tri-state golfer - winter 2013

spring 2011

golfertri-state winter 2013

Visit White Clay Creek at the PhiladelPhia Golf shoW

nationallinfield

innoVation abounds at

tristategolfer.com

the Most read golf publication in the tri state area TSG

Golf Club

Great Golfkids Golf

ko Junior tourfood & bar

fun family eventshot air ballons

Car show

inside this issue • winter 2013tri-state golfer

Tri-STaTe Golfer MaGazine

8linfield national innovation abounds at linfield national

Any opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily rep-resent the views of the publisher or Tri-State Golfer Magazine. The information in this issue was accurate at the time of publication. All should be confirmed with the golf facility before making tee times and reservations.

Tri-State Golfer is published quarterly with issues in January,

april, July, and october.

Tri-State Golfer is a complimentary magazine available at public and private

courses, hotels, and restaurants throughout the tri-state area.

publisherJoe BurkhardT

advertising sales(eastern pa / nJ / de / Md)

Joe BurkhardT610.755.8767

[email protected]

staff writernaTe oxMan

contributing writersMaTT Biondi

anThony caiazzo Jr. carol ann harriS

Mark hoGan

graphic design/art direction Garo yepreMian Jr.—GaroJrdeSiGn.coM—

contributing associationsBiondi Media

Golfweek aMaTeur Tour philadelphia puBlinkS

pSSa TournorTh coaST Golf Show

uSGa

po Box 341

drexel hill, pa 19026

www.tristategolfer.com

12day trippin’

Broad run revitalized for 2013

18extra holes

Bulle rock Blazes past the competition

22travel destinations

rio Mar resort has it all

24golfwek aMateur tour

2013 Schedule

162013 u.s. open at Merion

area Golf fans are in for a Treat This Summer

14philadelphia publinks

2013 Schedule

8 Tri-STaTe Golfer • winTer 2013

Exactly one year ago, robert kleckner sat at a table at his cozy Mulligan’s pub & Grille and promised that

sweeping changes were in store for the upcoming season at linfield national Golf club.

kleckner could hardly contain his excitement as he detailed plans for dramatic improvements in course conditions, playability, and aesthetic appeal as well as a completely revamped bar/restaurant and an event calendar busting at the seams with family-friendly functions.

in his first full year of ownership, kleckner delivered emphatically.

course conditions in peak season were perhaps the best in the 15-year

history of the club in 2012, allowing the masses of Montgomery county golfers to maximize their enjoyment of this unique 6,365-yard (par 71) design that forces golfers to make strategic risk/reward decisions on short par 4s, reachable par 5s and intriguing doglegs.

“we had great success with the condition of the golf course in 2012 and it will only continue to improve in 2013,” said kleckner, who came to linfield national Gc, a daily-fee facility located on church road between routes 422 and 724 in linfield, pa., as general manager and pGa head professional under the previous owners back in 2001.

last season linfield national began what so far has been an enormously successful bunker project spanning the entire golf course, which included the removal of nine bunkers to enhance

playability and the renovation of others to improve drainage. More than

three dozen trees and stumps were cleared to open up holes, irrigation heads were replaced and hazards and out of bounds areas were accurately marked.

in preparation for the 2013 season, the extensive the bunker work and tree program both continued with the restoration of additional bunkers and the removal of more trees as well as the planting of others to add definition to holes. The irrigation work also forges on with a focus on making the course’s ponds, such as the one fronting the green at the picturesque 140-yard par-3 14th, more attractive features of the design.

aiding kleckner in the renovation work is new Superintendent George hoopes, who came on board last May.

“he has made tremendous improvements on the turf conditions and playability of the golf course,” said kleckner. “he’s continuing to work on bunkers, tees, fairways, green surrounds, greens, and our rough to get the turf throughout the golf course stronger and healthier here at linfield national.”

The three key areas of focus for the golf course kleckner spoke of last winter were all addressed at the 492-yard par-5 12th hole. once forcing players to hit a mid-iron or hybrid off the tee to lay up short of the trees and bunker encroaching the landing area on the left, and then another iron to lay up short of the pond protecting the green in front, the eradication of six pine trees and the large fairway bunker now open up the hole off the tee, creating one of the best, and most beautiful, risk/reward par 5s around.

players can now attempt to blast a drive down the right side of the fairway and then tempt fate by trying to reach the hole in two with a roughly 200-yard approach that plays significantly uphill and requires a carry over two deep-faced front bunkers that were completely cleaned out and lined with Sandtrapper, an industry-leading product that will

By Nate Oxman, Staff Writer

co

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tor

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innovation abounds at linfield national Golf Club

nationallinfield

prevent future contamination.“it’s really a great par 5,” said

kleckner. “number 12 will turn into our signature hole. we’ve exposed an old stone wall that dates back to the 1800s when the original farm was here. people are going to love what we’ve done there.”

To allow the public to enjoy the new linfield national, kleckner has added several new golf leagues including a ladies’ league on Monday nights and a men’s senior league on Thursday mornings. other golf activities set to debut this season are a series of 9-holes and a Movie nights as well as several couples events.

linfield national also continues to serve as the home base for the ko Junior Tour, offering golfers ages 7 to 18 the opportunity to compete at public and private courses throughout Montgomery county including linfield national, Spring ford country club, Bellewood Golf club, and phoenixville country club. new for 2013 on the tour is a college division for ko Tour alumni.

for those looking to make linfield national their own, the club offers some of the most affordable membership packages in the tri-state area. full memberships are just $1,495 and feature unlimited green fees, Senior, weekday and Junior weekday memberships (just $399) are also available. Visit www.linfieldnational.com for complete rates as well as more information.

linfield national also uses its course to host an

archery shoot in february and a frisbee golf tournament in november. all of linfield national’s events, including the non-golf functions, will be posted on the club’s website at www.linfieldnational.com. Those include the Second annual open car Show on July 20 featuring loads of family-friendly activities including a hot air balloon, helicopter, and naScar racecar.

in addition to the golf course changes, kleckner has given his club’s dining facility a phenomenal facelift. The fresh look inside Mulligan’s Bar & Grille, a family-friendly restaurant serving golfers and the general public alike, features new TVs throughout and a fabulous pub-style menu. Throw in a devoted service staff and it’s no wonder Mulligan’s has become a popular venue for hosting special events of all sorts.

