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COMPETITION ISSUE ONLINE ISSUE

VOL.9 NO.3 AUG/SEPT 2019 29 YEARS OF THE BEST COVERAGE OF IN RI, MASS & CONN

Marcoux Wins New TO GREEN 3 COVER STORY Amateur 4 FROM THE EDITOR 6 9 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 11 PROVIDENCE OPEN 12 JUNIOR GOLF 15 CT. NOTEBOOK 20 CVS HEALTH CHARITY CLASSIC 22 CVS VOLUNTEERS 23 E. MASS NOTEBOOK 24 C. MASS NOTEBOOK 27 W. MASS NOTEBOOK 29 WOMENS GOLF 34 POLAND SPRING RESORT 36 COURSE LOCATOR MAP AND MUCH MORE!

Photo by: David Colt-Mass Golf played in the CVS 18-Year-Old Xavier Marcoux held off Bobby Leopold to win the Health Charity Classic and then North East Amateur at The Quechee Club led the Open Chammpionship.

COVER STORY By MASS GOLF 18-Year-Old Marcoux Wins New Englanld Amateur assachusetts junior that with such history here in New a recent graduate of Florida’s Bishops had to play 36-holes to advance golfer Xavier Marcoux, of England Golf,” said Marcoux on Gate Golf Academy, registered to his first USGA championship, Concord, spent thE week’s capturing the Harry B. McCracken three birdies on his front nine and Marcoux said the experience was key M90th New England Golf Association’s Trophy, named after the longtime erased a back nine bogey with a in his performance on the day. at Vermont’s NEGA Executive Secretary who was fourth birdie on the -4 15th to previous two days of competition at The Quechee Club near the top of on site to award Marcoux the trophy. keep his spot atop the leaderboard. the NEGA Amateur Championship the leaderboard, having improved After finishing the round, Marcoux Leopold, who had fired a 4-under were conducted at 18-holes. on his under-par round in each of had to wait for Leopold and two other 68 in his morning round Thursday, “Thirty-six holes is definitely a the previous two days. In Thursday’s groups to finish before his spot atop courtesy of an eagle and three birdies, very long day,” explained Marcoux. 36-hole finale, the 18-year old, who the leaderboard became finalized. bogeyed three of his final four holes “I learned a lot in my U.S. Amateur will compete for Rutgers University In Thursday morning’s round, Thursday afternoon to finish at qualifier a couple weeks ago. You have beginning this September, carded Marcoux opened up play on the 1-under 71 for the afternoon and to focus on one shot at a time, and you matching 3-under 69 rounds in 10th tee of Quechee Club’s Highland at 8-under 280 for the tournament. can’t be thinking about the end goal. both the morning and afternoon to Course by tallying birdies on three of On what went right Thursday, You have to definitely keep plotting capture the 2019 Championship title. his first five holes to move up from his Marcoux said, “This afternoon was your way around the .” Marcoux fired a three-day, four- T3 spot on the leaderboard where he pretty steady. I didn’t make a bogey With his victory in the New round 9-under 279 to edge Rhode had started the day up into the top until I got to the 12th hole and I England Amateur Championship Island’s Bobby Leopold, the 2017 spot. Despite two bogeys on the par- kind of just told myself I could get Thursday, Marcoux becomes the NEGA Amateur champion, by one 4 15th hole and par-3 17th holes prior one more.” He added, “I felt like I first Massachusetts competitor to stroke and topped the rest of the to making the turn to his second nine minimized my mistakes really well. win the regional tournament since 42 competitors who had advanced in the morning, he was able to record So when I was out of position, I Gloucester’s James Turner earned the to Thursday’s final rounds en another two birdies on the par-4 was back in position right away.” feat at Hartford (Conn.) route to being crowned champion. third hole and par-5 fourth hole to Coming off a medalist finish two in 2016. Since the tournament’s “It’s been a long time since my move back to 3-under for the round weeks ago at the U.S. Amateur inception in 1926, 36 players from last win, so it definitely feels good and 6-under through three rounds. Championship qualifier at Andover Massachusetts have taken home the to have my name on a trophy like In the afternoon round, Marcoux, Country Club (Mass.), where he NEGA Amateur trophy.

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 3 FROM THE EDITOR elcome to our second This reporter covered the final the U.S. Challenge Cup. In fact the issue of Southern New round of the Northeast Amateur at recommendation from Dave was England Golfer as a Wannamoisett C.C. Those kids can instrumental in getting Bradley a strictlyW online publication. I must play. Weather interfered with the scholarship at St. Johns University admit that it was great not having last round as a thunderstorm came where he won ten tournaments Editor/Publisher a printing bill come into the office from out of the blue to delay play during his four years in college. BRUCE VITTNER this month. Hopefully you are for over two hours with the leaders I love the (British) Open. It is the [email protected] enjoying snegolfer.com in its new still on the ninth hole. Garrett May most fun to watch of all the majors. format. I still think that it is much lost the lead that he had from the You can set your DVR and watch Design/Production easier to read on a computer screen beginning of the tournament, but the event when you wake up each of JASON MORONEY rather than a small telephone. More regained it by the end of the final the four mornings. How could you behance.net/moroneydesign1 and more of you are subscribing round. The delay caused some of not root for Shane Lowry? I’ve heard Contributing Writers every day, so it seems that readers the players to miss flights to the that he is still celebrating along with DAVE ADAMONIS, JR. have found their way online to the next tournament, and one player all the Irish lads and lassies. BRUCE BERLET publication. was heading for Australia. Since pages used are not so TODD CAMPBELL This issue is called the Competition You must read the Junior pages on important and you don’t have to SCOTT CORDISCHI Issue for an obvious reason. There 12 and 13. What players who have have blocks of eight for the printer, KATHARINE DYSON are so many tournaments that have been part of the U.S. Challenge we decided to run a whole page JAY GEARAN taken place since our last issue on Cup are accomplishing is amazing. of CVS Health Charity Classic TIM GEARY June 12. Wasn’t that a great win Dave Adamonis, Jr. does a fine volunteers. Larry Merlo, CEO TOM GORMAN by at the Travelers in job in running this organization of CVS Health talked about the RUSS HELD Cromwell, Ct.? It was his first win that might be the best junior golf importance of volunteers in making BRUCE HUTCHINSON in 10 years. The staff at the Travelers’ program in the country. Keegan the tournament a success. “We can PAUL KENYON event, led by Andy Bessette and Bradley, who just finished second at not have such a successful event STEVE ZARRIELLO Nathan Grube, does an outstanding the Travelers and then won the CVS without all the volunteers who job. It was more difficult this year Health Charity Classic the next day make this event run,” said Merlo at Staff Photographers with the heat and wet weather, but with Brooke Henderson and Billy the closing ceremony. We decided JIM CALORIO the crowds were still outstanding. Andrade, is one of the graduates of to showcase (or at least put in BOB LAVALLEE

headshots) of many of them. Sales Manager Hope you see someone that you JIM HAMMOND NOW TAKING TEE TIMES know. If you do, say “Thanks.” We went up to Maine for our Account Executive travel story this issue. If you’ve been JIM GRAY SELECT DAYS & TIMES to any of the golf shows in New BUCKY SHEEHAN England you have probably heard of the Maine Golf Trifecta. We Web Design AVAILABLE FOR played three excellent courses and BLACKDOORCREATIVE.COM stayed at the Maine Inn at Poland LEAGUE PLAY IN 2019 Spring Resort. The history of the Publishing Information: Southern New place is worth the trip alone, but you England Golfer is published 5 times per (CALL FOR INFORMATION) will really like the golf at the three year: May, June, August, October, Centrally Located in the Heart of R.I. courses that are part of the Trifecta. and December. 3 min. from the malls and 15 mins. from Providence Our next issue will be on September Editorial: Mail all articles, releases, 29. We will be sending out stories and other items to Editor, Southern each week to all of our subscribers New England Golfer, P.O. BOX 10038, • Senior Citizen's Rates Mon.-Fri. in the meantime. Keep your head Cranston, RI 02910. Materials will not Weekends after 2 p.m. down and swing easy and tell be returned unless accompanied by a • Gas Carts all your friends to subscribe to stamped, self-addressed envelope. All snegolfer.com. It will never cost rights reserved. • Club Rentals anything, you won’t ever be harassed Advertising: Southern New England with unwanted emails, and you • Public Welcome Golfer is not responsible for advertising might just see some golf news that copy. Corrected advertising will be MIDVILLE GOLF CLUB is interesting. placed in future issues. For advertising Midville Golf Club opened for Regards, information call 401-464-8445 or visit play in 1961. It is considered one 100 Lombardi Lane Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf website www.snegolfer.com. of the top 9-hole courses in Writers Assn. of America and the Golf © 2019. Reproduction without Southern New England. West Warwick, R.I. Travel Writers of America and can be permission is strictly prohibited. Players always get private course 401-828-9215 reached at [email protected]. Connect with us on facebook at conditons at a public course, snegolfer.com. available for all to play. www.midvillegolfclub.com

4 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com TOURNAMENT GOLF By MIKE KIRBY O’Leary wins Rhode Island Amateur ndrew O’Leary won’t turn 20 wind. It’s a different golf than the until just before Christmas. guys in warmer climates face.” He’ll soon be starting his sec- This summer, O’Leary is playing ondA year at Notre Dame University. regional amateur tournaments and He cannot yet buy a drink. getting ready for his sophomore year But he’s the best amateur golfer in at Notre Dame, where he is a team- Rhode Island right now. mate of Davis Chatfield of Bishop O’Leary, who lives in Norfolk, Feehan High School in Attleboro. Mass., and plays out of Pawtucket Last year, he was able to play as the Country Club, won the 114th R.I. number 3 player for the Fighting Amateur Championship during Irish, and he wants to build on that Fourth of July week at Shelter Har- in the season ahead. bor Golf Club in Charlestown, R.I. To do that, he has been utilizing the And the 2018 graduate of Catholic analytics employed by Notre Dame Memorial High says he has only just to hone his game. “Working on my begun. game, trying to put it close to “The ultimate goal is the PGA the pin,” O’Leary said. “That’s what Tour,” O’Leary said. “But for right the guys do on the PGA Tour, and now I’m more focused on college Andrew O'Leary like I said, that’s the ultimate goal.” and the NCAA. An NCAA finals Mike Kirby, former editor-in-chief of championship for our team, that’s said of his opponent. “He knew just to focus and how to play when it’s The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro, can be what I want now. It’s a more feasible what he needed to do to win. I was 45 degrees with a 20 mile-an-hour reached at [email protected]. goal – for now.” very fortunate to prevail.” In May, O’Leary, a two-time Mas- The teenager and the veteran bat- sachusetts high school state champ, tled it over the entire day. Neither was able to play Shelter Harbor for player ever led by more than two the first time. He knew then that the holes. O’Leary was able to wear course, with its long, wide fairways down his foe, eventually winning and multi-tiered greens, would offer the match 3 & 1. him the opportunity for victory. “Your legs, your feet, your arms, “It set up perfectly for me,” he said. everything is pretty much worn out,” “I was able to hit it past a lot of play- he said. “But it’s your mind that re- $ ers and keep it in the fairways. The ally gets tired. You can’t think about 5 course puts a premium on approach how exhausted your body is because shots because of all the tiers on the it takes the focus off each shot you greens. “If you’re on the wrong tier, have to make. So, it’s really a test of it’s tough to two-putt,” he contin- your mind.” ued. “But I had a short in my When O’Leary finally held the hands most of the time and was able championship trophy, the feeling to get it close to the hole.” of joy – and exhaustion – was over- O’Leary’s premonition came true. whelming. That’s not surprising con- He captured the medal play portion sidering he had played eight rounds of the five-day event by three strokes. of golf over five days. “It took me proved far more difficult. three or four days to recover mentally 401-464-8855 In the semifinal round, O’Leary and be able to pick up a club again,” took on 32-year-old Kolby Simmons he said. Toptracer Range features modes and games suited for all ages and levels of of Attleboro and Crestwood Coun- Not playing is unusual for O’Leary, experience, so you can enjoy new twists on a traditional day at the range. try Club in Rehoboth, the reigning who practices for five to six hours a Attleboro Area Golf Association day, seven days a week, in order to Open champion. Simmons jumped compete at the Division 1 college into an early lead, going three up level. “You add that up over the after four holes. course of a week and it’s like a full- O’Leary rallied but found himself time job,” he said. “But if you don’t down by three again after 11 holes. put in the work, other kids will and It took birdies on the final three before long they’ll be lapping you.” holes for O’Leary to eke out a one- Practice is especially challenging up victory. “He played VERY well,” for young players from the cold O’Leary said Simmons. “He gave me Northeast. He spends long hours everything he had.” in indoor ranges instead of in warm The 36-hole final featured O’Leary sunshine and green grass. “You prac- versus Bobby Leopold, winner of the tice indoors until it gets to about 45 2009 and 2014 R.I. Amateur. “He’s (degrees) and you can go outside,” 1000 NEW LONDON AVE, CRANSTON RI 02920 a real veteran, year in and year out he said. “In some ways, it can make mulligansisland.com one of the best in the state,” O’Leary you a better player. You learn how

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 5 By TODD CAMPBELL GOLF INSTRUCTION Fix your Clubface for Straighter Shots ow many of you out there (Path & Face), the Clubface has the of a toe-up position as you take the have directional problems most influence, as it is responsible club away. in your golf game? Slicing for 75% of the starting direction of The opposite would be true for Hor hooking the ball is a common the ball with an iron and 85% with a ball that curves to the left, the Subscribe to problem we see and you need to be a driver. So, improving the position clubface being closed to your path. have SNE Golfer able to make the proper adjustments of the clubface at impact will have a This will produce a hooking effect. to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, big effect on your ball flight. 1. Your grip may be too strong. 2. delivered to your the many adjustments I hear people How do we go about fixing things? Grip pressure may be too loose. 3. make, such as “I’m trying to keep Well, if you have a ball flight that The clubface may be too closed in inbox the day it’s my head down” are not really fixing curves to the right, then the club- the backswing. published. Visit the problem. face is open to your path. This will As I stated earlier, these are just a Ball curvature is defined by the produce a slicing effect and is the few of the obvious things we look snegolfer.com and following: The PATH in which you most common ball flight problem at, and there are other factors that subscibe at the top swing the golf club in your down- that we see. There are a few basic may influence your clubface. Try a swing (left, right or down the target things to look at to help get a more few of these tips mentioned above of the page with line) combined with the position of square clubface at impact: 1. How to see if you could find a straighter the CLUBFACE at impact (open, is your grip (weak, neutral or strong ball flight. You can also sign up for your email. You closed or square) relative to the path position) – a more weak or neutral a TrackMan Analysis at our Golf can also drop a will determine the curvature of the grip could lead to an open clubface Academy to get some great feedback . The Gear Effect we dis- at impact. 2. Grip Pressure (tight on your swing & golf ball flight. line to the editor at cussed in the before (hitting on the or loose) – the tighter you grip the Todd Campbell is the owner of the toe makes it go left, and hitting on club, the less flexibility you have Golf Academy at Mulllgan’s Island in bruce@snegolfer. the heal makes it go right for right- in your hands and wrists to allow Cranston. He writes an Instruction com or handers) will also have a say in the them to rotate the clubface properly column in each issue of SNE Golfer. flight of the ball, but let’s assume for through the downswing. 3. Do you He can be reached at 508-951-4371 401-464-8445 now in this article that we have cen- rotate the clubface open excessively or at [email protected] ter-face contact. Of the two factors in the backswing – learn the concept Viktor Hovland

Age: 21 Birthplace: Oslo, Norway Family: Single College: Oklahoma St Turned Pro: 2019

We have never featured a rising star who was 21 years old, and never one from Norway. Viktor Hovland just turned professional at this year’s in June after helping lead Oklahoma State to the NCAA Championship. The week before becoming a pro he was the low amateur at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Hovland’s score of 280 that left him tied for 12th at the Open, and broke the all-time record that had been held by . Maybe it was being a pro for the first time that affected Hovland as he tied for 54th and earned $16,500 at the Travelers. The following week he rose to 13th and won $137,000, the following week he was also 13th and won $128,000. At the John Deere the next week he finished 16th and earned $99,000. He is running out of weeks to earn enough to get in the FedEX Cup, but he will certainly be in the running for many years to come.

6 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com TOURNAMENT GOLF By DALTON BALTHASER Garrett May Wins Northest Amateur nce Garrett May reached the not win you the tournament, they fifth tee, the five-shot lead he are still a good score. For a shorter worked so hard to build was golf course, it has a lot of teeth.” Ogone.Not because someone caught Relieved and ecstatic, May reflected him, but because he had made more on the week that was and how this week mistakes in those first four holes was life changing in a number of ways. than he had in the previous 56 holes “I am so humbled by winning combined. this event,” said May. “It makes A double bogey at No. 3 (par 3, me wonder if I belong with this 136 yards) and a triple bogey on No. great group of champions. I am 4 (par 4, 432 yards), after hitting his extremely grateful and proud. I tee shot out of bounds, reduced his am so stoked about it. This is the lead to only a share instead of the biggest win of my career for sure.” commanding one he had held all May’s high school golf coach at week. “After I lost the five-shot lead, I Texas High, Jay Brewer, passed was reeling,” said May. Then I thought Garrett May led the Northeast Amateur from start to finish away a couple of weeks ago due to to myself that I was still tied for the a pulmonary embolism. This week lead and they hadn’t given the trophy all I wanted to do was get the speed Award for low Mid-Am for the third turned out to be a great way for May to anyone else yet. I just dug in and right. That turned the corner for consecutive year. to honor one of his idols in the game. said ‘we are going to be patient and me because Scott [Stevens] missed “He would have been really proud of we are going to do this.’ My lead was his birdie. All of a sudden I had Hagestad came to Wannamoisett how I played,” said May. “He always gone and I needed to move forward.” a lead again and that gave me the fresh off playing in his third did a great job of simplifying the game Despite a final-round 74, May used confidence I needed to get away from consecutive U.S. Open at Pebble for me. If he were out here watching his tremendous grit, willpower and thinking I was behind the 8-ball.” Beach where he missed the cut. in-person today, he would have told determination to claim a wire-to-wire He regained a four-shot lead “I love this tournament and me to chill, hit the ball and find the victory in the 58th Northeast Amateur after a birdie on No. 14 (par 4, 374 everything about it,” said Hagestad. ball. He would have been proud of my Invitational at Wannamoisett Country yards). He hit a 9-iron from 160 “This is a very East Coast, old- attitude and how I kept my mind in Club (par 69, 6,760 yards). yards to two feet to get to 9-under- school, golf course. While pars may it. I am proud to win for him.” par. After a nifty up-and-down on He’s the first golfer from Baylor No. 16 (par 4, 447 yards) from the University to win the Northeast thick rough short and left of the Amateur. His 72-hole total of 269 green, May had a four-shot lead (7 under) was good enough for going to the par 5, 17th (519 yards). a two-shot victory over 28-year- After losing a five-shot lead, there old Stewart Hagestad of Newport was no way he was going to make Beach, Calif. and 22-year-old Scott it close again, right? Wrong. After Stevens of Chattanooga, Tenn. hitting his tee shot into the left Disheveled and angry, May was rough, the prudent play would be to looking for almost anything to lay up and eliminate disaster. But he help him get back on track. He stayed aggressive, maybe too much was 5-over through eight and lost. so, and hit his 4-iron out of bounds. But then a loud horn blew. Players “I was thinking I needed to push were escorted off the course due to that 4-iron up to the front of the lightning in the areas surrounding green to make an easy par or birdie,” Wannamoisett. Play was halted at said May. “I did the one thing you 2:00 p.m. and delayed for two hours. couldn’t which was let the club “When officials first sounded the turn over. It was so uncalled for and horn I was really upset because I stupid. I was steaming afterward.” didn’t want to come off the course Luckily for May, the best score because I was agitated,” said May, 22, in the clubhouse was Hagestad at of Texarkana, Texas. “But when I got 5 under but his playing competitor around some of the guys and chilled Stevens had just birdied No. 17 out a little bit, I realized it was exactly to get to 6 under, one shot back. what I needed. It allowed me to reset.” “Once Garrett hit it out of bounds, That time proved invaluable for I knew I could have a chance if I made May who regained control of the birdie,” said Stevens. “I had a chance to lead after an unlikely birdie at No. win at the end of the day when it might 11 (par 4, 402 yards). He canned a have looked like I might not have.” 30-footer that put him back in front. After finding the fairway on “The turn of the round was when I No. 18 with his , he hit a made my putt on No. 11,” said May. from 144 yards to “It was a terrible lie on the fringe 25 feet and two-putted for the win and was up against a clump of grass. because of Stevens’ bogey at the last. I had to chop down on the putt and Hagestad won the Joseph Sprague

