Southern New England Golfer May 2014

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

TEE OFF ISSUE

MAY 2014

VOL. 4 NO. 1

BEST COVERAGE OF GOLF IN RI, MASS & CONN

HOW SWEDE 2014 Challenge Cup Champions IT IS! Xavierian Brothers H.S.

The Champs and their trophy (l-r) are Andrew McInerney, Mark Lallak, Kevin McInerney and Colin Devlin

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COVER STORY EDITORIAL GOLF INSTRUCTION RIGA’S PETER McBRIDE RI NOTEBOOK JUNIOR GOLF COURSE REVIEW CT NOTEBOOK PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW THE MASTERS PICTORIAL PEOPLE IN GOLF CAPE COD NOTES CENTRAL MASS NOTES PRODUCT REVIEWS WESTERN MASS NOTEBOOK COURSE LOCATOR MAP GOLF TRAVEL GOLFING IN HAWAII

Hopkinton’s Jon Curran having a great year on web.com Tour.

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

COVER STORY

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By JOE GUISE

X-Men Record Marvel-ous Win

he Challenge Cup Championship is the longest running event on the U.S. Challenge Cup schedule, but this year the title went to a newcomer. Making its Challenge Cup Championship debut, Xaverian Brothers of Westwood, Mass., posted a team score of 648 to win the 32nd edition of the event by 11 shots over Moses Brown and Thayer Academy at Alpine Country Club in Cranston, R.I. Making the win even more impressive was the fact that Xaverian had just four players in the event. All other teams in the field had six players with the four best scores counting. “It was good to redeem ourselves after what happened at States last fall,” said Xaverian junior Colin Devin. Xavieran tied St. John’s Prep for the Massachusetts state championship in October, but lost the title in a card-off.

At the Challenge Cup Championship, however, the Hawks were in control from start to finish. They took an 11-stroke lead into the final round and maintained that margin the whole way. Xaverian was led by freshman Andrew McInerney, who shot

157 (79-78). “I had a lot of three putts, the greens were pretty fast,” McInerney said.

“And it was windy, so I was happy with the round overall.”

Junior Mark Lallak also shot 78 in the final round for Xaverian and finished at 158 (8078). “The wind made it tough, but I felt like it was down wind a lot of the time,” Lallak said. “I just played smarter than I did the first day. Knowing the course better helped, and I definitely putted better today.”

Senior Kevin McInerney finished at 166 (79-87), while Devin ended up at 167 (8285) to round out the scoring for Xaverian.

“We weren’t too happy after states, so it feels good to win this one,” the elder McInerney said. “The course was in great shape, really nice actually. ”The X-men are hoping to return next year to defend their title.

“Absolutely,” Lallak said. “We will be here.”

Moses Brown posted a team score of 659 (331-328) and was led by Riley Griffin (7876). Thayer Academy, the 2011 Challenge Cup Championship winner, tied Moses Brown for second at 659 with rounds of 336-323. The 323 was the low team total of

the second round, while Xaverian’s 320 on the first day was the low team round of the tournament In the boys individual competition, Jake Bauer, a senior at Portsmouth (R.I.) High who is headed to Johnson and Wales University in Florida, cruised to a five-shot victory over the field with a 147 total (7473).

“I said to myself over the winter that I wanted to play in a lot of Challenge Cup events this year and do something special, so this is pretty sweet,” Bauer said. The swirling, gusting wind made scoring difficult for the 192 players in the field, but Bauer was solid both days and said the tough conditions in the second round actually helped him focus.

“I played a match two weeks ago, and I forced so many shots because of the wind,” Bauer said. “I tend to overswing in the wind, so on the range before the round today I was really concentrating on my tempo and that helped me so much.”

There was a three-way tie for second as TianLin Zhang (75-77), Jason Short (7973), and Matt Corio (77-75) all finished at

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

152. Fresh off winning the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Championship at Augusta National at the start of Masters week and an 8th-place finish in an AJGA event, Patrick Welch (75-78) posted a two-day total of 153 (75-78) to finish in a three-way tie for fifth with Maxwell Ferrari (76-77) and Andrew Flynn (77-76). Though Welch was T5 in the overall field, he did win the boys middle school division.

In the girls division, Megan Khang won the Challenge Cup Championship for the fifth time, carding rounds of 73-75 for a 148 total, seven shots better than runner-up Vinh-Hop Ngo, who shot 155 (76-79).

“The greens here were lightning fast for this time of year,” Khang said. “You can’t ask for anything better. But the wind definitely was tough. I was clubbing up one and sometimes two clubs, so it definitely had an impact. I had a rough double bogey on 16, but I bounced back with a birdie on 17, so that was a good sign.”

Partial Results on Page 30

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FROM THE EDITOR

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ow, what a winter. Can’t remember a year when you could not play golf in March in southern New England. It was tough on us golfers, but much tougher on the course owners. Let’s try to help them weather the storms and really support them now that the courses are in full swing.

Congratulations to Xaverian H.S. golf team for winning the Challenge Cup Championship and earning our cover shot. We have featured the Challenge Cup winners on our May cover for each of the twenty-one years of this publication. It is fun to support and highlight the younger generation. Dave Adamonis Jr. continues to do a great job with the program.

The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January is always a highlight and a great kickoff of the new golfing year.

Leonard Finkel covers many of the new and exciting products introduced, Kathie Dyson looks at many of the products for women After a year hiatus, I was able to get down to The Masters in April. How exciting it was to see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player playing together in the Par 3 Contest. You would not believe the

ovation the three received as they played.

It can’t last much longer, but we need to appreciate it while we can.

Hope you had the chance to see the Golf Channel special on Arnold Palmer.

It was excellent. We had the great fortune of adding Paul Kenyon, the former golf writer from the Providence Journal who just retired to our staff. Paul has been my mentor since I covered the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 1994 soon after we started this publication. We were in that pressroom where Arnold could not speak because he was so emotional over playing in his hometown at his last U.S. Open.

There was not a dry eye in the pressroom of about 200 writers, and Paul turned to me and said, “You’ll never see another moment like this in a press room.” He was right. That scene is in the special. Welcome aboard Paul, and thanks for doing a great job on Patrick Welch in this issue. Patrick won his division of the Drive, Chip and Putt contest at Augusta National the Sunday before The Masters.

We were fortunate to do quite a bit of traveling for golf stories over the winter. In this issue we have a story about Hawaii, a dream golfing destination. We also have a

story about the Outer Banks in N.C. and Wintergreen Resort in Virginia.

May is Golf Month. Lets get out there and enjoy it. We will next be back on the shelves with the June 11 issue that will feature the CVS Caremark Charity Classic and much more. Keep your head down and swing easy.

Bruce Vittner, the publisher/editor of SNE Golfer, is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America, the International Network of Golf and the Golf Travel Writers of America.

He can be reached at bruce@snegolfer.com.

MASTERS TRIVIA 1. What year did Augusta National open?

2. Whose idea was it to build a championship course?

3. Who was the course architect?

4. Where was he from?

5. Name one of the courses he designed in California?

6. What was on the property before the course?

7. About when were the row of magnolia trees planted?

8. Why is the word National in the name?

9. Whose was the first to win back-to-back Masters 10. What years?

Editor/Publisher BRUCE VITTNER bruce@snegolfer.com Design/Production DEB BASILE Contributing Writers DAVE ADAMONIS, JR. BRUCE BERLET SCOTT CORDISCHI BOB DICKSON BILL DOYLE TOM DRENNAN ROB DUCA KATHARINE DYSON LEONARD FINKEL TIM GEARY TOM GORMAN JOE GUISE RUSS HELD DEREK HOOPER BRUCE HUTCHINSON PAUL KENYON DR. KEVIN ROBY CAROLINE VITTNER 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 four times per year: 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. © 2014. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Answers 1. 1933 2. Robert Tyre (Bobby) Jones Jr. 3. Dr. Alister MacKenzie 4. Scotland 5. Pasatiempo and Cypress Point 6. Fruitland Nerseries 7. Before the Civil War 8. Jones wanted a national membership 9. Jack Nicklaus 10. 1965 and 1966

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CHARITY GOLF

CVS Caremark Classic Distributes 1.3 Million Rhode Island Country Club Signs 3-Year Deal to Extend Tournament

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hristmas came early to the 81 area nonprofit organizations that received checks from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic on December 19 at the company’s headquarters in Woonsocket. The check presentation was the result of the Charity Classic that was held in June at Rhode Island Country Club with 20 of the top golfers in the world.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said CVS Caremark President and CEO Larry Merlo as he displayed the huge check with $1.3 million written on the it as he stood alongside Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade who have hosted the event since its beginning 15 year ago. The total raised for organizations during those 15 years has now surpassed $17 million and is by far the largest Rhode Island charitable sporting event.

“We are in the top 30 percent of charitable donations from a golf event in the country each year, and we do it with a two-day event and one-day pro-am,” said Faxon with a huge smile. “Who would have ever thought this event would still be going strong after 15 years,” said co-host Andrade.

“Giving back to our local communities and supporting organizations that help children and families in need is at the heart of the Charity Classic, said Eileen Howard Boone, Tournament Chairwoman. “By combining world-class entertainment with financial support to important nonprofit organizations in our community, the Charity Classic has become a truly special event for the golfers and our non-profit partners,” she added.

“Many of our non-profits assist us in providing over 1,000 volunteers for our

tournament, and we couldn’t run it without them,” commented Merlo as he shook hands with many of the representatives of the organizations and students from Highlander Charter School, a check recipient, who came to the presentation ceremony and spoke of how the donations have helped their school over the years.

Another announcement that was made during the presentation ceremony was the CVS Caremark Charity Classic had just signed a contract with Rhode Island Country Club to hold the event for another three years. “Everyone is still on board with this tournament; our suppliers, our sponsors and the fans, and we owe a great thank you to RICC President Rick Powers and his board and members at RICC to agree to host the event,” said Merlo. Added Faxon after the ceremony, “The players and their families love coming to Rhode

Island Country Club. It is truly the best place to host this event and the members have been wonderful,” Rick Powers and Tom Hall, who will be replacing Powers as President in May, spoke about how the 15-member board and members have always supported the event and look forward to it each year.

“The CVS Caremark Charity Classic is such a wonderful event that provides so much to our area, and we are very proud to host it,” said Powers.

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By DEREK HOOPER

GOLF INSTRUCTION

The First Step Towards Playing Your Best

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efore you can go anywhere, whether it be drive to New York City or lower your golf scores, the first thing you need to know is where you are right now. In the case of driving to New York, your actions would be very different if you were starting in Boston than if you were starting in Miami.

Similarly, if your goal is to lower your golf scores your plan is very different if the weakest part of your game is your driving versus you’re putting. But how can you be certain of what part of your game is holding you back from playing better?

Most players believe they know the answer to this question and answer it very quickly and positively when asked.

I have found that often their answer is misguided. The players I have spoken to often put too much emphasis on being either more consistent or hitting the ball farther. On a deeper analysis,

lower scores are rarely achieved with added distance, but sometimes can be accomplished with added ball control.

Even if controlling the ball better with your full swing would help, the real question still remains - will this give you the biggest reduction in scores?

Tracking your rounds and skills testing are the best way to find out exactly what needs the most attention. After each round you play simply go back over the round in your head and record your numbers in each of the following categories – fairways hit, greens hit, total putts, green saves and sand saves. Repeat this for a minimum of five rounds so as the patterns are more obvious. If you visit www.pgatour.com you can view the PGA Tour statistics across a wide variety of categories.

It is also extremely advantageous to complete a skills test on the range.

Such a skills test would assess all areas

of your game and there are some very good ones out there that can help you in this regard. The short game skill tests

by Dave Pelz are exceptional and are the ones I use with my players. You can also use the one designed by Charlie King and Rob Akins in their book “Red Zone Challenge.” If you would like to further measure you ball striking skills, Trackman now has a skills test called the Trackman Combine which will allow you to measure your ball striking skills and benchmark them against other players around the world who have completed the test. If you don’t have access to these tests then talk to your Coach as they will be able to help you find them, or they may be already using them with other players.

Once you have collated all your assessment results it should be pretty obvious the area of your game that is holding you back the most. You and your Coach can then devise a Performance Plan that will target improving the weakness in your game. This plan will be detailed and outline the stages of learning you need to go through in order

to perform your new skill on the course, under pressure.

As you work through your plan, you and your Coach should continue to track your statistics on the course and in specific skills tests, to track your improvement as you work through the drills and practice schedule you have put in place. When you have mastered the chosen skill, look at the next weakest component of your game and start the process all over again on that area.

If you continue with this process of assessment, set a plan, execute the plan and then reassess, the Performance Plan, then you all but guaranteed to see improvement in your golf game.

Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at the Troon Golf Academy, Lake of Isles.

As a Golf Performance Specialist and armed with the latest in video, 3D swing analysis and Trackman technologies, as well as a sports science degree, Derek designs coaching programs for serious golfers of all ages who are serious about playing to their full potential. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 or email him at dhooper@troongolf.com.

Rising Star Patrick Reed Age: 23 Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas Family: Wife, Justine College: Augusta State Turned Pro: 2011 Patrick Reed has climbed to 25th in just two years on the PGA Tour. He has always been good, and he’s not afraid to say it as he did on national television after winning the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Invitational in Florida.

He won two state high school championships in Baton Rouge, and then followed that up with two national championships at Augusta State where he was 6-0 in match play. He was a first-team All-American twice.

In the last Q School where you could be promoted right to the PGA Tour, he finished tied for 22nd to earn his 2013 card. His first win was the 2013 Wyndham Championship with his wife as his caddie. This was the first this was done since Steve Stricker and his wife back in 1996. In early 2014 he won the Humana Challenge before winning the WGA event. He currently has 2014 earnings of $3,038,426.

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

By T.F. GEARY

Peter McBride: RIGA Prez was a player

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ince its inception in 1902, aside from the war years (1942-45), the Rhode Island Golf Association has had both a president and a state amateur champion.

But until 2014 the two titles had never intersected. Never before this year had a former amateur champion ascended to become President of the RIGA. Enter Peter McBride, 1969 State Amateur Champion, who this year was sworn in as the 112th president of the RIGA, ending that unique trend.

Born and raised in North Providence, McBride learned to play golf not in a private country club’s junior program, but rather on a long forgotten tract of land that now has cars and trucks flowing over it.

“I started at Stillwater, which isn’t there anymore,” explained McBride. “It was a little six-hole golf course in Smithfield and when we were little kids we used to go up there, but (Route) 295 wiped out Stillwater.

After that McBride took his game to the public courses near his home.

“I played a lot at Triggs and a lot at Louisquisset. I used to go with my father when I was a kid,” he said.

“We played at Triggs until around 1968 and then I joined Lincoln (Country Club). I was still a junior at that time. I became a member at Lincoln and I’ve been there ever since. It’s private and it’s always in great shape and I enjoy it there but I still always make it back to Triggs several times every year. It’s a great lay out and I love it.”

McBride only won a single amateur title, but he could just as easily had three in a four- year stretch.

He lost in the semi-finals in 1968, before breaking through in ‘69 and then two years later reached the finals again, only to run into the legendary Ronnie Quinn. “Ronnie beat me that year but I couldn’t feel too badly about that because

back then Ronnie Quinn was beating everyone.”

If there’s one thing that Peter McBride holds just as dearly as golf, it’s his allegiance to North Providence High School where he spent all of his working life, teaching the kids of his home town.

Unlike years past, the modern day RIGA President serves just a one-year term, so it’s a short window of opportunity to try and get things done and there’s going to be a lot on McBride’s plate.

“We have so much going on right now because of our merger with the RIWGA,” he said. “I think that’s great for golf in Rhode Island.

“I’m going to try and be present at as many women’s tournaments as I can. I want them to know that they have the support of the men’s division of the RIGA. That’s going to be one of my main focuses.

“Plus, back when I was playing and I was in the finals of the amateur championship,

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Peter McBride you always had the members of the executive board there, dressed up in their blue blazers. Over the last few years that hasn’t been the case. I’d like to see that again. It’s minor but I think we have to Continued on page 30

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By PAUL KENYON

JUNIOR GOLF

Providence’s Patrick Welch Wins Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National

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t is time for the first quiz of the new season: What two things do Patrick Welch and Bubba Watson have in common?

One part of the answer is easy for anyone who has seen the two play. They stand on opposite sides of the ball, but both use a left-hand low grip. Watson does what lefthanders are supposed to do by keeping his left hand below the right.

Welch is different. He plays right-handed, but holds the club cross-handed so that he too, keeps his left hand low.

The second thing the two share just happened in April. They both won championships at the famed Augusta National Golf Club.

Watson, of course, took his second Masters title in three years. One week earlier, Welch, a 14-year-old from Providence who is the reigning R.I. Golf Association Junior Champion, won the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship held at Augusta National

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in his age group. Welch had a more exciting time on the 18th green than Watson did.

Watson had a three-shot lead and already had clinched his second green jacket by the time he got to 18.

A week earlier, on the same green, with the same pin position, Welch rolled in an 18-footer to clinch the title in the boys 14and 15-year-old division in the event that holds four separate divisions for boys and girls aged 7-15.

Welch went to the event with no expectations. “I’ve never been in anything like that,’’ he said. “I didn’t know what to expect.’’ It turned out to be a truly memorable experience in an event telecast live by The Golf Channel.

“It was unbelievable, so much more than I expected,’’ the eighth grader related, “Going up Magnolia Lane, hitting on the facilities, putting, chipping, watching the pros. It was just amazing being out there.

It was pretty special. I’ve seen it every year on TV so I kind of knew what the

place looks like, but I didn’t know what the facilities look like. It was a lot bigger than I thought. It’s a really large facility,’’ he said.

The club, which is one of the sponsors of the Drive, Chip and Putt event, treated the youngsters the same way it treats the players in The Masters. Welch got to meet and get his picture taken with Billy Payne, the club chairman, and with Condoleezza Rice, the former Secretary of State who was the first woman admitted as a club member. The week got off to a great start when he met Brad Faxon as he and his family were checking into their hotel.

“I met a lot of people,’’ Welch said. “I met Fred Couples, Tom Watson, Michael Allen, Larry Mize, Jordan Spieth, Tim Clark and Jim Furyk,’’ he said. “They were all really nice.’’ Couples provided the highlight. He was told about how Welch swings cross-handed.