“what we pride ourselves on here is the personality of the club,“ said kleckner. “and we’re finally raising the level of conditioning to equal that personality. i believe we have one of the best staffs in the area. we understand our customers, the game of golf and the level of service that our customers expect. Some customers come here and just want to play golf. for them, we provide a great value for the fee. others want to play

golf and enjoy the restaurant after. for them, we want to make both aspects of the club the best they can possibly be.”

in the adjacent golf shop, linfield national provides the latest equipment and apparel from Titleist, footJoy, callaway, nike, ping, cleveland, loudmouth, oakley, ahead and more.

kleckner has created a complete package, one that will grow with the addition of an all-weather driving range in September and continue to set itself apart from the competition.

“we’re combining value and innovation here at linfield,” said kleckner. “My goal is not just to get you here once. My goal is to get you here again and to do that, we’re going to create a really fun, unique atmosphere here at linfield national. i want you to come here and feel like you’ve received great value for what you’ve paid and you want to come back.”

linfield national Golf club will once again be a part of the philadelphia Golf Show at the Greater philadelphia expo center at oaks february 8-10 where visitors will be able to purchase a bundle of four rounds of golf (green and cart fees included) for just $99.

Tri-STaTe Golfer • winTer 2013 9

To book tee times online, find information

regarding rates and specials, and get

directions, visit

linfieldnaTional.coM

or call Robert Kleckner at

610.495.8455

Gilbertsville Golf Club27 Hole Golf Course

“The Hidden Gem of Public Golf Courses”

2944 Lutheran Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 • 610.323.3222 • golfgilbertsvillegc.com

Buy Your 2013 Membership By February 28 and receive

10% OFFPlay Golf On Rainy or Snowy Days

Book Your Tee Time NOW!!!Membership Avaiable

Hourly Rate and Lessons Avaiable

CHeCk Out Our New GOlF SiMulatOr iN 2013

when Judge John Beale Bordley moved from the eastern shore

of Maryland to philadelphia in 1791, he purchased roughly 360 acres of land just north of Strasburg road in west Bradford Township. invigorated following victory in the revolutionary war, our new nation was eager to take that energy and turn it into prosperity. The logical means was through our largest industry: agriculture.

More than 90 percent of americans made their living as farmers and that’s where the leaders of our country focused their attention to begin sprouting their fortunes. naturally, they sought the advice of the expert in the field: Bordley.

George washington, Thomas Jefferson and alexander hamilton among many came to como farm to consult Bordley, who was using his chester county home as a model to show how his progressive methods of crop rotation and soil fertility maintenance could yield the production levels that would lead to great wealth.

Bordley’s experiments at como farm were so well received among his visitors that they became standard practice up and down Strasburg road, the main artery connecting lancaster and philadelphia, before spreading up and down the east coast.

Today, a historical marker on Strasburg road commemorates Bordley’s accomplishments and points passersby to the hillside just to the north and the rolling farmland and 310-year-old Georgian Quaker stone farmhouse where Bordley once enlightened the nation’s leaders.

although its visitors today are far less famous, a total refurbishment of

Broad run Golfer’s club and The Bordley house Grille by owner Jonathan Byler, has ensured that this hallowed chester county land will continue to enthrall well into its third century.

Boasting arguably the most visually stimulating layout in all of the tri-state

area, Broad run, which opened as Tattersall Golf club in 2000, has always gripped first-timers with an abundance of jaw-dropping vistas, extreme (and equally ample) elevation changes, and 18 completely unique golf holes and kept them coming back to the daily-fee facility.

But multiple changes in both ownership and management throughout its first decade-plus led to inconsistency in course conditions and indifference from many local golfers who weren’t always willing to fork over the high-end green fees for a shell of the former beauty regardless of how impressive the setting was.

“especially because it’s a mid- to high-end daily-fee product,“ said Broadbelt. “it has to have the conditioning that is commensurate with the fee. we put a lot of work into cleaning it up and restoring certain areas and we think what we‘re offering is a great value, especially when you look at the history of the club. when they first opened in 2000 i think they were going to charge $108 on the weekends. last year we were at $75. The good thing for the golfer in this down economy is that they’re going to play great venues at reduced prices. it’s a great venue for an incredibly competitive price.”

rest assured his year’s peak rates won’t stray far from $75 (cart fee included) and be sure to take advantage of discounted winter rates as low as $30 during the week and on the weekend.

The primary focus of Byler was to elevate the level of conditioning needed to allow the stellar 6,826-yard (par 72) rees

Jones (huntsville Gc, ledgerock Gc, lookaway Gc) design to shine and the droves of golfers to return.

Byler began by bringing in Jeff Broadbelt to oversee the operation as the club’s general manager. Then came the addition of head Golf professional peter lovenguth. lovenguth and Broadbelt have done this before, together spearheading the dramatic turnaround of downingtown country club in the late 90s.

“i was very excited,” said Broadbelt of coming on board at Broad run. “it’s a championship-caliber golf course, a rees Jones design. it needed some work, but in a way i was glad that it needed some work, needed a little more attention to detail, because i love fixing places up.”

The vision for Broad run was not only to offer superior course conditions, but at the same time make the course more playable for the average golfer by cutting down many of the areas of fescue that were encroaching the fairways and areas of native grasses that were significantly overgrown due to neglect from previous ownership.

“a lot of that was the grass bunkers around the green and some of the peripheral areas that they had just let go when they shouldn’t have if you’re adhering to the theory of the design,“ said Broadbelt. “The course was never meant to have those areas grown in. So we’ve already accomplished a big portion of what our goals were for restoring the golf course to where it was supposed to be from a playability standpoint. and we’re already getting tons of compliments from people, saying there is already a noticeable difference in the product.”

