C. 3 Robby Bruns Shelter Harbor G.C. 4 Jeff Seavey Samoset Resort 5 Kirk Hanefeld Renaissance G.C. 6 John Hickson Dick’s Sporting Goods 7 Troy Pare Wannamoisett C.C. T8 Boomer Erick Boston G.C. T8 Daniel Wilkins Laconia T8 Aaron Ungvarsky Cohasset G.C. 11 Matt Zdon Belmont T12 Jeffrey Martin Norton C.C. T12 Ron Philo Stowe Mountain Club T14 Chip Johnson Hatherly T14 C. Carter Hillview T14 Michael Dugas JW Parks Golf Course T17 Marc Spencer Windham C.C. T17 Robert Tramonti Triggs Memorial GC T19 Scott Trethewey C.C. of New Bedford T19 Eric Barlow Weston G.C. T19 Rick Karbowski Auburn Drg Range T22 Frank Dully Kernwood C.C. T22 Jake Pleczkowski Sankaty Head T22 Allan Menne Poland Spring C.C. T22 Daniel Venezio Myopia Hunt Club T22 Brian Smith Nashawtuc

Kyle Gallo of West Hartford, Conn. won his first New England Open title and the first place check of $9,000 at Belmont Country Club in Massachusetts on September 10.

Gallo was one stroke behind after the first day and was tied for the lead with Ed Kirby of Wakefield, R.I., the head professional at Alpine C.C. going into the final round, but shot a bogey free back nine with four birdies to win by two strokes over former Tour player Geoff Sisk of Marshfield, Mass. who collected $5,200 for finishing alone in second place.

Kirby slipped to a tie for third with Eric Dugas of Brewster, Mass. two strokes behind Sisk. Shawn Warren, who has had a great summer with wins at the R.I. Open and the NEPGA Championship, tied for fifth with former Champions Tour player Kirk Hanefeld.

The low round the final day was turned in by Mike Van Sickle of Wexford, Pa. who shot a 66 to shoot up to a tie for seventh.

69-68-68--205 -4 $14,000.00 69-69-68--206 -3 $7,800.00 65-71-71--207 -2 $5,150.00 66-70-72--208 -1 $3,850.00 67-69-73--209 E $3,400.00 69-71-70--210 +1 $3,150.00 69-69-73--211 +2 $2,900.00 73-73-66--212 +3 $2,466.67 69-73-70--212 +3 $2,466.67 68-72-72--212 +3 $2,466.67 71-66-76--213 +4 $2,100.00 73-69-72--214 +5 $1,875.00 70-69-75--214 +5 $1,875.00 72-74-69--215 +6 $1,466.67 70-75-70--215 +6 $1,466.67 71-70-74--215 +6 $1,466.67 68-74-74--216 +7 $1,237.50 70-71-75--216 +7 $1,237.50 73-72-72--217 +8 $1,025.00 67-77-73--217 +8 $1,025.00 72-70-75--217 +8 $1,025.00 69-77-72--218 +9 $830.00 72-73-73--218 +9 $830.00 73-71-74--218 +9 $830.00 70-72-76--218 +9 $830.00 67-74-77--218 +9 $830.00

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Read Southern New England Golfer online at www.snegolfer.com

33

By BRUCE VITTNER

I

GOLF TRAVEL

Legends of Golf Trail in Florida

magine a golf trail across Florida?

The Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, a Salamander Collection, has launched one of the country’s best golf packages with the creation of the Legends of Golf Trail. We had the opportunity to play golf on all nine courses on this Florida Trail last winter with the Golf Travel Writers Assn.

The Trail combines three of Florida’s grandest golf resorts under the management of Salamander Hotels and Resorts and gives golfers the opportunity to play courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Larry Packard — three legendary players and all four considered excellent golf course architects.