“He wanted to see me swing a few drivers before the competition,’’ Welch related. “He came over and watched.

“Couples had an interesting reaction as Welch drilled drives down the middle.

“He kind of laughed,’’ Welch said.

Welch knows he plays the game differently. But he has been holding the club cross handed for all shots since he began playing the game at age three as he followed his father around. He is not ready to change. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’’ he said.

Welch’s ability to hit the ball long and straight was a key to his victory.

The driving starts the competition. Last summer, as he won the RIGA Juniors at 13 and not only qualified for match play in the State Amateur but won a match as well, he was 5-feet-3, 94 pounds. His best drives went 210-220 yards. Now, he is 5-6 and 108 pounds and, as his father Marty relates, “He’s much stronger.’’

Each player gets to hit two drives.

Welch hit the first 238 yards. He knew he was safe, so he swung harder on the second one. It went 253 yards down the middle to win the competition. He then finished fourth in the chipping contest.

He had the lead going to the putting, in which each player is required to attempt a six-footer, a 30-footer and then an 18footer on the 18th green, with the pin in its Sunday placement.

Patrick Welch with Augusta member and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

“I thought the most important thing was that you had to make the six-footer,’’ he said. And so he did. He hit the 30footer too hard and it slid four and onehalf feet past. As the leader, he went last in the putt on the 18th green. There were notes on the video board pointing out what he had to do to win, but he did not want to pay too much attention.

“I just wanted to get it close,’’ he said.

“I hit it a little too hard. The green was so fast.’’ But he also picked the perfect line. The ball hit the back of the cup, popped up and then dropped in the cup. He gave a fist pump as it dropped, a move that became one of the highlights as the competition was shown during The Masters telecast.

Paul Kenyon is the recently retired sports writer from the Providence Journal who will be doing a feature story in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

Editor’s Note: Another New Englander, Jon Honeywell of Vermont, finished third in the Boy’s 79 division in Augusta. His parents, Dave and Christine, are my friends and they all went down to Georgia and said that it was the greatest time and a thrill of a lifetime.

The entries close for 2015 applications on April 30, that is right next this publishing date.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

RI NOTEBOOK RIGA Running Smoothly According to RIGA executive director Bob Ward everything is running smoothly since the historic merger last fall between the RIGA and the RIWGA. “Early signs are that there may be a lot more women playing golf under this new format than in the past,” said Ward. “Last year we had 860 entries, but now we have over 500 before the golf season even starts, that’s a great sign.”

Ward attributes one of the main reasons for the expected increase in female membership is allowing public course members to join. “And we have no required minimum handicaps anymore. We got rid of them,” he said.

For this year only Ward put together the scheduling of all of the women’s tournaments. That will change next year and thereafter with the hiring of Lee Kathryn DeCosta who has been named director of women’s golf and member services under the new organizational structure.

DeCosta is a native of Portsmouth and a graduate of St. Anselm College in 2000. She has worked in the golf industry for 18 of the past 20 years and most recently as buyer and office assistant at Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club in Middletown.

“I’m very excited about this new job and I appreciate the opportunity to work with the RIGA,” DeCosta told Southern New England Golfer. “I began working in the golf business at Wanumetonomy, where I started in the bag room and then worked my way up to buying in the pro shop and helping out in the administrative office.”

She says she will take over the handicap system this year and from now on oversee the scheduling and the running of all the women’s tournaments.

Lee Kathryn DeCosta

For those of you wondering about the Rhode Island future for the RIGA’s executive director, you can rest easy.

Ward says he will be staying in his current position for a good long time. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

However, Ward did take a run at the prestigious position as executive director of the Massachusetts Golf Association replacing his good friend Joe Sprague who left last summer to take a position with the USGA. He had replaced Sprague as RIGA executive director in 2007 when Sprague took the Massachusetts position.

Ward knew it was a long shot that he would get the Bay State post but because it was right next door he applied. Ward hung in, and with a national search underway, he kept making the cut. But the Massachusetts folks pretty much knew whom they wanted and eventually selected the very popular 27-year-old Jesse Menachem, a Framingham native who has been with the MGA since his days as an intern after his freshman year at Indiana University.

Ward, who finished third among those in the candidate pool, said he has no problem with the outcome. “I made it down to the top three, I wasn’t disappointed. I had a couple of good interviews but Jesse deserved to get the job. He will do very well there. Now I plan on staying here for awhile,” Ward emphasized.

Kenyon Joins RIGA There’s more good news for the RIGA. Longtime Providence Journal golf writer, Paul Kenyon, who recently retired from the Journal, has taken a position with the organization. He will keep folks updated on golf events via twitter, facebook, end of tournaments results on the RIGA website and will be heavily involved in the organization’s annual newsletter. ”It’s a great chance to have Paul work with us, we know his great passion for golf so it’s a win, win situation all around,” Ward said.

In addition, Paul, as you see in this issue, will be providing a column for our publication throughout the golf season, so we look forward to working with him in his most favorite venue.

There are just so many moving parts that have to be dealt with, but I love it, it is really enjoyable,” he says.

Tuthill, the 2000 R.I. Amateur Champion and successful financial services advisor in Providence, has taken over the reigns of the tournament from longtime chairman Denny Glass. Tuthill, of course, is not going about this by himself. He has lots of help. There is a Northeast Committee that has remained intact and used by Glass over the years. They get involved with sponsorships, the housing of the golfers who compete and other items such as food and beverages. “And of course I have the strong support of our club membership. They are really the keys to the success of this event. They are what make this tournament so successful,” Tuthill declared.

This year’s tourney is set for June 18-21.

And from now until about 10 days before tee-off time, activity gets very ramped up.

Tuthill says he hopes to play host to 88, maybe 90 of the top amateur players from around the world. “I have about half the field filled,” he said. “I sent out invitations to 140 players and just over 40 have already committed. I’ve only had about 20 decline for one reason or another. It will get hectic in the final weeks before the event with last minute player decisions.”

But the one thing Tuthill never has to do is ‘sell’ this tournament because of its huge success in the amateur golfing world over the years. “My goal is to attract the strongest amateur field for 2014 that I can, and right now it looks good,” he said.

Leopold Shooting for 5th Burke The first major RIGA tournament – The Burke Memorial — tees off May 14-15 at Misquamicut C.C. and Shelter Harbor

By BOB DICKSON and Bobby Leopold will be shooting for his fifth Burke title and fourth straight.

Should he be successful, Leopold, will tie Wannamoisett legend Charlie Blanchard for most Burke victories. But it won’t be easy. Leopold, a native of England, who moved to the Rhode Island colony a few years ago has married and has a young son. Family life takes up much of his time.

Leopold has enjoyed great success both locally and throughout New England and for two years in a row he reached the round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur.

“This year, though, I haven’t spent much time playing. I went from November to early April without playing,” Leopold says.

“I did compete in the Terra Cotta event in Naples the first week of April and had rounds of 78, 77, 77. It wasn’t terrible but not great. One of my main goals this year is to do well at the Northeast and finish among the top 5 or 6.”

That may be one of the reasons Leopold has joined Wannamoisett where he can practice and get himself ready for the top amateurs in the country. But first up is the Burke. It should be another dogfight with the top local amateurs entered but great fun to watch.

Early Events A couple of early spring foursome events were contested among Ocean State Women’s Golf Association members: The R.I. Women’s State Open at Kirkbrae was won by the group consisting of Ann Destefanis, Kyong Kim, Judy Gravier and Linda DaRosa with a Championship Division gross total of 178. Jackie Booth, Anne Corio, Nancy Diemoz and Cissy Grady finished first in the OSWGA Nassau at Meadow Brook G.C. with a 154 total.

Ben Tuthill knew he would be busy preparing for his very first Northeast Amateur Tournament this year at Wannamoisett as the event’s new chairman.

“But I didn’t realize the amount of time.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By SCOTT CORDISCHI

GOLF COMMENTARY

Andrade Having Success on Champions Tour

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hoever it was, didn’t consider Bristol, Rhode Island native and professional golfer Billy Andrade. One of the better-known and well-accomplished athletes from the Ocean State, Andrade recently turned 50 years old that, for most athletes in pro sports, means your career has long been over with. Not Billy’s.

You see the PGA Tour has this thing called the Champions Tour (formerly known as the Senior Tour) where players age 50 and older compete against one another just as they did for many years on the PGA Tour, just in front of smaller crowds and for smaller purses.

Andrade, who just turned 50 in January of this year, seems to be starting his Champions Tour career in a very similar fashion to that which he started his PGA Tour career, which is to say on fire.

While he has yet to win a Champions Tour event as he did in back-to-back weeks on the PGA Tour as a rookie in 1991, he

has shown that it may only be a matter of time before he is back in the winner’s circle. In four events thus far, Andrade has had three top-ten finishes including a second place finish at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic in Biloxi last month.

If you’re wondering how Billy feels about being a member of the Champions Tour, he couldn’t be happier. “This is an unbelievable fraternity to be a part of,” Andrade said.

“To be playing with all of these legends, many of the same guys I competed against on the PGA Tour is awesome. And I can’t believe how they have all accepted me as a newcomer on this tour with open arms.”

The biggest problem Andrade has with the Champions Tour is that they don’t play often enough for his liking. “I really feel like I need to play every week for my game to take off and out here we play for two weeks and then take three weeks off.

We play two more weeks and take three weeks off,” he said.

Bubba and Jordan were playing a match. Jordan’s caddy stood behind him to help him line up the putt. The caddy stepped away from the line, but before Jordan putted the caddy moved back into the line but was looking back at the players who were getting ready to hit to the green. Neither Bubba nor the caddy realized that he was in the line. After he made the putt to win the hole, Bubba said that Jordan should lose the hole because the caddy was in the line of the putt, Ruling: Jordan would not lose the hole. It is only a penalty if the caddy stays in the line and watches the putt. It must be a deliberate act of aiding the putter for it to be a penalty.

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“Take last week (at the Greater Gwinnett Championship), I couldn’t build on my momentum from Mississippi after three weeks off, but (Miguel Angel) Jiminez coming off the Master’s wins it and (Bernhard) Langer and (Freddie) Couples also played well because they played the week before at Augusta.”

One guy who is not surprised by Andrade’s early success on the Champions Tour is his so-called partner in crime and long-time friend Brad Faxon. “When pro golfers get into that 45-50 year old range, that can be a dangerous window,” Faxon said. “You’re not playing as much competitive golf, you’re doing the TV thing. The biggest challenge is keeping your competitive game in shape and staying excited about golf and Billy did that. What really told me that he was ready to go out and play at a high level on the Champions Tour was the fact that he finished fourth in a PGA Tour event in Mississippi at age 49. If you can still play at that level against PGA Tour competition, then you’ll do well once you turn 50 and hit the Champions Tour, he added.”

Faxon also pointed out a few other factors that may lead to Andrade having success in his new venture. “There are only 80 players on the Champions Tour and about 30 to 40 who have a legitimate shot to win,” he said. “So the fields aren’t as deep as they are on the PGA Tour.”

“I think another thing to consider is that guys are keeping themselves in much better shape these days so turning 50 isn’t such a bad thing. Look at this year’s Masters Tournament,” Faxon said. “You had six 50-year-old guys make the cut at Augusta.”

Brad also believes that Billy has the three main ingredients to have success on the Champions Tour. “Number one, he’s hitting the ball long and on the Champions Tour, the courses aren’t as long,” he said.

“Number two, he’s approached the Tour with a great attitude and he’s excited about playing golf again. And number three, he’s putting well. If you have those three things, you’ll do fine out there.”

Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade at a recent CVS Caremark Charity Classic press conference.

Meanwhile, Faxon himself is hoping to jumpstart his season on the Champions Tour and start playing at a higher level than he has as of late. “I plan on playing a pretty full schedule out there this year but I will still do three or four events on TV for the Golf Channel,” he said. “It’s been a little frustrating because I haven’t played my best out there as of late, and I can’t really pinpoint a reason as to why that’s the case.”

“Maybe the combination of living here in Rhode Island (where we had a rough winter) and the fact that the Champions Tour gets off to a slow start with only a few events in the first few months of the year has something to do with it,” he said.

Which is why Faxon, his wife Dory and their children are going to be moving from Rhode Island to Florida in August. “Our daughter is going to school down there and we’re going to give it a try for a year,” he said. “Given how much I travel and am away from home and the fact that Dory is not a big fan of the cold weather, we’ll see how it goes.”

The feeling here is that such a move could very well help Brad Faxon get back to being the player he is capable of being and, more importantly, help him develop the consistency that seems to be lacking in his game at the moment.

And wouldn’t that be nice? Andrade and Faxon enjoying success together again on Tour — Who said you can’t go back in time?

Scott Cordischi writes a column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

COLLEGE GOLF

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By TOM DRENNAN

Brown Golf Team Named Top Academic

he Brown University Men’s Golf Team has been named Academic National Champions for NCAA Division 1. The Bruins posted the highest overall team GPA for all divisions with a 3.74.

“All the credit goes to the players” said Brown Head Coach Michael Hughes. “We put a great deal of emphasis on academics; to carry an Ivy League course load while competing is tough.”

Brown has been runner up the previous four years. A total of 143 teams submitted GPA’s of 3.0 or better to earn All- American Academic team recognition. Among the teams Brown bested were DePaul, Harvard, Stamford, William and Mary and Yale. The 2013 Awards were sponsored by Farmers Insurance, a corporate member of the GCAA. Brown team members included: J D Ardell, Peter Callas, Nelson Hargrove, Kyohei Itamura, Justin Miller, Jack Mylott, Christopher Williams and Jack Wilson. The Bruins have been close to the championship for the past four years only to be edged out by DePaul University. The Blue Demons seemed to have a strangle hold on the trophy until this year.

Coach Hughes summed it up very nicely when he commented, “this lends credibility that if you recruit good, quality young men your program will be rewarded.”

Our Top 10 New England Picks for the 2014 Golf Season 1. Yale Coach Colin Sheehan says, “The Yale golf team doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.” Great

recruiting makes them the team to beat!

2. Hartford A combination of returning veterans and talented newcomers lead Coach Pete Stankevic’s Hawks.

3. Boston College Coach Drew Kayer and his super recruiter Bill Poutre have assembled a talented group of golfers for the upcoming campaign.

4. Connecticut The Huskies feel that being part of the American Athletic Conference will help in the future for recruiting and scheduling.

Some people think the future is now for Coach Dave Pezzino.

5. University of Rhode Island Coach Gregg Burke says, “We will be very young but we will be exciting.” The Rams had a great recruiting year and could be the surprise team of the area.

6. Harvard The Crimson continue their solid play as Coach Kevin Rhoads welcomes three newcomers.

7. Brown Not only are they smart, they can play!

Coach Mike Hughes’ team is young talented and they continue to improve.

8. Dartmouth Rich Parker’s Big Green could be the most improved team of the region with their balance of veterans and rookies.

9. Central Connecticut State University Kevi Giancola lost some key players but weep not for the Blue Devils as they will be strong again this year.

10. Sacred Heart Coach Mat McGrevery was hit hard by graduation, but will welcome a solid group of new players.

Brown University Head Coach Mike Hughes and his team of young and talented players.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

11

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR Gately Still Making an Impact

In recognition of Barry Gately’s tireless contributions to junior golf, in 2011 the Challenge Cup deemed the month of April, “Barry Gately Month.” It had been an annual tribute in the month of April to recognize the late Challenge Cup president’s birthday on April 28th (a ribbing he thoroughly enjoyed).

After a successful career in the printing business, Barry dedicated the final 30 years of his life to the betterment of our youth.

Despite suffering a stroke in 2005, Barry still was a fixture at virtually all of the Challenge Cup’s competitions (unless of course it was football season at Governor Dummer Academy).

In addition to this recognition, the Challenge Cup established a tournament in Barry’s name (the Gately Cup) in 2003.

The 36-hole stroke play competition brings together junior golfers and collegiate players. Two scholarships in Barry’s name are distributed annually. This year’s event will be contested at Connecticut National G.C. on August 21-22.

Curran En Fuego

Former 2-time Challenge Cup Player of the Year Jon Curran is arguably one of the hottest players among the professional ranks. In 2013 Curran earned the NGA Tour’s Player of the Year Award. In December, the Hopkinton, Mass. native, drained a clutch birdie putt on the final hole at Q-School to gain full status on the Web.com Tour. In 2014, Curran has picked up right where he left off in

JUNIOR GOLF 2013. After a 21st place finish in his first Web.com event, Curran trounced the field in box-to-wire fashion at the Brasil Champions Classic Presented by HSBC. The “Curranator” fired rounds of 61-6465-69 to post a 25-under par tournament record total. Curran currently sits in 5th place on the Web.com money list with $168,057 in earnings and has all but locked up a PGA Tour card for the 20142015 season.

Henny Leads Team Bradley to Ryder Cup Title

St. John’s commit Jacob Henny fired a 1under par 70 to lead Team Bradley to the team title at the 24th annual Northeast Junior Ryder Cup at Ledgemont CC. Henny carded three birdies and 2 two bogies en route to his first Challenge Cup title.

MGA Junior Player of the Year Jake Shuman finished 2-storkes back of Henny in the runner-up spot of the individual competition. Megan Khang (playing from the same markers as the rest of the field) completed an amazing week by firing a 2over par 73 to finish joint 3rd with Tom Hixon.

The team competition was a tight battle as Team Bradley captained by Steve Feinstein edged Team Driscoll and Team Renner by 4-strokes. Team Curran finished in 4th place 10-strokes behind the winners.

“I wish I had learned about the Challenge Cup earlier in my career,” stated Henny. “I have only played in a handful of events, but the tournaments are run exceptionally

well and the competition is superb.”

The victory was especially sweet for Steve Feinstein whose contributions to junior golf are endless.

“I think the captains have as much fun with this event as the kids,” stated Team Bradley captain “Foon.” “Once the field of players is set we conduct a draft with each team selecting 11 players. There are big time bragging rights on the line. There is a lot of ribbing amongst the players and captains, all in good fun of course.

Fortunately I don’t have to listen to Dave Adamonis for another year.”

For the 24th consecutive year, participants were outfitted with team golf shirts and Pro V1 golf balls courtesy of Footjoy and Titleist. Once again, the traditional team lunch was provided by Challenge Cup Tour sponsor Spinal Technology Inc. The scoreboard created by Ledgemont head professional Todd Campbell is like no other. For the first time in the event’s history the teams were named in honor of four former Challenge Cup players, who are members of the PGA Tour (Keegan Bradley, Jon Curran, James Driscoll and Jim Renner).