To craft a similar success story at Broad run, the club still needed to add the most important element of all: someone to care for the golf course. chad rightmyer played a key role in keeping french creek Golf club in elverson, pa. in immaculate condition as assistant superintendent and took the head job at Broad run eager to complete the new ownership’s vision.

fans of Broad run from the club’s beginning flocked in large numbers

a revitalized broad run to debut in 2013By Nate Oxman Staff Writer


day trippin’


throughout the summer season and into the fall. They all shared a similar sentiment. Broad run was back. Golfers could once again fully enjoy long-time favorites such as the 415-yard (championship tees) par-4 second hole where from the fairway first- and long-time visitors alike become acquainted and reacquainted with the sheer splendor of Broad run thanks to extraordinary views of the 18th, 16th, 15th and 12th holes. as a newbie, it may be difficult to fathom the vastness of the property so take some time to soak in a spectacular preview of what’s in store.

after the 379-yard, par-4 third, one begins to get a sense of the ingenuity of Jones’ routing. There are just two pairs of out and back holes (nos. 2 and 3 and nos. 15 and 16) and nary a completely flat hole from tee to green. Virtually your entire trek is chock full of dramatic twists and turns, severe plunges downhill and steep climbs up, and banked walls of rough guarding fairways and greens. perfect examples await at the 387-yard, par-4 fourth, which plays from a high-perched tee over a ravine to a fairway that climbs quickly uphill and thus forces a blind approach to a green which sits at nearly the same elevation as the tee and is surrounded by banking on three sides.

The fifth is another short, picturesque par 4 (just 318 yards from the championship tees) featuring an elevated tee and a fairway banked on both sides to help guide wayward tee shots back to the short grass and the sixth is a dramatic 414-yard dogleg-left par-4 that plummets toward a well-guarded green.

Jones makes you wait impatiently for a look at the first in a sensational set of par 3s, but when one reaches the tee at the 152-yard eighth, all is forgiven as you’re faced with a striking look over a ravine to a green guarded on the right by bunkers and on the left by the ever-present banked rough.

it’s much too difficult to select a single favorite on the back nine, but one would be hard-pressed to find better par 5/par 3 pairs in the entire tri-state area then the sweeping 528-yard par-5 12th followed by the 197-yard par-3 13th played over a

pond from an elevated tee or the 193-yard 17th with a whopping 102 feet of elevation change from tee to green and the 551-yard par-5 finishing hole which skirts a large pond and boasts a breathtaking pure country backdrop.

not only were golfers giddy about the quality of the course, but they gushed over the reincarnation of the club’s restaurant as well. and they must have spread the word far and wide, for what was once relegated solely to a pre- and post-round stop for golfers became a go-to choice for an evening out in rural chester county.

“we’ve really breathed new life into that,” said Broadbelt. “we’re making a strong, concerted effort to one: have a great product for our golfers and two: to make sure that everyone who comes in just to dine at the restaurant enjoys themselves. we have a brand new food and beverage manager, katrina Schmidt, and a new chef, Jamie nafe heading up

the operation. The menu is always evolving, the atmosphere is great and the building is obviously unique. we have terrific service and expanded hours of operation. Before we came on board, the restaurant used to close down after all of the golfers left.”

inside the historic farmhouse, a portion of which dates to 1702, patrons pine over appetizers such as duck tacos and the Mac-n-cheese that took top honors in both the Judge’s choice and people’s choice categories at the chester county Mac-n-cheese cook-off back in June and entrees such as herb-crusted pork tenderloin with caramelized cauliflower puree, sweet potato and apple gratin, asparagus and wild mushroom fricassee. although the menu changes seasonally and thus can be equally enjoyed from inside the farmhouse or out on the peaceful patio, the fare can always be accompanied by a specialty cocktail or craft beer from the versatile drink menu.

The friday night live entertainment that became so popular during the warmer months has moved indoors for the winter. it continues to draws large crowds and will soon expand to multiple nights as part of an attractive weekly schedule which also includes Taco Tuesdays featuring gourmet tacos, Mexican beers and Margaritas.

Both the golf course and The Bordley house basically sell themselves with their uniqueness, but with a full practice facility where Broadbelt and his staff offer an array of individual and group lessons and clinics and highly-popular junior camps for players of all ages and ability levels, a fleet of high-powered golf carts fully-equipped with top of the line GpS units and refreshingly affordable rates, Broad run meets every golfer’s desires.

The club also offers a variety of enticing membership options. a full membership, which includes all cart fees as well as green fees at Broad run’s sister course, the highly-acclaimed iron Valley Golf club, a p.B. dye design in a similarly tranquil setting in lebanon, pa. totals $3,250 a weekday membership ($2,150), young professional ($2,399), senior weekday ($1,600), and junior ($799) are also among the availabilities.

“we see great growth potential there,” said Broadbelt of memberships at Broad run, a full Golf association of philadelphia member, where he has established a members’ association along with various committees to ensure that the membership has significant input into all facets of the club’s bright future.

Anyone interested in membership

opportunities may contact General

Manager Jeff Broadbelt at

610.738.4410 ext. 12, or

[email protected].

For inquiries related to lessons, junior

camps or outings, contact Head

Professional Pete Lovenguth at

610.738.4410 ext. 14, or

[email protected].

To book tee times or for more information

about Broad Run Golfer’s Club or

The Bordley House Grille, visit

www.BroadrunGc.coM

day trippin’

golf grip raincoat garners national acclaim


adam Barnett had to feel pretty good.Two years ago at the pGa

Merchandise Show in orlando, fla. Barnett’s Golf Grip raincoat stood above the masses filling the square foot orange county convention center as the best new product concept.

“every golfer who’s played in the rain, the only thing they are thinking about is their grip,” said Barnett in an interview with the palm Beach post. “everything coming out is a swing aid or a putting aid. But you can’t swing or putt if your grip is wet.”

The Golf Grip raincoat provides peace of mind for golfers who so often are forced to shift their focus from playing their game to keeping their grips dry. it’s a water-resistant protective cover made of rubber that effortlessly attaches around your club’s grip and then detaches prior to playing a shot in just seconds.

it’s ideal for keeping your grips dry while carrying clubs from the golf cart to your ball and back again and can also be used while clubs are in your bag. By

keeping your grips dry, the Golf Grip raincoat allows golfers the time to go through their normal pre-shot routines without worrying about rushing out from under an umbrella, taking a hurried practice swing (if any practice swing at all). with the Golf Grip raincoat on a club, a golfer can take a practice swing, remove it, clip it onto his or her belt loop and play the shot without any need to rush.

The Golf Grip raincoat ($14.95 each) fits every club in your bag and conforms to uSGa rules as long as a player removes it before hitting a shot. it’s available in a variety of colors and in men’s and women’s models.

Visit www.inventivegolf.com for a video demonstration, more information, as well as great savings including a buy one, get the second free offer and be sure to visit Barnett and The Golf Grip raincoat at the philadelphia Golf Show at the Greater philadelphia expo center at oaks feb. 8-10.