Sheila C. Johnson, Salamander’s owner and CEO, who has owned and operated Innisbrook Resort since 2007, announced the formation of the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida last year. Salamander has assumed the management of Reunion Wyndham Grand Resort in Orlando and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast. “Florida is the world’s greatest year-round and most

accessible golf and vacation destination and we are creating an experience unlike any other,” said Johnson.

In addition to the nine courses there are 1,250 spacious suite accommodations over 200,000 square feet of meeting and function space, 25 swimming pools, 17 tennis courts, 16 restaurants and numerous other activities. The best part may be that there is only a 90-minute drive between each of the multi-course locations.

We started our golf trip at Hammock Beach Resort. Located less than an hour south of Jacksonville. The resort is spectacular with beautiful accommodations, excellent restaurants and two wonderful golf courses. Our first course was the Conservatory Course located 10 minutes from the resort near Route 95. This Tom Watson-design is the longest in the state with dramatic elevation changes and undulating greens. With five sets of tees, and 12 teeing choices all rated and sloped, you can pick the right distance for you and your playing partners. Brad Hauer, Director of Golf at Hammock Beach

Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida 34

Reunion Resort in Orland, Florida Resort talked about the 12 sets of tees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to play a course that fits their length. It was relatively easy to combine distances from our five tee boxes to increase the number of tees to use,” said Hauer.

There are 140 bunkers (three are sodfaced), and it has the feel of Scottish designs favored by Watson.

The award-winning Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that opened in 2000 has six holes with views of the Atlantic Ocean, including three holes that play right along the water. The final four holes are called the “Bear Claw” with sweeping views of the coastline. You will find many doglegs over water.

With luxury villa and condominium accommodations overlooking the Atlantic, you might be tempted to just stay in your room and

enjoy the vista. Don’t. There is so much more to do than just golf at the resort.

There are eight tennis courts, a 200slip marina with kayaking and fishing, a multilevel pool complex and large spa and fitness center and a beautiful beach along the Atlantic Ocean. If you can’t get enough golf, there is a great practice area and teaching facility at the resort.

Next stop was Reunion Resort in Orlando. It was an easy 90-minute drive down I4 from Hammock Beach and we had a tee time scheduled that afternoon.

As you arrive at the resort, you see a large high-rise hotel, but unlike standard hotels, each is a multi-bedroom villa.

There are also three-to-eight bedroom private estate homes on the property for rent to larger-sized groups. It’s the only place in the world where you will find signature design courses by three of golf ’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer.

Each of the three courses is quite different. Jack Nicklaus is known for his bunkering, but there are more bunkers on the Tom Watson course. The ninth hole on the Watson Course has bunkers everywhere, but when you get up to the green and look back, you don’t see any of them.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL My favorite of the three was the Palmer Course with its wide fairways and quite a bit of water that provided a great many risk/reward shots. The Watson Course plays fast and firm with large green complexes. It is also the tightest of the three and intertwines with the Palmer course. On the Nicklaus Course you will find many short, tricky holes including the first. You will certainly get three very distinct rounds of golf at Reunion Resort.

If the three courses are not enough, Reunion Resort also includes the Annika Academy where Annika Sorenstam and her sister, Charlotta, run a world-class teaching facility. Area attractions include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and you can see just about all of them from the rooftop lounge where we watched nightly fireworks displays from Disney. This resort is great for the whole family as well as just golfers.

Our last stop was Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf and Spa resort. We had written about this resort and spa a few years ago and it was even better than we remembered. With 550 rooms and villas, it is the largest of the Legends of Golf Trail resorts and also has more golf courses.

It was an easy 80-minute drive west on I4 to Innisbrook that is a half-hour from Tampa International Airport.

Florida is one of the few states that rental car companies will let you drop a car at a different airport without adding fees. Thus, you can fly into Jacksonville and drive southwest or vice versa, fly into Tampa and drive northeast to Jacksonville, if you are lucky enough to visit all three resorts.

Larry Packard, who just turned 100, designed all four courses on the property.

