NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK 1903 OakmontLinks
OOA UGUST 2006 | akmont akmontWWW.OAKMONTCC.ORG
Dacey/McGough WinLinks 2006 Kiltie
BY BOB FORD, CLUB PROFESSIONAL The 2006 Kiltie!!! (Ed. Note: Our esteemed archivist, John Fitzgerald has told us that the name of the old Member-Guest Tournament was changed to THE KILTIE about 1974 when member Joe Connell gave it that title. Anyone have any other information on that?)
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CONTENTS Pebble Beach Flight Winners, Mark Dacey and Bruce McGough won the Overall 2006 Kiltie Page Championship, July 28-29, besting the 11 other flight winners. And they look pleased. Bunker To Bunker ...... 1, 2, 3, 4 Know The Board ...... 4 Weakender News ...... 5 It’s Your Serve! ...... 5 From the Red Tees ...... 6-8 Welcome New Members ...... 7 How About Taking Some Notes? ...... 9 Kitchen Korner ...... 9 Our Sympathy ...... 9 The Practice Range ...... 10 Avoid the Pulls ...... 10 The Great Furrow Dispute at the U.S. Open ...... 11 Pool News ...... 11 Perry Como ...... 12 A pleasant evening in the grove for all the 2006 Kiltie members and guests.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks Bunker to Bunker FROM PAGE 1 Diebold Cup 2006 Kiltie Invitational Final Results REPORTED BY JOHN BIRMINGHAM, JR. Flight Winners Points For the third year in a row, and seven of the last nine years, Oakmont Country Club has won the 2006 Winged Foot Arne Thomas & Steve Thomas 281/2 Seminole Curt Coulter & Sean McDonough 27 Diebold Cup. OCC golfers defeated the Pittsburgh Pine Valley Dave Stanchak & Chris Weilminster 33 Field Club by 31 points the weekend of August 4-5-6. Fox Chapel finished third and Longue Vue finished Pinehurst Mike Francis & Randy Payne 291/2 Pebble Beach Bruce McGough & Mark Dacey 29 fourth. Olympic Tom Usher & Jim Usher 31 After two close matches on Friday afternoon and Oakmont Rick Dell & Bill Rosa 311/2 Saturday morning, the Field Club had a 3 point lead. Merion Paul Walsh & Joe Francis 291/2 When the team left Oakmont on Saturday afternoon Cypress Point David Fitzsimmons & Robert Stanley 28 after the 2-ball matches, Oakmont had a 34.5 point Augusta Richard Kacin & John Righi 31 lead. Our team won 60 out of a possible 72 points. Baltusrol John Newell Sr. & Skip Yakopec 321/2 Needless to say, we were able to hold on to our lead at Shinnecock Larry Werner & Bernard Werner 33 the Field Club on Sunday afternoon. The Oakmont Diebold Team consisted of: Rich SKILL EVENTS - Friday, July 28th Bergland, John Birmingham, Jr., Mark Bope, John Longest Drive #1 0-13 hdcp David Rohrich Bryan, Jr., Curt Coulter, Ned Foster, Steve Leone, Longest Drive #1 14 & over Mike Molewski Paul Mazeski, Malcolm Spatz, Jim Sullivan, Jr., Chick Closest to Pin #6 0-13 hdcp Robert Stanley 2’2” Wagner and Rob Wagner. The team also had two first Closest to Pin #6 14 & over Fred Broad 5’ time players in Brett Bergman and Nathan Sutherland. Closest to Pin #8 0-13 hdcp Tom Grealish 4’4” A tremendous effort and a BIG congratulations goes Closest to Pin #8 14 & over Brian Molinaro 31’1” out from all the members of Oakmont Country Club Longest Putt #9 0-13 hdcp Pete Bevacqua 42’3” to this sensational achievement by this team! Longest Putt #9 14 & over Gene Burns 18’1” Closest to Pin #13 0-13 hdcp Chris Weilminster 2’8” Bob Friend, Jr. wins West Penn Open Closest to Pin #13 14 & over Gene Farrell 3’9” With his 2006 West Penn Open victory, Bob Friend, Jr. Longest Putt #15 0-13 hdcp Rick Dell 32’8” added this title to wins in the West Penn Amateur in Longest Putt #15 14 & over Gene Burns 9’10” 1984 and 1985, becoming only the tenth player in the Closest to Pin #16 0-13 hdcp Curt Coulter 9’9” Association’s 107-year history to win both. Friend joins Closest to Pin #16 14 & over Bob Murphy 11’5” three Oakmont golfers who have won both the West Penn Longest Drive #18 0-13 hdcp Andrew Swank Amateur and West Penn Open – Frank Fuhrer, III, John Longest Drive #18 14 & over Andrew McWilliams Birmingham and W.C. Fownes. (Nice company, right?) SKILL EVENTS - Saturday, July 29th MOVIN’ ON UP....! Longest Drive #1 0-13 hdcp Scott Mattis One of our former Assistant Professionals, Jack Druga, Longest Drive #1 14 & over Mike Molewski has recently been named Head Professional at Closest to Pin #6 0-13 hdcp Harry Spector 3” Shinnecock Hills Country Club in Southhampton, Closest to Pin #6 14 & over Mike Molewski 4’6” New York. Jack is leaving the Country Club of Closest to Pin #8 0-13 hdcp Rob Santangelo 5’10” Fairfield, New Jersey after 10 years to begin his exciting Closest to Pin #8 14 & over Mike Molewski 26’11” new assignment. CONGRATULATIONS, JACK! Longest Putt #9 0-13 hdcp David Riggins 39’2” Longest Putt #9 14 & over Gene Farrell 21’9” Fairway Feats! Closest to Pin #13 0-13 hdcp Jeff Nigro 4’2” Closest to Pin #13 14 & over Joe Francis 14’5” HOLE IN ONE - #6 Brock Bergman Longest Putt #15 0-13 hdcp David Rohrich 12’8” 194 yards with a 6 iron. Longest Putt #15 14 & over Andrew Aloe 8’ HOLE IN ONE - #16 Andrew Swank Closest to Pin #16 0-13 hdcp Bill Griffin 7’ 211 yards with a 5 iron. Closest to Pin #16 14 & over Jack Smith 31’7” Eagle on #2 – Dave Slember Longest Drive #18 0-13 hdcp Nick Andrews Eagle on #3 – Curt Coulter Longest Drive #18 14 & over John Newell Sr.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 2 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks 2006 Kiltie Flight Winners WINGED FOOT FLIGHT SEMINOLE FLIGHT PINE VALLEY FLIGHT
Steve Thomas and Dr. Arne Thomas Curt Coulter and Sean McDonough Dave Stanchak and Chris Weilminster
PINEHURST FLIGHT PEBBLE BEACH FLIGHT OLYMPIC FLIGHT
Randy Payne and Mike Francis Mark Dacey and Bruce McGough Jim Usher and Tom Usher
OAKMONT FLIGHT MERION FLIGHT CYPRESS POINT FLIGHT
Bill Rosa and Rick Dell Paul Walsh and Joe Francis Robert Stanley and Dave Fitzsimmons
AUGUSTA FLIGHT BALTUSROL FLIGHT SHINNECOCK FLIGHT
Richard Kacin and John Righi Skip Yakopec and John Newell, Sr. Bernard Werner and Larry Werner
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 3 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks Bunker to Bunker FROM PAGE 3 Know Junior Club Championship Congratulations to Jon Wright on Ford Shoots the Board winning the 13 and over division of Record 62 BY AL DUDRECK, EXECUTIVE EDITOR the Junior Club Championship and Third In A Series: (Taken from an article by Mike Dudurich, Chandler Ford on winning the 12 sports writer for the Pittsburgh-Tribune L.R. Larry Werner, Secretary and under division. Jon shot scores Review) A member of Oakmont Country Club of 83-82 and Chandler shot two since 1990 and a member of the Board of nine-hole scores of 50 and 53. A couple of weeks ago, putting up a round of 62 was the furthest thing Governors since 2003, Larry is responsi- from Bob Ford’s mind. He was having ble for upgrading and improving the trouble standing straight up because communications elements of our Club. of a bad back that flared up just before Since taking over the chairmanship of the the Sewickley Heights Invitational. Communication Committee, Larry has He shot his worst round in decades worked very hard to make sure that all members are fully informed of what is and has been on the mend since. happening and, more importantly, why it In the final round of the 2006 is happening at our Club. Larry was a Tri-State Senior PGA Professional member of the Public Relations Championship Qualifier/TSPGA Committee for the 1992 Women’s and Senior Section Championship at 1994 Men’s U.S. Opens. Quicksilver Golf Club, Ford had one Jon Wright, winner of 13 & over division of Currently a consultant, Larry was the of those “magical days.” He made 10 Junior Club Championship and Assistant Pro former Managing Director/Partner for Chris Muldoon. birdies, no bogeys and established Ketchum, one of the nation’s largest the Quicksilver competitive course public relations firms. Before that, he was record of 62. Senior Vice President of Marketing, “I haven’t even shot a 65 or 66 Human Resources and Communications as long as I can remember,” the for Equibank and Manager, Public Oakmont pro said. “I had 12 one-putt Relations for U.S. Steel Corporation. He greens, and the longest putt was is a member of the Duquesne Club and is from about 20 feet.” currently on the board of the Pittsburgh With the win, Ford qualifies for Regional Alliance, the Boy Scouts of the PGA Senior National Champion- America and emeritus board member of ship to be played October 19-22 at Seton Hill College. Larry received a BA the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, degree from Duquesne University and his Florida. MA degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Mary reside Chris Muldoon with Chandler Ford, winner of HOW ABOUT THAT, in Sewickley. the 12 & under division of the Junior Club OAKMONT MEMBERS! Championship 13 and over results: Pro-Junior Jon Wright ...... 82-83 Scramble Derek Jones ...... 90-83 Assistant Professional Jay Ford ...... 92-86 John Stafford and junior Dan Wolf ...... 92-88 golf members Robbie David Mullen ...... 88-95 Denove and Beau Bergman teamed up to 12 and under results: win the 2006 Pro-Junior Chandler Ford ...... 50-53 Scramble by shooting a Troy Bergland ...... 58-51 score of 30 on the front Chris Kohl ...... 52-59 nine!!! Nick Huber ...... 63-49 Asst. Pro John Stafford, Robbie Denove and Beau Bergman Keenan Hickton ...... 58-55 – winners of 2006 Pro-Junior Scramble
