PLUS: MGA Championship Recap l Club Champions l Distinguished Service Award MetGolferThe THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION MGAGOLF.ORG VOL. 32, NO. 5 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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     % !  $ ! !" ' "$' ) & "  " " # "  * "  %"  !   % !  TABLE OF TABLE 4 36 National, which will host the 2018 .opportunity to play a round at le GolfAmerican Challenge Team had theBelow: Members of the MGA/WMGA French- dollar view of the Empire State Building. many mounds at Ferry Point with a million- Above: stands atop one of the THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER • GOLFER MET THE CONTENTS 62 8Live Wire68 Putting It All 66 Together In the Winner’s60 Circle Never Too Soon,48 Never Too Late A Star is Born36 Features backdrop of the Whitestone Bridge. Golf Links at Ferry Point is framed against the the Cover: yJan McCooey Jeanne By Award. for the MGA Distinguished Service to the game makes him a standout choice Don Hendler’s track record of giving back Powers Christopher By Player of the Year title. fulfilled his potential and earned the MGA With two major victories, David Pastore Powers Christopher By defined the MGA’s Championship slate. Comebacks and clutch performances Neuman Jeff By the young and old and in between. champions reminds us golf is a game for This year’s roundup of MGA club Neuman Jeff By for play and worth the wait. Whitestone Bridge in is ready The long-delayed by the The eighteenth green of Trump Met Golfer OUE3,NME NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 32, NUMBER 5 Met Golfer OUE3,NME NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 32, NUMBER X The The 90 88 86 84 78 72 26 Plus… yLn Bortolot Lana By northwestern New Jersey. One of the world’s finest wine cellars is in Force de Latour Taste of the Met: Kevin PriseBy Coping with the end-of-season blues. Sun the Goes There Body & Mind: Vechten Van Ken By In the Bag: Polchinski David By Met Methods: Club Focus: Vukelich Dan By Travel: Up Close: as a quiet gem. reaffirms the Whippoorwill Club’s status A newly restored classic golf course and breathtaking scenery. American culture, green and red chiles, New Mexico has it all – great golf, Native future. chart a steady course for the Association’s used his strategic planning expertise to Outgoing MGA President Jeff Holzschuh structured, more comfortable. It’s got to be the shoes: lighter, less your arms and body working together. One simple backswing drill will help get By By Jeff Day Breaking Man With a Plan See the Light By By David Barrett Whippoorwill Calls Get In Sync! WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG

LEFT: KATE KELLER; ABOVE: JIM MANDEVILLE/NICKLAUS DESIGN OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER

rolex oyster perpetual and sky-dweller are trademarks. TABLE OF CONTENTS MetThe Golfer THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE METROPOLITAN GOLF ASSOCIATION Volume 32, Number 5 Editor: Jeff Neuman Met Golfer Editorial Committee: Gene M. Bernstein, Leslie A. Schupak, Co-Chairmen; C.A. Wimpfheimer, Chairman Emeritus; Donald Hendler, Jeanne McCooey, Jay Mottola, Dr. William Quirin, Allan Small, Roger Tulcin Metropolitan Golf Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 • 914-347-4653 www.mgagolf.org • [email protected] MGA Executive Committee: Jeffrey R. Holzschuh, President; Stephen F. Boyd, Vice President; Michael J. Sullivan, Treasurer; Tod D. Pike, Secretary Committee Members: Gregg M. Angelillo, Joseph D. Bardon, Robert J. Bluestone, Patrick L. Donnelly, Philip T. Fabrizio, Norman A. Feinstein, Steven J. Green, Phillip M. Halpern, Dennis Lynch, Michael X. McBride, Beth Z. Post, H. Craig Treiber, Stephen Worth, Jordan Ziegler Past Presidents: Leslie A. Schupak, Allan W. Small, Gene M. Bernstein President, LIGA: Alan Finkelstein President, NJSGA: Frank O’Brien President, WGA: Michael McCarthy President, WMGA: Amy Hyman General Counsel: Mario Ponce MGA Staff: Jay Mottola, Executive Director; Barbara Bradley, Millie Burt, Louis Cutolo, Jeff Day, John DeTemple Jr., Nick , Beth Francese, Chris Gaffney, Kate Keller, David Klenk, Kevin Kline, Holly Kotiadis, Jim Landers, Zachary Long, Brian Mahoney, Jeanne McCooey, Susan O’Dowd, Jeff Pepe, Helen Stock, Rose Tomassetti, Lynn Turnesa, Gene Westmoreland 72 Published for the Metropolitan Golf Association by: Great Golf Resorts of the World, Inc. 2600 Philmont Avenue, Suite 325 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Departments Phone: (215) 914-2071 • Fax: (215) 914-2076 CEO & Publisher: Richard K. Summers 8 Met Observations by Jeff Neuman COO & Art Director: Peter J. Sansone Executive Vice President: Brian Folino 10 Opening Shot by John Feinstein General Manager, Operations: Patrick Cherry 12 Perfect Drive: Knollwood Country Club Production/Pre-Press: Frederick Yantz Design: Jim Gerhard, Matt Hulnick, Steve Higgins, Marina Kohls by Jay Mottola 14 Executive Desk Advertising Production Manager: Julie Yuen 14 Around the Met Internet Manager: Matt Frey, PGA Operations: Tom Gauss, Mike DiMeglio 94 Inside the Rules: Golf is Not a Game of Gotcha Accounting: George Kotlyar 99 Readers Service Advertising: For information, please contact: Zack Long at 914-347-4653, ext. 321, or Brian Folino at 623-337-5802 (office) or 661-312-6412 (cell) 100 Last Word by Jimmy Roberts National Sales Manager: Jim Kahn Regional Advertising Managers: Howard Derkay, Scott Miller

Audit Bureau of Circulations Member

THE MET GOLFER is published by the Metropolitan Golf Association, 49 Knollwood Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523. Periodicals postage paid at , NY 10199 and additional mailing offices. THE MET GOLFER (ISSN 1042-7678) is published five times yearly ©2014 by Above: A trail ride at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort north of Metropolitan Golf Association. Published in the United States. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. POSTMASTER: Albuquerque may run alongside Twin Warriors and feature send address changes to THE MET GOLFER, 49 Knollwood Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523. SUB- views of the Sandia Mountains. SCRIBERS: if the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years. PRINTED IN U.S.A

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©2014 PING P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071 MG914 Wheatley Agency, Inc. MET OBSERVATIONS 377 Oak Street, Suite 205 Garden City, NY 11530 Out in the Open 516-745-0072 his summer, I attended the final round of the 99th Met Open at Trump National www.wheatleyagency.com Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. It’s an experience I recommend highly T to anybody who can take the time on a weekday. To begin with, the Trump Bedminster course is an excellent one, with a great deal Is your club paying of variety to its landscape, and it was a pleasure to walk and watch our area’s best pro- fessionals and amateurs take it on. The players were in threesomes, with a standard- too much for group life? bearer following each trio to display their scores. The MyMGA app provided continual updates, placing a leaderboard in the pocket or purse of everyone who attended. Best of all was the intimacy of the experience. There was nothing separating the As an MGA Club, handful of spectators from the golfers and their caddies except one’s own sense of deco- rum. I followed the final threesome for most of the round; when the tournament leader buy group life at a misplayed an attempted recovery shot from the trees, I could hear the mix of self- encouragement and self-recrimination in his voice. I could hardly miss it, since I was DISCOUNT about ten discreet yards away, carefully out of his line of sight. There were too few of us to ring the putting surfaces; we dotted them, avoiding the direct through-line, but as if your club had standing close enough to read the break ourselves. 10,000 employees! It was truly one of the special spectator experiences of my life. When the 100th Met Open is played next August at Winged Foot, or the Ike at Friar’s , or the Met Ama- teur at Baltusrol, I strongly suggest taking advantage of the chance to see our local majors played on some of the country’s greatest courses. Bene"ts include: As unobtrusive as we tried to be, one of the eight or nine observers was probably w hard for the competitors not to notice. Guaranteed issue up to $300,000 Donald Trump is usually the center of attention wherever he goes. Drawing atten- w Wheatley Agency administers the tion is what he does best, the trait that stands at the heart of his famous brand as much entire program! as the gold and marble that proclaim the quality of his properties. He was there as host of a championship at one of his earliest golf holdings, but he was also there as a fan. He rode the course in a golf cart, watching every shot in the final group, at least PLUS: every shot that I saw. He commented knowledgeably about the shots they faced and Supplemental VOLUNTARY Life the difficult hole locations on the greens, smiling appreciatively when they hit a good w NO medical questions lag putt or made a tricky up-and-down. He paid close attention to the drama of the moment, noted the emotional ups and w NO minimum participation downs of the players, and appeared to be having a great time. Naturally, he waxed enthusiastic about the quality of the golf course and some of his others; he insisted w Guaranteed issue up to $150,000 that I have a hot dog at the turn, because “the hot dogs here are the greatest in the world, w NO cost to the club you gotta have one,” and so he bought one for me and a fellow with whom I was walk- ing and also for a guy at the grill who had already ordered one. When he saw me one hole later, his first words were, “Wasn’t that a great hot dog? Didn’t I tell you that was Endorsed by the Metropolitan Golf a great hot dog?” Association, we have provided exclusive In this issue, I write about the first new golf course in since 1964, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx. (Coincidentally, a year ago I profiled programs for more than 70 Golf & the last new NYC golf course, Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn.) The story Country Clubs for over 35 years. of its long, long road to completion is detailed in this issue, but there is no denying that without Trump’s involvement, the course might not have been completed. He will likely turn a profit under the terms of his concession agreement with the New In addition we o#er the most competitive York City Department of Parks & Recreation, but I don’t think that’s why he took pricing for Medical, Dental, Vision, on the project. As I learned on an afternoon in Bedminster, whatever else you want to say about Accident, Disability, Legal and Donald Trump, he genuinely loves golf. Once you’ve made your way out to Ferry Point, 401 (k) programs. you’ll know that’s a good thing.

Jeff Neuman Editor Ken Coyle Jr., CLU, ChFC Have a comment about something you read in The Met Golfer ? Write at 800-966-6062 or to us at [email protected]. [email protected] 8 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG LEGEND HAS IT.

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Rory? He’sNoTiger

he torch has finally been passed. There is now no question that the someone he had known for about 60 number-one player in golf is Rory McIlroy. He has won the last two seconds. There is simply no way Woods would be majors and will go into next year’s Masters trying to complete the T caught dead doing something like that. It’s career Grand Slam before the age of 26. just not who he is. A lot of that has to do with That doesn’t mean the spotlight won’t A couple of years ago, I was walking his father, who taught him not to trust any- still be on whenever he shows through a hotel lobby and saw McIlroy one and to never give anything away for free. up to play. He’s still Tiger Woods and always standing next to an older man who was You might argue that Woods’s celebrity will be—whether he’s in contention to win showing him pictures on his cell phone. is so great it would be impossible for him to another major or missing the cut. I caught a snippet of the conversation as I stand around and chat in a hotel lobby. But McIlroy is now the guy everyone walked past. You’d be right. But years ago, when he was wants to know more about; the guy pitch- Rory: “How old is he?” an 18-year-old amateur known to only a ing products every time you turn on the TV; Man: “Eight months next week.” handful of golf insiders, I watched him put the guy anointed as Woods’s successor. Rory: “That’s great. How many grand- his head down and ignore perhaps a dozen The good news for golf in all this? McIl- kids for you now?” kids looking for autographs—any auto- roy is ready, willing, able and eager to take on Man: “My first one.” graph—as he left the practice tee at Bay Hill. the mantle. He has never shied away from the Rory: “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy It was a practice day. He could have easily spotlight in good times and bad. After he shot for you.” stopped and signed for five minutes and 80 on Sunday at the 2011 Masters to go from a four-shot lead to a tie for fifteenth place, “There was McIlroy, oohing and aahing over the he stood and answered every post-round question. When he walked off the golf course grandson of someone he had known for about 60 seconds.” at The Honda Classic in 2013 because he was disgusted with his play, he admitted he’d lost The next day I ran into McIlroy in the moved on. It’s just not who he was then or his temper, apologized for it, and publicly locker room, and I asked him who the man who he is now. McIlroy is 180 degrees the contradicted his agent who was spreading a was who had been showing him the photos other way: he enjoys people and he’s comfort- fairy tale that McIlroy walked off because he in the lobby the previous night. For a split able with stardom most of the time. Almost had a toothache. second McIlroy looked at me blankly. everything he does in public is spontaneous. Woods has always loved the spotlight on “The guy with the eight-month-old Everything Woods does is choreographed the golf course and despised it off the course. grandson,” I said. and controlled. He doesn’t like talking to the media and His face brightened. “Oh yeah, that guy. On the day McIlroy announced he had shuts himself off from the public except I have no idea.” broken off his engagement to Caroline Woz- when corporate obligations force him into Now I was puzzled. “You mean you didn’t niacki, he met with the media and answered the open. know him?” every question. When Woods came out of McIlroy couldn’t be more different. He A shrug. “No. He just walked up and said hiding almost three months after his ‘acci- likes to engage. He’s very much his father’s son: he was a fan. We started talking and then dent,’ in 2009, he took no questions and his Gerry McIlroy is a hail-fellow-well-met who he pulled out his phone and said he wanted agent, Mark Steinberg, tried to dictate which is as happy sitting around in a TGI Fridays to show me these pictures. Seemed like a media members could attend the non-press swapping stories with strangers as he would nice guy.” conference. be in a private room in a five-star restaurant. So there was McIlroy—already a star— Woods was always a joy to watch play His son is exactly the same way. oohing and aahing over the grandson of golf. McIlroy is a joy—period. I PHIL HOFFMANN PHIL

10 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG GAME ON. ALL YEAR LONG.

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Knollwood Country Club Elmsford, N.Y. Hole #18 464 yards par 4 Knollwood’s eighteenth is named “Raynor” after Seth Raynor, its legendary architect who considered this the greatest hole he ever built. From an elevated tee, the drive must be long and accurate to find a level spot on the fairway that slopes left to right toward a lateral hazard. The second shot is up a rise and over a pond; the plateau on which the putting surface and approach area sit is also slanted toward the hazard, this time right to left. There is a significant drop-off left of the green, down to a flanking bunker with perdition below. A blue-ribbon panel placed the hole on the MGA’s “Dream 18” listing of the top holes in the Met Area in 1982, and with a recent restoration it has lost neither its challenge nor its beauty. Photo by John DeTemple Around The Met A round-up of news and other events from the tri-state area

EXECUTIVE DESK Two Good Men In this issue we profile two men who have had a profound impact on the Metropolitan Golf Association and the game here in the Met Area. Over many years the Association has been blessed with effective and dedicated volunteer leaders, but for the past 20+ years the work of this year’s Distinguished Service Award winner, Don Hendler, and outgoing MGA president, Jeff Holzschuh, stand out. I have been fortunate to have worked with and for both Don and Jeff during their time with the MGA, and the first thing that comes to mind about them is how similar their backgrounds are. Both have incredibly demanding jobs run- ning businesses that are international in scope and take them literally around the world on a regular basis. They both are devoted to their fam- Now on ilies and to a number of civic causes outside of mgagolf.org golf. Despite these demands, Jeff and Don still find time to give back to the MGA, its charita- I Video Library – Relive all the MGA championship ble Foundation, and to the game in significant action by going to our video ways – and somehow both are still able to main- page and checking out the tain very competitive golf games. (That final trait, having a busy schedule and still maintaining a highlights from a decent golf game, is something I have found very elusive.) spectacular season. Both men also get it when it comes to what the MGA and local amateur golf is all about, and they I Play Day Results. We post understand the importance of constantly reevaluating your mission and focusing on the future. all of the results from the Perhaps it comes from the demands of their real jobs but the other thing they have in common is the MGA Play Days, so take a ability to think strategically and to focus on the big picture issues that are most important. This is to see how you and your something I have personally learned from both since, like many, I fall into the trap of being so busy friends finished up. with daily tasks that I sometimes forget to focus on the issues that are most important to fulfilling I Be sure to follow along our mission. with the MGA on Facebook, In this column and in our magazine we have written a good deal about the many challenges Twitter, Instagram, and facing the game and the clubs and courses around the country and here in the Met Area. With demo- YouTube for videos, photos graphic and societal changes happening so rapidly it would be easy for historic area clubs and organ- and updates from izations like the Met Golf Association that are so steeped in tradition to constantly be playing catchup championships, special and trying to stay relevant. However, the leadership of people like Don Hendler and Jeff Holzschuh events, and more. has helped ensure that the MGA is constantly looking ahead and that we remain a vital and relevant leader in the local golf community. While this year will mark significant milestones in their involvement with the Association, we will never let them get too far away as we can always benefit from their continued wisdom and leadership. (And I need them around to develop a strategic plan for reviving my golf game.)

—Jay Mottola Executive Director

“Executive Desk” reflects the viewpoints of MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola and not necessarily the opinions or policies of the MGA or its member clubs. He can be reached at [email protected].