The most famous one is the Copperhead Course, home to a PGA Tour event every winter. It is so much fun to play a course and then watch the pros play it during the tournament. Too bad we can’t play it the way they do. Unlike most of Florida, Copperhead has many uphill and downhill shots. With treelined fairways, quite a few water holes and sloping greens, you will feel just like the pros when you play it. Don’t go back

to their tees, though.

My favorite of the four courses is the Island Course. As the name suggests, there is water on many holes. With large ospreys flying overhead and some narrow fairways, the Island Course is truly memorable. The ninth and eighteenth holes require shots over water to the green. Make the first and you’ll enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant at the Island’s clubhouse, and make the last and you will regale the troops at one of the fine restaurants and pubs on property that evening.

The other two courses are the North and South courses. They are mirror images of each other, and both are fun with many distinct holes. The North Course has the lowest slope and rating, but the holes are fun and many require exact shots over water.

On the South Course you will see some beautiful homes and also some beautiful holes. The twisting par 5 second with an approach over a pond will definitely get your attention. It is the number one handicap for good reason. The par 3 third then goes back over that pond to a wide green with a yawning bunker in front.

There is also a golf school at Innisbrook. There is a separate doubleended lighted driving range in the middle of the property, and it is always crowded. Dawn Mercer, Director of Instruction at Innisbrook has a very knowledgeable staff giving lessons.

Packard’s Steakhouse overlooking the Copperhead Course serves wonderful meals. There is also a pub and a grill on property. With four golf courses, six pools including a water park, the five restaurants, a great spa, nature trails, tennis courts and its location 10 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, Innisbrook is a fabulous resort.

We played nine courses in seven days.

It was an unbelievable golfing adventure.

The Legends of Golf Trail has its own scorecard where each course provides two of the holes. I have that scorecard saved as a memento of one of the best golf trips I’ve ever been on. The accommodations at each locale were truly first-class, and the food at each stop caused this writer

By BRUCE VITTNER

Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida not to lose weight even while playing 162 holes of golf in seven days.

If you get to stay and play at any of the three resorts, you will have the vacation of the year. If you stay at two of the resorts you will have the vacation of a decade, and if you are fortunate enough to play the whole Trail it will be the golf trip of a lifetime.

You can get more information about the Legends of Golf Trail and the

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Grand Golf Resorts of Florida at www.

GrandGolfResorts.com or calling 855294-5906.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

Editor’s Note: We asked for aerial views of the properties to show the grand scale of the resorts.