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 7 By DALTON BALTHASER JUNIOR GOLF Fay and Papa Win R.I. Junior Am’s rendan Fay said Monday to my development as a player,” after being the stroke-play said Fay. “Everyone has been there medalist and No. 1 seed, for me and helped me improve. Bhe didn’t think he had a shot I can’t thank them enough.” to win the 98th Rhode Island Fay’s smile was endless when he Junior Amateur Championship. received the RIGA Champion golf He talked himself right into it. bag, a prize given out to only a select Fay, backed by consistent ball group of RIGA winners throughout striking, claimed the Boys’ division the season. “It feels pretty cool of the RIGA Junior Amateur after to be the Rhode Island Junior defeating No. 7 seed Harry Dessel of Champion,” said Fay. “I finally got Rhode Island Country Club, 3&1, the RIGA Champion golf bag. I in the Final at Kirkbrae Country have been looking at them for years. Club (par 71, 6,317 yards) Thursday. I can’t wait to put my clubs in it.” Fay, of Metacomet Golf Club, defeated Henry Horgan of Newport, Girls’ Division R.I., 3&2, in the morning semifinal match. “I am still surprised I won Gianna Papa had a tall task in this,” said Fay, 18, of Barrington, front of her to win the RIGA R.I. “My game wasn’t solid coming Junior Girls’ Amateur. She into this week. I hit thousands of had to beat her sister Vinny. golf balls in the last few weeks. Brendan Fay No. 2 seed Gianna, led by a 2 under Once I started playing well, I back nine, outlasted Vinny, 3&2, to knew I had a good shot to win.” claim the Junior Girls’ Amateur at After he and Dessel were a par after Dessel couldn’t save his. team for the third time. Dessel Kirkbrae (par 71, 5,326 yards). She deadlocked on the front nine, “I have been in a big rebuilding will also be on that team. defeated No. 6 seed Ava Santamaria Fay took the advantage on No. stage for my ,” said Fay, Fay’s victory continues a good of Alpine Country Club, 2-up, 11 (par 4, 395 yards) after Dessel in the morning semifinal match. three-putted from the back of the Vinny and Gianna, from Foster, green. “I didn’t hit enough greens R.I. and Connecticut National Golf to keep up,” said Dessel, 16, of Club, embraced as only close family Barrington, R.I. and an incoming could after realizing they would sophomore at Moses Brown School. be playing each other in the Final. “The rest of my game was spot on “Once Vinny ran onto the green and I did everything else well but I after I won my morning match, couldn’t hit the ball on the green.”a I was excited to know we were Once he got the advantage, playing each other in the Final,” Fay’s game plan started to come to said Gianna Papa, an incoming fruition. “I kind of had a road map seventh-grader at Ponaganset in my head of how I wanted the Middle School. I knew it was going match to go,” said Fay. “I figured if to be a tough and long match I was 1-up heading into No. 16 (par because we know each other’s games. 4, 306 yards), I thought I would win Gianna put her foot on the gas the match because I have birdied on the back nine. She birdied No. that hole a lot this week. I knew 10 (par 4, 274 yards) after hitting Harry couldn’t reach the green with an 8-iron from 120 yards to 20 his driver. So I felt comfortable.” feet. She closed the door with an He knew what he was talking unlikely birdie on No. 15 (par 3, about. Fay hit a drive on No. 16 122 yards). A 7-iron left her about 25 yards short of the green and Gianna Papa 40 feet short of the hole. When hit a tidy pitch from below the she made that putt, Vinny knew it surface of the green to eight feet. wasn’t her day. She didn’t say a thing. He would convert to put Dessel who will be running track at the amount of success for Metacomet “I am proud of myself,” said dormie with two holes to play. College of Holy Cross in the fall. members this season in RIGA events. Vinny Papa, 10 and an incoming It was the first time all week a “I have been working on it all Jamie Lukowicz won the John Burke sixth-grader at Ponaganset. “My match of Fay’s went to No. 17 year. Coming in here without a Memorial (Gross), Eric Marchetti sister made more birdies than I did. (par 3, 191 yards) but he wasn’t perfect swing, I felt like I hit a lot won the RIGA Four-Ball, Bruce I played well this week. She just got fazed. He had played the hole after of good shots. I was confident and Heterick and Dean Parziale won me in the end.” “It means a lot to each of his previous matches had you can’t ask for anything more.” the Senior Four-Ball (Gross) and win this event,” said Gianna Papa. “I concluded for practice. He hit a As a result of this victory, Fay now Fay adds his name to that list have worked hard but it hasn’t paid 5-iron to 15 feet and was conceded will be a member of Rhode Island’s of Metacomet winners this season. off a lot yet.” Until now. New England Junior Invitational “Metacomet has been crucial

8 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF By BRUCE VITTNER Open Championship Was Superb sn’t the (British) Open the Best? lead on the last day of the 2016 U.S. This year’s Open Championship at Open at Oakmont, bogeyed two of Royal Portrush in the first three holes, and certainly Iwas just so much fun to watch. Must many of the locals were thinking about See TV! The great thing is that you can Oakmont. Lowry made a good putt set your DVR and wake up and watch for par at the fourth hole, and then it much faster than real time. never looked back as his lead grew to a This reporter had the wonderful large six strokes by the end of the day. opportunity to play Royal Portrush “I was worried all day,” said a smil- in 2009. A group of writers from ing Lowry after the round. “My good the U.S. were invited to Northern friend and was able to keep me Ireland by the Tourist Board to cover somewhat calm.” Lowry won almost the being held at Royal two million dollars for the win and County Down. This was the event that now looks like a lock for next year’s the U.S. won on the last hole, and . included Rory McIlroy, Danny Wil- Hooray for Lowry and congratu- lett for the British team and Dustin lations to the folks who ran such a Johnson, Webb Simpson and Ricky wonderful Open and showed off such Fowler for the U.S. as well as many a superb golf course. It took 68 years more future professional stars. Shane Lowry for the Open to return to Ireland, but We got to play five courses in you can be sure that they will be back Northern Island, but Portrush was to be! On the first tee, McIlroy, who is from some of his errant tee balls. much sooner the next time. the most memorable. Aren’t the views renowned as the best driver of the golf As they finished the third round, Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf spectacular? They have made a few ball in all of golf, opted to hit an iron. only from England Writers of America and the Golf Travel changes to the course since we were He duck-hooked out of bounds to the was within four shots of Lowry. The Writers of America and can be reached there, but minus all the stands, it left. The announcers did not say it was two played together in windy, rainy at [email protected]. looked the same. out of bounds immediately, but when weather on the last day. What a great beginning to the event. he went to his caddie to get another Lowry, who had lost a four-stroke Darren Clarke hit the first shot of ball, it was certain. the tournament at 6:30 a.m. local McIlroy’s second tee ball (also time. When we were playing there, with an iron?) also went left into the our caddie pointed up the hill and cabbage, but not out of bounds. His LAUREL LANE CC said, “There is Darren Clarke’s house. fourth shot was also in cabbage, and Graeme McDowell, winner of the when he pitched up to the green and U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2011 three-putted he had carded an 8. grew up in Portrush and was in- Being four-over after one hole is not strumental in bringing the Open to something that anyone could imagine. Northern Ireland for the first time in As an aside, Joe Hall, a writer from over 70 years. Shane Lowry lives 180 Tennessee birdied that first hole when miles south in the . we played it in 2009. Rory’s tenure in The biggest draw in the field was the event did not look like it would Rory McIlroy who lives just south of last more than the minimum two days. 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE Portrush in Holywood. This was the Bet he wished that he could have used first Open in history where there were Joe Hall’s score. PUBLIC WELCOME no tickets available at the gate. You The Irish lad fought back slightly had to have purchased your tickets the first round, but when he casually Affordable Rates - Great Food! in advance if you wanted to watch tried to putt in a ball from less than a the tournament in person. The atten- foot, it led to another triple bogey and Short Game Practice Area dance for the event was announced he settled for 79 that was eight over as 237,750, the most ever except at par. His excellent play the second day Let Us Help You Raise Money For Your St. Andrews when he shot 65 (that was low for the Clarke’s early start and fine early play day) left him one shot short of the cut, Favorite Charity had him on top of the leaderboard so all his fans could not watch him the for the first two hours of the event. last two days. Beautiful Function Facility He eventually tired and did not make Shane Lowry became the crowd’s Overlooks the 18th Green the cut, but his friends and fans surely favorite. He shot four-under 67 on took pictures of the leaderboard when both the first two days, and then the Ask about our “Anniversary Memberships” a great value!! third day shot an amazing 63. He hit his name was on top. 309 LAUREL LANE WEST KINGSTON, RI Rory McIlroy was the prohibitive all but one green in regulation on this favorite with the bookies. He had shot monster of a course. Paul Azinger, who VISIT OUR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK OR 61 at Portrush as a 16-year-old. All the does a fine job as a television analysis, 401-783-3844 pundits (including most in the U.S.A.) said the greens were rolling at a 10 and had McIlroy winning. Alas, it was not the fairways at 8. Lowry seemed to use WWW.LAURELLANECOUNTRYCLUB.COM that long roll in the fairway to recover

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 9 By SCOTT CORDISCHI GOLF COMMENTARY URI Golfers Having Great Summer ere’s a question for you: when I made the cut at the N.Y. Open held say the words “Rhody Rams,” at the famed and difficult Bethpage what pops into your head? Black. He was the youngest person HChances are, if you are a resident to do so. “Austin has a resume anyone of the Ocean State like yours truly, would be proud of. He struggled last you probably think of the University year as a freshman playing in all but of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball one tournament. But he learned a program. great deal and will have a great year That’s quite understandable given for us this year,” added Burke the fact that they are the most high- profile athletic program at the school Fellow sophomore Brandon Gillis which recently enjoyed success on (Nashua, NH) is a transfer from stage by making it to one of the nation’s top collegiate college basketball’s “Sweet 16” in golf programs – Wake Forest. He 2018. But there are 15 other varsity carded the low round for all golfers programs at URI, many of which have in both the New Hampshire and New enjoyed various degrees of success in England Amateurs at 66. “Brandon is their respective like the men’s a special talent. He has the ability and basketball team. mindset to go very, very low. No one One such program is the URI men’s has a better understanding of the golf golf team which, for many years, was swing than Brandon,” said his coach. led by Tom Drennan and, for the past Chris Francoeur Junior Chris Francoeur (Amesbury, eight seasons by Gregg Burke. MA) could have played baseball in Over the years there have been many my eye this summer was the amount Dawson Jones (Howell, NJ), he was college but elected to play the team and individual accomplishments of success many of Burke’s student- URI’s Athlete of the Year last year. of golf. “Chris may be the best athlete from winning various tournaments, athletes were having in various state A three-time All-New England, All- we’ve ever had in the golf program,” competing at the top of the Atlantic-10 amateur tournaments. League and All-Northeast golfer, Jones Burke said. “Given his nearly year- and even in the NCAA’s. What caught Starting with recent graduate also excelled in the classroom and round commitment to baseball in high was a two-time Golf All-American school, he is just now coming into his Scholar. This summer, he captured own as a competitive golfer. He will the New Jersey State Amateur for the definitely have opportunities to play second time in three years. “Dawson professional golf.” Francoeur made it is one of the five best student-athletes to the Final 8 of match play in both to ever play for URI,” Burke said. “He the Mass and Rhode Island Amateurs. finished this season under par and He finished 8th in the Providence had the lowest career scoring average Open at 7-under which tied him with over at least the past 15 years. He is Providence native and former PGA the hottest player in the Met Golf Tour pro Brad Adamonis. Association right now. When you And then there is incoming freshman consider there are more than double Bryson Richards (Plainfield, VT). the amount of people in the Met All this young man has done this over the entire population of New summer is play 14 competitive rounds England, what he is doing is truly at a combined score of 12-over impressive.” par. He also finished second in the And Jones isn’t the only Rhody Vermont Amateur and third in the golfer making noise this summer. New England Amateur. “Bryson is Rising junior transfer Jordan Brajcich a tremendous athlete and two-sport (Sonnomish, WA) just won the high school star who can concentrate Washington State Golf Association solely on golf,” said Burke. “Given Amateur Golf Qualifier and was the short season in Vermont and his ranked as high as 8th nationally in commitment to basketball the past Division 3 last season. Second semester four years, he is just scratching the last season, a cyst was found in his surface of his talent.” Darren and Rory were playing a match. Rory’s ball was in the line of Darren’s shoulder which slowed his progress. Burke sums up this summer of success putt on the green and Darren asked him to mark his ball and move it one “He was the starting quarterback very succinctly with the following: clubhead to the left. After Darren’s putt was attempted, Rory replaced his and starting point guard on his “We demand a very competitive ball on the marker and then moved it one clubhead to the left again and then high school teams and just a gifted summer schedule of our guys. We putted. Is this a ? athlete,” said his new head coach want them to compete against as many Gregg Burke. “Once his shoulder good players as possible. Our Top Ruling: Yes, an improperly replaced ball incurs a loss of hole in match play situation is 100-percent and being group has certainly done that thus far.” and a two-stroke penalty in . Another common fault seen often is able to concentrate of just golf and I couldn’t agree more. that a player does not put a mark where his ball currently is located and then academics, he has the potential to be Scott Cordischi has a weekly sports talk moves the mark a clubhead. The ball must be marked where it lies first. very, very good.” radio show and writes a column in each Sophomore Austin Fox (Delmar, NY) issue of snegolfer.com.

10 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com TOURNAMENT GOLF By DAVE ADAMONIS JR. Ross Tops at Providence Open unmore, Pennsylvania’s Pat tournament always has a good field. If Ross overcame a star-studded, you want to win here you have to take packed leaderboard to earn it low” gleamed the 2019 champion. Dhis first professional win at the Provi- Baldwin surprising- dence Open. The former University of ly took the tough loss in stride. Hartford and Temple University ace “I played superb golf for 51 holes. It is birdied the 13th, 14th and 15th holes golf. I prefer to focus on my good play on the back nine of his final round en this week. Everyone hits a come bad route to a 1-stroke victory over am- shots during a tournament. My “one” ateurs Davis Chatfield and Mac Lee. was certainly untimely. I have been While the amateur duo finished playing well the past few weeks. I hope 1-stroke behind Ross, Mark Baldwin to keep it rolling into Q-School. I want was in the driver’s seat with three holes to get back on the .” to play. Baldwin, who had played the Tournament Tap-Ins – Tampa, prior week in the PGA Tour’s 3M Florida resident Ryan Gendron won Open, had birdied 8 of the first 15 holes “The Qualifier” with an 11-under par over his final round to hold a 1-stroke 4-round total. The tournament which lead over Ross standing on the 16th tee. couples two rounds at Agawam Hunt Playing almost 2 hours ahead of Ross with the two rounds at the Providence and Baldwin, Jonathan Pannone was on Pat Ross with Davis Chatfield (l) and Mac Lee (r) Open was established in 2011 as a a “59 watch” after he toured the back way to help players pay for the cost of nine at the Donald Ross gem in 6-under who were low amateurs Q-School. Gendron finished 6-strokes par and birdied the first hole (his 10th) 16 holes, but a bogey at the 17th been working a lot at my home course ahead of NCAA Division 2 champion to get to 7-under par for the day. The hole dashed his chances. He checked this summer, not playing as much. I Michael VanDerLaan new owner of Spargo Golf bogeyed the in at 10-under par with Pannone. like coming here though (to Triggs). 3rd hole to hurt his chances, but closed Despite the fireworks by the afore- The course fits my game well. This Results on page 30. with 5 consecutive birdies on holes 4 mentioned players it came down to a through 8. After a par at the 9th hole head to head battle between Baldwin Pannone posted a single round tourna- and Ross. Baldwin made a costly bo- ment record and course record 11-un- gey at the 319-yard 16th forging a tie der par 61. He coupled the 61 with an between he and Ross at 12-under par. opening round 73 for a 10-under par An errant drive by Baldwin at the 17th total and leader in the house status. led to a triple bogey opening the door Three other players made a run at for Ross to win his first pro event. Ross and Baldwin only to come up Ross made two routine pars at the just short. Davis Chatfield fired a final 17th and 18th en route to a 7-under par nine of 5-under par 32 to close with 65 and a 12-under par total, 1-stroke DISCOUNT CARDS AVAILABLE an 8-under par 64 to post 11-under clear of the amateur duo of Chatfield 2-day total. 16-year old Mac Lee and Lee. Baldwin birdied the 18th to 10 18-HOLE ROUNDS OF GOLF playing in the penultimate group fired tie for 4th with Pannone and French. WITH CART $400 a bogey-free 66 to join Chatfield at “It is nice to get my first win as a Valid Mon-Thurs all day, other days after 12:30 11-under. Peter French roared into professional. I didn’t decide to enter the contention with seven birdies through tournament until the last minute. I have Purchase HERE