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 4 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks W EAKENDERS N EWS It’s Your Serve! BY RICH SPACE, WEAKENDERS CHAIRMAN Weakenders Party – 2006! It’s that time again for one of the best events of the golf season at Oakmont Country Club. Another great weekend of golf and fellowship! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 22nd and Saturday, September 23rd. Schedule: Friday – 11:00 a.m. Shotgun • Snacks and drinks on the course. • Lunch at the turn. • Putting contest immediately following Some of the 75 juniors playing in Oakmont’s daily tennis clinics. Our juniors won 4 of their 6 golf matches against local competitors this summer. • Hors d’oeuvres, beer and dinner on Tennis at Oakmont Country Club has never been stronger with over 100 men, #9 porch (weather permitting) women and juniors involved in the program. The top-quality OCC tennis • First day prizes awarded program is lead by Tom Mercer, a formerly world-ranked ATP player. Tom is Saturday – 9:30 a.m. Shotgun regionally recognized as an outstanding teaching professional offering quality • Breakfast Buffet – 7:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. instruction on stroke execution and game strategy for beginners and advanced • Lunch at the turn. players alike. Our tennis activity has grown substantially in programs and participation under his leadership and we are very lucky to have such a profes- • Snacks on #18 porch and men’s grille sional at our Club. • Saturday and two-day prizes awarded Last fall, Tom was named head coach of the Fox Chapel High School tennis Total cost for both days is $135 per person. team and hopes to lead them to a WPIAL championship this year. Price includes food & drinks plus prizes Recent special events at OCC included the July 5th Breakfast at Wimbledon for: Friday Weakender (Best Ball of Team), and the Junior Club Championships on Saturday, July 29, 2006. Friday Skins, Friday Skill Prizes, Friday Winners were: Putting Contest. Saturday Hat Pool, 15 and under Singles: Winner - Corey Wagner Saturday Weakender (Best Ball of Team) Runner-up - Justin Miller Saturday Skins, Saturday Skill Prizes, 15 and under Doubles: Winners - Corey Wagner/Justin Miller Favor and Best Ball of Pair. Runners-up - Robbie Denove/Chandler Ford All entry forms must be returned by 12 and under Singles: Winner - Paige Murphy Monday, September 11th at 5:00 p.m. Runner-up - Maddy Hoffman Entry forms are available from the Front 10 and under Singles: Winner - Morgan Mazeski Desk or the Golf Shop Runner-up - Max Hoffman The Weakenders Committee reserves Ongoing programs like the thrice-a-week Ladies clinics have been a big the right to adjust handicaps. You can play success! Tennis whites have never looked better than on Monday evenings at both days or just one day if you wish. 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. and Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. This program will continue until Mid-October and new members are encouraged (Price is the same.) If you don’t have a to come and check it out. partner, the Committee will pair you with You can join the Oakmont Country Club Tennis Staff for a complimentary someone. Also, you may bring a different Tennis & Wine Tasting, Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.. Taste some guest each day. of the Club’s exclusive wines, selected and presented by Brad Ladik, Certified DON’T MISS Specialist of Wine) while participating in a Mixed Scramble Tennis Event THIS FANTASTIC EVENT! hosted by Tom Mercer. For further details, call 412-828-5683.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 5 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks
REPORTING BY SHIRLEY PREBOR 2006 LADIES’ Strike Out Winners: 168 Net Western Curly Cup INVITATIONAL Melanie Smith, Nancy Baumgartner, Allegheny Country Club The 2006 Ladies Invitational Dawn Botsford, Rita Misgorski Friday, July 21st – Alternate Shots was held on Thursday, July 13th. One Best Ball – Gross: 2nd Low Gross – Nicki Nigro & Mark Bope Nice going Nicki and Mark! Theme of the Invitational was Grand Slam Winners: 81 Gross “All Stars At Oakmont!” Karen Gerba, Cynthia Lyons, Western Championships Final results were as follows: Im Sook Reinhart, Clare Ann Scally Fox Chapel Country Club Two Best Balls – Net: Week of Monday, July 24th Trivia Contest Winners: Home Run Winners: 132 Net to Friday, July 28th Jackie Capretto, Betsy Gentile, Beth Bergman, Elaine Cohen, Participating from Oakmont: Marita Patty Ludlow, Beth Szymczak Mary Ellen Maher, Lizzie Truter Brunner, Karen Gerba, Anna Konrad, Caroline Seely, Heidi Fuhrer, Triple Winners: 133 Net Nicki Nigro and Rosemary Studer. All Judy Pappalard, Mary Ryan Mitzi Hofmann, Michelle Aloe, these girls acquitted themselves extremely Ellen Leimkuehler, Skill Prizes: well. Karen Gerba finished as First Runner-Up in the First Flight after Lynn O’Mara Longest Drive #1 playing five straight days. Congrats to all. Double Winners: 135 Net Member: Nancy Pudelsky JoAnn Livingston, Joanne Guest: Linda Costello Mixed Couples Championship Herrmann, Marian Mosites, Longest Putt #9 As the lazy, hazy days of summer played Ann Vanzant Member: Christy Hofmann – 23’2” out, our Mixed Couples “weathered” the storm and played well in the Sunday, July Guest: Carol Gaugh – 13’7” Single Winners: 136 Net 16th event. Lee Murphy, Kaaren Amodeo, Closest to Hole #16 Our thanks to David Pagett for scoring Kate Fuhrer, Member: Beth Bergman – 14’10” the results and to Carl Gurtner for the Adrienne Lear (BP) Guest: Im Sook Reinhart – 20” photos of the participants. Too bad that some folks had to leave before we got their photo, but, it was understandable. Mixed Club Championship Final Results 1st Low Gross ...... 177(*) Mitzi & Mark Hofmann 2nd Low Gross ...... 183 Lorna Irvin & Bill Van Duzer 1st Low Net ...... 143 Tessie & Arne Thomas (*) Won in Sudden Death Putt-Off Closest to Pin #16 Women – Lorna Irvin ...... 61’5” Closest to Pin #13 Men – Dick Thompson ...... 6’9” Longest Putt #9 Women – Tessie Thomas ...... 4’ Longest Putt #9 Men – Mark Koenig ...... 22’8”
WGA members enjoy their version of “The National Pastime”...... GOLF! CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 6 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks
From the Red Tees FROM PAGE 6
2006 Women’s Golf Association Club Championship Oakley Porter August 2nd & 3rd, 2006 The Oakmont Country Club 2006 Memorial Tournament Women’s Golf Association Club Thursday, August 10th was the date for Championship was held on August 2nd & the Oakley Porter Memorial Tournament. 3rd - two sweltering hot days this summer. Oakley, now deceased, established the The championship was won by Mitzi tournament for Senior WGA golfers many Hofmann! Some very tough competition years ago because no such tournament was provided by Rosemary Studer. existed. Sadly, Oakley’s daughter passed Mitzi’s 89-92 performance bested away earlier this year and her memorable Rosemary’s two day totals of 90-96 by service was scheduled for July 20th. five strokes. (Rosemary Studer had won That would have been the date that this four past Club Championships!) tournament would have been held, but, First Flight winner: had to be re-scheduled for August. Carolyn Molingowski - 157 Net Through the years, Oakley rewarded her Second Flight winner: tournament winners with pieces of Melanie Smith - 167 Net Club Professional Bob Ford priceless jewelry that she had collected. Most improved over the two days: congratulates 2006 Club Champion That IS special! Mitzi Hofmann Marita Brunner Patty Gilbert and Kathleen O’Shane tied at 75 net. Through a match of cards, Kathleen O’Shane was declared the winner of the Oakley Porter Memorial Tournament. We applaud both of these worthy competitors. Three Queens and a King! Mark your calendars for this ROYAL EVENT! Make up your own foursome (three OCC WGA members), choose a KING (one lucky OCC golfing member) and enjoy this fun-filled experience at our Club. Best ball of 4 – Net event. The “King” cannot be related to any of the Marita Brunner, Carolyn Molingowski, Club Champion