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COVER STORY

OF THE GAME Through their talent, commitment, and passion, eight local legends have each spent more than half a century making a better game BY THE EDITORS

olf is a game for a lifetime, it has often been said. A young boy or girl picks up a club, and decades later is still holding a club…or perhaps giving a lesson, taking a picture, or design- ing a championship course. As the cradle of American golf, the Met Area is fortunate to have more than a few people who have enriched the game for virtually their entire lives. Some are household names; many are not. The eight we chose to profile here are but a sam- pleG of the remarkable people whose experiences in the game span generations, and who set a treasured example for all of us.

Tom Nieporte Age: 83 / Professional Emeritus, Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y. In 1967, Nieporte won the Bob Hope , and remains the last club professional to win a PGA Tour event. “It was such a big thrill for me,” he said. “I was standing over that last 12-foot putt and said to myself, ‘Come on now, Tom, you deserve to make this. You’ve spent a lot of time practicing these.’ I really psyched myself up before the putt, and went right up there and knocked it in the cup. I won by one over .” Nieporte was the head professional at the Piping Rock Club on Long Island and, from 1978 to 2006, at Winged Foot. “The club members have meant so much to me. They had confidence in me being a good club pro, and I put that together with being able to hit the golf ball pretty well. And there were good players at both clubs, so even the casual rounds were great.” Nieporte’s career spanned a golden era in golf and significant developments in golf equipment. “Physically, the players today are in better shape than we ever were. But Palmer, Nicklaus, Snead, Hogan, Demaret, all those guys I played with were just so talented. Remember, in those days you’d hold a golf ball up by your forehead and drop it on concrete, and it’d only bounce up as high as your knees. Now you drop it, and it hits you in the chin! I think the players had to be more skilled.” He has advice on what young pros need to work on to succeed in tournament golf. “Consistency is the key. In a four-round tournament, going from 68 to 80 won’t work. But two 71s will work. I was a very good putter from four feet and in, and I got that way by practicing.” Some of his fondest memories of tournament golf were about camaraderie, not competition. “It was like a big family out there. If someone was running low on money, someone else would lend it to them. And we supported each other. In 1964, I was paired with Ben Hogan and Bobby Nichols in the final round of the PGA Championship in Columbus, Ohio. Tom Weiskopf, who was playing at Ohio State at the time, came out and walked the final 36 holes with me, saying he was going to bring me luck [Nieporte won the 1951 NCAA Championship while at Ohio State]. I told him, ‘Yes, you are.’ I birdied the first hole and ended up tied for fifth, and I was a club pro, so that felt pretty good.” RICHARD GRAULICH

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Dave Anderson Age: 82 / Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist, The New York Times The 1967 U.S. Open at Baltusrol, won by Jack Nicklaus, was the first major championship Anderson covered, but 1972 was among his most memorable years. “Nicklaus won The Masters that year, and then he won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I had to convince my editor, Jim Roach, that it was worth sending me to Muirfield to cover the British Open as Jack pursued the Grand Slam. He had me go over early and cover Wimbledon, and then I followed Nicklaus every hole at Muirfield. On my way home, they had me stop in Dublin to cover a Muhammad Ali fight against Al “Blue” Lewis. So they got their money’s worth on that trip.” Among golfers, Nicklaus holds a special place for Anderson. “I’ve always said that Nicklaus was the best interview in sports. He’d sit there as long as somebody had a question, and if another golfer was coming in he’d go off to the side or outside and stand there and talk to whoever wanted to talk to him for another 20 minutes or whatever. He was the best.” He thinks the golf media could have been a lot tougher on Tiger Woods over the last two years. “I think they’ve been fair—if anything, they’ve been easier on him rather than harder on him. Especially the television media, because no one seems to want to offend him. I don’t think anyone can offend him more than he offended himself.” George Plimpton once said that ‘the smaller the ball, the better the writing.’ Anderson sees why. “In golf, it’s just the player and the ball, and there’s nobody in between. It’s not like other games, when the coach gets grilled or talks about the game. There are so many people involved. In golf, the player’s by himself. That’s the beauty of it.” One of his most important achievements is one that not many people know about. “I tell you, I’m proudest of winning the William P. Richardson Award [given by the Golf Writers Association of America for outstanding contributions to golf] in 2003. Because it’s not just a journalism award, it’s given to all different kinds of people in golf. I think, ‘Wow, my name is on the same trophy as Jack Nicklaus?’ Something’s wrong here!” JULES ALEXANDER