14 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG Exceptional Golf Within a Tropical Paradise

“Orchid Island is in an ideal location. It’s in one of the nicest spots along the Treasure Coast of Florida. The club is simply outstanding.” —

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2QH%HDFKVLGH'ULYH7RZQRI2UFKLG9HUR%HDFK)ORULGD y  yZZZ2UFKLG,VODQG*ROIDQG%HDFK&OXEFRP AROUND THE MET NumbersBY THE 1 Number of birdies recorded in Niall Handley’s final round at the 8th MGA Mid- Amateur Championship at Mountain Ridge. It was all Handley needed on an extremely blustery day to come from four strokes down and claim his second Mid- Baltusrol Earns LANDMARK Status Am victory. His final round On Tuesday, September 30, became only the fourth golf course to be designated a 1-over 72 was the lowest of the day and tied for Historic Landmark. Baltusrol joins fellow U.S. Open venues , Oakmont second-lowest in the entire Country Club, and Pinehurst in achieving landmark status. The designation was granted after a thor- tournament. ough and comprehensive analysis by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service Landmark Program. It is an extraordinary accolade for A.W. Tillinghast’s two classic courses. 133 SVOBODA off to great Days from Thanksgiving start in 2014–2015 Season until the first round of the After a solid 2013-2014 campaign for Andrew Svoboda on the Masters. Winter is coming. PGA Tour, one in which he qualified for the FedEx Cup Playoffs Buckle down and start your for the first time, the New Rochelle, N.Y., native has picked up countdown until the azaleas bloom. (For advice on coping where he left off in the “wraparound” 2014-2015 season. At the with the winter-onset blues, Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, he was in the top five after see page 88.) rounds of 66, 67, and 67; a 73 on Sunday dropped him to a tie for 18th. The next week, at The McGladrey Classic, he was tied for the lead after three rounds of 66, and wound up tied for 8th after a 71. In those two weeks, Svoboda 7 recorded half as many top-20 finishes as he had in 2013-2014. Age of Tyler Chapman, who Tour Watch: recorded a hole-in-one For PGA Tour, Final 2013–14 Season Results; as of November 9 for 2014–15 Season. For LPGA Tour, playing alongside his father as of November 9 for 2014. at Brooklawn Country Club. Player Tour Season Events Entered Position on Money List Earnings Tyler used a pitching wedge on the fifth hole, playing at Keegan Bradley PGA 2013–14 26 28 $2,828,637 84 yards from the junior tee. 2014–15 1 141 $42,500 In the same round, his father Morgan Hoffmann PGA 2013–14 32 65 $1,595,922 2014–15 2 183 $15,190 Chris added a hole-in-one of Andrew Svoboda PGA 2013–14 24 90 $1,168,072 his own, on the 15th from 2014–15 4 43 $224,814 131 yards with a 9-iron. J.J. Henry PGA 2013–14 28 154 $554,615 2014–15 4 171 $24,456 Johnson Wagner PGA 2013–14 24 173 $393,729 2014–15 2 195 $9,800 Jim Herman PGA 2013–14 21 209 $187,337 2014–15 4 101 $77,374 Kevin Foley PGA 2013-14 15 251 $87,738 2014-15 0 Marc Turnesa PGA 2013-14 6 310 $30,959 2014-15 0 Marina Alex LPGA 2014 24 66 $201,962 Megan Grehan LPGA 2014 18 147 $16,938

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© 2014 Nestlé Waters North America Inc. AROUND THE MET People in the News A.W. TILLINGHAST I Emily “Missy” Inducted into World Crisp of Mill Neck, N.Y., Golf Hall of Fame the 2012 MGA Distin- One of the game’s greatest course architects received guished a well-deserved and long-overdue election to the Service World Golf Hall of Fame in October. A.W. Tilling- Award recipient, received hast, designer of some of the Met Area’s most the Judy Bell Award at the revered courses including Winged Foot, Baltusrol, WMGA’s Annual Meeting on Somerset Hills, and Quaker Ridge, will be official- October 30. The award ly enshrined in July 2015 at the Induction Ceremo- recognizes those who make significant contributions to ny to be held at the University of St. Andrews in the game of golf for women Scotland. Elected along with Tillinghast were Mark and/or juniors in the Met O’Meara, Laura Davies, and David Graham. Area. I Angela Aulenti of Players of the YEAR Fairfield, Conn. will receive the prestigious Achieve - Men’s Club (see page 66) ment Award at the PGA • Connecticut PGA: Adam Rainaud , Black Hall Club Show in Orlando, Fla. in • Connecticut State Golf Association: Zach Zaback , TPC River Highlands January 2015. Aulenti, the first female head golf • Golf Association: Joe Saladino , Huntington CC professional in the state of • Met PGA: Grant Sturgeon , Winged Foot GC Connecticut, is the Golf • New Jersey Golf Association: Mike Stamberger , Spring Lake GC (pictured) Professional at Sterling • New Jersey PGA: Brett Jones , Mountain Ridge CC Farms Golf Club and the • Westchester Golf Association: David Pastore , Griff Harris Men’s Club Director of Golf at E. Gaynor • Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association: Laura Algiero , Whippoorwill Club Brennan Golf Course, both in Stamford. I Jim Liu of Metropolitan PGA’s 2014 Special Smithtown, N.Y., tied for AWARD WINNERS second at The Met PGA had its Fall Meeting the South- and Forum at Bethpage Golf Course western Inter- on October 29 and gave out its special collegiate in awards to some of the top pros in the Westlake Village, California. Met Area. The 2010 U.S. Junior • Junior Golf Player Development Amateur carded Award – Nick Maselli , rounds of 69, 69, and 70 for a Old Oaks CC total of 208. In a decision his • Patriot Award – Greg Bisconti , coach described as “a little Saint Andrew’s GC bit of a surprise,” Liu • Horton Smith Award – Michael subsequently decided to Shank, North Shore CC withdraw from the Stanford • Merchandiser of the Year University golf team and take a leave of absence from (Private) – Chris Kenney , school; he wrote in an email The Patterson Club to Golfweek that he intends • Teacher of the Year – Jeff Warne , to return to school next fall, The Bridge and his plans for the year are • Bill Strausbaugh Award – John Kennedy , Westchester CC to “enjoy the game and play • Player Development Award – Max Galloway, Mohansic GC some amateur golf.” COURTESY METROPOLITAN PGA COURTESY METROPOLITAN

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F SPORT shown. *Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease. ©2014 Lexus. AROUND THE MET NEWS and NOTES from the MGA Foundation Welcome Aboard many different career paths available in the The MGA is proud golf industry. The skills and exposure that to welcome John these internships provide often extend well Dolan as the Senior beyond club walls, with students interacting Manager of the with positive role models and experiencing MGA Foundation. opportunities outside the golf community. “I A Westchester gained confidence when it comes to with TFTMNY during his free time, wanted native, John is a communicating to successful adults,” said to give back to the game he loves so much; graduate of St. second-year intern Gerardo Ramos of The the Scarsdale High School sophomore John’s University Apawamis Club, a junior at St. Raymond’s solicited friends and family to participate, and worked at a High School for Boys in the Bronx. “I know raising more than $12,000 along the way. number of area these skills will help me out as I learn to Roth’s efforts have earned him the moniker clubs including network.” These opportunities would not be “The Young Philanthropist” from TFTMNY Pelham CC, Apawamis CC and Westchester possible without the support from our Executive Director Barry McLaughlin. Hills CC in New York as a caddie and in the member clubs and sponsors, including golf shop operations. Since 2002, he has held MetLife, the Founding Partner of various positions with the American Junior GOLFWORKS, as well as Morgan Stanley, Golf Association (AJGA), most recently EmblemHealth, Astoria Bank, and the serving as their Northeast Regional Director Michael J. Berkeley Foundation. handling a variety of responsibilities, working with events and sponsors, securing The First Tee of Metropolitan New York venues and support for the AJGA’s First Tee participants Brent Ito of Ardsley, championships and activities. John’s work N.Y., and Tiffany Schapira of Valley Stream, has helped him develop a strong network of N.Y., were two of 82 students nationwide golf and business-related contacts selected to compete in the 2014 Nature throughout the Met Area, and with his Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, an background and experience, John will make official Champions Tour event. Ito was an excellent addition to the Foundation. paired with Stephen Ames (pictured) and placed T-12th with a score of -13 in the Members Emeriti Pro/Junior tournament, while Schapira was Longtime MGA Foundation supporters and paired with Scott Hoch. Board members Lowell Schulman of Atlantic For the second consecutive year, 16-year- GC and Tony Wimpfheimer of Sunningdale old Jake Roth of Scarsdale, N.Y., planned GC have each been named a Member and ran a Child-Parent tournament at Emeritus of the MGA Foundation Board of historic Quaker Ridge Golf Club, with Directors. Lowell and Tony were both proceeds benefitting TFTMNY. Roth, a instrumental in the founding and nurturing young member of the club who volunteers of the MGA’s charitable Foundation and have been actively involved in its growth and development since its inception. They are not only among the top contributors to the Foundation’s fundraising efforts but have led the charge to help grow the game and support all of our important youth initiatives. Both gentlemen have been the recipients of the MGA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award which recognized their decades of service to the MGA and the Foundation. Their Emeritus status will ensure their continued engagement while making way for a new generation of volunteers to lead the Foundation forward.

GOLFWORKS GOLFWORKS wrapped up a successful 20th season in 2014. The MGA Foundation’s cornerstone program employed 237 deserving youngsters at 75 MGA member clubs, where they were introduced to the MIDDLE RIGHT: MARC HOWARD/COURTESY OF THE NATURE VALLEY FIRST BEACH PEBBLE VALLEY OPEN TEE MARC AT THE OF HOWARD/COURTESY NATURE RIGHT: MIDDLE

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Book Reviews by Les Schupak A sour taste remains in the mouths of crafty but combustible Captain, American golf fans following a crushing incessantly and loudly promoted the and defining defeat to the European matches with the slogan “GB will win Ryder Cup team this past September, the Ryder Cup.” sparking a heated debate about how They did not, but by playing the the U.S. team is chosen and prepares. dominant Americans to a draw they The competition has unquestionably renewed hope that victory could be become one of golf’s and sport’s most theirs. It would take many more years treasured events. and the addition of players from Yet 45 years ago, it was about to European nations for the tide to turn. become an afterthought in the annals Now the Europeans are in the driver’s of the game. The 18th edition, played seat as the Americans search for at Royal Birkdale in England, answers to regain the Cup and the resurrected it and changed how the global golfing dominance they once Ryder Cup was viewed on both sides of had. the Atlantic. Sagebiel interviewed most of the “Draw In The Dunes” by Neil players and many caddies, Sagebiel (Thomas Dunne Books, $26.99) administrators and media including captures the dramatic competition that Trevillion, now 80, as well as numerous concluded with Jack Nicklaus’s famous spectators who were in the Royal concession of Tony Jacklin’s two-foot Birkdale gallery. He recounts the putt, universally acclaimed as one of the reporting by two famed British game’s greatest acts of sportsmanship. broadcasters, the late Henry Longhurst But the author provides an engrossing and Peter Alliss (who was also a playing account of much more. And the book competitor), as well as several has acquired an additional dimension prominent American and British print thanks to the events of the 2014 Ryder journalists, giving the book a strong Cup, something of a mirror image of what occurred in Great historical and factual grounding. There are also more than a Britain in 1969. dozen black-and-white photographs adding to the heritage of the Emotions were high for the Great Britain & Ireland side during Ryder Cup and that specially notable match. the months before the event at Birkdale. The American players While golf fans worldwide know the outcome, and much has were highly confident of another lopsided victory – the U.S. had been written about “The Concession,” Sagebiel nevertheless won 12 of the last 13 – while the British players knew that if that provides a truly gripping and comprehensive account of this happened, either the event would be short-lived or their team monumental contest that saved the Ryder Cup from possible would face expansion to include golfers from other countries. extinction. The American team had a large number of rookies including My guess is, in 25 years or so we should not be surprised if a golf Nicklaus, and experts in Great Britain saw this inexperience as a writer pens a similar book about the matches just completed at chink in the American’s very thick armor, providing a hint of hope Gleneagles, which could become popularly known as “The to the GB&I faithful. One of those was an unsung hero, a golf Turning Point.” Mr. Sagebiel is young enough to write that sequel, writer and illustrator named Paul Trevillion who became the although this aging reviewer hopes it comes sooner rather than team’s unofficial cheerleader. He and Eric Brown, GB&I’s gritty and later.

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Outgoing President Jeff Holzschuh has applied his strategic expertise to set a steady course for the MGA’s future. BY JEFF DAY

f you want something done, the folk wisdom goes, give it to a busy person. Few people any- Iwhere embody this principle better than Jeffrey R. Holzschuh.

26 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG JEFF WEINER JEFF

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 27 in a number of extracurricular activities, serving as class president, student government president and earning the university’s highest honor, the President’s Medal, for academic excellence and involvement on campus. Always eager to take the next step, Holzschuh started his first job on Wall Street with E.F. Hutton & Co. the week after he graduated in 1982. In 1983, Holzschuh joined Morgan Stanley and soon reconnected with Niagara classmate Mary Helen Mahoney, whom he had dated in college. The two married shortly thereafter and moved to California when Jeff was asked to run Morgan Stanley’s Los Angeles office. It was during his time in Los Angeles that his passion for golf began. “Working crazy long hours Jeff Holzschuh is extremely organized. He and not having a lot of money, playing golf out of needs to be, because as Chairman of Institutional was a hard thing to do,” said Holzschuh, Securities at Morgan Stanley, his job demands it. who now resides in Greenwich, Conn., where he The 54-year-old oversees the firm’s Investment and Mary Helen raised their three children, Sarah, Banking, Capital Markets, Equity, Fixed Income, Adam and Ross. “Access in L.A. was much easier, and Commodities divisions, yet still found time and working New York hours on the West Coast amid his vast array of responsibilities to establish allowed me to go hit balls a couple of times a week, himself as one of the most respected leaders in the take some lessons and learn how to play. I just got world golf community. bit by the bug and knew golf was something I was The MGA and MGA Foundation have been going to be able to play for a long time.” prime beneficiaries of Jeff’s unique background, as Holzschuh returned to the East Coast in the he has focused on big-picture issues and not just early 1990s and learned about the MGA through month-to-month business in his traditional two- business colleagues Jim Cotter and the late Syd year term as president. Holzschuh has helped the Settle; both have served as MGA President. “Jim MGA focus on strategic initia- and Syd asked me to get involved, and I thought tives, putting an organization- some of the issues the MGA faced were really inter- al and staff structure in place esting,” said Holzschuh, who soon joined the for its future while challenging Executive Committee and ultimately the Long the MGA’s volunteer leadership Range Planning Committee, where he made many corps at every level to become more engaged. Holzschuh’s stewardship has also enhanced the MGA’s

“I always had a great respect for the organ- ization, but I really didn’t know all the that all of the associations are facing. things the MGA was doing until I got more involved,” he said. “It was interest- ing for me to be able to apply some of the things that I learned in business to assist a tremendous organization.” Under Holzschuh, the MGA has expanded its core sponsorship partners

to put up with a house full of jocks.” ation went digital with the popular MyMGA and MyMGA Club apps as well as Met Golfer Extra. Championships, Play Days and Foundation programs all expe- rienced record participation. Above: Holzschuh presiding These ideas came from a mind that has over an MGA Board meeting. Right: Hoisting a jump shot as captain of the Niagara University Purple Eagles.

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Winn, the Winn Brand Symbol, and “The best grips in golf” tagline are registered trademarks of Winn, Inc. WinnGrips.com ©2013 Winn, Inc. All Rights Reserved. man of the firm’s environmental policy commit- Holzschuh estimates that he is on the road more tee. As Morgan Stanley expanded, Holzschuh’s than 150 days of the year. A “typical work week” responsibilities have too. He has spent time with does not exist, as Jeff is seldom in his Manhattan clients in state and local governments, held roles office more than two days per week. Those days are in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions, full, and when The Met Golfer visited, Holzschuh’ and focused on energy businesses and utilities. His s day included a 6:30 a.m. arrival; four meetings in current role as Chairman of Institutional Securi- the morning (one with the prime minister of a ties is even broader. foreign country); a client lunch; a two-hour board meeting; a presentation on Sustainability & Cli- “He is a gift to the game of golf…His leadership mate; and a client dinner. Holzschuh has been actively involved in sever- —Jim Nantz in our game is just beginning .” al prominent mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley, including those of Acushnet (), “I really play kind of a senior client role across and True Temper. “It’s fun to work on all of those businesses,” said Holzschuh. “I help businesses in the golf space and use skills in an Morgan Stanley present itself as an efficient way industry where you enjoy the people and know a to offer to our clients all of the things we do, all of little bit about it,” said Holzschuh, who has served our products and all of our geographies up and on the United States Electricity Advisory Board down the firm.” since 1994 and is a founding member of the U.S. Many of these clients enjoy golf, which has Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance. It’s allowed Holzschuh to tee it up with some of the not unusual for Jeff to be on Capitol Hill address- world’s top business leaders. Golf aside, it’s not an ing members of Congress on energy-related mat- easy job, especially considering the dramatic ters such as financing, climate change and national changes the financial industry experienced dur- security. ing the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009. “It Remarkably, Holzschuh has kept up his com- has been a strategic challenge to re-think all of the mitments outside of Morgan Stanley, which businesses we’re in with lots of new regulations include being Chairman of Niagara University’s and everything else,” he said. “But the firm is in a Board of Trustees, and serving on the boards of great spot and is well-positioned for the future.” The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and Youth,

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Inc. Jeff is also involved in the USGA’s Champi- he carries a Index of 1.5 and qualified onship Committee and World Amateur Golf for and competed in the 2011 U.S. Mid-Amateur Rankings Committee, and has been an advisor to as well as a number of MGA championships. “I love the PGA of America. to compete and would like to be able to commit “I like being busy,” says Holzschuh. “I want to more time to do it, but that’s not going to happen be a part of these organizations and help however for a while given my job and family, but there’s I can, but before committing I have conversations always more golf down the road,” says Holzschuh, about my schedule and let them know that I will who has his eyes set on the U.S. Senior Amateur as interact early in the morning, late at night, and a he approaches age 55. lot by phone and email. They’ve been incredibly Even though his time is ending as president of flexible. I’ve been fortunate to work with such an the MGA, Holzschuh, who is also a member of the active and involved Board at the MGA.” Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, will Holzschuh is proud of his contributions to the remain involved. He has long been a generous con- MGA as president, a position that brought him tributor to the MGA Foundation’s charitable some unique opportunities and experiences. Jeff efforts. He will no longer be presenting trophies

Clockwise from top left: was the non-playing captain of the MGA Interna- or creating agendas for Executive Committee A President’s duties: With tional Teams that competed in Ireland (2013) and meetings, but he will push for the association to Lance Barrow and Jim Nantz France (2014), and served as chairman of the stay ahead and keep a pulse on what is most impor- before giving Nantz the Distinguished Service Award committee, helping tant to golfers and clubs as times change. Distinguished Service Award; present the MGA’s highest honor to longtime “Demographically, we’re at a point where we addressing the media at friend Jim Nantz, who has been a great friend to need to get the game to be as interesting to the mil- Trump Bedminster as Max the MGA and golf in the Met Area. lennials, understanding that they communicate Buckley, Mark Brown, and “Jeff is a wonderful friend – always supportive differently than we did and that time is a critical Donald Trump look on; with GOLFWORKS interns at the and encouraging,” Nantz said. “He is a gift to the resource,” said Holzschuh. “Our Foundation will 2013 MGA Foundation Day game of golf and espouses all the wonderful virtues continue to introduce the game to young people, of Golf; as captain of the this sport has to offer. His leadership in our game but we have to think about ways to be more flexi- victorious Carey Cup team in is just beginning – as for his contributions to the ble in how we teach the game, how we present the Ireland; with Jay Mottola at sport, he’s on the front nine with a legitimate shot game, and how we give access to the game.” the French-American at the course record.” As the game continues to change and grow, Challenge in Paris. Besides his work as a volunteer, Jeff loves to com- there will inevitably be new challenges that face pete and has a strong record as a player. A member Met Area golf. Jeff Holzschuh has put the MGA in of The Stanwich Club and , a great spot to take them on and thrive. I

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Ferry Point, New York City’s newest gem, is a beauty and a beast BY JEFF NEUMAN Course photographs by Jim Krajicek

ome of the world’s greatest golf courses are reached by routes that are, to say the least, unprepossessing. To get to Pine Valley, for example, you go past an amusement park, make a turn at the rollercoaster, and then eventually cross a railroad track to get to the entrance. Augusta National’s Sfamed Magnolia Lane starts just off Washington Road, where a long procession of chain restaurants and strip malls lines the street. A centered fairway bunker (foreground) forces strategic decisions on the picturesque 9th hole: a drive left is safer, but the approach from there must clear rough ground to reach the green.

