new england golf monthly - may 2009

Sheehan Wins InAthens, Georgia

Vol II Issue III www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.com May 2009

RIGolfMonthly.com - MassGolfMonthly.com - CTGolfMonthly.com - NHGolfMonthly.com - VermontGolfMonthly.com - MaineGolfMonthly.com

PATRICK SHEEHANGeorgia On His Mind

Story 0

May 2009

September 28 - October 4, 2009September 9, 2009June 21 - 23, 2009June 22-28, 2009September 1 - 7, 2009

May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:37 PM Page 1

The mission of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, Inc. (the “Charity Classic”) is intended to benefit non-profits in New England that serve children and families. The complete mission statement and description of programs and organizations for which the Charity Classic’s funds have been and will be expended is available on the Charity Classic’s website at www.cvscharityclassic.com or by contacting the Community Relations Director, C/O CVS/pharmacy, Inc., One CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02895 in writing with a request for such information.

SEE GREAT GOLF.SUPPORT GREAT CHARITIES.

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newenglandgolfmonthly.com Maypage 2009 3

New England Golf Monthly

THE MEMBERS CUPTM

An exclusive inter-club tournament for members of New England private clubs.

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Publisher: Timothy R. Branco

Assistant Publisher: David Adamonis

Managing Editor: Timothy R. Branco

Production: Sally BriereRobin Sampson/Greg Sampson

Administration: Mary L. Hullett

ContributorsTom Gorman Tim Geary

David Adamonis Parker Smith

John Lyon Pam Borges

Jay Nomakeo Bob DiCesare

Richard Kelley Robert Martin

Bill Geiring Katherine Dyson

Matt Adams Jim Hammond

Burgess Houston Greg Sampson

Jeff Dantas Gary Trask

John Molori John Magginis

Wayne Mills Derek Hooper

Brad Reading Robert Skura

Hal Philips Barry Palm

PGA Tour PhotographerKen Dennis

kendennisphoto.com

Fashion WriterElle Brec

[email protected]

Sales & MarketingGreg Sampson - Manager

[email protected]

CCorporate Sales-

[email protected]

Real Estate SalesBetsy Griffin

[email protected]

New England Golf Monthly is published 8 times yearlyby The New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduc-tion of the contents, images and editorial is strictly pro-hibited without written permission from the publisher.Neither advertiser or publisher will be held liable forerrors or omissions in any content of this publication.All rights reserved.

For product marketing distribution and/or direct mail infor-mation contact us at [email protected]

New England Golf MonthlyThe New England

Publishing Group, Inc.P.O. Box 357

Swansea, Ma 02777800-736-9020

A Division of The New England Publishing Group, Inc.

CONTENT

Welcome Ken Dennis To New England Golf Monthly’s Staff.

Ken is NEGM’s Official PGA Tour photographercovering “Team New England” on all the tours from

coast to coast and providing us with great shots ofour favorite players all season long.

www.NewEnglandGolfMonthly.comMarch 2009 Volume II Issue III

From The EditorIt’s here the 2009 season and we are all ready to get out there and enjoy golf at its best with some of

the best early spring conditions in years. Mother Nature has given us an early taste of summer with tem-peratures soaring over the last few weeks into the 70’s and 80’s. Courses are almost all ahead of schedulewith their spring condition and maintenance projects. Over the last five years it has been well into lateMay or early June before we have had playing conditions this good this early.

We have had great performances already by our “Team New England on The Tours” this spring. BrettQuigley had a great month of March with 2 second place finishes and earnings of over $900,000 on thetour this year. Patrick Sheehan has just won for the second time on the Nationwide Tour in Athens Georgiaat the Athens Regional Foundation Classic. J.J. Henry and Brad Adamonis have also had great starts in2009 and continue to play well.

On the Massachusetts golf scene The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund has just celebrated it’s 60year anniversary honoring Tom Watson for his lifelong contributions to the game of golf. The fund overthe last 60 years has awarded over 19 million dollars to over 13,000 recipients. The Ouimet Fund hasmade a significant difference in the lives of so many people and continues to be a great success storysince its beginnings.

We are just weeks from the CVS Charity Classic and The Travelers Championship where we all willhave a chance to see our favorite tour players up close in our own backyard. Tickets for these events areon sale now. It is also prime time for most of the New England state golf association events to begin. Solet’s all get out there and support the game we love, play golf New England.

All The Best,Managing Editor/PublisherTimothy R. [email protected]

4 May 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com

~ In This Issue ~7 Ouimet Scholarship Fund Celebrates 60 Years

8 Golf Resorts of Northern New England

10 Patrick Sheehan - An Interview With A Champion

11 Team New England on The Tours

12 Mississippi Gulf Coast Golf Travel

14 Golfers Best Gamble in the Northeast

18 New Englands Top 50

23 Molori Unplugged: “A Tiger Toady”

24 Golfer Fashion - Stepping Out in Comfort

26 Saratoga County, N.Y. a Golfers Paradise

33 The PGA Pro File/Jimmy Noris

34 Gorman vs. Geary: The Masters or The U.S. Open

May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:37 PM

Masters Win for Cabrera One for the AgesIn a day that will be remembered as one for the ages, the final round

of the 2009 Masters Tournament produced a most unlikely champion.From the early goings on Sunday afternoon at Augusta National, eyes

were mostly concentrated on a numberof top golfers. Few, though, focused onthe eventual winner, Angel Cabrerafrom Argentina.

The victory also gave Cabrera amajor boost in the FedExCup pointsstandings, moving him from 132nd to13th, and putting him in solid position to bepart of the Deutsche Bank Championshipfield come Labor Day weekend.

New and Improved Tiger Expected Back at the 2009 Deutsche Bank ChampionshipHis surgically-repaired knee has allowed him an extra dose of health.

The birth of his first son, Charlie, in Febru-ary has given him an extra serving of hap-piness at home. Sound in mind and body,and having collected his 66th PGA TOURwin in his third tournament of 2009 – overnine months since his 2008 season-endingU.S. Open victory – Tiger Woods will striveto hoist another Deutsche Bank Champi-onship trophy come Labor Day.Tickets on sale June 19 for two weeks only

Tickets to the 2009 Deutsche BankChampionship will go on sale June 19 for

two weeks only. Fans can get their tickets by visitingwww.dbchampionship.com or calling the Championship office at 508-285-8333 or toll free at 866-455-7434. Grounds Tickets for a Practice Round ora Pro-Am Round (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) are $25. CompetitionRounds (Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday) are $55.

newenglandgolfmonthly.com May 2009 5


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MGA Links at Mamantapett - Home of The FirstTee of Massachusetts - Receives 2009 Best of

Norton Award for 2nd Straight Year

Norton, MA — For the second straight year, MGA Links at Mamantapett - the MGA-operated, 18-hole golf course located in Norton - was recognized nationally for its outstandingservice to the community by being named the recipient of the 2009 Best of Norton Award.

This annual honor was awarded by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). Na-tionwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners.

"I'm sure that your selection as a 2009 Award Winner is a reflection of the hard work [ofthe staff], but of many people that have supported your business and contributed to the sub-sequent success of your organization," said Ashley Carter, the selection committee chair ofthe USLBA. "Congratulations on your selection to such an elite group of small businesses."

Since its opening six years ago, "The Links" - as it is affectionately known by its members- has enhanced its offerings to its members and the public golfing community. It offers themost comprehensive and affordable junior membership in New England, a wide range oftournament and league opportunities and a family membership program that allows golfersof all ages and skill levels to enjoy the game of golf.

It’s OPEN Season!New England Local Qualifying Sites for the:2009 US Open Championship June 18-21, Bethpage State Park - Black Course (Farmingdale, NY)

Massachusetts May 12 - TPC of Boston May 18 - Crumpin-Fox Club

Rhode IslandMay 21 - Misquamicut Club

ConnecticuttMay 14 – Brooklawn Country Club

Players from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine have to travela bit as there are no local qualifying sites available.

If you want to see some great golf courses and players go out andwatch. Information on starting times is available by visiting:www.rigalinks.org www.mgalinks.org www.csgalinks.org

US Open Official Website www.usopen.com

Proctor-Pittsford CountryClub

State Day-ResultsSunday, April 26, 2009

A Division - GrossJoe Bouffard Kwiniaska 72Peter Metzler Green Mountain 72Brian Perrier Rocky Ridge 74Joe Olio Champlain 75

A Division - NetMike Olio Champlain 65Dave Howe Essex 70Ray Quesnel Proctor-Pittsford 71Bruce Baccei Proctor-Pittsford 71

B Division - GrossBruce Osbourne Killington 80Rob Gilligan Proctor-Pittsford 83Peter Jenne Proctor-Pittsford 84Bob Czachor Proctor-Pittsford 85Tim Sharrow Proctor-Pittsford 86

B Division - NetRichard Meunier Kwiniaska 67Micky Young Proctor-Pittsford 71Jonathon King West Bolton 71David Anderson Lakeside 72Larry Duffy Lakeside 73

C Division - GrossOllie Danforth Proctor-Pittsford 80Eric Bradley Proctor-Pittsford 89Bats Carrol Proctor-Pittsford 91Ron Corey, Jr. Cedar Knoll 91

C Division - NetTom Rousseau Proctor-Pittsford 62Gordon Howard Proctor-Pittsford 67Paul Cassese Proctor-Pittsford 67John Valente Proctor-Pittsford 71



Fall River Country Club4232 North Main St., Fall River, MA

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2009 Spring Savings

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NEGM Coverage @ theUS Open

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May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:37 PM

Tom Watson still class act after 37 years!Honored at 60th Anniversary of Ouimet Scholarship Fund

by Tom Gorman

BOSTON- Golf has brought Tom Watson more fame and fortune than he ever dreamed possible, since being in-troduced to the game from his father, Raymond, an insurance salesman from Kansas City, at age 6.

In a colorful and charismatic 37-year career as a golf professional, Watson, with 63 worldwide victories, ranksamong the very best. For eight long years, playing in the powerful shadows of Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, RaymondFloyd, Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo, none could beat Watson who walked off with five British Open Champi-onships from 1975–1983. He also captured two Masters green jackets in ‘77 and ‘81 and an incomparable U.S Opentitle in ‘82.

There are certain shots that are the mark of a champion, and some of the game’s greatest highlight clips willforever include Watson on the 71st hole at Pebble Beach in the ‘82 U.S Open. Tied with Jack Nicklaus, already inthe clubhouse, Watson left himself on the treacherous par-3, 17th, nestled in deep rough, with the cup cut close, ona lighting fast downhill slope. Using a sand wedge in the pressure situation, he landed the ball on the edge of thegreen where it picked up pace and dropped into the hole for birdie. It was a shot as remarkable and as memorable asany played in the 1980s.

The likeable “Kansas Kid” with an approachable demeanor, developed into one of the fiercest competitors thegame has seen. Always a good ball-striker and an even better putter and scrambler – the “Watson par” became leg-endary since his game seemed to be tailor-made for the shot-making required on the links courses of the BritishOpen rotation. Some have called him the best-ever in tournaments played in foul weather. On April 27, the man and the legend, visited Boston to receive the 14th Francis Ouimet Award for lifetime con-

tributions to golf. He reflected on his career and his special connection with long-time caddie, Bruce Edwards, whodied at age 49 of ALS.

“The thing I’ll remember most about Bruce Edwards is the courage with which he died,” Watson said before1,200 attendees who paid $250 each to help replenish the scholarship fund, which offers $1.5 million in college fi-nancial assistance to 260 scholars annually. “He knew he was going to die, but had courage to face it. ‘Carry on,’were his two favorite words. And, he was fun to be around and had nicknames for all the players.”

On the topic of Tiger Woods: “He is the best ever and has dominated the game like no one before him, not evenJack. Not too long ago at Augusta, I even got Jack to admit to that, and he hesitantly agreed. No one has done whatTiger has done, and I believe he will eventually break Jack’s records.”

What about today’s $5 - $6 million dollar purses and $1 million winner’s checks compared to the ‘70s and ‘80s?“I have always said that ‘money corrupts winning.’ When I played, it was always about winning. I would play sixevents and take two weeks off to rest. Today’s Tour is mostly about making money, and there seems to be contentmentwith players making the top-10 and picking up a nice paycheck each week. I have always believed that the focus onmoney distracts from the real goal of winning a golf tournament.”

Should caddies be microphoned on course? “Absolutely not. The relationship between a caddie and player is aconfidential matter. The conversation between a player and caddie in a tournament should never be broadcast inpublic, under any circumstances.”