THE MET GOLFER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 35 32 - 41 _ Nov 36 “Probably Mickey Mantle. He was so strong, and he could hit an old balata ball 300 yards, with accuracy. “I like to be positive about everything. I’ll say things have changed for the better in both sports. Conditions, “My favorite playing partners are my three sons: Larry, Timmy and Dale. We have a ball on the course, but they sure “My son Timmy joined Montclair and then convinced me to join him. I love it there. We have such a diverse “I started playing back in 1947, when I lived St. Louis [his hometown] during the off-season. Stan Musial got me ball! People ask me to remember some of my best shots, and I have no idea. All the good shots blend together.” a low single-digit player. He was heck of lot better than me. I could hit baseball farther golf on the golf course. all the baseball players BerraOf who used his skills well has known and played with, there is one in particular equipment, training, and travel are all better.” used to be. He has witnessed evolutions in golf and baseball over the years and isn’t to go back to the way in a hurry things was competitive. I liked to hit with men on base, and make 10-footers. wasn’t scared.” said, ‘Thank God I don’t make a living playing this game.’ Don’t get me wrong, th have fun with it and always always get mad! After I retired from baseball, was a coach and manager so always kept golf in perspective. could He keeps a level head on the golf course, even if other members of his family don’t. my partners have the prizes.” prizes in charity events, but I just give my away. The fun to me is the winning, not what you get for it. let membership and, most importantly, 36 holes. We’re a big family at MGC. I’ve been lucky enough to win plenty of there to raise money for various charities. He is a longtime member of Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, and hosts an annual N.J., celebrity golf outing However, I’ve always been a lefty putter.” started and I originally played left-handed, just like hit a baseball. But switched to righty few years later. took up golf more than 60 yearsOne of the most famous ago. players in baseball history

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36 Age: 86 / Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra ough, I “No one ever enjoyed the experience more than I did. every minute of it. In major championships, you’re “It was the U.S. Senior Open at Riviera, and I spotted what thought Palmer’s ball in thick kikuyu rough. It “That first Open was so special. It like being in the middle of Madison Square Garden. gave public golfer an “I’ve officiated seven U.S. Opens, 10 Senior three Amateurs, and 15 or so Public Links “There was a member named Jimmy Smith, and he had been involved with the MGA good friend of Dick to a volunteer.” almost every time I came off a golf course, the players were appreciative. They said thank you, and that means lot out there for four and a half hours of relaxation then 30 seconds terror if you’re called in ruling. But It’s Rules officials in the country. been a great ride for one of the most respected gallery if I had to call a penalty on him. Luckily stopped him in time.” he started to bend down and I said, ‘Whoa, wait, you have mark it.’ could see myself being torn apart by his was buried so deep that he couldn’t see any markings to identify it, asked me, ‘Can I pick it up?’ said yes, and Cantwell nearly had to call on Palmer, a penalty one of his favorite players. of this great event.” opportunity to not only see all these great players, but also express pride in the fact that Bethpage was host Cantwell, a native Long Islander, also officiated both U.S. Opens at Bethpage Black. too, and it was during the time that I got assigned to Arnold Palmer’s group three straight years.” 36 holes there and they configured an 18-hole course that was really beautiful. The crowds were terrific year, Actually one of the most memorable was 1999 U.S. Senior Open at Des Moines Country Club in Iowa. They have Championships. I’ve had the chance to visit some great courses—I loved Riviera, and of course Pebble Beach. USGA Rules officials are in high demand. USGA Rules Committee.” became a real influence and mentor to me. And then I did well at USGA Rules School was invited join the Silver. I retired early and was looking for things to do. So Jimmy got me introduced the MGA, then Dick Silver Cantwell got involved with the Rules of Golf through Club. a fellow member at Hempstead Golf & Country Age: 81 / Past MGA President, Tournament Chairman, and USGA Rules Official Joe Cantwell