To get to New York City’s first new golf of land-use disputes for a long time after. expensive clean-up no matter how it would course in more than half a century, you exit In 1975, Jack Farber, chairman of the be used in its future life. For residents, any- I-678 in the Bronx and loop beneath the Flushing National Bank in Queens and also thing on the site would be better than a roadway that rises onto the Whitestone a golf course developer, submitted a propos- decaying landfill. For the city and the Parks Bridge. Once you have crossed under, a gate al to the city for a golf and tennis complex Department, the option of an active recre- awaits, and beyond it lies… Brigadoon. at the location. “I got lost one day while driv- ational park with a field and playgrounds Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point might ing over the Whitestone Bridge,” he told the on the land would be expensive to create as well be Brigadoon, that mythical Scottish New York Times , “and when I looked down and costly to maintain. A golf course, how- paradise that appears for only one day every and saw this wasteland I thought, what an ever, could be licensed to a concessionaire hundred years. It has the Scottish feel, a tree- excellent place for a golf course.” who would pay the city for the privilege of less landscape full of folds and fescue, Farber was willing to spend $4 million operating on public land – income rather buffeted by winds off the water. And Met of his own money to develop the complex; than outgo. Area golfers can be forgiven if they think the city was also weighing the Department Simple though the logic may be, carry- they’ve been waiting a hundred years for it of Sanitation’s desire to reopen the site for ing out the plan proved a daunting task. to show up. dumping. Community groups looking to There was little progress of any kind until It was worth the wait. block additional landfill in their backyard Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced in 1998 • • • • worked with Councilman Michael DeMarco that the city had reached agreement with The saga of the Ferry Point golf course goes to push for a golf course and park on the site private developers who would build a club- back decades. The area was originally marsh instead. They succeeded in stopping the house, driving range, restaurant and mari- on the northeastern fringe of the East River, dump, but no further action on developing na, and a golf course to be designed by Jack and was filled in during the construction of the site took place until the late 1990s. Nicklaus. The developers received a 35-year the Whitestone Bridge in the 1930s. The Given the nature of what was likely license to operate the facility, for which they plot of land on which the golf course sits dumped in those pre-Environmental Pro- would pay at least $1.25 million per year to was a city dump until 1963, and the subject tection days, the site required considerable the city, with payments escalating to $3 mil-

38 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG

The sixteenth hole is a long par-four that heads toward the water. Inset: Jack Nicklaus (arms spread, at left) and the design team review progress on the 16th hole in 2009. Right: John Sanford and Nicklaus shake hands near the 16th green site in 2009. Below right: At the ribbon-cutting ceremony in October 2013, (clockwise from upper left) Donald Trump, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Nicklaus, then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

lion. The city would not be responsible for teamed with John Sanford Design to carry or the drugstore, ‘No, no, the golf course is any of the construction costs. out the building and shaping of the course; really coming,’ they look at me like I have As Betsy Smith, Assistant Commission- Sanford’s experience includes creating two heads,” said City Council Member er of the Parks Department, admitted in a Granite Links Golf Club outside Boston, James Vacca. “They don’t believe it, they 2012 hearing, “We were perhaps a bit over- also built on landfill, utilizing fill material doubt when it’s coming, if it’s ever coming, ly optimistic that such a large undertaking excavated during the city’s “Big Dig” high- because we’ve heard it for so many years.” could be completed by a private entity.” The way project. Considerable work has taken “Even with the city’s capital investment,” original licensee was unable to finish the place on the layout, the golf holes have been noted Ms. Smith, “we still did not find a con- project, and under Mayor Michael shaped and the teeing grounds and putting cessionaire willing to take on the financial Bloomberg the city cancelled the contract surfaces have been compacted – an essen- risks associated with operating an unfin- in 2007 and moved ahead on its own to tial part of the building process on landfill, ished golf course that had no constituents, build the golf course, figuring that it would to prevent the ground from shifting and set- no operating history, no amenities and still eventually find a partner to construct the tling – yet the project is at a standstill and had environmental risks.” clubhouse and run the operation. costs have skyrocketed. The Bloomberg administration re- Flash forward to 2011. Nicklaus has “When I tell people in the supermarket opened the proposal process, allowing

40 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG LEFT, OPPOSITE PAGE INSET AND BELOW: JIM BELOW: AND INSET DESIGN MANDEVILLE/NICKLAUS PAGE OPPOSITE LEFT,

bidders to indicate what commitments they of its kind anywhere in the world. There’s were willing to make. Only one bidder made nothing like it, and never will be anything a definite financial commitment to finish like it, because it’s a great course, it’s on [sev- the construction, operation, and mainte- eral hundred] acres, and it’s right next to nance of the course, made a $10 million com- Manhattan. Which is unheard of. So for mitment to cover the cost of the clubhouse, major tournaments and other things, allocated additional funds for the final shap- there’s a park on the other side of the bridge, ing and grow-in, and promised a guaranteed which also could be used for tournaments. minimum payment to the city each year Plus we have a capacity to hold 20,000 cars against a percentage of revenue. That offer with all of the areas in the near distance. was from the Trump Organization, and the LaGuardia’s our airport, it’s five minutes city accepted it in early 2012. away – it’s an amazing piece of property. A And that is how a city-owned project that thing like that could never happen again.” has been under consideration since the may- The speaker, of course, is Donald Trump. oralty of Abe Beame at last came to fruition, Once he got involved, things moved swiftly: set to open officially on April 1, 2015, under thirty months after he was awarded the con- the name Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. cession the golf course was ready for play. “We think it’s one of the greatest courses His words may sound like hyperbole, but

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 41 they have an essential truth behind them: Nicklaus said in an interview. “They want- waiting bunker or collection area. The This place is stunning, with jaw-dropping ed one Championship golf course that they greens are quick, and will likely remain so. visuals at every turn. There is nothing like it, could hold events on near the city. It’s prob- Played from the appropriate tees (there and it’s hard to imagine how anything like ably a golf course that the very high handi- are five sets: Black, 7407; Gold, 6824; Blue, it could come to be; a city might grow up golfer will struggle with a bit, but a golf 6400; White, 6071; Red, 5278), Ferry Point around a golf course, but who builds a course that is a good test of golf. It’s actual- offers a good mix of challenge and fun. One new golf course in the heart of a city like ly got plenty of width to it for anybody who of the holes that falls into the latter catego- New York? can play a little bit, maybe a 20 handicap or ry is the seventh, a driveable par-4 that offers The mounds and contours were com- better.” a straight-line shot over water to the green, pletely manufactured, but they feel right at The fairways are indeed wide, framed by or a safer shot out to the left that will then home in this riverside site. The course is fescue-covered mounds that provide defini- require a scary wedge over a bunker to a open to the wind, which becomes a major tion to the holes. In firm and fast conditions green with water behind it on the line of factor in club selection and course manage- – and those will be the conditions most of approach. Plenty of challenge can be found ment. Two bridges are in view; the White- the time – the ball will run once it lands, pos- on the stout sixteenth, a long par-four run- stone dominates, but the Throgs Neck sibly into the mounds, possibly into one of ning directly towards the river, likely into a Bridge makes a few sneaky-cool appear- the cannily-placed bunkers. On four holes headwind, with a wetlands area short and ances behind the holes in the northeast part (6, 9, 11, and 18) bunkers in the center of the right of the approach shot, and a fescued of the property. The eye candy is exception- fairway complicate the tee shot, forcing the mound threatening the safer approach al; from the 13th tee, the Manhattan skyline golfer to plan and be accurate if he lacks the angle to the left. forms a dramatic backdrop to the hole, and power to carry them. Approach shots also Trump management will take steps to the approach shot may be a gentle draw require some thought; most of the greens provide a premium club experience on this starting at the Freedom Tower. are open to a run-up, but slopes and con- municipal course. Tee times will be spaced “The golf course is a strong course,” Jack tours will slough an inadequate shot into a widely –as much as ten-to-thirteen minutes

From the middle of the fairway on 18, the hazard that threatens the left-side approach comes into view.

42 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG www.djrsport.com Pinehurst, North Carolina 28 74 (910) 944• 114 sions were adamant that even for nonresidents, the pricing will not be on the level of courses like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. 2, or Trump National Doral, more in the neighborhood of Pound Ridge. Considering the quality of the golf course, it will likely be a bargain for residents and nonresidents alike. Work on the clubhouse will begin once plans are submitted to the city and approved; until then, a temporary clubhouse will serve as a stopgap. And grander plans are already envisioned: Trump and

Nicklaus have discussed potential JIM DESIGN, MANDEVILLE/NICKLAUS BOTTOM: MAP LEFT: JIM RON BY KRAJICEK RAMSEY; alterations to the course in antici- pation of holding major champi- onships there, lengthening the two closing holes and moving the eigh- teenth green so it’s up against the East River. Mike Davis of the USGA and Pete Bevacqua of the PGA of America have already vis- ited. Peter Mele, executive director Nicklaus’s hand making design notes of The Barclays – the Met Area’s about the 16th hole. PGA Tour stop as part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs – notes that while nothing specific has been dis- apart, rather than the city-standard eight. and the experience to our standards.” cussed about adding Ferry Point to the Bar- Pace of Play will be watched carefully; there There has been considerable speculation clays rotation, “The course received really will likely be spotters at particular trouble about what it will cost to play there. The con- good reviews from our Competitions points where long grass means lost balls and cessions agreement called for green fees of group, and from a tournament perspective, logjams. Forecaddies are under considera- $100 for city residents on weekdays and we think the coursewould stage very nicely tion as well. $125 on weekends, with escalators based on as host to a championship for players, spec- “What we want to do here,” said Ron percentage increases granted to the city’s tators and sponsors alike.” Lieberman, Executive Vice President for other courses since 2011. At our press time, A major championship held on a New Management and Development in the the course operators had not yet prepared York City course? It wouldn’t be any more Trump Organization, “is to deliver a great their pricing proposal for city considera- outlandish than the story of Ferry Point has golf experience – what you would get at a tion. What is known is that New York City been up to now. Golfers have waited a long, Trump Bedminster or Briarcliff, but on a residents will pay a lower rate than nonres- long time for this course to come about; public course. Our name is on it, and we idents, and seniors and juniors will receive beginning in April, everybody will have a have to make sure we maintain the course discounts. Sources familiar with the discus- chance to see the happy ending. I

Donald Trump in front of the 18th green, in a gesture that says “We did it!” and “Welcome!” and “Ta-da!” all at once.

44 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

Reynolds Plantation: The South’s Resort Home

For most seasoned travelers, the expression Located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, “Grand Resort” evokes images of majestic this 25-year-old resort community has all the architecture, unforgettable golf courses, and a you would expect at a world-class pervasive atmosphere of opulence. A few iconic destination: 117 holes of golf designed by the examples such as , Pinehurst, the giants of golf course architecture, watersports of Broadmoor and Pebble Beach perpetually top any every type imaginable, a luxurious spa, dining well-informed roster of America’s best. options galore and a seemingly limitless Working to earn their way into the conversation selection of amenities and activities. are a few comparative newcomers that honor the Accommodations include well-appointed cottages, Golden Age, while boldly imagining the golf resort condominiums and the property’s enchanting experience of tomorrow. Among those leading this crown jewel, The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds movement is Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee. Plantation.

W W W . R E Y N O L D S P L A N T A T I O N . C O M SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Hole #18, Great Waters Golf Course

Campfire Circle at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge Paddleboarding on Lake Oconee

The property is also home to the TaylorMade Guests to live out their passions every day. This is Kingdom, which provides the world’s ultimate achieved through an ideal location, a hunger for swing analysis and clubfitting experience, and the excellence, and an emphasis on innovation that Reynolds Golf Academy, which offers top-caliber infuses every aspect of the property. instruction led by Top 50 Teacher Just ask Derek Martin, vice president of the Charlie King. Pack all this into one location, and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, which has held its signature folks are bound to take notice. As you may expect, Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge at Reynolds Plantation Reynolds Plantation has repeatedly been for seven consecutive years. “Reynolds Planation recognized with awards and accolades by every is an easy drive from Atlanta, but far enough to hold major industry publication. a private, exclusive event,” says Martin, whose However this resort community is anything but event attracts head coaches and celebrity alumni an impersonal collection of facilities and an from top NCAA colleges. “The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, overstuffed trophy case. Reynolds Plantation is golf courses and outstanding staff make everyone the physical manifestation of the commitment to feel like a VIP.” creating an ideal environment for Members and Mike Davino, treasurer of Mansfield Oil Co.,

W W W . R E Y N O L D S P L A N T A T I O N . C O M SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

The TaylorMade Kingdom Fishing on Lake Oconee

Hole #11, Great Waters Golf Course

concurs. “Mansfield Oil Co. prides itself on the stars in men’s collegiate golf, and most recently, highest quality of service and product in all that it Golf Channel’s nationally-televised Big Break does. This includes our tournament benefitting the Invitational tournament. Muscular Dystrophy Association,” says Davino, “Whether a major tournament, a corporate who chairs the annual event. “Reynolds Plantation group, a buddies’ golf trip or a couples getaway, provides the highest quality of product and service the first objective is to meet the level of as well as facilities that can accommodate our expectation set by the great destinations that have function – from the courses, to the housing, to the come before us,” says Mark Lammi, vice president food, and especially the staff at Reynolds.” of golf. “The second part of that mission is to be Other noteworthy events from 2014 include innovative in all that we do, so that Reynolds TaylorMade’s highly-publicized “15-inch cup” Planation becomes a catalyst for the evolution of exhibition round, featuring Justin Rose and Sergio the resort experience for the next generation.” Garcia; Arizona Cardinals Coach Bruce Arians’ Celebrity Golf Classic; the Linger Longer For more information, visit ReynoldsPlantation.com Invitational which highlighted some of the brightest or phone 800-800-5250.

W W W . R E Y N O L D S P L A N T A T I O N . C O M CLUB CHAMPIONS

The Met Area’s club champions for 2014 demonstrate that golf is a game for the ages – all of them. Text by Jeff Neuman/Club Champions compiled by Phil Ellard

enry Beard wrote, “If you want to be better at golf, go back and take it up at an earlier age.” Most of us understand the truth behind that witticism: golf is a game that takes a lifetime to learn, and as noted, every day you go without practicing puts you one day farther away from getting good at it. It’s never too early to become a golfer. Tiger Woods famously hit balls on TV when he was two years old. At the same age, Rory McIlroy supposedly hit a drive forty yards. Jordan Spieth appeared in ultra- sound images in utero with an interlocking grip on his umbilical cord. But if golf is a game for a lifetime, how can it ever be too late to start, to learn, to play, to win? I once received a phone call from a friend who told me, “I’ve been hitting balls in my backyard, and I finally found it .” He was 88 at the time. I find that very comforting; I have a long way to go. In our annual roundup of club champions across the Met Area, we list all who excelled in competi- tion against their chosen confreres. And we take a moment to spotlight some who have triumphed early, some who have continued to triumph for an extended period, and some who triumphed despite the handicap of a late start. All clubs are different. All club champions are winners. So are all golfers.