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 11 By DAVE ADAMONIS JR. JUNIOR GOLF Nation Domination in July of a sudden death play-off for her 4th It has become an annual summer win in as many starts on the Challenge tradition that Challenge Cup Nation Cup circuit this season. The duo ended (past and present) is en fuego in the regulation tied with 6-over par 150 totals. month of July. Each year the Nation’s In the Boys 13 & Under Division, presence becomes more prevalent, as Stephen Ramos Jr. continued the evidenced in the New England Amateur fantastic finishes by edging CJ at the Quechee Club in Vermont. Winchenbaugh by 1-stroke. Ramos Ninety-seven players in the 144 player carded rounds of 74-75 for a 149 total. field of the New England Open hailed Much like Gilman this was Ramos’ from the Nation. Nineteen of the top biggest win of his career. 21 cut their teeth with the Challenge The 29th annual World Series Cup….and the winner was a former of Junior Golf attracted a field of Challenge Cupper. Rutgers bound 158 junior golfers from 8 states and Xavier Marcoux fired rounds of 71- two countries. Two traditions, which 70-69-69 to post a 9-under par 279 are a staple of the World Series of en route to the title. His performance Junior Golf continued at this year’s was 1-stroke clear of 2017 champion championship as players were treated Bobby Leopold and 3-strokes clear of to a Del’s Lemonade stand during the URI bound Bryson Richards. 1st round and Palagi’s Ice Cream truck Leopold Gets By With A Little Help was on campus for the 2nd round. From A Friend Nation Claims Four State Amateur In a rare instance New England Championships Amateur runner-up Bobby Leopold Six state amateur championships was carrying his own bag the first two World Series of Jr. Golf Champs Mason Gilman, Angela Garvin, Stephen were contested over the past month days at the New England Amateur. Ramos Jr., and Alex Landry and Challenge Cup Nation produced His long-time caddy and father-in-law, nine holes at the Donald Ross gem, at the 15th and 16th and held on for a four champions and four runner-ups. Scott Cooke was holding down the fort sixteen players were within 4-strokes of 1-stroke victory over his teammate to In Vermont, former Challenge Cup at the family’s business while Leopold Player of the Year Drake Hull recorded the lead. Gilman finished 1-stroke clear be. Much like the battle in the older rd was trying to chase down his second of Jason Temel and 2-strokes ahead division nine players finished within his 3 consecutive Vermont Amateur New England Am title. On day three of Nico Ciolino and Trevor Lopez. 6-strokes of the lead. title. In Massachusetts 28 out of 32 of the tournament competitors play 36 While Gilman, Temel and company The exciting finishes continued in players who qualified for match play holes to finish the 72-hole event. With were staging a thrilling battle in the the Girls Division as Angela Garvin cut their teeth with the Nation. All Cooke at home, none other than RIGA 16 players in the Round of 16 were czar Bob Ward stepped in to don the Challenge Cuppers…and of course it caddy bib with a twist. Ward’s primary was an all Challenge Cup final with reason for attending the New England Steven DiLisio topping Jimmy Hervol Am was to lend a hand in running the for the title. tournament. In between posting scores Connecticut Amateur Championship Ward looped for roughly 27 holes over Rick Dowling def. Chandler Morris the final two rounds. Talk about multi- 1 up tasking. Maine Amateur Championship Gilman, Garvin, Landry, Ramos Cole Anderson 65-69-67-201 (-9), Jr.Tops at World Series Reese McFarlane 71-69-69-209 (-1) Year after year the Challenge Cup’s Massachusetts Amateur World Series of Junior Golf at Triggs Championship Memorial GC continues to live up to its Steven DiLisio def. Jimmy Hervol 3 billing as the top junior golf competition & 2 in New England. Annually the field for New Hampshire Amateur the World Series is the largest and Championship strongest of all New England junior golf John Devito def. Jake Hollander 7 & 6 events. This year’s champions continue Rhode Island Amateur Championship an impressive roll call of winners at this Andrew O’Leary def. Bobby Leopold prestigious event. Vermont Amateur Championship Middletown, RI resident Mason Drake Hull 66-73-70-66-275 (-3), Gilman fired rounds of 70-72 for a Bryson Richards 70-71-68-72-281 2-under par 142 total en route to the (+1), Jacob Zaranek 71-72-68-70-281 Boys 16-19 Division title. Gilman Challenge Cup Champs Cole Ekert, Max Jackson, Angela Garvin (+1) entered the back nine of the final round State Junior Champions Crowned tied for the lead with Jack Tobin at continued her perfect season in Thorbjornsen Falls Short at U.S. Junior main event St. John’s Prep teammates 4-under par. The Assumption College Alex Landry and Aidan LeBlanc were Challenge Cup competition. The A little over a month after making the commit held off Tobin and a host of going toe to toe in the Boys 14-15 Maryland bound star defeated Elon cut at the U.S. Open, Stanford commit other challengers to earn the biggest Division. Landry made clutch birdies bound Emily Nash on the first hole Michael Thorbjornsen entered the victory of his career. Over the final USGA Junior Amateur as the defending

12 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com JUNIOR GOLF By DAVE ADAMONIS JR. champion. The 2017 Challenge Cup Gately Cup Player of the Year fired a 3-under par Connecticut National GC 36-hole total en route to earning the # 8/17 5-seed in the medal play portion of the Steve DeSantis Memorial 2-Ball tournament. Connecticut National GC The champ looked to be in fine form 8/19 – 8/22 after missing the medal by 1-stroke, MGA Junior Championship “The Future” then routed Thailand’s Crumpin Fox Club Phichaksn Maichon 5 & 4 in the 8/25 opening round. Spinal Technology Match Play In the Round of 32 Thorbjornsen’s Qualifier dream of becoming the first back to Rehoboth CC back champion since his childhood 8/30-8/31 idol came to an end. John D. Mineck Junior Cup Thorbjornsen, who was 2 down with Boston Golf Club seven to play tied his match with Palmer Jackson with a par at the 233-yard 12th and a birdie at the 460-yard par-4 15th. A costly bogey at the 490-yard par 4 17th dropped the defending champ to a 1-down deficit. The defending champ answered at the 18th knocking Advertise in his approach to almost gimme range, but Jackson answered by chipping in Southern New from 40-feet for birdie to secure a 1-up England Golfer victory. Steve Feinstein with Golden Domers, Davis Chatfield, and Mark Baldwin Thorbjornsen was joined by fellow Challenge Cuppers Ethan Han, James and reach Imai and Jack Wall in the match play by 2017 USGA Junior Amateur honors the tireless contributions of field of 64. champion Michael Thorbjornsen. the late, great Barry Gately, will be a targeted Imai, who was en fuego earlier this Player contested at Connecticut National GC. season (winning three Challenge Cup Qualifying Course The day after the Gately Cup players audience. events in three starts) lost his opening Score will trade shots at the 2nd annual Steve round match to Garrett Martin 4 & 3. Brent Ito Port Jefferson CC (NY) Desantis Memorial 2-Ball also at CT Han and Wall won their first round 66-71-137 (-7) National. Desantis, who spent the matches, but were eliminated in Ethan Ng Port Jefferson CC (NY) last 17 seasons a tournament director, For readership the Round of 32 like Thorbjornsen. 70-67-137 (-7) passed away unexpectedly last June. Alums Edge Juniors at Foon Cup Xavier Marcoux Andover CC (MA) Proceeds from this event will help analytics and The Challenge Cup alums continued 69-68-137 (-7) perpetuate a scholarship which has their dominance of the juniors by Brett Krekorian Andover CC (MA) been established in Steve’s memory. demographics posting a 5 ½ to 4 1/2 victory at 7th 71-68-139 (-5) The summer schedule comes to annual Foon Cup at Ledgemont CC. Nick Maccario Andover CC (MA) a magnificent end on Labor Day visit: The team of Ryan Gay and James 68-72-140 (-4) weekend, as 16 of New England’s Pleat clinched the victory by stopping N. Harrington Fairview Farms (CT) top junior golfers will compete in the www.snegolfer. Vikram Konanki and Colin McCaigue 68-68-136 (-8) 13th annual John D. Mineck Junior 2 & 1. This annual competition is Z. Ong Whippoorwill Club (NY) Cup at the highly acclaimed Boston com/rate-card/ coordinated in recognition of Steve 68-65-133 (-9) Golf Club. The competition is run Feinstein’s countless contributions to Davis Chatfield Metacomet CC (RI) in conjunction with the PGA Tour’s junior golf. 66-67-133 (-7) Nothern Trust Championship. Team DiLisio Leads Large Contingent U.S. Chris Emmerich Metacomet CC (RI) Mineck, captained by yours truly, seeks SNE Golfer has a Amateur Bound 68-67-135 (-5) back to back victories. Steven DiLisio continued his torrid S. DiLisio Longmeadow CC (MA) graphic designer summer punching a ticket to the US 66-67-133 (-7) Date Amateur later this summer. Fresh off J. Zaranek Longmeadow CC (MA) Tournament Site on staff to help a win at the Massachusetts Amateur 69-65-134 (-6) 8/5-8/7 Championship, the Duke University Michael Thorbjornsen Stan Trojanowski Northern Junior you prepare ads senior to be fired rounds of 66-67 en 2018 USGA Junior Amateur New Haven CC route to a 7-under par 133 total 1-stroke Champion 8/6-8/7 free of charge. clear of Jacob Zaranek. DiLisio and Wampanoag Classic Zaranek will join another 10 players Cup Runeth Over Wampanoag CC from Challenge Cup Nation at the In the month of August the Challenge 8/11-8/13 th Cup acknowledges two of its most New England Junior Amateur 119 USGA Amateur Championship th at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club notable employees. The 16 annual Mill River CC August 12-18. The group is headlined Gately Cup, a tournament which 8/15-8/16

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 13 By BRUCE VITTNER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Golfers Warehouse—36 Years of Success t was 1983 when a new golf one thought for his staff is “attention business opened up in Hartford. to detail and finding out what the This reporter did not know customer is looking for. “We want to Iabout that store, but when Golfers make sure that our customers leave Warehouse opened just off of Pontiac the store happy and with the right Ave., just below the exit for Route products and equipment for them,” 37 in Cranston in 1987, I thought added Kenney. I had found Nirvana. Brian Derham is the assistant Imagine a warehouse-sized building manager at the Cranston location. with nothing but He is also a long-time employee and and a little stuff? Having been he adds to the leadership team that a golfer since age 12 and having makes the store so successful. owned only three sets of clubs in the In 2009 Golfers Warehouse 30 years that I had been playing (two joined with Worldwide Golf Shops of those were hand-me-downs from in California to make a huge my left-handed uncle), I was in pure group of golf shops. Under the joy as I traversed the store. Worldwide Golf Shops besides Golfers Warehouse now has five Golfers Warehouse is Edwin Watts, stores (Hartford, Cranston, and Roger Dunn Shops, Van’s Golf and Auburn, Danvers and Braintree Mike Britt and Mike Kenney in the Cranston Golfers Warehouse Las Vegas Golf. “This huge grouping in Massachusetts. Michael Britt, a of stores allows us to buy in huge native of Pawtucket and a graduate quantities to lower prices that we can of Tolman High who attended CCRI pass on to our customers,” said Britt and Providence College, was the first who is responsible for stores in New manager at the Golfers Warehouse England, Kentucky and Tennessee in Cranston from 1997 to 2001. including Nashville. He became the regional manager One of the trademarks of all these working out of the Hartford store stores is the 90-day Guarantee. for the five Golfers Warehouse stores Shoppers have up to 90 days to get in 2001. a full refund if they are not satisfied When asked what were some of the with their purchases. The company reasons for the success of the Golfers has a huge online sales department Warehouse stores, Britt talked about as well as the many brick and mortar the quality and knowledge of the stores. You can get more information employees in all the stores. “We keep by going to worldwidegolfshops. a huge dollar inventory in each of com. our stores, so customers have a great Full disclosure—this reporter selection to choose from. We have started a small business in 1983 club-fitting machines and launch called ParMor Golf Coupon Book in monitors in all of the stores and Rhode Island and southeastern Mass. most all our staff are experienced What made it successful was the $5 off and certified club-fitters.” coupon that Golfers Warehouse offered Britt feels the friendly staff and as a coupon along with discounts at help from experienced professionals many of the local public golf courses. is the reason that the stores are so That business was the forerunner successful. “Our stores have the of Ocean State Golf that became largest inventory in southern New Southern New England Golfer in England,” he added while helping a 2010 and you are reading right now. woman who was trying to purchase a pair of golf shoes for her golfing husband before heading out to visit Visit www.snegolfer another of the Golfers Warehouse stores. for all the latest AHLBORG Mike Kenney is the manager of breaking golf news ACC the Cranston store. He has worked in Southern New for Golfers Warehouse for 25 years. A graduate of Pilgrim High School England and CCRI, Kenney feels the number

14 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com TOURNAMENT GOLF By BRUCE BERLET Reavie Wins Travelers Championship—First Win in 10 years ike York has caddied for his Cup for me because they were so friend Chez Reavie for six loud. You just dream of that as a years, so he has excellent kid. It was just incredible. I was Minsight into what makes him tick. having the time of my life.” “He’s a little bulldog,” York said. And the 17th hole? “He’s an MMA fighter trapped in “I hit a good drive and it just a golfer’s world. He hates to lose bounced into the bunker,” Bradley more than he likes to win.” said. “It was such a tough (second) Reavie demonstrated those exact shot (over water), but I hit a brutal traits on several fronts on his shot and got it thin. I ran my first way to winning his second PGA putt four feet by, which was tough. Tour victory in the Travelers I wish I could have that back, but Championship at TPC River I’m proud of the way I played. I Highlands. Reavie fell six strokes knew Chez was just going to be on behind upstart Zach Sucher the fairway, on the green. He was midway through the third round, playing great, so I knew he was but as Sucher imploded with a going to be really tough to beat, bogey-double bogey-double bogey and he was. start to the back nine thanks in “But the week was a dream come part to some tough luck and Reavie true. I got to play in front of the made three consecutive birdies, fans of New England and put on the tournament storyline suddenly Chez Reavie a show. I’ve never felt that type of changed. support ever. Maybe in a Ryder The shocking eight-stroke swing hit his tee shot over the green but Open in his rookie season. Cup. I imagined this as a kid coming in three holes became a 12-shot made a brilliant chip to 2 feet to “Being in the second-to-last to the Greater Hartford Open, now turnaround by the end of the day, save par as Reavie missed his fifth group the last day of the U.S. the Travelers Championship, when giving Reavie a six-stroke lead over very makeable birdie putt on the Open definitely gave me a lot of I was 10 years old. I was out there Sucher and Vermont native Keegan day. But the suspense suddenly confidence coming into this week, living it. The fans were on my side, Bradley entering the final round. It ended at the water-lined 17th hole, and particularly today,” said Reavie, and it was so fun. I’m speechless. To was the largest 54-hole advantage which Reavie called the most visibly who had never finished better come to this tournament every year since the tournament began in difficult on the course. He hit a than a tie for 11th (2012) in eight of putting myself in this position 1952 as the Insurance City Open perfect drive, knocked his approach previous tournament appearances. and having this chance on the back at Wethersfield Country Club. to 14 feet and made the putt for his “I played really well on Sunday at side lived up to the hype. It was But as the $7.2 million event second birdie while Bradley drove the U.S. Open, and I tried to treat awesome.” headed down the back stretch on into a fairway bunker, skulled his this week the same as I did then.” A lot of folks felt plenty good Sunday, it appeared as if it might be 9-iron second shot over the green Bradley, whose four PGA Tour for Sucher, the last player in the déjà vu all over again. Reavie didn’t and then three-putted from 18 feet victories include the 2011 PGA tournament via a Korn Ford have any implosions, but Bradley for a double-bogey 6. Championship in his first major Tour sponsors’ exemption from applied plenty of pressure. While A routine par at the 18th gave event, was a pedestrian 1-under Travelers. Sucher put his disastrous Reavie was making one birdie and Reavie a 2-under-par 69 for a 72- 34 on the front nine in the final meltdown Saturday mostly out of one bogey in the first 15 holes, hole total of 17-under 263 and a round, but he began his charge his mind except for a four-putt for Bradley was rattling off six birdies four-stroke victory over Bradley with birdie putts of 11 and 14 feet double-bogey 6 at No. 9 that gave to easily offset one bogey. When and Sucher, whose 5-under 30 on on the 10th and 11th holes. A 9-foot him a 1-over 37 on that side. But Bradley holed a 71/2-foot birdie the back nine was 10 strokes better birdie putt at No. 13 got him he made five birdies on the back putt at No. 15 to get within a shot than Saturday. within three, and he got to only side for 67 and his best finish on the of the lead, he pumped his fist and “This means everything,” said one down with a 7-footer for birdie PGA Tour. It was worth $633,600, looked toward a boisterous partisan Reavie, who had only three bogeys at the 15th. doubling his career earnings and crowd where dozens of family and in the tournament. “I knew Keegan But all good things came to an moving himself within striking friends were rooting, some too was going to come out firing and end at the fateful 17th hole, where distance of getting a PGA Tour card vociferously, causing him to ask for ready to go. I’ve played a lot golf many winning tournament hopes off a major medical exemption. some civility. with him, and he’s a fantastic have been dashed through the “Honestly, the four-putt was Reavie said the back nine was a player. I just was fortunate enough years. Bradley was trying to put great,” Sucher said. “It got me challenge, for sure, but he focused to stay patient and make that big together the second biggest come- going. I was rattled enough maybe on one shot at a time. putt on 17 to give myself a little from-behind victory to the seven- to get over it. I didn’t feel like I “I still played aggressive, even cushion on 18.” stroke rally by Rhode Island native was putting too well before then. though I had the six-shot lead,” he Reavie, 37, said a tie for third in Brad Faxon in 2005. Three-time I felt like I had some good putts said. “I didn’t shy away from flags the U.S. Open the previous week champion rallied that didn’t go in but also had some and hit the same shots I did all went a long way to his first victory from six back in 2010 and 2015. pushes on holes early. I putted week. Unfortunately, I didn’t make in 250 starts and 3,983 days since “I was just having so much fun,” awesome after No. 9.” any putts until the end.” he won his only other PGA Tour Bradley said. “The crowds, man, Sucher, sidelined for two years with On the par-3 16th hole, Bradley title in the 2008 RBC Canadian that was so great. It felt like a Ryder a variety of injuries after the 2017