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Louise Munro Age: 85 / 27-time Club Champion, Innis Arden Country Club, Greenwich, Conn. Munro knew nothing about the game when she first started. “I was raised in Stamford, and we lived near a nine-hole public course at Cummings Park. And there was this old Irish pro, Terry Connors, who was giving lessons there, and I’d stop to watch. One day he asked me, ‘Are you interested in golf?’ And I shrugged… I mean what does a 12-year-old know? ‘Well, if you want to play golf, I’ll teach you.’ So I showed up the next day and the first thing he did was put a club in my hand and let me swing it. And he showed me pictures of Sam Steve Kozak Snead, and he said, ‘I want to make you Age: 90 / Caddie, Upper Montclair swing like Snead.’ I can really tie back my Country Club, Clifton, N.J. love of the game, and of practicing, to him.” Steve Kozak is believed to be the oldest She is a 27-time club champion [most active caddie in the country. recently in 1995], including 15 in a row. “I really enjoy being outside and on the golf “I hit a fairly good tee ball. Not long, but course. I first started caddying at Yountakah good enough. But from 100 yards in, I was Country Club in Nutley [New Jersey]. I did deadly. And I loved practicing; I still do. This that for four years during high school. I’ve fall we had a really foggy day, and I was the been at Upper Montclair since 1970 and I only one out there hitting balls in the fog.” won the caddie championship in 1984. I really enjoy being at this club with all of the She’s quite the prankster. members here. I’ve seen two holes-in-one.” “I remember once getting to the 18th tee, playing with this gal, and it was just the two While many people of his generation are of us. It was summertime. And I like to joke retired, Kozak doesn’t let his age keep him around. When she got through hitting her from doing what he loves. ball, she turned around, and there I was with “Caddying keeps me in great shape, and I my blouse off with my bra showing. She says, continue to walk all 18 holes. I’m not ‘Louise, what are doing?!’ I said, ‘It’s warm carrying the bags any more, but when I go out here.’ So before I hit my approach shot out, I have four putters and I am reading the the pro comes down with his cart, and I put greens and giving distances. I live close to my blouse on again, and she said, ‘he almost the course so I come over a couple times a saw you without your blouse.’ And so the week and will normally caddie once on the pro drives down to the side of the 18th weekends.” green. He stops, turns around, and yells, ‘it’s Life hasn’t always been fairways and in the hole!’ The ball went in the hole in two, greens for the U.S. Marine Corps veteran. and I said, ‘see, it pays to take off your shirt.’” “I served in the Marine Corps during World She wants to leave a lasting legacy at the War II from 1941–1945. I was there during club besides being a celebrated champion. Iwo Jima. When I got back, I went to work for “I think I’ve inspired other women here at the a little while and then re-enlisted for another club. I try to encourage them and I send them three years. I spent 13 months in Korea.” congratulatory cards each time someone As the longest-tenured and oldest member wins the championship. I donated the Munro of the caddie brigade at Upper Montclair, junior golf trophy, too. I tell people to enjoy Kozak has seen a change in the people he the game and show it, play according to the guides around the course. Rules, and be fair and honest. Just be a good “They’re now better players, and better human being all-around.” payers.” She appreciates the way players of her Upper Montclair held a luncheon in generation approached the game. Kozak’s honor for his 90th birthday, on “They didn’t have fairways that were cut October 1, 2011. perfectly. They didn’t have yardage markers. “It was really nice of everyone to come out It was all interpretation. They knew how to and give me a pat on the back. I’m very lucky get the ball in the hole. I was partners once to be at a club that appreciates its caddies. I in a competition with Patty Berg. We lost hope I can continue doing this for as many 1-down, but it was fun to watch her play.” years as I can.” RUSSELL KIRK/GOLFLINKS JULES ALEXANDER

