GlenArbor Honors Golf Traditions

Like the game itself, the traditions of golf are often taken for granted. That's why GlenArbor Golf Club's annual Traditions of Golf Invitational stands out on my calendar every year. For no purpose other than to celebrate the sportsmanship and integrity inherent in golf, this private Bedford Hills, NY, club not only stages a first class event but honors someone who epitomizes those qualities and works to grow and improve the game. This year's honoree was Jay Mottola, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Golf Association. They couldn't have chosen anyone more deserving.

Head professional Brian Crowell MC'd the festivities. He introduced Jimmie Roberts, NBC Sports commentator, who gave a glowing video account of Mottola's career. Mottola then spoke for a few minutes, characteristically spending his entire allotted time talking about the many other people who contribute to the MGA's success.

A better ball tournament followed. I've never seen the course at GlenArbor in better condition, nor the rough so thick and gnarly. I am happy to report that my partner Tom Ralph and I placed second in the net event, losing out to Michael Beckerich and NY Times columnist Dave Anderson (who received the Traditions award in 2011).



Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf