2013 season - chelsea piers

A Publication of the Golf Club at Chelsea Pierswww.chelseapiers.com/gc

2013 SeASon

SAnDY WHo?The Golf Club Reboundsfrom Superstorm Sandy Golf: A lifelong Sport

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Dear Golfers,

What a year it’s been! As our regular customers know,

the past year has brought on several significant changes

and developments around the Club; most significantly the

rebuilding of the Golf Club after the devastation brought

by Superstorm Sandy. In this issue, we share the whole

story of how the Chelsea Piers community pulled together

to bounce back after five to six feet of water flooded

the facility.

On another note, the popularity of golf has continued to

grow. Case in point — golf will become an Olympic sport

when the nations of the world gather in Rio de Janeiro in

2016. To truly emphasize the nature of golf as a lifetime

sport, we’ve rolled out two new programs this spring. Tots

Golf offers our littlest golfers the opportunity to learn

the fundamentals of the game with activities designed

specifically for early learning. On the opposite end of the

spectrum, our Senior Golf School provides a supportive

environment for mature golfers to develop greater distance

and consistency. Golf is a sport for all ages, and we’re

working to make sure our program offerings reflect the

lifetime nature of the sport.

This spring, we’ve also named a new leader of our Golf

Academy. Marjorie Jones, a 7-year Golf Club veteran, is

the new Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction

at the Golf Academy. We’re extremely excited to see

how Marjorie utilizes her skills and expertise to make the

Academy even better.

We’re committed to providing the highest quality of

service possible and are always open to suggestions,

comments or concerns. We look forward to serving you

throughout the season and beyond.

Best Regards,

David Beltre, General Manager 2013

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A note from the GM

The Golf Club has planned a variety of great events and

special offers for you and your family to enjoy throughout

the year. Schedules are subject to change, so for the

most up-to-date information please call 212.336.6400

or visit chelseapiers.com/gc.

MAY

Member-Guest Days. Tuesday, May 7, and Tuesday,

May 21, from 6:00-8:00pm. Master, Platinum and

Off-Peak Members are invited to bring a guest and enjoy

side-by-side stall reservations, unlimited range balls, and

complimentary swing instruc-

tion from a Golf Academy

professional. RSVP required.

THe PlAYeRS Championship. May 9-12.

Refreshments will be served on Friday from 3:00-6:00pm

and Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm.

Moms Play for free. On Sunday, May 12, Moms

receive a free $20 ball card when a son, daughter or

partner purchases any ball card.

Hawaiian Airlines Swing Tip Station. Visit the Swing

Tip Station and enjoy complimentary swing instruction

Saturday, May 18 from 12:00-4:00pm.

All Golf Club customers can enter for a

chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii.

friday night Swings. The popular Friday night social

outing continues through the month of May. Check the

website for scheduled Fridays from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Enjoy open beer & wine bar with light refreshments, open

hitting, instruction from our Golf Professionals, and use of

the Full Swing Simulators along with the chance to win

contests and raffle prizes! RSVP at chelseapiers.com/gc.

May Promotion. Sign up for a school and receive two

complimentary tickets to the 2013 Women’s U.S. Open.

JUne

Summer Golf Camp Starts. June 17 - August 30.

Junior golfers ages 6-12 years can enroll for 1, 2 or

more weeks of camp! Visit chelseapiers.com/camps for

more details.

Performance Golf Summer Camp. June 17 - August

9. Intended for more advanced golfers ages 10 & up. For

more information, visit chelseapiers.com/camps.

SponSored by

SponSored by

Schedules are subject to change.

June Promotion. Purchase a Learn to Play

package and receive two complimentary tick-

ets to the 2013 Women’s U.S. Open.

Member-Guest Day Clinics. June 7

and June 21, 12:00-1:00pm. Members are

encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a

complimentary clinic

taught by a Golf

Academy Professional. RSVP required.

US open Championship. June 13-16.

Refreshments will be served on Friday from

3:00-6:00pm and Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm.

Dads Play for free. Purchase any ball card

on Sunday, June 16, and we’ll give Dad an

additional card worth $20.