How about a tip: “The most important part of being a better player is to first establish a good, solid grip. It is thefoundation of a good golf swing. Then, get a good teacher who will instruct and guide you and act as a mentor. I wasfortunate to have my father, a scratch handicap, and Kansas City Country Club pro Stan Thirst, as my two golfguardians. Byron Nelson helped me in my break-out year in 1997.” Tom Watson joins a select group of golf heavyweights who have been honorees of the Ouimet Award for Lifetime Contributionsto Golf: Arnold Palmer (’97), Gary Player (‘08), Jack Nicklaus (’07), Gene Sarazen (’98) and Greg Norman (’05).



Rehoboth Country Club

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Golf resorts are all over the globe these days. Entire regions have become golf meccas likeMyrtle Beach, Hilton Head & Pinehurst, but the idea of resort golf started in Northern New Englandin the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when golf was in it’s embryonic stage in the US.

Back before the advent of air conditioning, city dwellers of the leisure class would pack upand travel by train, and later auto, to the cool and clear climes of Vermont, New Hampshire andMaine to summer at grand resort hotels. Many of these resorts were there long before golf came tothis country but quickly added the game to their recreational offerings when it became obvious theywere made for each other.

The earliest of these resorts was The Balsams Grande Hotel in the far northern White Moun-tains of New Hampshire hamlet of Dixville Notch. A local innkkeper opened the original 25 roomDix House right after the Civil War. In 1895 a wealthy industrialist from Philadelphia named HenryHale bought the place and renamed it The Balsams. Golfing has been a favorite guest activity atThe Balsams Grand Resort since 1897. There are two courses on site; the Executive 9-HoleCoashaukee course, and the famous 18-Hole Panorama, designed by legendary golf architect DonaldRoss. Set in the side of Mount Keazer, the Panorama offers breathtaking mountain views, and achallenging course . Since 1952 The Balsams and Dixville Notch are well known for being the firstin the nation to cast their presidential election ballots at the hotel right at the stroke of midnight onelection day.

A bit further south in the White Mountains in Bretton Woods is the Mount Washington Hotel.A relative newcomer, The Mount Washington opened in 1902 after 250 Italian craftsmen, importedfor the job, spent two years building it.

Golf came to the Mount Washington in 1895 when they opened the 9 hole Mount PleasantCourse designed by Scotsman Alex Findlay. In 1915 the owners brought in the pre-eminent architectof the day, Donald Ross to design the 18 hole, par 71 Mount Washington Course. Starting in 2007,New Hampshire based architect Brian Silva started a restoration that reopened in August 2008 torave reviews garnering the #1 course in New Hampshire in Golfweek’s latest rankings.

Vermont boasts a couple grand resorts themselves; the Basin Harbor Club on the shores ofLake Champlain and the Woodstock Inn and Country Club.

The 700 acre Basin Harbor Club and Resort is operated by the fourth generation of the BeachFamily and has offered respite from a hectic world for 123 years. The golf course dates back to1927 when the front 9 opened and the 1950’s saw the opening of the back 9. Geoffrey Cornish hastweaked along the way to create a pleasure of a course.

Woodstock Inn and Country Club was originally founded in 1892 but the Inn was rebuilt inthe 1960’s by Laurence Rockefeller.

In 1895, The Woodstock Inn & Resort's Golf Club opened its first golf links on a hillside cowpasture; today, it boasts some of the finest golfing in the country. The Golf Club features a 6,000-yard, 18-hole, par-70 golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is nestled in the beautifulKedron River Valley. With water in play on more than a dozen holes the course is a challenge foreven the most seasoned golfers. Already a superb site, the course fairways and sand bunkers haverecently been redesigned and renovated to further enhance the overall golfing experience.

The great State of Maine holds its own when it comes to grand old resorts. Poland SpringResort was originally a rejuvenative water spa but was an early adopter of the healthful benefits ofgolf. In fact, they claim to have the oldest golf course in America with the original six holes laid outin 1896 by Arthur Penn. Later, in the 1920’s Donald Ross came along to create the 18 hole coursethat is played today.

Over on the Atlantic Ocean in Camden is the glorious Samoset Resort. Samoset's 18-holechampionship golf course will delight both the serious and recreational player. The course meandersalong the coast and through the woods, boasting seven oceanside holes and ocean vistas from 14holes. The golf complex includes a clubhouse with an indoor/outdoor grille, golf range, practicegreen, short game facility with bunkers and private or group instruction.

Designed by Robert Elder in 1902, Samoset Resort celebrated its centennial year in 2002.The course features some of the most spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, with a granite seawallseparating the golfer from the Atlantic Ocean. Samoset Resort was also a qualifying event on theformer Nike Tour. Recent upgrades by Maine architect Bradley Booth have strengthened the resort'sreputation of having a premier championship layout.


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ANTHONY KIM AND TODDHAMILTON COMMIT TO

CVS CAREMARK CHARITYCLASSIC MILLION TO

LOCAL CHARITIES WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND (April 30, 2009) – PGATOUR young gun Anthony Kim and 2004 British Open ChampionTodd Hamilton are the latest PGA stars to join the notable CVS Care-mark Charity Classic roster. Making their debut appearances, the twowill partner to compete at the venerable tournament June 21-23 at theRhode Island Country Club in Barrington, R.I. “We’re thrilled to have Anthony and Todd playing in this year’s

CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Both players bring lots of energy tothe tournament and will be a huge draw for fans,” said Eileen HowardDunn, Tournament Chairwoman of the CVS Caremark Charity Clas-sic. “Having these golf greats fuels the excitement for the event andin turn helps raise money to support our many deserving charity part-ners.” Tickets for the star-studded CVS Caremark Charity Classic arenow on sale. A three-day pass is $60. Sunday-only tickets are $20each and tickets for either Monday or Tuesday are $25 each. Children12 and under are free with a ticketed adult. The Tournament offerstwo easy ways to purchase tickets including by phone at 866-CVS-9441 or by visiting cvscharityclassic.com for a mail-in application.



Designed by Geoffrey Cornish Est. 1956

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15 Individual Guest PassesWith Cart

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SERGIO GARCIA, VIJAY SINGH,ANTHONY KIM AND STUART APPLEBY TO

COMPETE IN THE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

HARTFORD, Conn., – Travelers Championship officials an-nounced four powerful additions to the upcoming tournament’s playerfield today. Sergio Garcia, the world’s No. 3 ranked player, VijaySingh, reigning FedExCup champion, Anthony Kim, one of the PGATOUR’s youngest superstars, and Stuart Appleby, an eight-time win-ner on the PGA TOUR, have officially committed to playing in Con-necticut’s PGA TOUR event. The Travelers Championship will be heldJune 22 – 28, 2009 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., andwith today’s announcement, the tournament is shaping up to deliverone of the most exciting player fields that Connecticut has experi-enced.

The Travelers Championship is the PGA TOUR's only early sum-mer stop in the Northeast. Garcia, Singh, Kim and Appleby join astrong and growing field of competitors at the Travelers Championshipincluding Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell, 2007 Champion HunterMahan and defending champion Stewart Cink. A complete scheduleof Travelers Championship events and ticket information is availableon TravelersChampionship.com.

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May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM


PGA Tour Interview

New England Golf Monthly’sTour Player of the Month

Congratulations to Patrick Sheehan

Patrick Sheehan: Georgia On His Mind

Pat lining up the winning putt

It’s going in!

It went in!

Getting the crowd involved

Patrick Sheehan scored his first win in seven years at the Nationwide Tours Athens Regional Foundation Classicin Georgia. It has been a long time coming for the Rhode Island native and the win secures him full status onthe Nationwide Tour for the rest of the year as well as the 2010 season.

First off, congratulations on your win. How did it feel to come from behind and make clutch putt to winin a playoff?Thanks Greg. It was an exciting finish. When I won my first tournament in “02”, I had a two shot lead comingdown the stretch, but this is the first time I have made up two shots to get in a playoff at this level of competition.The birdie putt to win was one of the most exciting shots I have played in my life and I will always remember it.

Obviously, you are playing with a great deal of confidence and are playing very well. Have you been work-ing with anyone on your game?To be honest I haven’t worked with an instructor in a long time. The main reason is that I am not really a lessonguy. I work mainly on ball flight. I used to work with Mike Harbour a bit. He has been helpful over the years.I just think I am getting too old for swing changes. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks you know.

Who was on the bag for your win? Has he been with you long?Billy Carlucci was on the bag. He started with me this year and it has been a great fit. He learned my gameright away. I had been with Val Lopez for the last seven years, but when I lost my card for “09” I told him thatif he needed a full time gig to go for it. I have been fortunate to have a caddie who really knows the profession.A great caddy is priceless.

With our May issue being New England Golf Monthly’s “Top 50 in New England Golf,” it is only fittingthat I ask you: What are some of your favorite places to play in New England?My favorite course is Newport Country Club. I will always enjoy Potowomut CC, Woodland Greens, and QuonsettPoint because I grew up playing them. I miss playing in New England. I live in Florida now and nothing is likeplaying golf in New England. In my opinion the tour should play up there more often. There is nothing like playinggolf in between the tree line on fast rolling greens. That is why New England produces such great players.

What’s in your bag this year?I have been playing Ping irons for 20 years. My woods are all Taylor Made (R9 driver, Burner fairway, RescueHybrid) and I am playing a Callaway ball.

What do you do with your time away from golf?I have a beautiful wife and two daughters (10 & 7) who I cannot wait to spend time with when I am home. I alsoenjoy reading very much, especially when I am on the road. I have been reading Dean Kootz as of late. He hasbecome one of my favorite authors.

Will you be playing any of the New England tour stops this summer?If I get in the Travelers and the Turning Stone Championships I am there. The goal is to get inside the Top 125for the Fed Ex and hopefully play the Deutsche Bank.

One last question. You have been touring for a long time now. Do you have anyone you would like to thankfor helping you along the way?I have had so much help from so many people. Rodney Butcher and I started touring together and we were kindof a package deal. The members from Potowomut CC, Woodland Greens, and Quidnesett have been very sup-portive along with a friend of mine, Scott Hatch from New Hampshire. I apologize if I left someone out.

Thank you for your time Pat and have a great rest of the season. I am sure the golfers in New England arevery proud of you.

Thanks, Greg. Have a great golf season everyone.

May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM


TEAM NEW ENGLAND ON THE TOURS

Billy Andrade

Billy Andrade Bristol, R.I.Joined Tour 1988PGA Tour Victories 4Billy has already played in 10 events this season on the tour.He has made only one cut and that was at the Mayakoba in March.While he continues to get into most of the Tour events he has a verydifficult time putting back to back good scoring rounds together.Lets all hope he can find the 2006 form we were all use to seeing.

Brad Faxon

Brad Faxon Barrington, R.I.Joined Tour 1984PGA Tour Victories 8Ending March Brad made his first cut of the season at the ArnoldPalmer invitational in Orlando. It has been a slow road back for Brad buthe continues to work on all the pieces of his game. His short game andputting is still one of the best out there but his driving and greens in reg-ulation are not getting him in a position to score often enough. He is agreat player and will rebound.

Dana Quigley

Dana Quigley Lynfield, MAJoined Tour 1980PGA Tour Victories 3Dana thus far in 2009 has played in 6 events; he des not show any signsof slowing down one bit. He still is the Iron man of the game and it willbe some time before anyone even comes close to the amount of tourna-ments he has played in. He has made $56,827 on the year and it’s stillearly for the Ever Ready Bunny.

Liz Janangelo

Elizabeth Janangelo Hartford, CT.Joined LPGA Tour 2008In 2008, her rookie year on the LPGA tour, Liz hasplayed in 18 tournaments and made the cut in 8 of them earning$34,025 which left her at 147 on the money list at seasons end. Shehas only conditional status on the Tour in 2009 and has yet to playin any event.

Brett Quigley

Brett Quigley Ft. Devens, MAJoined Tour 1991PGA Tour Victories 1Talk About March Madness Brett has lit it up like Villanova. He hasplayed in 11 events so far this season and made the cut in 7 events.In The Month of March he went 4 for 4 starting with the Mayakoba and end-ing with The Travelers and had back-to-back 2nd place finishes ,a greatmonth. He has made 2 of 3 cuts since and already is in great shape in 2009with $927,358 dollars in earnings and he is at 32 on the money list.

James Driscoll

James Driscoll Brookline, MAJoined Tour 2002PGA Tour Victories 1In 2008 Jim wrapped the year up with a great finishing sprint earninghim over $700,000 in winnings. So far in 2009 it has been a slow start andJim has only made 2 cuts in 6 events played thus far. Current earning in 2009are at $23,364, he will need to play well in the next month to work the re-shuffle to his advantage for the rest of 2009.

J.J. Henry

J.J. Henry: Fairfield, CT.Joined Tour 2001PGA Tour Victories 1In 10 events played in 2009 J.J. has been sharp, making 8 cuts andfinished second Mexico at Mayakoba. . He is currently at 51st placeon the tour money list and has $640,810 in winnings already this year,a great start for NEGM’s Player of the month in March. In three of hislast four events he finished in the top 50, he is playing well.

Ken Green

Ken Green Danbury, CTJoined Tour 2008PGA Tour Victories 5Ken Green has had a great career on the PGA Tour playing in 508 eventsand making 274 cuts and 93 top 25 finishes. He is also a 5 time winneron the PGA Tour. This is Kens second year on the Champions Tour andhe has played in 7 events earning $97,460. and sits at 50th on the moneylist. Look for big things from this veteran player.

Anna Grzebien

Anna Grzebien Point Judith, R.I.Joined LPGA Tour 2008In her rookie season Anna had only conditional status andplayed in a handful of events earning just over$39,000 In 2009 thus farshe has Played in 5 events in which she has made 3 cuts. Her Earningso far this year are at $17,829 and she sits at number 86 on the officialLPGA Tour Money List.

Patrick Sheehan

Patrick Sheehan Providence, R.I.Joined Tour 2002PGA Tour Victories 2Patrick has played in just 5 events so far in 2009 on thePGA Tour. He had a great finish in Puerto Rico in the second weekof March with a 13th place finish and earned over $58,000 for thestrong effort. Last week in Athens Georgia Patrick won on The Na-tionwide Tour in a playoff for his second win on the tour. He sits at191 on the money list with $68,676 in winnings.

Brad Adamonis

Brad Adamonis Cumberland, R.I.Joined Tour 2008PGA Tour Victories 1Brad has had a pretty good start for 2009 in his second year on the tour.He has played in 11 events and made the cut in 7. In the 7 events hehas made the cut he has earned $227,351 and sits at 126 on the moneylist. While Brad is ranked very high in putting, sand saves and scam-bling, his driving and greens in regulation have been off. If he can putthat part of his game in order he will have a great year.

Alan Doyle

Allen Doyle, Woonsocket, RIJoined Tour 1995PGA Tour Victories 11Allens lifetime career earnings is over $13,000,000 on all thetours. He came to the Champions Tour in 2005 and has wonevents in 2005 and 2006. He has played in 7 events in 2009 on the tourand sits at 60th on the money list with $57,852. He is a veteran and willad to his lifetime earnings and have a great year.

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May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM

GOLF TRAVEL


Mississippi Gulf Coast Review By Gary Trask

Make no mistake about it. Three years after one of the most horrific natural disasters in U.S. history, the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and itsimpressive roster of golf courses are back in championship form.

The headlines coming out of the golf community in this area are no longer about the clean up from Hurricane Katrina, but instead focus onthe many accolades the more than 20 courses have garnered from national publications. Toss in the fact that 11 casinos surround these impressivelayouts and it’s easy to see why the Gulf Coast of Mississippi is now considered one of the top golf-and-gaming destinations in the U.S.

Below is a look at four courses in the Gulf Coast area that have separated themselves from the pack because of the honors that have beenbestowed upon them in recent months. And since these four layouts are well within driving distance of each other and the oceanfront casinos,they can all be played in the same short trip.Fallen Oak -- www.FallenOak.com

This Tom Fazio-design is open exclusively to guests of the impressive Beau Rivage Casino & Resort inBiloxi. The day begins with a limousine ride to the course from the Beau Rivage and the star treatmentdoesn’t end until you’re back at the hotel. Full locker room service – complete with a complimentaryshoeshine and re-spike – and a state-of-the-art practice facility greet you upon your arrival. As for the roundof golf itself, Fallen Oak weaves in and out of the oak magnolias and other hardwood trees of the DeSotoNational Forest, as well the many ponds, streams and wetlands. The course opened in 2006 and was justlast month named as the No. 1 “Course You Can Play” in Mississippi by GolfWeek magazine and also

earned the No. 19 spot on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Greatest Public Golf Courses.” After your round, cap off the day inside the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, which had its 19th Hole rated by Golf Digest as one of the best in the U.S. thanks to a sunken 70-seat bar that providespanoramic views of the 18th hole. This is truly a one-of-a-kind golf experience.Shell Landing Golf Club – www.ShellLanding.com

Davis Love III designed a masterpiece here in Gautier, a city that sits less than a mile from the Gulf Coast. Inaddition to a unique layout that rolls through a combination of tall pines, marshes and bayous, the course providesfive sets of tees making it playable for every level of player. The course stretches 7,024 yards from the tips and itssmall and slippery greens make it a true test. Golf Digest magazine named Shell Landing on its list of “America'sGreatest Courses by State” for the last two years and it also made the Top 5 list of public courses in Mississippi byGolfWeek.Grand Bear –www.GolfGrandBear.com

The list of world-class designers continues here deep inside the DeSoto Forest along the red-clay banks of the Big Biloxi and Little Biloxi Rivers where Jack Nicklaus built a course that he says “has the feel and ex-citement of Pinehurst with a touch of Augusta National.” After playing this breathtaking layout, it’s difficult to argue withthe Golden Bear’s assessment. This is yet another local course to gain national recognition after it was ranked No. 33 onGolfWeek's 2008 list of the “Top 100 Resort Courses.” The secluded course is an amenity of Harrah’s Grand Biloxi Casinoand like Shell Landing is playable for the entire family thanks to five sets of tee boxes – ranging from the Teddy Bear tothe Grizzly Bear. Conditions are immaculate and the log cabin clubhouse is the perfect spot for a post-round meal and bev-erage of your choice.

The Preserve Golf Club – www.PreserveGC.comNature, beauty and “pure golf” collide here in the city of Vancleave where champion Jerry Pate transformed

245 acres of land into a spectacular layout that is surrounded by 1,800 acres of dedicated nature preserve. The clubopened in 2006 and was quickly selected by Golf Digest as one of America’s Best New Courses of 2007 in the“Best New Public $75 and Over” category. And in October of 2008 the club was listed No. 6 on GolfWeek’s listof the “50 Best New Golf Courses.” This a true risk-reward course with reachable short par-4s thanks to the windcoming off the coast while the No. 1 handicap hole on the course is the 235-yard, par-3 16th hole that features agigantic tiered green. Meanwhile, the testy 18th hole is a dog-leg left 462-yard, par 4 that mirrors the finishing holeat the Highlands Course at the Atlanta Athletic Club, where Pate won the 1976 U.S. Open.

For information on all of the golf courses in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and a look at the different packages available, visit www.Gulf-Coast.com

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Freddie and Me, a Book Review by Johnny Lyon Augusta, Georgia is known for hosting what many call the greatestgolf tournament in the world, The Masters. But very few know of thelegendary Freddie Bennett, the Augusta National Golf Club CaddyMaster whose lessons of life written through the eyes of his friendTripp Bowden is sure to capture you heart. Tripp tells the story of his early friendship be-tween the white son of an Augusta physician andthe legendary African-American caddy masterFreddie Bennett who will endear you with theirspecial relationship. Freddie and Me is Bowden’stribute to his beloved mentor that spans the bound-aries of race, class and generation. For over 30 years, Freddie was the Augusta Na-tional Caddy Master and you’ll read how he took Tripp under his wingat the age of 10, not only to teach him lessons in life, but how to be-come a successful father, husband and golfer along the way. Tripp becomes the first white caddy at Augusta National Golf Club

and works for Freddie in a simpler time when porkchop sandwiches and grape sodas were the menuof the day. You’ll also read about the secrets behindthe greens, Amen Corner, Hogan’s temper, who isburied on the course, fishing on the grounds andhow to play every hole through the “Freddie-isms”that are also lessons in life.

Freddie and Me is a heartwarming tale of twounlikely friends and their uncommon bond forged through the sportof golf I know you will enjoy reading and one you can’t put down untilyou flip the last page.

Freddie Bennett

Running a Golf Tournament?Contact the Golf Event Specialists

Tournament Headquarters781-444-9114 888.GOLF.640www.tournamentheadquarters.com

May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM

Are you planning that long weekend getaway? Looking for someplace within driving distance that will tantalize your senses day and night withchampionship golf, pampering spa treatments, exquisite dining, world-class gaming and Vegas-style entertainment? Look no further. The New Englandarea offers the best gaming and golf facilities on the east coast.

Need sun? Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, Connecticut, has evolved into east coast’s premier gaming and golf destination. Mohegan SunCountry Club at Pautipaug is considered the best kept secret. Originally the Pautipaug Country Club, designed by Geoffrey Cornish, was purchased

by Mohegan Sun in 2007. The private 18-hole championship course, complete with it’s retro-style 60’s club-house, pro-shop, driving range and swimming pool is about 15 minutes from their gaming establishment, nestledin the scenic hills of Baltic, Connecticut. Open to its members and Mohegan Sun guests, it’s “off the beatenpath” location is easy to miss, as it has no grand entrance. It’s serene location among pastures and farmland,lavish and gently rolling fairways and impeccable greens make it a player-friendly course. Fewer hazards andelevation changes make it less intimidating than Foxwoods’ Lake of Isles North Course, but it is a longer andmore challenging course for ladies with a yardage of 5476 and rating/slope of 73.1/130. I found the prettiest andmost challenging holes to be #13, a 502 yard, par-5, that defines risk/reward with a long downhill fairway andsmall putting surface tucked behind a pond. Signature Hole #18, a 538 yard, par-5 features an hour-glass de-sign…starts out wide, narrows with water hazards on both sides before opening up to a well-guarded green withbunkers on three sides. Future course renovation plans have been put on hold for now; they include adding water

on both sides of fairway #12 and rebuilding the clubhouse. Mohegan Sun, one of the largest gaming complexes in the world, offers three themed gaming casinos, each with distinctive venues. Their newest

gaming space features a 42-table poker room and full-service Race Book, a one-of-a-kind facility offering state-of-the-art viewing of horse and grey-hound racing events. Nightlife at the facility features “Mohegan After Dark,” an immense complex featuring three individually-themed lounges andnightclubs…Lucky’s Lounge, The Dubliner and Ultra 88 Night Club. Just steps from the action, Mohegan Sun offers more than 60 dining and retailoutlets. When you’re ready for a more serene environment, retreat to their Elemis Spa.

Foxwoods Resort Casino, located in North Stonington Connecticut has grown into an entertainment Mecca beyond their original expectations.Lake of Isles, their 36-hole Rees Jones-designed golf club with state-of-the-art Golf Academy, elegant clubhousewith an award-winning Pro-Shop is conveniently located across the street from the resort casino. The privateSouth Course is only opened to members and accompanied guests. The North Course continues to rake in dis-tinguished awards: voted in 2008 the “#1 Public Course in Connecticut” by Golfweek; and Golf Magazine rankedit 85th among the Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the USA. It offers daily-fee golfers and Foxwoods guests18 holes of rolling fairways meandering through woodlands and environmentally protected areas. Due to theextreme elevation changes, many elevated greens and the wind factor make distance deceiving and club selectiontricky. The course is a tease, starts out wide with few lateral obstructions, but quickly becomes more challengingby its narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, forced carries, water hazards, and sloped, hard-to-readgreens. Ladies, thank god for the female distance advantage and thoughtful consideration by Rees Jones ingiving us less forced carries to get over!

Besides world-class golf, Foxwoods, the largest resort casino in North America, now features seven distinctive casinos, four hotels, over 30 diningoptions, two luxurious spas, several upscale boutiques and entertainment venues attracting some of the most coveted entertainment in the New Englandarea. Their multi-million dollar expansion project showcases the MGM Grand, which houses four new restaurants, casino, high-end retail concourseand 21,000-square-foot G Spa by Gretta Monahan. The centerpiece of MGM Grand, its 4,000-seat, state-of-the-art Theater, accommodates the biggestnames in the entertainment industry. The hub of nightlight at MGM Grand is the “Shrine,” a nightclub that offers Las Vegas-style nightlife experiencewithin an Asian-designed flair.