Micaela Crines, Jumping Brook Country Club icaela Crines has an unusual problem: What is she supposed the top four, and faced a two-time club champion in the semifinals, Mto do with a reserved parking space when she’s still too young then three-time champion Sue Dahabsu in the finals. She reached for a learner’s permit? the eighteenth with a one-up advantage in the finals, and when “Some people decided they wanted to put a bicycle out there Dahabsu conceded the hole to her, “it was just the greatest feeling. I with training wheels and put my name on the back,” said Crines, got flowers and champagne – actually it was sparkling cider, ’cause laughing. “I tried to see if anybody would make an offer for it – I can’t drink champagne yet – but it was so great.” ‘Twenty bucks? Anybody? Twenty bucks?’” She works on her game every day, sometimes practicing She started playing golf when she was eight years old, going to chipping and putting for five hours at a time. Now 15, she knows the course with her father. At 12 she began competing in USGA she has room for improvement. “My biggest problem is maintaining Kid’s Tournaments, and at 14 moved up to AJGA and IJGT events. my composure,” she said in a phone interview. “I don’t throw clubs, This was her first time playing in the women’s club championship. but I get very frustrated. I’ve been working on it. (My dad is Crines was just fourteen when she came through qualifying in laughing in the background).” BARRY BARRY SLOAN

48 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG

Men’s Women’s Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Club Name Champion Champion

Alpine Country Club Adam Kugler Nancy Cole Blue Hill Ladies Golf Club Chae Ok Kang Amber View Golf Club Scott Flanigan Rhonda Burnim Bonnie Briar Country Club Ralph Russo Tina Alper American Legion Post 1404 Golf Club Fred Lindeborg Matthew Linde Valerie Lazar Anglebrook Golf Club Angelo Luppino, III Brentwood Men’s Club Joe Behrens Apawamis Club Christian Ostberg Happy Daily Bretton Woods Country Club Frank Mirabile Cathy Layden Apple Greens Golf Club Jim Vermilyea Rudder Hulce Bridgeview Golf Club James Miller Apple Ridge Country Club Mark Summers Kellie Baldwin Broadacres Golf Club Larry Ayers Melanie Powell Arcola Country Club Dan MacDonald Eileen Golden, Jr. Broadway Golf Association Joe Schwan Ardsley Country Club Thomas Corrigan Emily Corrigan Bronx Players Golf Club Louis Atilano Aspetuck Valley Country Club Kirk Massie Ruth Guden Bronx River Golf Club Johnny Ramirez Atlantic Golf Club Josh Goldenberg Jen Lee Brooklake Country Club Scott Newman Grace Sundman Baltusrol Golf Club Nick Desai Haeshin Lee Brooklawn Country Club Andrew Sciarretta Ellen DeLucia Basking Ridge Country Club Jim Arbes Liz Carl Brookridge Women’s Golf Club Louise A. Lawson Battleground Country Club Jason Feder Lori Bindler Brookville Country Club Dan Abbondandolo Gina DeMartino Baychester Golf Club Herrol Pryce Brynwood Golf & Country Club Paul Toohey Bethany Lewis Bayonne Golf Club Darin Goldstein Burning Tree Country Club Fabio Silvagni Elin Collins Beacon Hill Country Club Chuck Anttonen Jill Boughrum Canoe Brook Country Club Peter Borst Missy Hislop Bedens Brook Club Ken Stoddard Muffy Finken Cavan Golf Club Joe Carey Bedford Golf & Tennis Club Dan O’Callaghan Edith Tuckerman Cedar Brook Club Tom Buongiovanni Patrice Franco Beekman Golf Club Chris Pakrul Anna Ausanio Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club David Walter Debbie Rose Bellport Country Club Mike Giannico Sally Hayes Centennial Golf Club Chris Kelly Bergen Point Men’s Club Bay Stauder Central Park Golf Club Bill Bartell Berwick Golfing Society Christopher A. Sulavik Hettie Sulavik Century Country Club Philip Mintz Natalie Grainger-Pedersen Bethpage Golf Club Frank Elia Cherry Creek Golf Links Eric Berg Bethpage State Park Golf Club Kurt Brey Cherry Valley Club, Inc. James Mastaglio Claire Rothschild Bethpage Women’s Golf Association Ohsoon Chun Cherry Valley Country Club Scott Rosenberg Sue Sardi Birchwood Country Club Adam Friedman Deborah Lloyd Claddagh Golf Society Steve Willemite Black Oak Golf Club Brian Komline Liza Brightly Clearview Men’s Club Alberto Corvalan Blind Brook Club, Inc. John F. Lundgren Cold Spring Country Club Mike Langer Lori Guttentag Blue Eagle Golf Club Ed Heim Sheila Schneider Colonia Country Club Allen Kurre Chris Terpanick Blue Hill Golf Club Billy Clifford Colonial Springs Golf Club Cody Gross

BARRY BARRY SLOAN Columbia University Golf Club Brandon Jowers Michelle Piyapattra Connecticut Golf Club Jon Groveman Copper Hill Country Club Dylan Stein Frances Gacos

Joan Frey, Madison Golf Club When Joan Frey took up golf at age 60, it was a professional decision. She had recently taken a job as a writer at the Chubb Insurance Group, “and I was left behind a couple of times when all the managers at Chubb went on golf outings,” she recalled. “So I decided I’m not doing that any more, I’ve got to learn how to play this game.” She had never held a golf club in her life – she focused mostly on racket sports -- but she went to a clinic at a public driving range and learned the basics. “The main thing that impressed me was how hard golf is,” she said. When she retired from Chubb, she and her husband joined Madison Golf Club. She worked on her game and took a lot of lessons from Craig Lindsey, the club professional. Her putting was the key to her victory, as she drained several 20-footers in the finals. The win filled a multigenerational inside straight for her family: Her father- in-law had been a club champion in his day; her daughter Robin St. Clair has won championships at Brae Burn, Eastward Ho, and Bonita Bay; and her grandson Brett won the championship at Eastward Ho. “I’m a pretty steady player in competition,” she said. “Maybe it’s all those years of tennis tournaments, just learning to deliver under pressure. I always felt that the competition brought out the best in me, so I didn’t feel nervous. A lot of people get nervous and that’s a killer in any sport, but particularly golf, I think.”

Country Club of Darien Bob Stelben, Jr. Michelle Murphy Country Club of Fairfield Owen Foote Erin Russell Country Club of New Canaan Brian Tohir Jeanie Shaw Crab Meadow Ladies Golf Association Paula Gullo Crab Meadow Men’s Club Dave Pedersen Cranford Golf Club Jesse Caruso Crestmont Country Club Josh Halpert Fern Epstein

50 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG Ned Steiner, Mountain Ridge Country Club T

won it, Bush was president – George Herbert Walker Bush, not W.

it for the first time in 1966.

the second extra hole – his 38th of the day. “This is it for me,” he said. “I’m 69 years old, and I’m not going to play in

Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Crown City Golf Club Chris Daley Cu Chullain Golf Club Mick Hogan Deal Golf & Country Club Derrick Scenna Dee Burnham Deepdale Golf Club George Zahringer, III Dogwood Knolls Golf Club Tim Campbell Dominican Golf Association Dorian Vargas Doral Arrowwood Golf Club Tom Anderson Stephanie Bridger Douglaston Golf Club Gabriel Lee Due Process Stable Dan Marino Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Dutchess Golf Club Erik Stauderman Cathy Yurkon

Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club Domenic Gatto, Jr. Kim Alessi Patrick Fogarty BARRY SLOAN Eagles Golf Club Mark Song Gardiner’s Bay Country Club Jay Card, III Samantha Sessa East Hampton Golf Club Mike Walrath Glen Cove 9-Hole Women’s Golf Club Kathy Bailey Eastern Trade Golf Association Pat Allaire Glen Cove Men’s Club Luigi Andreotti Echo Lake Country Club Ryan Shallcross Cheryl DaVeiga Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club Susan Canarick Edgewood Club of Tivoli Ross Fenn Janet Saulpaugh Glen Head Country Club Jonathan Huzarsky Patricia Feldman Edgewood Country Club Jared Mactas Ann Denson Glen Oaks Club Troy David Jennifer Rosenberg Elmwood Country Club David Kaplan Karen Glass Glen Ridge Country Club Rob Goldstein Pamela Cerruti Emerald Golf Association Tom Mozdziak GlenArbor Golf Club Alex J. Blum Gale Meltzer Brudner Emerald Isle Golf Club Dave Stuart Glenwood Country Club David Rosenbaum Emerald Golf Society of Greater NY Peter Caffrey Golf Club of Purchase Adam Silfen Diane Doppelt Engineers Country Club Michael Blum Green Brook Country Club Jon Ploscowe Susan Gurtman Esquire Golf Club Steven Socci Green Fields Golf Club Sandy Rideout Essex County Country Club Chris Blake Jesse Clancy Green Tee Golf Club Raymond Olsen Essex Fells Country Club Niall Handley Carol Otterbein Greenacres Country Club Corey Batt Lauren Haney Executive Womens Golf Association - Long Island Patrice Franco Greenwich Country Club Malcolm McAvity Karen Soper Fairmount Country Club A. Zack Alcorn Amy Oyer Griffith E. Harris Memorial Golf Course David Peng Heidi Nolte / Jane Sprung Fairview Country Club Raph Fishbach Randi Nielsen Gull Haven Golf Club George Sundstrom Fairway Women of Bethpage Kathy Rhee H. Smith Richardson Golf Course Chris Flowers Jo Rasmussen Fenway Golf Club Jason Monroe Gwen Fisher Hackensack Golf Club Michael McGovern Nicole Davi Perry Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club Brian Gaudet Sandy Rose Hamilton Farm Golf Club Ken Martin Haeshin Lee Filipino American Golf Association John San Pedro Hamlet Golf & Country Club Rob Rusche Alice Tong Fishers Island Country Club Parick Albanesi Jessie Parsons Hampshire Country Club Rob Sutton Forest Golf Club Tom Attanasio Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club David Garrett Lois Adams Forest Hill Field Club Byron Clift Daniella Murphy Harlem Valley Golf Club Tyler Johnson Colette Daley Forsgate Country Club Ron Vannelli Leslie Meltzer Haverstraw Golf Club Darrin Sloan Forty Niners Golf Club Barry McLaughlin / Lynn Turnesa / Hawk Pointe Golf Club Mark Haas Vicki Uryniak Ed Brockner Susan O’Dowd Haworth Golf Club C. Y. Park Jin Won Kim Fresh Meadow Country Club Steven Rosenzweig Laurie Klinow Hay Harbor Golf Club Brad Beer Alex Andrews F-Troop Golf Club Richard Pallonetti Heatherwood Men’s Golf Club Tom Silvestri Gaelic Golf Club Bernadette Crowley* Hempstead Golf & Country Club Steven Tarulli Kathleen Theoharides Garden City Country Club Dave Logan, Jr. Nancy Kiley Hibernian Golf Association Ted Steede *One club championship, open to men and women High Bridge Hills Golf Club Kyle Senatore

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 51 Men’s Women’s Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Club Name Champion Champion

High Mountain Golf Club George Cultraro, Jr. Longshore Womens Golf Club Leela Narang Highlands Country Club John Towler Maureen Towler Mac’s Golf Club Brendan Foley Highrise Golf Club Mike Donlon Madison Golf Club John Gallagher Joan Frey Hollow Brook Golf Club Brandon Chatkin Inga Rozell Mahopac Golf and Beach Club Luke Feehan Charlotte Monsell Hollywood Golf Club Harrison Schreider Nicole Totland Maidstone Club Matt Cassin Electra Washburn Hubbard Heights Men’s Club Jason Jaworoski Malverne Golf Association Billy Essling Hudson National Golf Club Scott Craig Jenny Ceppi Manasquan River Golf Club Jeremy Wall Christina Hall Huntington Country Club Joseph A. Saladino Katy Goodrich Manatee Golf Club Daniel M. LaVecchia Gretchen Clayton Huntington Crescent Club Jay Tarantino Diane Mock Manhattan Woods Golf Club Patrick Ryan Valerie Marini Huntington Senior Citizens Golf Club Jimmy Fantozzi Maple Leafs Golf Club Debbie Donahoe Inis Fada Golf Club John Gannon Maplewood Country Club Phil Henderson Stephanie Moray Innis Arden Golf Club Jeff Evans Katie Johnson Marine Dunes Golf Club Joey Passantino Innisfail Golf Club of Westchester Vincent Collins McCann Memorial Golf Course Jim Dunn Kathleen Williams Mike Marcus Maki Drake Meadow Brook Club Chris Halpin Phoebe Timpson Irish American Golf Club Pat Browne Mendham Golf & Tennis Club T. J. Malman Sheila Tappen Island Hills Golf Club Steve Etimos Debra Epilone Meroke Golf Association Betty Wagner Islander Golf Club Armondo Iacobellis Merrick Park Ladies Golf Meg Auer Island’s End Golf Club Pete Victoria Anne Keating Metedeconk National Golf Club Bill Bello James Baird Golf Club Eric Jaffe Metropolis Country Club Drew Tomback Journeymen Players Club Al Chandler Metropolitan Restaurant Golf League The Back Nine Indoor Golf Bar & Grill Jumping Brook Country Club Kenny Bontz Micaela Crines Metuchen Golf & Country Club Steve Mauer Pat Stilo Kings Park Golf Association Pat Albergo Mid Island Golf Club Naz Parwana Kissena Park Golf Club John Prendergast Milbrook Club Morgan Arturi Patti DeRosa Knickerbocker Country Club John Trainor Bernice Slezak Mill River Club Bryan Pendrick Ulla Chase Knollwood Country Club Scott Sessions Laura Hughes Millbrook Golf & Tennis Club Michael Burdis Lea Cornell Lake Isle Country Club John Liscio Donna De Marco Minisceongo Golf Club Mikey Shine Joanne Bae Lake Mohawk Golf Club Scott Gregg Valerie Mosher Moggy Brook Golf Club Mike Trostel Victoria Student Lake Success Golf Club Drew Fritzhand Kee Baek Mohansic Hills Ladies Golf Club Anita Faria LaTourette Golf Club Joe Rafferty Moments Golf Club Norman Young LaTourette Women’s Golf Club Elaine Lee Monroe Country Club Peter Cassidy Laurel Links Country Club Paul Pawlowski Gina Cappiello Montammy Golf Club Ivan Field Eliese Lissner Lawrence Yacht & Country Club Alex Tarnarider Karyn Edelstein Montclair Golf Club Noel Hodges Kate Platt Leewood Golf Club Kyle Munoz Caroline Walsh Morris County Golf Club Ted Badenhausen Teresa Belmont Liberty National Golf Club Adam Nemser Lisa Gersh Mosholu Men’s Club John Kokkinakis Lido Golf Club J. P. Kilcullenm Mount Kisco Country Club Peter Nicholson Deborah Ference-Gray Lido Women’s Golf Club Jill Bartolomucci Mountain Ridge Country Club Ned Steiner Kim Wachtel Long Island National Golf Club Adam Mandel Carol A. Clough Muttontown Club Oliver Hudesman Roberta Gordon Long Island Players Club Lou Graziano Nassau Country Club Tom Strand Kerith Flynn Longshore Men’s Golf Club Ryan Burke Nassau Golfers Dennis Schott Nassau Players Club Matt Corrigan National Golf Links of America Navesink Country Club Michael O’Brien Michelle Mandia Nellys Golf Club Dave Gill Neshanic Valley Golf Club Eric LeFante New Jersey National Golf Club Greg Moran Tara Fleming New Paltz Golf Club Sean Copeland Pat DeCicco

Bryan Smith, Wiltwyck Golf Club Talk about a local hero: Bryan Smith, seventeen-time winner of the championship at Wiltwyck Golf Club, has spent all of his 55 years living within two miles of the club. “I’ve always had it as a place to go and work on my game,” he said. Smith started playing when he was 12 or 13; his father, a good golfer, taught him that the club championship is the most important title you can win, because you’re representing the people you play with week in and week out. His first win at Wiltwyck was in 1979, when he was 20, and he’s won at least one title there in each of the last five decades. He won the New York State Amateur in 1998, and spent three years as a member at Twaalfskill Golf Club, also in Kingston, NY, winning its championship each year for an overall total of 20. He still gets nervous before a big match: “If you don’t get nervous, you’re not really into it,” he said. “But you try not to show your nerves. Be patient, apply your skill, and remember what you’re there for.” RAY LINDHORST RAY

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HOME TO THE PLAYERS Championship s World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum s PGA TOUR s LPGA Tour Sue Canarick, Glen Cove Golf Club BARRY BARRY SLOAN Before Sue Canarick had her knee replaced six years ago, she had never swung a golf club. Now, having just turned sixty, she had the kind of season most golfers can only dream about. In 2014, Canarick won the Glen Cove Women’s championship for the third consecutive time. She decided to try her luck at the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) Long Island Chapter championship, where she won low gross in the A Division. She did the same thing at the district level, advancing to the nationals in Nashville; she held her nerves in check well enough there to finish third in her division. To top it all off, she entered the MGA Women’s Four-Ball with a new partner, and she and Janet Mazza won the title with a birdie on the first playoff hole (see page 64). “My family thinks I’m crazy because I just eat, drink, and sleep this now,” said Canarick. “It’s addictive.” She is president of the Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club, serves on the town’s golf commission, and designed a logo for the club. Her only regret? “When I was in high school I needed a job, and what did I end up doing? I was the at Glen Cove Golf Course! It was when the course first opened, I was there from six in the morning until two in the afternoon, and I never picked up a golf club. I had that opportunity and I never picked it up.”

Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Philippine Golf Invitational Tour of NY Rolando Tupaz Philippine Golfers Association of Long Island Sergio “Serge” Oliva Pine Barrens Golf Club Nick Gliozzo Laura Collins Pine Hills Country Club (Ladies) Laura Magliano Pine Hills Men’s Club Jeff DiMarco Pine Hollow Country Club Jordan Kaplan Piping Rock Club Antony Smithie Mimi McAndrew Men’s Women’s Plainfield Country Club West Bill Cannon Nicole Eager Club Name Champion Champion Plainfield Country Club Brian Kilduff Lynda Milligan Foster New York Irish Golf Club Paul MacDonnell Plandome Country Club Paul Adimando Tracy Petracca New York Straight Shooters Robert Miller Pleasantville Country Club Robert Griffin Kathleen Williamson Newton Country Club Rafael Lenartowicz Nancy Fulgoni Polish American Golf Association Janusz Baczyk Jadwiga Jedryczka Nissequogue Golf Club Randy Van Yahres Anne Seader Port Jeff Golf Club Al Langton Nomad Golf Club Larry Blatt Port Jefferson Country Club @ Harbor Hills Gerry Mackedon Donna Woodruff North Fork Country Club Scott Osler Erica Gambardella Port Washington Yacht Club Robert Carpentier North Hempstead Country Club Dennis Driscoll Sara Tasnady Powelton Club Geoff DeMarco Gayle Tallardy North Hills Country Club Theo Sgouros Preakness Hills Country Club David Chubinsky Alli Widman North Jersey Country Club Dan Dinan E.J. Park Pugad Lawin Golf Club of NY & NJ Paul Bunchareon Ross Balaban Cheryl Brayman Pyramid Lodge 490 Golf Club Willie Urbiztondo Northwood Golf Club Brian Kenney Quaker Hill Country Club John Muro Cindy Rosa Noyac Golf Club Morgan Lawrence Amanda Schmuki Quaker Ridge Golf Club Matthew Fields Pam Farber NY Shotmakers Bud Singh Quill & Tee Golf Club Woody Lashen Kate Keller Nyackers Louis Pappas Quogue Field Club Michael Confort Beverley Cardo Oak Hill Golf Club Danny Johns Linda Bullock Ramsey Golf & Country Club Mat Goldman Joan Goldman Old Oaks Country Club Blake Schulman Raritan Valley Country Club Owen Ruhnke Maura Ballard Old Westbury Golf & Country Club Jahn Levin Misoon Kim Red Hook Golf Club Matt Simmons Osiris Country Club Robert Johnson Skye Gregory Redding Country Club Kerry Haughan Donna Forshaw Otterkill Golf & Country Club Paul Ferrigno Grace Rivano Richmond County Country Club John Gutzeit Amie Malihan Oyster Bay Saturday Men’s Club Tom Capowski Ridgewood Country Club Max Theodorakis Peggy Crotty Oyster Bay Wednesday Men’s Golf Club Sonny Sohn Ridgewood Country Club (NJ) David Rahal Colleen Edelman Oyster Bay Women’s Golf Association Jennifer Moon Rock Hill Men’s Golf Club Francis J. Smith Packanack Golf Club Anthony Scelba Liz Sieling Rock Hill Women’s Golf Club Mary Gabriel Pagar Golf Club Mikey Cajayon Rock Spring Club Luis Massiani Dina Golas Pagasi Golf Club Efren Querijero Rockaway Hunting Club Tyler Randol Dede Brooks Panther Valley Golf & Country Club Ray Ash Donna Policastro Rockaway River Country Club Mike DeSantis Cynthia Mangiafico Par 5 Golf Club Gerald Lindsey Rockland Country Club Greg Braca Hannah Lee Paramount Country Club Lance Eagel Jennifer Lee Rockland Valley Golf Club James Tharp Patriot Hills Golf Club Peter Zeldin Rockrimmon Country Club James Brachfeld Adele Clingman Patterson Club Harry Richards Kim Smith Rockville Links Club Dave McKelvey Nichole Pantony Pehquenakonck Country Club Ray Znidarsich MaryEllen Heffron Rolling Hills Country Club Justin Clark Anelise Browne Ed McCann Audrey Schwabe Rondout Country Club John Hornbeck Peninsula Golf Club Robert Ohler Marie Catropa Round Hill Club Jay Crowley Ellen Breed Philippine Golf Association of New York Allen Alejandro Roxiticus Golf Club Geoff Scott Barbara Hulke

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Royal & Annoying Golf Club Robert Rak Siwanoy Country Club Connor Daly Jeninifer Mackesy Royce Brook Golf Club Nirat Patel Michelle Kim Sky View Golf Club Andy Flint Dona Wallerius Rumson Country Club Jack Skirkanich Suzanne McDonnell Sleepy Hollow Country Club Eamonn O’Brien Christina Huchro Rye Golf Club Peter Bisceglia Peggy Flanagan Smithtown Landing Ladies Golf Association Adele Dusenbury Sag Harbor Golf Club Tim Sweeney Nari Dokjan Smithtown Landing Men’s Golf Association Jerry Shulock Saint Andrew’s Golf Club Mark Henderson Stephanie Szostak Somerset Hills Country Club Bill Settle Caroline Boyer Salem Golf Club Chris Cocozza Laurie White South Fork Country Club Ronan O’Dwyer Michelle Roberts Salisbury Country Club Jose Alvarez South Shore MGC Mike Marotta Salisbury Women’s Golf Club Connie Burns South Shore Women’s Golf Club Elissa Barry Saltaire Yacht & Golf Club Douglas Kunreuther Laura Kampa Southampton Golf Club Jamison Friedman Ann Enstine Sands Point Golf Club Rich Mussina Southern Dutchess Country Club Glenn Hover Saxony Golf Club Andy Eisenberg Southward Ho Country Club Marty Racanelli Connie Racanelli Scarsdale Golf Club Chris Connolly Jen Lee Spillanes Golf Society Aaron Farrell Scorin’ Eagles Golf Club Reggie Delbrune Spook Rock Ladies Golf Club Kelly Campbell Seaford Volunteers FD GC Joe Allen Spook Rock Men’s Club Jeffrey Reissman Seawane Club Brett Cooper Gail Rubel Sprain Valley Golf Club Steve Massa Sebonack Golf Club Carl Grimstad Camilla Locker Sprain Valley Golf Club - Women’s Division Judi Forrest Sedgewood Golf Club Remy Lieberman Kathy Kahng Spring Brook Country Club James Mongey, III Kathleen Doyle Sullivan Shackamaxon Country Club Stuart Greenberg Michaela Inggs Spring Lake Golf Club Sean Flaherty K.C. Maloney Shamrock Golf Club Sean Granholm Springdale Golf Club Dr. James Byer Donna Young Shawangunk Country Club Andrew Hyatt St. George’s Golf & Country Club Mike Kildale Luba Randall Shelter Island Golf Club Brian Lechmanski Sherri Surozenski Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club Rich Mack Sue Naftel Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Craig Burmeister Ann Enstine Stanwich Club Craig Manchuck Susana Vik Shore View Golf Club Billy Byrnes Staten Island North Shore Golf Club Tally Abruzzo Shorehaven Golf Club Reed McDonagh Ellie Deluca Staten Island Senior Golf League Jim McCarthy Silver Lake Men’s Golf Club Dan Pizzuto Stationers Golf Association of NY Charles Neidorff Sandra Perlmutter Silver Lake Weekday Ladies Golf Club Margaret Grenier Sterling Farms Men’s Club Eric Bleile Silver Spring Country Club Lou Mohn Lynda Milligan Foster Stone Dock Golf Course Dave Krueger Mary Jane Linker Silvermine Golf Club Jim Haffner Joan Evans Stonebridge Golf Links Peter Greene Donna Saporita Silvette Golf Club Minsun Hong Joh Stony Ford Golf Club Robert Dziados, Jr. Mary Bartz

Ellie Deluca, Shorehaven Golf Club

the first time. “I had been playing in the junior club championship,

“I had never competed against anyone out of my age group, so I was definitely a bit nervous, but I never felt intimidated.” As the streak has progressed, she acknowledged, “I do feel a little more pressure… [but] it’s been nice to have my dad caddy for me during the club championships because he keeps me focused, keeps it light, and gives good advice.” Her handicap is currently 10, though it has been as low as 7. “These days my work schedule doesn’t allow me to play as much as I would like,” she wrote. “One thing I have consistently worked on is my swing plane and tempo…

to stay competitive.” Good advice indeed. BARRY BARRY SLOAN

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/ PartnersinCareNY Men’s Women’s Men’s Women’s Club Name Champion Champion Club Name Champion Champion

Suburban Golf Club Mark Pittenger Kim Moore TPC Jasna Polana Fraser Graham Suffolk County Women’s Golf Club Jean Stump Travelers Golf Association Bernard DaSalla Sullivan County Golf & Country Club Larry Eisenberg Tri-County Golf Club Charles Stewart / Rob Swenson* Sunday Morning Hackers Michelle Colatorti* Trump National Golf Club - Bedminster Daniel Lavecchia Katie Renoff Sunken Meadow Ladies Golf League - Thurs Karyn Fox Trump National Golf Club - Colts Neck Marc Lewicki Dr. Gina Louie Sunken Meadow Saturday Women’s Golf Club Linda Joubert Trump National Golf Club - Hudson Valley Robbie Scott Joy Passalacqua Sunningdale Country Club Michael Greene Kim Krinsky Trump National Golf Club - Westchester Louis Rinaldi Liliana Ruiz-Munoz Swampy’s Golf League Russ Cocchiaro Tuxedo Club Dan Rifkin Allison Kucinski Taconic Valley Golf Association Dennis McKesey Twaalfskill Club Mike Groppuso, Jr. Lynn Formica Tallgrass Golf Club Steve Yastrub Twin Brooks Country Club David Ferruggia Tam O’Shanter Club Butch Goring Paula McHale United Nations Golf Club Supharidh Hy Maureen Collins Tamarack Country Club Jason Zubatkin Michelle Peng Upper Montclair Country Club Ryan Cataldo Sue Skowronski The Architects Golf Club Jed Hoban Elizabeth Skelly Vagabond’s Golf Club Mary Ann Weible The Baiting Hollow Club Ryan Taylor Rona Landman Vails Grove Golf Club Tom Hawk Barbara Dean The Bridge Phil Marber Mary Anne Mulvey Villa Roma Country Club Bill Phillips Gillian Sarner The Bridgehampton Club Evan DiPaolo Cat Osborne Village Club of Sands Point Chad Stone Patti Feldman The Club at Storm King Derek Krom Lori Ransom Waccabuc Country Club Susan Regis The Creek Will Parker Brooke Cooper Wallkill Monday Night Ladies GC Elaine Sassi & Vicki LaRosa The Friars Golf Club Charley Knoth Warwick Valley Country Club Tom Herceg Diane Kelly The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge Frank Mulzet, Jr. Sue Kim Wee Burn Country Club Skip Bornhuetter Whitney Lancaster The Greens @ Half Hollow Bill Scheer Weekenders Women’s Golf Club Kathy Kennedy The Links at Union Vale Ollie Holden Ann-Marie Van Etten West Hills Country Club Bill Mullady Joyce Hurley The Links Club John S. Pyne, Jr. West Point Golf Club Peter Chin Young Yi The Original Tee Golf Club Henry Lopez West Sayville Golf Club Rob Engel The Putt and Pint Club Rob Slosberg West Sayville Women’s Golf Club Mary Joyce The Society of Obsessed & Wayward Golfers Mark Mulvoy / Franklin Speyer Westchester Country Club Tobin Whitman Kathy Mulvey The Vineyards Golf Club Carl Governale Anne Lachcik Westchester Hills Golf Club Justin Stagg Barbara Paonessa The Woodmere Club Hal Berman Michelle Choi Westhampton Country Club Bryan Beasley Emily Ferguson Thistle Golf Club Steve Feighery WGA of New Jersey Anna Turner Timber Point Golf Club Mike Hendershot Fran Grass Wheatley Hills Golf Club Tim McAdam Deb DeRosa Kathy Paek Whippoorwill Club Lee Hammerschmidt Sandra Jackson PETER PETER TOMBACK White Beeches Golf & Country Club Noel Naughton Maggie Pizzone Willow Creek Golf & Country Club James Delaraba Willow Ridge Country Club Reid Title Andrea Horwich Wiltwyck Golf Club Bryan Smith Jackie Quinn WinG Twilight GC Susan Saluga Winged Foot Golf Club Brian Williams Deborah Ference-Gray Women’s Division, South Shore Men’s Club Carol Fontana Woodlawn Golf Club Bob Andrasick Woodside Acres Country Club Steven Lobman Maggie Wong Woodstock Golf Club Chris Grady Woodway Country Club Bill Van de Graaf Sheila Torgan Country Club John Cesarz Candice Leonard Yonkers Amateur Golf Association Jimmy Scanlon Yonkers Amateur Golf Association - Women Mags Dunne *One club championship, open to men and women

Drew Tomback, Metropolis Country Club t 16, Drew Tomback is the youngest club champion in the 92-year history of Metropolis. AThat seems appropriate: “I’ve been a member of Metropolis my whole life,” he said. “My dad plays there, my grandfather plays there. My great-grandfather was one of the [earliest members] of the club. There’s a long line of Tombacks at Metropolis.” This particular Tomback survived a pair of close matches in the semifinals and finals. In the 36-hole final, Drew led Doug Saidenberg, a six-time club champion, three-up after twenty-six holes. Saidenberg evened the match over the next seven holes – but Tomback birdied 16 and 17 to close out the match, 2 and 1. A junior at Columbia Prep, Tomback played on the varsity golf team that won its league and finished sixth in the State championships last year. He works with Gary Weir over at Westchester Country Club, and says that besides Metropolis, Westchester and Winged Foot are his favorite Met Area courses. He shares one very important trait with most outstanding golfers: “I really love practicing; I get a lot of satisfaction out of the daily challenge to get better. I love being able to set goals and see my progress towards meeting them.”

58 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG EDUCATION The MGA Foundation’s mission to preserve the game and its values is never more evident than in the wide range of educational opportunities it offers to clubs and their members. These programs provide valuable resources to help ensure the health and well-being of the club industry, help maintain the integrity of the game’s Rules and handicapping principles and add to everyone’s enjoyment of playing the game. Our educational programs include seminars on the Rules, handicapping, course maintenance practices, caddying, public and private club forums, and special programs for MGA Tournament Officials and Club Representatives. They are an integral part of our member services.

“Golf Grows Here” For more information or to donate, contact: www.mgagolf.org/foundation MGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

New faces and great performances made for championship drama BY CHRISTOPHER POWERS

he second half of the MGA Championship Masters, a past MGA Champion added a fourth trophy season placed some relatively new names on to his collection, and at the Boys Championship we prestigious MGA trophies, but that doesn’t may have witnessed a rising star in the making. It was Tmean they aren’t seasoned veterans. The Met another spectacular season for the MGA, the champions, Open went south for its winner, while the Senior Open and the outstanding courses where the tournaments saw the triumph of home cooking. In the MGA Senior were held. 99th Met Open

Trump National Golf Winner: Club (Old Course), Grant Sturgeon, Bedminster, N.J. Winged Foot August 19-21, 2014 (70-68-71—209)

Surgin’ Sturgeon Grant Sturgeon started quietly with a 2-under 70, then followed with a 4-under 68 to tie for the lead with two-time Ike Champion Mike Ballo, Jr. By the 13th hole in the final round, Ballo had seized a three-shot lead over Sturgeon and four over 17-year-old Cameron Young. But Sturgeon’s birdies on 14, 15, and 16, combined with two costly bogeys by Ballo, gave him a two-shot advantage with two to play. The Kentucky native and Assistant Pro at Winged Foot parred in for the victory, earning a spot on the Met Open trophy alongside some of the most recognizable names in golf. “It means a lot to me,” Sturgeon said. “Just looking at the trophy, there were three names that worked at Winged Foot and have won: Mike Gilmore, Craig Wood, and . To be able to work there and win this trophy in the Met Section, it’s special.”

60 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG 18th MGA Senior Open Championship

Alpine Country Club, Winner: Demarest, N.J. Adam Kugler (a), August 25-26, 2014 Alpine (69-68—137)

Kugler Cruises at Home Amateur Adam Kugler used all the course knowledge from his 24 Club Championship wins at Alpine to cruise to victory at the MGA Senior Open. The 56-year-old became only the second amateur to win the tournament, and he did it with two superb rounds that even surprised himself. “That’s a phenomenal score for me,” he said. “Never would I have considered 7-under a possibility.” Kugler made that total look routine with three birdies and zero bogeys in his opening round, followed by four birdies, an eagle and just two bogeys in his second round. Two-time Senior Open Champion Darrell Kestner and Frank Esposito, Golf Professional at Brooklake Country Club, finished four strokes back in second.

7th MGA Mid-Amateur Championship

Mountain Ridge Winner: Niall Handley, Country Club, Essex Fells (73-72—145) West Caldwell, N.J. October 7-8, 2014

Heroic win for Handley As he played his last hole in the final round, Niall Handley was two shots back of his former Fairleigh Dickinson College roommate Brian Komline, and faced a daunting up-and-down on the treacherous 18th green. He made a phenomenal par save, and when Komline dou- ble-bogeyed the 17th he found himself tied for the lead. When Komline could not duplicate the difficult up-and-down on 18, Handley had his second Mid-Am title. He and Dennis Lynch are the only two-time winners of the event. “It means a lot. I know Dennis Lynch won it twice, and the first time I won it [in 2011] was very special,” he said. “The MGA is a great organization and I’m very honored to win this event twice.”

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 61 17th French-American Challenge

Golf de Saint-Cloud, Garces, October 17-18, 2014 France Winner: Ligue de Paris Close, but no Cigare The MGA team put forth a valiant effort in France, but it was the Ligue de Paris who retained the cup, winning by a score of 11.5 - 8.5 for their fifth consecutive French-American Challenge victory. Cameron Young and Mike Stamberger each contributed three victories in their four- ball, foursome and singles matches as the MGA men took eight out of a possible twelve points in the Ryder Cup-formatted event. However, the women of the Ligue de Paris turned in a dominant performance, earning all of the points in singles play. It was the French team’s ninth straight victory on home soil.