Hawaiian Airlines Swing Tip Station.

Visit the Swing Tip Station and enjoy compli-

mentary swing instruction Sunday, June 16

from 12:00-4:00pm. All Golf

Club customers can enter for

a chance to win a trip for two

to Hawaii.

friday night Swings. Check the website

for scheduled Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm.

JUlY

Member-Guest Mornings. July 8-12, from

6:30-11:00am. Master, Platinum and Off-

Peak Members are invited to bring a guest

and enjoy side-by-side stall reservations,

unlimited range balls, and complimentary

swing instruction

from a Golf Academy

professional. RSVP required.

Summer Golf league. Starts Tuesday, July

9, and runs for 8 weeks.

Member-Guest Short Game Clinic.

Friday, July 19, from 12:00-1:00pm. Members

are encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a

complimentary clinic taught by a Golf Academy

Professional. RSVP

required.

July Promotion. Sign up for a school this

month and receive two complimentary tickets

to the Barclays 2013.



mentary swing instruction Saturday, July 20




to Hawaii.

friday night Swings. Check the website

for scheduled Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm.

AUGUST

learn To Play & Get A Gift! Purchase a

Learn to Play package and receive a putter

courtesy of Cleveland & Srixon.

PGA Championship. August 8-11.

Refreshments will be served on Friday from

3:00-6:00pm and Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm.



mentary swing instruction Sunday, August 18




to Hawaii.

friday night Swings. Check the website for

scheduled dates, Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm.

SePTeMBeR

Member-Guest Clinic. Friday, September

20, from 12:00-1:00pm. Members are

encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a com-

plimentary clinic taught by a Golf Academy

Professional. RSVP

required.

Junior fall Programs Begin. Tuesday,

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Programs

begin the first week in September. Check out

our website for a schedule of dates and times.

friday night Swings. Check the website for

scheduled dates, Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm.

fall Golf league. The weather may be

cooling off, but Golf League is just warm-

ing up. Leagues available on Tuesdays &

Wednesdays, starting September 24.

Session I:

Tuesdays at 7:30-9:00pm

September 24 - November 12

Session II:

Wednesdays at 7:30-9:00pm

September 25 - November 13

oCToBeR

Customer Appreciation Week. October

7-13. Enjoy Swing Tips, Complimentary

Clinics, Giveaways and Special Promotions.

Golf outing. Details to follow. For more

information, please visit chelseapiers.com/gc.

noVeMBeR

Holiday Shopping. Get a head start on your

holiday shopping with Golf Club gift cards.

Holiday Parties. The Golf Club’s country

club setting is the perfect spot for your corpo-

rate event or private holiday party.

Cleveland & Tommy Hilfiger Promotions.

Be on the lookout for holiday promotions from

Golf Club Sponsors.

DeCeMBeR

Gifts Within Your Range. A gift card from

the Golf Club is the perfect gift for the golf

enthusiast (or novice) on your holiday shopping

list. Online ordering and overnight shipping

available at chelseapiers.com/golfgifts.

School Break Golf Camps (ages 6-16).

Keep your kids active during their school

break. For details visit chelseapiers.com/gc.

2013 Season | The Golf Club at Chelsea piers | page 3

SponSored by

SponSored by

SponSored by

SponSored by

for the most up-to-date information, visit chelseapiers.com/gc or call 212.336.6400.

SponSored by

SponSored by

SponSored by

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A Class A PGA and LPGA Professional,

Marjorie was named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best

Women Teachers in America in 2010 and was

awarded the LPGA Northeast Section Teacher of the

Year in 2007. Marjorie is also an accomplished player,

having played on both the LPGA and European Tours.

She has been a Legends Tour Member since 2002 and

was named the Metropolitan PGA’s Woman Player of

the Year in 2011.

We recently sat down with Marjorie to learn more

about what she has in store for the Academy.

What excites you most about taking on this new role?

I am as excited today about golf as I was when I

first picked up a club at age 11. It was a challenge from

the beginning, but I fell in love with it right there and then. I’ve

always found golf to be a very personal game — a game that

could be molded into anything I wanted once I learned the basic

fundamentals. It can be competitive or social, a walk in the park or

a business tool. You can be very analytical or artistic and free. You

can learn a lot about yourself and other people through the sport.