Last, but not least, Turning Stone Resort and Casino, nestled in upstate New York’s Mohawk Valley, is ranked the #2 golf resort in the U.S. byreaders of Golf World Readers’ Choice Awards. Although they rate a bit short on gaming and entertainment op-tions compared to their competitors, Turning Stone exceeds them in the golf arena. Their three award-winning18-hole championship courses -- Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah Golf Clubs-- created by Tom Fazio,Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Rick Smith offer a mixture of parkland, wooded and open links-style settings.Kaluhyat Golf Club, the most challenging, has one of the highest slope ratings in New York featuring dramaticelevation changes, narrow, tree-lined fairways and many forced carries over environmentally protected nativegrasses. Combined with their two nine-hole courses –Sandstone Hollow and Pleasant Knolls, Turning Stonehas evolved into a premier golf destination in the Northeast.

Besides the many golf choices, Turning Stone offers a variety of award-winning accommodations, 21 diningoptions, two spas, tennis, golf training facility, world-class casino, dazzling nightclub, and celebrity entertainment. So if you’re planning a “buddy” or “honey” trip, there’s no need to fly to Vegas when the best gaming and golf

facilities are right on your doorstep!Pam Borges is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and International Network of Golf. She is a regular contributor for

New England Golf Monthly (formally Bay State Golf) and a freelance writer for the Golf Reporter and Golf Insider.


GOLF & GAMING

GOLFERS’ BEST GAMBLE IN THE NORTHEASTBy Pam Borges

May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM


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GOLF INSTRUCTION

Improve Your Golf GameWith Technology

It can be challenging to improve your game withoutknowing exactly what it is that needs changing andthen how to most efficiently execute that change. Work-ing with a PGA Professional who utilizes the latest inswing analysis technology is a great place to start.

Many teaching facilities have video based swing analysis systemsthese days. Their popularity with instructors and students alike havemade them almost as important in a golf lesson as golf balls and clubs.Typically, the teaching professional will video you hitting some shotsand play the video back through a computer system that allows frameby frame playback, lines to be drawn on the screen, the measurementof some angles and a comparison with PGA Tour Players that arestored on the system. The process provides you with an amazing un-derstanding of what is happening during your golf swing. This makesit very easy for you and the teaching professional to agree on a clearplan for improvement. If you have never seen your swing on video be-fore, it is something all golfers who are serious about improving shouldconsider doing on a regular basis. The next level in swing analysis that is being utilized by many ofthe leading club manufacturers and some leading Golf Academies is3D swing analysis. During this process you will usually wear a vestor something similar that has sensors on it. The sensors send informa-tion back to a computer that allows the instructor to analyze your swingat a depth not possible with video based systems. During a 3D swinganalysis, you will be able to check many things including body rota-tional speed, changes in body angles and most importantly the timingsequence of your golf swing. 3D systems also contain the added fea-ture of having a biofeedback mode where the system will give auditoryqueues based on how well you have made a particular move duringyour golf swing. This is the quickest feedback possible and results infaster learning and thus swing improvement. These are just two examples of the technology that is now avail-able to the golfer to help them improve their golf game. They are fan-tastic tools for giving greater insight to what is happening during yourgolf swing and thus what areas may need some attention if you are toreach your goals. If you are interested in having your swing analyzedusing either the video or 3D analysis systems, please contact me atLake of Isles and I would be happy to take you through either process. Derek Hooper is the Director of Instruction at Lake of IslesGolf Academy. Derek has a college degree in teaching and over 14years experience conducting lesson programs in Australia, Japanand Taiwan. Before moving to the United Sates Derek was the Di-rector of Instruction at the David Duval Golf Academy in Miyazaki,Japan. Derek can be contacted at 1.888.475.3746 [email protected].

Derek HooperPGA Professional

Lake of Isles

You hit your first drive of a beautiful Spring morn-ing right in the middle of the fairway. The walk off thetee is a feeling of relief, as you approach your ball,what do you get? MUD! Why? Because it's Springtime in New England. Even the best ball striker knowsthat Heaven only knows how the ball will curve andwhere it will end up. Even with the best of skills; controlling the ballflight with mud on the ball is next to impossible. Nice tee shot you sayto yourself, now what? There has been alot said about what will happen in attempt to tryand predict with some certainty how the ball will fly based on the lo-cation of the mud. I remember a top player on tour concluded thatwhen the mud is on the right side of the ball, it will fly/curve to theleft. Or, is it will curve to the right. I can’t seem to remember, and every time it happened to me I wasalways wrong, getting it mixed up, as I am sure you do and I wouldvow to remeber it the opposite way next time. The dilemma of mudon the ball, is the same as trying to remember which way a ball aboveor below your feet will fly. Over forty years of playing experience has led me to one, absoluteconclusion. There is only one safe shot that gives you any chance ofcontrolling a mud ball. You must hit a shot that keeps it as low as pos-sible! Hitting a normal shot up into the air with higher lofted clubs, saythe 8 iron thru wedges, puts a lot of spin on the ball. With mud on theball, when it reaches its apex or the highest point in flight, whicheverway the mud is causing the ball to rotate is the direction it will curve.It could be right or left or even just drop out of the sky. Hitting theball low keeps the spin rate down. Less spin means more control indirection and distance. There a two ways to hit the ball lower with less spin.1. Use less loft; as much as two to three clubs more than the distanceusually requires. Lower loft means less height and spin.2. Hit a knockdown shot, again with a less lofted club, ball back in thestance and very little if any release of the club thru the hit. This shouldhelp keep the ball even lower with that club. So, mud on the ball needs a shot that flies lower because lowerheight means less spin and more control. It is the only way to haveany chance of controlling your ball flight for direction and distance. Bill Bondaruck is the PGA Professional at Cyprian Keys GolfClub in Shrewsbury, MA. Bill is also NGCPGA Teacher of the Year,has worked with many PGA & LPGA tour players, sports celebritiesand is author of the book “The Spring-Load Swing.”

Here's Mud On Your Ball

Bill Bondaruck

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May 1-17:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:38 PM

May 18-19 ab.indd 2 5/7/09 9:30:54 AM

May 18-19 ab.indd 3 5/7/09 9:30:54 AM


NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR GOLF

Congratulations to all those that Qualified atNorth Kingstown Muni and Highfields G & CC

North Kingstown GC, April 25th:

Peter Cahill- 75; Athan Goulos- 75; Michael Delude- 78; Eric Hooker-78; Alex de Gunzburgh- 78; Blake LeBrew- 79; Anthony Gesualdi-79; Matthew Michaud- 79; Eric Marchetti- 80; Charlton Hoy- 80;Nicholas Leary- 80; J.P. Saidnawey- 81; Conor McCormack- 81; Al-lison Eleey- 81

Highfields G & CC, April 26th:Matt Ross- 77; Matthew Michaud- 77; Adam Rosenzweig- 78;Nicholas Kowal- 79; Chris Rollins- 79; Dan Murphy- 80; NelsonPang- 80; Tristan Osgood- 80; Nicholas Rodriguez- 80; David Gilbert-81; Daniel Hinckley- 81; Tyler Tsay- 81; Jeffrey Arnold- 81; BrandonBunnewith- 82; David Thompson- 82

To join the tour visit: www.NEPGA.com. The registration fee is only$125 and all members receive great gifts from Callaway Golf.

Congratulations to Swansea Country Club’sHead Professional, Shane Drury, for Leading

Junior Golfers in the Right Direction

Shane Drury, the Class A PGA Professional of Swansea CountryClub was named Junior Golf Leader of the Year for 2009 by the PGARhode Island Chapter. Shane received the award for his outstandingcontributions in the promotion and development of junior golf as wellas for reflecting the ideals of those who work with youth.

Swansea Country Club has one of the most successful junior pro-grams in Southern New England. Shane has been instrumental inteaching his juniors the key fundamentals in the game of golf and inlife along with being quite an accomplished player himself.

Congratulations again to Shane and the entire Swansea CountryClub community. For more information on the junior programs atSwansea Country Club visit: www.swanseacountryclub.com.

May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:39 PM

May 11: GCSANE Monthly Meeting

Joint meeting with GCSACC Bear Cup

Franklin Country Club Host: Michael Luccini, CGCS

June 17: UMass Turf Field Day

Joseph Troll Turf ResearchCenter

South Deerfield, MA

June 24: GCSANE Monthly Meeting Member/Guest Tournament Segregansett Country Club

Host: Rich Gagnon

Welcome New Member: Kevin Banks, Asst. Superin-

tendent, Framingham CC August 18:

GCSANE Individual Championship

Marlborough Country Club Host: Ken Crimmings, CGCS

September 28: GCSANE S&B Tournament

Brae Burn Country Club Host: Robert DiRico

October 15: GCSANE Monthly Meeting

Hatherly Country Club Host: Richard Caughey

November TBA: GCSANE Monthly Meeting

Milton Hoosic Club Host: Jeff Urquhart

baystategolfinc.com May 2008 23

GOLF INSTRUCTION


GCSAA NEWS

Neutral is Crucial

Your golf posture is the foundation to your golfswing. If there are cracks in that foundation then thegolf swing will be unstable and inconsistent. Themost common ailment with a poor starting posture isthe inability to maintain your spine angle throughoutthe swing and that results in very poor ball contact.

The actual angle will vary anywhere from 20* to 45* dependingon your body type and the style of swing that you prefer. When thespine is at the optimal angle for you it creates room for your arms toswing freely and produces maximum speed consistently. This resultsin more distance to all your golf shots.

Here are the key factors to a successful posture no matter what theangle:

1) Bend at your HIPS. Best find where your hipjoints are and learn how to use them. When you dobend forward at your hips you are striving to find aNeutral posture. That means that from the top of yourneck all the way through the lower spine needs to bea straight line.

2) To be in optimal position for balance, ease of ro-tation and power, there needs to be an alignment toyour load bearing joints. (Shoulder, hip, knee, ankle)This means that you should be able to draw a straightline from the top of your spine through the elbow ondown to the knee and ending up at the ball of yourfoot.

3) The angle of the club’s shaft needs to be at a 90*angle to your spine. Generally this means that the buttof the grip is aiming at your belt buckle when you ad-dress the ball. This is an important angle as an objectgenerates maximum velocity when it is perpendicularto its axis, in this case your spine. If your spine is tooupright, centrifugal force will cause the club head toswing outside to in…also known as over the top andresults in a loss of distance and directional control.

Take the time to revamp your golf posture andenjoy the many benefits from the remodeling project.

Keep Swinging!

Jane K. Frost

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Jane Frost

May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM

Gary Player phoned the leader the night before thefinal round of the 2008 Masters and said “I know you cando it.” The next day Trevor Immelman went out and earnedhimself a green jacket. And that’s what mentorship will dofor a person. In fact research shows that the support of a

friend, mentor, role model or hero influences the achievement of goalsdirectly by helping a person become more persistent and indirectly byhelping the individual develop an expectancy of success. Immelman first met Gary Player when he was five years old andmaintained a relationship with him from that time on. Obviously it paidoff. Now, before you march yourself or your children off to the next tour-nament to meet Tiger Woods who can’t realistically spend time withevery admiring fan in the world, consider that a mentor doesn’t have tobe someone you meet in person. Jack Nicklaus’s hero was Bobby Jones.But he didn’t meet him when he was a child. It was Jack’s father Charliewho had become fascinated by Jones while watching him play the U.S.Open at Scioto Country Club in 1926. Charlie passed his admiration onto young Jackie. Mike Weir touched greatness another way. He wrote toJack Nicklaus as a youngster asking if he would be better off as a right-handed golfer instead of as a lefty. Weir kept Nicklaus’s answer close tohis chest until he won the Masters in 2003 and made the historic corre-spondence public. The point is there are different ways to benefit frommentors, role models and heroes. If you or your youngster can meet sucha person by all means do so. But even if you can only read about yourmentor the effect can still take hold. All you have to do, regardless ofyour age, is be able to keep the person in your mind’s eye and he or shewill serve as a perfect support system for all your dreams. Bob Skura, is author of How Great Golfers Think – PerfectingYour Mental Game. For more information visit: www.howgreat-golfersthink.com

READING & GAME IMPROVEMENT


From The Corner OfficeBy: Rob Martin

Ball Rollback? Nonsense!Give me a little rope on this and perhaps you will see my point.Perhaps I am a lone wolf in the forest on this view point but I thought

this might have been the best Masters in the last decade.Multiple subplots throughout the four days and a final round that had all

the twists and turns of your wife's daily Soap Opera. (OK, I watch too oncein a while.)