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 15 By BRUCE BERLET TOURNAMENT GOLF Travelers Championship, capped like that out here. Done it on the at No. 11 to shoot 65 for 269 and a had an opening 67 but limped to the most memorable week of his Korn Ferry Tour a few times, but tie for fifth with PGA Tour rookie a 76 and missed the 138 cut by golfing life when he holed an 18- this is a little different. Crowd-wise Joaquin Niemann (66) and Kevin five strokes. Spieth, whose 61-foot foot chip from the rough on the everything is about 10 times bigger Tway (67). bunker shot on the first 18th hole, eliciting a roar from the out here, so to be honest, it was so Abraham Ancer made the biggest hole beat Daniel Berger in 2017, crowd that filled the amphitheater much fun. move, carding seven birdies in a 63, wasn’t much better, shooting 73- setting. “It was a lot of highs and lows, the low round of the final round, 69. Fairfield native J.J. Henry, the “Oh, man, that was pretty cool,” but I honestly can’t wrap my head to vault into a tie for eighth at 270 only Connecticut to capture the beamed Sucher, who couldn’t touch around it. First time I’ve been in with Brian Harman (66), Jason title in 2006, shot 70-72 to miss a club for 13 months following this situation. Obviously, I would Day (69), Bryson DeChambeau his 11th cut in 16 starts this season. knee surgery. “The first chip was have liked to be winning, but it (68) and Roberto Diaz (69). , the only New awful, but that’s way better than gives me a huge boost of confidence Watson, trying to tie Hall of Famer Englander to make the cut besides a regular up-and-down. The back knowing that I can hang in there. It Billy Casper for most tournament Bradley, shot 281 to tie for 60th. nine was exciting. I hung in there, was amazing. It was life changing.” wins, shot 279 for a tie for 54th, his Another highlight of the week which is great.” Vaughan Taylor finished in amazing worst showing since he missed the was a new $20 million clubhouse So, too, was a third-place finish in fashion, birdying the last five holes cut in his second appearance in that is 40,000 square feet, which a PGA Tour event for a struggling to shoot a back-nine 29, one off the 2008. , admittedly four times the size of the original Korn Ford Tour member. record, for 65 and fourth place at fatigued after he won a second facility. It drew rave reviews from “I’m not sure what all this does 268. consecutive PGA Championship in players and fans as the latest major points-wise for next year,” Sucher had his fourth May and finished second to Gary upgrade by the tournament. A $5 said. “But I know that two months top-5 finish in five Travelers Woodland in the U.S. Open, never million state-of-the-art practice ago we had credit card debt, so I Championship appearances thanks really challenged while shooting facility was built in 2014 that know we don’t have that anymore.” to stellar work down the stretch. He 280 for a tie for 57th. included a First Tee of Connecticut Talk about changing someone’s life, drove the 289-yard, par-4 15th and But that was better than former Learning Center and adjacent four- especially with his family looking needed only a 6-foot, 9-inch putt champions and hole mini-course geared toward on. to register an eagle 2. He capped , two of the stars in the more than 70,000 youngsters “I wasn’t sure how I would handle another terrific Travelers showing the best field since Travelers became involved with the program. Two it this weekend,” said Sucher, with an 8-foot putt for his third title sponsor in 2007. Mickelson, years ago, there were $3 million making only his fourth PGA Tour birdie of the day at the 18th hole the only back-to-back winner worth of course changes focused on start. “I haven’t been in a situation that more than offset his lone bogey (2001-02) in tournament history, the fairways and bunkers. Travelers Sets Another Charity Record t’s not yet official, but the Grube had an idea there might starting times Saturday and Sunday, stroll down the 18th hole knowing Travelers Championship last be another record amount generated finishing their rounds before the he had won the $1,296,000 first month set a new tournament because advance ticket and corporate leaders started. prize five years removed from major Irecord for money raised for charity sales were ahead of their 2018 pace. Still, the tournament drew an left-wrist surgery that cost him the despite heavy rain that caused some And the tournament was ahead estimated 250,000 fans, though 2014 season. The win gave Reavie a logistical problems and several of three areas that are measured Grube continued to not announce PGA Tour exemption through 2022 marquee players failing to make – merchandise, concessions and attendance figures. But he did say and earned him a spot in the 2020 the cut. the gate. The latter was helped by “with the charity number being Masters, PGA Championship and “We did indeed surpass $2 million early commitments from highly up year over year, I think it would Players Championship. this year,” tournament director ranked players such as Watson, be safe to say that we had similar “When I was in a long-arm cast Nathan Grube proudly said. “We Brooks Koepka, , support to last year from our fans after my wrist surgery, I went and are still finalizing the exact amount, , , and sponsors attending the event.” met with the doctor, and he said but we will be more than last year Paul Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, And everyone witnessed another the surgery went great,” Reavie said. regarding our generated number , , Tommy thrilling finish. This year, Chez “But there was a 50/50 shot whether for charity.” Fleetwood, Patrick Cantlay and Reavie rallied from six strokes behind it was going to work, and there was The 2018 Travelers Championship 2012 champion Marc Leishman. Zack Sucher midway through the no guarantee that I wasn’t going to raised a record $2 million thanks to Toss in the late additions of Louis third round to forge a tournament- go make one full swing when he Bubba Wilson donating $200,000 Oosthuizen and former champions record, six-stroke lead after 54 holes allowed me to and it wasn’t going of his $1,260,000 winnings to the Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth, thanks to a back-nine, 7-under-par to happen again. So those were tournament. and the tournament ended up with 28 as the last player in the field via a probably the darkest days. Just the “I think $2 million looks a lot the best field since Travelers became Korn Ferry Tour exemption shot 40. unknown and sitting at home not better than $1.8 million,” a smiling title sponsor in 2007. But with two holes left in the final being able to do anything and your Watson told tournament officials The poor weather from Tuesday round, Reavie’s lead was down to one mind wandering, ‘Okay, if it didn’t after the trophy ceremony honoring to Friday, combined with Mickelson, shot over before the work, if I can’t play golf, what am I his third victory, one shy of Hall of playing in Cromwell for the first time Vermont native made double-bogey going to do?’ ” Famer Billy Casper’s tournament- in 16 years, and Spieth both missing 6 at No. 17 and Reavie sank a 14- The Travelers staff has already record four titles. Watson’s special the cut didn’t help Connecticut’s foot birdie putt to clinch his second begun to look toward the 2020 donation led to the dedication of a biggest sporting event. And Watson PGA Tour victory, the first since tournament June 25-28, again after special area in his honor at the Hole and weary No. 1-ranked Koepka, 2008 in his rookie season. the U.S. Open, which will be played In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, who repeated as PGA Championship Reavie, who had tied for third in the at the Winged Foot Golf Club West the tournament’s chief beneficiary. winner five weeks earlier, had early U.S. Open the previous week, could Course in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

16 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com CT NOTEBOOK By BRUCEBy BERLET Byrd Cruises to Senior Open Win ne of golf’s all-time “traveling . Island and was Rhode Island Player man” has a simple motto Dantas, from Seekonk, Mass., of the Year several times before about his favorite game. wouldn’t even have been in the turning pro at 50. O“Wherever there’s a course, I’ll play,” tournament if his daughter, Ally, “I really like the course because Robin Byrd said. “I’ve been playing hadn’t lost in the New England it sets up well for my ball flight, a long time, and it’s a lot of fun Softball Championships semifinals and the par-5s are reachable,” said when the ball is going where you in New Hampshire on Sunday. Blanchard, of Warwick, R.I., who want it go.” Dantas, the Cape Cod Pro-Am tied for 11th last year. “And I drive Byrd had plenty of fun in the Player of the Year seven consecutive the ball well. I played very solid, hit Connecticut Senior Open, shooting times before turning pro, arrived it good and made a couple of putts a pair of 6-under-par 65 for an at Shennecossett at 7:30 a.m. that I wasn’t expecting to make.” eight-stroke victory over Charlie on Monday and got into the Blanchard’s birdie binge began Blanchard and Jeff Dantas at tournament as an alternate. “I think with a sand-wedge shot to 10 feet Shennecosett Golf Course. (Ally) is going to want some of my at the second hole, and he followed Byrd, who has played on five money,” said a smiling Dantas, who with birdie putts of 4, 4, 8 and 40 continents and earned playing pocketed $2,250. feet at Nos. 3-6. He made a 15- privileges on six tours, capped his Playing in the final group with foot birdie putt at No. 9 to turn in spectacular showing with a 7-iron Byrd and Green, Dantas knew he 30 but bogeyed the 10th, 11th and th shot from 190 yards to 8 feet for Robin Byrd was two shots out of second place 14 holes. The man whose home eagle 3 on the final hole. Each of with two holes to go and thought he club is famed Wannamoisett CC in his 65s tied the competitive course might have lost his shot at a piece of Rumford, R.I., closed strong with record, and his 12-under 130 total by constant pain in his right leg, the runner-up spot when he lipped a 5-iron shot to 12 feet for birdie 2 shattered the tournament record of which had to amputated below the out a 12-foot birdie putt at No. 17. at No. 15 and a two-putt birdie at knee after a horrific recreational th 136 set my Mal Galletta in 1999 and vehicle accident 10 years ago that “I really thought I’d made that one, the par-5 18 . matched by Jerry Courville in 2014. killed his brother, girlfriend and so I knew I needed an eagle on 18 to Former PGA Tour and Nike Tour “I hit it pretty solid and hit my dog. Green, who has finished second tie for second,” Dantas said. player Bobby Gage of Torrington irons really good,” said Byrd, who three times, did manage to hobble Dantas did just that in spectacular shot a second 71 to tie for fifth with will turn 59 on Aug. 2. “And I in, shooting 2-under 33 on the back fashion, hitting a 5-iron shot from Kirk Hanefeld of South Hamilton, reached a lot of the par-5s (in two that included a 4-iron to 3 feet at 204 yards to 8 inches for a tap- Mass., who closed with 70. A shots) and putted well.” Well, that the par-3 16th for 74-141 and fourth in eagle. He also nearly made three-way tie for seventh at 143 just about covers every phase of the place. his 14th career hole-in-one at the included Jim Becker of Bloomfield game. 175-yard ninth hole and 125-yard (71), Charles Bolling of Glen Cove, “I just can’t focus when my th Byrd, of Satellite Beach, Fla., migraines are so bad,” said Green, 12 hole, where his tee shots each N.Y. (72) and the low amateur, finished 36 holes with two eagles, who has had 24 surgeries and 17 stopped 6 inches from the cup. “I David Baker of Branford (72), both on No. 18, 11 birdies and three other procedures and been fitted didn’t make any long birdie putts, who received $300 in merchandise bogeys to improve on his third place with several protheses since his but I had nine birdie inside three credit. in his only other tournament start accident. “I was zoning out at times, feet,” Dantas said. CALIGIORE CAPTURES in 2017. That’s mighty impressive, like on the seventh hole where I It was only Dantas’ fifth round WOMEN’S OPEN but Byrd also has 18 holes-in- four-putted (for double-bogey 7). of the year as he has been busy for Aimee Caligiore couldn’t have one while playing on the Web. It really was bad all day, and I didn’t the past five years working with a had much more of a deflating start com Tour and in 15 PGA Tour think I was going to make it (to the resistance band that he frequently to her final round in the fourth Champions events that he qualified end). But it is what it is, so I’m not uses at a training facility in Warren, Hartford Women’s Open at wind- for in the United States, along with going to complain because I love R.I. “I design trainer aids, and the swept Keney Course in tournament appearances in Europe, golf and I love playing this course.” resistance band has resurrected my Hartford. Asia and Australia. He also has won game as far as being longer, better Caligiore began the day tied with 12 times on the Sun Belt Senior Green also knew he had no chance and straighter,” Dantas said. “I’m Elizabeth Choi after each shot a Tour in Florida and made the cut to win. “Robin played great,” said still working on trying to figure out 1-over 71 in the opening round at in one of the three U.S. Senior Green, who is living in New Fairfield distances, but it’s amazing what a nearby Goodwin Golf Course the Open Championships for which during the summer. “I couldn’t have difference the band has made for previous day. But five holes into the he qualified. caught him if I was playing my best.” me.” final round, Caligiore found herself “I’ve had Tour card on every Tour Byrd all but settled the issue with Blanchard, 53, the men’s golf four back after she bogeyed No. 1 except the PGA Tour,” Byrd said. birdies on the first, seventh and coach at Bryant College, was also a and made a double-bogey 6 at No. 5 Byrd, who won $3,500, started eighth holes in a front-nine 33, late entry, signing up the day before while Choi was sinking 7-foot birdie the day with a two-stroke lead over which gave him a seven-stroke lead the tournament and ending with his putts at the third and fourth holes over Dantas. Byrd also birdied the after a bogey at No. 2. former PGA Tour and PGA Tour th th third Top-5 finish in as many starts Champions player Ken Green, 12 and 16 holes before the stellar thanks largely to six birdies in the “I think the nerves got the best of who wasn’t sure if he was going finish and a quick exit for the T.F. first eight holes in a front-nine 30 me on the fifth hole, but I just told to able to finish on the back nine Greene International Airport in that led to 66. He won every major myself to stick to my game plan and because of severe migraines caused Providence, R.I., and a trip to the amateur tournament in Rhode look at my targets,” Caligiore said.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 17 By BRUCE BERLET CT NOTEBOOK “I told myself to forget about the (of the Soviet Union game) counted Baker, the 2017 Hartford Women’s R.I., on Thursday before returning double bogey because I was hitting down, I said, ‘This is a miracle. Open champion who plays on for the semifinals and final on Friday the ball really well. I wasn’t going I can’t believe it. It’s a miracle.’ I the and the Ladies at Hartford GC, which is more than to force anything because you have obviously didn’t have any idea what Australian Tour, also bogeyed No. an hour from her home in Stratford. to just try to control what you can Al was saying, but it’s pretty amazing 15 and three-putted the 16th hole, as control.” how we said almost the exact same did Lintz. At No. 17, Giovannettone “I can’t even believe I won,” Caligiore, 28, immediately heeded thing.” made another bogey but retained Schreck said, shaking her head. those thoughts, sinking birdie putts Angela Garvin, of Feeding Hills, her two-stroke lead when Baker “I’m thrilled beyond belief because of 12 and 3 feet at the seventh and Mass., shot 144 to win low amateur three-putted again. Then on the I beat some really good players. It’s eighth holes to take a lead that she honors by a stroke over Krystal 18th, Giovannettone made a solid truly amazing, but it was a grind. I would never relinquish. The birdie Knight of Groveland, Mass. A par 4 that she ended up needing to thought I was extremely strong this at No. 7 was the first of two two- final notable note was 10-year-old clinch the win. morning (in shooting 4-over for 16 stroke swings in favor of Caligiore, Vincenza “Vinny” Papa of Foster, Keim, 21, of South Yarmouth, holes in beating Mercedes Large), who rallied from 4 down to 3 up R.I., who shot 78 for 159 and tie Mass., who will be a junior at and I was just good enough in the over seven holes on the way to a for 24th. Florida Atlantic and had her mother afternoon. Lynda and I weren’t closing even-par 70, a 36-hole total Debbie, a teaching professional, on always at our best, but we both came of 1-over 141 and a one-stroke GIOVANNETTONE WINS her bag, closed with a 67, the low up big when we had to, which is why victory over Choi. CONN. WOMEN’S OPEN round of the tournament, to take the match went to the 19th hole. I’m The key moment in Caligiore’s first Loretta Giovannettone tried to low amateur honors at 143. Ami over the moon thrilled.” win as a professional was the par-4 employ a simple game plan in the Gianchandani of Yale was second Schreck, seeded No. 11, reached 12th hole, where the long-hitting Connecticut Women’s Open. low amateur at even par, and Sydney the final with a 3-and-1 victory Choi knocked a 50-yard wedge shot “I tried to keep any swing thoughts Yermish, 13, was third at 146. over Large (Wampanoag CC-West over the green into a bunker and out of my mind,” Giovannettone The 10-year-old Vincenza “Vinny” Hartford), who for the second missed a 10-foot, par-saving putt. said. “As a teaching pro, it’s easy Papa shot 153 to tie for 20th. Her consecutive year rode in a cart and Meanwhile, Caligiore hit a wedge to think about tinkering with your sister, Gianna, 13, shot 166 to tie served as her caddie in the final. to 18 feet and made the putt for swing while you are out there. I tried for 46th. Schreck, a part-owner in “a shoe and birdie and then doubled her lead to stick with the same exact routine other things” store in Ocean City, to two when Choi bogeyed the par every time.” SCHRECK FINALLY PREVAILS N.J., gave Large credit for being a 3-13th hole. That successful strategy enabled The third time in a Connecticut major help on the playoff hole. Choi made it interesting when Giovannettone to shoot a pair of Women’s Golf Championship final “She said, ‘Do you remember I had she nearly holed her approach at 2-under 70s to finish one ahead of proved quite the charm for Mim this same (30-foot) putt on the first the par-4 17th, settling for a birdie Brooke Baker and three better than Schreck. In 2014, Schreck lost in hole in the morning, and it isn’t as that got her within a shot. Choi and 2011 winner Jordan Lintz, Kellie the Founders Cup final to Hannah fast as you’d think,’ ” Schreck said. Caligiore each hit the green on the Edelbut and amateur Jennifer Keim. Steel. A year ago, Scheck lost in Schreck did remember, and she 175-yard, par-3 18th hole, and Choi “I’m a little bit on Cloud Nine the championship flight final to left the lengthy putt 2 feet from narrowly missed her birdie putt right now,” Giovannettone, 27, a Autumn Serruta. the cup. But she never had to putt from 40 feet, tapping in from six teaching pro at Woodway CC in It appeared Schreck would make again, as Foster three-putted for a inches. Caligiore rolled her downhill Darien, said after competing in her it an unwanted trifecta at Hartford double-bogey 6. 35-foot birdie try 2 feet past the cup third Connecticut Open. “I was not Golf Club, but two-time champion But it was what transpired one hole and made the comebacker to earn expecting to win this event. It’s a Lynda Foster missed a 4-foot par earlier that stuck in Foster’s craw. the $1,500 first prize. really good feeling.” putt on the 18th hole that would Foster took a 1-up lead on the The win came a month have given her a third 1-up victory 15th hole with a deft chip from the “I was so shaking,” a smiling after Giovannettone won the for the week. Foster pulled the rough behind the green that stopped Caligiore said of her final stroke. “I Metropolitan (N.Y.) PGA Women’s potential winning putt left, and 5 feet from the cup. After Schreck just took two practice strokes to get Championship at Burning Tree CC Schreck ended years of frustration three-putted from 60 feet, missing the feel and managed to knock it in.” in Greenwich. when she made a routine par on the an 8-foot comebacker, Foster made Caligiore’s first pro win was extra “The members were pumped up first playoff hole, the par-4 first, to her putt for a winning bogey. special for the Division III All- a couple weeks ago when I won the beat her longtime friend. FosterAdvertise narrowly missed in SNE an 18-foot American at St. Lawrence University Women’s Met PGA Championship, As Schreck walked off the final birdie putt on the 17th hole that because it came with her father, which was a shocker,” Giovannettone green, she had a wide smile and wouldGolfer have wonand the reach match a and Sandy, doubling as her caddie. said. “To see me go back-to-back, emphatically proclaimed, “This is then hit her drive into a divot at Sandy said being alongside his the members will be really thrilled.” exhausting. I’ve never played this No.targeted 18. But demographic.she struck a brilliant daughter for her first pro title was Giovannettone trailed Baker by two much golf in such a short time in 5- shot that found the right even more special than calling the strokes through 13 holes, but back- my life.” side of the green 60 feet from the United States’ monumental men’s to-back birdies gave her the lead Schreck, 69, from Oronoque Village cup.Zone The Advertising long-hitting SchreckAlso hockey victory over the Soviet for good. She nearly holed out her CC in Stratford, alluded to playing outdrove FosterAvailable. by 30 yards and put Union and subsequent win over second shot on the par-4 14th hole, in a special event in Farmington on her approach 30 feet from the hole. Finland that gave the Americans then birdied the par-3 15th. On the Monday and then qualifying for the AfterContact rolling herBruce first Vittnerputt through the gold medal in the 1980 Winter 315-yard, uphill 16th with a severely CWGA Championship on Tuesday. a valley to within 3 feet, Foster had Olympics in Lake Placid. slanted green, Giovannettone, Baker After two matches on Wednesday, anotherat bruce@snegolfer. shot at victory but never “I was working for WNBZ radio and Lintz each made bogey, leaving she and Foster were part of the touched the hole with her second and on the opposite of the rink from Giovannettone with a two-shot lead state team that competed in the stroke.com or 401-464-8445 (ABC announcer) Al Michaels,” with two holes to go. Connecticut-Rhode Island matches “You think I’m going to think Sandy recalled. “As the final seconds at Wannamoisett CC in Rumford, about that putt for a while?” Foster

18 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com CT NOTEBOOK By BRUCE BERLET said rhetorically. “I gave away She was talked into competing and rolled to a 6-and-5 victory over the (CWGA’s) 100th anniversary by CWGA majors tournament Gunnar Granito in the final of the championship. And I knew her chairman Lynn Lefler a week before CSGA Junior Championship at length gave her an advantage on the the tournament. Watertown Golf Club. “I’m proud first (playoff) hole. … I wish I had “Lynn called and asked if I wanted of the way I managed my game,” been a little more steady. I hit a lot to play since they were a player short said the 16-year-old champion from of good shots, but I hit a lot of bad and would have to give someone Milford and Great River GC who shots, too. It’s just disappointing a first-round bye if I didn’t play,” won the AJGA Killington Junior because I had it and missed that Rothwell said. “I’m really happy. the previous week at 13-under. “I tiny putt.” I’d never made a final because I had a game plan all week, and I usually got knocked out in the early never varied from it. No matter But it was a minor miracle that rounds.” Richard Dowling what my opponent did.” James had Foster was even in the tournament happy with that.” much less advancing to the final DOWLING CAPTURES MEN’S The final was shortened to 18 holes with a 4-and-3 victory over Liz AMATEUR after a four-hour-plus rain delay Distenfano of Ellington Ridge Rick Dowling held on to defeat three days earlier forced stroke play CC in the semifinals. On Oct. Chandler Morris 1 up to win his qualifying to replace match play. 9, Foster had a two-level spine second title in the Connecticut Then, after the end of play the third decompract and fusion on her back State Golf Association Amateur day, semi-finalist Seth Egnasko, who that sidelined her for months. Then Championship at Fox Hopyard GC was to play Dowling, withdrew she shot a 20-over 91 in qualifying in East Haddam. due to a work-related emergency, and barely reached match play as the Dowling, the 2017 champion, th leaving Dowling with a pass to the 16 and final seed before rallying built a 5-up lead late on the front afternoon finals. from 2-down with three holes to side, winning four consecutive holes The victory was sweeter for play to beat medalist Jill Tryon 1-up at one point, but found himself even Dowling because his father, Richard, in the first round and then defeated after Morris found his rhythm and was on the bag and his mother, former champion Donna Harris on won the ninth, 11th, 13th, 15th and th th Nancy, surprised him to give him the 20 hole in the second round. 17 hole, the latter with a 4-foot a congratulatory hug. The elder Those wins were largely due to putt. On the final hole, both laid Dowling was moved to tears talking a tip from her husband, Craig, up on a sometimes-reachable par- about his son’s win at Tashua Knolls a retired orthopedic surgeon, on 5. Dowling managed to get his GC in Trumbull in 2017 since the practice range on Wednesday approach from 145 yards to the that is where the father, once a morning. Suddenly, Foster knew back tier where the hole was set. 3-, had played thousands Ben James she might have a shot at a third Chandler’s approach from 120 yards of rounds. CWGA title to go with six that she hit the slope in front of that tier and “I’m very proud,” the elder Dowling played the Junior since he was 11 won at Plainfield (N.J.) CC where spun back, leaving him with a 50- said. “But also congratulations and never made the final. Granito, she learned to play the game, six at foot putt. He putted it to 4 feet but to Chandler, who played so well and 18, the New Canaan High School Silver Spring CC in Ridgefield and missed the second putt. came back like that.” graduate from Woodway CC in 16 at her current course, Madison “Honestly, I wasn’t really thinking … Mark Vasington of the host Darien, made the 2019 Junior his CC, where she and Craig live next about the status of the match,” coming-out party. He had won the th Wampanoag CC in West Hartford to the 13 green. Dowling said about the evaporating defeated Bruce Krackowsky of Blue FCIAC individual championship in “I took two swings, and Craig lead. “I was trying to play it hole by Fox Run GC in Avon 7 and 6 to June and hopes golf can someday noticed I wasn’t extending enough,” hole, but I made a few poor swings win the CSGA Senior Match Play rival his first love, hockey. He’ll said Foster, 66, who has competed in on the back and couple of silly Championship. Vasington had only play at the Berkshire School in the four U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur bogeys. Credit Chandler for coming 13 putts in the 12-hole match in his fall, and with one college golf offer Championships. “When I started back. What I’m proud of is that I fourth lopsided victory, the last over can expect several more now. The extending, everything changed.” played pretty even keel throughout the 2006 champion that included victory gave James a spot in the But it wasn’t quite enough for the round and stayed with my five birdies and an eagle in front of Connecticut Open, and he’s exempt Foster to garner another memorable approach to each shot.” several dozen fellow members who from qualifying for the 2020 Russell CWGA crown. When she won her Morris’s theme had been “patience” followed the match. “Whenever C. Palmer Cup and Connecticut first title in 2005, she didn’t realize all week, arguing that Fox Hopyard, I was tempted to get ahead of Amateur. He also earned a spot on she had cancer and had surgery with its mostly tree-lined fairways myself, I said, ‘I’m doing this for the CSGA’s New England Junior three months later on Sept. 25. She and perplexing, tiered greens, them, I’m doing it for the club,’ ” Team, where Granito will be one of notched her second victory in 2010 demanded it above all. “The course Vasington, 61, said in his Donald his teammates. and was runner-up to Madison played tougher than it has all week,” Ross/Wampanoag hat. “That kind Bruce Berlet is the retired golf writer clubmate MacKenzie Hawkes in he said of the 6,912-yard, par 71 of deflected the pressure away from 2015. layout. “The wind picked up, the for the Hartford Courant and writes a me. I just kept thinking, one swing, Connecticut Notebook column in each “Losing is disappointing, but I’m greens got more difficult with the one swing. I don’t think it will delighted to get to the final after traffic. Gauging the speed became sink in for a while. But I’m really issue of snegolfer.com. Visit the website I played so poorly in qualifying,” tougher as the putting surfaces happy for Wampanoag.” Vasington often to see more of his columns. Foster said. slowed with the rain. I got myself previously won the CSGA 2014 Diane Rothwell (Ellington Ridge in kind of a hole on the front, but I Senior Amateur. CC) won the Founders Cup title hit a lot of good shots on the back. … Ben James stuck to his after nearly not playing at all. I came back. I hung in there. I’m conservative strategy off the tee

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 19 CVS HEALTH CHARITY CLASSIC The Field

What’s Up With Those Headcovers? BY JIM HAMMOND t was a bright sunny Monday me on the road.”“The road can get friend. He is back at the hotel in I noticed that Keegan Bradley, at the Rhode Island Country lonely. But I always have my best Providence waiting for me.” who had just finished in a tie for Club in Barrington R.I. Players second place at The Travelers the Iwere warming up; getting ready to day before, had a dog cover also. compete in the CVS Charity Golf “You have a dog Keegan?” “Yes Classic. I was watching two young it is a Goldendoodle, also.” His pros that exceeded their golfing headcover had a shaggy face and peers at a very early age-- Keegan a big smile. “Do you take him on Bradley, who was named as the PGA the road?” “Absolutely. Bennie loves Tour rookie of the year in 2011, the road. It’s good to share the road and Morgan Pressel, who qualified with your best pal.” for the U.S. Open at the tender Craig Stadler had a walrus age of 12. headcover and had Morgan was very relaxed as she was the shark, but Keegan and Morgan grooving her swing. I noticed her only need to reach for their driver holding an unusual head cover that and they know that their shaggy she had removed from her driver. dogs are waiting for them back “Neat headcover there Morgan” at the hotel. Even if you have a I said. “Thanks.” “Do you have a bad day on the course, man,and dog?” I asked. “Yeah” she replied. woman’s best friend is waiting for “A Goldendoodle. He looks like this the next adventure waiting for them headcover.” “What‘s his name?” on their professional golf tours. I asked. “ Zoey. I take him with

20 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com CVS HEALTH CHARITY CLASSIC Bradley Wins Fifth Straight CVS Health Charity Classic eegan Bradley was part day in June. This was the third The team had a fast start, but for the win, and when all three of the winning team for straight win for the trio of Bradley, the team of Kisner, Thompson hit the green, it was all over but the fifth straight year at Brooke Henderson and co-host and Clarke made a big run on the the shouting. Both Bradley and Kthe CVS Health Charity Classic Billy Andrade. He had also won back nine shooting 28 that was Andrade rolled their first putts to held at beautiful Rhode Island the event with friend, schoolmate two better than any of the other within a foot of the hole to seal the Country Club in Barrington, R.I. (Hopkinton, MA High School) in five teams. The winners needed victory. on a picture perfect, three-bridge 2015 and 2016. to make two pars on the 18th hole Final Results / Scores

Keegan Bradley, Brooke Henderson, Billy Andrade , Paula Creamer, Mark O’Meara 25-31-56 -15 29-31-60 -11 , Lexi Thompson, Darren Clarke Max Homa, So Yeon Ryu, Brad Faxon 29-28-57 -14 30-30-60 -11 Keith Mitchell, Morgan Pressel, C. Montgomerie Sam Saunders, Lydia Ko, Rocco Mediate 29-31-60 -11 32-36-68 -3

Celebrating Another Year of Giving.

Congratulations to our 2019 CVS Health Charity Classic Champions Keegan Bradley, Brooke Henderson and tournament Co-Host Billy Andrade along with our PGA TOUR, LPGA and PGA TOUR Champions professionals.

We would like to thank our pros, sponsors, volunteers, working charities and fans for showing their support. The Charity Classic has donated more than $22 million to charities across Southern New England. Helping the community has never been so much fun!

For more information visit CVSHealthCharityClassic.com.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 21 CVS HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

22 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com EASTERN MASS NOTEBOOK By MIKE KIRBY Golf Saved His Life “Golf saved my life,” Andrew challenges to his. “I want people to things they’ve been able to do and Bachelder says often. It’s a life that hear my story,” he said, “because it it’s just an honor for me to be a part came close to ending, twice. could help another individual facing of it,” he said. “I’ll hop on a plane On Oct. 26, 2009, two American the same things that I did.” any time they need me.” military helicopters, a UH-1N Huey He has become so proficient at golf Bachelder communicates oc- and an AH-1W Cobra, collided in that he has twice won the President casionally with Van De Giesen’s mid-air over the southern Helmand George W. Bush Warrior Open for family. Those talks, and his ability province of Afghanistan. Four Ma- wounded veterans held each year in to contribute in honor of his fellow rines were killed. Bachelder was one Texas. Last year, he graduated from Marine, have gone a long way to of two survivors. the Golf Academy of America Dallas salve the wounds he suffered, phys- Bachelder broke his back, pelvis, and he carries a plus-1 handicap. ically and emotionally, on Oct. 26, right leg and shoulder along with Golf was also part of the reason 2009. five ribs. He had a collapsed lung. that brought him to the Mansfield “Being accepted is one of the big- And traumatic brain injury. But that Holiday Inn that recent night. gest things for me,” he said. “This wasn’t the worst thing. The worst The fundraiser featured an auction family has just welcomed me and thing was the survivor’s guilt. of some big-ticket prizes. One of my wife and children. I can’t tell Why did he survive and get to go them included three of you how much that means to me.” back home to his wife and children golf at exclusive TPC Boston in Mike Kirby can be reached at while those four men – all great Norton, donated by some friends of [email protected]. Marines – perished in the crash? the Van De Giesen family. Among One of the deaths haunted him Andrew Bachelder those playing would be Andrew in particular. The pilot of the Co- Bachelder, veteran, survivor and golf Keep an eye out for the bra, Marine Capt. Kyle R. Van De gun. If he had, he said, he wouldn’t instructor. Giesen of North Attleboro, was the be here today. It’s the third time Bachelder has Fall Issue of Southern only other father involved in the agreed to be part of the package. In Bachelder continues to recover, New England Golfer on collision. He was beloved in his both physically and emotionally. He those three years, the auction has hometown, not just for being the has undergone half a dozen surgeries raised nearly $20,000 for the Capt. September 29th, 2019 quarterback of a football team that including a hip replacement, and his Kyle R. Van De Giesen Memorial won the high school Super Bowl, back still bothers him daily. But the Fund. “I think of all the wonderful but because he had exhibited an emotional healing required him to amazing level of poise, leadership reconnect with something he had and smarts in his 29 years. enjoyed in his childhood but had Blissful Meadows Golf Club His story touched all of New given up. Uxbridge, Massachusetts England. His days in dangerous Bachelder grew up next to a golf territories were supposed to be over course in Fort Worth, Texas, playing after two tours in Iraq and one in Af- regularly from the time he was 10 ghanistan. In just a matter of hours, until he joined the Marines in 2002 he was scheduled to leave his foreign when he was in his early 20s. He had post to return home to his pregnant always loved golf but the demands wife, Megan, and their daughter, of his family and military life simply Avery. His son, Colin, would be didn’t allow him to play. born 15 days after the crash. During physical therapy, he Bachelder’s connection to Van De searched for something more than Giesen brought him to the Mans- exercise, something that involved field Holiday Inn over the Memorial his mind as well as his body. His Day weekend for a fundraiser for the physical therapist finally relented by foundation honoring the deceased letting him play golf. Marine captain. Bachelder, a tough- For the first time in years, he re- as-cheap-steak retired Marine, stood discovered the joy of striking a ball 2019 Weekday Golf Specials before a microphone and told his – and all that goes into it. Golf, he story. explained, is only 10 percent phys- “On Sept. 11, 2012,” he said, “I ical. The other 90 percent, he said, 18 Holes, Golf Car and Lunch $55 tried to end my life.” The guilt so “is in the four inches between your Tee off until 1pm Mon.-Fri. tortured him, he said in a recent ears. If we can focus on a little golf interview, that on the 11th anni- versary of the terrorist attacks on ball and breathe deeply and hit that our nation, Bachelder swallowed as one-plus shot that you envision in Senior (62+) 18 Holes with Car $40 much pain medication as he could your mind, then you can probably overcome the other challenges that Tee off until 12pm Mon.-Fri. in a failed suicide attempt. come before you in life,” he said. “I saw it as the only way to end Bachelder tries to teach that les- the pain,” he said. He doesn’t own a son to other veterans facing similar UXBRIDGE, MA 508.278.6110 BLISSFULMEADOWS.COM

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 23 By JAY GEARAN CENTRAL MASS NOTEBOOK Brattleboro Country Club, a Hidden Gem on the Gateway to Vermont hy, I asked, should golfers on July 1, 1914. Over 1,000 people want to come and play visited the clubhouse and enjoyed Brattleboro Country a celebratory Japanese lawn party. Club?W My question was put to By 1930, a re-design was in place Brattleboro CC’s Director of Golf, by noted architect and designer Michael Zaranek and he quickly Wayne Stiles. Many years later, 70 responded: “We’re here right at to be exact, an expansion and partial the gateway to Vermont, and we’re rerouting by Vermont native Steve such a little hidden gem. We have Durkee was completed in 2000, the an amazing golf course, with a little course transitioning from a private, modern, a little old school and a members-owned course to a public little bit of everything. Our course play facility. will test your game in every way, Eight classic Stiles’ holes remain (9- shape or form. If you hit good shots, 12, 15-18), with 10 contemporary you’ll get rewarded and if you miss Durkee holes women in (1-8, 13- shots, it’s not too bad, not really 14), with ample elevation, charming unforgiving.” variety and pleasing views at every Zarenek added, “Plus, we have turn.The course restaurant Bella all the bells and whistles, a good Notte is open seven days a week practice facility, a good teaching 4th Green at Brattleboro C.C. from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m, offering facility, and we actually have 19 a full lunch and dinner menu holes of golf. The practice hole is the someone after 18 holes, you can go A round at Brattleboro CC, as with options including past dishes, original hole, so if you’re tied with there and figure things out.” I recently found out, makes for a seafood and steak as well as appetizer, wonderful day. Perhaps you want burgers, sandwiches, specialty salads some time away from the hustle and and desserts. bustle of your city surroundings. Melanie Boese is the owner. She You’ll find a peaceful setting here and her late husband, Jack, bought in the Green Mountain state and a BCC in 2014 to keep it from going terrific, well-maintained golf course. to auction. She remains the sole Zaranek, whose son, Jacob a owner. rising junior and golfer at Fairfield A par 71, Brattleboro CC measures University in Connecticut, recently 6,533 from the tips (71.1, 126 qualified for both the Mass. and slope), 6,073 from the regular U.S. Amateur Championships, (69.1/122), 5051 from the forward began his career at BCC from tees (64.2/112 for men; 69.8/114 1997 to 2000. After 15 years as for women). With a cart, it’s $65 head pro at Crumpin-Fox Club in for a weekday round and $75 on Bernardston and then three years the weekend. at Crestview, he returned to BCC In his short but fact-filled book this season. about Brattleboro CC over the years, 2019 Memberships Brattleboro CC boasts an “The Club History” Brattleboro interesting history. In 1899, local member Robert R. Anderson covers Platinum $2,500 Gold $1500 Junior $700 residents formed the Wantastiquet the history from opening day in 1914 Golf Club and established a six- into the 21st century and concludes 2019 Seasonal Memberships hole course near the present site. In with a positive note, writing: “Like December 1913, Tom McNamara, a many country clubs of its vintage, 7-Day $950 5-Day $750 from Boston and clubs created in the countryside to three-time U.S. Open runner-up, provide town-dwellers a variety of BOOK TEE TIMES & GOLF LESSONS ONLINE toured the site and plotted a lay-out outdoor pursuits, the Brattleboro SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS for a nine-hole course. Country Club soon became a club The property then was owned by devoted solely to the game of golf. the Brattleboro Retreat. In February, Its charm continues to lie in its 1914, 14 local businessmen unpretentiousness, its unassuming incorporated the Brattleboro friendliness, its venerable clubhouse Country Club and changed the and pro shop, and its challenging name from Wantastiquet GC. golf course.” For more information Construction began in April of that visit: brattleborocountryclub.com year and the grand opening was held

24 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com CENTRAL MASS NOTEBOOK By JAY GEARAN Templewood Golf Club's 20th Anniversary hey walked together through The newest golf news in Worcester is “The range will definitely extend our the dense forest in Templeton the official opening of the first practice golf season,” said Moison, who is in his in the spring of 1997—the range at Green Hill Municipal Golf 23rd year at Green Hill. “We have full- Twell-known golf architect Geoffrey Course. flight golf balls and an available fob for Cornish, age 83, and the owner of the After the original planning stages, any frequent range user. For $100, that land, Bill Matusewicz, who was 60 which began in 2008, the project was golfer will receive a 20 percent discount and had never played a round of golf finally completed this spring and the on any size bucket of balls.” According in his life. driving range opened in May. to veteran Worcester Telegram golf “We walked for hours, and I could “The new range in the first few months writer Bill Doyle, the new Green Hill hardly keep up with him,” recalled has been great for us and our golfers,” driving range is the only range open to Matusewicz. “And when we were said Green Hill head pro Matt Moison. the public in the city. done, he said to me, “This is beautiful “We’re meeting all our expectations for On the synthetic turf tee box that land for a golf course. We can do the use and it will continue to get more use measures 150 feet from side to side architect work, and if you build it, the throughout the summer. A driving and 20 feet from front to back, golfers people will come.” range is something we always wanted can fire golf shots into the distance, Cornish, who planned more golf here, and now we have it.” an uphill area spanning 300 yards and courses in New England than any other Because Green Hill existed without ending with a screened area for golfers’ architect in history, was right. All these a driving range since its inception 90 protection. years later, in the summer of 2019, years ago, two new holes had to be Range balls are available for $4 for golfers still come to Templewood built on the back nine to accommodate a bucket of 25, $10 for 90 and $15 Golf Course on Brooks Road which is the new project which occupies much for 125. approaching a 20th anniversary—the of the former 17th hole. After re- Jay Gearan writes a Central Mass. first nine holes opened in 1999. Four routing on the back nine, there is now Notebook column in each issue of years later, the second nine was added. a new, par-5 12th hole and a new, par snegolfer.com Matusewicz’s journey to becoming a Bill Matusewicz 4 17th hole. golf course builder and owner, along with his wife, Annette, is a lesson in adapting to changing times, intelligent own,” said Matusewicz. “We’re not decision making and sheer hard work. losing money and we’re making a living The son of William and Jennie which is better than a lot of places.” Matusewicz, Bill at seven years old, With pride, he added, “I had a began working on the family dairy gentlemen here recently, a consultant farm in the 1940s. Cows would graze in the golf industry. I like to pick on the same property that spawls today people’s brains, and he said our greens with inviting fairways and greens. were some of the best he’s seen in the “After many years, we quit farming, Massachusetts and New England area.” figuring there was no money in it. So And it doesn’t just happen. “I’m up at we started building houses. And I also 4 a.m. most mornings. Dairy farming had a logging and pallet operation,” was the same thing,” said Matusewicz, said Matusewicz who constructed who praised the work of his son, Wayne 50 houses on his 210-acres before along with Bob Haley and Dick Kodys deciding that a golf course would fit who do most of the mowing. A friendly perfectly into his land plans. crew of loyal workers in the clubhouse “At the time our inspiration was greet patrons every day. “We don’t see that Gardner Municipal, Ellinwood in ourselves as rivals of nearby courses,” Athol, and many other courses in the said Matusewicz, “especially Gardner area had waiting lists for members,” which has been around for a long time Matusewicz said. “The original plan and has a wonderful reputation.” was to build 100 houses, but the Templewood, with six par 3 holes, is housing market went to pot in the a par 70. The par 3 holes on the front 1980s.” side range from 140 to 155 yards, while So, by the mid-1990s, he turned the par 3’s on the back run from 177 to golf, first meeting with Cornish to 204 yards. Golfers finish on the and then working with Cornish’s challenging 18th, an uphill monster assistant Howard Mauer. For two that stretches 583 yards. years, Matusewicz toiled on the course Weekday rates at Templewood are $15 by himself, clearing trees, measuring for nine holes (walking) and $27 (with land from tee to green and creating cart). For 18 holes it’s $20 walking the groundwork for the eventual golf and $38 with cart. Weekend rates and holes. holidays are slightly higher, but only And Templewood has been good for before 1 p.m. For more information golfers, forging on even with the golf and for season membership rates boom now over, and with some area visit: templewoodgolfcourse.com. courses closing. “We’re holding our Green Hill Opens Driving Range