I am always happy to get a chance to play and can’t wait

to introduce the game to new people. It’s a thrill

when I see my students start to get hooked. It’s

also very fun to help existing golfers improve so

they are able to get more out of their own games.

Improved shot making is always going to lead to

less frustration and greater enjoyment.

As the new Head Professional and Director

of Instruction, I am really looking forward to

working closely with the Chelsea Piers team to

build on the solid foundation of programming we

have. We will constantly be updating existing

programs and implementing new ones when

needed. Nothing makes me happier than the

opportunity to bring new students to the game of

golf and to give greater enjoyment to those that

already play.

Do you have any particular plans you’d like to implement?

Goals you’d like to attain?

Absolutely! My number one priority is to make learning

golf an enjoyable experience for all students so they want to

learn more and keep playing the game. This can be done by

implementing a teaching philosophy focused on the positive

academy:

Meet Marjorie Jones New Head Professional and Director of Instruction

Marjorie Jones, a Senior Professional at the Golf Club

with over 30 years of professional experience, has been

named the new Head Golf Professional and Director of

Instruction of the Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers.

“Golf is an amazing game that has something for almost

everyone. I believe that by bringing out the most in my

students they can learn to really enjoy the game.”

2013 Season | The Golf C

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by providing students with a road map for success and result-

oriented instruction.

By enhancing this positive learning environment, I expect the

Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers to earn nation-wide recognition

for creativity and innovation in offering high quality, state-of-the-

art, relevant golf programs.

How do you see the Academy growing and developing over

the next few years?

We already have a solid reputation and unique position

in the New York marketplace. Just as we are unique, so are

our students… they represent New York at its best. We need

to keep our programming fresh and in touch with what is

happening in the golf world in order to provide our customers

with the highest quality instruction and programming available.

This philosophy will keep the Academy growing, and we will

continue to attract all levels of golfers to our facility.

Above left: Marjorie at the LPGA Teaching & Club Pro National Championship at Kingsmill, Williamsburg, VA.

Lower right: Taking a shot at an International Tournament at Chateau des Vigiers, France.

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Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed for a

lifetime. The addition of two new programs

at the Academy this spring emphasizes

the all-encompassing nature of the game,

reaching two important age groups with

a wider range of developmentally-specific

program options.

Senior Golf School

The Senior Golf School is a 4-week instructional series cus-

tomized for men and women of all skill levels, ages 55 and

over. This program specifically focuses on achieving greater

distance and consistency. Flexibility and gradual strength

training exercises are incorporated to complement swing

fundamentals and technique.

from the academy:

Golf “fore” every AgeLearn the Game at the Golf Academy

55+ years

What makes golf agood sport for seniors?

Golf truly is a lifetime sport. Adults and children alike can enjoy the game regardless of age or gender. Due to the focus on health and well-ness in today’s society, seniors are interested more than ever in staying active, making golf the perfect activity.

Stay fit and Healthy

Golf is often considered a leisurely sport. However, lose the cart, and it’s a great workout! Walk any course, and you’ll easily log between four and eight miles. This increased cardiovas-cular activity can also lower cholesterol levels, improve muscle tone and reduce body fat.

Improve Mood and Decrease Stress

Any form of exercise results in an endorphin rush. Golf is no different! Endorphins are chemi-cals in the body released into the bloodstream during exercise. When this happens, the body experiences a boost in mood and wellbeing, resulting in reduced stress levels, moderated pain levels and longer lifespans.

Credit: Southernhillsgolfcourse.com



What makes golf a good sport for children?

By playing golf, children learn tons of valuable life lessons that can translate into everyday life. Fair play, etiquette, sportsmanship, concentra-tion and an appreciation for the great outdoors all help make golf an ideal game for kids.

Honor and etiquette

Golf is about following the rules on your own. There is no referee around to make sure everyone plays fairly. Golf also requires certain etiquette, taking turns, staying quiet during an opponent’s swing, respecting the grounds and even wearing nice clothes. Children introduced to these lessons early on are likely to carry that sense of honor into the classroom and in life.