Kenny Perry the 48 year old Good Ole' Boy who has a long drawl andraces Dragsters in his spare time had the lead entering the final round as Tigerand Phil lurked just off the 1st page of the leaderboard.

As Phil (who looked surprisingly trim) charged up the leaderboard withhis remarkable 30 on the outward 9 and Tiger just dangling on the hook as ifplucked from the warm ground. It looked as if Perry may have been lappedbefore he even reached Amen Corner.

Then Tiger found some momentum as he started his run up the leader-board on the back 9 as Phil took a gag-able double on the Par 3 12th. Toomuch Tin Cup in him to win Majors on a consistent basis.

At this point Perry sensed or was told by his (hunting partner) caddy thatpar today would not cut it as he wiped some chew of his chin. Perry holed atwenty footer on the 12th, two putted for birdie on fifteen and almost holeda 7 iron from 170 that I still maintain he did not intend to end up at the flagbut rather five yards further right.

We all know Perry's gag job from there.But what if he didn't have the chance to compete?Purists (Holier than thous - read USGA) will tell you that the real problem

with golf is that the equipment has ruined the game! Imagine John Cleese ofthe Titleist NXT fame yelling at you that the ball goes too far or too straightand that it is making the older courses obsolete!

I've heard this argument many a time and it is pure rubbish! I saw theWorld's best player miss fairway after fairway throughout the weekend andmiss an important tee ball on the 17th to give him an outside chance. I'mpretty sure he has the lastest and greatest that the Nike R&D machine couldcome up with.

What ball and equipment technology does do is bring the enitre field intoplay.

Did you see the round 1 Leaderboard?MizePerryClarkFuryk

What do these players have in common? They all are either past theirprime, considered below the average driving distance of 284 yards or both. Ihave a Lady member than could outdrive Mize.

These players can compete because of the equipment, whether this is abetter engineered driver, proper fitting techniques or a ball that fits theirswing.

Isn't this the reason why the game of golf is one the best sports on thePlanet Earth? You can take a 48 year old who has never passed a dessert cartand throw him in the same arena as Spar-Tiger-us and they can go Mano-a-mano.

I would argue that rolling the golf ball back would only allow the toptwenty players to compete and Tiger would add another 10 to 15 artificialMajors to his already robust mantle.

Take the 15th hole at the Master's as a prime example: Tiger hits hisstinger 3 wood and gets home in two and Kenny Perry ropes a driver and getshome in two. If you were to roll back the ball then only one of these playershas the opportunity to make eagle.

Any ball rollback would be detrimental to the PGA Tour and the gameof golf as a whole – players want the technology and they want to enjoy thegame. Whether on the PGA Tour or your weekly Thursday night league.

This is also the same reason as to why the USGA provides different setsof tees and handicaps, so that players across the spectrum can compete againstone another.

I suppose that when / if the USGA does what they have threatened to doand rollback the golf ball they will offer Kenny Perry and the rest of the non-flat bellies a forward set of tees so that they can compete with the Tigers ofthe world.

A player to watch in future majors this year is Rory McIlroy, this 19 yearold has serious game and before you hit me with Sergio Garcia and what hashe even won diatribe – this kid is better. Better all around game and morepolished but this is an article for another day but be on the lookout.

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To this humble media reporter, he is more frightening than Armageddon,Three Mile Island and a Rosie O’Donnell Playboy centerfold rolled into one.

I speak of one Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. Since his comingout party in 1997, the erstwhile golf phenom has wreakedhavoc on professional golf’s record books. He has turnedthis still somewhat stodgy sport on its ear, and carved out aprofessional, social and almost-mythical divot in golf’s fair-way.

Glenn Ordway, host of Sportsradio WEEI's Big Show,coined the phrase "binky.” A binky is a media darling. Or-dway’s binky used to be ex-Celtic Antoine Walker. WEEI’sPete Sheppard has Tom Brady. In the eyes of these com-mentators, their binky can do no wrong.

Tiger Woods is my big beautiful binky. I absolutely love the guy, and what’snot to love? Woods has rejuvenated a game that was slowly slipping into oblivion.The PGA Tour was an unappealing mish-mash of wannabes and never-were’suntil Tiger turned each tournament into a happening.

With the possible exceptions of the sublime Payne Stewart, the broodingDavid Duval and a scant few others, the PGA had no identity until Le Tigre cameto town and became a consistent winner. The Tour B.T. (Before Tiger) was livingoff the fumes of Jack Nicklaus’s plaid pants and Chi Chi Rodriguez’s swordswinging until Woods constructed a career that will no doubt end as the greatestof all-time.

I am proud to be kneeling at the spikes of greatness, paying homage to a rose-shirted, Nike-capped hero. I am an unabashed Tiger Toady. Yes, Tiger uncharac-teristically floundered at the end of this year’s Masters, but so what? Would youtake any of the guys who finished ahead of him? Angel Cabrera? Love thehacker’s swing, but please, no mas! Kenny Perry? Nice try, but these days, hemeans to golf what Steve Perry means to Journey. Chad Campbell? He might aswell be Burt Campbell, i.e. - invisible.

As a Woods apple-polisher, I have a set of specific beliefs. Call them TigerTenets. I believe in furry black and orange head covers with eyes. I believe inGeneral Motors, Titleist, General Mills, American Express, Accenture, TAGHeuer, Gillette and any other product that Tiger has or will endorse.

I believe in having the greatest swing this side of Ted Williams, trashing thatswing, and creating a new swing that is the greatest this side of Ted Williams. Ibelieve in the wisdom of the father being passed on to the son. I love Tiger somuch; I’ve had my late dad’s name posthumously changed to Earl. I am stillworking on having my late mom’s ethnicity posthumously changed to Thai.

I believe in respecting golf’s greats, green-jacketed mates, lifting weights,palatial estates and Swedish dates.

I believe in the Stanford Cardinal, the Buick Skylark, eagles and other as-sorted birdies.

I believe in all the Majors: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, thePGA, Major Tom, Major Anthony Nelson, Lee Majors and Major Mudd.

I am a Tiger Toady. I believe in the short game and the long drive, big winsand small details, hot streaks and cold stares.

Lastly, I believe that Phil Mickelson is Satan. He is Charles Manson with asweet swing, the Son of Sam in a visor, Richard Speck in pleated slacks. PhilMickelson? Listen, if I want to look at a self-absorbed millionaire whose weightfluctuates like the stock market, I’ll watch Oprah.

Comparing Mickelson to Woods is like comparing George W. Bush to Abra-ham Lincoln. They both held the same job and are part of the same species, butthe similarities end there. Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address. Bush needs aGPS to find his own address.

Speaking of Commanders in Chief, we recently elected Barack Obama aspresident, but we should have drafted Tiger for the job. If Woods were in the WhiteHouse, Osama Bin Laden would be doing wind sprints and suicides in the rosegarden.

If Tiger led us in Vietnam, we’d have been done in time for a 6am tee time.If he were on the Titanic, his heated stare would have melted the damn iceberg.If Tiger were at the Bay of Pigs, Cuba would now be nothing more than one giantcigar shop.

To opponents, Woods is Jack the Ripper and the Boston Strangler, but to me,he is Superman with a private jet and Mother Teresa with a swing coach and per-sonal masseuse.

I’ll caddy for Woods across the board: clubs, towels, tees, golf balls, beer,peanuts, his newspaper and slippers. Put me in rehab. Prescribe some medication.Tiger Woods is back and I have achieved Nirvana. To paraphrase Robert Palmer,"You’re gonna have to face it. I’m addicted to Woods.”

John Molori is a syndicated columnist and hosts the “J-Team RadioShow” at AM 980 WCAP, am 1120 WBNW and jteamradio.com. Email Johnat [email protected]

MOLORI UNPLUGGEDBy John Molori

Confessions of a Tiger Toady

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The foundation of a great golf swing is quite simply your feet, what you are wearing for golf shoe willhave some effect on your overall ability to perform. The best players in the game will tell you that walkinga course gives you a much better feel for the layout and presents better opportunities for scoring. In orderto play well you must feel well. No one thinks twice today about spending $500.00 on a new driver, butmost cringe at spending more than $50.00 on a good pair of golf shoes. Your driver will not feel the painbut your back and feet may suffer along with your score.

If feet hurt even the slightest bit, it could take away from your balance, your swing, and your mentalfocus. The wrong shoes could cause blisters, sore hamstrings and back pain if they are not made properly.Thankfully, companies have invested in the technology to develop comfortable, performance focused,non-metal golf spikes.

Advancements in features include materials that are durable while at the same time comfortable, wa-terproof yet breathable; provide stability while allowing for flexibility, and spikes that absorb shockwhile delivering traction control. A common material used for waterproof soles and insoles is calledthermal plastic urethane (TPU) which is very versatile, flexbile, and has superior bonding ability. Becauseof this material, the better shoes come with a two year waterproof warranty. Even if it hasn’t rained,golf courses are usually wet from dew or irrigation so it’s important to make sure your shoes are water-proof. Also, make sure the shoe you choose has ample support on the collar of the shoe to prevent blisterson the Achilles and the back of the heel.

These days, the purpose of golf shoes is more than just to make a fashion statement on the course.However, there are some styles out there that it may be wise to shy away from. For example, you don’twant your golf cleats to match the nicest suit you own in your closet. Unless of course, you remove theFast Twist spikes for work to portray a Clark Kent persona then twist the spikes back in at the courseand turn into Superman. The increased athleticism incorporated into golf shoes is great but another styleyou may not want to consider is the sneaker look. They can be overkill if when you wear them you looklike you could run the Boston Marathon. Many of the Adidas golf spikes look like soccer cleats so watchout for those too. It may be just that I am partial to the classic look of golf shoes. The soft leather pro-vides beauty, fit, and durability FootJoy, Callaway, and Nike are the top of the line. Favorites includethe FootJoy DryJoys and FootJoy Classics Dry. Their in-shoe Intellishield Extreme membrane providesbreathable technology, when the temperature rises the pores of the membrane open to allow heat andmoisture vapor out. When temperature falls, the pores close to insulate. The FootJoy Softspikes are the#1 selling spikes in golf and have superior qualities. Callaway Men’s Chev LP shoe is one of the bestlooking golf shoes. They also are comprised of moisture wicking linings and breathable waterproofingsystems. They have flexible Chevron spikes that provide shock absorption to reduce impact on yourjoints while improving traction no matter the surface. Their Xtra Width Technology (XWT) Chev can beadjusted from medium to wide to ensure an exact fit. Try the new Callaway Hyperbolic shoes for optimaltraction and a little extra pizzazz in your step. The Nike Air Zoom, as worn by Tiger Woods, or Nike AirTour Classic are both excellent choices as well. They encompass equal quality in their Phylon lining,Scorpion Stinger spikes, and two year waterproof warranty. The Adidas Golf Tour 360 is a nice shoewith a secure foundation and the Fast Twist spike system. Ecco also has a collection of decent golfshoes. Most are made from Gore-Tex which is a high quality waterproof material but make sure to notethe difference between waterproof versus water-resistant. The Ecco World Class shoes are very stylishbut a bit on the expensive side. It's also important to buy the proper socks to keep feet dry such asFootJoy moisture wicking socks.

There are pros and cons to shopping online and shopping in-store. There are so many products, ad-vancements and features, it’s hard to keep your online research straight by the time you arrive at thestore. It’s also hard to purchase a shoe online because you want to physically see it and try it on. Rec-ommendations are to go to a pro-shop or sporting goods store and try on your favorite aesthetically pleas-ing shoe. While walking around, look up the shoe on your iPhone or Blackberry to read the onlinedescription. This way you’re able to experience the best of both worlds while being absolutely certainthe shoes are comfortable.

If golf shoes can be made with this much technology, it’s a conundrum why they don’t make all shoesthis well. Rather than wearing uncomfortable shoes, maybe I’ll remove the spikes and start wearingmy golf shoes to work.