It is no wonder with the aforementioned amenities and the chance to play one of New England’s finest courses that the New England Junior Ryder Cup is the best one day junior competition in all of golf.

Team Results Team Bradley Team Driscoll Team Renner Team Curran

259-264-523 270-257-527 266-259-527 268-265-533

Individual Results Jacob Henny, Norwalk, CT, Team Bradley 35-35-70 Jake Shuman, Needham, MA, Team Driscoll 35-37-72 Megan Khang, Rockland, MA, Team Curran 37-36-73 Thomas Hixon,Rye, NH, Team Renner 37-36-73 Nicklaus Harrington, Chaplin, CT, Team Bradley 34-40-74 Maxwell Ferrari, Framingham, MA, Team Renner 38-37-75 John VanDerlaan, Southbury, CT, Team Bradley 37-38-75 Matthew Paradis, Hooksett, NH, Team Renner 39-36-75 Connor Greenleaf, Windham, NH, Team Curran 37-38-75

URI Golf Gives Back

Coach Greg Burke and his URI Ram golf team spent a few days in April promoting the game of golf and spreading good will.

Burke started the week by spending a day at the Times Sqaured Academy with first graders. The following day Burke and six members of the URI golf team spent an 12

afternoon at Button Hole teaching young men and women from the San Miguel School the fundamentals of golf. The following week two of his student/athletes spent their morning reading to elementary school students at two South County schools. Kudos to Greg and the Rams...the world needs more people like them.

Wilson All-American Bound

Former 3-time Challenge Cup Player of the Year Cameron Wilson has produced arguably the best individual season in college golf. The Stanford Cardinal standout has notched two individual crowns and has barely been out of the top 10 in any tournament this season. His fine season has led to numerous nominations (Byron Nelson Award) and a spot on Palmer Cup team representing the USA in late June. It is almost a certainty he will be named a 1st Team All-American.

Tournament Treadmill

The month of April is the full of competitive opportunities on the Challenge Cup Tour. Beginning on the Saturday prior to April vacation the Challenge Cup had over 600 players compete during a 10-day stretch in which nine days of competition were contested.

Here are the top three highlights from the best week in junior golf.

1) The duo of Justin Matrone and Joey Tucker swept all 8 points to lead the Hendricken Hawks to the 4th annual McCampbell Cup. The tournament named in honor of former Challenge Cup standout and tournament administrator Mike McCampbell tees off the Rhode Island high school golf season for a handful of teams.

2) Megan Khang and Jake Bauer cruised to victory at the 32nd annual Challenge Cup Championship. Khang notched her fifth individual title by outdistancing a field of 27 girls, while Bauer (who is headed to Johnson & Wales University, Miami, Fla. next fall) bested a field of 165 boys at the Alpine C.C. 3) Fresh off a victory at the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships at Augusta National Patrick Welch earned one of two qualifying spots at the Hornblower Junior Classic at Montaup C.C. Welch overcame difficult weather conditions to post a 75 to earn medalist honors. Northboro, Mass resident Tim Umphrey (who has been one of the most consistent players on the Challenge Cup circuit) earned the second qualifying spot. By virtue of their finish, the duo will match shots with New England’s best amateur players in late May at the Hornblower Memorial at Plymouth C.C.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

JUNIOR GOLF

Challenge Cup Champions Megan Khang and Jake Bauer

By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

McCampbell Cup Champion Hendricken Hawks

John and Michael Van Derlaan

DON’T MISS THE ACTION! RECEIVE 4 ISSUES OF SNE GOLFER FOR JUST $8 SUBSCRIBE TODAY USING THE FORM ON PAGE 35 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By DAVE ADAMONIS, JR

PEOPLE IN GOLF

Kirby, Hannefeld Qualify for Senior PGA Championship

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wo of New England’s top senior professionals qualified for the 75th annual Senior PGA Championship. Alpine Country Club’s Ed Kirby and Acton, Mass. resident Kirk Hannefeld will be matching shots with the likes of Couples, Faxon, Langer, Lehman and Watson (May 22-25) at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The duo earned their spots in the field by finishing in the top 35 at 25th annual Senior PGA Club Professional National Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Kirby posted rounds of 69-73-70-73 for a 285 total finishing at 3-under par in a tie for 7th. Hannefeld was equally efficient carding rounds of 73-73-70-74 en route to a 2-over par total, one stroke better than the cut line.

The 51-year old Kirby, who will be playing in his first major championship

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since the 1993 U.S. Open, was elated at the opportunity to play in a major again.

“I have made the cut in the last three majors I have played in,” teased Kirby.

“The last major I played in was 21 years ago though,” he added.

“Former PGA President Jim Remy is going to caddy for me,” he continued.

“We are going to have a ball.”

While Kirby has been playing some of the best golf of his life over the past few years, he was quick to deflect the accolades to the club which employs him.

“I couldn’t have accomplished this without the support of the Alpine C.C. membership. While I am thrilled at the opportunity to play in another major, this is my home. I love it here. I am looking forward to representing the club next month.

The 58-year Hanefeld has had considerably more reps in major

championships than Kirby. Hanefeld has appeared in 8 Senior PGA Championships, 3 U.S. Senior Opens and 7 British Senior Open Championships. Last year Hannefeld missed the cut at Senior PGA Championship and tied for 36th at the Senior Open Championship.

Bubble Boys – Billy Andrade and P.H. Horgan are both hopeful of joining the fray at the Senior PGA Championship, meaning the New England contingent could grow to five.

Tournament Tap-Ins – New England’s T.J. Auclair will be covering the PGA Senior Championship for the PGA of America. T.J., who formerly was a lead correspondent for the PGA Tour, is the interactive producer for www.pga.com.

Auclair produces some of the best columns in golf.

Alpine Country Club’s Ed Kirby qualified for the 75th annual Senior PGA Championship.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF COURSE REVIEW

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By BRUCE VITTNER

Lakeville Country Club is Back

hat would make a couple want to buy a golf course? Is it that they love golf? In the case of Derek and Madelyn Maksy, it was that the golf course sat right behind their home in Lakeville, was in disrepair with poor outdated equipment, lacked maintenance and was heading for foreclosure. There was talk that the land would become an industrial park.

“We actually bought the property as a business investment and as a chance to keep our own property up in value,” said Madelyn. “We were not golfers at the time we purchased it in October 2011, but I love the game now,” added Madelyn who proceeded to talk about a girls’ golfing trip that she took last fall to Myrtle Beach.

The day we were doing the interview for this story, Derek was driving a vehicle that was moving a building on property and not available for an interview. Previously, he had told me about what a great adventure it was to own a golf course. “It’s a lot of

hard work, but the rewards are wonderful.

Our goal is to have the golfers feel that they are on a day of vacation while they’re on our golf course.” Madelyn added, “The best part of owning is that everybody is happy here.”

As golfers came off the course they talked about what a great improvement there has been here in the last three years; and those improvements continue on. “We just hired a head professional, Mark Kitchen, a PGA class A pro, who played his first round ever at Lakeville. He will be giving lessons, clinics, starting some golf camps and helping with the overall running of the course,” commented Madelyn.

The movement of the building was to provide space for a 60-foot pavilion for outings. There is a restaurant with a full menu and bar open seven days a week.

They have a sunset deck just off the restaurant where people can watch fellow golfers play the ninth and 18th holes.

“Randy Botelho is the chef and doing a

great job,” said Madelyn who has owned Uptown Realtors in Middleboro for 25 years. Derek is an electrical supervisor and also harvests his own 12-acre cranberry bog behind their home.

Lakeville Country Club has the largest and longesttenured men’s league in Massachusetts that plays every Tuesday afternoon. Tee times are available seven days a week, but Tuesday they must be before noon if your playing 18, and 2 p.m. if you’re only playing nine.

The golf course is a fun layout. There are four sets of tees that range from 6,335 yards to the forward tees of 4,863 yards.

The course is lined with tall pines and oaks and very picturesque. The 16th is an island green par three that is the signature hole. The 18-hole is a great finishing hole,

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Madelyn Maksy, (l) with employee Taylor Johnson, Derek Maksy was moving a building an unavailable for this picture. a dogleg left over a pond to the elevated green.

The Maksy’s have done a great job.

Their investment is looking better and better all the time, and you will have a fun time playing their course. You can call the course at 508-947-6630 or visit their website at www.lakevillecountryclub.com.

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By BRUCE BERLET

CONNECTICUT NOTEBOOK

TRAVELERS EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP TEN YEARS Travelers Companies Inc. has been an integral part of the PGA Tour’s annual visit to Connecticut since the tournament began as a fundraiser for the Greater Hartford Jaycees in 1952.

The leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business with more than 30,000 employees generated approximately $26 billion in 2013, and that doesn’t include the record $1.253 million raised for 180 charities thanks to the Travelers Championship.

As if that wasn’t enough, Travelers announced in March that it was extending its title sponsorship with the PGA Tour for another 10 years. Travelers became the title sponsor of its hometown tournament in 2007, when it saved Connecticut’s largest sporting event from probable extinction.

In addition to the title sponsorship, the PGA Tour and Travelers extended their official marketing relationship. Travelers remains the “Official Property Casualty Insurance Provider of the PGA Tour,

Web.com and Champions Tour” through 2018.

“We have no better partner on tour than Travelers and (chairman and CEO) Jay Fishman,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said during the announcement in Hartford. “As a longstanding pillar in the Greater Hartford community, Travelers took the significant step in 2007 to assure this tournament’s future and the continuation of its significant charitable and economic impact. Since that the time, the tournament has continued to prosper and remain a tremendous asset to the entire region thanks to the outstanding partnership between the host organization and Travelers. We are thrilled this legacy will continue, and we are delighted to expand our relationship with Travelers through our Official Marketing Partner Program.”

“When we took over as title sponsor, we were a little unsure,” Fishman said at the announcement. “The tournament, especially in the last two or three years, in terms of attendance, sponsorship

and charity dollars, has exceeded our expectations. To make such an investment for 10 years puts us on a runway so that we can plan and improve to make it a better first class in the future.”

The tournament will be held the week after the U.S. Open this year and in 2015, but some flexibility may be needed in 2016 when golf will be an official sport in the Summer Olympics, starting Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An event in August could be left without some marquee international players.

About 300,000 fans attended the tournament in 2013, when Ken Duke birdied the second playoff hole to beat Chris Stroud and earn his first tour victory in his 187th start before 70,000 fans. Duke, 43, who was diagnosed with scoliois and wore a back brace 23 hours a day as a seventh grader and still has a 16-inch metal rod attached to his spine, pocketed $1,098,000 and promptly wrote a check for $25,000 and presented it to tournament director Nathan Grube.

“He said he always told himself he would donate $25,000 with his first win,” Grube said. “He looked very proud to be able to write the check.”

Duke, past champions Bubba Watson, winner of a second Masters title in April, and Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker and Patrick Reed were among the early entries for this year’s tournament. “The Travelers Championship is an important part of the sports history in Connecticut and has presented us a tremendous opportunity to support the community and charities throughout the region,” Fishman said. “Our sponsorship of the Travelers Championship has been a great investment for the community and our business. We are also very pleased to have the opportunity to promote both our commercial and personal property casualty insurance by extending our marketing relationship with the PGA Tour.”

Visit www.travelerschampionship.com for tickets and information.

DIRICO NAMED SECTION PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Dave DiRico of Dave DiRico’s Golf and Racquet was named Connecticut Section PGA Professional of the Year, the highest honor given by the section.

DiRico was the longtime pro at Crestview C.C. in Agawam, Mass., and his brothers, 16

Tom and Dan, are also pros in western Massachusetts.

Other award winners were Player Development, Kevin Cloud, Golf Center at Lyman Orchards-Middlefield; Assistant Professional of the Year, Aaron Chaffin, Shuttle Meadow C.C.-Kensington; Merchandiser of the Year private, Tim Quirk, Longmeadow (Mass.) C.C.; Horton Smith Award, Mike Martin, Clubs To Go/Tashua Knolls G.C.-Trumbull; Bill Strausbaugh Award, Gary Sassu, Chippanee G.C.-Bristol; Youth Player Development Award, George DeVita, Farmington Woods C.C.; Teacher of the Year, Chuck Lasher, PGA Life Members; Golf Sales Representative of the Year, Barry Dennis of Kensington.

DiRico and the other award winners will be honored at a banquet July 7 at Twin Hills C.C. in Longmeadow, Mass.

There also will be a banquet for the 2014 champions and Hall of Fame selections Dec. 1 at Lake of Isles G.C. in North Stonington.

The section also nominated Suzy Whaley (TPC River Highland-Cromwell) for secretary of the PGA of America.

Whaley, who is coming off serving a three-year term as the District 1 Director of the Association of Directors, has won numerous regional and national tournaments and awards and became the first female in 54 years to qualify for a PGA Tour event when she won the section championship in 2002.

SECTION HELPS CHARITY The Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation handed out more than $30,000 in financial grants to 25 programs, events and organization throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. The recipients were: The First Tee of Connecticut; Special Olympics of Massachusetts; Special Olympics of Connecticut; Connecticut Section PGA Player Development programming; Special Olympics Colchester Golf Skills Challenge; Northern Junior Championship; Copper Hill Golf Course-Golf Is For Life/PGA Junior League; Northern Junior LPGA/ USGA Girls Program (The First Tee of Connecticut); Suzy Whaley PGA Junior League Golf; Skin in the Game (Hartford North End Jr. Golf programs); The Ranch Kids’n Golf; Cardinal Sheehan Center; Lyman Orchards PGA Junior Golf League; Lyman Orchards Wounded Veteran Clinic;

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CONNECTICUT NOTEBOOK Golf Four Our Girls; Gaylord Hospital Sports Program; Tallwood Caddy Day; Tallwood Junior Golf Academy; Tallwood McDermott Junior Invitational; Mount Sinai Golfers in Motion; West Hartford Special Olympics and the Suzy Whaley Junior Golf Tournament.

The Foundation elected officers and directors for one-year terms. Board members Rich Crowe (Rockledge G.C.West Hartford), Gary Reynolds (PGA Life Member) and Frank Selva (PGA Life Member) have served on the Foundation Board of Directors since its inception in 1995. Selva followed Reynolds as Foundation president starting in 1999 and was elected by the board of directors to serve his 16th year in the post. Joe Connerton (Hartford G.C.-West Hartford) was elected vice president, and Jeremy Vitkauskas (C.C. of Farmington) was elected secretary. Crowe, Reynolds, Jim Bedus, Jeff Beyer, Jim McDonald, Brian Murphy and Timmie Stathers were elected to return as directors. Vic Svenberg and Gary Wolff were elected to serve as directors.

The section also has entered into a one-year agreement, with three oneyear renewals, to help counsel the City of Hartford on the operation and maintenance of the city’s two public courses, Goodwin and Keney Park. The section’s duties include counseling and advising the city on all aspects of operating Goodwin this year and reopening and running Keney Park in 2015. The section also provided pro Patrick Aldrich to serve as Golf Properties Consultant for the city as its Director of Operations and put together a Golf Properties advisory committee of Bobby Brown (Tashua Knolls G.C.), Andrew Ouellett (Taylormade Golf ), John Verrengia (Simsbury Farms G.C.) and Jon Wilson (Golf Center at Lyman Orchards).

For more than two decades, the city transferred management of the courses to private companies, but that system led to problems. In September, city auditors noted both courses had suffered neglect as MDM Golf Enterprises failed to make about $1.3 million in improvements as required by a five-year contract that was terminated. In February, an 11-member task force appointed by the city council to determine how the courses should be run released its recommendations. Among them was that city leaders adopt a non-

for-profit model.

Under the new plan, which runs through Dec. 31, Hartford will pay the section $150,000 to oversee operations at Goodwin, but the city will retain the profits. The section will provide a director of course operations to be on-site six days a week. The city will work with the section and the director of course operations to select a pro and superintendent.

The city also hired the Wisconsinbased Dusenberry Design Inc. to help restore Keney Park for $277,000. The city council has agreed to $5 million in capital improvements to repair both courses this year. Officials hope to reopen Keney in April 2015. The section is partnering with the non-profit KNOX Inc., which will assist with course upkeep.

BILODEAU, KELLY, PALADINO AND SZEWCUL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR IN 2013 Kyle Bilodeau, Tony Kelley, Cody Paladino and Dave Szewczul were the best of the best on the Connecticut golf scene in 2013.

Bilodeau (Ellington Ridge C.C.) edged Bill Downes (Hampden, Mass., C.C.) for the Connecticut Section PGA Player of the Year Award thanks largely to winning the Spring Stroke Play Championship to qualify for his first Travelers Championship, the Walter Lowell Tournament and the Connecticut PGA Championship. Kelley (Wyckoff C.C.-Holyoke, Mass.) won his second Senior Player of the Year by 34 points over Fran Marrello (Quaboag C.C.Monson, Mass.), a six-time champion, including four of the previous five years.

Paladino (Wethersfield C.C.), who also won in 2006, edged out close friend Kevin Josephson (Personal Golf Network) and 2012 winner Szewczul (Tunxis Plantation C.C.-Farmington) for the Dick Tettebach Player of the Year Award thanks to nine victories in 10 starts, including the CSGA Amateur Championship (match play), Russell C. Palmer Cup (medal play) and Tournament of Champions. Meanwhile, Szewczul ran away with the Dick Siderowf Player of the Year Award for the fifth consecutive year mainly off wins in the Senior Match Play Championship and Tournament of Champions. ... University of Connecticut senior Adam Wolfe has been named the CSGA’s United States Golf Association P.J. Boatwright intern and will participate in numerous functions

and services. Wolfe, a CSGA Widdy Neale Scholar and communications major at UConn, is a Trumbull native who has worked at Tashua Knolls G.C. every summer since 2006.

“There’s a lot to like about Adam and we’re happy to have him join our team,” said CSGA Director of Operations Ryan Hoffman, a former Boatwright intern.

“He has a great opportunity to learn what’s involved in golf administration.

The Boatwright internship program is recognized nationwide as a great training system, and we’re proud of how we’ve managed the program here in Connecticut.”

The CSGA’s 2013 Boatwright Intern, Chris Austin, was recently hired to a fulltime position with the CSGA as manager of communications and competitions.