Patience, but not Boredom

If there is one sport that demands patience and self-control, it’s golf. Focus and a clear mind are as important to success as the correct grip and a balanced swing. Also, though golfers take turns throughout the course of a match, the wait between shots is never too long. Golf keeps you moving.

Anyone Can Play!

Unlike other sports, where certain body types tend to excel, golf works for little kids and big kids alike. Children of all builds and body types can find success and self-confidence on the golf course.

A Hobby for life

Golf provides the basis for a lifelong connection to a constructive influence. Lessons learned on the golf course stay with children as they grow, and the experiences created on the golf course always carry a special meaning for those who love the game.

Credit: Livestrong.com

4-5 years

Tots Golf SchoolDesigned specifically for children ages 4-5, Tots Golf serves

as a comprehensive introduction to the game of golf. Young

students learn the fundamentals of the game while develop-

ing skills, knowledge and etiquette in a safe and nurturing

environment.

Throughout each 4-week session, our experienced teaching

staff introduces and develops the elements of grip, stance,

posture, and swing technique to young golfers. All activities

and exercises are specifically designed for early learning. The

goal of Tots Golf is for each child to come away with a love

for the game, and with the skills necessary for future growth.

Visit the Golf AcademyOur friendly staff is always on-hand to inform you about programs at

the Golf Academy. To learn more or to register, call 212.336.6400

or email [email protected].

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On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy

ravaged the Greater New York City area.

Though minor flooding was expected at

Chelsea Piers, no one was prepared for the

nearly five feet of water that washed through

the facility, causing tremendous damage

throughout the 28-acre sports complex.

As news of the pending Hurricane

Sandy grew increasingly alarming, the own-

ers of Chelsea Piers knew their riverside

sports and entertainment complex would

not survive the “super storm” unscathed. In

preparation for the storm, electronics were

moved onto tables, outdoor fixtures were

secured, sandbags were placed along every

doorway and corridor, and an overnight crew

was assigned to keep an eye on the expan-

sive complex.

Nevertheless, the damage left was more

than they could have ever imagined.

David Beltre, General Manager of the

Golf Club, was a part of the overnight crew

that braved the storm. “As I watched the

Hudson River creep in toward the tee line, I

decided to head inside and inspect the rest

of the facility,” explained Beltre. “When I got

inside, the water was already rushing in. We

took in three feet of water during about a

20-minute time period. It was unbelievable.”

By the end of the storm, five feet of water

had rushed through Chelsea Piers, causing

millions of dollars in damage. Though only

ground-level businesses suffered structural

damage, the electrical systems for the com-

plex were completely flooded, requiring the

entire facility to remain closed while repairs

were made.

“In the aftermath of the storm, it was

obvious that the rebuild would be a tremen-

dous effort,” stated Beltre. “We knew we

needed to get to work and open our doors

as soon as possible for our customers.”

And that’s exactly what the Chelsea

Piers team set out to do. On Wednesday,

October 30th, just one day after the storm,

200 Chelsea Piers employees — from

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The flooded entrance to the Golf Club.

A car drives out of the facility at 18th Street.

Waterline almost to the door handles at the Golf Club entrance.

The morning after the storm. The height and strength of the water left docks airborne.



hockey coaches and personal trainers to security

guards and administrative staff — showed up in work

clothes to begin the massive clean-up.

Everything had to be gutted. It took the first three

weeks alone to remove all the debris and complete

the demolition made necessary by Sandy.

Chelsea Piers’ employees continued to toil away,

working around the clock in order to try to meet their

aggressive reopening goal. Miraculously, they did it —

the majority of Chelsea Piers’ businesses reopened

to customers on December 3, 2012, a mere five

weeks after the storm; the Golf Club reopened on

December 15th.

Although the damage to Chelsea Piers was crip-

pling, Beltre spoke fondly of the immense outpouring

of both customer and employee support. “All of

our patrons were so compassionate and understand-

ing. We received many letters of support — some

even offered to lend a hand if needed. Though

Sandy was a terrible disaster, it was a true testament

to the character of our employees, customers, and

the amazing camaraderie we have here in the

Chelsea Piers family.”