GOLF FASHION

Good Looks on the Course The Agony of De Feat/Stepping out in ComfortBy Elle Brec

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May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM


WOMENS GOLF

It’s Tee Time for WomenBy Jim Hammond

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. When Aretha Franklin sang that hit song in 1967,women were not welcome at most golf courses. The premier tee timeswere reserved for the gentleman at the country club, and the 19th holewas off limits to the ladies. But we are living in much more enlightenedtimes and women golfers are welcome at most of the clubs in New Eng-land. I spoke with several female golf enthusiasts and asked for their inputon this subjects. Patty Ianiere was the proprietor of a specialty shop in Seekonk calledGolfhers. “Women golfers do not want special treatment,” said Patty. “We justwant the same respect that is given to male golfers. Every year the situa-tion in our area is getting better and better.” Two other women who are very active in promoting golf for the ladiesare Mary Porter, editor of Tee Time magazine, and Karen Christoforowho is the director of SWING Golf, an organization that Mary founded18 years ago. SWING is an acronym for Sporting Women into Golf, agroup that organizes tournaments at a different course in Massachusettsevery week. “We like it when the staff take an extra effort to make us feel wel-come” says Mary. “The attitude of the ranger and starter should be re-spectful. Sometimes they hound women players for slow play, when theyare in fact waiting for the group in front of them to pick up the pace.Women also are very good at fixing divots and repairing ball marks onthe green,” said Porter. Other comments concerned the state of the women’s restrooms. Theyappreciate a clean facility. Several women mentioned that Chemawa GolfCourse in North Attleboro not only provides a clean restroom, but alsosupplies a hair dryer. Chemawa is also one of the few courses that has awomen manager and makes everyone feel at home. One other change thatwomen golfers would like to see is a bench and ball washer at both thefront and back tees. It’s the little things that are most appreciated. The fol-lowing is a list of courses that Mary, Karen and Patty feel are some of themost women-friendly courses in our area.

1. Acushnet River Valley in Acushnet, Mass. 4 sets of tees from 5,099yards to 6,807 at the blues. www.golfacushnet.com for more information.

2. Butterbrook in Westford, Mass. A new course that opened in 2006 withtees ranging from 5,100 to 6800 yards. www.butterbrookgc.com

3. Chemawa in North Attleboro. Tees range from 4386 to 5285. Not long

but tight fairway place emphasis on tee shots. Always one of the best con-ditioned courses in the state. www.chemawagolf.com

4. Crystal Lake Golf Club in Burrillville, R.I. 18 hole course designedaround a beautiful lake. Fair but plan tee shots carefully to score well. Oneof the best 19th holes in the state. www.crystallakegolfclub.com

5. Waverly Oaks Golf Club. An 18 hole championship club and a ninehole executive course that is perfect for novice golfers. Superior clubhouseand practice facilities. Plymouth, Mass. www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com

6. Middlebrook Golf Club. Rehoboth, Mass. A nine holer that is wideopen, and is always in prime condition. Friendly people always make youfeel welcome. Flowers on every tee box add to the charm of this course.Phone 508 252-9395.

7. Southers Marsh, Plymouth, Mass. An 18 hole executive course thatis designed around a cranberry bog. Only 4,111 yards from the back tees,but fun for all. www.southersmarsh.com

8. Swansea Country Club, Swansea, Mass. An 18 hole championshipcourse plus a 9 hole par 3 course and practice range. Lounge in the club-house is always very lively and food is delicious. www.swanseacoun-tryclub.com

9. Rockland Golf Course in Rockland, Mass. Par 3 course, but 7 of the18 holes are over 200yards in length. Good for players of all skill levels.www.rocklandgolfcourse.com

10. Bay Point in Onset, Mass. Not too long at 6,200 yards from the backtees. Used to be known as Wareham Country Club. www.baypointecc.net

11. Squirrel Run Plymouth, Mass. 18 holes with 15 par 3’s and 3 shortpar 4’s. Good place to work on all important short game. www.squirrel-rungolf.com

12. Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, Ma. A private club built in 1924.Recently refurbished 37,000 square foot clubhouse. Very plush club thathas a good reputation in serving its women and junior members.www.ledgemontcc.com

Best Price Best Conditions Best Experience

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May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM


GOLF TRAVEL

Saratoga County, a Golfer’s CamelotBy Katharine Dyson & Bill Giering

When Mark Twain called golf “a good walk spoiled,” he had to be talking about a guy who hadn’t played golf at the variety of courses in Saratoga County,New York. If he had, somehow we think he would have found great pleasure in both the walk and the golf. Why, after holing out on the 18th, Twain mighthave gathered some respectable fodder for his droll quips by quaffing a few in the clubhouse with the local folks.

Twain would certainly have appreciated the delicate beauty of feathery fescue brushing his knees if he happened to strayinto the rough and respect course architects for their environmental concerns. In fact when Roger Rulewich built Saratoga Na-tional, he created 27 acres of new wetlands to accommodate the 18 holes which sprawled over existing wetlands and laid out6,500 feet of nature trails laced through the grounds out of harms way.

In 2002, Golf Digest named Saratoga Springs as one of the top two “Best Golf Towns in America” looking at accessibility,value, scenic beauty, quality and range of the courses as well as off-course things to do. The message is clear: if golf is your bagand you are smart enough to live in Saratoga, you’re smack in golfer’s Camelot. If you don’t live here, it’s well worth the trip.

Let’s start with the scenery — the rich natural wetlands of Saratoga National, the dramaticelevations of Saratoga Lake Golf Club, the tall pines which frame the greens at the Saratoga SpaCourse, and the mountains misty in the distance.

Saratoga County has a broad spectrum of courses like Saratoga National where you don’thave to carry your clubs from the car or clean them when you come in — where clubhouse perksinclude a flat-screen TV in the men’s room and easy-to-walk courses like Van Patten and EagleNest which are friendly to mid-handicap players.

And with the exception of Saratoga National, the crown jewel, where a round of golf starts at $120, most greens fees fallin the $20 to $40 range including a cart, all adding up to one of the best golf bargains in the country.

Considered one of the top courses in the state, Saratoga National Golf Course flows over 450 acres of a former horsefarm. Characterized by generous fairways with multi-tiered undulating greens protected, often very well indeed, by scalloped

white-sand bunkers and some sod-walled bunkers, this was ranked by Golf Digest as the fifth best new upscale daily-fee coursein the country when it opened in 2001. Five tee boxes, 50 bunkers, GPS-equipped golf carts, practice facility, handsome club-house and well-stocked pro shop deliver a world class golf experience. www.golfsaratoga.com

Those who like to let their drivers rip, should get their adrenalin flowing at Eagle Crest Golf Club and skilled putters mayvery likely find themselves winning their matches on the greens, considered some of the best in the area. They’re quick, undu-lating and extremely well maintained. Located in Clifton Park in the southern part of the county, the course has a clubhouseand an impressive practice facility with 30 tee stations (several grass), two putting greens, a chipping area and practice bunker.Walkers will find Eagle Crest a joy. www.eaglecrestgolf.com

When you’re playing Airway Meadows Golf Course in Gansevoort, don’t be surprisedif you look up and see a skydiver leaping from a small plane. This bit of scenery just goeswith the territory as this walker-friendly course, straddles a public airport. Especially appeal-

ing to mid-handicap golfers, this well-groomed course with large, rolling greens, runs around ponds, over three coveredbridges, and up and down gentle hills. www.airwaymeadowsgolf.com

Once you get out on the Saratoga Lake course, you’ll seldom see another hole nor will you see any houses or roads onthis scenic beauty. Designed by C. Michael Ingersoll and opened in 2000, it spreads out over a hillside at the south end of

Saratoga Lake, winding through 198 acres of woodlands, water and wetlands. Wide landingareas, greens framed by dense woodlands and several carries over water and wetlands, makethis a fun course to play. www.saratogalakegolf.com

Saratoga Spa Championship Course, a well-heeled historic course set on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa StatePark and adjacent to the venerable Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa is not just a pretty course, but a challenging one as well es-pecially from the back tees which play more than 7,000 yards. Still, with five tee boxes, it is user-friendly to higher handicapplayers. www.saratogaspagolf.com

The semi-private McGregor Links Golf Club, a historic gem built in 1920, features rolling fairways and greens andthree sets of tees. Host to two U.S. Open Regional Qualifying Rounds and six New York State Amateurs, this is a definite

give-and-take course. McGregor has a lovely clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts. In the early days, it was very much a country course with little development,but today, several homes parade along the fairways. www.megregorlinks.com

For a day of golfing fun on a pleasantly walkable course, try Van Patten Golf Course, a good choice for the occasional golfer. With 27 holes, the courseis designed so you can play it in three different combinations. Built in 1968 in Clifton Park, Van Patten features large, well-maintained greens and widefairways providing generous landing areas. www.VanPattenGolf.com

This semi-private Ballston Spa Country Club in Ballston Spa just south of Saratoga Springs, is one of the shorter courses in the region, yet don’t planon an easy romp through the fairways. Quick greens and narrow fairways up the challenge and a creek rambles through seven fairways. www.ballstonspacc.com

If you run into Mark Twain … let him know that there are still a lot of great walks in Saratoga County.Katharine Dyson is a golf and travel writer for several national publications as well as guidebook author. Her journeys have taken her around the

world playing courses and finding unique places to stay. She is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Metropolitan Golf Writers ofAmerica; Golf Travel Writers Organization and Society of American Travel Writers.

Bill Giering an avid golfer and travel writer all his life he has covered all 4 majors and played golf on every continent… and still can’t putt. Hewrites about travel, golf and golf fashion for a number of magazines and newspapers and is a golf humor columnist. Bill is a member of the SATW, GolfWriters Association of America, Metropolitan Golf Writers of America and Golf Travel Writers Organization.

May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM

GOLF TRAVEL


New York Golf Trail adds Six Courses for 2009

The New York Golf Trail enters its second year with six newcourses, including Leatherstocking Golf Club in Cooperstown andSaratoga National Golf Club.

The Trail now has 13 championship-style courses, clustered in andaround destinations like Lake Placid, the Finger Lakes, Cooperstownand Saratoga. Other new courses for 2009 are Colgate University’sSeven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton, Bristol Harbour Resort inCanandaigua, Mill Creek Golf Club in Rochester and The Brook-woods Country Club in Ontario.

The courses have been chosen based on high-quality design, con-ditioning and amenities. Trail golfers receive advance tee times,course specials and reduced hotel rates. The Trail is a part of I LoveNY, which promotes tourism throughout New York. Trail travel pack-ages start at $160.00 per person, including accommodations, greensfees and carts.

Saratoga National was ranked by Golf Digest as one of America’sBest 100 Public Golf Courses for the 2007/2008 season. Leather-stocking has been awarded 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest and was voted55th Best Golf Resort in the US by readers of Condé Nast TravelerMagazine.

Seven Oaks, designed by Robert Trent Jones, is home to the Col-gate University golf team. Bristol Harbour, also designed by Jones,has hosted a number of state amateur championships. The courserecord belongs to Jack Nicklaus. Mill Creek is Rochester‘s newestchampionship course, and sits on a unique glacial drumlin that bisects320 acres of forested rolling hills, windswept fescues, rock creeks andwaterfalls. The Brookwoods Country Club in Ontario has hosted fiveNew York State Amateur Chaampionships, as well as a U.S. Women’sOpen qualifier.

Other Trail courses are:

* The Sagamore, Bolton Landing* The Whiteface Club & Resort, Lake Placid* Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club, Saranac Lake* Malone Golf Club, Malone* Saratoga Lake Golf Club, Saratoga Springs* Thendara Golf Club, Old Forge* Rome Country Club, Rome

To learn more about the New York Golf Trail, go tonygolftrail.com or contact Rod Christian, Executive Director, 585-520-6309 or [email protected].