By Nate Oxman, Staff Writer

philadelphia publinks 2103 schedule

Publinks Better-Ball Team Championship Turtle Creek GC May 20

PPGA Match Play Championship Qualifying May 18, 19 or 20

45th Philadelphia Better-Ball Championship Cobbs Creek GC June 7, 8 & 9

PPGA Junior Championship McCall GC June 19

PPGA College Championship McCall GC June 19

Publinks Championship Jeffersonville GC June 24

40th Philadelphia Open Amateur Championship Cobbs Creek CC July 12, 13 & 14

PPGA Mid-Amateur Championship Turtle Creek GC August 2

Philadelphia Senior Open Amateur Championship Kimberton GC September 27

Atlantic Publinks Challenge Baltimore TBD

PPGA Fall Classic Jeffersonville GC October 11

Committee Appreciation Day TBD October 20

PPGA Scholarship Fundraiser Tournament Stonewall November 4

Irish–Scottish Design

3016 Ocean Heights Ave Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234

609.926.3900mcculloughsgolf.com

Atlantic City’s Best

The Main line is an unofficial term used to describe part of the

sprawling suburban area just northwest of philadelphia, pennsylvania. for over a century it has been a very fashionable and affluent place to live and still remains so to this day.

in the 19th century, the Main line was home to most of the influential and wealthiest philadelphia families. The social elite usually had homes in the city and a summer home that they affectionately referred to as a “country cottage” on the Main line. They were the grandest residences you could possibly imagine. in the early 1900’s Merion cricket club drew crowds of over 25,000 spectators just to see tennis played and perhaps rub elbows with the Montgomery-Scotts, pews, clothiers or hires (as in “root beer”).

in the 1890’s golf arrived on the Main line, so the well heeled could stroll the country side all summer chasing a little white ball struck by hickory shafted clubs. By 1896 Merion cricket club members built a nine-hole golf course and brought the old Scottish game to haverford, pa. nine holes of golf are better than no golf but it’s not really eighteen holes even when played twice. as the twentieth century rolled around, the Main line was becoming a vast labyrinth of suburbia and the price of large tract of land was becoming rather expensive. in 1910 a small tract of 126 acres with a road (ardmore avenue) running through it was purchased by the cricket club Membership to build a new 18 hole golf course that would become known

as Merion Golf club. Many years later another tract of land was purchased and a second golf course called the west course was designed and built.

Merion’s Golf clubs’ roots are in Scotland. Many of the original members were either Scottish or from Scottish descent. The man credited with being the course designer, hugh irvine wilson, was a Scottish immigrant. after being commissioned to design Merion he went to the “old country” and studied ancient Scottish courses. it’s been proported the holes are designed after the greatest holes from the ancient courses. The old historic east course has never been redesigned and maintains the original hole layouts.

each hole uses the natural contour of the landscape to test the golfer’s skill on ever swing. The fairways are seamlessly tucked into the next so that the tee box is just a short walk from the green. a fact not lost on members who must walk the course.

The Merion Golf club is now one hundred years old. it has been asked to host more national championships than any other u.S. golf course. although Merion has not changed, the game has. The players are bigger and stronger. The equipment and technology is superior. The last time a uS open was played in

ardmore, pa, ronald reagan enacted “reaganomics”, MTV started airing 24/7, lady di married the prince of wales, the price of gas was $1.38 a gallon, and Muhammad ali finally retired from the ring for the very last time.

in less than six months the world’s best golfers will test the Grande damne of the

Main line. how will the professionals fair in exceptionally long rough, the distinctive Scottish style bunkers (known as the white faces of Merion) or the double cut hand rolled lightening fast greens? There is good reason Merion has always been rated one of the best 10 golf courses in america along with augusta, pine Valley, oakmont and pebble Beach. The course is unforgiving and demands precise shot control.

The last time a u.S. open was played at Merion in 1981 the layout measured a mere 6,400 yards. The distance for the 2013 open will be a few yards under 7,000

the 2013 u.s. open at Merion— area golf fans are in for a treat this summerBy anthony Caiazzo Jr.


2013 u.s. open


with a par of 70. There are only two par 5’s.Merion has hosted a total of 18

united States Golf association (uSGa) championship tournaments, the first two, the 1904 and 1909 u.S. women’s amateur championships which were held at the old haverford course. The first uSGa tournament held at the east course was the 1916 u.S. amateur won by charles e. evans Jr. This was also the first time robert Tyre Jones, Jr. played in a national championship, he was just 14 years old so everyone called the kid Bobby. Jones would go onto win his first u.S. amateur in 1924, also held at Merion.

in 1930, the u.S. amateur was again played at Merion. earlier that year, Bobby Jones had won the British amateur, British

open and u.S. open. The question of the day was could he sweep all of the major titles in the same year? Jones was ahead seven holes and when both players parred the 11th hole Jones closed out eugene homans and had an 8 and 7 victory. an absolutely monumental achievement by an amateur golfer. an atlanta newsman o.B. keeler used the term “Grand slam” which has stuck ever since. Bobby Jones still to this day stands head and shoulders above all other amateur golfers. his name is honored alongside history’s greatest sports legends; Babe ruth, Muhammad ali, Jackie robinson and Michael Jordan.

only Tiger woods has held all four modern majors at one time but not all in the same year. an incredible feat by

any standard.Merion’s 1950 u.S. open featured Ben

hogan’s comeback after a car crash the previous year which shattered his pelvis nearly killed him. on the final hole in extreme pain and facing a shot of over 200 yards hogan needed a par to force a playoff. hogan used a 1-iron which hit the green and he made par. hogan then defeated lloyd Mangrum and George fazio in an 18-hole playoff the following

day to win the second of his four u.S. open Titles. The photograph of hogan’s 1-iron shot on the 18th fairway on Merion is an iconic photo of golf greatness today.

The 1971 u.S. open at Merion featured lee Trevino and Jack nicklaus in an 18 hole playoff. Trevino got the first laugh by pulling out a large

rubber snake and tossing it to nicklaus. Trevino would also get the last laugh carding a two under sixty eight beating Jack by two, taking the title of champion. Trevino went on to win the canadian and British open that year, becoming the first golfer to do so; only Tiger woods has done it since.

who will win the 2013 u.S. open Golf championship? will the course get overpowered or be finessed? how will the winner be remembered? Merion has weathered the test of time. The lure of Merion will go on and write a new chapter in the history of golf once more.