3rd MGA Senior

Rockaway Hunting Club, September 15, 2014 Lawrence, N.Y. Winner: Ron Vanelli, Forsgate (71) Vanelli Vaults to 4th MGA Victory The 2005 MGA Player of the Year Ron Vanelli had four birdies during his round of 1-over 71 at Rockaway Hunting Club to claim the third edition of the MGA’s youngest championship. He held off defending champion Marty Winkleman, who was looking to become the first two-time winner of this event for amateurs aged 65 and over. The win gives Vanelli his fourth MGA title; the previous three were the 2005 Met Amateur and the 2008 and 2012 MGA Senior Amateur championships.

46th MGA/MetLife Boys Championship

Rumson Country Club, Winner: Brent Ito, Rumson, N.J. Met PGA Junior Golf Club August 7–8, 2014 (def. Chris Gotterup, 22 holes) Ito Rises at Rumson After dominating his first three matches, Brent Ito had to dig deep in the championship match at Rumson Country Club. He took on Christopher Gotterup, Rumson’s reigning junior club champion, and held a 2-up lead heading to the 17th tee. Gotterup won both holes in front of the home crowd to extend the match. On the fourth playoff hole, Ito hit a hybrid to the par-5 4th green from 240 yards out, and his two-putt birdie gave him a hard-fought victory. “I was just thinking, make par and don’t do too much,” he said. Ito joins a list of champions that includes Cameron Wilson, Tyler Hall, and Mike Stamberger. (A month later, Ito paired with Stephen Ames to finish in a tie for 12th out of 82 teams in the pro/junior portion of the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.)

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Towers Country Club, Winners: Susan Canarick and Floral Park, N.Y. Janet Mazza, Glen Cove October 3, 2014 Women’s 18 Holers Canarick and Mazza earned the win after Mazza sank a 32- foot putt on the first hole of the three-team playoff. They finished regular play with a net 7-under 63, tied with Erica Beasley and Jacki Torsoe of Hollow Brook and Eileen McKee and Loretta Postiglione of Silver Lake Ladies Club.

64th MGA Father and Son Championship

Brooklake Country Club, Winners: Florham Park, N.J. Kevin and Conor Casey August 12, 2014 (Galloping Hill/Somerset Hills)

Kevin and Conor Casey won their first MGA trophy together at Brooklake, combining for a 3-under-par round of 69. Lou and James Buttermark finished second, one stroke back.

51st MGA/WMGA Mixed Pinehurst Championship

Forsgate Country Club, Winners: Monroe, N.J. Michael Karger and Gale Brudner September 11 and (Century/GlenArbor) October 3, 2014 It took an 18-hole playoff to crown the champions of the Mixed Pinehurst this year; the duo of Michael Karger and Gale Brudner shot a 74 to defeat Rob Zuch and Dani Mullen of Southward Ho. It was the third Mixed Pinehurst championship for Karger and Brudner, who won it in 2002 and 2010. 25th MGA Father and Son Net Tournament

Willow Creek Golf and Winners: Country Club, Mt. Sinai, N.Y. Louis and Joe Farrauto September 3, 2014 (AGC Dyker Beach/Shoreview) The father-son duo of Louis and Joe Farrauto shot a net 5-under 66 at Willow Creek to win the Father and Son Net Tournament by one stroke.

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www.cuisinart.com www.facebook.com/cuisinart Bed Bath & Beyond • Macy’s Chefs • Bloomingdale’s • Amazon PLAYER OF THE YEAR Putting It All Together David Pastore’s twin majors cap a dream season that was worth the wait BY CHRISTOPHER POWERS

ou know that young prodigy golfer, the one who wins throughout his junior career and then fades away as the years go by? David Pastore is anything but that guy. Pastore, now 22 and a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, is the 2014 MGA Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Y Year on the strength of his wins at two of the Association’s three major championships, the Met Amateur and the Ike. His two big victories, along with a win at the It hasn’t been a straight line to glory for Pastore, Westchester Open and high placements at the Con- who won two Met Juniors (2006 and 2009) and necticut Open (tied for third, low amateur) and the 2010 Carter Cup. That year he graced the cover USGA Men’s State Team Championship (second of The Met Golfer alongside Cam Wilson and Mike individual) put Pastore well in front of the field. Miller, three young studs headed off to college. Dylan Newman and Met Amateur runner-up Miller and Wilson thrived: Miller won the 2011 Matthew Lowe battled for second, with Newman Met Amateur, and Wilson took back-to-back Ike edging Lowe by just three points. Championships in 2012 and 2013. Pastore’s best

66 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG nity arose: the once heavily-recruited golfer could take part in an open tryout for the The Honor Roll team with all the other hopefuls. It was Final standings for the 2014 MGA Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year award tough to have to earn his way back, but Pos. Name Club Points his belief in himself allowed him to keep plugging along, and he shot a 66 to regain a 1 David Pastore Griffith E. Harris Men’s Club 1,265 2 Dylan Newman Hollow Brook GC 715 spot on the roster. 3 Matthew Lowe Colonial Springs GC 712 He took inspiration from the company 4 Cameron Young Sleepy Hollow CC 694 he’d kept. “I never stopped believing that I 5 Sam Bernstein Century CC 592 could compete with those guys [Miller and 6 Trevor Randolph Arcola CC 572 Wilson],” he said. “I’d done it in the past and 7 Brian Komline Black Oak GC 541 I was just as good as them at one point. “ 8 Joe Saladino Huntington CC 530 Pastore only played in one MGA tourna- 9 Steve Zychowski Mendham G&TC 504 ment in the summer of 2013, the Met Open 10 Max Greyserman Crestmont CC 490 at Old Westbury. He opened with a 75, but followed it up with a 72 on Wednesday and This remarkable feat was featured on Golf 71 on Thursday to tie for fourteenth, fourth Channel’s “Morning Drive” the next day, best among the amateurs. It didn’t shatter with Gary Williams awarding Pastore a any records, but it was a step back in the “game ball.” right direction. “Since that day, everything is different,” After three straight intercollegiate top- he said. “For the ball to go in, to be on the tens (including a tie for first) in April 2014, Golf Channel, I got a lot of congratulations, he opened his Met Area season in May by even from people who don’t play golf.” earning medalist honors at the U.S. Open After a season like that for Pastore, an Local Qualifying round held at Paramount admitted goal setter, are there more goals to Country Club. Just a few weeks later, he won achieve? the Ike at Montclair, then followed with a “Some of them I’ll keep to myself, but for win against some of the area’s top profes- next year I want to have somewhere set to sionals at the Westchester Open in July. play. Web.comTour is the ultimate goal,” he “I won the Ike, but a lot of people might said. think you get lucky with one win,” he said. He has already cleared two hurdles and “I wanted to prove that I could do it again.” advanced to the second stage of the Web.com Pastore indeed wasn’t finished. You’ve Q School, with his eye on the Finals to be probably heard he won the Met Amateur in held in December in Palm Beach Gardens, historic fashion. On the 35th hole of the Florida. Don’t discount his chances, even if championship match with a large gallery the path has a few bumps in it. Pastore has looking on at The Creek, Pastore recorded shown the persistence and confidence to a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th to win. make his goals a reality. I

Above left: David Pastore plants one on the Met Amateur trophy. Below: Matthew Lowe and Pastore share a few words during the Met Am final.

result in those years came at the 2012 MGA Public Links, where he finished third. “I thought about that a lot,” Pastore said. “Two or three years into school Cameron was one of the top 20 players in the country, Mike was a two-time [MGA] player of the year and one of the top amateurs in the world, and I wasn’t even on the golf team anymore.” Pastore admits he made a lot of mistakes. In his freshman year he didn’t play in any tournaments at Virginia, and he acknowl- edges he didn’t have an open attitude to lis- tening and learning. By his sophomore year he was off the team and playing in club tour- naments. But in his junior year an opportu-

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 67 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Giving back to the game came naturally to our Distinguished Service Award winner, and he got back even more in return BY JEANNE McCOOEY

et’s get these out of the way up front: Former MGA President Don Hendler is one of the bright lights of our golf community. He’s a man with connections who knows how to flip the switch and turn on the energy when it’s needed most, an electric presence on the MGA scene. He is also the MGA’s 2014 Distinguished Service way up to #1 man and captain by his senior year, and Award winner, in recognition of his twenty-five years graduated in 1967 with a degree in history. as one of the Met Area’s most respected and influen- After graduation he joined the New York Air tial leaders. National Guard. “My parents instilled in me early Despite his responsibilities as President and CEO on a responsibility to give something back: to coun- of Leviton—one of the world’s leading manufactur- try, community, club or whatever; there are no free ers of electrical devices, lighting, and electronic con- rides. I have to say it was the best advice I ever got. nectors—Hendler has contributed to the good of the The rewards of giving back have come back to me game on many levels: officiating at tournaments, tenfold every time.” developing fundraising campaigns, presiding over During his Guard training, Hendler met fellow meetings, and strategic planning for the many asso- Long Islander John Baldwin, an outstanding player ciations on whose boards he serves. The MGA is who would eventually win two Met Amateurs, back- proud to recognize his long service to the Associa- to-back MGA Player of the Year titles, and serve as tion, the LIGA, the Long Island Caddie Scholarship MGA President. Through Baldwin’s close friendship Fund, and the Met golf community as a whole by giv- with LIGA and MGA President George Sands, ing him its highest honor. Hendler became active in those organizations as well Hendler was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and grew as the Long Island Caddie Scholarship Fund, which up in Rockville Centre. He started in golf at an early Sands had established in 1962. age; his parents were members of Cold Spring CC, and Hendler completed his Guard service and in 1968 he was competing in junior events before his teenage married his college sweetheart, Adee Leviton. He years. His high school (Southside) had no golf team, worked his way up in his father-in-law’s company, but he maintained a good enough game to make the with positions in sales, marketing, and product devel- squad at Franklin & Marshall College. He worked his opment before becoming Vice President of Strategic

68 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 MATT FURMAN Don Hendler, far left, served as a walking Rules official during Michelle Wie’s attempt to MGA Foundation’s flagship programs. And qualify for the U.S. Open in 2006. one of his favorite moments came in June of 2006, when he was one of the walking offi- Planning in 1994. Under his direction the Westmoreland remembers that “it was cials with Michelle Wie during the U.S. company grew into one of North America’s evident from the start that Don was a very Open Sectional Qualifying at Canoe Brook largest manufacturers and suppliers of elec- bright guy with a lot more to offer.” Within CC, possibly the most widely publicized tronic wiring devices and expanded into the a year he was asked to join the MGA Execu- event in MGA history. commercial voice and data sectors and into tive Committee, and his background in His dual commitments as leader of a structured cabling markets. Hendler strategic planning proved invaluable dur- global business and as a leading participant became President in 2005. ing a period of enormous growth and in Met Area amateur golf administration The Hendlers belonged to several clubs change that saw the birth of the MGA Foun- have placed enormous demands on his time; on Long Island before joining Meadow dation, the move to Golf Central, the MGA’s nonetheless, Hendler says, “being a part of Brook Club, which is conveniently adjacent Centennial, and the launch of a major this game at so many levels has given me so to his backyard, in 2000. At 69, he hasn’t capital campaign. much pleasure and taught me many lessons strayed far from his former scratch handi- Hendler moved through the officer that have helped me throughout my life.” cap, still playing to a 4.5 Index. Over the ranks and became President in 2005, as the “What has always stood out about Don years he has racked up some impressive capital campaign was just beginning its was not just what he did in service to the finishes in tournaments like the Anderson important club phase. “Most club members game,” notes MGA Executive Director Jay Memorial, Wilson Cup, and Hochster had no idea of the breadth and scope of serv- Mottola, “but the way he did it – always Memorial. ices that the MGA performs on behalf of humble and ready to give back while expect- In the 1980s, Hendler started volunteer- golf and golf clubs,” Hendler says. “We ing nothing in return.” One example of his ing as an LIGA tournament official, and made great progress in establishing a better generosity came when Leviton was moving then was asked to join the LIGA Executive Committee. His involvement with the LI “My parents instilled in me early o n a responsibility Caddie Scholarship Fund began then as well, and he has been its Vice President for to give something back …It was the best advice I many years. ever got.” —Don Hendler Don’s reputation caught the attention of the MGA and in 1991 he was invited to link with our clubs throughout the cam- to its new headquarters, and Hendler made serve on the Tournament Committee. His paign, and created a better understanding sure that dozens of valuable pieces of office very first assignment from Tournament that all of us have to contribute something furniture were made available to the MGA Director Gene Westmoreland was the back to the game to ensure its future.” and the other organizations at Golf Central; Women’s Net Team qualifying event at Nis- Through his tireless efforts and his leader- they are still in use today. sequogue. “My first ruling involved notify- ship during that time, the MGA was able to As those organizations can attest, he is ing Gene that two players—who happened make great strides towards its $5 million not only a man who will give you the to be members of the club—had played goal, which it ultimately achieved. off his back, but also the chair under his seat. from the wrong tees and had to be assessed Hendler’s years as President and on the He remains an active and valuable member a two-stroke penalty. I felt just awful. I Board of the Foundation also saw a great of many of the MGA’s and LIGA’s Commit- hoped there wouldn’t be many more days expansion of The First Tee of Metropolitan tees today, and a most worthy recipient of like this.” New York and GOLFWORKS, two of the MGA’s Distinguished Service Award. I USGA

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From ABQ and Santa Fe to Pueblos, Cliff Dwellings and Roswell Aliens, New Mexico has it all, including great golf BY DAN VUKELICH

f only Willard Scott and Al Roker had been thinner, people might know where to find New Mexico. The two “Today” show weather presenters have been obscuring the fifth-largest state in the union since the 1970s. According to Dave Marash, the former WCBS news anchor who now lives near Albuquerque, Scott “had to stand somewhere,” so he picked a spot directly in front of New Mexico, which contributes to many people’s inability to find it on a map. Before we get down to the business at hand – golf New Mexico’s official state question? It’s “Red – here’s a snap trivia quiz about the state that lies or green?” as in chile, the state’s most important between Texas and Arizona: food crop. You will be asked this question roughly The state bird of New Mexico? The roadrunner. as often as you eat, and New Mexico is indeed the “I thought that was a cartoon,” a visiting golf writer only state with an Official Question. In general, the once told his tour guide. When he finally spotted green chile is hotter and the red is more pungent, one: “I thought it was a chicken.” (Note to readers: though your mileage may vary. When in doubt, ask A roadrunner looks nothing like a chicken.) the server.

72 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG The 12th hole at Black Mesa displays the layout’s combination of width, challenge, and beauty. LEFT: COURTESY BLACK MESA LEFT: CLUB; GOLF BOTTOM: MEXICO NEW DEPARTMENT TOURISM

Kid did his killing in Lincoln County, N.M., as a Roswell aliens: Was a crash covered up by the hired gun in a war between feuding ranch families. government? Yes and no. There was a crash, but Pat Garrett, the man alleged to have shot him dead, the alien claim was a cover-up. Contrary to a was the Lincoln County, N.M., sheriff – but there’s 1947 Roswell Army Airfield press release that an unresolved dispute about whether the Kid sur- announced the capture of a “flying saucer,” what Below, from far left: Route 66 vived his encounter with Garrett, escaped to Texas, crashed was a secret weather balloon that the gov- mural in Tucumcari; Hornos (outdoor mud-adobe ovens); and lived peacefully until 1908 under the name ernment was trying to hide from the Soviets – a Gallery on Canyon Road in “Brushy Bill.” kind of reverse cover-up, if you will. Although the Santa Fe; UFO Festival in Do you need a passport to go there? Hardly. In UFO story has been debunked, Roswellians creat- Roswell; Military wagon at Fort 1912, it became the forty-seventh state to enter the ed a museum with papier-mâché aliens, which Selden Historical Monument; union; if it ever chose to leave, the stockpile of eventually spawned the town’s UFO festival, which Turquoise, the state gemstone; nuclear weapons at Kirtland Air Force Base which annually draws thousands of believers. Chile ristras drying in the sun; borders Albuquerque would make it the world’s Nukes, aliens, cartoon birds – and great golf – Cowboy on the range. are what Scott and Roker were really covering up. Joe Passov of GOLF Magazine liked the courses here so much he once wrote that New Mexico deserved the “Area 51 Award” because it’s such a well-kept secret. With two public courses on the GOLF Magazine and top 100 lists, and generally cloudless skies May through November, New Mexico is surely a righteous and affordable golf getaway. • • • • • To the extent that people know of New Mexico at all, they commonly believe that the state is one big empty desert. True, there is a lot of desert, which is why they set off the world’s first atomic bomb here. But New Mexico is actually a mix of high Sonoran desert, plains, and sub-alpine Ponderosa Pine forest – with some serious mountains thrown in. No place in New Mexico is lower than 2,800 feet above sea level. Most of its cities are between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. The golf course at Angel Fire Resort, one rugged mountain range east of Taos Ski Valley, is more than 8,400 feet above sea level. Cloudcroft, N.M., PAA-KO RIDGE CLUB GOLF PAA-KO

From top: Church Rock in Red Rock State Park; Hatch native tying a chile ristra; Dancer with colorful blanket; Hole #20 (of 27) at Paa-Ko Ridge; Day of the Dead reveler; Billy the Kid gift shop in Mesilla; Painted mailboxes. not too far from where Billy took a bullet, has a 9-hole golf course built more than a hundred years ago that sits 9,000 feet above sea level. Talk about added dis- tance off the tee. Today, New Mexico has only 68 golf courses. Water is scarce here, so when they build courses they tend to build good ones. The late summer monsoons of 2014 were good to New Mexico, which means the courses are in the best shape they’ve been in for more than a decade. New Mexico golf is a steal, with only one course, Paa-Ko Ridge, coming in at more than $100 for a peak- rate tee time. Most of the courses I will mention are in the $40-$60 range to ride, and some can be had for as little as $35. For many years, Piñon Hills Golf Course in Farmington was ranked by Golf Digest as NEW MEXICO NEW DEPARTMENT TOURISM