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www.thewomensgolfshop.com

Golfers’ WarehouseBurlington, MA 781.270.4653Danvers, MA 978.777.4653Natick, MA 508.651.2582Braintree, MA 781.848.9777

www.golferswarehouse.com

Joe & Leigh’s Discount GolfS. Easton, MA 508.238.2320

www.pineoaks.com

Northeast Golf SalesSeekonk, MA 508.336.4058

www.negolfsales.com

Spargo GolfWarwick, RI 401.828.2857

www.spargogolf.com

NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACENEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACENew England Golf Monthly

RETAIL STORES & CLUB MAKERS

New England Golf CarsSeekonk, MA 508.336.4285

www.newenglandgolfcars.com

PortaPro Video Sales of NECranston, RI 757.621.7494

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Fore Concepts 886.888.3667www.foreconcepts.com

GOLF CARTS & ACCESSORIES

Gina Cigars 617.426.4501www.ginacigar.com

Dream Swing 800.532.4542www.dreamswing.com

Golf and Gamble 508.970.0066www.golf-n-gamble.com

Jet Blue Challenge 516.680.5986www.Jetbluechallenge.com

L.T.S. Leader Boards of N.E. 781.784.6508www.ltsleaderboard.com

Plane Perfect Golf 866.468.3316www.planeperfectgolf.com

Tournament Headquarters 508.734.2186www.tournamentheadquarters.com

Worldwide Golf Vacations 800.946.5318 www.worldwidegv.com

GOLF SERVICES

Exclusive Links Passports 800.639.1941www.linkpassport.com

Global Golf Training Products 781.828.7747www.thumbcaddy.net

How Great Golfers Think 877.748.1135www.howgreatgolfersthink.com

N.E. Custom Putting Greens 800.618.9670www.newenglandsyntheticturf.com

Orange Whip 877.748.1135www.orangewhiptrainer.com

Perfect Release 800.860.0923www.perfectrelease.com

Sonocaddie 800.336.6264www.sonocaddie.com

Swingroove 800.796.4416www.swingroove.com

Swing Rite 866.660.7387www.swingrite.com

The Golf Ring 937.299.0443www.TheGolfRing.com

Wedgewood 888.833.7371www.wedgewoodgolf.com

GOLF PRODUCTS

National Golf Expo Boston, MAMarch 6-8, 2009

www.paragonexpo.com

GOLF SHOWS

BJ’s Charity Classic ChampionshipQuincy, MA Sept. 9, 2009

www.theledgendstour.com

Celebrity Pro Veteran InvitationalBoston, MA June 29, 2009

www.celebrityproveteran.com

CVS Charity ClassicBarrington, RI June 21-23, 2009

www.cvscharityclassic.com

Deutsche Bank ChampionshipNorton, MA September 1-7, 2009

www.deutschebankchampionship.com

Joshua Bent MemorialMonroe, CT June 20, 2009

www.JoshBent.com

Members’ Cup Sept. 2009www.memberscup.com

New England Senior Tour See Events Schedulewww.newenglandseniortour.com

Travelers ChampionshipCromwell, CT June 22-28, 2009

www.travelerschampionship.com

Turning Stone Resort ChampionshipVerona, NY October 1-4, 2009

www.turningstoneresortchampionship.com

GOLF TOURNAMENTS

Alex Kollar Total Training401.230.0152

Anthony DeQuattro 508.675.8767Swansea, MA www.colesrivergolf.com

Bill Kay 508.675.8767Swansea, MA www.colesrivergolf.com

Chris Costa 978.774.4075Middleton, MA www.middletongolf.com

DeLayne Pascal 508.428.5577Sandwich, MA www.hollyridgegolf.com

Dennis Sales 401.787.7040Cumberland, RI www.DennisSalesGolf.com

Ed Hanley 401.826.1683Cranston, RI www.cranstoncc.com

Jane Frost 508.888.3384Sandwich, MA www.JaneFrostGolfSchool.net

Jeff Dantas 508.336.EPROSeekonk, MA www.elitegolfcenter.com

Keith Allcock 508.336.6622Seekonk, MA www.FireFlyGolfCourse.com

Rick Holcomb 401.862.4119Seekonk, MA SeekonkDriving Range

Tom Wecal 401.766.1151 Smithfield, RI www. Iwgolf.com

Tony Lauro 401.821.1115 Warwick, RI www.valleycountryclub.net

GOLF INSTRUCTORS

401.230.0152

Atlantic Golf Center S. Attleboro, MA 508.761.5484

www.atlanticgolfcenter.com

Coles River Driving Range Swansea, MA 508.675.8767

Elite Golf Center Seekonk, MA 508.336.EPRO

www.elitegolfcenter.com

Golf Shots Wareham, MA 508.295.8773

Harmon Golf & Fitness Rockland, MA 866.942.7666

www.harmongolf.com

Mulligans Island Cranston, RI 401.464.8855

www.mulligansisland.com

Seekonk Driving Range Seekonk, MA 508.336.8074

SNE Golf Academy Mapleville, RI 401.787.7040

www.snegolfacademy.com

GOLF PRACTICE FACILITIES

30 April 2009 newenglandgolfmonthly.com

May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM


NEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACENEW ENGLAND GOLF MARKETPLACE

BOSTON AREABrookmeadow

Canton 781.828.4444www.brookmeadowgolf.com

Chelmsford Country Club Chelmsford 978.256.1818

www.sterlinggolf.com

Granite Links Quincy 617.689.1900

www.granitelinksgolfclub.com

Newton Common Wealth Golf ClubNewton 617.630.1971


Norwood Country Club Norwood 781.769.5880

www.brookmeadowgolf.com

SOUTHEASTERNAcushnet River Valley

Acushnet 508.998.7777 www.golfacushnet.com

Allendale Country ClubNo. Dartmouth 508.992.8682www.allendalecountryclub.com

Chemawa Golf CourseNo. Attleboro 508.399.7330

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Crestwood Country ClubRehoboth 508.336.8582

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Fall River Country ClubFall River 508.672.0280

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Hawthorne Country ClubNo. Dartmouth 508.996.1766www.hawthorencountryclub.com

Hillside Country ClubRehoboth 508.252.9761

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Lakeville Country ClubLakeville 508.947.6630

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Maplegate Country ClubBellingham 508.996.4040

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New England Country ClubBellingham 508.883.2300www.newenglandcountryclub.com

Olde Scotland LinksBridgewater 508.279.3344

www.oldescotlandlinks.com

Pine Oaks Golf ClubSo. Easton 508.238.2320

www.pineoaks.com

Pine Valley Golf CourseRehoboth 508.336.9815

Poquoy Brook Golf CourseLakeville 508.947.5261

www.poquoybrook.com

Rehoboth Country ClubRehoboth 508.252.6259

www.rehobothcc.com

Massachusetts Golf Courses River Bend Country ClubW. Bridgewater 508.580.3673

www.riverbendcc.com

Scituate Country ClubScituate 781.545.7666

www.scituatecc.com

Shadow Brook Golf ClubS. Attleboro 508.339.8410

Southers Marsh Golf ClubPlymouth 508.830.3535

www.southersmarsh.com

The Back Nine ClubLakeville 508.947.9991

www.thebacknineclub.com

Touisset Country ClubSwansea 508.679.9577

Wampanoag Golf ClubN. Swansea 508.379.9832

www.wampanoaggolf.com

Waverly Oaks Country ClubPlymouth 508.224.6700www.waverlyoaksgolfclub.com

Wentworth Hills Golf ClubPlainville, MA 508.580.3673

www.wentworthhillsgolf.com

CAPE COD COURSES

Bayberry Hills Golf CourseW. Yarmouth 508.394.5597

www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com

Cranberry Valley Golf ClubHarwich 508.430.5234

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Holly Ridge Golf ClubSandwich 508.428.5577

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Hyannis Country ClubHyannis 508.362.6936

Little Harbor Country ClubWareham 508.295.2617www.littleharborcountryclubcom

Old Barnstable Country ClubMarshen Mills 508.420.1141

www.obfgolf.com

Paul Harney Golf CourseEast Falmouth 508.563.3454www.paulharneygolfcourse.com

The Captains CourseBrewster 508.896.1716

www.captainsgolfcourse.com

Yarmouth Golf Courses508.398.9079

www.golfyarmouthcapecod.com

NORTH SHOREIndian Ridge Country Club

Andover 978.475.9484www.indianridgecountryclub.us

Meadow Golf CoursePeabody 978.532.9390www.peabodymeadowgolf.com

Middleton Golf CourseMiddleton 978.774.4075

www.middletongolf.com

Sterling Country ClubSterling 978.422.0275

www.sterlingcc.com

Winchester Country ClubWinchester 781.729.1181

www.winchestercc.org

WESTERN MASS. BERKSHIRESBerkshire Hills Country Club

Pittsfield 413-447-9429www.berkshirehillscc.com

Blackstone Valley Golf ClubSutton 08. 865.2111

www.bngc.net

Blissful Meadows Golf CourseUxbridge 508.278.6110

www.blissfulmeadows.com

Crumpin-Fox ClubBernardston 800.943.1901

www.golfthefox.com

Cyprian Keyes Golf ClubBoylston 508.869.9900

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Petersham Country ClubPetersham 978.724.3388

www.petershamcc.com

Quail Hollow Golf & C.C.Oakham 508.882.5516

www.quailhollowgolf.net

Red Tail Golf ClubAyer 978.772.3273

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Shaker Hills Golf CourseHarvard 978.772.2227

www.shakerhills.com

Stow Acres Country ClubStow 978.568.1100

www.stowacres.com

The Ledges Golf ClubS. Hadley 413.532.2307

www.ledgegc.com

The Ranch Golf ClubSouthwick 413.569.9333

www.theranchgolfclub.com

Wachusett Country ClubWest Boylston 508.835.4484

www.wachusettcc.com

Beaver River Golf ClubRichmond 401.539.2100

www.beaverrivergolf.com

Crystal Lake Golf ClubHarrisville 401.567.4500

www.crystallakegolfclub.com

Green Valley Golf ClubPortsmouth 01.847.9543

www.greenvalleyccofri.com

Laurel Lane Country ClubWest Kingstown401.783.3844

www.laurellanecountryclub.com

Montaup Country ClubPortsmouth 401.683.0955

www.montaupcc.com

Newport National Golf ClubMiddletown 401.846.1489

www.newportnational.com

Triggs Memorial Golf ClubProvidence 401.521.8460

www.triggs.us

Valley Country ClubWarwick 401.821.1115

www.Valleycountryclub.net

West Warwick Country ClubWest Warwick 401.821.9789

www.westwarwickcc.com

Woodland Greens Golf ClubN. Kingstown 401.294.2872

www.woodlandgc.com

Point Sebago Resort Kennebunk 888-765-7030

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Waumbek Country ClubJefferson 603.586.7777

www.playgolfne.com

White Mountaines Country ClubAshland 603.536.7808

www.playgolfne.com

Pheasant Ridge Country ClubGilford 603.524.9543

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Country Club New HampshireNorth Sutton 603.927.4246

www.playgolfne.com

Souhegan Woods Golf ClubAmherst 603.673.0200

www.playgolfne.com

The Shattuck Golf ClubJaffrey 603.532.4300


Whip Poor Will Golf ClubHudson 603.889.9706

www.playandgolfne.com

Green MeadowHudson 603.889.1555

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R. I. ISLAND GOLF COURSES

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May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM


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Camelback Inn & JWM ResortScottsdale, AZ800.242.2635www.camelbackinn.com

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Golf PEIPrince Edward Island, Canada

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Doral Golf Resort & SpaMiami, FL

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Ginn Reunion ResortOrlando, FL

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Heritage House HotelCape Cod, MA508.775.7000

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Innisbrook Resort & Golf ClubPalm Harbor, FL727.942.2000

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Perfect Drive Golf VillasPort St. Lucie, FL772.873.0515

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May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM

When Jimmy Noris, the head professional at DedhamCountry & Polo Club, was recently chosen as the recipientof the 2009 NEPGA Professional of the Year Award, manyof his peers were effusive in their praise of his selection.

The NEPGA's highest honor is bestowed upon an elitegolf professional who has demonstrated outstanding leader-ship, moral character, and exceptional overall performance

along with distinguished service to the association."Jimmy has all the right credentials," said Jack Neville, past president of

the NEPGA and a Hall of Fame inductee last year. "He's very polished,knowledgeable, outgoing, and personable – he's got it all. He's a local kidwho has done well."

"Jimmy is the consummate golf professional," said Don Lyons, anotherpast president of the NEPGA.

"Jim represents all the very best a PGA professional can offer," said CraigMcLean, president of the New England Section. "His work ethic, businessacumen, and interpersonal skills in relating to the members at his club arelegendary."

"I am thrilled and honored to have been selected by my peers for thisaward," said the 50-year-old Noris. "It is a privilege to be able to work in thegolf industry. I look forward to going to work every day. You can't put a priceon that."

A native of the Roslindale section of Boston, Noris' golf career beganjust a couple miles away on the hallowed grounds of The Country Club inBrookline. He started as a caddie at age 11 (including duties during the 1973Walker Cup matches), worked the bag room and driving range by age 14,and worked every assistants level there from 1985-1995 before landing hisfirst – and only – head professional job at Dedham.

Noris was on the scene at The Country Club for the 1982 U.S. Amateur,1988 U.S. Open, and 1995 U.S. Women's Amateur. He also spent eight wintergolf seasons with Callahan at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage,Calif.