2013 u.s. open

while a countless number of daily-fee clubs guarantee a country club

for a day experience, very few actually deliver on that promise. So often one (or more) key attribute is glaringly absent: impeccable course conditions, an “i could spend all day here” practice area, a dedicated, professional staff, lavish locker room facilities, a zagat-rated worthy restaurant, bend over backwards customer service from all departments.

Those daily-fee clubs that ultimately fall short of their country club for a day pledge should pay close attention to the product Bulle rock in havre de Grace, Md. has presented every single day since opening its doors in 1998.

Bulle rock completes the checklist above with flying colors and goes far beyond with an overall package that is unrivaled in the mid-atlantic region.

“pete dye designed [Bulle rock] with the vision of a world-class, tournament-worthy golf course that anybody could come and play,” said pGa director of Golf and General Manager rick rounsaville. “obviously, in the late 80s and early 90s, there weren’t a lot of really good, championship-caliber golf courses that were open to the public. That was the whole vision for Bulle rock and that’s what we strive to maintain.”

Bulle rock surely succeeds and although the club’s widely successful run as host of the lpGa championship came to an end in 2009, Superintendent Bill lewis and his staff work tirelessly to keep the course in the exact same superb playing conditions.

“That continues to keep us charged on the mission that

we’re on,” said rounsaville of the desire to provide an unforgettable experience to every guest. “we set out to provide something special and i think that’s what makes it worth the drive.”

rounsaville and his professional staff offer superior service inside the spacious golf shop and first-class instruction on Bulle rock’s practice facility which features a short-game area, putting green, and all-grass, double-fairway range. all golfers are given unlimited use of the practice area prior to play.

Bulle rock’s all-encompassing facility also makes it an ideal host for outings and tournaments where guests are given full use of all of Bulle rock’s amenities, complete scoring services including use of the club’s scoreboard, personalized bag tags, and club cleaning before and after the round.

Silks restaurant, open to golfers and the general public seven days per week, features separate lunch, dinner and Silks Bar and lounge menus loaded with savory seafood options such as the seared day boat scallops with carrot-ginger sauce, creamy risotto and roasted baby bell pepper and a splendid rendition of

the classic Maryland crab cake.Book an early Sunday morning tee

time and make a stop at Silks after the round to recharge your batteries with the robust breakfast buffet. Served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the buffet is also an ideal pre-round meal for those with late-morning/early afternoon starting times.

as if all of that didn’t make you feel like a member of an exclusive private club, Bulle rock also boasts an elite-level caddie program.

it’s too bad Bulle rock doesn’t offer memberships. although, one can have the next best thing. Bulle rock runs one of the most valuable frequent player programs of any daily-fee club in the region. There are four extremely-affordable Vip frequent player programs including the Silver package which includes 11 rounds of golf for just $945. considering Bulle rock’s peak rates climb to $130, that’s an incredible bargain, especially when each golfer is guaranteed to get the same unforgettable experience each and every time he or she tees it up. Golfers are able to purchase Bulle rock’s player programs and find more information on all of Bulle rock’s player programs at www.bullerockgolf.com.

Those looking for additional discount rates still have time to take advantage

of Bulle rock’s attractive $79 off-season rates which expire after March 31.

Bulle rock, named after the “father of thoroughbred horses” which came to america in the 1730s, was built on what was

bulle rock’s complete package blazes past competitionBy Nate Oxman Staff Writer


extra holes


once Blenheim Stud farm just off i-95 about an hour’s drive from most of the philadelphia suburbs.

The club vaulted 22 spots to no. 59 on Golf digest’s most recent list of america’s 100 Greatest public courses and in 2012 was once again voted as the no. 1 public golf course in Maryland by Golfweek and Golf Magazine. Bulle rock also received elite five-star recognition by Golf digest and came in no. 41 on Golf Magazine’s 2012 list of the Top 100 courses you can play in the u.S.

The golf course, which plays to a par of 72, tips out at 7,375 yards from the furthest (black) of four sets of tees and drops to 6,843 (gold), 6,360 (blue), 6,047 (white) and 5,426 (red) when moving forward, begins with a short, gentle dogleg-left par 4, an indication of the spectacle to come more so in the supreme quality of the turf than anything else, although there are soothing views of chesapeake Bay as a backdrop.

Then the sensational par-5 second smacks you square in the face with its splendor, awakening your golf senses and setting the tone for a truly special experience.

a three-shot hole for nearly all, the second stretches to a sinister 572 yards from the black tees and still packs plenty of punch from the whites at 489. from an elevated tee, the tree-lined fairway sweeps downhill to a creek that skirts across and forces most to lay up. The approach must be an accurate one in to find the smallish green guarded by a bunker in front.

it wouldn’t be overkill to cite the remainder of the holes as highlights on the outgoing nine, but the downhill par-3 third, playing anywhere from 121 to 177 yards over a smattering of greenside bunkers, the downhill 413-yard par-4 sixth requiring an approach over a stream and a gnarly front-right bunker, the 546-yard par-5 eighth with the stunning contrast of the lush green fairway and primary rough and the golden tones of the fescue grasses in full effect, and the dogleg-right, 351-yard par-4 ninth which presents classic risk/reward options, are all impossible to forget.

if the front nine doesn’t send you into sensory overload, the back nine is sure to push you pleasantly to the brink.

The dogleg-left, par-5 11th plays up to 665 yards and is dotted with bunkers on both sides of the fairway and green, the 190-yard 12th is a stunning par 3 with sparkling water sitting on the right side and the 476-yard par-4 13th doglegging around a ravine make for one demanding stretch.

“Just standing out in the middle of that fairway with the ravine and the wall and the bunker behind with the railroad ties, that just shows how great i think pete dye is as a designer,” said rounsaville of the 13th.

The 529-yard par-5 15th, with a double fairway split by a stream and a green guarded by a deep-faced front-right bunker, is another two-shotter teeming with beauty and the 485-yard par-4 18th with water lining the left side and trees running up the right is a hole that dye himself deemed the most difficult finisher he ever constructed.

although Bulle rock has a bit of a brutish reputation, rounsaville assures golfers the course presents a fair test.