The internship, named for the USGA’s former executive director of rules and competitions, is designed to provide individuals with valuable experience in golf administration, including activities such as course ratings, handicapping and tournament management. Since its inception in 1991, the internship has helped launch golf administration careers for hundreds of individuals across the country.

Hartford native Joyce Wilcox received a Top 50 Kids Teachers Award for the second straight year from the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation. The award annually recognizes the world’s top youth golf instructors, and the Class of 2013 includes pros from 21 states, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. Wilcox, the academy director at Cobblestone G.C. in Acworth, Ga., was a seven-time ladies champion at Lyman Orchards G.C. before moving to Georgia in 1990.

Lake of Isles’ North Course was voted No. 1 in Connecticut on Golfweek’s stateby-state list of “America’s Best Courses You Can Play.” It is the eighth consecutive appearance as No. 1 for the course owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Nation, which also owns Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The other courses cited were Wintonbury Hills-Bloomfield, Fox Hopyard-East Haddam, Great River-Milford and Mohegan Sun C.C. at Pautipaug. Courses were elevated on overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance and landscape management. All state rankings

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By BRUCE BERLET

can be found at golfweek.com. Golfweek named Shuttle Meadow-Kensington one of the top 200 Classic Courses in America.

The Connecticut Women’s Golf Association will test out a pilot program this summer for girls aged 19-22. CWGA president Carol Galbraith said the extended junior membership offers golf opportunities for girls who are no longer able to participate in junior golf programs.

For more information, visit cwga.org and click on Junior Golf.

MAJOR STATE EVENTS IN 2014 May 1: Julius Boros Challenge Cup (Conn. Section PGA vs. Conn. State Golf Association), New Haven Country Club; May 5: CSGA Two-Man Team Championship, Black Hall Club, Old Lyme; May 20-21: CSGA Russell C. Palmer Cup, C.C. of Waterbury; May 27-28: Connecticut Women’s Open, Wampanoag C.C., West Hartford; June 3-6: Conn.

Women’s Golf Association Championship, Tumble Brook C.C., Bloomfield; June 12: Connecticut-Rhode Island women’s matches, Mohegan Sun at Pautipaug; June 16-20: CSGA Amateur Championship, Lake of Isles, North Stonington; June 1720: Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands, Cromwell; June 30-July 2: New England Women’s Golf Association Championship, Keene (N.H.) C.C.; July 14-15: Connecticut Senior Open, Shennecossett GC, Groton; July 15-16: Southern New England Women’s Golf Association Individual Championships, Fairview Farms C.C., Harwinton; July 2830: Connecticut Open, Rolling Hills C.C., Wilton; Aug. 4: Women’s Tournament of Champions, Chippanee G.C., Bristol; Aug. 12-13: Connecticut PGA Championship, Great River G.C., Milford; Aug. 18-20: Connecticut State Women’s Amateur, The Farms C.C., Wallingford; Aug. 19-20: CSGA Mid-Amateur Championship, Hop Meadow C.C., Simsbury; Sept. 2: CSGA Tournament of Champions, Bulls Bridge G.C., Kent; Sept. 22-23: Connecticut PGA Professional Championship, Wintonbury Hills C.C., Bloomfield; Oct. 6-7: CSGA Public Links Championship, G.C. at Oxford Greens; Oct. 7-9, Endicott Cup (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island women amateurs), Wannamoisett C.C., Rumford, R.I. 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 LEONARD FINKEL

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PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW

2014 New Product Showcase

ach year, the PGA Merchandise Show delivers new and innovative golf products. Here are some of the exciting ones you’ll see in the coming year.

Tour Edge branched out with the Exotics brand in 2004. The new, limited edition CB PRO combines the retro, smaller head of its Tour-winning CB2 fairway wood with an innovative Slip Stream sole function to create the ultimate fairway wood for accomplished players. This patent-pending sole glides through the turf, dramatically minimizing turf contact, allowing the head to maintain maximum speed through impact. The sole is designed so that minimal contact occurs from any attack angle or position of the head at impact. The CB PRO features a premium beta titanium cup face with a hyper-steel body to produce maximum fairway wood distance. As a result of combo-brazing, every single gram of excess weight is eliminated from the face and shifted to the sole for a lower center of gravity. It features the same trampoline face design found in the CB2 that combines multiple levels of face thickness. More information at www.touredge.com.

The General, a new symmetrical mallet from RIFE features wings that flow back and provide great stability and pinpoint alignment. Three sightlines, paint filled topline, and Lie-Align Technology make this model a breeze to lineup accurately.

RollGroove Technology feature precisely spaced grooves that allow the putter to gently press into the cover of the ball and grip and lift it into an instant forward roll.

More information at www.rifegolf.com.

GolfBuddy’s Platinum PT4 has been upgraded and features a slimmer design, higher resolution and larger screen. A 4” LCD touch screen measures distances to any target, offers a dynamic green view as well as a shot distance measurement.

A pressure based touch screen has been upgraded to a capacitive touch screen, providing users with direct contact with the content displayed to be even more responsive. A tracking module allows users to keep score for up to four players. Visit www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.

From Sun Mountain, the H2NO collection of bags will be expanded to include cart bags and carry bags, all constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams and waterproof zippers. The carry bags feature tops with integrated handles for ease in picking up and setting down, a top-molded stand attachment for stability, a proprietary E-Z Fit Dual Strap System for a balanced carry across both shoulders and patented Roller-Bottom stand mechanism for easy leg activation.

They feature ample storage space, too, including a full-length clothing pocket, a velour-lined valuables pocket and multiple accessory pockets. Stand bags feature leg

GolfBuddy’s Platinum PT4 has been upgraded and features a slimmer design, higher resolution and larger screen.

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lock straps and a cart-friendly bottom that will fit into a cart’s bag well. It also incorporates a larger diameter, individual club-divided top and waterproof pockets including two full-length clothing pockets, multiple accessory pockets and a velourlined valuables pocket. More information at www.sunmountain.com.

The Devereux collection is noted as a premium-quality modern menswear known for simple-yet-sophisticated pieces in contemporary colors and superb attention to detail. Clean modern styles are designed to fit properly and inspire performance both on and off the course. Specifically tailored to move seamlessly from workday to weekend and beyond, the line is all about modern sophistication, everyday elegance and simple versatility. The inspiration for this line was the great players and dressers of the game’s past, Hogan, Palmer, Player and Stewart. Natural (Pima Cotton) and synthetic (Polyester) fibers blend the best of both characteristics for easy care. More information at www.dvrxgolf.com.

Antigua’s Spring Performance 72 Golf Collection for men is comprised of 17 shirts, 12 outerwear tops, two shorts and seven hats. It demonstrates attention to detail and is perfect both on and off the course. Short-sleeve pullover Logic is 86 percent polyester and 14 percent spandex with a heavy jersey face and micro fleece back. It’s quarter-zip placket, contrast inset details and cut-and-sew cuff make it attractive and practical. Highlight is a polyester, short-sleeve polo combining dull and shiny tonal stripes with solid insets and a flat knit collar. Both feature Desert Dry moisture management to keep golfers dry and comfortable. This collection brings an ideal fit that’s specific to golf, allowing golfers freedom of motion with lightweight stretch material in its outerwear. Visit www.antigua.com.

After a successful earlier introductions in the high performance category with the TRUST series and award winning SOFFFT, the Hybrid is HIRZL’s first product targeted at budget conscious golfers looking for a high performance glove. Using a sophisticated combination of kangaroo and synthetic leather, the Hybrid is designed with a proprietary 45 pre-curved finger system, ensuring a proper

ergonomic fit and exceptional comfort.

It’s features include a textured index finger for greater grip performance, Kangaroo reinforced leather thumb and Airtech mesh technology. More information at www.hirzl.com.

ReTee is a unique and useful divot repair tool that incorporates a built in pencil sharpener to save the environment from the waste of pencils and tees. It’s easier to use than a regular divot repair tool and better for the green. No twisting, tilting or lifting. A simple poke at a 45 degree angle on both sides of the ball mark and ReTee’s unique shape repairs the divot. How many times have you found yourself with a dull or broken pencil point? Never have that problem again. ReTee is light weight and made from extremely durable plastic for years of use. Visit www.reteegolf.com.

Golf Pain Away’s roll-on applicator provides a no mess solution to pain relief on or off the course. Pain Away is 100% natural using only four simple ingredients.

A unique combination of select varieties of olive oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus and vanilla from the Australian Outback are blended together using a top secret triple maturation process, binding the active ingredients and their anti-inflammatory properties to the base oil. For relief of arthritic pain and muscular aches and pains, including symptomatic relief of lower back pain and fibromyalgia. Outback Series 2-in-1 Protection sunscreen and insect repellent provides complete outdoor protection with all natural properties of tea tree and eucalyptus. For more information visit www.golfpainaway.com.

IOMIC USA is introducing the Art Grip Series Sticky Camo Grips for woods and irons. These grips are manufactured using IOMIC’s special camouflage coloring process to create a unique new look. Sticky grips are incredibly soft and feature great traction and low torque and are available in camouflage green, gray, blue, pink and brown. All IOMIC grips feature a proprietary compound that provides a soft feel with control. This material provides adhesiveness, is water and friction resistant and is naturally white in color which allows for a full spectrum of color – IOMIC’s signature trait. Visit www.iomicusa.com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

By LEONARD FINKEL

PRODUCT REVIEW

Revolutionary Technology Adds Guaranteed Distance Tour Edge Exotics Earns Six Golf Digest Hot List Awards

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he word exotic is defined as strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual. For the last few years, Exotics

by Tour Edge Golf has delivered strikingly and excitingly different clubs and for the first time ever, placed six products on the prestigious Golf Digest Hot List. Company founder David Glod believes these clubs are perfect for golfers who want nothing less than the most powerful, accurate clubs from technology ahead of its time.

The Exotics line has earned rave reviews from players around the globe and performed exceptionally well in independent test results. Describing Gold-Medal winning fairway woods

XCG7 and XCG7 Beta, Golf Digest wrote, “The Exotics line rarely disappoints for inventive materials and hot-face technology.” A club tester added, “Every shot felt powerful, like hitting the ball with a sledgehammer.”

Referring to Exotics CB PRO Limited Edition the magazine wrote, “Year after year, Tour Edge finds impressive ways to combine the strength of titanium and steel in a single club.” A second tester concluded, “Here’s a club that delivers major distance.” Among other noteworthy complements, Digest finishes by writing, “Tour Edge began as a company known for good clubs at a good value, then added the high-end Exotics line. This iron is a combination of both.”

No-weld combo-brazing process produces legendary distance.

With Exotics, Tour Edge exceeds traditional limitations with innovative design and space-age technology. Tech savvy GolfWRX in reviewing the Exotics fairway woods wrote, “Second-to-none ball speeds. The XCG7, XCG7 Beta and the CB PRO have three distinct profiles that will please a wide range of golfers. All three of these fairway woods have the potential to produce driver like ball speeds. This is one of the most impressive, well-rounded fairway wood families in golf.”

They conclude, “For years, GolfWRX has been told by leading custom fitters that Tour Edge Exotics fairway woods are some of best performing if not the best performing fairway woods in their stores.”

Exotics utilize a revolutionary chemical bonding process as opposed to welding. Known as Combo-Brazing, this ground-breaking technique joins two dissimilar metal parts and blends them together via chemical bonding and vacuum heat treatment. The process starts with a cold-rolled titanium cup face that is computer milled around the edge of the cup with a high precision rim. The steel body is precision cast to include an interlocking channel. The parts are chemically treated, inserted together and vacuum heat-cured for permanent bonding without heavy welding, resulting in a lower center of gravity and greater spring off the face for a pure energy transfer, benefits not possible from traditional welded club heads.

PGA Tour Validation

In these days of pay for play on the PGA Tour, it’s almost impossible for midsize companies to get their clubs in the hands of players. Tour Edge rep Andy Harris says, “The way contracts are written today with the big-name companies, there aren’t many players open to play other clubs, but our progress has been steady and sure. Since we pay no money to put clubs in play, players that use them have to be true believers. For the most part, they have not veered away from our products once they’ve put them in the bag.” Many PGA Tour stars carry Exotics clubs. After the 2012 FedEx Cup, the “What’s in Their Bag” section in a major golf publication pointed out that Brandt Snedeker used an Exotics 3-wood in his march to the championship. Arjun Atwal says, “I think it’s one of the best fairway woods out here on the PGA Tour. If a player without a contract plays it anyway, that says a lot about the club.”

Why do Exotics clubs perform so well? Exotics components are made at the finest, highly sophisticated facilities which also produce high-end products for the Japanese marketplace. Exotics batches are smaller and subject to tighter tolerances and more meticulous quality control to ensure the premium Exotics experience including hand assembling each club one at a time. The full XCG7 line includes fairway woods, drivers, hybrids and irons. All clubs carry a lifetime warranty. Test one yourself.

Information on the Combo-Brazing line of Exotics products is available at (800) 515-3343 or www.touredge.com SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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WEDNESDAY AT THE MASTERS Jim Furyk tells the starter about how he bought his putter at Joe & Leigh’s in Easton.

Arnold Palmer was too tired to finish the ninth hole.

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Jack Nicklaus let his granddaughter finish the ninth hole for him.

Freddie Couples ask for more applause. It was very loud already.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

WEDNESDAY AT THE MASTERS The highlight of the day and largest applause.

A marquee threesome for 50 years.

2011 Masters Champ Bubba Watson used the Par 3 for some family time as his wife, Angie, caddied and his son, Caleb helped him putt some.

Gary Player looking very ďŹ t, birdied the ninth hole.

They should have told Ryan Moore not to win the Par 3.

No player has won both the Par 3 and 72-hole tournament.

Craig and Kevin Stadler (pictured with Dave Stockton, l.) became the ďŹ rst father and son to compete in the same year at The Masters.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By KATHARINE DYSON

WOMEN’S GOLF

Hot Products from the PGA Merchandise Show

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his past January the golf industry rolled out new products and ideas at the Orange County Convention center in Orlando. Here’s what we found.

Where to stay Finding a comfortable, affordable place to stay is key. You can stay at one of the hotels just across from the Center like the Peabody Orlando or Westin Orlando.

But we have another idea. Book a condo or house through All Star Vacation Homes.

All-Star has well-furnished, attractive homes and condos in Reunion Resort and communities like Windsor Hills.

Some come with private pools and spas, home theaters, game rooms and serious flat screen TVs. And with plenty of space, it makes sense when friends or family are traveling together. Do the math and you’ll understand how reasonable it is per person too. Visit allstarvacationhomes.com.

Styles for golf and more The apparel scene has shifted as clothes become more transitional designed to go from green to office to dinner. Kevan Hall Sport has stepped up to add glamour to the fairways with several sharp dress styles and pleated skirts. Hall noted, “We have begun to see the blurring of lifestyles where clothes can go from course to clubhouse.”

Golfing attire is edgier too. Cutter & Buck’s new Annika lineup features a touch of iconic, a kind of Amazona meets tech.

Metallic threads, sophisticated slate grays set against bold color-blocked designs and colored zippers add fun and life to your look. Many fashions are rendered in hightech water-resistant materials woven into the fabric.

For the (ahem) slightly older ladies who admit their upper arms haven’t seen daylight for years, Birdieesport has answers. Sure the company has some

pretty slick sleeveless shirts but they also offer three-quarter to full-length sleeves and some shirts have UPF protection built into the fabric.

Shoes? Wow. You could be totally at ease wearing your ECCO Street Evos from green to the board meeting. Just don’t flash your soles if you want to keep a low profile: they’re kicky colorful.

Fatso grip No, we’re not talking about Weight Watchers, but about Super Stroke’s Flatso and Fatso putter grips. They are as advertised: larger, fatter easier to hold.

Players with the jitters putt so much better when they make the switch to larger grips.

They come in bright colors too.

Bracelets with class and function Fusion IONZ is hard to explain but when you wear it, the bracelet somehow seems to make a difference. In several bright colors, it contains negative ions designed to increase your performance in flexibility, strength, endurance and pain relief. Try it and you may just become a believer. The company also has a smart new product to protect your brain cells.

The Fushion IONZ Protect that eliminates 97% cell radiation and fits in or on any phone or device.

Bag it Sun Mountain Sports has rolled out a new sleeker ClubGlider tour series travel bag, the V1 Sport Speed Cart and a new waterproof bag. The H2NO Lite mid-size bag is just 4- 1/2 pounds and constructed with waterproof fabrics, high-quality YKK zippers and sealed seams. It comes in four different color combos, but we love the orange and white.

Big Max Golf ’s Blade golf cart folds so flat (less than four inches) it looks like a steamroller might have squashed it.

Way wild & crazy When Loudmouth was asked to exchange some outfits for different sizes, the customer service people quickly picked up on the fact the inquiry was from the Norwegian Olympic Curling Team who had found LM by goggling

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“colorful pants.” Dressed in their red, white and blue-pattern uniforms, the Norwegians were the most colorful team on the ice. Loudmouth is after all, known for its audacious attire with designs like Shagadelic Pink Ball, HollyWoody Squares, Captain ThunderBolt and Disco Glitzy. When we saw Scott “Woody” Woodworth, Loudmouth’s founder, he was dressed from head to toe in Shiver me Timbers complete with one wild pair of sunglasses.

With LM’s golf fashions, you can make a statement whenever you tee up on the course. There are more outrageous things too like belts, sunglasses, shoes, bags, hats and more.

Quick Hits Grip-Dry is a clever little piece of wizardry, a small round disc that slips on your shaft keeping your handle out of the wet grass. You’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself.

The Pill may resolve your putting headaches. One side of the practice ball has a flat spot ringed by a raised circle.

Putt and you’ll get a dramatic picture of how your putt runs.

The new “Soldier” is designed with an air minimizing oval dimple while Bridgestone continues to roll out balls for all swing speeds with a design especially good for slower swinging women.

Confessions of a Golf Slut: a memoir of life, love and The Game by Susan Fornoff, delivers a quick fun read along with a dose of some solid life wisdom as to how golf became her fuzzy warm blanket through the wrenching losses of divorce and death, online dating and a midlife career change.

Go for it girlfriend. Confessions is available though Amazon.com.