However, Noris has really found his groove at Dedham Country & PoloClub.

"He's a product of The Country Club, and you can take that anywhere,"said Neville.

"The Country Club is my roots," said Noris. "It'll always be special tome. But Dedham is my home now. It's just a great place. The membership isphenomenal. It's family-friendly and kid-friendly, and that's what makes itso great.

"I'm also fortunate that my wife, Elaine, works at the club so we're ableto see each other often, and I have three great kids in Jimmy Jr. (24), Candice(22), and Courtney (18)."

Noris' future goals include working to help grow the game, education,employment opportunities, and continuation of the caddie program.

"I feel that it is important not only to give back to the game of golf whatis already known, but also to be a forerunner in what is to come," said Noris."To grow the game of golf, one has to lead by example with participation andcommunication being the key components to generating the excitement anddesire to get out and play."

THE N.E.P.G.A. PRO FILE

By Bob DiCesare

NEPGA

Jimmy Noris


Race Brook Country Club Welcomes NewHead Golf Professional

-Paul Barnsley Only Sixth Head Pro in 97 Years-

Orange, CT (April 27, 2009)—Race Brook Country Club, founded in1912, announced that Paul Barnsley has been appointed as the new HeadGolf Professional. Barnsley will succeed Frank Selva as just the sixthPGA Head Professional in the club’s distinguished 97-year history.

Barnsley brings an impressive background of accomplishments and ex-perience to the position. His playing credentials include nine years ofhigh-level international tournament competition as a professional. As amember of the Australian Tour, Barnsley played in European, Asian andseveral U.S. PGA Tour events. He spent 13 years working with ac-claimed teacher Hank Haney, Tiger Woods’ swing coach and one of theworld’s top five golf instructors.

New England PGA News 2009Award Winners

MIKE FOSTER JUNIOR GOLF LEADERAWARD WINNER FOR 2009

Mike Foster, PGA, head golf professional for the past 34 yearsat Larry Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn, MA has beenselected as the 2009 recipient of the PGA Junior Golf LeaderAward by the New England Section, PGA of America.

JIM NORIS PGA PROFESSIONALOF THE YEAR FOR 2009

Jim Noris, PGA, head golf professional at Dedham Polo &CC since 1996 has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the PGAProfessional of the Year Award by the New England Section, PGAof America.

DANNY CAVERLY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER FOR 2009

Danny Caverly, PGA, teaching golf professional at WillowBend Country Club in Mashpee, MA has been selected as the2009 recipient of the PGA Teacher of The Year Award by the NewEngland Section, PGA of America.

BRIAN BAIN 2009 PGA PRESIDENT’S PLAQUE AWARD WINNER

Brian Bain, PGA, Head Golf Professional at the Robert T.Lynch Municipal Golf Course in Brookline, MA has been selectedas the 2009 recipient of the PGA President’s Plaque by the NewEnglandSection, PGA of America.

BOB BEACH THE HORTON SMITH AWARD WINNER FOR 2009

Bob Beach, PGA, head golf professional at Braintree MunicipalGolf Course has been selected as the 2009 Horton Smith Awardwinner by the New England Section, PGA of America.

BILL ROSS THE STRAUSBAUGH AWARD WINNER FOR 2009

William R. Ross Jr., Head Professional at Lake Morey Country Club inFairlee, Vermont has been named the winner of the Bill Strausbaugh Awardby the New England Section, PGA of America.

NEPGA Pro-AM Thorny Lea GC, Brockton, MA - 4/27/09

Individual Professional1 Frank Dully Kernwood CC 33-35--68 -2 2 Rusty Gunnarson Rochester GC 33-38--71 +1 T3 Bob Giusti CC of Halifax 35-37--72 +2

NEPGA Pro-ProAndover CC - 4/14/09

T1 James Antonelli Marshfield CC Michael Corey 34-35--69 -3

T1 Terry O'Hara Cyprian Keyes GC Justin Lawson Dedham Country and Polo35-34--69 -3

T1 Scott Spence Carnegie Abbey Club Matt Hibbert Butter Brook36-33--69 -3

Mass Chapter Pro-Pro ChampionshipMyopia Hunt Club - Apr 28, 2009

1 Chip Johnson Hatherly Dana Smith Granite Links Golf Club32-34--66 -6

2 David Dionne Ferncroft CC Robert Jobin Red Tail Golf Club33-34--67 -5

T3 Todd Cook Milton Hoosic Club James Lane Winchester CC34-35--69 -3

May 20-36:Layout 1 5/6/09 4:40 PM


GORMAN VS. GEARY

GORMAN VS. GEARYThe Masters Vs. The U.S. Open

The Masters is April Ritual Not to be Missed!

Golf is a numbers game and the numbers don’t lie. And Iam not alone when it comes to identifying folks who drool overwatching The Masters golf tournament during the second fullweekend in April. No other golf telecast ratings come close toprove that men, women, children of all ages, and even pregnantwomen, get caught up in Masters fever, if only for a few hours

each year.It is an April ritual that always changes, yet forever remains the same. For 73

years Augusta National Golf Course has stirred the emotions of Americans likeno other sporting event. The mystery, pageantry, triumph and heartache that TheMasters produces each year are memorable. And, this most recent spectacle, cul-minating on Easter Sunday, was no exception, as Kenny Perry “gagged” on the

Oh, the memories are enchanting! Who can forget 1977 when 19-year oldSpaniard Seve Ballesteros charmed the audiences with wizardry, showmanshipand talent? He went on to win two green jackets in ‘80 and ’83.

The Masters is an oasis of career defining moments. Arnold Palmer won fourtimes. Jack Nicklaus won six times including 1986, at the ripe old age of 46,which warmed the hearts and souls of baby boomers worldwide.

Gary Player, the Black Knight, won three green jackets and was the first rec-ognizable international winner, while Seve was the youngest until a 21-year oldshowed up in 1997 by the name of Tiger Woods, who went on to win by a record12 strokes. How about Fred Couples winning in 1992 after navigating throughthe world’s most fearful three-hole stretch of real estate – amply named by HerbertWarren Wind as Amen Corner? Couple’s ball seemingly defied gravity on theslope of the par-3 12th hole and he went to win by two.

That old green magic was a demon for the perpetually charismatic Greg Nor-man, who finished runner-up three times in his illustrious career that includes 92wins worldwide, and two majors, both British Open titles. In 1996, Norman losta six-shot lead with a final round 78, losing to Nick Faldo, who shot 67, to winhis third green jacket. Another painful, near-miss Norman highlight clip datesback to 1987 when Larry Mize chipped in from 140-feet on the second playoffhole. Ouch, did that ever sting since Norman was looking at two-putts from 20-feet to win.

In 13 appearances at The Masters, Tiger Woods has won four times. On EasterSunday, the world watched the two best golfers of this generation go head-to-head on golf’s grandest world stage, and they did not disappoint. I’m convincedPhil Mickelson’s front-nine-30 is the best front nine-hole score of any tournamentI have ever watched or witnessed in my lifetime. It was absolutely mesmerizing,sensational, precious and historic, even though he finished fifth. The dynamic duodominated the CBS telecast, and the game’s two most charismatic figure’s goingmano a mano is a bigger story that Angel Cabrera winning his second major intwo years.

The action on the back nine at Augusta National on the second Sunday inApril is contagious, engaging and exciting. The drama and pressure is real andemotions are unmasked. The Masters has not lost its excitement. Fuzzy Zoeller(‘79), Ben Crenshaw (‘95), Nick Faldo (’89,’90,’96), Ian Woosnam (’91), Bern-hard Langer (93), Zach Johnson (’07) and Trevor Immelman (’08) are eclipsedinto Masters lore.

The No. 1 item on my bucket list is to watch the action live at Augusta Na-tional Golf Club, which some call the closest place to golf heaven. I want to buya visor for under $10; eat pulled-pork-on-a-bun; try a pimento cheese sandwich;walk near Hogan’s bridge and Rae’s Creek; and maybe even take a few blades ofgrass as a souvenir. Also, I want to go to Augusta National to hear first-hand thehushed tones everyone uses when talking about The Masters. I want to hear the“majestic” and “unlike any other” commentary and conversation amid azaleasand dogwood. I want to see and walk on the “first-cut” and “second-cut” sincethere is no rough at this hallowed ground. Finally, I would like, just once, to adjustthe volume on my ears, and hear the live roar of the crowds on the back nine onSunday at Augusta National. That day will come soon, I hope!

Is the The Masters in a class by itself? Yes. I watch the U.S Open, BritishOpen, PGA Championship, Players Championship and Ryder Cup but never withthe fervor, delight and intensity as The Masters.

A final question-and-answer to close this debate once-and-for-all that TheMasters is the undisputed most important golf tournament. This poll was takenby Golf Digest. If you could play one round on the tournament setup at only oneof these major championship courses, which would you choose? Hazeltine (1%);Bethpage Black (3%); Turnberry (4%) TPC Sawgrass (5%) or Augusta National(87%).

Tom Gorman, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, In-ternational Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America, is a Boston-based freelance golf writer.

U.S. Open Still On Top!

Outside of those who work at the PGA of America,nobody regards the PGA championship as the most pres-tigious of the four majors. Outside of that wonderfulweekend in August of 1991 when a young, unknownJohn Daly burst upon the scene at Crooked Stick, is therea PGA that burns in anyone’s memory, and that includesthat incredible two-man duel between Tiger Woods and Bob May atValhalla in 2000?

The PGA is only significant in the minds of the golfing public ifsomebody has already won the previous three.

So we can eliminate the PGA championship from this argumentimmediately.

That was the easy part. The tough sledding begins now.Just what is the most prestigious title in the golfing world? I guess

for a lot of people it depends on geography or nationality.If you live anywhere in the United Kingdom there is no debate.

The British Open, or just “The Open,” is a clear cut winner. For muchof the world the British Open is considered the World Championshipof golf because it is the oldest and the field is more international thanany other.

I love watching the British Open because it’s one of the few timesone can experience real links golf and see shots played that are seldomwitnessed at any other time of the year.

But while the British is a wonderful event, filled with history andnostalgia, it is number three in my book.

Which brings us to the crux of this argument; What is regardedmore prestigious, donning a green jacket on the second Sunday ofApril or kissing the U.S. Open trophy late on Father’s Day?

I would be less than forthcoming if I didn’t admit that the Mastersis my favorite golf tournament, the one I would choose if I could onlywatch one of the majors. It’s a combination of the beauty of AugustaNational, the birth of a new golf season and the chance to see thedrama unfolding on a golf course that I feel is an old friend.

But the United States Open is the golfing world’s single most diffi-cult title to capture. It takes more than just skill and shot making. Ittakes a mental toughness that would make a Parris Island drill instruc-tor proud.

The winner of the Masters usually scores well under par. The win-ner of the U.S. Open, or more accurately the survivor, is lucky to beeven or a couple under and is often a stroke or two over par.

While Augusta National has been lengthened and toughened upover the years, it is still a veritable walk through the azaleas and dog-wood compared to the demands of a U.S. Open course.

The USGA seems to take delight in making the golf course morethan a stern test of golf. It wants to “identify the best player in theworld” by giving him 72 holes (in the case of a playoff it’s 90 or more)of competition that is more Ironman than John Deere Classic.Seldom is heard a disparaging word about the set up at the Masters,

although of late there have been some grumblings. It is an annual riteof early summer to hear the best players in the world to unleash atirade against the USGA about now unfair the set up is at the Open.While the greens at Augusta are very fast and require an expert put-

ting stroke, they do accept well struck shots. Not so the U.S. Openwhere the greens are just as fast and where a perfectly hit ball can gobouncing off into the sunset.

Let’s be honest; without the build-up and fanfare that accompaniesmajor tournaments, the Masters could easily be confused with manyof the ordinary events that take place on the PGA Tour throughout theyear. There is no other tournament that in anyway resembles a U.S.Open.

Angel Cabrera won this year’s Masters with a score of 12-underpar. The Open is being contested at Bethpage this year. Does anyonethink that the champion will come close to that number?

Tim Geary is a freelance writer with over 33 years of experience,the last 24 of which he served as a sports writer for the Fall RiverHerald News, before retiring last October. He contributes to severalgolf magazines on a regular basis.

By Tom Gorman By Tim Geary

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May Back Cvrs ab.indd 2 5/7/09 10:37:56 AM

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