“if you play the right set of tees based on your handicap, it’s a challenge,” said rounsaville. “But you can still have fun out here, no question. it’s when you go back where you don’t belong that the course can eat you up. There are no forced carries. everything is pretty much in front of you. it’s just great. it’s as good as anything i’ve ever played as a golf professional.”

For more information about Bulle Rock,

including tee times, VIP Frequent Player

Programs, golf outings, lessons, Silks

Restaurant and directions to the club, visit

BullerockGolf.coM

or call

410.939.8887

extra holes

even though golf first came to puerto rico around 1930, the 3,515-square

mile island roughly 1,000 miles from the southern tip of florida has really only become a golf destination in the last half-century.

when tourism first arrived in full force in the “rich port” in the late 1940s, visitors were largely wealthy americans. That trend eventually gave way to a more middle-class clientele eager for a budget-friendly getaway. and as puerto rico’s reputation as such a place grew so did its golf portfolio. Gary player, Tom kite, robert Trent Jones, rees Jones, arthur hills and native son chi chi rodriguez all crafted courses on the island.

after witnessing the popularity of recreational golf on the island, professional golf matriculated down from the mainland as well. The champions Tour regularly visited the northern coast of puerto rico throughout the 90s and since 2008 the pGa Tour has played the puerto rico open on the northern coast each March.

Today, the island continues to thrive as a vacation spot, still spoiling the affluent and the blue collar alike with pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations and an endless array of recreational activities including, of course, golf.

among the elite resorts is the wyndham rio Mar Beach resort in rio Grande, highlighted by its spacious full-service casino, seductive Mandara Spa and puerto rico’s premier recreation package and 36 holes of golf.

Tom fazio (Galloway national Gc, hartefeld national Gc, Trump national Gc - philadelphia) and his uncle George fazio (kimberton Gc, Moselem Springs Gc, waynesborough cc, Squires Gc, downingtown cc) teamed up to design rio Mar’s ocean course, which opened in 1975. Thought to be young Tom’s true work, the ocean course offers both mountain views of the neighboring el yunque rainforest, a must-visit section

of the luquillo Mountains which features a variety of scenic hiking trails to various peaks and swimming-friendly waterfalls, and ocean views of the atlantic, most notably from the signature 238-yard par-3 16th hole hugging the beach. The course, which stretches to 6,782 yards (par 72), features four sets of tees to choose from and provides a perfect complement to the Greg norman-designed river course.

The Shark’s first design in the caribbean, the river course is bisected by the Mameyes river, which is known to be dotted with kayakers throughout the day and in other sections offers exceptional swimming holes. unveiled in 1997, the river course also presents golfers with four sets of tees to choose from, including

the gold tees at 6,945 yards. The 385-yard par-4 sixth is the first of five holes which hug the Mameyes river and the 177-yard par-3 10th hole highlights another superb set which have el yunque as a breathtaking backdrop.

each winter the river course hosts the puerto rico classic and lady puerto rico classic, a pair of collegiate events that annually attract many of the top programs in the nation and back in 2004, both the river course and ocean course at rio Mar hosted a pair of uSGa events: the world amateur Team championship and the women’s world amateur Team championship.

in the men’s event, a red-hot ryan Moore, who earlier in the season had

from golf to gambling, rio Mar resort puerto rico has it allBy Nate Oxman Staff Writer


travel destinations


captured the ncaa championship as an individual, the u.S. amateur, western amateur, and u.S. amateur public links, led the united States team to nine-shot victory. Moore, now a two-time winner on the pGa Tour, was joined on the u.S. squad by current pGa Tour player Spencer levin and web.com Tour winner lee williams. other notables in the field were 2010 pGa championship winner Martin kaymer of Germany, Big Break Greenbrier runner-up James lepp of canada, 2005 u.S. amateur (at Merion Gc) winner edoardo Molinari of italy, older brother francesco Molinari and six-time european Tour winner alvaro Quiros of Spain.

The women’s field featured the star-studded united States team of future nine-time lpGa Tour winner and 2010 u.S. women’s open champ paula creamer, future lpGa Tour veteran Jane park and 2004 ncaa individual champion Sarah huarte. That american team finished in a tie for second place, three shots behind Sweden.

other future lpGa stars who competed at rio Mar were future five-time lpGa major winner and current no. 1 player in the world yani Tseng, who earlier that season had defeated Michelle wie to win the u.S. women’s amateur public links, as well as current lpGa members Sandra Gal of Germany, Mika Miyazato of Japan, Beatriz recari of Spain, Sarah kemp of australia, and hee young park and Sun young yoo of korea.

as if one needed additional amenities, rio Mar’s expansive tennis facility feaures 11 har-Tru courts and two hard courts, four of which are lighted for night play, as well as professional instruction.

dotting the 20,000-square foot sundeck are an adult pool featuring lap lanes and a waterfall, an activity pool accompanied by a water slide and kiddie pool, and three Jacuzzis.

The water Sports hut allows guests to rent wave runners, kayaks and sailboats and experience windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving. Guests may also participate in a wide range of complimentary, family-friendly activities on site daily including beach volleyball, basketball, yoga, water aerobics and bingo.

an indoor fitness center was recently added to the arsenal as well.

Throughout the 500-acre beachfront property, guests indulge in 11 restaurants, lounges and entertainment spots including la estancia, an authentic argentinian restaurant, Shimas, a latin-asian fusion and Sushi standout and iguana’s pub, a casual kick back and relax option which provides soothing views of el yunque national forest.

rio Mar’s las Vegas-style casino spreads out 7,000 square feet and features 12 different table games, 150 slot machines, and the players club sports bar loaded with five 50-inch hdTV plasma screens.