74 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG

NEW MEXICO NEW DEPARTMENT TOURISM

Balloons rise at White Sands National Monument. the best public course value in America; course, designed by Ken Dye (his archi- Golfweek considers it the seventh-best tectural partner Baxter Spann designed municipal course in the country. Black Mesa), weaves through the moun- Black Mesa is about twenty-five miles tains, with each hole hidden from view north of Santa Fe in Española. It is a tes- of the others and each one different and tament to minimalist design, utilizing the immaculately maintained. The greens naturally bumpy terrain as it wanders are large and undulating, befitting a across the Santa Clara Pueblo. Ron Whit- resort course on such tumultuous land. ten in Golf Digest praised its bunkering There is, of course, much to do in New “positioned where wind and erosion Mexico for the non-golfer. In the north- might well have carved them out,” and its ern part of the state, there is whitewater greens “effortlessly positioned in canyons, rafting on the Rio Grande near Taos; fly- on rocky shelves, and alongside dry wash- fishing near Farmington or Angel Fire; es.” With a peak rate of $46, it may be the the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a best bargain in American golf. narrow-gauge tourist train through The state’s other most highly ranked Aspen-covered mountain gorges into gem is Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, located Colorado from Chama, N.M.; galleries between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, to to prowl along Santa Fe’s Canyon Road. the east of the Sandia Crest. The golf You’ll need only an hour or so to under- Other Places to Play In Albuquerque: The University of New the wind rustling the boughs of the piñon Mexico Championship Golf Course, a hilly forest you’re playing through. test with deep rough that has hosted both Santa Ana Golf Club, a 27-hole daily- NCAA Division I men’s and women’s golf fee course, and its sister course, the 18- championships. UNM is so close to the hole Twin Warriors Golf Club. Both have airport and rental-car center it’s an ideal hosted the PGA of America’s final first or last round on your trip. stepping stone to the PGA Championship. North of Albuquerque: Sandia Golf In Santa Fe: Marty Sanchez Links de Club, a Scott Miller design, sprawls across Santa Fe, a gem of a modified desert-links Sandia Pueblo land, with twelve holes muni, is just ten minutes from downtown. playing toward Sandia Peak. It’s easy on In addition to its full-sized 18, it has “The the eye, and has plenty of bailout space Great 28” – an executive course with eight for high-handicappers. par-3s and one par-4 (hence, 28). The Cochiti Golf Course, a Robert Trent latter is ideal for a quick escape from yet Jones, Jr., layout that opened in 1981, is another morning of gallery crawling. well worth the 45-minute drive from Perhaps you’ll fly home with a $10,000 Albuquerque. The style is high-desert Navajo rug you bought with the money target golf, but with no development you saved thanks to Marty’s $47 peak rate around for miles; there are no sounds but with cart.

76 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG stand why legions of East Coast artists, century, but scientists believe a prolonged Mary Montoya Martinez, whose blackened including D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe drought forced them to move southward, clay pots now define the San Ildefonso style. and Earnest L. Blumenschein, emigrated to where they founded the Pueblos dotting the For more contemporary culture in Albu- Santa Fe and Taos for spiritual release and Rio Grande Valley. querque, take the “Breaking Bad” RV tour, to the capture the special light of New Mex- or perhaps catch filming of the upcoming ico. In the mid-2000s, Santa Fe ranked third Where to eat: prequel, “Better Call Saul.” The city’s Nob in the nation in art sales, behind New York Hill restaurant district is a popular area for and Scottsdale; the majority of the work Santa Fe: Dinner at the Old House a pub crawl; or get high with a hot-air bal- today is Native American, Spanish, and Restaurant in the Eldorado Hotel in loon ride or take the Sandia Peak Tramway western-themed. Santa Fe, breakfast on eggs with green to a 10,600-foot peak a mile overlooking the To discover more ancient cultures, visit chile at Tia Sophia’s on San Francisco Rio Grande Valley. the cliff dwellings that dot the landscape of Street, near the Santa Fe Plaza. Most major airlines fly to Albuquerque. New Mexico and Southern Colorado. The Albuquerque: Breakfast or lunch with JetBlue has a non-stop from JFK. American best known spot is Mesa Verde National politicos at the Barelas Coffee House in Airlines flies nonstops from DFW or LAX Park near Cortez, Colo., just north of the Albuquerque; dinner at the Prairie Star to Santa Fe, although most people fly to New Mexico border. But the granddaddy of Restaurant at Santa Ana Golf Club, Albuquerque and drive the 65 miles north. Marcello’s Chop House in ABQ Uptown or Native American archaeological sites in the Southwest has nonstops from Midway and Scalo’s Northern Italian Grill in Nob Hill. Southwest is the Chaco Culture National Baltimore. Historical Site, accessible via a washboard So whether you’re coming to explore the dirt road off the main highway midway New Mexico’s Pueblos welcome visitors fairways and greens, the arts and the between Albuquerque and Farmington. A into their villages on most days, save for a ancients, or just hoping to find residue from sophisticated system of stone-built homes, handful of celebratory feast days when an an alien autopsy, come on down and order great houses, kivas and amphitheaters invitation is required. Taos Pueblo eschews a chicarones burrito smothered in “New formed the center of Chacoan civilization, modern conveniences, including electrici- Mexico Certified Chile.” And if you’re not from which an elaborate system of watch- ty. Acoma Pueblo’s Sky City – atop a fortress- sure how to answer the official state ques- towers and trading routes radiated. No one like mesa – is open to the public only a few tion, order “Christmas” – which is red and knows for sure why the Anasazi, or “Ancient days out of the year. San Ildefonso Pueblo green. You’ll be well on your way to becom- Ones,” abandoned Chaco in the twelfth near Santa Fe is the home of master potter ing a resident alien yourself. I

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X 36 holes of newly renovated, X Stunning indoor & open-air For more information: championship golf casual dining venue 239-254-7418 X Naples’ premier tennis program X Located in Naples, Florida, 2014 [email protected] X New bocce courts & league play Golf Destination of the Year www.quailcreekcc.com Fall colors enhance the beauty of Whippoorwill’s second hole, seen here before the restoration that added a deep bunker left of the green.

78 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG CLUB FOCUS

With a freshly restored classic golf course, Armonk’s hidden gem is poised for the future BY DAVID BARRETT PHOTO BY ANDY SCHWARZ

he Whippoorwill Club has long been considered one of the Met Area’s quiet classics. After a highly successful restoration project, the club is showing its feathers proudly these days, though not quite proclaiming its presence as insistently as its namesake bird with the relentless Whip-poor-WILL Whip-poor-WILL cry.

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 79 ANDY SCHWARZ

The clubhouse, built in 2001, Located in central Westchester on top of a hill 20 women and say you want to play.” Brown notes sits beside the eighteenth that marks the second-highest point in the coun- in his first week or two as a member he received green. Inset: The original ty, Whippoorwill has long been an idyllic retreat some 30 invitations to play. clubhouse. Opposite page: with a family-friendly culture and a hidden gem The history of the Whippoorwill Club is a Remnants of the original of a golf course. That gem has recently been pol- rocky one, literally and figuratively. The original clubhouse including its ished, and is starting to receive its share of recog- club was founded by a group of local men who chimney sit amid trees to the nition. The golf architecture website Golf Club hired Donald Ross to design a course that opened left of the eighteenth fairway. Atlas gave it a rave review this summer, and in 1928. But they discovered that while they had Golfweek ranks Whippoorwill 94th in its list of the been successful in other areas, they needed help in 100 best classic courses. getting a country club off the ground, so they When Denver Brown, who played college golf brought in a developer named Fred Ruth, whose at Duke University with two-time PGA Tour win- vision included nine new holes over rugged ter- ner Kevin Streelman, was deciding which club to rain on the opposite side of Whippoorwill Road. join last year, he was looking for a special course Ruth had worked with architects Charles Macdon- and chose Whippoorwill. “I didn’t want to play an ald and Seth Raynor on his Mid Ocean Club devel- impossible course where you could never shoot opment in Bermuda, and apparently felt that their under 70, or a wide-open field where you can’t protégé, Charles Banks, was more suited to this shoot worse than 72,” Brown says. “Whippoorwill type of work than the more naturalistic Ross. is the type of course where you can shoot 65 and Construction of the nine new holes (the fourth 80 on consecutive days.” through ninth and 12th through 14th) required Fellow scratch player and classic-course buff extensive rock removal at great expense. Banks also Brian Krex, the club champion in 2010 and 2012, thoroughly revamped the existing holes to put his says the course has “some magic to it. It’s fun how stamp on the entire course. Unfortunately, the different the same hole can play from day to day beginning of construction in 1929 coincided with depending on where the pin is located.” the onset of the Depression. The new layout With a fascinating set of green complexes and opened in 1930, but memberships and real estate Slope Ratings ranging from 139 to 144 from the were hard to sell in those times. Throughout the various tees (except for the forward tees accom- 1930s the course operated on a semi-public basis, modating seniors), it’s easy to see why the course while the club left its local property taxes unpaid. attracts better players like Brown, Krex, and Laura In 1942, Louis Calder’s real estate company Algiero, winner of two Women’s Met Amateurs. paid off Whippoorwill’s tax liens and outstanding But while it’s difficult to score well on, the layout bank loans, but the golf course was closed mostly is more playable than the Slope Ratings might sug- because of wartime gas rationing. In 1946, Calder, gest, as there is plenty of room off the tee and not whose country home was located on Whippoor- much water in play. will Road just south of the course, started a new It’s the type of friendly club where the scratch Whippoorwill Club. The course, which had been players don’t necessarily stick to themselves. covered with hip-high hay and weeds, reopened “Everybody plays with everybody,” Algiero says. in 1947, and this time the club thrived. The mem- “On any given day you can call any one of 10, 15 or bership bought the property from the Louis Calder

80 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG Foundation in 1966 and improvements were made in a number of areas, including a new clubhouse that opened in 2001. Changes through the years moved the layout away from its classic design. Banks was known for his deep bunkers and large greens full of slopes and shelves. Some bunkers had been filled in, some had changed shape, and some large bunkers had been broken up into smaller ones. The club decided to bring in architect Tripp Davis, who specializes in restoring old courses. “We were trying to bring back the bunker style that Banks had originally incorporated, of a really steep grass face with the sand primarily in the bottom of the bunker and flat,” said Davis. “In restoring those elements, we brought the original strategy back on many holes.” While restoring bunkers to the side of some greens to their original frightening depth, some newer bunkers in front of greens were eliminated. “Tripp has opened up some corridors in front of greens to enable approaches to roll up a little bit lines (an acre of green surface was restored) and more, the way the game used to be played,” says head removing trees that resulted from a series of professional Jim Wahl. “The changes have in some ill-advised plantings. regards made the course more playable for the high “It’s like restoring an art deco home, where you handicapper, and in some regards tougher.” also want to include modern amenities,” says Paul The bunker project was finished in the spring Atkinson, club president in 2012-13. “You want to of 2013, but over the previous decade Davis’s work know how the original architect would have done included expanding greens to their original out- it, and that’s what Tripp Davis was able to provide.”

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“The members were very receptive,” says super- watersheds of the city’s reservoirs. Much of intendent Paul Gonzalez. “They are really proud Whippoorwill (94 acres) is in the watershed of of the course and the history.” Kensico Lake; that acreage will be maintained in The club made it through the economic down- perpetuity as a golf course under a water resource turns of 2008–9 in reasonably good shape, with protection plan. only a modest dip in membership that has since The club has been working for years with the been made up; there are currently 302 full mem- DEP, creating natural areas, growing buffers bers on the rolls. Its financial outlook was further around ponds, putting filters on drainage, and insti- bolstered by a deal with New York City’s Depart- tuting a new procedure for taking care of grass clip- ment of Environmental Protection, which paid pings. Whippoorwill’s environmental stewardship the club $9.4 million for a conservation easement has also been endorsed by Audubon Internation- as part of a program intended to preserve the al, which named the club an Audubon Cooperative

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883 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10001 “If there were such a thing as an Olympic training golf facility indoors, you’d be www.golfbodynyc.com hard-pressed to think it would be much different than the Golf & Body facilities.” —George Zahringer, Senior Private Banker and Managing Director 212-244-2626 sanctuary for, among other things, its bird habitats. care of our members,” says Atkinson. Opposite page: As many as a The DEP windfall will help fund such proposed The biggest event of the year, a Fourth of July thousand people turn out for projects as a new maintenance barn, clubhouse ren- celebration featuring contests, a carnival, dining, the annual Fourth of July ovations that will accommodate more outdoor din- and a fireworks display, attracts about 1,000 peo- barbecue. Inset: Louis Calder, the man responsible ing, a driving range expansion, and more. ple. Occasional entertainment events over the past for the rebirth of the Besides being forward-thinking in terms of the couple of years have included stand-up comics Whippoorwill Club in the environment, the club is also ahead of the curve and an evening with former White House execu- 1940s. in being oriented toward families as the member- tive chef Walter Scheib. ship skews younger. “People have more things in “As we plan the calendar, we are thinking about their lives,” says Atkinson. “Folks don’t always have people who can’t play a four-hour round of golf, as much spare time, and when they are at the club what can we get them to do to utilize our facility,” they want to be there with family.” says Frank Francese, currently vice president and Members are encouraged to bring their chil- formerly a member of the entertainment commit- dren to the dining room for meals, but with the tee. “This is not your father’s club. The decisions understanding that the kids will learn and observe on how the club is utilized [by a family] is not a country club decorum. “We want it to be family- one-person decision.” friendly, but not family frenzy,” says general man- Popular activities for less avid golfers include ager Jeff Martocci. “It’s a balance.” a bridge group, an event called “three holes and a A summer sports camp nearly doubled in size glass of wine,” and a couple of night golf events, over the course of the last two years, growing to 65 one for families and one for adults only. kids, and the “Angry Birds” junior golf team also Then again, for many members the golf course has proved popular. The course has junior tees on remains the main attraction, its layout restored to the front nine, and Krex says his two boys, now a state that original developer Fred Ruth would 8 and 10, have been on the range since they were recognize. The Depression might have spoiled his 1 and 3. plans, but the current generation of Whippoor- “Clubs in the past never thought of marketing will members has brought back the course that themselves internally, but that has changed. It’s a Ruth envisioned, attached to a club that is thriv- bit like the AmEx model: we think about taking ing in ways that he could hardly have imagined. I

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body work in harmony BY DAVID POLCHINSKI

Photos by Russell Kirk A

the overall flight of the shot.

throughout the swing. Most golfers are either too active with their arms or too active with their body on the backswing. If the arms and body are not together on the backswing, it will be difficult to sync them together on the down- swing. When I see a student disconnected, I recom- mend this drill to promote the feeling of everything working in concert. 1

84 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG 2

1. Using a mid-iron, set up in the address position, but with the end of the golf club anchored into the belly

1 2. Swing the club back about parallel to the feet, making sure the club remains anchored during this part of the swing.

swing the club up, feeling the club head and hands

the backswing completes.

energy is unleashed forward and through impact.

golf shots. I

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 85 IN THE BAG In the new world of golf shoes, light is right and stiffness is a hazard See the Light BY KEN VAN VECHTEN hen it comes to golf shoes, what’s up is degrees. Some have gone full-stage minimalist – light, low, what’s down: weight, stiffness, support flat, wide and extremely flexible. Others have introduced Wstructures, the number of cleats.“Not that “barefoot” elements, while maintaining more structured long ago, someone took your wingtips, fit or artificial support. The unifying goal is to help the put spikes on the bottom and said, ‘Go play golf,’” says Josh player who will be swinging a club for four hours while Chervokas, chief operations officer at N.Y. Golf Center. walking five or six miles. Comfort, Support, and Stability: “Golf shoes were an extension of dress shoes. They were each shoemaker has his own view on the right ratio among rigid, heavy, with a high heel. Those days are gone.” the three. So does each golfer, who now can pick and Every shoe brand has embraced this, to varying choose accordingly.

Brendan Sweeney, global footwear product coordinator for adidas Golf and . “While some really loved it, TRUE Linkswear some got hurt or didn’t get the support they needed. The trend in running, from where it came, is moving back toward more outward protection and support. There is entire line of shoes is born of the mantra that the best platform no one perfect shoe for all consumers.” for athleticism is the human foot left as unencumbered as possi- adidas – with sister company Ashworth – offers a ble. TRUE’s idea is that the artificial constructs of the classic “golf” full spectrum of styles and configurations: Cleated, non- shoe put golfers into a less-athletic position and inhibit the foot’s cleated; high structure, low profile; support, flexibility; ability to support and stabilize itself, and by extension the player leather, synthetic. The new center of this cosmos is the and the swing. just-introduced tour360X. The midsole looks streamlined, Says Jason Moore, the company’s director of marketing and the outsole is lighter, and the “X” pattern – note product development, “There are many respected foot physiolo- the single cleat midfoot – is intended to enhance the gists and biomechanics experts that are in this camp already. gripping power of lower-profile, green-friendly cleats. Everything we do at TRUE, from the wider toe box, zero-drop out- “Our job,” says Sweeney, “is to provide the breadth of soles, to thin, minimal design features is done to create a more technologies to help consumers get what is right for natural, dynamic user experience - the end result being comfort them, their swing, their gait.” and greater performance.”

86 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG ECCO

need for much artificial support as long as there is proper traction,” says Jesper Thuen, sponsorship, PR and event manager for ECCO Golf. This approach underlies the ECCO E-DTS – a cleatless outsole of high-traction, high-durability, light and flexible thermoplastic polyurethane – and their BIOM shoes. BIOM is company shorthand for “natural motion path” or getting the foot closer to the ground with less constriction, though BIOM midsoles do provide more cushion than all-but-barefoot TRUE shoes. ECCO’s line runs from cleated (both classic wingtips and BIOM lasts) through cleatless BIOM offerings and on to the minimalist BIOM ZERO.