Time to brush up Tune up your game at Lake Of Isles Resort’s Ladies Golf Weekends. Headed up by lead teaching professionals Sue Cart of Lake of Isles and Dawn Mercer of Innisbrook Resort in Florida, these classes are designed specifically for women. (May 18-19; June 21-22 and July 26-27). For more informtion call 860-312-2149 or visit www.Lakeofisles.com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

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By TOM GORMAN

Growing the Game One Day at a Time

rian Bain knew at an early age that a career in golf was calling him. As a youngster, working in the bag room at Walpole Country Club, he learned about the roots of the game and got hooked on golf. Now, 25 years later, Bain has never looked back, and is entering his third year as PGA of America Player Development Regional Manager.

Not to be confused with the PGA Tour, the Professional Golf Association of America is the world’s largest sports organization, comprised of more than 27,000 men and women, who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. In 2012, the PGA of America created four new PGA Player Development Regional Manager positions to expand the reach of golf among current and potential players in strategic markets.

From dozens of resumes, Bain was selected to lead the New England section.

“There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t enjoy what I do,” said Bain in an interview at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January. “Last year we conducted clinics and Get Golf Ready programs at over 200 facilities. Our mission is to promote and introduce golf to men and women, juniors and seniors, veterans, the handicapped and to those who may have given up the game.”

There are almost 15,000 golf courses across the United States accounting for more than 2 million acres of green grass space. An average 18-hole course comprises 150 acres including 50 acres of rough, 30 acres of fairway, six acres of green and tees, 24 acres of forest and 11 acres of water. As player development manager, the opportunities are endless to introduce golf to women, minorities and junior golfers, which are new audiences the PGA of America hope to capture.

Golf is big business in the U.S. and the PGA of America is at the forefront of recruiting efforts and expanding participation for recreational purposes and enjoyment for millions. A recent study estimated the size of the golf economy nationally at about $68 billion, with 8 out of 10 golfers playing public golf paying the median green fee of $26.

Massachusetts is home to 375 courses and the heart of the U.S. golf ball manufacturing business. Golf is a key

industry contributing to the vitality of the Commonwealth’s economy in 2006 estimated at $1.6 billion. Home to 185 golf facilities and host each June to the PGA Tour’s Traveler’s Championship, golf in the Constitution State directly contributes $637 million to that economy, according to statistics from 2008.

“The PGA of America is excited to extract high-caliber, energetic individuals like Brian Bain to support our growthof-the-game efforts,” said Joe Steranka, former chief executive officer of the PGA of America. “Brian has achieved significant results in the Boston market implementing our Get Golf Ready program, as well as our First Tee, Tee It Forward and PGA Junior League Golf programs.”

Bain was the head golf professional at Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Couse in Brookline for nine seasons before his promotion to player development manager.

While at Lynch Muni he implemented several programs such as Get Golf Ready, Free Lesson Month and Link 2 Golf.

He has been recognized locally and nationally as a leader in player development, named recipient of the 2011 PGA President’s Plague, along with the 2006, ’09 and ’10 New England Section President’s Plaque. He was also the 2008 New England PGA Junior Golf Leader.

Bain said some of his most enjoyable days are spent developing the PGA Junior League that has grown to 50 participating clubs/teams and almost 300 youngsters.

“It’s like a Little League of golf where teams compete and advance to the regional and state finals,” Bain explained. “The opportunity for the kids to compete and have fun and make new friends all at the same time is priceless.”

The First Tee Chapters started in 1997 and now feature over 750 chapters

nationwide, designed to provide character education and life skills through the game of golf. Get Golf Ready, now in its fifth year, is an industry-wide program created to offer everything new golfers need to play in just a few lessons. Typically 5 lessons are offered for $99. Tee It Forward encourages players to play faster and have more fun by playing from tee makers than are considerable moved forward from the regular tee boxes. And the Junior Golf League, founded in 2011, is designed to better socialize the game for boys and girls, ages 13 and under, to compete in structured leagues usually in a scramble format.

Ask Brian Bain who has the dream job?

He’ll smile and happily admit he’s got it!

Tom Gorman, a Boston-based golf writer, is a member of GWAA, ING and GTWA and writes a feature column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

Brian Bain is determined to grow the game of golf.

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

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By BRUCE VITTNER

PEOPLE IN GOLF

Southy Custom Putters

Rhode Island golfers take their passion to the Florida Gulf Coast

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lenn Southworth and his two sons Ryan and Adam have turned a high school project into a family business in Bradenton, Florida.

Southworth and his wife Sue raised their two boys in Jamestown, Rhode Island. When Glenn decided to take up golf his boys were just 9 and 7 years of age. Glenn’s golf game progressed nicely, but as his boys grew their games surpassed their dads. For years the boys spent their summers at Jamestown Country Club and then became the number 1 and 2 golfers on the North Kingstown High School team. It was at North Kingstown High that the idea for the first Southy Custom Putter was born.

In 2011, Ryan Southworth took his passion for the game and found a way to incorporate it into his senior class project.

At the time Glenn was owner/operator of DAG Machine & Tool and when Ryan approached him with his plan to design and build a putter, Glenn’s interest was piqued. Together they machined from scratch Ryan’s design, which was a hit with the North Kingstown High senior project judges.

Glenn took the idea further and began designing custom putter heads from various types of metals. He added customization

By DR. KEVIN ROBY

in weights, shafts, grips, colors, engraving etc. No two putters that Glenn fabricated were alike.

Two years later when it was time for Adam’s senior project, he designed his own putter. Much refined by this time, Adam’s putter with the North Kingstown Skippers colors and insignia was again a hit with the judges. Adam went on to create one-of-a-kind putters for all his golfing friends. Many North Kingstown golf team alumni are carrying Southy Custom Putters in their bags.

During their golfing careers, Gland and the boys became clients and friends of Tom Spargo of Spargo Golf in Cranston.

Tom who has been doing club fitting for over 20 years is one of the top club fitters in the country. As Tom was working with Glenn and the boys to improve their golf games, he came to realize that Glenn was a great fit for his business. Tom had always wanted to expand his business to the Southern states. Glenn’s dream was to move south where he could golf year round. Ryan and Adam’s passion for the game led them to strive for careers in the world of golf. Ryan enrolled and excelled at the Professional Golfers Career College in Orlando, Florida. In his freshman term he won the coveted Green Jacket for

Glenn Southworth (l) and Tom Spargo at PGA Merchandise Show

winning the school wide championship tournament and was awarded the MVP award upon his graduation in 2013. His passion and talent is in teaching the game of golf.

Glenn and Sue found the town of Bradenton on the gulf coast of Florida and knew it was where the Southworth’s future lied. A golfer’s haven in the Sarasota area, it has picturesque courses both public and private with varying degrees of difficulty to challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The Southworths relocated to Bradenton in 2013 and joined with Tom

to open Southy Custom Putters / Spargo South Club Fitters in beautiful Lakewood Ranch. Glenn, Ryan and Adam opened its doors in April 2014. This will be a full service club fitting operation as well as a design center for the custom putters.

Tom Spargo believes it is the right time and location for this business to thrive.

The demographics are there and this store will specialize in services that are so far lacking in the area.

Anyone interested is more information can contact Glenn Southworth at 401473-1473 or at southy327@gmail.com.

MENTAL GOLF

To Achieve Your Goals, Practice Like You Play

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pring has finally arrived for Southern New England Golfers, and that means the start of a brand new golf season budding with unlimited potential. What goals have you established for this season, and just as importantly, what processes will you go through to achieve your goals?

“I want to improve my driving.” “This year I’m going to hone my short game.”

“I’m finally going to get that single-digit handicap.” These are typical goals for most of us, and they usually mean we promise ourselves that we’ll spend more time at the driving range and on the practice green.

Although practice time is necessary to improve, it is just as important to have a 24

plan regarding exactly how you will spend that practice time.

Suppose your goal is to improve your driving. Start by making a commitment to practice “X” hours per week, spread out over “Y” sessions. Write the plan down and post it where you will see it every day. Tell your buddies, your spouse, and anyone else that cares about your golf what your practice plan is. Seeing the plan daily and making it public increases the likelihood you’ll stick to it.

Working on technical skills is certainly important, but don’t spend all of your time only on those aspects of play. Instead of just beating balls over and again, spend

half of your practice time under “real golf ” conditions. Tee up a ball and select a precise target. Develop an image of your shot. Take a practice swing. Go through your entire pre-shot routine. Hit the ball with complete trust in your abilities.

Then tee up another ball. Identify an entirely different target. Utilize your full pre-shot routine, and again strike the ball with complete trust. Continue with a new target for every shot, simulating the varying targets you’d select on the golf course when hitting from the different tee boxes. This type of practice can be used for any aspect of your game, from putting, to chipping, to approach shots to bunker

shots.

If you develop a practice plan, commit to it, and spend half of your practice time under “real golf ” conditions, you’ll be much more likely to accomplish your goals. You’ll bring your talent onto the course instead of leaving it on the practice area.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Kevin J. Roby has over 35 years of experience in the field of psychology. To learn more about his work with golfers and other athletes, visit his website at www.drkevinroby.com, contact him via email at DrKev4Golf@aol.com, or call 702-395-2170.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

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e had used the headline “Field of Dreams” in 2001 to write about Button Hole Golf Learning Center in Providence that has been so successful for the past 12 years.

Dave McBride, a native of Barrington who played on two high school championship teams with Brad Faxon, and whose father and grandfather both won the Rhode Island State Amateur Championship, is in the process of creating another Field of Dreams. He opened the R.I. Children’s Golf Course in Coventry, R.I. on April 1.

“It has always been my dream to give back to the game of golf that has been so much a part of my life,” said McBride.

He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. after high school and was part of the team that made it to the Division II national championships.

“I turned pro in 1982 and served under Joe Benevento at Metacomet and Dana Quigley at Crestwood for a few years and did a lot of teaching,” recalled McBride.

In 1998 he moved to Portland, Oregon to work at a Learning Center that was funded

by Tour professional Peter Jacobson. “It was the Erling Jacobson Golf Course for Children, a 9-hole par 3 that had synthetic greens. It was a great place and planted the seed for me to one day do the same kind of thing in Rhode Island,” said McBride.

That seed has been growing exponentially since McBride first leased the course in Coventry that was formerly Tin Cup Golf and Driving Range and before that Washington Green. It had started as a nine-hole course in 1966, but was reduced to only six holes by purchases of land for housing.

By BRUCE VITTNER

Field of Dreams II

“I taught there for the last three years, and I always thought it would make a great kids course because of its length and the great grass driving range that it had for practice,” commented McBride.

McBride spoke with Ed Mauro who was the driving force behind Button Hole.

“Mr. Mauro said that any golf course that opens that helps kids is great for the game.

After he said that I really got excited,” said a smiling McBride who has reached out to the First Tee program as he tries to start the first program in Rhode Island.

“The First Tee has been very helpful, and I believe in the structure that they follow,” said McBride who credits the First Tee’s Asst. Director of Northeast Region, Ben Grandy with being extremely helpful in helping him get his 501c3 non-profit status and developing programs.

“Everyone in the community has been so helpful. Roger Pare, father of Troy Pare, the head professional at Wannamoisett, and nearby resident loves the course and has fixed so many things on the property,” said a thankful McBride. A couple of my young students have organized cleanup programs on the property, and we received a donation of a greens mower from the superintendent at R.I.C.C. and Mark Richard from Kirkbrae gave us two work carts,” he added.

McBride has a big mountain to climb, but he has been receiving a great deal of support from the community and people in the golfing industry. “TaylorMade sent me a 100 dozen new balls for the driving range Everyone seems so excited to see a non-profit program that will get kids outdoors and on the golf course, and I really enjoy coming to work everyday,” said

McBride. The rates are low; the driving range is great, and there are many different activities scheduled at the course. “We need lots of help, but it seems to be a labor of love for so many people. It is exciting,” said McBride.

To get more information about the course and programs, or offer your services call 401-215-0776 or visit the website at richildrensgolfcourse. com.

Editor’s Note: We will be doing updates about the course and programs in each issue this year.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

Dave McBride opened R.I. Children’s Golf Course in Coventry this spring.

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By ROB DUCA Keller Has Enjoyed His Amateur Career Joe Keller has lived a life that most golfers can only imagine. He has played the world’s greatest courses, from Augusta National, Pebble Beach, Winged Foot and Cypress Point to many of the iconic layouts in Scotland. He is a member at Hyannisport Club, Oyster Harbors in Osterville, Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and Royal Dornoch in Scotland.

No dog tracks listed there.

Joe Keller with his Carnegie award at Royal Dornoch.

He never took a lesson in his life, yet shot 76 on a par-70 course at age 13 to win the caddy championship at his hometown club in Fairfield, Conn. He has a flat swing powered by thick wrists and bulging forearms that has made him one of Cape Cod’s most successful amateur players. He has won multiple Seagulls Four-Ball Championships with numerous partners, and qualified for many national tournaments.

Yet he never truly considered turning professional. And when you think about it, why would he?

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CAPE COD NOTEBOOK As an amateur, he has been invited to play in what many consider the Grand Slam of amateur golf tournaments in the United States. The George Crump Cup at Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey? Keller, 63, has played 25 of those, once advancing to the finals before losing on the 18th hole. The George Coleman Invitational at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla.?

Been there, done that. The Hugh Wilson Invitational at Merion Golf Club outside Philadelphia, site of last year’s U.S. Open?

Check. The Walter Travis Tournament at Garden City Golf Club in New York. Of course. The National Singles Invitational at National Golf Links on Long Island.

Naturally.

“It’s one of the reasons I encourage people to stay amateur. They’ll have more fun,” he says.

Keller has made his living in real estate development and once co-owned Hyannis Golf Club with another local amateur legend, Fordie Pitts. It has allowed him the freedom to pursue his passion for golf.

When Keller says that he wasn’t surprised to see the pros have trouble last summer at Merion, his words ring with authenticity.

He once competed in a Wilson Invitational there, scheduled shortly before the U.S. Amateur was coming to town, and the winning score for three rounds was 16 over par.

“They say Merion is short, but it’s not, because it’s a par-70,” he says. “There are eight short holes, but there are also eight extremely difficult, long par-4s. The rough is deep and thick, the ball just sinks to the bottom. And I have never putted on greens that were faster or had more slope.

They were like a glass table.”

The Coleman Invitational is played at Seminole, one of the country’s exclusive,

prestigious venues. Keller calls it “sacred ground.” He raves about the course, which sits by the ocean, and the massive locker room that has a Cypress-beamed ceiling, animal head hunting trophies, wooden boards listing past club champions and polished pine lockers. “It’s the nicest locker room in all of golf,” he says. “You could sit in there all day, and sometimes we have.”

Still, no experience matches playing the Crump Cup at Pine Valley in Camden, N.J., consistently ranked by national magazines as the world’s No. 1 course.

Pine Valley has never hosted a major pro tournament. The Crump Cup, named in 1922 for its designer, is the public’s only chance to view the course without being accompanied by a member. The public is allowed onto the grounds for the final day of play.

“Each hole is its own masterpiece,” he says. “You can’t see one hole from another.

It has elevation changes, gigantic greens, and not one hole is like any other. There is a men’s lodge with a camping retreat atmosphere. And everything they do is perfect. The course, the caddies, the food, the sleeping accommodations are all topnotch.”

Keller has also stayed and played golf at Augusta National, Muirfield and The Country Club in Brookline, and he doesn’t need to be reminded what gifts golf has given him. “When you’re out there in these tournaments, you’re grinding, but you’re still looking around and thinking, ‘Man, what a beautiful place. I’m lucky to be here,’” he said.

Aikens-Secia Take Flight Herbie Aikens and Brian Secia teamed up to capture the 63rd Seagulls FourBall on April 15 at Hyannisport Club, clinching their victory in dramatic fashion when Aikens drove the 320-yard 18th green and secured the 1-up win with a two-putt birdie.

Aikens won the title for the first time, while Secia previously captured the Seagulls with Brian Hammond in 2005.

They defeated Chad Crocker and Trevor Wellen in a close match that never saw either team hold more than a one-hole advantage. Before winning the match on 18, Aikens made a superb up-and-down on 17, bumping his chip to within 12 feet and draining the putt.

Wellen will remember with agony his putt on 13 that lipped out, preventing his

team from taking a 1-up edge.

Aikens and Secia advanced to the finals with a 5-and-3 win over reigning Cape Cod Amateur champion Bill Van Stratum and Dan Hanson. Wellen and Crocker were pushed to the 18th hole in their semifinal against Ray Richard and Jon Fasick before finally prevailing on Wellen’s birdie.

Eight-time Seagulls champions Kevin Carey and Joe Walker won the first flight with a 2-and-1 win over Rui Lima and Marcel Martineau. Other flight winners were Whitney Trimble and Brian Higgins (second), Jeff Handler and Bob Carleton (third), Peter Thompson and Greg Thompson (fourth), Marty Abbott and Teddy Karras (fifth), and Tim Grace and Justin Bearse (sixth).

Cape Cod Open The 23rd Cape Cod Open will be held June 4-5 at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds in Marstons Mills and Hyannis Golf Club.

The 54-hole event will pay out $35,000 in prize money, with $6,000 awarded to the champion. The winner also receives an exemption from qualifying for the Mass.

Open.

Amateurs will vie for a record $6,250 in merchandise, with $750 going to the victor. They will also receive points towards the MGA’s Richard Haskel Player of the Year honor.

Six-time Mass. Open champion Geoff Sisk will return to defend his title. The field is limited to 150 entrants, with the entry deadline on May 28. Past CCO champions have included Brian Quinn, Mike Welch, Kyle Gallo and Jim Renner.

Happenings The MGA will conduct a number of championships on Cape Cod this year. The Massachusetts Father-Son Championship will be contested at Willowbend Club in Mashpee on June 23-24. Entries will be accepted until May 15. The Massachusetts Amateur Public Links Championship, set for Cranberry Valley in Harwich on Aug. 5-6, will accept entries until June 5. The Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship will be at Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville on Sept. 22-23, with entries closing on July 24.

Rob Duca is editor of New England Golf & Leisure magazine and writes a Cape Cod Notebook column in each issue of Southern New England golfer.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

CENTRAL MASS NOTEBOOK Players of the Year

Ask golfers to name the Central Mass. amateur golfer with the most accomplished career and most would say Frank Vana. Ask them to pick the Central Mass. amateur woman with the best resume and Mary Gale would most likely come to mind.

Both remained atop their games in 2013 so they were easy choices for Southern New England Golfer’s Central Mass.