The Mandara Spa offers 11 treatment rooms, a full-service hair and nail salon, Thai massages, body wraps and in-room yoga and stretching.

when it’s time to retire, rio Mar is loaded with 600 elegantly-appointed rooms with ocean, mountain or resort views and adornments such as italian tile and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Seventy-two suites are also on site including the atlantic Suite with a wrap-around balcony providing ocean views outside and an 852-square foot parlor area inside.

rio Mar also specializes in custom wedding and special event planning and offers guests a variety of golf and spa packages in addition to refreshingly affordable nightly individual and group rates.

it’s no secret the caribbean islands are loaded with can’t miss vacation options, but puerto rico sets itself apart for several reasons. as an unincorporated territory of the united States, americans are not required to have a passport to visit and the currency used throughout the entire island is the u.S. dollar.

while other islands offer little more than surf and sand, puerto rico possesses attractions visitors won’t find anywhere else including three of the six bioluminescent bays in the entire world, rio camuy cave park, the third largest cave system in the world, el yunque rainforest, the only rainforest in the u.S. national park System, the old-world capital city of San Juan teeming with history and culture and a fascinating

assortment of elaborate forts which date to the 16th century when the Spanish constructed them to defend the harbor of San Juan against invaders.

it’s best to book your vacation for april, May or June after the peak season has ended and before hurricane season has arrived so go ahead and begin planning now.

For more information about the Wyndham

Rio Mar Beach Resort including special

rates and packages, visit

wyndhaMrioMar.coM

travel destinations

entering its 3rd season in the philadelphia Metro area, the

Golfweek amateur Tour (philly Metro) announced their 2013 tournament schedule with events between april 27th and September 28th, 2013. The tournament schedule includes 12 different events, including a 2-day Tour Major tournament. The schedule features 3 joint-events with the Golfweek amateur Tour (Metro ny), concluding with a season-ending 27-hole ryder cup format tournament that players must qualify for in order to be included in the field.

philly Metro Tour director Jeff a. Brodsky said: “once again, we are playing some great courses in the tri-state area in 2013. My goal is to include many different styles and types of golf courses in the schedule. we are thrilled to have the opportunity to play 6 different private courses this season, as well as some of the premier public-access golf courses in the region, all during prime-time weekend hours.”

Members of the Golfweek amateur Tour are flighted into one of 5 different divisions (chaMp, a, B, c, and d flights) based upon a pre-determined tour handicap; members play only against other golfers with the same skill level. within each flight, competitors play for the lowest total gross score to win ViSa gift-cards and crystal trophies; gift card amounts are based upon the number of competitors in each flight during that week’s tournament. Tour handicaps are closely monitored by the Tour director to ensure a fair competition.

each event also includes a separate Skins Game, closest To The pin competitions on all par 3 holes, and a 50/50 drawing in support of the Golfweek amateur Tour’s charity partner, Stand up 2 cancer. points are accumulated by members each week towards qualification for the national championships in hilton head, Sc. Tour membership allows play in any of over

600 tournaments nationwide, simply for the individual event fee.

The Golfweek amateur Tour (philly Metro) will kick off its 3rd season with a trip to the Scotland run Golf club in williamstown, nJ on Saturday, april 27th. Scotland run, opened in 1999 and designed by Stephen kay, is an 18 hole course built on an old sand quarry, providing a blend of wooded, quarry, and links-style holes. Scotland run was twice named one of the Top 50 public courses in the country, as well as the #1 public golf course in the philadelphia area. The season-opener is a joint-event with the Golfweek amateur Tour (Metro ny).

The tour travels to newark, de for a great event at the deerfield Golf & country club, on Saturday May 11th. This william Gordon design features many dramatic elevation changes and scenic vistas. The par 70 course plays quite a bit longer than the stated yardage of 6,323 yards from the tips. deerfield features a memorable mix of golf holes – each one distinctive from the next. The golf course is set on a beautiful wooded undeveloped property alongside the scenic white clay creek State park.

our next event on Saturday May 25th takes the tour “down the shore” on Memorial day weekend to the Blue heron pines Golf club in egg harbor city, nJ. Built in 1993, and designed by Stephen kay, the takes advantage of the natural beauty of the local pineland forests, with majestic tree lines framing the golf holes and natural hazards. Blue heron pines hosted the uS amateur public links championship in 2003 and has recently been named among the best public golf courses in new Jersey.

on Saturday June 8th the tour plays one of the finest public golf courses in the country, the fabulous Bulle rock Golf club in havre de Grace, Md. designed by pete dye and opened in 1998, the course hosted the lpGa championship from 2005 to 2009. each hole is unique

and different and the course will surely test your game. Many holes, particularly on the back-nine, are isolated from each-other with the natural beauty of the Maryland countryside as the setting.

The tour returns to the private philmont country club (north) on Saturday June 29th for a third time. This classic william S. flynn design opened in 1924, and has hosted many uSGa qualifiers as well as the nike (now web.com) Tour. The course features some of the fastest green complexes in our area and many strategic holes. it has become a member’s favorite, always in excellent condition.

The 2013 season’s Two-day Major tournament takes the philly Metro Tour back to radley run country club in beautiful rural west chester, pa on Saturday July 13th and Sunday July 14th. This exclusive private country club has opened their doors for us to play their lovely course two days in a row! The rolling terrain coupled with two ponds and a meandering stream provides a challenging round of golf here, with water in play on half of the holes. This event is sure to be one of the highlights of the season.

our next stop on Saturday July 27th is a semi-private course, the running deer Golf club in pittsgrove, nJ. designed by ed carman, and opened in 2000 as a private club, the course now welcomes limited public play. The golf holes at running deer are set-back amongst the trees, surrounded by woodlands. each hole at running deer is unique and different. from the tips at over 7,000 yards, running deer can play extremely long and difficult, with many natural hazards in play.

on Saturday august 3rd we once again join the Golfweek amateur Tour (Metro ny) for an event on the palmer course at the private forsgate country club in Monroe Twp., nJ. originally designed by hal purdy in 1961,

philly Metro gwat announces 2013 tournament schedule


golfweek aMateur tour


the course was redesigned by the arnold palmer Group in 1995, and has since been updated by Stephen kay in 2007. The forsgate country club was once a large country estate, and now includes two distinctly different golf courses on the property. The palmer course, although not overly long, is known for its challenging holes, which require precision shot making, and scenic views of the new Jersey countryside. a true shot-makers course!

The fun doesn’t end there, as the philly Metro Tour continues to stop at some of the best private courses in the area for the final three local events. The next tour stop on Saturday august 17th at the Manufacturers Golf & country club in ft. washington, pa may be the highlight of the season. founded as a private club in 1887, the golf course dates from 1925 and was designed and built by howard Toomey & william S. flynn. The Sandy run creek runs through the golf course providing a constant challenge. The course features many elevation changes, challenging tee shots, and challenging putting surfaces. Golfweek Magazine has twice selected Manufacturers as one of the Top 100 classical courses in the uSa.

next up on Saturday September 7th is the lovely woodstone country club near danielsville, pa. a private course in the foothills of the bucolic Blue Mountains, woodstone was designed and constructed by Bruce lack, a successful local businessman, and opened for play in 2000. woodstone features challenging, well-manicured fairways and large undulating greens. each hole offers inspiring scenic views of the surrounding woods and countryside. This strategic course is a delight to play! a beautiful lodge is available onsite for those who wish to stay overnight.