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 25 By BRUCE VITTNER GOLF PRODUCT Amid Brick and Mortar Chaos, Innovative Golf Retailer Thrives Custom Club Fitter Continues National Expansion As Demand Grows Willowbrook, IL -- In a world industry’s market share monitor. The of 500-1500 fittings annually, with TaylorMade CEO David Abeles where staples like Toys “R” Us are company’s thorough processes and many stores surpassing that. Their said, “Club Champion truly is disappearing, the outlook for new attention to detail set them apart fitting studios service most of the one of the most innovative club brick and mortar businesses is bleak. from the competition. major golf markets in the country. fitters in the business. They provide More retailers are moving to an “Our business model works because Club Champion’s brand agnostic a consumer experience that is e-commerce model, and even more the service works - we can show approach allows them to focus on undeniably helpful for all golfers are downsizing. The golf industry measurable improvements,” said the golfer - not the manufacturer - to play better.” Callaway CEO would seemingly fall in line with Nick Sherburne, Club Champion’s so they’re able to provide a unique Chip Brewer confirmed, “Club these company casualties, but one founder. “That translates to happy experience that delivers real results. Champion is a fantastic consumer brand is succeeding amongst the golfers and a higher demand for A study found that experience. One of the great, new chaos - Club Champion, a custom what we do.” eight out of nine Club Champion age golf retailers who understand club fitting company. The company has opened 31 stores custom-fit golfers saved as many that fitting is the future.” The dynamic Club Champion in the last year for a total of 62 as six strokes per round and added For more information, visit vision has catapulted the brand to locations. In 2018, Club Champion more than 20 yards off the tee. clubchampiongolf.com. be ranked as the #1 specialty fitter posted same-store sales growth of Equipment manufacturers according to Golf Datatech, the golf 59%; each store conducts an average have high praise for the brand; Looking Back Aug. 2012 ucky Seven years ago in the winner in the last seven Travelers ages 6-16 and in 2012 over 100 Aug./Sep issue of Southern Championships. youngsters were there to learn the New England Golfer we had Morgan Pressel and Jay Haas game of golf and have fun. LChris Swift on the cover as he had teamed to win the CVS Charity As is the case in this issue, in 2012 just captured the in 2012. They were a two we highlighted golfing in Maine. Amateur at Falmouth Country shots ahead of Suzann Pettersen and There were stories of The Ledges, Club in Maine. Swift, of New Fred Funk. Both Annika Sorenstam at Outlook and Nonesuch Canaan, Conn. was the only player and Lorena Ochoa, LPGA Hall-of- River. to break par over the 72 holes Famers played in the event. There was a sad note in the issue in on the demanding layout. He Other names highlighted in the 2012 as we wrote about the passing was entering his second year at 2012 issue were Ali Prazak who of Lou Lombardi who had been Marquette, University and had won the OSWGA State Amateur the superintendent at Cranston never won a junior tournament. and Nicole Scola who won the Country Club for many years where Finishing second was Garren Poirier RIWGA State Championship by he worked with his cousin Michael of Vermont and third was Jake beating Amanda Sabitoni 3 and 2 who is the owner. Lou had been a Nutter of New Hampshire. in the finals. Ricky Stimets won the science teacher in West Warwick The other picture on the cover Worcester County Amateur. Mike before switching to become a course was of a young Richy Werenski who Calef captured the Mass. Amateur superintendent. had just won the prestigious Porter title after winning the MGA’s Mid- Bruce Vittner is the publisher/editor Cup in Niagara Falls. He made 16 Am the previous year. of snegolfer.com and writes a Looking birdies, one eagle and one bogey Bob Beach, won the first Patriot Back column in each issue of the over the four rounds. Werenski is Richy Werenski Golf Award from the NEPGA. publication. now playing on Tour and was one Beach, the head professional at of the early leaders at this year’s Braintree Municipal was rewarded Travelers Championship. a playoff. for his tireless work with veterans Charlie Blanchard, who was often We had a picture of Seth Waugh, and their families within the VA If you like to travel on our cover, won his second R.I. who grew up in Ayer, Mass. He hospital network. Amateur at Wanumetonomy in was the CEO of the Americas We ran a golf commentary column visit Golf Travel at July of 2012. He defeated Jamison of Deutsche Bank in 2012 and about TEE IT FORWARD. You www.snegolfer.com Randall of Cumberland in the finals. was instrumental in growing the don’t hear much about this great tournament in Norton, Mass. He is and read stories Our rising star was Ted Potter, Jr. now executive director of the PGA concept nowadays, but this reporter who was having a strong year. He of America after retiring from the thinks it is one of the best concepts and reviews on has survived on Tour, but has never bank. in golf—especially as we get older become a star. We must have picked Marc Leishman won the Travelers and can’t reach the greens we had some the world’s him because he was left-handed. Championship in 2012 and always been able to in the past. most amazing golf This issue features the winner of continues to play well. He beat Brad Faxon was highlighted at the Northeast Amateur. In 2012 the Button Hole Short Course and destinations. winner was Justin Shinn who beat Charlie Hoffman by one stoke Learning Center. Each year he has Jordan Russell on the third hole of and became the fifth first-time a Junior Golf Day for boys and girls

26 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com W. MASS NOTEBOOK By RUSS HELD Naumec Creates Great Memories t was the “bucket list of bucket lists” for Matt Naumec of Wilbraham, when the whirlwind Istart to his professional golf career landed him on the biggest of stages – at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach – in June. “Playing in the U.S. Open, at Pebble Beach … that week I’ll remember for the rest of my life,’’ Naumec, 22, said. “ I got to share something I had dreamed about for 22 years, and I got to share it with my entire family. That made it so much more special.’’ Matt Naumec's family and friends pose for a picture Naumec was born eight days after Tiger Woods made his professional Longmeadow natives Jack he has witnessed nine in his lifetime. debut, and there he was hitting Dombeck and his son Jack Piecuch played with Cody Booska, balls on the range - one spot away Matt Naumec living his dream Dombeck Jr. each made a hole-in- when the CC of Greenfield member one on the same hole, using the same aced the fourth hole during a U.S. from him - as he prepared for at Pebble Beach his fourth professional start. “I club … two days apart. Dombeck Amateur qualifier at Longmeadow Sr. aced the 18th hole at Twin Hills played with Rickie Fowler, Tommy Tour. To reach the U.S. Open, he CC July 8. That came a day after Fleetwood, , Country Club in Longmeadow on he was with East Longmeadow’s advanced through two stages of June 20. Two days later, his son did Jack Phelan …,’’ Naumec said. “Growing up qualifying, including a 36-hole , who made a “1” at it was always a dream to be out the same. The ace with a 5-iron the second hole at Springfield CC. sectional qualifier in Walla Walla, was the seventh for Dombeck Sr., there playing with guys like that, Washington. A week earlier, he witnessed East and now I can put it in perspective. while Dombeck Jr. made his first. Longmeadow’s Eddie Morin make a hole-in-one at the 14th hole at “I played great on the first day, I ZARANEK QUALIFIES FOR Another father-son ace tandem CC of Wilbraham. Piecuch, 19, was 3 over. I hit the ball great and I U.S. AMATEUR grabbed headlines a few weeks later. made the only ace of his career this can’t hang my head. I had a couple East Longmeadow residents Bob Phelan Jack Phelan March, at Mangrave Bay CC in St. of good putts … I was really, really Jacob Zaranek of South Deerfield and his son Petersburg, Fla. … Angela Garvin close to putting together a very good resident made five straight birdies each made an ace within four days. on Feeding Hills won the Girls round.’’ His second round and his to spark an outstanding day at Bob aced the 17th hole at Orchards Open division at the U.S. Challenge U.S. Open ended with an 18-foot Longmeadow Country Club July 8, Golf Club in South Hadley on July Cup’s World Series of Golf July 3-4. putt for birdie at the 18th hole. 4, before Jack did the same at the a stretch that helped him qualify for second hole at Springfield Country Garvin won at the first extra hole at “I used a (local) caddie for the the U.S. Amateur Championship. Club in West Springfield on July 7. Triggs Memorial in East Providence, week, but on the last hole I had my “I think I had done that in a R.I., after opening the 36-hole dad (Mike) take the bag,’’ Naumec tournament one other time, but this tournament with a 72. Garvin was timing was pretty good,’’ Zaranek WESTERN NOTES two strokes back entering the last said. “I was in the last group, the last person on the course for the said of five consecutive birdies. “But hole, where she made par to force day. I ended up making birdie to have that help get me there …’’ Connor Piecuch of East a playoff. there, so my dad has told me that “There” is Pinehurst (N.C.) Longmeadow, a rising sophomore he’s 1 for 1.” For the record, rounds at Mercyhurst University, was a of 74 and 79 did not advance him Country Club and Resort, where witness to three aces in 10 days and to the weekend on which Gary Zaranek will make his debut at Woodland was crowned champion. the national championship Aug. 12-18. The five birdies and two Doug Hutcheson, Naumec’s golf others helped Zaranek close with a coach at Wilbraham & Monson 5-under-par 65 to earn the second Academy for three years, said it of two qualifying bids. His 6-under succinctly that “it’s the bucket list 134 was second only to Steve DiLisio of bucket lists … of where you want of Swampscott, who fired a 133. to play and it’s at the U.S. Open.’’ Naumec won the New England Zaranek, who plays out of CC of Prep School Golf Championship Greenfield and Brattleboro (Vt.) in 2013 and played at Division I CC, opened the afternoon round Boston College, where he finished off the 10th tee and after the turn his stellar playing career as captain birdied the first through fifth holes. and with All-Northeast region This spring, Zaranek competed honors for the third straight year. at the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship with Kyle Puzzo of He graduated with an economics Ludlow at Bandon Dunes (Ore.). degree in May, turned professional and qualified to play on the ACES WILD Mackenzie Tour/PGA Canada 䄀氀猀漀 愀琀 䠀愀爀戀漀甀爀 䤀渀搀漀漀爀 䜀漀氀昀 䌀攀渀琀攀爀Ⰰ ㄀ 䘀攀搀攀爀愀氀 圀愀礀Ⰰ 䨀漀栀渀猀琀漀渀Ⰰ 刀䤀 ⠀一漀瘀ⴀ䄀瀀爀⤀

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 27 By MASS GOLF STAFF TOURNAMENT GOLF Swampscott’s Dilisio Defeats Hopkinton’s Hervol, 3&2, in Final Match of 2019 Amateur Championship

ll week, Swampscott’s Steven wanted to call it for the day because DiLisio had said his focus was it was so hot,” said DiLisio. “Like I on beating the golf course, talked about it yesterday, I just tried ratherA than his opponent, even to come out and play as good as I when the format of the 111th playing can and I had to against Jimmy.” of the Massachusetts Amateur In the second half of the Championship went from the 36- Championship match, after DiLisio hole stroke play portion to the match had increased his lead to a day-best play portion of play. Fast forward four 5-up by the 30th hole, key putting matches from Wednesday’s starting from Hervol extended the match Round of 32 match to Friday’s 36- for additional holes. Needing to hole championship match at The at least halve the hole, Hervol Country Club and DiLisio did that tapped in a par-putt on Hole 31 once again, focusing more on his and won 32 with a conceded eagle individual performance than that of putt to bring the match within his opponents to ultimately defeat Steven Dilisio two, but after they both carded Hopkinton’s Jimmy Hervol, 3&2, in but the 21-year old DiLisio, who is pars on the par-4 33rd hole, DiLisio the 36-hole finale of the week-long “It’s awesome. It’s exciting. I’ve five months younger than Hervol, finished off Hervol with his five foot championship. With his victory, been playing in [the Massachusetts regained momentum by winning birdie putt on the par-3 34th hole. DiLisio becomes the 77th competitor Amateur Championship] since I was the next three holes in the match, on After a few days of rest, DiLisio to win the Bay State’s most 12 or 13 years old with my brother Holes 6, 10 and 12, respectively, to and Hervol will both compete in the prestigious amateur golf event. and this is my first win,” said DiLisio move to 3-up. The 3-up lead remained Porter Cup, one of the country’s most With that mindset, DiLisio, a following the Championship match, intact until the 18th hole, when prestigious amateur events, next rising senior on Duke University’s which began at 8:00 a.m. with his Hervol’s key 12-foot birdie putt dug week at Niagara Falls Country Club Men’s Golf Team, tallied eight opening tee shot and finished just into DiLisio’s lead ahead of nearly a in Lewiston, New York. Following birdies in his 34 played holes, led minutes shy of 4:00 p.m., with a 40-minute long break at the midway that, they’ll both compete in the by as much as 5-up and held on 40-minute break after 18 holes. point of the Championship match. Ouimet despite a valiant comeback effort “It’s a long week. You’re hoping it’s Despite the two-hole score conducted by Mass Golf. DiLisio by the recent UConn graduate a long week. I’m just super excited.” differential, both competitors will also compete at the 2019 U.S. Hervol down the stretch that saw When the final match commenced were grinded through the Amateur Championship in mid- him win two of his final four holes. Friday morning, DiLisio wasted excessive heat, carding a 5-under August before returning for his After Hervol sunk a 14-foot on no time, quickly taking a 1 up par 65 with conceded putts, senior season at Duke while Hervol the 34th hole, the par-3 16th hole advantage after the first hole while Hervol’s scorecard showed says he plans to turn professional this at The Country Club, DiLisio when he sunk a 15-foot birdie 4-under 66 after conceded putts fall after advancing to the Regional countered with a difficult five-foot putt that Hervol couldn’t match. as the match surpassed 18 holes. Round of the NCAA Tournament birdie putt to officially book his Hervol won the third hole to “It was hard. Part of me wanted to in his final year at UConn this past spot in the Mass Golf history. bring the match back to all square, keep going [after 18] and part of me May. 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28 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com WOMENS GOLF By KATHARINE DYSON Buckle down and get to know Golf’s New Rules I wonder how many of you had committee defines as a penalty area without penalty. If all else fails, found yourself as I have on the golf may be marked as such including dropping a ball out of a bunker course, in a sticky spot like a gopher water, so a player can take his counts 2 penalty strokes. hole or nestled in the roots of a large re7lief with a one shot penalty and tree, only to wonder what do I do move on. This eliminates the need By following these changes, now? If you are playing with friends to play a provisional ball. all golfers should be able to finish just to be out there for a day of fun any round in less than four hours. and frolic, you may give your ball a 7. If your ball moves accidently on Of course there are other factors little foot wedge to a better place. the putting green, you can replace to consider when working to No harm, no foul. Everyone is all it with no penalty. speed up play, but these are for smiles. another column. Just be sure However if you are playing for 8. A player may play a ball as it you get your copy of Golf’s New your life (like in a tournament) or lies in a penalty area (formerly Rules and take time to read it. even a glass or wine or a quarter, the know as a water ) under the foot wedge is out. Rules are in. And same rules that apply to a ball in I realize this is not exactly a beach ladies, who knows the rules better the general area (fairway). You book—in fact it could double as an than us? Or maybe not. can ground your club, remove excellent sleep aid—but if you do Just as you ponder your options, loose impediments and remove play in any kind of tournaments you know there is a rule out there any moveable obstruction that including your sweeps days, it is that settles the matter. Still, how interferes with your lie or your important you know the rules so many times have I played the game swing. you are all playing on a level playing and come up short with an answer field. It’s simply the fairest way to only to call the pro shop and ask 9.Positioning a club for alignment play. for divine guidance. You’d think is not permitted. (Save that for after all these years I’d know my way the practice range). through the 1,200 decisions in the You have three minutes only to look Rule Book of the USGA & R&A for that lost ball, not half a day! If 10. can’t help you with Association. But I’ve never quite you want to go ball hawking, do it alignment either. (Getting the Look out for made it. Neither have most of the after your round on your own time. picture here? Don’t spend so much ladies I play with day after day, year time on the green!) the Fall Issue after year. Some don’t have a clue. Instead of returning to the spot of How do you play out of a snarly your previous shot in the event of a 11. Putting with the flagstick in of Southern hazard? What about that unplayable lost ball or a ball out of bounds, you the hole is permitted. (We have lie thing? How long can you look for can take a drop in the nearest spot of found this to be a big time saver. your ball? Certainly not until the the fairway (within two club-lengths Get over your old habits and try New England sun sets but what’s the rule? In the of the edge of the fairway), no nearer it.) past these indecisions have slowed the hole than where the ball crossed Golfer on the pace of play and have slowed the OB line, with a two-stroke 12. A ball wedged against the down the entire course. penalty. Or you can still follow the flagstick and side of the hole is September Finally the powers of golf old rule and hit again from the spot now deemed as holed. realized that this difficult game where you hit from before with a 29th. took too long to play. So to make penalty of stroke and distance. 13. Player must make a stroke in things clearer, speed things up, no more than 40 seconds after he and in general make everything or she is able to play, without any more player-friendly, the Rules 1. If a ball is moved during the interference of distractions. If you would have been completely re-written search, there is no penalty. and nonsensical rules have been 14. A player may play ready golf like to eliminated. It has taken seven years 2. If your ball is embedded, you even in Match Play if players agree to do the job, but now it’s done, the get free relief. to play out of turn. Advertise in booklet is printed and we are off and running. 3. A drop is now measured from 15. Ball marks, spike marks and the Fall Issue Golf’s New Rules has 24 Rules your knee not your shoulder. scrapes can now be repaired. vs. 34 Rules in the old book. The Also animal tracks and hoof email to Decision Book went from more 4. If a ball unintentionally hits a indentations can be repaired. than 1,200 Decisions to 400 plus player or equipment there is no Each player should have the same bruce@ Decisions with 400 eliminated and penalty. playing field. 400 incorporated into the Rules and Definitions. 5.A double hit now counts as one 16. A player may now remove snegolfer.com On our first day of our Ladies stroke. loose impediments and moveable Night Out, we were given a list of a few obstructions in a bunker and in of the major changes. Here are a few. 6. Any part of the course the so doing, may touch the sand, all

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 29 GOLF SCOREBOARD

2019 Providence Open Results @ Triggs GC – New England Amateur Partial Results Providence, RI Quechee Club Par 72-72-144 July 22-25, 2019