35

SNE GOLFER LOCATOR MAP RHODE ISLAND COURSES

1. BEAVER RIVER G.C. (18) P 343 Kingstown Rd. Richmond, RI, 401-539-2100 www.beaverrivergolf.com, PS,CR,CH,SB,O 2. BUTTON HOLE SHORT COURSE (9) P, X Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI, 401-421-1664 www.buttonhole.org, CL,CH,DR,PS, Lessons 3. COUNTRY VIEW G.C. (18) P 49 Club Lane Burrillville, RI, 401-568-7157 www.countryviewgolf.net, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 4. COVENTRY PINES G.C. (9) P Harkney Hill Rd. Coventry, RI 401-397-9482, CR,CL,CH,SB, Senior Rates 5. CRANSTON C.C. (18) P 69 Burlingame Rd. Cranston, RI, 401-826-1683 www.cranstoncc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 6. CRYSTAL LAKE G.C. (18) SP 100 Broncos Hwy. Mapleville, RI, 401-567-4500 www.crystallakegolfclub.com, CL,CR,PS,CH,O,SB 7. EAST GREENWICH G.C. (9) SP 1646 Division Rd. E. Greenwich, RI, 401-884-5656, www.eastgreenwichgc.com CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant 8. EXETER COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 320 Victory Hwy. (Rt. 102) Exeter, RI 401-295-8212, www.exetercc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 9. FAIRLAWN G.C. (9) P, X Sherman Ave. Lincoln, RI, 401-334-3937 www.fairlawngolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 10. FENNER HILL G.C. (18) P 33 Wheeler Ln. Hope Valley, RI, 401-539-8000, www.fennerhill.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 11. FOSTER COUNTRY CLUB (18) P 67 Johnson Rd. Foster, RI, 401-397-7750 www.fostercountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 12. HARBOR LIGHTS MARINA & C.C. (9) P 150 Gray St. Warwick, RI, 401-737-6353 www.HarborLightsRI.com, CR,PS,CH,O, Restaurant, Leagues 13. JAMESTOWN G.C. (9) P 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, 401-423-9930 www.jamestowngolf.com CR,CL,CH 14. LAUREL LANE C.C. (18) P Laurel Lane, off Rt.138, W. Kingston, RI 401783-3844, www.laurellanecountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 15. LINDBROOK G.C. (18) X CR, CH,O 299 Woodville Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI 401-539-8700 16. MEADOW BROOK G.C. (18) P 163 Kingstown Rd.(Rt.138) Richmond, RI 401-539-8491, www.meadowbrookgolfri.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O, PGA pro 17. MELODY HILL C.C. (18) P 55 Melody Hill Ln. Harmony, RI, 401-949-9851 CR,PS,CH 18. MIDVILLE COUNTRY CLUB (9) P 100 Lombardi Ln. W. Warwick, RI, 401-828-9215 www.midvillegolfclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 19. NEWPORT NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 324 Mitchells Ln. Middletown, RI, 401-848-969 www.newportnational.com, CR,CL,PS,SB,O 20. NORTH KINGSTOWN G.C. (18) P 615 Callahan Rd. No. Kingstown, RI, 401-2940684, www.nkgc.com, DR,PS,CR,CL,CH,O 21. PINE CREST GOLF CLUB (9) P 25 Pinehurst Dr. Richmond, RI, 401-364-8600 www.pinecrestri.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O, Leagues 22. RICHMOND C.C. (18) SP Sandy Pond Rd. Richmond, RI, 401-364-9200 www.richmondcountryclub.net, CR,CL,PS,CH,O

36

23. ROSE HILL GOLF CLUB (9) P 222 Rose Hill Rd. So. Kingstown, RI, 401-7881088, www.rosehillri.com CR,CL,CH,SB, Leagues 24. TIN CUP GOLF & DRIVING RANGE (6)P 2 Fairway Dr. Coventry, RI, 401-823-4653 www.tincupgc.com, CR,CL,CH,O,DR 25. TRIGGS MEMORIAL G.C. (18) P Chalkstone Ave. Providence, RI 401-521-8460, www.triggs.us, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 26. WINDMILL HILL G.C. (9) X 35 Schoolhouse Rd. (off Rt 136) Warren, RI 401-245-1463, www.windmillgolfri.com CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant 27. WOOD RIVER GOLF (18) P 78 Woodville-Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI, 401364-0700, www.woodrivergolf.com, CR,CH,SB,O 28. WOODLAND GREENS G.C. (9) P 655 Old Baptist Rd. N. Kingstown, RI, 401-2942872, www.woodlandgc.com CR,PS,CH,O

RHODE ISLAND DRIVING RANGES

A. BUTTON HOLE LEARNING CENTER (9) PAR 3, 1 Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI 401-421-1664, www.buttonhole.org target greens, two putting greens, lessons B. IRON WOODS GOLF PRACTICE CENTER 1081 Iron Hill Mine Rd. (off Rt.146) N. Smithfield, RI, 401-766-1151, www.iwgolf.com, putting greens, grass tees, covered area, bunker, lessons, repairs C. MULLIGAN’S ISLAND GOLF & ENTERTAINMENT (9) X 1000 New London Ave. (Rt 2) Cranston, RI 401-464-8855, www.mulligansisland.com 60 stall driving range, covered area, batting cages, mini-golf, par 3 course, 18-hole pitch and putt, PGA Golf Academy, Spargo Golf on premises, club fitting and repairs D. NARRAGANSETT GOLF DRIVING RANGE 1141 Boston Neck Rd. (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, RI, 401-783-1014, mat driving stalls, grass/iron area, bunker, putting area, PGA Pro 12. HARBOR LIGHTS MARINA & C.C. 150 Gray St. Warwick, RI, 401-737-6353 www.HarborLightsRI.com, Irons & Hybrids only, PGA Pro lessons w/target chipping green, bunkers, putting greens