Mitzi Hofmann and Melanie Smith Queens in his foursome and cannot be the same king as the previous year, except for last year’s winners. EVERYONE plays WELCOME New Members! from the red tees. Prizes will be awarded. We’re glad to have you on board! The Queens then treat their King to lunch Bob Allen Jack Strauch following this round. Sign up sheet is in Oakmont, Pennsylvania Advance, North Carolina the Ladies Locker Room. DO IT NOW! (Social Member) (National Member) Sponsored by John Fitzgerald Sponsored by Mickey Pohl Thursday, September 14th, 2006 Mrs. A.F. “Amy” Dias Regis Synan 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Export, Pennsylvania (SA Member) CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 (Social Member) Charles J. Lyons III Sponsored by Richard Kacin Lakewood, California (National Member) Sponsored by Gene Farrell
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 7 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks From the Red Tees FROM PAGE 7
2006 Mixed Invitational Mixed Invitational SKILL PRIZES Saturday, August 12th, 2006 Longest Drive: FINAL RESULTS #1 – Women – Member: Lorna Irvin 1st Low Net Bill Tillotson ..... 127 Guest: Judy Kovalic Carol Tillotson #18 – Men – Member: Nevin Moore Gary McKindree Guest: Dennis Fantaski Judy McKindree Longest Putt: #15 – Women: Jackie Capretto ...... 72’ he theme of this year’s Mixed 2nd Low Net Bob Capretto .... 132 #15 – Men: Bob Capretto ...... 15’1” Invitational on Saturday, August 12th, Jackie Capretto T2006 was “The Phantom Of The Bruce Haney Closest To Hole: Open.” Mother Nature could not have Andrea Haney #16 – Women provided a more spectacular backdrop 3rd Low Net Don McKinney .. 134 Member: Marita Brunner ...... 3’ with the best weather of the season for golf. Patsy McKinney Guest: Tessie Waligura ...... 28’2” Ann Phillips and her committee of Anna Curt Waligura #6 – Men Konrad and Marita Brunner provided an Tessie Waligura Member: Fred Grove ...... 17’2” Guest: Bruce Haney...... 7’10” equally stunning setting for the evening’s 1st Low Gross Mark Hofmann ... 72 festivities with their attention to detail. Mitzi Hofmann Putting Contest: Members: Randy & Barbara Russell ..16 Earlier in the day, Ann was spotted in Bill O’Mara Guests: Bill & Lynn O’Mara ...... 16 the Ballroom giving Anna last minute Lynn O’Mara instructions regarding the tall candles in the candelabra that graced all of the tables. The tables themselves were adorned with sparkling black tablecloths. In addition to 1st Low Net Winners: the signature long-stemmed rose that Gary & Judy McKindree, marked the place setting of each of the Bill & Carol TIllotson ladies in attendance, a fragrant bouquet of long-stemmed roses greeted everyone as they entered the ballroom. A dramatic presentation for a dramatic evening! The sumptuous filet and sea bass dinner was followed by a chocolate mousse desert topped with a special white chocolate Phantom mask, compliments of 1st Low Gross Winners: Chef Tom and his staff. Bill & Lynn O’Mara, Lee Alverson provided the entertainment Mark & Mitzi Hofmann for the evening, which consisted of a medley of Broadway songs culminating with selections from the Phantom of the Opera. It really was a FABULOUS evening. A special thanks to Carl Gurtner for the Having a wonderful photos, to Jason Marciniec for WONDERFUL time.... the tournament results, to Brad Ladik for Joan & Frank Habic, finding a signature complimentary red Michael & Liu Francis, wine blend, Meritage, that received rave Ann & Frank Phillips. reviews, to Peggy Schaal, who is always Ann Phillips was Chairperson of the event. involved in coordinating such events and to the rest of our excellent Oakmont staff for a job well done.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 8 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks How About KitchenKorner Taking Some Notes? BY TOM PEPKA, CEC EXECUTIVE CHEF BY JOHN FITZGERALD, OAKMONT ARCHIVIST Join us for LOBSTER NIGHT! Back by It’s your opportunity to send These are perfect for use as popular demand. Join us every Wednesday night in your friends, your relatives and invitations for golf outings, September and October. If you are not able to enjoy your acquaintances personal thank you notes for various our succulent Lobster, we also have Prime Rib notes with a flair to them. A flair occasions or just saying “hello” available. that features the