Players of the Year. Douglas High senior Curtis Bourque is the choice for Central Mass. junior golfer of the year.

Vana, 51, won the Worcester County Amateur for a record sixth time and finished atop the Massachusetts MidAmateur for a record ninth time.

At 62 years old, Gale won the Endicott Cup for a third time at Ellington Ridge CC in Ellington, Conn., and reached the semifinals of the Women’s Golf Association of Masachusetts Amateur Championship at Framingham C.C. Bourque earned medalist honors at the Division 3 state tournament by carding a 2-over 72 at Wyantenuck C.C. in Great Barrington, then sinking a 5-foot putt on the fourth playoff hole.

Vana also won the 2013 Western Mass. Amateur and placed fourth among Massachusetts golfers and tied for 10th overall at the New England Amateur.

His victory in the Mass. Mid-Amateur at Marshfield C.C. last September was his record 14th Massachusetts Golf Association title. In addition to his nine Mass. Mid-Amateurs, he’s won two Mass.

Amateur Championships, two Mass. FourBall Championships and a Mass. Father & Son title. Vana has won the Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year award a record nine times and he was named the MGA Player of the Decade for the 1990s and 2000s.

He tries not to let all his accolades or his success against golfers half his age go to his head. “Honestly,” Vana said, “I try not to think about it, and that works for me. I want to do my thing, go out and have fun. There are a lot of good players out there and a lot of guys playing great.

I don’t want to get too worked up. I’m happy that I’m thinking clearly. Physically, I feel good. That’s kind of enough.”

Vana, an Assumption College graduate, works in Shrewsbury as fleet manager for Foley Motorsports, which is owned by his longtime four-ball partner, R.J. Foley.

Vana fired a final-round, 5-under 65 to rally from six shots back and win the Mass.

Mid-Amateur by a shot with a three-day total of 1-under 209. He trailed secondround leader John Hadges by six shots and rallied to beat 2013 MGA Player of

the Year Doug Clapp by one shot for the title.

In the Worcester County Amateur, Vana shot a final-round 4-under 68 at Wachusett C.C. in West Boylston to finish with a two-day total of 140, two shots better than first-round leader and two-time Worcester County Amateur champ Ricky Stimets of Paxton and Brian Higgins. Vana topped a Worcester Country Amateur field that included the four of the previous five MGA Players of the Year. Higgins won the honor in 2008 and 2010. Matt Parziale was MGA Player of the Year in 2009 and Ryan Riley won it in 2011.

“There’s no shame losing to Frank Vana,” the 22-year-old Stimets said that day.

As the ninth seed, Gale upset topseeded Shannon Johnson in the WGAM Amateur quarterfinals, 5 and 4. Gale then lost to Mary Mulcahy, 3 and 2. Gale won the WGAM Amateur Championship in 1996 at Belmont C.C. Gale was the top Central Mass. golfer in the WGAM Player of the year standings, finishing sixth. The top seven qualified to take part in the 2014 Clement A. Griscom Cup at Glen Oak Club in Old Westbury, N.Y., May 28-29.

In the Endicott Cup last fall, Gale got up and down from behind the green on her final hole to shoot 72-80 last fall and beat Cindy Fentross by a shot to top a field of golfers from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

“I never like to say I’m surprised,” Gale said. “I don’t expect it, but I don’t say it’s not possible. I always go out and think, ‘If I play well, I can win.’”

Gale also won the Endicott Cup in 1994 and as Mary Carr, her maiden name, in 1973. Gale owns Bedrock Golf Club in Rutland with her brother Joe, a NEPGA Hall of Famer and former PGA Tour player. Gale’s husband is local pro Jack Gale. Gale won the NEPGA Pro-Lady with her brother in 1973 and with her husband six times.

Also in 2013, Gale qualified to compete in her sixth U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.

as superintendent at Whitinsville, one of Donald Ross’s best nine-hole layouts, on March 1, replacing David Johnson who left to become super at the Wianno Club.

Head pro Ben Egan left Gardner Municipal to become an assistant at The Vineyard Club on Martha’s Vineyard.

Egan became head pro at Gardner in September of 2008 upon the sudden death of his father, Mike Egan. Assistant pro Dan Berry is in the running to replace Egan in more of manager role than as head golf pro.

At Winchendon School Golf Club, Greg Bennett begins his first season as director of golf operations and Jake Greene is the new head pro. Bennett joined the club last June as superintendent and added the role of director of golf operations in December. Greene, a longtime assistant pro at the club, was promoted to head pro in December.

Tim Bishop left Ellinwood C.C. in Athol after one year as general manager and head pro to become head pro at Tatnuck C.C. Bishop replaced Dave Bingham. Jason Goodhind, an assistant pro at CrumpinFox Club in Bernardston the past four years, replaced Bishop at Ellinwood.

By BILL DOYLE

Player of the Year Frank Vana Bob Bruso has joined Worcester C.C. as an assistant pro after working at Blackstone National the past six years, including the last two as an assistant pro.

Red Tail G.C. in Devens hired Alan McGlynn as its new superintendent in March. McGlynn had been an assistant superintendent at Oakley C.C. in Watertown under former Red Tail super Pat Lange.

Bill Doyle is a sportswriter for the Worcester Telegraph and writes a Central Mass.

Notebook column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

Notes: Mount Pleasant C.C. in Boylston changed its name on March 17 to The Haven Country Club to avoid confusion with Pleasant Valley C.C. in Sutton and Mount Pleasant Golf Club in Lowell.

Chris Hulme left Whitinsville G.C. to replace Bill Cunningham as head pro at Sterling National G.C. Matt Griffith left Blissful Meadows G.C. in Uxbridge after seven years to replace Hulme at Whitinsville. Michael Hughes took over

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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By BRUCE HUTCHINSON

PRODUCT REVIEW

By BRUCE VITTNER

New Balance NBG 2002 We were so happy to see that New Balance had finally entered the golf shoe business. Having worn their tennis shoes for over 30 years with nary a complaint and always so comfortable, it was with much anticipation trying on the first pair.

Yes, they are as comfortable as the tennis shoe. The NBG Model 2002 is an ultra-lightweight athletic model that features a premium microbiber leather upper with a two-year limited waterproof warranty. It has lightweight cushioning and the familiar N logo. The cleats are the new, low-profile Champ One-lok fastening system with ZARMA cleats that easy to walk on and give great support and feel.

The best feature is that they come in very wide widths as well as all other widths and weight only 11.9 oz. The suggested retail is $124.95. For more information about the New Balance shoes visit their website at www.newbalance.com or call 978-3783434. —BV

MS-3D Putting Arc A new model of the successful Putting Arc training tool has been introduced. The new model has a mirror for players to monitor their shoulder position and head stability.

Made in the USA, this product will have a lighter weight, be waterproof and very durable. The mirror is fully adjustable and impact resistant.

The key to the Putting Arc’s success over the years is that it provides a pure, on plane putting stroke used by most professionals. The concept of the arc is that is that putter should not go back and forth on a straight line, but follow a slight arc with the ball being struck as it reaches its center point in the swing. The theory is over 2,200 years old and users of the Putting Arc have 1,200 wins and nine professional wins in 2013.

For more information visit www.theputtingarc.com or call 800-898-0701. —BH

Swing Shirt Helps Golfers Develop More Repeatable Swing The patent-pending new teaching aid, the Swing Shirt, developed by Houston, TX teaching professional Fred Collins, promises to help golfers with any of their swing problems.

Collins, a Master PGA professional who has been a PGA member for 35 years, came up with the idea for the training aid three and a half years ago, trying to find a way to keep his students’ upper arms in sync with their bodies for a rotational swing. After trying Velcro, buttons and clips as a way of attaching the wings, he finally decided on using zippers.

“Your swing is in the shirt,” said Collins.

“Each time you put it on, your swing will be there in the shirt. It’s great for all levels of players, beginners to touring professionals. Using it will allow golfers to develop a connected swing they’ve always dreamed of having. The shirt helps with almost any swing problem because it promotes bringing the arms and body back to the ball squarely.

“The shirt is very versatile in the different ways it can be used. Zip both sleeves down for an overall connected swing. Tuck the shirt in for a much more restricted swing, great for chipping and developing a tighter overall swing. Zip down just the right tuck and leave the shirt out is great way for those who tend to come over the top or slice the ball. Zip down just the left tuck with shirt tucked in is a great way for feeling the club release through the ball as well as swinging straight down the target line and helping to have a more complete finish for straighter shots.”

Visit www.golfswingshirt.com for videos and to purchase. —BH

Read Southern New England Golfer online at www.snegolfer.com 28

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

WESTERN MASS NOTEBOOK Longmeadow’s Clarence Bennett is MGA President Don’t let his humility fool you. Clarence Bennett of Longmeadow takes great pride in being the highest-ranking volunteer in golf in Massachusetts.

The Longmeadow resident has begun his first full golf season as president of the Massachusetts Golf Association, the state’s governing body for the sport.

And never lost with the Springfield native are his own blessings. “How does that happen?’’ Bennett said in a humbling tone. “I’m a kid from (Springfield neighborhood) Forest Park who didn’t

Clarence Bennett

know golf or what the country club life was even about. A guy like me? President of the MGA?’’ It takes diligence, commitment and a passion for golf. And the longtime Springfield attorney and member at Longmeadow Country Club has all three.

“Clarence is easy-going, as a lawyer he listens so well and he always puts the interests of the MGA first,’’ MGA Executive Director Jesse Menachem said.

“He may not be as well-known as some of the others (volunteers). But he’s getting his face out there.’’ Bennett took up golf in his mid-20s and was asked to volunteer by current MGA volunteers Cary Jubinville and Paul Pohl, and the late USGA/MGA official George Cohen.

The semi-retired attorney was elected to a two-year term as president last October.

“I would like to see participation increase, like to see revenue increase and like to expand what MGA means to people,’’ Bennett said of his immediate objectives.

“I want to get away from the elitist view that the MGA is made up only of the guys

who play in our 11 championships.’’

The decorated U.S. Army veteran fought in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star among honors.

DiRico Honored Longtime area golf professional David DiRico has been named as the Connecticut Section PGA Professional of the Year by the Connecticut Section PGA. “I was surprised, shocked, humbled . . . and really thrilled,’’ the East Longmeadow resident said. “It’s a great feeling knowing I have been awarded the highest honor of the Section.’’

DiRico spent 36 years as one of the most respected club professionals in Western Mass., during stints at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Hampden Country Club and Crestview C.C. in Agawam.

His career path veered from private club pro shops to the retail world when he left Crestview after the 2011 season. “I had good opportunities for other great jobs, but they just weren’t going to be the right ones,’’ DiRico said. “I was age 57. So it came to the point where I really had to reinvent myself. I left the comfort of the golf shop.’’

DiRico’s opened Dave DiRico’s Golf & Racquet Center, an 18,000-square foot golf retail business in West Springfield three years ago.“Nationally, there are 100s of stand-alone, golf-retail centers owned by companies, but not many owned by PGA pros,’’ said DiRico, who earned PGA of America Class A status in 1977.

DiRico had been nominated twice before and the Section award is his fourth.

He was honored as Assistant Pro of the Year in 1975 and won the Merchandiser of the Year (private clubs) at Crestview in 1998 and 2002.

Past winners from Western Mass. include: Harry Mattson Jr. (2000) and Ron Beck (1997); as well as the late Frank Kringle (1966), Allan Mackintosh (1971), Jimmy Nichols (1976), Dick Stranahan (1977) and Bucky O’Brien (2004).

The award presentation will take place on a date and at a site to be determined.

Longmeadow C.C. head pro Tim Quirk was the only other Western Mass. pro to be recognized as a 2014 Special Awards winner. He was named Merchandiser of the Year for private clubs.

By RUSS HELD Wightman Retires

Via Wightman, Holyoke C.C.’s golf professional since 1986, has retired from the nine-hole, semiprivate cub.

Wightman, 73, is now a teaching pro at The Ranches Golf Club in Eagle Mountain, Utah, also assisting with high school teams and the women’s golf team at Utah Valley University.

Wightman’s grown children - son Tele and daughter Sara — each have settled in the region between Salt Lake City and Provo. Wightman is on staff under Tele, the head pro at The Ranches for the last five years.

“My wife (Lynn) went out (to live) there two years ago and that was kind of hard, that’s where the problem was,’’ Wightman said. “I’d stay back home by myself, and I went out there this winter and she just told me I’m not going back.’’

Wightman’s career spanned parts of four different decades, including the centennial celebration at Holyoke CC and time at the old Oxford C.C. in Chicopee.

After emigrating to the U.S. in 1967, Wightman picked up the game of golf while seeking further education. He was a scratch golfer within eight months and turned pro in 1969. His love for music produced a few brushes with fame. He worked on a movie set with Elvis Presley in “Paradise Hawaiian Style,’’ and appeared on a television talk show with Bob Hope and Mary Tyler Moore.

New Pros The list of new pros at Western Massachusetts golf courses includes: Eddie Cano, Waubeeka Golf Links (Williamstown); Peter Egazarian, Wahconah C.C. (Dalton); Jason Goodhind, Ellinwood C.C. (Athol); Dan Lapierre, Elmcrest C.C. (East Longmeadow); and Jim McDonald, Hickory Ridge G.C. (Amherst).

Tee Party C.C. of Greenfield head pro Kevin Piecuch will be the guest of honor at the 68th Western Mass. Tee Party at his home club May 8. The 23rd-year pro at the semiprivate club will be honored for his dedication and commitment to golf in Western Massachusetts.

Russ Held writes a Western Mass Notebook column in each issue of Southern New England Golfer.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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SCOREBOARD McBride Continued from page 7 get ourselves out there again to let the people know that we’re still around.”

McBride added that he’d like to have as many members of the Executive Board as possible at not only the state amateur finale, but also at the ladies finale and especially at the juniors finale, “because that’s our future.”

Another concern is to try and regrow the game.

“Right now golf, not just in Rhode Island, but in the country is in a bit of a decline and we really have to work hard with the juniors,” he said.

“Those are my two big goals, to have the merger a success and to make golf popular for both girls and boys in the junior ranks.”

To work closely with junior golf in Rhode Island and New England one must associate oneself with the Challenge Cup, but that should be no problem for McBride, who served as a vice president when Dave Adamonis Sr. first founded the program.

Adamonis and McBride had attended Providence College together and remained close through golf.

For over a decade now the Challenge Cup has blossomed throughout New England thanks to the work of Executive Director, Dave Adamonis Jr. “What they’ve done is absolutely spectacular,” said McBride. “Eventually I would think we would have to work with the Challenge Cup if we want to expand junior golf. I think Dave Adamonis Jr. has done an amazing job.

“When I was a kid we had about three junior tournaments and that was about it. Now these kids have so many tournaments to play in, thanks to both Dave Adamonis Sr. and Junior.”

McBride has been on the RIGA’s Executive Board for 15 years and has been on the operating committee with different presidents.

“I am kind of a historian and I enjoy going back and seeing who were past presidents, like Mr. (Anthony) Paolino and Ronnie Margerison and I ask for their input in what I should be doing.

I plan to be at as many tournaments as I can to help out.”

McBride said that he doesn’t have to do anything to change the operation of the RIGA because it is so expertly operated right now under the leadership of Bob Ward, Jim McKenna and Kate McCurry. And now the RIGA is welcoming a new addition in former Providence Journal sportswriter, Paul Kenyon, who just recently retired.

“I know that when I was in college and played in tournaments, including the NCAA championship, everyone commented on how well run the Rhode Island Golf Association ran tournaments such as the Northeast Amateur and the New England’s, when they were held in Rhode Island,” said McBride. “They’ve done a great job over the years. I’m very proud to even be a part of it.”

Tim Geary is a retired sportswriter from the Fall River Herald and a frequent contributor to Southern New England Golfer.

Planning Your 2014 Advertising Budget?

Consider Southern New England Golfer and reach a powerful demographic group in all of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

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Contact Bruce Vittner at bruce@snegolfer.com or 401-464-8445.

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2014 NEPGA ProAm Sponsored by Lincoln & Mohegan Sun, Wollaston Golf Club, Milton, MA April 22, 2014 - Par 36-32-68 Individual Professional Results / Scores T1 Frank Dully Kernwood C.C. 68 E $377.50 T1 Ed Kirby Alpine C.C. 68 E $377.50 3 Scott Hickey Cyprian Keyes G.C. 69 +1 $260.00 4 Rich Ingraham Sky Meadow 70 +2 $200.00 T5 Steven Mann Wollaston G.C. 71 +3 $117.50 T5 David Dionne Beverly Golf & Tennis 71 +3 $117.50 2 BB of 4 (1 Gross + 1 Net) Results / Scores 1 Rich Ingraham, Sky Meadow & Rick Moreau, Jim Cardoso, John Kapelson 128 -8 2 Brendan Walsh, The Country Club & Chuck Farrington, George Pendergast, John O’Leary 131 -5 T3 Brent Amaral, Acoaxet & John Carney, Dave Patterson, Tom Slaight 132 -4 T3 Ed Kirby, Alpine C.C. & Alan Santamaria, Ken Cascella, Kevin Dohoney 132 -4 T3 Bob Giusti, C.C. of Halifax & Rich Giampietro, Jim Russo, Roger McGovern 132 -4 6 Steven Mann, Wollaston G.C. & Jack Weeks, Mike Finnell, Dan Rull 133 -3

Challenge Cup Championship Alpine C.C. Par 72 Partial Team Results: 1 Xaverian Brothers (MA) 320-328-648 2 Moses Brown (RI) 331-328-659 3 Thayer Academy (MA) 336-323-659 4 Hopkinton (MA) 338-328-666 5 Catholic Memorial (MA) 337-339-676 6 Oliver Ames (MA) 337-342-679 7 Lincoln (RI) 331-351-682 8 Bishop Hendricken (RI) 352-334-686 9 LaSalle (RI) 337-352-389

Partial Individual Results Boys H.S. Jake Bauer 74-73-147 Matt Corio 77-75-152 Tian Lin Zhang 75-77-152 Jason Short 79-73-152 Girls: Megan Khang 73-75-148 Vinh Hop Ngo 76-79-155 Linda Wang 77-81-158 Julia Ford 80-79-159 For full results visit www.uschallengcup.org

Dave Adamonis Players’ Championship Final Results Round 1 @ Point Judith C.C. – Par 70 Round 2 @ Warwick C.C. – Par 69 J - Junior, MA - Mid Amateur, L - Legend 1 Douglas Ebe Sweden 2 Kevin Blaser (MA) Fall River, MA 3 Mike Dunham Concord, MA 4 Megan Khang (J) Rockland, MA 5 Herbie Aikens (MA) Plymouth, MA 5 Evan Grenus (J) Glastonbury, CT 7 Alex Jeffers (MA) Concord, MA 7 Patrick Welch (J) Providence, RI 9 Brian Higgins (MA) Bellingham, MA 9 Charlie Blanchard N. Providence, RI 11 Conor Greenleaf (J) Windham, NH 11 Zach Ungvarsky (MA) Wilmington, MA 11 Zachary Regine Lincoln, RI 11 Jake Bauer (J) Portsmouth, RI

71 71 74 77 79 81 79 81 76 83 79 80 83 83

69 73 73 73 73 71 74 72 78 71 76 75 72 72

140 144 147 150 152 152 153 153 154 154 155 155 155 155

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL

I

By BRUCE VITTNER

Wintergreen Resort a Gem in Virginia

don’t think that many people in New England think of Virginia as a mountainous state. But they would change their mind if they visited Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For those of us who have ever driven to Florida along Interstate 81 and seen the signs for the Blue Ridge Parkway in the tall mountain range to the east, they would be surprised to find a beautiful golf resort on top of one of the mountains.