Chelsea Piers would like to extend its most sincere

gratitude to our valued customers for their compassion

and understanding during the time it took to rebuild.

The morning after the storm. The height and strength of the water left docks airborne. Damaged fairway and targets rearanged by the currents. Massive clean-up and recovery begins in the lobby.

Immense rebuilding efforts underway in the first floor hallway.

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One of the nation’s leading year-round golf teaching academies,

the Golf Academy prides itself on providing a wide variety of programming

to serve every golfer, whether you are new to the game, haven’t played

in years or are just trying to brush up on your skills!

BeGInneR BASICS

Golf 101 is a one-day, 90-minute school specifically designed

to be your first step to playing golf. The class focuses on golf’s

fundamentals with the ultimate goal of giving you a basic under-

standing of the golf course layout, equipment and etiquette

so that you can begin learning with confidence. Offered most

Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am.

foR THe neW GolfeR

Each Beginner School (I and II) consists of 90-minute classes

that meet at the same time once a week for 4 consecutive

weeks. They are designed for golfers to learn and execute the

fundamentals of various golf swings and strokes. Golfers also

participate in one-on-one video swing analysis with the teaching

professional for an in-depth study of the student’s swing. Upon

completion, golfers should feel prepared to get out onto a golf

course and make solid contact with the ball. 90-minute class

once a week, 4 consecutive weeks.

foR AnY GolfeR

One of the most popular items at the Golf Academy, 5 and

10 packs of 1-hour private lessons are customized around

the student. From beginners to low handicappers, anyone can

benefit from a series of lessons with the Academy’s world-class

instructors. Packages are ideal for those that prefer individual

instruction and more scheduling flexibility.

THe ToTAl PACKAGe

The Learn to Play Package is designed to introduce novice

golfers to the game. Students progress though a series of

schools to gain the skills necessary to play confidently on a

course. The package culminates with a one-hour private lesson.

With the Learn to Play package, new golfers receive 14.5 hours

of instruction at a 20% discount. Packages expire one year from

the date of purchase and include:

• Golf 101

• Beginner or Women’s School I

• Beginner or Women’s School II

• One hour private lesson

The Golf Academy has several other offerings including

specialty schools and TPI fitness screenings. for more

information and a complete class listing, please visit

chelseapiers.com/gc.

from the academy:

DRIVe SAfelY, SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

Purchase a learn To Play Package &

receive two Chelsea Piers Passports.

Passports allow you to enjoy all the other sports

that Chelsea Piers has to offer! (a $120 value)



Wild Turkey Golf Course at Crystal Springsby Tim Townsend, Senior PGA Chelsea Piers Professional

The Wild Turkey Golf Course in Hamburg, New Jersey, is truly

one of my favorite courses in the area. A part of the renowned

group of Crystal Springs championship courses, Wild Turkey is

highlighted by breathtaking views of the New Jersey countryside.

The topography is best described as “basin & ridge,” and the

layout combines sheer expansiveness with rugged, multi-elevated

terrain. Year after year, Wild Turkey is consistently rated as one of

the best public golf courses in New Jersey.

For advanced players, the championship tees can create a

challenging day at the links, but the forward tees make it playable

for golfers of all skill levels. The course is

spacious, and each hole has great char-

acter. The conditions are always pristine,

and the greens are undulating and true.

If you like golf, give this course a try — it’s

certainly worth the trip.

Tim Townsend is a Senior PGA Professional and has been at Chelsea Piers for over 12 years. To book a lesson with Tim, call 212.336.6444.

Course Review

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from the academy:

Advice from the Pros

The Golf Academy’s staff of experienced teaching professionals offers some

helpful insights into some of golf’s most common questions and topics.