tradition and to some faraway friends. The $20 per person. Invite family & friends to share warmth of more than 103 years price is $13.50 a box of assorted in this treat! cards, (Add 7% state sales tax.) of Oakmont Country Club. The pre-packaged box of ten It is with Our They’re called Century Notes note cards, available at the and they come boxed in quantities Deepest Sympathy: Front Desk, contains the 10 of 10, complete with envelopes. cards shown in rows 1 and 2 We regret to announce the passing of: They depict scenes from many of below. Or, you can order ANY Dr. Robert E. Lewis, M.D. the historic and once-in-a-lifetime combination of the thirteen An Oakmont member from 1966. moments of golf in Oakmont illustrated below. All cards are Dr. George Merle Stoner, DDS history. Five different scenes are in stock and orders can be filled An Oakmont member in each box. Or, you can have 10 in just a few days. from the mid-1960’s to 1996. cards of the same scene if you Proceeds benefit The Fownes wish. Foundation and Archives. Row 1
Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania #684 (Color) #685 (Sepia) #686 (Black & White) #687 (Sepia) #688 (Color) Row 2
Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania #689 (Sepia) #691 (Sepia) #692 (Color) #690 (Sepia) #693 (Black & White)
Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania #694 (Sepia) #695 (Color) #696 (Sepia)
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 9 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks The Practice Tee Avoid the Pulls BY CHARLES ERDELJAC (And I don’t mean Mickey, Tippy and Joe Pohl!) Oakmont Country Club founded in 1903, BY ERIC JOHNSON, ASST. GOLF PROFESSIONAL Hailed the greatest golf course in the Country, Are you fed up with hitting pulls? Does While most of us know what Its church pew bunkers and glass-quick greens, Great challenges to the PGA kings and queens. your golf ball always start to the left of “over the top” is (See Fig. 2) your target? If so, then this article is for you! Major tournament play oft hosted there, we are uncertain of how to fix A golfer’s drama for all fans to share. The majority of golfers who take lessons this problem. If this is happen- Professional golfers arrive with glee, from us at Oakmont Country Club have ing to you, in most cases, the They spend precious hours at the practice tee. a recurring problem. They hit pulls or pull body is outracing the arms and Practice makes perfect the sages long taught, slices that always start to the left of the the arms are working in an Golfers master the strokes required quite a lot, target. (This subject addresses a right-hand outward direction. It is referred The long game, the short game, the swing. For you left-handers at the club, to as the downswing for a miracle stroke, read everything here as just the opposite!) reason. Your arms must work No missed shots for writers to call them blokes. Depending upon the face of the club, downward, not outward, at the Golf clubs are the tools of every golfer’s trade, the ball either stays to the left if the face is start of the downswing. So, at Their brand names o’er history great golfers square, or eventually slices to the right if the start of the downswing, have made, the face is open. More often than not, we The number of strokes is the measure return your right elbow into see a pull slice, which is really a weaker hit of greatness, your side as fast as you can, because it is a glancing blow with an open Par, birdie and eagle are words that elate us. which will help to shallow the face. This type of shot is often referred to I watch from the window of the clubhead underneath your as “coming over the top.” During the Senior Care Home, hands. (See Fig. 3). This will downswing, the golf club goes out over Where hundreds of golfers reside now alone, also start the divot more to the where the shaft position started at the Supported by great staff and loving family, right, or down the intended address. When you “come over the top,” They no longer can go to the practice tee. target line. the ball and divot will always start to the They’ve played on the Tour in the See you on the lesson tee! Masters and Open, left of the target. (See Fig. 1) They’ve finished their rounds with gratitude spoken, The scorecards now signed, their rounds are official, Their autographs signed with unique bold initials. They’ve completed