Devils Knob at Wintergreen is the highest golf course in Virginia at almost 4,000 feet above sea level. Designed by renowned Southern architect Ellis Maples in the 1970s with help from his son, Dan, the course winds around the top of the mountain. With four sets of tees and distances ranging from 6,712 yards from the back to 4,443 up front, the course is a delight to play.

The seventh hole is a long uphill par five and the number one handicap. Number eight is a pretty par three with water in front and bunkers left and back. Our favorite hole was the 16th, a long downhill par four that looks a little bit like a bowling alley or one of those rides that goes down and then levels and then down and then the green is raised a little bit.

At almost 4,000 feet the ball travels farther, thus the course plays a little bit shorter. The fairways are narrow and tilted, the greens are undulating and the conditioning is excellent. A fun day on the course.

The top of the mountain is the center of the resort. There are 230 villa-style accommodations that range from studio to nine bedrooms that wind around the top of the mountain. Our villa had six bedrooms, including a large open upstairs area with beautiful kitchen, dining and living area and the downstairs had three bedrooms and a pool table in the sitting area. It doesn’t get better than that, and would make a perfect place for a golf group.

Wintergreen is truly a four-season resort with 45 holes of golf, snow skiing, tubing and snowboarding, award-winning tennis program, full-service spa, 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a number of great restaurants. There is also an aquatic center and fitness center on top of the mountain

for guests, and just down the hill a bit is a long zipline.

We have not talked about the other 27 holes. They are about 3,000 feet down the mountain at the Rees Jones designed Stoney Creek at Wintergreen. The first 18 holes Monocan and Shamokin opened in 1988. Jones came back in 1998 to build Tuckahoe, the fanciest and most difficult of the three nines.

The first hole on Tuckahoe is a daunting par four with a downhill tee shot and a pond on the right and knarley hillside on the left. Make a par on the large undulating green and the round will be wonderful, at least until you get to the fourth hole, a par three over marshland to a sliver of a green.

Number eight is a par three over a pond and number nine is a very long par five with about half the sand in Virginia, or at least that’s what it seemed like. All three nines are fun, and a good test of golf.

The resort gets it! At 3 p.m. each day during the golf season that runs from mid-April to late October Devils Knob opens for family fun. They put in short tee markers and the whole family can go out to play golf. What a great way to grow the game. The have golf clinics daily, a NIKE camp and a golf academy.

Another very cool program available during the winter at Wintergreen is the Ski and Tee. On the same day, you can ski at the top then trade your skis for golf shoes and head 15 minutes down the mountain to Stoney Creek to play a round of golf.

“We actually get quite a few people who do this every year,” said Betsy Dunkerton from the marketing department. Don’t know what my handicap is skiing, maybe it’s the snowplow technique and lack of balance.

We had a great time at Wintergreen Resort. Great golf, great food and a very helpful and courteous staff makes this a wonderful destination. If you are in the area, Wintergreen makes a great destination. Wouldn’t this be a great stop for us New Englanders who were traveling to or from Florida? Think that is how I will break up my ride next time I’m heading south.

Contact Wintergreen Resort at 888329-5828 or www.wintergreenresort.com.

They have great stay and play packages available.

Aerial view of Devil’s Knob at Wintergreen Resort. You can see the villas scattered around the mountaintop.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

31

GOLF TRAVEL

Outer Banks of North Carolina Great Golf and Great Fun

M

any years ago my wife and I were flying to Puerto Rico from Boston. About halfway through the flight we flew over this long, narrow strip of land. Confused, we wondered what was that? Too far south to be Long Island and too close to the mainland to be Bermuda.

It was the Outer Banks (OBX), and we resolved to take our RV there that spring.

Great vacation, but no golf. I could see courses on our trip and saw many golfers out at night at the wonderful seafood restaurants but, alas, we were RVing.

Last fall I was invited on a golf trip back to OBX as the natives call it. Easy decision.

Not only would I enjoy the beauty, but having the sticks and a bunch of good friends, guaranteed me a great time.

Courses with intriguing names like The Currituck Club, Nags Head Golf Links and Kilmarlic made this an unforgettable trip.

Golf trips are built around the entire experience, particularly the bonding with pals and loved ones; playing as much golf as a body can handle followed by a hearty meal and a few cold beverages while watching sports on TV; staying up late playing poker or hanging out on the porch; then getting up at the crack of dawn to do it all again.

There may be no better location for an affordable and memorable Buddy’s Golf Getaway than North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where seashore isolationism allowed the Wright brothers to create manned flight and the same privacy enabled wild Spanish mustang horses to form a unique habitat on similar sandy soil.

“Away from it all” is how you’ll feel when you tee it up on any one of the outstanding golf courses located in the OBX. But don’t think for a moment that this coastal destination is bereft of things to do once your group’s round of golf is complete. When not standing on a green or tee box looking out across the ocean or a sound, you’ll be busy living the good life in quaint villages and towns with funky names like Currituck, Corolla, Coinjock, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck and Kitty Hawk.

Here are 5 “must plays” on your next OBX golf getaway.

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The 18th at Nags Head G.C. A famous expression was coined long ago at Cahoon’s Grocery and Variety Store in Nags Head. It goes, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” This OBX motto could easily be applied to its golf.

From true barrier island links courses to modern parkland marvels located inland, the region is so chock full of variety, you truly don’t have to go anywhere else. The challenges are as spectacular as the coastal views they possess.

The Currituck Club, designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, rolls across diverse coastal terrain with sound-side views distinctly its own on the northern end of the barrier island. The grandest design along the coast is also the area’s most demanding, especially when the wind kicks up.

Located on the mainland five minutes from the Wright Brothers Bridge amidst 605 beautiful acres of maritime forest, Kilmarlic Golf Club is a popular Tom Steele design nestled along the sprawling wetlands of the Albemarle Sound. As home to the 2004 and 2009 North Carolina Opens, Kilmarlic also hosted the Old Dominion/Outer Banks collegiate championship the past four falls. Head professional and owner Brian Sullivan finished second at the Northeast Amateur in the 1980s and he has a beautiful house to rent that sleeps eight right next door to the 18th green.

Nags Head Golf Links, crafted by Bob Moore, plays hard along the inner waterway on the southern end, where coastal winds and rugged shoreline

combine, in true Scottish fashion, to create a unique golfing experience each and every day. The 9th and 18th along the sound are particularly spectacular. Nags Head’s bar and restaurant, not surprisingly, is also home to the most dramatic sunsets in town, with views not only across the immediate Roanoke Sound, but towards three other sounds (Albemarle, Croatan and Pamlico) that flow into it from the north, west and south as well.

The OBX golf experience is enhanced by two other courses on the mainland but certainly worth leaving the island to go play. The Pointe Golf Club and The Carolina Club are a pair of the most immaculately manicured and impeccably conditioned golf courses around. After all, the sister layouts are owned and operated by a man who also runs one of the region’s major turf grass companies, and both courses were built on what had previously been fertile farm land.

Here are four more “shore” things that make the Outer Banks of North Carolina a perfect destination for a 2014 golf buddy trip.

A wide range of top-shelf and equally eclectic accommodations can be found all along OBX, We stayed at the Sanderling Resort in Duck. My walk along the beach before breakfast was highlighted by the site of a dozen white-tail deer grazing on the bushes. There is a large supply of beach or sound-side homes that range from onebedroom condos to multiple bedroom estates available for rent.

Ask any regular visitor to OBX and he

or she will most likely clue you in about breakfast at Sam and Omie’s. Or lunch at Tortugas’ Lie. Or dinner at The Blue Point and Aqua (which also offers a killer golfer massage at its spa). Or takeout from Currituck BBQ Company. Or inhome catering from Red Sky Cafe. These are just a sampling of the timeless dining experiences you’ll discover. There’s always a fresh catch of the day at any number of other fine eating establishments (i.e., North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar, Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar and Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar) that will keep you coming back for more.

A wilderness of blowing dunes and sand flats in Kitty Hawk not only provided a remote test area for the Wrights to conduct their flights and study those results without distraction, it also provided for a memorable history lesson for visitors to the area more than a century later. The U.S. Government built the Wright Brothers Memorial site in 1932 and today National Park Service interpreters lead you through the historic events leading up to air travel.

So don’t miss an opportunity to stand on the very spot where Orville and Wilbur first flew. Unlike my wife and I, they didn’t gaze down from 37,000 feet.

A unique après-golf excursion unfolds in the form of 12 miles of beachfront near Currituck Club that is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Known as “beach riding,” this one-of-a-kind activity leads you to nothing but sun, sand, ocean, some vacation rental homes and those wild Spanish mustangs that can be found grazing in an untamed area called the “Corolla Outback.” Spotting the feisty horses is a popular OBX pastime.

Outer Banks 2014 golf package information is available at www.

PlayOBXGolf.com or 800-916-6244.

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.

www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/TheCurrituck-Club www.kilmarlicgolfclub.com www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Nags-HeadGolf-Links www.thepointegolfclub.com, www.thecarolinaclub.com www.sanderling-resort.com

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

PEOPLE IN GOLF

By BOB DICKSON

Auger Looks for Comeback

B

illy Auger. Remember him, folks.

Back a few years ago, well, lets make it just over a decade ago, this East Providence guy was getting ready to wow the Rhode Island amateur golf scene.

After trying to battle his way through the very demanding professional golf world and not liking it mainly because of the financial burdens, Auger worked to regain his amateur status and proceeded to be named the 2003 Rhode Island Golfer of the Year and competed in every major event. The next year he was runner up for the same honor before winning it again in 2005.This kid was on his way to becoming one of the top Rhode Island amateurs ever.

Nothing, it seemed, could stop him.

But there was. Suddenly, his clubs went silent. Oh, sure, he played some in 2006 but that pretty much was the last we saw of him on the RIGA amateur circuit.

Gone, just like last year’s handicap. He got swallowed up by, once again, not enough finances needed to play the game. At the time the RIGA required its members to belong to a private club or a public facility.

But Auger was tapped out. He didn’t have the cash needed to be eligible. Hence, no more competitive golf for him..

It really stung because he loved to compete and he so enjoyed the friendships

he had developed with his fellow RIGA members such as George Pirie, Eugene DiSarro, Charlie Blanchard, Bill Lunnie.

Auger told our Tim Geary back in 2003 that he had to give up his pro dream because the money just wasn’t there for him. “I had college loans to pay off and it cost so much to break in. I couldn’t have a sponsor. I just couldn’t afford it.”

Well, that frustrating situation caught up to him again around 2007. From then on he had to work and he spent so much time working that he didn’t have time to play or spend big bucks to join a club. It was a huge RIGA loss. No telling what Auger might have accomplished these past seven years.

One moment he appeared to be a star who would shine brightly for years to come. The next moment his star faded to blackness.

What happened to Billy Auger, folks would ask. At one time he was playing 300 rounds of golf a year. The past two years he played a total of 18 holes.

Goodness, would we ever see this terrific golfing talent on the courses throughout Rhode Island competing again. Well, the answer is you just might because things are looking up for him, and he admits he’s getting that itch to play competitively

again. Money is no longer the huge burden it once was.

Back in 2008 he and his father established a home heating oil company that has turned into a successful venture.

Also his wife, Kristen, has graduated from Bryant University and has a solid job as an actuary. Auger also spends time working at his Bowling Academy on Rt. 44 in East Providence doing accounting and marketing. So at this time of year he has more free time to take up his favorite game.

His one problem is, because he is so competitive, he can’t just play for fun. “I really miss the competition. I hope to play a couple of rounds this season and see how it goes. Some folks don’t mind shooting 75 or 77. If I did that all the time, that would kill me. I want to get back into the competitive game again,” Auger said from his home recently. “With the way things are now going I certainly will have more time to play.”

Auger, now 38, says if he feels like his game is coming back, he might try and play in some tournaments late this year.

More likely we could see him back on the links lining up crucial putts again in 2015.

Billy Auger The only thing he needs to do is join a club that will enable him to once again be a member of the RIGA. Auger was once asked what it was about the game of golf that he loved. His answer: “I love the competitiveness both internal and external. You actually compete against yourself as well as your opponent.”

We may see a lot more of that from him in the coming years. Now, wouldn’t that be great?

AMATEUR GOLF

T

By BRUCE VITTNER

World Amateur Handicap Championship

he early entry deadline for the 31st annual Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship ends on May 15. Golfers registering before the deadline will receive a special rate of $475 for entry into the event. The World Am will be held August 25-29 as more than 3,500 amateur golfers are expected to converge on more than 60 Myrtle Beach area golf courses to compete for the right to be world champion.

Entry into the tournament includes four rounds of golf, a gift bag upon arrival, and four evenings of food, drink and golf exhibits at the “World’s Largest 19th Hole” at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center each evening after tournament play. Each player is also allowed to bring one guests with them to the 19th Hole each night which features an extensive

golf exposition, equipment demos, entertainment, open bars, concerts, prize drawings and food from some of Myrtle Beach’s finest restaurants.

A special guest this year at the 19th hole will be television personality Win McMurry. She has worked for the Golf Channel, PGA Tour Entertainment and CBS Sports, and has served as a co-host on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.

As of April 28 2,000 people from 24 countries have already signed up including 26 people from Mass., 24 from Connecticut and four from Rhode Island.

“This is the time to take advantage of the early entry discount to participate in the World Am,” said Jeff Monday, the World Am tournament director. “When you consider four rounds of golf on some of the finest courses Myrtle Beach has

to offer, access to the nightly fun and entertainment at the ‘World’s Largest 19th Hole’ and the chance to vie for a world championship, this is a tremendous value and experience.”

Hosted by Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, the World Amateur Handicap Championship is a 72-hole tournament with participants competing for the right to be crowned “World Amateur Golf Champion.” Players are flighted according to their age and handicap and at the conclusion of the four rounds, flight winners advance to the 18-hole world championship round.

The World Am features five competitive divisions, ranging from men and women 49 years-of-age and under to the super seniors 70 years-of-age and older. The event’s inclusiveness is apparent in its past

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

champions. Players with handicaps as low as three and as high as 34 have won the World Championship and three women have earned the distinction including 2009 winner Linda Fuller from Richmond, Texas.

The 60 Grand Strand golf courses comprising this year’s World Am are some of the finest in the area including all four Barefoot Resort & Golf courses, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, World Tour, TPC Myrtle Beach, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National and Leopard’s Chase at Ocean Ridge Plantation.

For more information on the event, host golf courses, or to register, call 1-800-8338798 or visit WorldAmGolf.com.

Editor’s Note: This reporter has played in nine World Am’s and will be competing again this year. Give me a call (401-464-8445) or email me bruce@snegolfer.com with any questions.

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By BRUCE VITTNER

F

or 20 years we have been doing this publication. We’ve done stories from coast-to-coast, seven different countries, but have never done stories about Hawaii.

This past December we had the great fortune to visit the island of Oahu. A week of golf and sightseeing provided one of the most memorable golfing vacations this reporter has ever had.

Yes it is a long flight, but the ride is worth it. There are just fewer than one million people who live on Oahu, and 80 percent of those reside within 15 miles of Honolulu, so traffic can get quite heavy around the city. Avoid the highways at rush hour if possible.

What is great about the first two courses we played is that there is a complimentary shuttle from downtown to the courses about 15 miles away on the western coast, so you do not need a car. The first golf course we played was Hawaii Prince. It is a resort course with 27 holes and the golf director is Ted McAneeley who played hockey for the Edmonton Oilers and player for the Providence Reds in 197071.

Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed Hawaii Prince in 1992. The grass is a combination of Paspalum, a salt tolerant grass that actually thrives with brackish water, and Bermuda grass. The clubhouse sits in the middle of the property and the nines spoke out in three different directions. There are ten ponds that provide interesting holes and some consternation, but all three layouts are very fair. We played A and C courses, both of which had white tees at about 3,100 yards. The dimensions for all three are almost exact and the slope and rating for each combination prove it.

Our next stop was Ko Olina Golf Club. Ko Olina means “joyful place” in Hawaiian and is a Ted Robinson design from 1990 that was truly a joyful place to play golf. I hope you had the chance to see Michelle Wie, a Hawaiian native, win the Lotte Championship in April at Ko Olina. Watching the event brought back wonderful memories of this beautiful golf course that sits just a short walk from the Pacific Ocean.

The 18th hole is the signature hole that plays around a pond that extends to the 34

GOLF TRAVEL

Golfing in Hawaii edge of the green. What a great way to finish. There are six ponds on the property, and the eighth hole that plays over one of those ponds is definitely one of the prettiest par threes this reporter has ever seen. There are many elevation changes on the course. With the windy conditions that usually prevail in Hawaii, the scores tend to be a little higher than you usually score.

Right next door to the property is Aulani, a Disney resort and spa with 800 rooms, and next to that is a J.W. Marriott with over 300 rooms. Beautiful beaches on one side and a gorgeous golf course on the other side make these two properties a prime destination.

Unlike the mainland where most of the wind comes from west to east, Hawaii’s wind comes from the Northeast, and since the middle of Oahu has a mountain range, the leeward, (western) courses of Ko Olina and Hawaii Prince are dry most of the time.