HoW To PlAY In WeT ConDITIonS

Marjorie Jones, Head Pro

I recently played in a golf tournament where it rained the

entire week. My best advice is to be

prepared for rain by bringing extra

towels, rain gear, waterproof shoes, an

umbrella, and food and drinks. It makes

golfing in bad weather much easier

and really quite fun. It also helps to

familiarize yourself with the rules. You

are allowed to get relief from casual water, which is a temporary

accumulation of water that is visible before or after you take your

stance. Most people don’t realize that they can move the ball,

which usually ends up costing strokes. Being prepared for the

weather conditions and getting yourself more comfortable with

the rules will help with the enjoyment of the game.

SHARPen YoUR SHoRT GAMe

Allan Renz, Director of Schools

Haven’t played in a while? Shake off

the rust and see how you can improve

for the upcoming season. Maybe it’s the

driver, maybe it’s your approach shot.

My bet, however, is that almost every

golfer really needs to sharpen his or

her short game to get the most out of

the golf season.

Regardless of your handicap, a sharper short game can help

chisel strokes off your scorecard more quickly than anything.

Take my advice and work from the hole, backwards.

Master the short putts. By becoming proficient from 6’-8’

and in, you can take a lot of heat off of your chipping and

pitching. This is where the break is usually minimized. Then, it all

boils down to stroke mechanics.

Become a better lag putter. The only way to practice this

is on the putting green. Take two balls and choose putts of

varying lengths, roughly 15’-45’. Putt the first one and learn from

it, then hit the second. Work on getting your eyes and hands to

work together.

Quiet hands for better chipping and pitching. The biggest

mistake I see amateurs make on their short shots is getting the

hands too involved. Chips and short pitch shots require the wrist

action to be minimized so the club path and speed are controlled

by the body core rotation.

Work on these short game basics and see your scores drop!

new to golf, or just want to sharpen your gme? Contact the Golf Academy at 212.336.6444.



PUTT BReAKS John Hobbins

There are three factors

that control the break of

a putt: 1) The distance

of the putt to the hole;

2) The angle of the ball to the hole

relative to the uphill; 3) The speed of the

green. Once you identify these factors,

you can determine how much break

to play.

THe DRIVeR Tim Townsend

The driver is one of the

clubs you have to hit

well to have a decent

round. It’s the longest

and least lofted club in the bag, which

exaggerates even the slightest error. As

you swing the driver, the shaft should

be on about a 45 degree plane. Most

people slice the driver because they

are swinging the club too vertically.

Ideally, you want to sweep the ball off

of the tee with the club coming in low

to the ground.

GReen SPeeDS Tom Guy

To avoid unnecessary

three-putts, it’s very

important to understand

that different greens

have different speeds. The best way

to gain understanding of these speed

variences is to walk out 10, 20, and

30 feet on the putting green, place

a tee at each spot, and practice

hitting putts to each distance. This will

accustom you to the various conditions

and green speeds. The ability to judge

distance on putts is more important

than accuracy.

fAIRWAY BUnKeR Chance Scheffing

If you happen to land in

a fairway bunker, always

be sure to take a club

that can get your ball

over any obstructions, such as a high lip.

If you have a clear shot, take an extra

club and choke up about a 1/2”. Then,

move the ball back in stance and strive

to hit the ball before the sand.

PRACTICe PlAnS Chris Stoudt

I often see amateurs

practicing without a

plan. However, without a

plan, you won’t improve.

Practice sessions shouldn’t consist of

hitting shot after shot at the practice

range with no target. Create a routine

and establish clear cut goals for what you

want to accomplish. You’ll be happy to

see your scores drop much more quickly.

GReenSIDe BUnKeR Joshua Myers

Most average players

radically change their

technique for greenside

bunker shots. Instead,

keep it as simple as possible. Pretend

you’re hitting a 50-yard shot from the

grass… with a bunker setup. Open the

face a few degrees, position the ball

two inches forward from the middle of

stance, and aim your body slightly left of

the target. Make a normal full swing, with

some speed, and slap the sand two to

three inches behind the ball. Be sure and

finish with the club behind your neck, and

allow your chest and eyes to turn and

face the target. Remember, the goal is to

be putting on your next shot!

GRIP PReSSURe Jeffrey Anderson

One of the most

basic, but overlooked,

fundamentals in the

game is grip pressure.