their turns at the practice tee, Magnificent rounds all loyal fans agree, The Seniors’ Tour now their venue in life, Their occasional bogeys cause much less strife. Lessons well learned well on the practice tee and green, Serve them quite well in their years of esteem, Their egos and brand names they no longer sell, The Tournament of Life has taught lessons well. (Fig. 1) The first divot is left of (Fig. 2) “Over The Top”: (Fig. 3) Club on plane: the target line (swing over the During the downswing, the Clubhead is under the hands A standing ovation greets their approach, top) and the second divot is clubhead is outside the hands. on the downswing. The 18th green with no writer’s reproach, square to the target line. Kings and Queens of the game to you and to me, They mastered Life’s game on the Practice Tee. (In honor of Jim Dowd, the greatest golfer to hail from Missouri to Oakmont.)
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 10 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fitz’sFacts Pool News BY DON WEISZ BY JOHN FITZGERALD, ARCHIVES COMMITTEE As summer draws to The Great Furrow Dispute a close, I would like to at the 1953 U.S.Open Championship take the opportunity to thank everyone for (Information supplied by Fownes Foundation) a terrific season. The hot, humid weather Rumors were rampant that The remaining tine-type rake is now on made it perfect for swimming. Family display at the Heinz Sports Museum in players in the 1953 U.S. Open Fridays were a big hit and we had a lot of Pittsburgh as part of the exhibit featuring Championship were threatening fun at our movie night and sleepover. If the golf history of Oakmont Country Club. to withdraw if the notorious you enjoyed these family events, don’t bunker furrows at Oakmont worry, similar events will be available Country Club were allowed to throughout next summer. Look for details stay. The USGA wanted smooth in the Spring of 2007. bunkers, and Oakmont Country Congratulations to all members of our Club wanted to keep the swim team. We are a growing team and furrows. showing lots of promise for the next few A compromise was reached years. I would like to acknowledge the by agreeing to use two types of following swimmers for qualifying for rakes. The original Oakmont championships: Teddy, Luke, Margaux tine-type rake (see Photo A) and Alexis Georgiadis, Miles and Livia which produced a deep and Molinaro, Knox Coulter, Andrew Friend narrow groove would be used and Jack Hughes. They did a super job in the greenside bunkers. A representing Oakmont Country Club. saw-tooth type rake (see Photo B) And thanks to ALL the swimmers for an which produced a shallower enjoyable season. and wider groove would be used in the bunkers adjacent to Details are still being worked out for the fairways. next year, but we will still have a swim team. Fox Chapel Golf Club has invited us The saw-tooth furrow gave to join with them for the 2007 swim the players a better chance to (Photo A) Original tine-type rake used at Oakmont Country Club. season. Practices and home meets will be advance the ball. This held at Fox Chapel, but you will still see concession signaled the “death” of W. C. Fownes an OCC familiar face on the coaching Jr.’s dictum— “a shot staff. As Spring approaches, look in the poorly played should be a newsletter for information concerning a shot irrevocably lost!” registration and swimmer social night. The furrowed bunkers In early August, our daily member continued as part of usage surpassed last year’s swimming total. Oakmont Country Club’s I wasn’t sure we could beat 6,000 swim- golf course through the mers, but we did! This summer we will 1962 U.S. Open Champ- have exceeded 7,000 swimmers. The ionship. However, only growth in member usage over the last five the greenside bunkers years has been great and makes me even were furrowed and the more excited about our plans for the new saw-tooth rake was used. pool house and snack bar. Be sure to A year or two later, the watch for updates on the pool for 2008. furrowing was discon- I look forward to seeing you next sum- tinued for members and (Photo B) Modified, saw-tooth rake used for bunkers adjacent mer at the family events. Thanks again and for future tournaments. to fairways. Abandoned in 1964. I wish you well during the winter months.