FootJoy

for specific players, the first, most important step is to step into a properly fitting shoe,” advises Chris Garrett, FootJoy’s director of consumer marketing. In January the company released its next-phase DryJoys model, the D.N.A., whose most notable aspect might be the widely splayed cleat pattern pushed to the periphery of the outsole. “Improperly fitting shoes can lead to a loss of power, so without fit, the features and benefits of a shoe can be rendered irrelevant. Those who struggle with footwork may need a shoe with more lateral stability, while others may want a shoe that supports natural motion and is less structured.”

WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 87 BODY & MIND There Goes the Sun Beating the blues when they close the greens

s temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, Met Ferraro recalls painting golf balls orange so he could play in the Area golfers who don’t fly south for the winter are forced snow. In recent years, he has seen the less-drastic emergence of golf- Ato prepare for the very real possibility of an extended break focused performance centers and gyms throughout the Met Area; from the game they love. Travel to warmer climes can provide a such facilities help golfers maintain performance levels when short-term fix, but the loss of competitive golf certainly has they’re away from the course. the potential to lower mood, according to Drs. Tom Ferraro and Carol Munschauer. Golfers can fend off seasonal All change is loss, said Munschauer, a clinical psychologist based affective disorder in Buffalo. For those who pursue golf as part of their weekly or even by continuing to daily routine, the end of the season is a major change that should spend ample time outdoors. be recognized and adapted to, in order to avoid the potential for depression. Fresh air and physical activity are helpful, but replicating the Ferraro, a sport psychologist based in Nassau County, suggested competitive outlet is important too. Munschauer noted that golf a number of potential activities that can take the place of golf through can fulfill the basic human needs of affirmation and accomplish- the winter months. “Taking walks in nature, going to the gym, work- ment, whether through an improvement in your scores, a strong ing out, socializing more if you can,” Ferraro said. All these things showing in the club championship, or just winning a $2 Nassau are supplemental parts of the experience of golf, he noted, and that with friends. association might help them serve as a useful substitute. “After the season is over, you ask yourself, ‘Where am I going to get it? Where am I going to get my next affirmation?’” Munschauer said. “You don’t have built-in needs met any more, and it’s stressful to find [other outlets] to get what you need.” To a man, professional golfers from northern areas recommend playing winter sports to serve those needs, promote a competitive mindset, and continue one’s athletic progression. PGA Tour rookie Tom Hoge grew up in North Dakota, and he played basketball during the winter. Many of his friends played hockey – “You’ve got to do something when it’s so cold outside,” he says – and Hoge feels that the break from golf actually served him well. “Basketball helped build that competitive nature, that you’re never going to quit,” said Hoge, who earned his Tour card through this year’s Web.com Tour Finals. “Even if you’re down 20 points in a basketball game, you’re trying to figure out how to get back in it – just like if you bogey your first few holes, you keep on going. You figure out a way to get it done.” Ferraro and Munschauer both observed that golfers can fend off seasonal affective disorder – a recurring mood disturbance triggered by a lack of sunlight –by continuing to spend ample time outdoors. “You want to deal with the darkness, and not stay at home and be a homebody,” Ferraro said. “You can still go out, bundle up, be in sunlight. You can still hike and walk. There are many ways that humans can adapt to loss of [a particular] experience.” Short of moving somewhere more temperate, we are unlikely to solve the problem of the end-of-golf-year-blues completely. But through activity, substitution, meditation, and awareness of the need to do something , we can fill the months at the end and start of the year with enough rewarding endeavors to get us through to spring. Another golf season will be here before you know it. I

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bove ground, Crystal Springs, the rustic-styled golf going to open something nobody has ever heard of.” resort in the hamlet of Hamburg, N.J., impresses When Younes arrived in 2008, the cellar was sitting comfortably with its assemblage of seven golf courses, including on 28,000 bottles—nearly double its opening inventory in 2004. ACascades, Black Bear, and Ballyowen — the top- Younes estimates he inherited a $6 million inventory with sales of rated public layout in New Jersey. only $100,000 per year, mostly trophy wines that went to collectors. The collection it houses below ground, in the award-winning Now, the cellar boasts 138,000 bottles with prices ranging from wine cellar, is even more extensive and remarkable. It was created $35 to more than $10,000 (glasses to be had from as little as $12 for by the late Gene Mulvihill, a wealthy developer and one-time owner a California or Chilean merlot to as much as $30 for Hermitage of the resort, who acquired vintages from all of the great chateaux from the Northern Rhone). He inherited a Bordeaux-dominant of Bordeaux and Burgundy, including Latour, Lafite-Rothschild, cellar; today only 35 percent of the collection comes from France, and Margaux, some dating back as far as 1795. He moved his followed by California (20 percent) and Italy (15 percent). Ten personal cellar to Crystal Springs, added onto it, and—almost as other major regions comprise the remaining 30 percent. an afterthought—created Restaurant Latour. And though the labels are fancy, the pricing is not. Sure, you can Charged with buying the best of everything, veteran wine pay $19,700 for the 1863 Chateau Latour, but Younes says many consultant John Foy, who built Mulvihill’s cellar, called it a “once bottles can be had at below-auction prices – up to 20 percent less in a lifetime creation.” than what diners would pay in top Manhattan restaurants. “Working with Gene was one of the special moments of my Such pricing and the broadening of the cellar has helped annual career,” Foy said. “He had more ideas in a day than most people sales grow to more than $6 million over the past six years. Younes have in a decade.” says he’s not selling wine as much as experience, something he But lest you think the wine vault with its nine rooms is a mon- learned from Mulvihill. ument to the past, a spate of recent industry awards and a new, Opposite: Sommelier Susanne Lerescu and wine director Robby young chef in the kitchen of Restaurant Latour have brought Younes in the Australian Room. Below: The Grand Cascades Lodge renewed attention to food and beverage here. It now features the at Crystal Springs Resort. globally inspired, seasonally focused cuisine of Jean Paul Lourdes, a 35-year-old New Zealander who trained in several Michelin- starred restaurants. For the first time in its 10-year history, Latour was named in 2014 to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s annual list of 100 Best Wine Restaurants, alongside Per Se, Le Bernardin and Daniel. Robby Younes, vice president of hospitality and wine director, says the changes in the kitchen—driven by an on-site organic gar- den and a network of foragers—mirror the changes he’s making to the cellar. As Chef Lourdes opens the minds and palates of tri- state diners, Younes, too, wants to open the cellar, long considered a temple for collectors, to a wider audience. “I do not want to be like La Tour d’Argent in France with bot- tles sitting there for 30 years and nobody can afford them,” he said. “My job is to open you a bottle of wine that you’re never going to

have again. We are going to open a great bottle of wine, but we’re RESORT SPRINGS OPPOSITE: CRYSTAL KELSEY BELZER; LEFT:

90 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG

LEFT: CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT; BOTTOM: SCRUDATO LAUREN RESORT; SPRINGS CRYSTAL LEFT:

Cellar up! re you thinking of creating a wine cellar but don’t know where to start? AWe asked wine consultant John Foy [thewineodyssey.com] for advice. Resist the temptation to fill up the cellar at once. Says Foy, “The wines you enjoy today may not be the wines you’ll enjoy in 10 or 20 years. Build a cellar not about a palate today, but a palate that’s going to live a minimum 20 more years.” Understand your drinking habits. Do you want a long-term cellar or a living cellar? The hard-working surgeon who drinks only on weekends is a good candidate for longer-term wines. The semi-retired person with more leisure time and entertaining needs has different purposes. Be prepared to taste and spend. For a serious starter cellar, Foy recommends allocating $20,000 for the first year. “You don’t want to go out and buy the entire cellar on Monday afternoon; you want to build it over time and as you’re getting to drink different things over the year.” He notes that by the time someone lays down California, French and Italian and different segment vintages in each group, “$20,000 doesn’t buy a whole lot these days.” Label your labels. Foy advises clients to place a warning sticker on any wine they want to save for a special occasion, lest a family member wander into the cellar and open a treasured bottle by mistake or choose a Lafite-Rothschild for a beef stew (this happened).

Top: The Bordeaux Room, with standard the daunting list. bottles and many magnums on display. Aside from the Thursday to Saturday din- Above: The wine list on iPad. Right: One of ner menu, Restaurant Latour hosts events eight bottles of Courvoisier with different that introduce different wines and, as Younes labels designed by Erté. likes to say, experiences. If you’re expecting “Gene was like a father, telling me a bottle of a taste of Chateau d’Yquem, the sommelier wine was about the experience and whom you’re may overturn your assumptions with a 1956 sitting with. And he was right,” Younes said. Château d’Issan. You want a Riesling with For that reason he makes selection easy on that polenta? Lerescu may serve a 1999 Pio the customer. Diners can flip though an iPad Cesare Barbaresco instead, or recommend and search wines by region, producer or price. half a bottle each of white and red. People intimidated by price find the function The cellar is a work in progress says particularly valuable, Younes says: “You can Younes, who wants to go deeper into emerg- present the sommelier with a list by price, ask ing countries and buy more under-the-radar for a recommendation and he will understand wines from established regions. “The cellar perfectly your objectives.” Or she. Long-time represents us,” he said. “We try not to take it sommelier Susanne Lerescu, who helped personally but at the end of the day, we have build the cellar, is a gentle guide through mostly everything. We are spoiled.” I

92 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG Behind every Antinori label is a 600-year pursuit of excellence.

154 ©2014 Imported from Italy by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd., Woodinville, WA www.antinori.it INSIDE THE RULES Golf is Not a Game of Gotcha If you see something, say something — before there’s an infraction. BY GENE WESTMORELAND Illustration by Brad Walker

very once in a while we should all re-read pages 18–21 see –are instructed and reminded to prevent infractions whenever in the Rules of Golf booklet, which cover Etiquette: Behav- possible and thereby save players from avoidable penalties. ior on The Course. It’s all good stuff, and while the Rules The USGA feels the same way, and a perfect example of this phi- of Play are often thought of as being somewhat heart- losophy was demonstrated during the ultimate match-play situa- less, I don’t think that’s the case! tion – the finals of the 2014 U.S. Amateur. USGA President Thomas EThe Rules may seem to be written without much sensitivity – O’Toole, Jr. was serving as referee, and he stepped in when he saw especially when, during your best round of the year, an unlucky eventual winner Gunn Yang about to putt with his caddie stand- bounce results in an “undeserved” penalty. Nonetheless, the Rules ing a few yards back on a direct extension of Yang’s line of putt. Big are often very understanding, even downright empathetic. deal? Yes: Rule 14-2b prohibits making a stroke with one’s caddie Why else would there be an Unplayable Ball Rule [Rule 28] to positioned on or close to an extension of the line of play or putt get you out of deep trouble and only cost you one stroke? And behind the ball. If Yang had pulled the trigger with his caddie still the Rules certainly look very paternal when golfers are faced with on that line, the resulting Loss of Hole penaltywould have brought lightning [Rule 6-8a(ii)] and other really dangerous situations the match back to All Square. like snakes, gators, and wasps [Decision 1-4/10] and even fire ants Opponents regularly remind each other – the very guy they are [Decision 33-8/22]. trying to beat – to return a ball- to its original position if a The “enforcers” of the Rules can be similarly empathetic, in keep- player has moved it, helping to avoid the Loss of Hole penalty for ing with The Spirit of the Game as described in those Etiquette pages. playing from the wrong place. It is not at all unusual to see your The MGA assigns a referee to each match in our match-play events, opponent or fellow competitor aiding in a search for your ball, or and the referees – while obligated to “call” any Rules infraction they sharing distance information to the hole. And fellow competitors routinely remind others in their group to check to assure they do not have their ball teed in front of the markers to avoid the costly two-stroke penalty for playing from outside the margins of the . Gotcha! should not be the guiding spirit in a game of golf. Some may even remember the time Tom Kite pointed out to Grant Waite that he had- n’t taken “complete relief” from Ground Under Repair, because Waite was about to hit a shot with his foot touching the GUR line he had just taken relief from. “We don’t need any penalties,” Kite said. They were battling for the lead in the Kemper Open at the time. Waite eventually won by one stroke – over Tom Kite. “It would be pretty chicken of me to see a guy break a rule and then say, ‘By the way, add two shots,’” Kite said later. “That’s other sports, where guys are trying to get every advantage they can. Golf’s better.” I love “The Spirit of the Game.” It’s right there

BRAD WALKER on page 18 – give it another read! I

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ere is the stone-cold sports reporting lock of all time: The Ryder small moment. Cup is always interesting, sometimes uncomfortably so. This For me there was just such a small moment at Gleneagles. Only four people year amply confirmed the thesis. The continued American saw it happen and it had no competitive sig- struggles … the questions about ’s decision-mak- nificance, but it helped me understand who H a man really is beyond what his bio said. ing … ’s candor in the post-event press confer- In the waning moments of the competi- ence, all formed just another edition of what has become a carnival complete tion, European captain Paul McGinley with its own sideshow. raced from match to match in support of For every golf shot seared in our memory, of the drama leave the more powerful his players, navigating tens of thousands of it seems there’s been at least one non-golf impression: Brad Faxon in tears talking adoring fans delirious with the prospect of incident that’s gotten just as much attention. about the U.S. loss. Strange, a Wake Forest another European win. Imagine –no exag- After stuffed a wedge for a teammate of Wadkins, glumly but bravely geration—driving your car through parts kick-in birdie to clinch the Cup on the 18th answering tough questions about his per- of Times Square on New Year’s Eve. hole in 1983, American captain Jack Nick- formance (0-3), and whether –having not At one point he simply had to abandon laus kissed the divot and said Wadkins’ won on Tour in six years – he should have his cart and run. McGinley was on the brink “brass” was so big he needed a wheelbarrow even been on the team. of his greatest professional achievement. to carry it. Phil Mickelson’s strange switch But the standout moment came at the The question was, would he get to the 15th of equipment just prior to the 2004 matches closing ceremony. With both teams behind hole in time to see it unfold? and Lefty’s frigid pairing that year with Tiger Woods might be just as memorable as A small moment at Gleneagles helped me understand any Ryder Cup golf shot either of them has produced. who Paul McGinley really is. My first Ryder Cup was back in1979, but the first that slapped me across the face was him on the stage, and in front of thousands As he was getting out of his cart, two 1995. The United States had been dominant of people, Wadkins stood at the lectern and young men couldn’t believe what they were in the series, but had recently lost for the tried to deliver his thoughts on the week. seeing: their captain, right there! first time in America (1987). Four years As a Ryder Cup player, the intensely com- “Paul,” one of them yelled, “would you after that, Kiawah’s “War at the Shore” cast petitive Wadkins collected 21.5 points and have time for a picture?” the event with a whole new harder edge. was on five winning teams. This loss to What I was expecting: “Lads, I’m sorry, The captains at Oak Hill in ’95 were Europe – a sizable underdog—was a bitter I’ve got to get to 15!” Lanny Wadkins for the United States and pill, and as he stood on stage he became sim- What happened: Scotsman Bernard Gallacher, who had led ply overwhelmed with emotion. It was an “Sure,” he said. “We should be able to do the European team in the two most recent uncomfortable moment, especially for a this if we make it quick, eh boys?” meetings, both losses. On the course, there man not given to emotional softness. In magazines, in newspapers, and on- was plenty to remember—Corey Pavin But as the air briefly hung thick with line, you can find thousands of pictures chipping in at 18 … captain’s pick Curtis cringe, European captain Gallacher rushed from the 2014 Ryder Cup. But the best one Strange losing his last three holes in a cru- to Wadkins’ side,put his arm around his probably sits only on a desk or bureau some- cial singles match with Nick Faldo … some- shoulder, grabbed the notes and said, “Let where in Europe. one named David Gilford earning three me give you a hand, my old friend, I’ve had It was a small moment, but one which points and introducing himself to America. a bit of practice at this.” reminds me why this is such an extraordi- But as was the case this year, other parts It was what defines the Ryder Cup: a nary event. I STAN BADZ, TOUR PGA STAN

100 THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 WWW.MGAGOLF.ORG Hosts of the 2015 US Open Local Qualifier!

Welcome to Willoughby Golf Club - STAY & PLAY A private golf community perfectly situated on 403 acres with 375 single family homes in PACKAGE: the beautiful coastal town of Stuart, Florida. plus tax Tour our award-winning resale estate and From $159 neighborhood homes, valued from under Per Night $300,000 to $1 million. Sample what our O"er valid through January 31, 2015 members enjoy every day, a dynamic social Use code: WGCMET schedule, prominent tennis program, newly- PACKAGE INCLUDES: renovated clubhouse and recently refurbished 18 holes of golf Arthur Hills championship golf course. Dinner & lunch provided by the Club Named “One of the Best Places to Live in Standard lodge accommodations Florida” by Links Magazine.

Visit WilloughbyGolfClub.com, WilloughbyRealtyFL.com or call 772-221-6000 for Real Estate and Membership Information The Caribbean’s Most Beautiful Beaches Anguilla’s Premier Resort , CuisinArt • Spacious Accommodations • Award Winning Luxury Spa • Hydroponic Farm • Gourmet Cuisine: Le Bistro at Santorini, Tokyo Bay, Café Mediterraneo and Italia • Greg Norman Signature Design 18•Hole Golf Course

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is delighted to have been selected to host the 4th Great Golf Resorts of the World annual meeting in November 2016, following the meeting at Pebble Beach Resorts ™ in 2013 and planned meetings at The Gleneagles Hotel and The Broadmoor in 2014 and 2015. The annual directory is distributed through PGA professionals to their members and guests at 1,000 leading golf clubs across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is one of only three Caribbean resorts selected for membership.

Reservations and information 800.943.3210 or 264.497.4900 • Sales and Marketing 212.972.0880 www.CuisinArtResort.com

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