Typically, when the grip pressure is

too tight, it forces the club face open

and leads to shots missed to the right.

Conversely, if it’s too soft, it will allow the

clubface to over rotate, causing a miss

to the left. Experiment with your grip

pressure to straighten out your ball flight.

WeIGHT SHIfT Clayton Balch

Making solid contact with

the ball mainly derives

from one thing—weight

shift. To increase the

probability of making solid contact with

the ball, it is essential to have most of

your weight on your front side at impact.

Try eliminating any weight shift from

the backswing; then, move forward just

before starting the downswing. This will

help you strike the ball better every time.

BoDY RoTATIon Andia Winslow

Proper turn mechanics

are crucial in establishing

consistent swings. One

way to create, and

maintain, a proper “shoulder turn” or

“spine angle rotation” is to imagine one’s

sternum as captain of the proverbial ship.

At address, the sternum faces the ball.

While maintaining proper posture, the

sternum rotates the torso away from the

ball during the backswing, once again

faces the ball at impact and finally leads

the body down the target line and into a

tall balanced position to finish the swing.

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Since the start of their work with Chris, brothers Luke and

Andrew Sample have competed in dozens of junior tournaments

in the region as well as several national invitational events. Luke,

just nine years old, notched his biggest victory in September

when his scores of 77-76 edged a national and international

field to win his age group in the 2012 Seaview Open in Galloway,

New Jersey. This spring, Luke transitioned to the International

Junior Golf Tour’s (IJGT) 14 and under division, competing on

6,200-yard layouts against players five years his senior. In March,

a seven-year old Andrew earned a remarkable third place finish

against a field of 8-12 year olds on the IJGT’s Discovery Tour.

Mainstays on the US Kids Junior Golf Tour, the brothers will

compete for the third straight year among the world’s best in

their respective age groups at the US Kids World Championships

in Pinehurst, North Carolina this August.

Chris has been a tremendous coach to the young golfers,

but he insists that their success is no accident. “Three times a

week the Sample brothers can be found at the Golf Academy

developing their game,” says Chris. “They work hard and their

results show it.”

Every week, both Luke and Andrew come in for their lessons

and go through an extensive practice routine that Chris has

set into place. Everything is done with specific goals in mind,

and they work strategically to achieve them. Chris keeps a log

of every round, tallying every stroke to track their success and

monitor their progression.

Their father, James, has been very impressed with the results

he has seen in his sons. “Chris’s knowledge of the golf swing is

outstanding, but his humble approach is never overbearing in

the slightest,” says James. “As a teacher, he combines excellent

foundational methods with modern technological tools in a way

that is profoundly effective.”

Chris’s instruction extends beyond the Piers, as he is always

in close communication with James. He even accompanies

the boys to many of their tournaments, serving as their coach

on the course.

“Chris is so much more than a great swing coach; he has

become a close family friend and a trusted mentor. When the

boys compete in tournaments, they go from the 18th green to

the scoring area to turn in their cards. Then, they immediately

seek James or me to borrow a cell phone because they can

hardly wait to call Chris. When kids are that enthusiastic

about someone, you know the person is truly special.”

— Joanne Sample, Mother of Luke and Andrew

The Sample brothers’ hard work continues to pay off as

Luke and Andrew have already experienced great success

early in the 2013 season. They are poised to take on the rest of

the year with a schedule already filled with tournaments across

the country.

junior golf spotlight:

A Perfect Trioby Peter verDorn

Two years ago, Chelsea Piers Teaching Professional, Chris Stoudt, took on the challenge of coaching two very talented junior golfers. Little did he know just how much the boys’ passion and ability would grow as they trained with him at the Golf Academy.



The Golf Club is an ideal location for your next event. our private event spaces can host receptions,

parties or meetings for as few as 4 to as many as 80, with full-service technological capabilities,

state-of-the-art presentation equipment, and beautiful views of the Hudson river.

With its riverside views, country club setting, and one-of-a-kind activity offerings, there is no better

place to celebrate with friends, close the big deal, or bond with your team.

The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers 212.336.6400 www.chelseapiers.com/gc

EvEnTs aT ThE Golf Club

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