MASSACHUSETTS COURSES

29. AGAWAM MUNICIPAL G.C. (18) P 128 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, MA, 413-786-2194, www.agawamgolfcourse.com CL,CR,PS,CH,O, Banquets 30. AMHERST GC (9) P 365 S. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA, 413-256-6894 www.amherstgolfclub.org, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 31. BEAVER BROOK G.C. (9) P 183 Main St. Haydenville, MA, 413-268-7229 32. BLACKSTONE NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 227 Putnam Hill Rd. Sutton, MA, 508-865-2111 www.bngc.net, CR,CL,CH,PS,O,DR 33. BLISSFUL MEADOWS G.C. (18) SP 801 Chocalog Rd. Uxbridge, MA, 508-278-6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com, CR,CL,CH,DR,PS,O 34. BUNGAY BROOK G.C. (9) P 30 Locust St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-1600 www.bungaybrook.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 35. CAPTAINS COURSE (36) P 1000 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA, 508-896-1716 www.captainsgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O

36. CHEMAWA GOLF COURSE (18) P 350 Cushman Rd. N. Attleboro, MA, 508-3997330, http://chemawagolf.com CR,CH,O,CL 37. CHICOPEE C.C. (18) P 1290 Burnett Rd. Chicopee, MA, 413-594-9295 38. CRESTVIEW (18) SP 281 Shoemaker Ln. Agawam, MA 413-786-2593, www.crestviewcc.org 39. CRUMPIN-FOX (18) P 87 Parmenter Rd. Bernardston, MA 508-413-648-9101, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 40. EASTON C.C. (18) SP 265 Purchase St. Easton, MA 508-238-2500, www.eastoncountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 41. ELLINWOOD C.C. (18) SP 1928 Pleasant St. Athol, MA, 978-249-7460 www.ellinwoodcc.com, CR,CH,PS,O 42. ELMCREST C.C. (18) Private 105 Somersville Rd. E. Longmeadow, MA 413-575-7477, www.golfelmcrest.cc.com 43. FENWAY GOLF RANGE & PITCH & PUTT (DR) 112 Allen St. E. Longmeadow, MA 413-525-4444, www.fenwaygolf.com 44. FOXBOROUGH C.C. (18) SP 33 Walnut St. Foxborough, MA 508-543-4661x4, www.foxboroughcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 45. GLEN ELLEN C.C. (18) SP 84 Orchard St., Millis, MA, 508-376-2775 www.theglencc.com, CR,CL,CH,Rest.,DR,O 46. HICKORY RIDGE C.C. (18) SP 191 W. Pomeroy Ln. Amherst, MA, 413-253-9320 www.hickoryridgecc.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 47. JOHN E. PARKER MUNICIPAL G.C. (9) P 17 Fisher St. Taunton, MA, 508-822-1797 CR,DR,CH,SB, Skins Thurs. at 3:45 48. JUNIPER HILL G.C. (36) P 202 Brigham St. Northboro, MA, 508-393-2444 www.juniperhillgc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 49. LOCUST VALLEY G.C. (9) P 106 Locust St. Attleboro, MA, 508-222-1500 CR,CH,SB,O, new low rates 50. MAPLEGATE COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 160 Maple St. Bellingham, MA, 508-966-4040 www.maplegate.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 51. MGA LINKS AT MAMANTAPETT (18) P, X 300 W. Maine Rd. (Rt 123) Norton, MA 508-222-0555, www.mamantapett.com CL,PS,CH,SB,O 52. MIDDLEBROOK C.C. (9) P 149 Pleasant St. Rehoboth, MA 508-252-9393, CR,PS,CH,SB 53. NEW ENGLAND C.C. (18) SP 180 Paine St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-2300, www.newenglandcountryclub.com CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 54. NORTON COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 188 Oak St. Norton, MA, 508-285-2400 www.nortoncountryclub.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 55. OAK RIDGE G.C. (18) P 850 S. Westfield St. Feeding Hills, MA 413-789-7307, www.oakridgegc.com 56. OLDE SCOTLAND LINKS (18) P 695 Pine St. Bridgewater, MA, 508-279-3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com, CR,CL,SB,DR,O 57. PINE OAKS G.C. (9) P 68 Prospect St., S. Easton, MA, 508-238-2320 www.pineoaks.com, CR,CL,CH,O,Retail Store