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Rees Jones Age: 70 / Golf Course Architect, Montclair, N.J. In his role as “U.S. Open Doctor,” Jones was responsible for getting Bethpage Black ready for its first U.S. Open in 2002. “One of my favorite memories was being inside the ropes in the final round at Bethpage that day. Some people in the crowd knew who I was because I had been in the papers so much, and I kept hearing ‘We got ‘em, Rees!’ or ‘You stuck it to ‘em!’ or ‘The course won, Rees!’ It was pretty exciting.” Jones has seen numerous changes in course design over his career. “When I started out we didn’t have the environmental constraints we have now, but I think they’ve made courses better because they made it harder to work in low-lying wetlands and took us up to highlands, where we can use the ground game in our design as well as the aerial game. We were also much more casual back in the early days. We used to do a lot more work in the field. Now we do more detailed plans because of the approval process. We still do a lot of field work, mainly in the design of the green complexes.” The single biggest factor in whether or not he takes a design job is the piece of land. “The essential ingredient is having enough land to create 18 holes that have enough room. Gently rolling topography is great, Jules Alexander even a flat piece of land is fine. But if it’s just Age: 85 / Photographer, Rye, N.Y. too rugged or on a major sidehill, then you Known for his classic photos of Ben Hogan, Alexander was primarily a fashion photographer before deciding to come to the 1959 U.S. Open have a problem and it’s not going to be a fun at Winged Foot. experience. There are many more sites “I had heard about Hogan, naturally, but had never seen him. I followed him while he was playing a practice round with his good friend available to us these days because of the Claude Harmon. And I was totally absorbed by the man and the way he moved and played, and even the way he smoked a cigarette. What a popularity of the game and people’s miracle that was, to start my time in the game with one of the greatest to ever play.” willingness to invest. But some sites Following that Open, Alexander began to cover golf just as he was also taking up the game. shouldn’t have golf designed on them. You “I had been mostly confined to a studio, and golf brought me outside where I was able to move around. It was totally different from any other want to build 18 natural golf holes.” outdoor location shooting I’d done. And because I had started to play golf, I was really interested in following the Tour and taking photos of As one of the sons of the legendary Robert these great players. It was the way I learned, because I never really had a lesson. I heard a great quote from Hogan once. He said, ‘If you play Trent Jones, Rees learned many valuable well one day, don’t go to sleep, because things will be different in the morning.’” lessons. Besides Hogan, other players caught Alexander’s attention and camera. “His first piece of advice to me was that if I “I get asked a lot who were my favorites to shoot, and I say Peter Jacobsen, Chip Beck, Ben Crenshaw, guys like that. Phil Mickelson, too. The was going to design courses that would host U.S. Open is my favorite tournament to shoot, and I was there this year at Congressional, following Rory. That was really exciting, because he major championships and that the pros was just a young guy taking over.” would play, I’d better develop a thick skin. And I have. You have to have a thick skin in He knows that taking a good picture is often a matter of taking advantage of opportunity. any design endeavor, especially one that is “It happens quickly. You come upon a scene, and you’re lucky to be there. An example is the photo I took of Payne Stewart where it looks like interacted with, like a golf course. It’s not a he’s standing on the green all alone and yet there were eight people besides him. That was an opportunity that just presented itself, and passive space, it’s an active space, and it’s obviously I was in the right position and the fact that he was on a green and I was in a collection area and the lens was low enough so that it going to evoke different emotions from was equal to the sole of his shoes. If I was lower, you wouldn’t see his ankles, and too high and you’d see the background and all the people. different people, probably in every round.” You have to be lucky a lot of the time.” ■ JULES ALEXANDER RUSSELL KIRK/GOLFLINKS

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