1 Patrick Ross Dunmore, PA -12 67 65 - 132 $3,500 1. Xavier Marcoux, Nashawtuc CC 71-70-69-69 279 T2 Mac Lee (a) Andover, MA -11 67 66 - 133 2. Bobby Leopold, Wannamoisett CC 69-72-68-71 280 T2 Davis Chatfield (a) Attleboro, MA -11 69 64 133 3. Bryson Richards, CC of Barre 70-69-75-68 282 T4 Mark Baldwin Laconia, NH -10 66 68 134 $1,700 4. Garren Poirier, Rutland CC 72-72-69-70 283 T4 Peter French Franklin, MA -10 68 66 134 $1,700 5. N. Cummings, Marlborough CC 69-75-72-68 284 T4 Jonathan Pannone Warwick, RI -10 73 61 134 $1,700 5. Jacob Zaranek, CC of Greenfield 72-71-70-71 284 7 Max Ferrari (a) Framingham, MA -8 70 66 136 5. C. Dubiel, Old Sanddwich GC 67-73-71-73 284 T8 Brad Adamonis Coral Springs, FL -7 67 70 137 $1,300 8. B. Gillis, Souhegan Woods GC 73-72-74-66 285 T8 Chris Francoeur (a) Amesbury, MA -7 69 68 137 8. Pat Pelletier, Hanover CC 73-71-72-69 285 T8 Chris Ayers (a) Wethersfield, CT -7 69 68 137 10. R. Dowling, Golf Perf. Ctr. (CT) 73-73-69-71 286 11 Ryan Gendron Tampa, FL -6 69 69 138 $1,100 10. Caleb Manuel, Brunswick GC 71-74-69-72 286 T12 Shawn Warren Windham, ME -5 67 72 139 $850 12. Jeff Giguere, Wannamoisett CC 68-73-72-74 286 T12 C. Greenleaf Windham, NH -5 69 70 139 $850 13. Jared Nelson, Rutland CC 73-75-74-66 288 T12 Mark Purrington Dartmouth, MA -5 69 70 139 $850 13. Ryan Pelletier, Pawtucket CC 73-70-72-73 288 T12 Fletcher Babcock Danielson, CT -5 70 69 139 $850 15. Austin Cilley, Winnepaug CC 72-70-70-78 290 T16 Andrew Gai Westport, CT -4 68 72 140 $150 T16 Matt Cowgill Weston, MA -4 69 71 140 $150 T16 Chris Houston Gilford, NH -4 70 70 140 $150 T16 Sam Grindle Deer Isle, ME -4 71 69 140 $150 T16 Barry Babbitt Winter Garden, FL -4 72 68 140 $150

30 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com TOURNAMENT GOLF By MASS GOLF STAFF Nine Mass. Golfers will be playing in U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst hree more Massachusetts shoot a seven or eight under in the golfers punched their ticket second half to hang on, but it worked to the 119th U.S. Amateur out in my favor, “ said Krekorian, TChampionship on Wednesday at who was playing in his hometown. Andover Country Club, increasing “I made a couple of nice up and the number of Bay State golfers downs late and was able to hold on.” in next month’s Championship Maccario, who was tied atop the Proper field to nine. Medalist Xavier leaderboard following his 4-under Marcoux, of Concord, who fired a 68 morning round, had two bogeys day-best 7-under 137 in the 36- and a double on his final nine of the hole qualifier, joins Andover’s Brett afternoon to fall down into a tie for Krekorian and Haverhill’s Nick third with Soosman, a rising senior at Maccario to complete Wednesday’s the University of Texas who medaled Bay State sweep. With their in the same event two years ago at placement atop the leaderboard, Andover. On Andover’s 10th hole, all three competitors qualified for which was used as the first playoff their first USGA Championship. hole, Maccario used an eight iron The trio will join from the rough to four or five feet, Massachusetts residents Steven Brett Krekorian, Xavier Marcoux and Nick Maccario then knocked in the left to right putt DiLisio, Jacob Zaranek, Davis to secure the final qualifying spot. Chatfield and Christian Emmerich, “It was awesome. I love Andover,” all of whom qualified on Monday at to play the [Amateur], where all the the mix [at U.S. Amateur qualifying] said the 27-year following his respective qualifiers in Massachusetts top college players will be, will be and today, I thought I would have to and Rhode Island, while a good test to see how I stack up both Matt Parziale and Michael against the rest of the college fields.” Thorbjornsen earned entrance In the morning round, Marcoux into the Championship carded a 3-under 69, combining Proper via exemptions from two birdies on his front nine with previous USGA performance. three additional birdies on his back Marcoux took the top spot on nine to finish one stroke behind the leaderboard with rounds of the leaders at the midway point. 69-68-137 while Krekorian fired “I got some really good breaks on 150 Gray Street, Warwick, RI 02889 a 5-under 139 after rounds of 71 my first 18 and I felt that I was able to and 68 respectively. Maccario, the take advantage of them, minimizing reigning Massachusetts Four-Ball the mistakes and that’s basically WE’VE GOT IT ALL champion, shot a 68 in his morning what kept me in it,” said Marcoux Located on scenic Warwick Neck, RI, we round Wednesday and after carding upon receiving his USGA medal. are a one-of-a-kind destination o ering an an even-par 72 in his afternoon He added, “On the second 18, unrivaled combination of amenities. From our round, defeated California’s Spencer marina, 9 hole golf course, pool, dining, plus Soosman in a one-hole playoff to I knew I probably had to shoot at wedding and event facilities, we’ve got it all. capture the final qualifying spot. least 3-under again and I stayed By land or sea all are welcome to join us. patient, took my holes where I had The 18-year old Marcoux, a good putts and converted a couple recent graduate of Florida’s early, then figured the rest out. 401-737-6353 | harborlights.com Montverde Academy, had missed In his second 18, he birdied the first [email protected] qualifying for the U.S. Junior hole starting from Andover’s 10th, Amateur Championship and the made three more birdies on his way in U.S. Open sectional stage by one and shot nothing greater than par to stroke apiece to date this year, and build on his first round performance. wasn’t going to let that happen a third time, as he tallied nine birdies Similar to Marcoux, both Brett over his two rounds to finish at Krekorian, a recent graduate 7-under 137, a two-stroke margin of South Carolina’s Limestone over the next closest competitor. College, and Nick Maccario, who plays out of Bradford Country “Qualifying for the Amateur is just Club, also qualified for their amazing,” said Marcoux, who has first USGA Championship with signed his national letter of intent to their performances Wednesday. compete on the Rutgers University Men’s Golf team this fall. “Me going “It’s pretty cool. I feel like in three into college next year and being able of the last four years, I have been in

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 31 By BRUCE VITTNER COURSE REVIEWS Bay Pointe Club Shining e recently traveled to yards. The conditioning is always Buzzards Bay to play a golf good and the people are very nice. course that I hadn’t played While we were playing there was a sinceW the early 1980’s. Then it was great deal of construction of houses called Wareham Golf Club, but taking place next to the fifth and today it is known as the Bay Pointe sixth holes. The Windward Pines is a Country Club. grouping of 84 luxury houses, both Everyone knows that Buzzards Bay single family and duplexes. There is part of Cape Cod as is Plymouth. are five different designs and each It has the same topography, rolling has a master suite on the first floor hills and rugged trees. The only and a garage. reason it is not considered part of the With a fine course adjacent to the Cape is that they built a canal and property and all the amenities that two bridges (really three if you count go with living near a golf course, the the railroad bridge just down the beaches in Onset and nearby Cape street) to cross over to the “Cape.” Cod, this is a very desirable place The good thing is that we didn’t to live and sales have been going have to cross the bridge and fight very well. the traffic, and the even better thing The head professional at Bay Pointe is that we found an excellent golf Country Club is Scott Trethewey, course to play at a very reasonable the former All-American golfer at price. It also had an excellent Bryant University who played for restaurant where I had the best the late Archie Boulet. He is a wealth Rueben in a long time. of knowledge about the course and Back to the course. Holes one, two One of the new homes across from the 6th fairway also the properties adjacent to the and three make you think that you course. are on the Cape. Hole one, a par 5 excellent job with this course. The uphill shot to the green is tricky and For more information or to make that is the 5th handicap hole, takes 15th, a par 5 dogleg left to a downhill the green itself is slippery. a tee time you can call 508-759- you straight up the hill and then a green might be the most strategic The course only plays to 6,201 8802 or go to the website at www. 90 degree turn to the left to a hole baypointeclub.com. that runs away from you as you head slightly downhill. Play a smart second shot into the opening and it is not too hard. Advertise on The hardest hole is the long par 4, second hole. The tee shot is partly SNEGolfer.com blind, and then you travel uphill again to a sloping green. We were and reach your wondering if we had bit off more target audience. than we could chew with these first two holes. You can see the green (first time in three holes) from the elevated tee. If you have Your tee shot goes down into the flats, but then your second shot goes questions about uphill to very back to front sloping advertising or green. Hole 4 is a downhill par 3, but then the course really levels off ad rates visit for a few holes. Our favorite hole was the seventh, snegolfer.com/ a very short island green par 3. ratecard It looks like you could just toss your ball onto the green, but some of those short shots are the most difficult, especially with all that aqua SNE Golfer has a around it. The trek from the 9th to the 10th Graphic Designer tee is quite a journey. It takes you The view of The Pavilion from the 10th green on staff that can past the new pavilion that is used for weddings and large parties. The hole on the course. Hole 18 is a yards from the back tees, but it design your ad terrain on the back is down, then fine finishing hole. You can see the plays much longer. The white tees at up, then flat, then up, then down. green in the distance, but you can’t 5,720 are just right for the average free of charge. Geoffrey Cornish, the dean of New see where your tee ball lands. The golfer who doesn’t hit the ball 250 England course designers, did an

32 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com ULSTERCOUNTY NEW YORK

SEEK FOR YOURSELF GET LOST Pristine, affordable courses IN THE GAME surrounded by majestic mountain & views with no wait time. Fall in love with the game all over again. ulstercountyalive.com By BRUCE VITTNER GOLF TRAVEL Poland Spring Resort has Great History ould Poland Spring Resort for almost 90 years? be the first golf resort in the Robbins, half kiddingly said that United States? Many people it should become an animal park or Cthink that it was. Maine historian a zoo. It was his wife Cyndi, who he Jason C. Libby has written a book had started working at the resort in entitled A Course Built By Legends 1971 as a waitress and married the that gives credence to that statement. boss, who saved the golf course from Most of us on the east coast know disappearing into the past. of Poland Spring water. In fact it In November of 1975 the Robbins is the number one seller of bottled leased the whole property from water in the United States. The Feldman and announced plans original spring, that sits about a five- to revive the country club. They iron away from the resort and only announced plans to increase the a pitching wedge from the second membership by offering access to green, opened in 1844. the pool and other amenities on the The Ricker family had purchased property. The ad they ran in a local the property in 1794 and it was a paper said: Full Family Membership farm. Hiram Ricker, grandson of $169. It included unlimited golf, use the original owner, started drinking of the tennis courts, free use of the giant from the spring in 1844 and it cured pool, locker room privileges, saunas, his stomach ailments. Word soon showers and reduced cart fees. Not bad spread about the curative value of for a Donald Ross original. this spring water and in 1859 the In 1982, after ten years of Rickers started selling this water leasing, the Robbins’ purchased throughout New England. The Maine State Building the resort. They continued to make The water was originally sold in improvements. Mel Robbins got barrels, but in 1876 they started part of a Red Cross benefit to raise two other women in 1927. Alzheimer’s disease in the late 90’s selling it in bottles. The profits were funds for veterans returning from Poland Spring was reorganized in and Cyndi cared for him until his huge and Hiram Ricker decided to World War I in 1918. In 1921 the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. The death in 2007. She has amazingly build the Poland Spring House. This President Warren Harding visited property was bought and sold many continued to run Poland Spring giant wooden structure had 350 and played golf. Calvin Coolidge times, and the golf course went into Resort and has expanded it and guest rooms, a pool room, a music stayed many times. Samuel Ryder disrepair. In 1962 Saul Feldman, made it even better. Golf Digest has hall, bowling alleys, dining facilities (he of the Ryder Cup) took lessons who had previously owned the rated Poland Spring as “One of the and even an elevator. at the course before he donated the Magnolia Manor in Gloucester, Best Places to Play” and “One of the In 1894 the family purchased the prize that started the event that is so Mass., purchased the property and Best Golf Resorts in New England.” Maine State Building that had been popular today. planned a new hotel, the Maine Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf built in Chicago for the World’s Fair. Poland Spring Resort had a Caddy Inn. He also started running golf Writers Assn. of America and the Golf They disassembled it, transported Camp from 1921 until 1965. There tournaments to attract more and Travel Writers of America. the parts by rail back to Poland, Me. were no golf carts then, and caddies new guests. In 1965 Feldman hosted and reassembled it on their property. were used by most everyone who the Vacationland Open to bring Today that building houses a library played the game. Most of the caddies media and new acclaim to Poland and is the home of the Maine State would come from the Boston area Spring. The winner was a young Want breaking Golf Association. for the summer. Bert Yancey who went on to have an Shortly after that, in 1895, the Fenn’s daughter, Bessie, became excellent pro career on Tour. golf news and Ricker family commissioned Arthur his assistant, and when he died in In 1972 Mel Robbins came one of a kind golf Fenn, who most consider the first 1924, Bessie was asked to become to Poland Spring to discuss golf architect born in America, to the head professional at Poland development options with Mr. travel stories? build a nine-hole course in front Spring. She also replaced her father Feldman. He originally wanted to Subscribe to of the Poland Spring House. He as head professional of the Poinciana sub-divide the property, but saw the became the first golf pro on the Club in Florida, the predecessor of potential of the hotel, golf course SNE Golfer and property, and his nine-holes were the Palm Club, beating and other building. “She was like have each issue all they had until Donald Ross, the out 400 males who applied for the a beautiful woman who had aged famous golf architect from Scotland position. badly,” said Robbins. deliverd to your who had moved to the Boston area Bessie only served as head Robbins decided to lease the hotel inbox the day it's early in the twentieth century to professional at Poland Spring for from Feldman. A decision was made ply his trade in America, was hired one year, but she later became the to make Poland Spring a budget- published. Visit to rework the course and add an assistant librarian at the Maine minded guest haven. On July 3, SNEGolfer.com additional nine holes. State Building on property. Glenna 1975 the Poland Spring House The Poland Spring House hosted Collett of Rhode Island, the women’s was destroyed by fire. There was no and Subscribe. many celebrities. The young Bobby national champion in 1927 played insurance! What would become of Jones from Atlanta came to play as an exhibition match with Bessie and the golf course that had been around

34 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com GOLF TRAVEL By BRUCE VITTNER Maine Trifecta a Winner Poland Spring, Spring Meadows and Fox Ridge Combine for Excellent Golf Package e recently had the after golf and met with over one hundred years ago. Hole opportunity to visit Maine Robbins who talked about one plays away from the clubhouse, for a golf trip. We had the hotel, restaurant and two comes back, three goes away oftenW heard of the Maine Golf activities scheduled for our and the signature par 4 holes goes Trifecta promoted by three of the stay. See the accompanying further away and down a steep hill. excellent public courses a short drive story on page 35. Hole four offers the most northwest of Portland, and when we The next morning we spectacular views on the course with were invited by Poland Spring owner traveled to Fox Ridge Golf a lake off in the distance. The sixth Cyndi Robbins to visit and play all Club about 15 minutes hole is a pretty par 3 over a pond. three courses it was a easy decision. away. We met with Dan Many of the greens are elevated and Imagine three fine golf courses Hourihan whose company saucer-shaped in the Ross tradition. getting together to offer a golf manages the course. “We It is such fun to think about the package! In this day and age when have hosted the Maine people who have walked these same everything is so parochial, it was Open and Golf Digest rates fairways and putted on these greens refreshing to see three different us a Top 10 course in the over the last more than 100 years. ownership groups working together state,” he said with a smile. Presidents, world-class amateurs, to provide such an excellent golfing Fox Ridge is the most top professionals, millionaires and experience. difficult of the three so many more have walked on this Our first round was at Spring courses. It plays over 6,800 same property. Meadows Golf Club in Gray, just from the back and the blue Back to the Maine Trifecta. We a short distance from the Maine tees are just under 6,300 have seen Cyndi Robbins, Dave Turnpike, less than a half hour from yards. We played the white Pollard and others at the Boston, Portland and under three hours tees from 5,800 yards and Providence and Connecticut golf from Providence. Spring Meadows it was a test. Number 2 has shows over the years. We really had was designed by Brad Booth and a downhill drive followed a chance to sit down with them on opened in 1999 on former farmland by a shot over a marsh our visit to get all the information. owned by the Pollard family. In fact area. The par 5 fourth is The brochure that they hand out at the pro shop and large dining and the number one handicap. the Shows says, “3 Great Courses-1 bar area was the site of the former It requires an uphill drive Incredible Price for $319*. The barn. with trees on both sides of asterisk says that you can upgrade Dave Pollard is the general manager the fairway. Handle that accommodations (stay in the Maine and he talked about the course, its and then your next shot Inn) for an additional $30—it is history and the reasons for being is over that same marsh worth it! part of the Trifecta. “We have a area that came into play The package includes two nights wonderful course that has quite a on number 2. Carry that, lodging at Poland Spring, four all- few risk/reward holes. Booth did and then you have a shot you-can eat buffet meals, 18 holes a fine job with the layout, and it is to a large and undulating with cart at each of the three courses a fun course to play. The Trifecta The 4th Hold at Poland Spring green. and driving range balls. There are brings us new golfers who might not The par 3 fifth is the not many packages this inexpensive have made the trek to just play one trifecta is great at the race track, and signature hole, a downhill anywhere in the country. course.” He was correct in all three this golf package is a winner,” he said par 3 with water front, left and over We saw many couples and also of his comments. with a smile. the green. It plays 169 from the golf groups—both men and women. The clubhouse sits on top of a hill Spring Meadows is aptly named. white tees and usually into the wind. “This is such a great deal, we come and the first hole plays down the The holes are well designed, Might be time for an old ball. every summer” said a couple from hill and around a pond. It looks especially the par 3 fourth over a The course travels uphill and Connecticut who toured the Maine intimidating (the #3 handicap hole), marsh area and the par 3 sixth over downhill often. You need to be on State Building Museum with our but there is plenty of room to go a chasm with a great backdrop right your game to score well. It is very group of writers. around the pond. The third hole is and behind the green that slings pretty, but challenging. You will The back of the brochure says the number one handicap for good balls towards the hole. really enjoy the long par 5 11th and “Want to go some place where you reason. It measures 585 yards from Number 11 was one of the most the straight downhill par 3 13th. can relax and not spend an arm the back and has three marsh areas challenging holes, a dogleg left that Our last round was at Poland and a leg? The Maine Trifecta is to carry during your travels to the is guarded by a small pond front Spring. We had played there about the perfect solution!” They are not green. “Big hitters can carry the first left. “That is where the cows mostly 15 years ago for a story, and the fibbing. two, but it is wiser to hit over one hung out,” said Brad Pollard, Dave’s course was even better than we You can get more information per shot,” said Ben Morey, PGA brother, who runs the fine Cole remembered it. How great it is to by visiting the website at www. professional who played with us Farms restaurant across the street just walk out the front door of your mainetrifecta.com or by calling and said it was he who thought of from the course. hotel room and on to the first green. 207-998-4351. the name “Trifecta” when the three We drove 20 minutes and checked This Donald Ross designed course courses were choosing a name to in at the Poland Spring Resort (see page 35 for other designer use for their package. “Winning a theories) is typical of courses built

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 35 SNE GOLFER LOCATOR MAP RHODE ISLAND COURSES 401-294-0684, www.nkgc.com, 33. DUDLEY HILL G.C. (9) P 508-695-0091, www.stixfuncenter.com, TrueStrike 1. BEAVER RIVER G.C. (18) P DR,PS,CR,CL,CH,O Fat Belly’s 80 Airport Rd. Dudley, MA golf mats, grass tees, minigolf, batting cages, putting green, bunker, lessons 343 Kingstown Rd. Richmond, RI, 401-539-2100 20. PINECREST GOLF CLUB (9) P 508-943-4538, www.dudleyhillgolf.net www.beaverrivergolf.com, PS,CR,CH,SB,O 25 Pinehurst Dr. Richmond, RI, 401-364-8600 CR,CH,Rest,O CONNECTICUT COURSES 2. BUTTON HOLE SHORT COURSE (9) P, X www.pinecrestri.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O, Leagues 34. EASTON C.C. (18) SP 49. AIRWAYS G.C. (18) P 1 Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI, 401-421-1664 21. RICHMOND C.C. (18) SP 265 Purchase St. Easton, MA 1070 S. Grand St., W. Suffield, CT www.buttonhole.org, CL,CH,DR,PS, Lessons Sandy Pond Rd. Richmond, RI 401-364-9200 508-238-2500, www.eastoncountryclub.com 860-668-4973, www.airwaysgolf.com 3. COUNTRY VIEW G.C. (18) P www.richmondcountryclub.net CR,CL,PS,CH,O CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O CR,CL,CH,SB,O 49 Club Lane Burrillville, RI, 401-568-7157 22. ROSE HILL GOLF CLUB (9) P, X 35. FOXBOROUGH C.C. (18) SP 50. ELMRIDGE GOLF CLUB (27) P www.countryviewgolf.net, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 222 Rose Hill Rd. So. Kingstown, RI, 401-788- 33 Walnut St. Foxborough, MA 508-543-4661X3, 4. COVENTRY PINES G.C. (9) P 1088, www.rosehillri.com CR,CL,CH,SB, Leagues www.foxboroughcc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,DR,O 229 Elmridge Rd. Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-2248 www.elmridgegolf.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O 1065 Harkney Hill Rd. Coventry, RI 23. TRIGGS MEMORIAL G.C. (18) P 36. HAZELTON GC (18) P 51. FOX HOPYARD (18) SP 401-397-9482 Chalkstone Ave. Providence, RI 329 Summer St. Rehoboth, MA 508-557-1856 1 Hopyard Rd. East Haddam, CT www.coventrypines.com CR,CH,CL,SB,DR 401-521-8460, www.triggs.us, CR,CL,PS,CH,O www.hazeltongolfclub.com CR,PS,CH,O 5 .CRYSTAL LAKE G.C. (18) SP 24 WINDMILL HILL G.C. (9) X 37. HILLSIDE CC (9) SP 860-434-6644, www.golfthefox.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 100 Bronco’s Hwy. Mapleville RI 401-567-4500 35 Schoolhouse Rd. (off Rt 136) Warren, RI 82 Hillside Ave. Rehoboth, MA 508-252-9761 52. LAKE OF ISLES C.C. (18) P www.crystallakegolfclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O 401-245-1463, www.windmillgolfri.com www.hillsidecountryclub.com Sauna, Pool, Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT, 860-312- 6.CRANSTON C.C. (18) P CR,CL,CH,O, Restaurant Courts,CR,CL,CH,Tiki Bar,O, Lessons 3636, www.lakeofisles.com CR,CL,PS,SB,Rest.,O, 69 Burlingame Rd. Cranston, RI, 401-826-1683 25. WINNAPAUG C.C. (18) P 38. JOHN E. PARKER MUNI. G.C. (9) P Golf School www.cranstoncc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 184 Shore Rd. (Rt. 1A) Westerly, RI 401- 17 Fisher St. Taunton, MA, 508-822-1797 53. MOHEGAN SUN GOLF CLUB (18) P 7.EXETER C.C. (18) SP 596-1237 www.winnapaugcountryclub.com CR,DR,CH,SB, Skins Thurs. at 3:45 7 Dows Ln. Baltic, CT 860-862-9230 320 Victory Hwy. (Rt.102) Exeter, RI CR,CL,CH,DR,SB,O 39. JUNIPER HILL G.C. (36) P www,mohegansungolfclub.com CR,CL,PS,CH 401-295-8212 www.exetercc.com 26. WOOD RIVER GOLF (18) P 202 Brigham St. Northboro, MA, 508-393-2444 golf packages, Lessons CR,CL,PS,CH,O 78 Woodville-Alton Rd. Hope Valley, RI, 401-364- www.juniperhillgc.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,SB,O 54. QUARRY RIDGE GOLF CLUB (18) SP 8. FAIRLAWN GOLF COURSE (9) P,X 0700, www.woodrivergolf.com, CR,CH,SB,O 40. MAPLEGATE COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 9A Rose Hill Rd. Portland, CT 860-342-6113 3 Sherman Ave. Lincoln, RI 401-334-3937 160 Maple St. Bellingham, MA, 508-966-4040 www.quarryridge.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O riding www.fairlawngolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,SB,O RHODE ISLAND DRIVING RANGES www.maplegate.com, CR,CL,PS,CH 9. FENNER HILL G.C. (18) P A. BUTTON HOLE LEARNING CENTER 41. THR LINKS AT MASS GOLF (18) P, X only 55. RACEWAY GOLF COURSE (18) SP 33 Wheeler Ln. Hope Valley, RI 401-539-8000 1 Button Hole Dr. Providence, RI 401-421-1664 300 W. Maine Rd. (Rt 123) Norton, MA 205 E. Thompson Rd. Thompson, CT www.fennerhill.com, CR,DL,PS,CH,O www.buttonhole.org, target greens, 2 putting 508-222-0555, www.linksatmassgolf.org 10. FOSTER COUNTRY CLUB (18) P greens, lessons CL,PS,CH,SB,O 860-923-9591, www.racewaygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,DR,O 67 Johnson Rd. Foster, RI, 401-397-7750 B. IRON WOODS GOLF PRACTICE CENTER 42. NORTON COUNTRY CLUB (18) SP 56. RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB (18) P www.fostercountryclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH,O 1081 Iron Hill Mine Rd. (off Rt.146) N. Smithfield, 188 Oak St. Norton, MA, 508-285-2400 259 Preston Rd. Griswold, CT 11. HARBOR LIGHTS MARINA & C.C. (9) P RI, 401-766-1151, www.iwgolf.com, putting greens, www.nortoncountryclub.com, CR,CL,CH,SB,O 860-376-3268, www.riverridgegolf.com 150 Gray St. Warwick, RI, 401-737-6353 grass tees, covered area, bunker, lessons, repairs 43. OLDE SCOTLAND LINKS (18) P CR,CL,PS,CH,O www.HarborLightsRI.com, CR,CL,PS,DR,CH,O C. MULLIGAN’S ISLAND GOLF & 695 Pine St. Bridgewater, MA, 508-279-3344 57. SHENNECOSSETT G.C. (18) P Restaurant, Leagues ENTERTAINMENT (9) X www.oldescotlandlinks.com, CR,CL,SB,DR,O 12. JAMESTOWN G.C. (9) P 1000 New London Ave. (Rt 2) Cranston, RI 44. PINE OAKS G.C. (9) P 93 Plant St. Groton, CT, 860-448-1867 www.shennygolf.com CR,CL,CH,PS,Rest.,O 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, 401-423-9930 401-464-8855, www.mulligansisland.com 68 Prospect St., S. Easton, MA, 508-238-2320 58. SKUNGAMAUG RIVER G.C. (18) SP www.jamestowngolf.com CR,CL,CH,SB 60 stall driving range, covered area, batting cages, www.pineoaks.com, CR,CL,CH,O 13. KINGS CROSSING G.C. (9) P mini-golf, par 3 course, 18-hole , Retail Store 104 Folly Ln., Coventry, CT, 860-742-9348 www.skungamauggolf.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 655 Old Baptist Rd. N. Kingstown, RI, PGA Golf Academy, Spargo Golf on premises, club 45. REHOBOTH C.C. (18) P 59. WINDHAM CLUB. (18) SP 401-294-2872, www.kingscrossinggolfclub.com fitting and repairs 155 Perryville Rd Rehoboth, MA, 508-252-6259 184 Club Rd. N.Windham, CT 860-456-1971 CR,PS,CH,O www.rehobothcountryclub.com, CR,CH,PS,O www.windhamclub.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O 14. LAUREL LANE C.C. (18) P MASSACHUSETTS COURSES 46. SHAKER HILLS G.C. (18) P Laurel Lane, off Rt.138, W. Kingston, RI 27. BACK NINE CLUB (18) X 146 Shaker Rd. Harvard, MA, 978-772-3330 401-783-3844, www.laurellanecountryclub.com 17 Heritage Hill Dr. Lakeville, MA 508-947-9991 www.shakerhills.com CR,CL,PS,CH,O www.thebacknineclub.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O 15. MEADOWBROOK G.C. (18) P CL,CR,CH,Rest.,Lessons 47. SHINING ROCK G.C. (18) SP MAP KEY 163 Kingstown Rd. (Rt.138) Richmond, RI 28. BLACKSTONE NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 91 Clubhouse Way, Northbridge, MA, 508-234- ( ) = Holes PS = Pro Shop 401-539-8491 www.meadowbrookgolfri.com 227 Putnam Hill Rd. Sutton, MA, 508-865-2111 0400, www.shiningrock.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O P = Public CH = Clubhouse CR,CL,CH,PS,O www.bngc.net, CR,CL,CH,PS,O,DR 48. WENTWORTH HILLS G.C. (18) SP 27 SP = Semi Private O = Outings 16. MELODY HILL C.C. (18) P 29. BLISSFUL MEADOWS G.C. (18) SP Bow St. Plainville, MA, 508-316-0240 X = Executive SB = Snack Bar CR = Cart Rental CL = Club Rental 55 Melody Hill Ln. Harmony, RI, 401-949-9851 801 Chocalog Rd. Uxbridge, MA, 508-278-6110 www.wentworthhillsgc.com, CR,CL,CH,PS,O DR = Driving Range CR,PS,CH, O www.blissfulmeadows.com, CR,CL,CH,DR,PS,O 17. MIDVILLE COUNTRY CLUB (9) P 30. BUNGAY BROOK G.C. (9) P MASSACHUSETTS DRIVING RANGES 100 Lombardi Ln. W. Warwick, RI, 401-828-9215 30 Locust St. Bellingham, MA, 508-883-1600 D. ATLANTIC DRIVING RANGE/ www.midvillegolfclub.com, CR,CL,PS,CH www.bungaybrook.com, CR,CL,DR,PS,CH,O SHADOWBROOK (9) X Our website 18. NEWPORT NATIONAL G.C. (18) SP 31. CAPTAINS COURSE (36) P 754 Newport Ave. So. Attleboro, MA, 508-761- 324 Mitchells Ln. Middletown, RI, 401-848-9690 1000 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA, 508-896-1716 5484, www.atlanticgolfcenter.com, heated tees, www.snegolfer.com www.newportnational.com, CR,CL,PS,SB,O www.captainsgolfcourse.com CR,CL,CH,PS,O retail shop, mini golf, chip and putt has directions and 32. CHEMAWA GOLF COURSE (18) P E. STIX GOLF & BASEBALL FUN CENTER 19. NORTH KINGSTOWN G.C. (18) P information for each course. 615 Callahan Rd. No. Kingstown, RI, 350 Cushman Rd. N. Attleboro, MA, 508-399- 582 Kelley Blvd., No. Attleboro, MA 7330, http://chemawagolf.com CR,CH,O,CL

36 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com SNE GOLFER LOCATOR MAP

Harvard 4416

39 31

Dudley 47 33 28 30 35 40 29 48 55 43 55 412 41 54 49 Portland E 2392 5 43198 16 D 8 45 36 37 A 34 43194 27 10 23 58 6 C 24 59 Windham 4 17 11

56 7 13 19

Baltic 12 18 53 51 26 9 17 14 52 20 25 15 1 22 21 14 50 57

EVERY DAY RATES 2019 Monday thru Sunday 18 Holes $22 13 Holes $1 Weekday Special 11 Holes $1 18 Holes w/cart $37, Valid 7am to 12pm (M-F) Not valid with other discounts, coupons, tournaments and outings Not valid holidays Restaurant open to public Weekday Greens Fees - 18 holes $30 / Seniors $25, 9 Holes $20 Mon-Fri Lunch and Dinner Sat-Sun Breakfast Only Wood River Golf Weekends & Holidays Golf 78A Woodville Alton Road 18 holes - $37, After 12pm $27 Restaurant open for Private Parties Hope Valley, RI 02832 Tournament prices 18 holes w/cart $42 Min. and Functions Sat-Sun 11am-8:30pm 32 People Banquet and Golf League Dates Exit 2 off Route 95 Available. Call Pro Shop Daily Dinner Specials * Pub Menu www.woodrivergolf.com 401-364-0700

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 37 SNE GOLFER Alpine CC’s Unique Fundraiser Name the Hole! lpine Country Club in Cran- and also to double the pot if a player ston, RI recently held a fund- wins a skin with a birdie. raiser unlike most others. Club The stakes were $50 per hole, so that PresidentA Alan Santamaria challenged made each hole worth $150. Alan won his members to help raise money for the skin on the first hole, but alas, it was the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foun- his only one of the day. Kevin made a dation. sandie to save one hole, but he didn’t The impetus for this fundraiser was win one either. Net, they both donated the recent “Fifty for Father” mission $1,950 to the Diabetes Foundation. done by Pete Crozier to raise money Lauren was the big winner as she to honor his dad who died 20 years had 29 skins with carryovers, skins, ago from diabetes and his son who pins and birdies and won $3,850 and August 2019 Name That was recently diagnosed with stage one Ava won $50 of their dads’ money diabetes. Crozier’s goal was to play fifty that was then donated. “We wanted to Hole courses in fifty states in fifty days. He push Pete over the top, and this was a Name the hole above and was highlighted in Golf Digest, and great and fun way to try to do it,” said his 49th day and round was played at Santamaria who told those that thought win a 2020 Season Passport. Alpine C.C. he was teaching the children to gamble Santamaria and his daughter, Ava, a was really teaching them “how to raise Email answers only to fine junior player played a money for charity.” [email protected]. with Kevin Dohoney and his daughter, What a fun and unusual way to help Lauren, also a fine player. Since “Skins” those who are less fortunate. Maybe it Winner will be recognized is an individual betting game, it was is something that other clubs might each player against the other three. consider. in the Fall 2019 issue. They decided to use the carry over rule TRIVIA

Near what major city do the following courses reside? 1. Merion 2. Valhalla 3. Riviera 4. Torrey Pines 5. East Lake 6. Bethpage 7. TPC Sawgrass June's Name the Hole 8. Doral 9. Olympic Club Winner is Marc Soss. 10. Dunes Club

The August Winner Myrtle Beach Myrtle 10.

San Francisco San

will be announced in 9.

Miami 8.

Jacksonville the September 29th 7.

NYC

issue of SNE Golfer. 6. Atlanta 5.

San Diego San

If you know the hole 4.

Los Angeles Los 3.

Louisville above send your 2.

Philadelphia answers to bruce@ 1.

snegolfer.com Answers

38 SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com GOLF FITNESS By STEVE ZARRIELLO It's All In The Hips Online Sales of Golf Products on the Rise tand tall and turn your toes in program. Many people have “tight We found this story in the latest figure jumps to 63% for golfers toward each other. This is called hips” and feel that stretching is report from the National Golf overall and 64% for core golfers. hip internal rotation. Now turn the answer, but the truth is that Foundation By comparison, 45% of golfers and Syour toes away from each other. This tightness is often a compensation 47% of core golfers bought golf- is hip external rotation. In the golf for weakness somewhere. This is The Internet is changing sales related merchandise at an online swing both hips need to be able to problematic for two reasons. The tactics everywhere and as Amazon golf-specialty store. internally and externally rotate. On first is that it means stretching alone becomes a bigger force in retail the backswing your back leg will is a temporary fix. The second is – a place to buy not just books, Direct-to-consumer sales are also go into internal rotation and your more concerning, and that is that but household goods, electronics on the rise, with 16% of core golfers front will go into external rotation. when we stretch we loosen up the and yes, sporting goods, too – it saying they purchased goods directly On the downswing the opposite muscles holding the tension. If the is affecting nearly every subset of from golf equipment manufacturers will happen. With many people the tension they were creating was there retail in every vertical and category. (Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist), hips are where rotation starts to go to stabilize a joint we now have an The shift in consumer behavior while 13% said they bought wrong. I unstable joint that we’re rotating and spending habits extends to golf merchandise directly from golf around violently and increasing the as in other markets. Both brick shoe/apparel manufacturers (Adidas, Poor hip rotation on the backswing risk for injury. Our key to success and mortar and Internet-based Nike, Under Armour, etc). These will cause many people to lose is to add proper strengthening to retailers fear going the way of represent higher margin sales for posture as they try to contort the this stretching program. Creating Circuit City, Toys ‘R’ Us and The OEMs and apparel makers, but in rest of their body to create more strength in hip flexion, extension, Sports Authority and being eclipsed the past had been frowned upon rotation in other areas. The same and rotation will work wonders for by bigger and more versatile rivals. as potentially poaching from their retail network. Some smaller golf is true of the downswing where the both your game on the course, and Golf is one of the nation’s leading hips need to turn fully to the target. for how your body feels at the end ball manufacturers, from OnCore individual participation sports, and Cut to Vice and Snell, are This lack of rotation can manifest of a long day of golf. which in turn fosters spending on itself into a sway or slide, a reverse focusing predominantly on the equipment, apparel and accessories. direct-to-consumer approach. spin angle, or early extension, all Steve Zarriello is the owner of NGF research shows that 37% causing inconsistent contact and Olympia Fitness and Performance, of golfers bought golf-related Consumers expect their favorite creating unreliable shot direction located in Cranston, RI. He has merchandise online last year, rising retailers to offer a satisfying cross- and distance. The good news is that been training clients of all different from 35% the previous year, and channel shopping experience, you can work on this! ages, abilities and backgrounds to account for a growing percentage whether it is to browse and/or help them reach their specific goals of total golf merchandise sales. And research online prior to making store The first step is to get an assessment for 10 years. His primary focus is on when looking at adult core golfers purchases or order goods online done, because if we don’t test, it’s working with golfers to help improve (those who played eight or more followed by in-store pickup. Today, just a guess. Then it’s time to start their ability to play the game and rounds), that number climbs to to compete anywhere, you have a stretching and strengthening keep them pain free. 49% of core golfers who made to be everywhere. This shift in a golf-related purchase last year, consumer behavior extends to golf whether that was clubs, balls, bags, as in other markets. This Year, Play Improve your swing speed and consistency, gloves, shoes or apparel. movement quality, and prevent injury. The trend toward more online sales The market for golf clubs and balls is causing reverberations among BETTER Swing Analysis Golf Performance Therapy 17-point TPI mobility screening Identify areas of concern, alone was $2.7 billion in 2018, up golf retailers. It’s been a fascinating establishes baselines & your improve range of motion or about 6% from the previous year, evolution to the golf retail sector GOLF customized program. rehabilitate an active injury. with our Titleist according to NGF research. over the last few decades. The Performance Institute Mobility & Strength Training majority of premium products were Certified Strength 7-Point Strength & Power Testing based on your specific golf needs. As the market for golf equipment once sold at green-grass shops by Coaches, Program continues to evolve, Amazon club professionals, prior to the rise & Therapy and, to a lesser extent, eBay, are of off-course specialty retailers such + gaining a significant presence in as Nevada Bob’s and Edwin Watts, Located at 10 Worthington Road in the golf consumer space. A growing (401) 467-6701 OlympiaFitnessRI.com 401-250-3060 RestorePTRI.com and then the emergence of big-box Cranston, it’s easy to get started. info@olympiafitnessri.com [email protected] number of golfers are following stores such as DICK’s Sporting buying habits elsewhere and more Goods that bought in bulk and frequently turning to such non- could offer even lower prices. In endemic online options for many the Internet age, online specialty golf-related purchases. golf retailers started chipping away Subscribe to receive the digital More than half of those who at the market share of those other purchased golf merchandise online channels. copy of each issue delivered to in the last year did so at a general It begs the question: Can online merchandiser such as Amazon steal share from online golf your inbox the day it’s published. Amazon (57% for golfers and 58% specialty retailers and make them an for core golfers). When including afterthought? auction sites, such as eBay, that

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GOLFER / Aug/Sept 2019 / 401-464-8445 / www.snegolfer.com 39