58. REHOBOTH C.C. (18) P 155 Perryville Rd Rehoboth, MA, 508-252-6259 www.rehobothcountryclub.com, CR,CH,PS,O 59. RIDDER G.C. (18) P 389 Oak St. E. Bridgewater, MA 781-447-9003, www.ridderfarm.com CR,CL,PS,SB 60. SHINING ROCK G.C. (18) SP 91 Clubhouse Way, Northbridge, MA, 508-234-0400, www.shiningrock.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 61. THE RANCH G.C. (18) P 65 Sunnyside Rd. Southwick, MA, 413-569-9333 www.theranchgolfclub.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 62. WAMPANOAG G.C. (9) P 168 Old Providence Rd. Swansea, MA, 508-3799832, www.wampanoaggolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS 63. WENTWORTH HILLS G.C. (18) SP 27 Bow St. Plainville, MA, 508-316-0240 www.wntworthhillsgc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O

MASSACHUSETTS DRIVING RANGES

E. ATLANTIC DRIVING RANGE/ SHADOWBROOK (9) X 754 Newport Ave. So. Attleboro, MA www.atlanticgolfcenter.com, heated tees, retail shop, mini golf, chip and putt F. GOLF LEARNING CENTER OF NEW ENGLAND 19 Leonard St. Norton, MA (Exit 10 off Rt.495), 508-285-4500, www.golflearningcenter.com 1,000 ft. grass teeline, heated bays, putting, chipping, bunkers G. SEEKONK DRIVING RANGE 1977 Fall River Ave. (Rt. 6) Seekonk, MA 508-336-8074, www.seekonkdrivingrange.com covered heated tees, batting cages, mini golf, lessons, available, grass hitting area H. STIX GOLF & BASEBALL FUN CENTER 582 Kelley Blvd., No. Attleboro, MA 508-695-0091, www.stixfuncenter.com, TrueStrike golf mats, grass tees, minigolf, batting cages, putting green, bunker, lessons

CONNECTICUT COURSES

64. AIRWAYS G.C. (18) P 1070 S. Grand St., W. Suffield, CT 860-668-4973, www.airwaysgolf.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O 65. CEDAR KNOB GC (18) P 446 Billings Rd. Somers, CT, 860-749-3550 www.cedarknobgolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 66. CONNECTICUT NATIONAL (18) P 136 Chase Rd. Putnam, CT, 860-928-7748 www.ctnationalgolf.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 67. ELMRIDGE GOLF CLUB (27) P 229 Elmridge Rd. Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-2248 www.elmridgegolf.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 68. FOX HOPYARD (18) SP 1 Hopyard Rd. East Haddam, CT 860-434-6644, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O

KEY Golf Course Driving Range DR = Driving Range ( ) = Holes PS = Pro Shop P = Public CH = Clubhouse SP = Semi Private O = Outings X = Executive SB = Snack Bar CR = Cart Rental CL = Club Rental