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 11 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks “Dream Along with Me!” BY AL DUDRECK, EXECUTIVE EDITOR OH, PERRY….. It all kind of started with Larry Werner telling me that he was talking with Mrs. Angie Maher, wife of Pitt’s Provost, Jim Maher. Seems that Angie has a friend named Bobbye Flecker. In 1981, Pat Friend called Bobbye Flecker and asked her if she could “help out” with the City of Champions Golf Classic that was to be played at Oakmont Country Club on Monday, May 11, 1981 to benefit the Scoreboard Perry takes over the wheel while Bobbye holds on. Fund for Children’s Hospital. Arranged by Bob Friend and Dick Groat, the celebrities who played Oakmont that day read like a Who’s Who of Sports: Les Biederman Dave Hill Steve Blass Bill Hillgrove Nellie Briles Thomas P. Johnson Joe Connell Charlie Keller Jim Daniell Ray Mansfield Gardner Dickinson Bill Mazeroski Whitey Ford Del Miller Bob Friend Joe Paterno Mary Brenner and Suzy Lang pose with Perry at the Holiday Inn at RIDC. Dave Giusti Bob Prince Bob Griese Bob Purkey That night, Moose Krause of Notre Dame was the MC, Dick Groat Mike Rice Joe Paterno played a pretty good second banana and Perry Frank Gustine Frank Thomas Como sang for the assembled guests. With music provided Mark Hermann Wayne Van Dine by Jack Purcell and his orchestra, Perry sang such favorites as: “Blue Skies,” “It’s Impossible,” and several others. and, of course, Perry Como. Bobbye and her friends, Mary Brenner and Suzy Lang Jack Errigo, Ken Lezzer, Pete Lezzer and Had Nelson stood by and watched the whole show. said they “carried” Gardner Dickinson to a 14-under 128 in Afterwards, as they were driving Perry back to the the two-best-balls-of-five event. They beat out the two next Holiday Inn in RIDC, Perry asked Bobbye, “Say, is there teams who finished at 129. Dave Giusti, Brad Grandovic, somewhere I can get a newspaper at this time of night?” Jim Knorr, John Knorr and Rod Piatt…..and Wayne Van Well, it seems Bobbye’s son delivered the daily papers and Dine, Ron Chiurazzi, John Fitzgerald, Ron Livingston and Bobbye said: “Let’s go to my house and I’ll get you a Steve Mosites. paper.” She knew full well that the reason she suggested it But golf wasn’t what Bobbye Flecker was interested in. was so that she could show Perry Como off to her hus- She had been for years (and is to this day) a Perry Como band, Carl. Which she did and got the paper for Perry at groupie.” Her “job” during the day was to drive Perry Como, the same time! first to and from the course and, then, drive his golf cart Perry Como…..celebrity sports figures…..City of around the course while he played in the celebrity tournament. Champions Golf Classic ……Oakmont Country Club! Just Bobbye said that Perry was the consummate gentleman. one of the thousand of stories about our Club that we felt He joked with everyone and, though he didn’t play golf as might interest you! well as he sang, he managed to keep up with his group. That EXECUTIVE EDITOR is, until the 17th hole. On their second shots, Perry turned Oakmont Al Dudreck to his teammates and said: “We’re now at 1-under and 19- EDITOR under is winning. Think we should play out?” Just then, is published nine Linkstimes a year for George Hill members and employees. lightning, followed by a brief but heavy shower made up ASSISTANT EDITOR Judy Folk their minds for them. Perry jumped into the cart and said to OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB Bobbye, “Head to the Clubhouse, my dear!” And, off we 1233 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139 COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR 412-828-8000 • www.oakmontcc.org Larry Werner went,” Bobbye said.
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB — 12 — AUGUST 2006 OakmontLinks
SEPTEMBER C ALENDAR OF EVENTS
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
8:00 a.m. Shotgun Member + 3 Guests 1:30 p.m. WGA Mixed Event 12
Labor Day Pool Lobster Picnic Closes Night
345 67 8 9
Member 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Monday Member +3 Guests Fownes Invitational Pro-Am 1:30 p.m. Lobster 10 1112 Night 13 14 15 16
Member Lobster Weakenders Weakenders Monday Night Party Party 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Shotgun
17 1819 20 21 22 23
Member Lobster McLaughlin Monday Night Cup 1:30 p.m. Shotgun
24 2526 27 28 29 30
OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB AUGUST 2006