Hawaii is 45 miles long and 30 miles wide. The last two courses we played were at Turtle Bay Resort located at the northern end of the island, the famous North Shore where some of the best surfing in the world is found. We decided to go up the Windward side of the island to get to Turtle Bay. What a beautiful ride as we saw Diamond Head at the southern point and quaint little towns and beautiful beaches as we headed north.

Oahu’s North Shore includes 7 miles of beaches including Pipeline, Sunset and Wiamea that have challenged surfers for generations.

Turtle Bay Resort is the only large resort on the North Shore. Built in the 1970s, this resort has undergone a multimilliondollar upgrade on the 436 rooms, both golf courses and the three and four bedroom fully furnished ocean villas available for families and golf groups.

In 1972 George Fazio built the Fazio course with holes six and seven and 11 and 12 right next to the Pacific Ocean. The second course, designed by Arnold and Ed Seay and called the Palmer Course, is an 18-hole championship design opened in 1992. It hosted the first Senior Skins game in 1998, hosted a senior tour event from 2001 to 2008 and an LPGA event from 2005 to 2009.

Aerial view of the Fazio Course at Turtle Bay. That is the resort in the background and the pipeline waves off the shore.

I played the Palmer course early the next day. What a treat. The large Banyan trees, wonderful bunkering and water on 15 holes make this a great test of golf.

There are five sets of tees ranging from 7,218 yards to the forward tees at 4,851.

The course has a great variety of different holes. I was so impressed with the grass on the fairways and the perfectly manicured greens.

When I finish the round, I went to this talk with director of golf, Matt Hall, a native of Connecticut. I told him how beautiful the fairways were and he smiled and reached for his cell phone. After a minute of spinning through his emails, he opened an email and handed me his phone. The email was from Brad Faxon who had recently played the Palmer course and his comment was “The best fairways I’ve ever played.” Guess that is quite an endorsement. Hall went on to tell me that on the property in 1914 Guglielmo Marconi built and transmitted the first wireless radio signal that was heard around the world. I asked about some of the land next to number 14 and he said it was an airstrip that was bombed on D Day 1941 by the Japanese and in 1946 a tsunami took out all of that area near the hole.

That afternoon we drove five miles down the road to watch the surfing competitions, and the next morning I played the Fazio course. The front nine remains the same

as the original, but Palmer and Seay redesigned the back nine when they did the championship course. It is a slightly easier course than the Palmer, but the second hole is a long par three over a pond and it’s a tough way to get the round started. As you get to the sixth green, look out at the ocean that you also see from the seventh tee. The views are repeated again on the 11th and 12th.

Many people choose to just go to the North Shore and stay at Turtle Bay and play these two courses. It doesn’t get much better than that. They have great Titleist clubs to rent and also have a golf guide program where you can play with a PGA pro or local golfing legends.

There are 38 golf courses on Oahu, and seven of them are military courses.

If you are retired military and have an ID, you can play these courses at a greatly reduced rate. There is also an n 817-room hotel, the Hale Koa right on Waikiki Beach that is only available to military personnel.

It took my wife and I 45 years to get to Hawaii, but it sure won’t take long for us to go back.

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.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

GOLF TRAVEL

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By CAROLYN VITTNER

Hawaii, A Dream Vacation

s I see it, there are two types of people: those who have been to Hawaii and fall in love with it, and those who wish they could go to Hawaii.

Until now, I was in that second category.

For the first two days of our vacation we stayed at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki. Located less than an hour away from the Honolulu International Airport, and directly across from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, the resort offers 28 floors of oceanfront accommodations. It features some of the finest island cuisine as well as a 24 hour Fitness center, a day spa & beauty salon. Their swimming pool and whirlpool overlook the ocean. All this is wonderful of course, but it is the genuine warmth of their friendly staff that truly makes us feel at home.

On our first night there we decided to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle into downtown Honolulu.

This high-end shopping district is a shopper’s dream--think New York City (only considerably warmer in late November). We soon realize that this is a happening place as it is time for the annual Waikiki Christmas Parade. It features 4000 marchers, 38 high school marching bands and vehicles driven by survivors of World War II. Imagine them having a parade just for us!

Diamond Head, considered the most recognized landmark in Hawaii, is believed to have been formed about 300,000 years ago by a single volcanic eruption leaving a broad crater which covers about 350 acres. Because the summit of Diamond

For More Information Hawaii Prince www.princeresortshawaii.com Waikiki 855-429-7623 Ko Olina G.C. www.koolinagolf.com 808-676-5300 Turtle Bay Resort www.turtlebayresort.com 866-475-2569 Hawaii Tourism www.hawaiitourismauthority.org 808-973-2255

Head provides a panoramic view of the Island, it was considered an ideal coastal defense of Oahu and was once designated for military use. In the 1940s the Kahala Tunnel was built and is the public entrance today. The 560 feet hike from the crater floor to the summit is well worth the view and I’m glad we made our way to the top.

Two days sped by and now it is time to head to the north shore. After a scenic drive through small villages and by roadside stands selling local food prepared by natives, we arrive at Turtle Bay Resort. This beautiful hotel is on 880 acres of secluded shoreline on the lands of Kuilima. Again we are treated royally when we arrive and all during our stay here. From our room we can watch families in the pool as well as the surfers in the Pacific Ocean beyond. As they say “location, location, location”. It is not unusual to share space in the elevators with a good-looking guy holding a surf board. And in the room there are surfing magazines right along side of the usual golf magazines. This is quite new to us.

There are many daily activities to choose from at the resort and we decided to take advantage of a restorative yoga class. What a perfect beginning to our two day stay in paradise.

Among the many restaurants here is Ola (it means life, living, healthy and alive). This delightful restaurant is located literally on the beach and offers an eclectic blend of flavors from around the world.

One of the landmarks within 5 miles of the resort is the Banzai Pipeline where we enjoyed watching surfers in action in the perfect barreling waves. (We were brave and stuck our feet in the water). That was enough activity for us so we headed back to the resort to enjoy our dinner by the pool. What a life!

All too soon it is time to leave. On our ride back to our next destination, we soon discover a true treasure in Waimea Valley.

We stop to take a 3⁄4 mile hike through this world class botanical garden that features authentic archeological sites and brings us to the Majestic Waimea Falls. I’m glad we took the time to enjoy this vibrant and living Hawaiian culture.

One of Honolulu’s significant landmarks is located downtown. Iolani Palace is the ancient home of many Hawaiian

monarchs. Our ticket of admission is a facsimile of a dance card used at one of their magnificent royal balls. We were given shoe protectors before we entered to protect this grand museum which was restored and opened in 1978. We took an informative self-led tour throughout this official residence of the 19th century where important state functions were held.

A scene that almost everyone has seen on TV, in travel brochures and on postcards is Waikiki Beach. This long palm-shaded stretch of sand is one of the best on the island. Just minutes away from the Honolulu shopping district, you can be shopping for shoes and a pocketbook in the morning and be surfing in the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon. In the evening we were watching hula dancers perform right on the beach to the crowd gathered to take in the free show.

Our vacation in Hawaii is soon coming to an end, but before we leave this beautiful island it is only fitting that we visit one

more historic site. Pearl Harbor Memorial is probably one of the most important events of our trip. We took the self guided tour through the museums where we were able to listen to survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor recount their memories of that fateful day in 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship and is the final resting place for many of the crewmen killed in the attack. This moving tribute gave us a true understanding of the sacrifice made by these war heroes. Everyone visiting Hawaii should take the time to experience this attraction. You might not be aware that Elvis Presley held a benefit concert to raise funds to help build the Memorial.

Hawaii is great for the golf, yes, but also great for its culture and natural beauty.

Carolyn Vittner is the wife of the editor, and she frequently writes a sidebar story about places visited for golf by her husband. Her business card says T.A.L. for tag-a-long.

DON’T MISS THE ACTION! SUBSCRIBE NOW Southern New England Golfer is published four times per year 4 issues for $6 • 8 issues for $12 12 issues for $15 To subscribe, please fill in the information below and send with your check to: Southern New England Golfer, PO BOX 10038 Cranston, RI 02910

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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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 1 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 1065 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. EAST GREENWICH G.C. (9) SP 1646 Division Rd. E. Greenwich, RI, 401-884-5656, www.eastgreenwichgc.com CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant 7. FAIRLAWN G.C. (9) P, X Sherman Ave. Lincoln, RI, 401-334-3937 www.fairlawngolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 8. FOSTER COUNTRY CLUB (18) P 67 Johnson Rd. Foster, RI, 401-397-7750 www.fostercountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 9. HARBOR LIGHTS MARINA & C.C. (9) P 150 Gray St. Warwick, RI, 401-737-6353 www.HarborLightsRI.com, CR,PS,CH,O Restaurant, Leagues 10. JAMESTOWN G.C. (9) P 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, 401-423-9930 www.jamestowngolf.com CR,CL,CH 11. KINGS CROSSING G.C. (9) P 655 Old Baptist Rd. N. Kingstown, RI www.kingscrossinggolfclub.com CR,PS,CH,O 12. LAUREL LANE C.C. (18) P Laurel Lane, off Rt.138, W. Kingston, RI 401783-3844, www.laurellanecountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 13. LINDBROOK G.C. (18) 299 Woodville Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI 401-539-8700, X CR, CH,O 14. MELODY HILL C.C. (18) P 55 Melody Hill Ln. Harmony, RI, 401-949-9851 CR,PS,CH 15. MIDVILLE COUNTRY CLUB (9) P 100 Lombardi Ln. W. Warwick, RI, 401-828-9215 www.midvillegolfclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 16. NEWPORT NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 324 Mitchells Ln. Middletown, RI, 401-848-969 www.newportnational.com, CR,CL,PS,SB,O 17. NORTH KINGSTOWN G.C. (18) P 615 Callahan Rd. No. Kingstown, RI, 401-2940684, www.nkgc.com, DR,PS,CR,CL,CH,O 18. PINE CREST GOLF CLUB (9) P 25 Pinehurst Dr. Richmond, RI, 401-364-8600 www.pinecrestri.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O, Leagues 19. R.I. CHILDREN’S GOLF CENTER (6) P 2 Fairway Dr. Coventry RI, 401-215-0776 www.richildrensgolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,O, Jr. Programs, Clinics, Camps, Instructional Leagues 20. ROSE HILL GOLF CLUB (9) P, X 222 Rose Hill Rd. So. Kingstown, RI, 401-7881088, www.rosehillri.com CR,CL,CH,SB, Leagues 21. TRIGGS MEMORIAL G.C. (18) P Chalkstone Ave. Providence, RI 401-521-8460, www.triggs.us, CR,CL,PS,CH,O

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22. 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 23. WOOD RIVER GOLF (18) P 78 Woodville-Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI, 401364-0700, www.woodrivergolf.com, CR,CH,SB,O

RHODE ISLAND DRIVING RANGES

A. 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 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

MASSACHUSETTS COURSES

24. AGAWAM MUNICIPAL G.C. (18) P 128 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, MA, 413-786-2194, www.agawamgolfcourse.com CL,CR,PS,CH,O, Banquets 25. AMHERST GC (9) P 365 S. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA, 413-256-6894 www.amherstgolfclub.org, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 26. BLACKSTONE NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 227 Putnam Hill Rd. Sutton, MA, 508-865-2111 www.bngc.net, CR,CL,CH,PS,O,DR 27. BLISSFUL MEADOWS G.C. (18) SP 801 Chocalog Rd. Uxbridge, MA, 508-278-6110 www.blissfulmeadows.com, CR,CL,CH,DR,PS,O 28. BUNGAY BROOK G.C. (9) P 30 Locust St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-1600 www.bungaybrook.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 29. CAPTAINS COURSE (36) P 1000 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA, 508-896-1716 www.captainsgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 30. CHEMAWA GOLF COURSE (18) P 350 Cushman Rd. N. Attleboro, MA, 508-3997330, http://chemawagolf.com CR,CH,O,CL 31. CRUMPIN-FOX (18) P 87 Parmenter Rd. Bernardston, MA 508-413-648-9101, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 32. EASTON C.C. (18) SP 265 Purchase St. Easton, MA 508-238-2500, www.eastoncountryclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 33. ELMCREST C.C. (18) Private, O 105 Somersville Rd. E. Longmeadow, MA 413-575-7477, www.golfelmcrest.cc.com

34. FOXBOROUGH C.C. (18) SP 33 Walnut St. Foxborough, MA 508-543-4661x4, www.foxboroughcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 35. GLEN ELLEN C.C. (18) SP 84 Orchard St., Millis, MA, 508-376-2775 www.theglencc.com, CR,CL,CH,Rest.,DR,O 36. 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 37. JUNIPER HILL G.C. (36) P 202 Brigham St. Northboro, MA, 508-393-2444 www.juniperhillgc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 38. LAKEVILLE C.C. (18) P 44 Clear Pond Rd. Lakeville, MA, 508947-6630 www.lakevillecountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 39. LOCUST VALLEY G.C. (9) P 106 Locust St. Attleboro, MA, 508-222-1500 CR,CH,SB,O, new low rates 40. MAPLEGATE COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 160 Maple St. Bellingham, MA, 508-966-4040 www.maplegate.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 41. 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 42. MIDDLEBROOK C.C. (9) P 149 Pleasant St. Rehoboth, MA 508-252-9393, CR,PS,CH,SB 43. NEW ENGLAND C.C. (18) SP 180 Paine St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-2300, www.newenglandcountryclub.com CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 44. NORTON COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 188 Oak St. Norton, MA, 508-285-2400 www.nortoncountryclub.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 45. OLDE SCOTLAND LINKS (18) P 695 Pine St. Bridgewater, MA, 508-279-3344 www.oldescotlandlinks.com, CR,CL,SB,DR,O 46. PINE OAKS G.C. (9) P 68 Prospect St., S. Easton, MA, 508-238-2320 www.pineoaks.com, CR,CL,CH,O Retail Store 47. REHOBOTH C.C. (18) P 155 Perryville Rd Rehoboth, MA, 508-252-6259 www.rehobothcountryclub.com, CR,CH,PS,O 48. RIDDER G.C. (18) P 389 Oak St. E. Bridgewater, MA 781-447-9003, www.ridderfarm.com CR,CL,PS,SB 49. SHAKER HILLS G.C. (18) P 146 Shaker Rd. Harvard, MA, 978-772-3330 www.shakerhills.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 50. SHINING ROCK G.C. (18) SP 91 Clubhouse Way, Northbridge, MA, 508-2340400, www.shiningrock.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 51. THE RANCH G.C. (18) P 65 Sunnyside Rd. Southwick, MA, 413-569-9333 www.theranchgolfclub.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 52. WAMPANOAG G.C. (9) P 168 Old Providence Rd. Swansea, MA, 508-3799832, www.wampanoaggolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS 53. 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, 508-7615484, 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

54. AIRWAYS G.C. (18) P 1070 S. Grand St., W. Suffield, CT 860-668-4973, www.airwaysgolf.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O 55. CEDAR KNOB GC (18) P 446 Billings Rd. Somers, CT, 860-749-3550 www.cedarknobgolfcourse.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 56. ELMRIDGE GOLF CLUB (27) P 229 Elmridge Rd. Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-2248 www.elmridgegolf.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 57. FOX HOPYARD (18) SP 1 Hopyard Rd. East Haddam, CT 860-434-6644, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 58. LAKE OF ISLES C.C. (18) P Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT, 860-3123636, www.lakeofisles.com CR,CL,PS,SB,Rest.,O, Golf School 59. RACEWAY GOLF COURSE (18) SP 205 E. Thompson Rd. Thompson, CT 860-923-9591, www.racewaygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 60. RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB (18) P 259 Preston Rd. Griswold, CT 860-376-3268, www.riverridgegolf.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 61. 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 62. SKUNGAMAUG RIVER G.C. (18) SP 104 Folly Ln., Coventry, CT, 860-742-9348 www.skungamauggolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,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 / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

SNE GOLFER LOCATOR MAP

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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SNE GOLFER Play More Golf Card Continues to Grow

olfers around New England are enjoying the benefits of the Play More Golf Club Card that saves golfers money on golf, restaurants, car care, equipment and more by just showing their card.

The program began last November and is sold at over 50 BJ’S Wholesale Clubs around New England and online at www. playmoregolfclub.com.

We have teamed up with the leading golf media outlets such as Southern New England Golfer Magazine, CTGolfer.com, the Golf Show on WEEI, Western Mass Golf, NEPGA and Capital Area Golf. com to promote our new product. Over 600 members have registered their cards to date on our website. This gives golf courses and businesses associated with the card a much wider range of marketing of their products. There is no charge for golf courses and a nominal charge for businesses to get on board.

The program is very simple. Once you purchase your card online or at BJ’S you first want to register your number online.

Target Your Audience in SNE Golfer!

For advertising information, call Bruce Vittner at 401-4648445 or email bruce@snegolfer.com

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This way when we get new promotions we can let you know by email. PMGC also has an APP that puts over 170 golf course discounts at your fingertips. Just go to the website or APP and pick out the course you want to play and call for a tee time.

When you register at the course simply show your card and you get the discount.

The APP is available for download on our website.

The program is very flexible for golf courses in that the courses can change their deals monthly. Golfers get to use their card twice at each course..

The PMGC will also be running tournaments throughout New England at some of the finest courses with the information going to those that register their card. PMGC members will also have a special section where they can purchase many items at a discount on a special members only area.

If you have any questions you can contact us at (877) 297-4005.

Southern New England Golf Expo Returns in February 2015

The Southern New England Golf Expo will take place in 2015 at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island after a two-year hiatus. The event takes place on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m- and Sunday, February 22 from 9a.m. – 4 p.m.

Golfers can try out the latest in golf equipment in the 12 bay indoor driving range, test your skills in a Long Drive Challenge, nearest to the pin contest on golf simulators and challenge yourself on a long putt for prizes. There is plenty of free parking.

All attendees purchasing a ticket will get several valuable offers that we are currently working on. More information will be available in future issues of Southern New England Golfer.

Courses or businesses looking to reserve a booth can contact Jim Hillmann at 413-563-2669 or by email to hillsma2@aol.com.

Answer on page 4

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / May 2014 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com

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3/25/14 2:08 PM

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GREAT GOLF GREAT CHARITIES

June 22-24, 2014 Rhode Island Country Club Barrington, RI