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

SNE GOLFER LOCATOR MAP

69. LAKE OF ISLES C.C. (18) P Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT, 860-3123636, www.lakeoямБsles.com CR,CL,PS,SB,Rest.,O, Golf School 70. RACEWAY GOLF COURSE (18) SP 205 E. Thompson Rd. Thompson, CT 860-923-9591, www.racewaygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 71. RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB (18) P 259 Preston Rd. Griswold, CT 860-376-3268, www.riverridgegolf.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 72. SHENNECOSSETT G.C. (18) P 93 Plant St. Groton, CT, 860-445-0262 (PS 448-1867), www.shennygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,Rest.,O 73. SKUNGAMAUG RIVER G.C. (18) SP 104 Folly Ln., Coventry, CT, 860-742-9348 www.skungamauggolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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SNE GOLFER

Casa de Campo Unveils “Senior Golfers Week” November 9 -16

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lodging accommodations, unlimited green fees, carts and range balls, club storage and cleaning, one transportation cart per room, breakfast and lunch daily, and all event-organized dinners, beverages in all hotel restaurants and bars (excluding in-room mini bar), drinks at the Oasis bars and carts on the golf courses, one complimentary spa treatment for golfers, two complimentary spa treatments for non-golfers, daily prizes, and transfer from La Romana (LRM), Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Punta Cana (PUJ) airports.

It has never been easier to travel to the Dominican Republic by plane as there

are now daily flights on American Airlines from Miami International Airport (MIA) to La Romana International Airport, which is located just 10 minutes from the resort. Also, JetBlue has recently introduced three weekly flights from New York’s JFK International Airport to LRM. With a newly added highway, Punta Cana Airport is only 40 minutes from Casa de Campo.

Casa de Campo was named the Caribbean’s Leading Golf Resort, for the fifth consecutive year, at the 2012 Caribbean and Americas World Travel Awards. The resort also was named among the top 20 family and top 20 golf

resorts by the readers of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report travel newsletter.

Caribbean Journal, the leading digital newspaper covering the region, recently revealed its annual rankings with both the resort and the Teeth of the Dog earning first-place honors.

For complete Casa de Campo “Seniors Golfers Week” information, or to register, visit casadecampogolf. com/2013-senior-golfers-week.

Questions can be directed by phone to (888) 212-5073, (809) 523-8215 or by email to golf@ccampo.com.do.

Answer on p.4

asa de Campo, the Caribbean’s top-rated resort, will be hosting “Senior Golfers Week,” Nov. 916, with an unparalleled lineup of daily tournaments with different formats each day, Jim McLean Golf School clinics and planned evening activities at gourmet restaurants.

Registration is now open for Senior Golfers Week, with playing slots available to the first 100 participants ages 50 and above. Tournaments will be contested on Casa de Campo’s three courses: Teeth of the Dog – the No. 1 course in the Caribbean – Dye Fore and Links.

Participants will arrive and register on Saturday, Nov. 9, with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner on the schedule.

The first clinic and tournament is set for Sunday, Nov. 10. Departure will be Saturday, Nov. 16.

“Senior Week has been designed with the individual in mind,” said Gilles Gagnon, director of golf operations, Casa de Campo.

“For our daily tournaments, which all have different formats, the golfers can sign up the day before. They’ll have the option of pairing up with their friends or joining new friends. There are individual tournaments, team events and mixed events – something for everyone!”

Senior Golfers Week packages are available with rates beginning at $2,609 (per person based on double occupancy) for the seven-night stay. The packages, which also include discounted nongolfer rates, include: Golf Lodge or Elite

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL

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By BRUCE VITTNER

Myrtle Beach’s Mystical Golf is Magical

laude Pardue was an entrepreneur who owned a golf course in the Pinehurst area of North Carolina.

In the late 1980’s he traveled to Myrtle Beach to find a piece of property that would make a great golf course.

He found a 500-acre parcel between Conway and So. Myrtle Beach. “As soon as I walked the property, I knew that I had found the spot where I would build a magical golf course,” recalled Pardue who will be hosting over 40 writers and their guests and allowing them to experience and play his three courses for the third straight year in October.