The local finals will end the season at the prestigious hartefeld national Golf club in avondale, pa on Saturday September 21st. opened in 1995, this Tom fazio designed course has received many accolades over the years for its naturalistic design set in the rolling farmland. The course has hosted both champions Tour and pGa Tour players

over the years. “for the final event of the season, there are few courses better than hartefeld national Golf club to host the philly Metro local finals; our members will be treated to a truly great course” says Brodsky. This will be a double-points event.

The following weekend, on Saturday September 28th, pre-qualified members of both the philly Metro and Metro ny Golfweek amateur Tours will meet in a ryder cup style event at the neshanic Valley Golf club in neshanic Station, nJ. participants will play head-to-head team and individual matches in 3 different formats (fourballs, foursomes, and singles). neshanic Valley Golf club, designed by Michael hurdzan & dana fry and opened in 2005, has been consistently ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the region and has hosted uSGa events. Tour members qualify for this event through a season long points list; points are earned at each event throughout the season based upon each player’s final gross score in their own flight.

The Golfweek amateur Tour national championship will head to hilton head island, South carolina from october 18th to the 20th, 2013. This 54 hole tournament culminates the season and welcomes the top points qualifiers from each tour around the country. in 2012, the tournament field included almost 700 golfers from 36 tour cities and awarded over $15,000 in prizes. anticipation has already begun for the 2013 Tour championship as expectations are high and player participation will be on the rise.

“we are truly excited about the upcoming season, as we believe it will be our best season yet. our tournament

lineup is impressive; we look forward to visiting some of the best public and private courses the philly Metro area has to offer” said Brodsky.

Visit www.amateurgolftour.net or call Tour director, Jeff a. Brodsky at 610-642-7890 to learn how you can become part of the fastest growing amateur tour in our area – The Golfweek amateur Tour.

4/27/13 Scotland run golf club $110.00 WilliamstoWn, nJ Joint Event With metro nY tour

5/11/13 deerfield g&cc $110.00 newark, de

5/25/13 blue Heron PineS golf club $110.00 egg Harbor city, nJ 6/8/13 bulle rock golf club $150.00 Havre de grace, Md

6/29/13 PHilMont cc (nortH) $120.00 Huntington valley, Pa

7/13/13 radley run cc $0.00 weSt cHeSter, Pa 2-Day major (Double Points) 7/14/13 radley run cc $260.00 weSt cHeSter, Pa 2-Day major (Double Points)

7/27/13 running deer golf club $110.00 PittSgrove, nJ

8/3/13 forSgate cc - PalMer $130.00 Monroe twP., nJ Joint Event With metro nY tour

8/17/13 ManufacturerS g&cc $130.00 ft. waSHington, Pa

9/7/13 woodStone country club $120.00 danielSville, Pa 9/21/13 Hartefeld national gc $120.00 avondale, Pa local Finals (Double Points)

9/28/13 2013 Metro ny vS PHilly $150.00 Metro ryder cuP (27 HoleS) @ neSHanic valley gc neSHanic Station, nJ

2013 golfweek aMateur tour (philly Metro) schedule

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Something big is coming. really big. perhaps the biggest golf event in our lifetimes will begin in just four months when venerable Merion Golf club in ardmore, pa. hosts the u.S. open (June 10-16). uSGa executive director Mike davis has dubbed the 2013 tournament a “boutique” open because everything from the crowds to the overall yardage (6,996) of the golf course will be much scaled down to we’re all used to seeing at an open. But for many of us, there will be nothing small about it. The baby boomer generation may remember Merion’s last u.S. open in 1981 but the rest of us haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing something like what’s to come. Sure the Sei pennsylvania classic at waynesborough cc was okay and the aT&T national at aronimink Gc was a lot of fun. But come on? we’re talking about a major here, in our very own backyard, at one of the world’s most-heralded courses. we’re talking Tiger, phil, rory, Bubba. all on the Main line. all, believe it or not, at Merion for the very first time. who do you think will be more excited? us or them? it’s going to be really big so to commemorate the historic event, we’re putting together what will surely be the most comprehensive, informative guide to the 2013 open that will be published. we’ll have complete breakdowns of all 18 holes by pGa professionals, the stories behind those famous wicker baskets and what many refer to as “the best logo in golf,” our recommendations (for those fortunate enough to have tickets) on where to watch the action, and much more. Go to www.tristategolfer.com for more information including how you can get your hands on a copy come spring…2013 is actually the second year in a five-year stretch in which a uSGa national event will be held in the tri-state area. The uSGa Men’s State Team championship was played at Galloway national Golf club in Galloway, n.J. back in September, the u.S. Mid-amateur comes to Saucon Valley cc in Bethlehem, pa. in Sept. 2014, the u.S. women’s open will be held at lancaster country club in lancaster, pa. in July 2015 and then rolling Green Gc in Springfield, pa. hosts the u.S. women’s amateur in august 2016...we’ve talked about the struggling economy’s impact on golf before and how even though we hate to see clubs suffer, one benefit for the public golfer is that many clubs seek to generate revenue by opening its doors to the public. The latest to turn semi-private is The links Golf club in Marlton, n.J., one of only two courses in the country designed by englishman fred hawtree, who also penned nine-time open championship host royal Birkdale Gc in Southport, england…Much talk has been made in the last couple of years about the youth movement on the pGa Tour (rory, rickie, dJ, webb, etc.), but professional golf in the tri-state area continues to be dominated by soon-to-be 53-year-old Stu ingraham, the pGa head professional at MGolf driving range & learning facility in newtown Square, pa. in 2012, ingraham became the first professional in the 90-year history of the philadelphia Section pGa to finish first in races for the player of the year, Senior player of the year and the debaufre Scoring average. ingraham captured seven titles last year including both the philadelphia Senior pGa championship and the philadelphia pGa professional championship. congrats on an outstanding season! —TSG

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