The parcel was partial swampland and also included some rolling hills. “I envisioned the front nine heading off into the swamp and then the back being played up and down the hills,” said Pardue who mentioned that there is almost a mile of bridgework on the golf course, mostly on the front side.

“I named the course The Witch and it opened in 1989,” said the effusive Pardue who talked about the great work that course architect and fellow North Carolinian Dan Maples did on the design.

Since the course takes you through this beautiful swampland, you see many alligators, birds of prey and the most spectacular cypress and live oak trees with hanging moss.

The course measures 6,796 yards from the back tees, but the 6,259 from the white are a great test. On the front side the swamp abounds, so a straight ball will help you score much better. The fairways throughout the course are quite wide and generous and the greens are large with undulating Tifdwarf Bermuda green.

There are no houses on the property and you feel you are in another world until you get to number 11, a long par 5 that runs parallel to a road (the only one!).

Soon after it opened Golf Magazine wrote “There is probably not another course like this Dan Maples jewel any place in the world.” It was rated one of the top new courses in the country when it opened and still garners a 4 1⁄2 star rating from Golf Digest. It truly is magical.

The success of The Witch had a huge bearing on Pardue getting the rights to land available to build two other courses.

“International Paper had a 400-acre parcel of land just off Route 501 near the Myrtle Beach National courses. One of the executives of International Paper loved the Witch and in 1994 told me that the company would be interested in selling this parcel of tall pines to me if I’d build a couple more courses,” remembered Pardue who had relocated his family to Myrtle Beach a year after the Witch had opened.

Again Dan Maples returned to check out the property with Pardue and together they designed and constructed two other excellent courses, The Wizard and ManO-War, to complete the triumvirate of mystical golf courses.

“The key to this parcel was the building of a 102-acre lake right in the middle. The Wizard is on the left of the property as you enter and incorporates the lake on holes 1, 16, 17 and 18. “We took most of the dirt that was removed to build the lake and put it on The Wizard, to provide mounding on many of the holes,” said Pardue who served as the general contractor on the project. Holes 16-18 are a great test of golf and will long be remembered. You have to hit your tee shot over the water on the long par 4 16th, and then 17 is an island par 3 with an elevated tee. “I wanted to have a spot where you could see most of both courses, and it’s at the back tee of 17,” added Pardue. The par 4 18th has water up the left that juts out into the fairway in front of the green, so your second shot is truly risk/reward. Make par and you can smile when you head into the clubhouse built like an old castle. Both The Wizard and Man-O-War have bentgrass greens similar to what we play in New England.

Looking at the scorecard for Man-OWar might give you cause to purchase a few more balls. Don’t be intimidated, although there is water on 17 of the holes including water that crosses over the fairway on 3, 5, 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18.

What is truly amazing about the layout and what made this so intriguing for me is that it is all one body of water. The lake has so many fingers that stick out and in between almost every hole. Mystical.

Man-O-War measures 6,967. The three other teeing options make it perfect for anyone to choose the correct distance.

None of the holes have long forced carries

over the lake and its fingers. My favorite holes on this course were the tough par 4 ninth that is actually an island fairway and green and the island green par 3, fifteenth.

Actually both 14 and 15 are island greens.

Number 18 is a risk/reward par 5 that is actually quite easy to birdie with a good drive close to the lake.

Pardue, who might be the most generous man I know, takes the whole group out to dinner one evening, and last year we were taken to the Alabama Theater. Rated the number one show in MB, the comedians, singers and dancers made the night a true joy.

The Mystical Golf package is definitely something that you should experience. All three courses are very different, but at each course you will get great service, excellent layouts and a very fair price. The Golf Channel rated the three courses as “One of the best deals in golf,” and Golf Magazine

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Fall 2013 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

rated the 15th at Man-O-War as one of the five most memorable island greens in the world. Visit their website at www. mysticalgolf.com or call them at 843-2822977 for details about their many packages and scheduling rounds of golf. You won’t be disappointed.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and the Golf Travel Writers of America and can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

The 15th at Man-O-War

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