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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Spook-tacular FREE Golf Book -- Grand Slam: A Tale Of Weird Golf

It wouldn't be Halloween without a scary story or two, but we don't often connect "golf" with "scary" unless we're standing over a downhill three-footer with eight inches of left-to-right break and a $1000 press on the line.

Fortunately, there are cheaper ways to put some spine-tingling thrills into your golf experience.  Like picking up a copy of Grand Slam: A Tale Of Weird Golf. To celebrate the season, this quick, fun, tongue-in-cheek read is available for the spook-tacular price of FREE right now at Amazon.com.

Grand Slam follows the hair-raising adventures of Eddie Monk, a sportswriter who suspects that golf's newest phenom, Harry, "The Closer" Lanack, has a horrible secret that is propelling him toward winning the most elusive record in the sport. When the full moon intersects the golf tournament calendar with perfect timing, Harry's game--not to mention his hunger for human flesh--steps up a notch of two. Eddie's quest for the truth sends him from an insane asylum in Vienna to the storied fairways of Winged Foot Golf Club and a final showdown with "The Closer" under the light of the full moon.

And you thought that three-footer was scary?

Enjoy Grand Slam for FREE right now. If you don't have a Kindle, download it to your smartphone or tablet using the free Kindle app or read it on your computer. While you're reading, though, make sure you keep all the lights on!

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

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Rob Labritz Caps Great 2013 at Treiber Memorial

Rob Labritz
photo courtesy of Titleist
Rob Labritz must have worn out several pairs of celebratory dancing shoes this year.  His win at the Treiber Memorial Tournament of Champions was the perfect end to the season--and propelled him into the Met PGA Player of the Year honor for the second time in his career.

He also took home the winner's hardware for the Polo Golf Met PGA Head Professional Championship (for the second year in a row) as well as the Metropolitan Professional Championship (also for the second year in a row). Quite a collection of trophies for the 42-year-old upbeat and energetic Director of Golf at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford.

Then there was the hail-Mary pitch shot from the fairway that dropped into the last hole of the sudden death playoff at the PGA Professional National Championship and put him into the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Video of the shot earned "Top Play" honors on ESPN and went viral across the internet, prompting worldwide acclaim for his wedge prowess and many a chuckle over the rather lame high-five that followed.

Labrtiz, of course, is no stranger to championship golf. He also qualified for the PGA Championship in 2002 at Hazeltine and in 2003 at Oak Hill and was the low club pro at Whistling Straits in 2010 where he shared the winner's circle with Martin Kaymer. Locally, his list of titles includes the 2008 and 2011 NY State Open and 2006 NY State PGA among many, many others.

The biggest prize for Labritz this year, though, was Ryan Miller Labritz, a sparkling baby girl born to him and his wife Kerry on August 14, just three days after the PGA Championship. That, my friends, is a trophy that will shine in his life forever.

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

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Speed Golf World Championship Today At Bandon Dunes

Don't blink or you could miss the Speed Golf World Championship today and tomorrow at Bandon Dunes. It's an event after my own heart: The winner is the golfer who takes the fewest total strokes plus the total minutes and seconds it takes the player to complete his or her round.

The Speedgolf world record for a single round is 109.06 (he shot a 65 in 44:06), set by Christopher Smith, Portland, Ore., at the 2005 Chicago Speedgolf Classic. Smith is also in this year’s field.  A sub-45-minute round is my idea of the perfect pace of play.

The event will be webcast live at 8 AM PDT today and tomorrow. You can watch the coverage at http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/blog/2013-speedgolf.

The field has several marquee competitors, including two Olympic track and field athletes. Nick Willis, New Zealand, won the silver medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Bernard Lagat, Tucson, Ariz., won the 2007 world championship in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters.

Defending Speedgolf world champion Christopher Walker, Woodlands, Tex., returns to defend his title. The former Notre Dame golf team captain is pursuing a professional golf career through the mini-tour circuit. At last year’s world championship Walker shot 77 in 53:29 in Round 1, and 76 in 56:59 in Round 2 for a two-day total of 263.28.

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

Friday, October 25, 2013

Miller Advances to Q-School Stage Two

Mike Miller    photo Hunter Martin/USGA
Mike Miller advanced through the first stage of Q School today on the Magnolia Course at Pinewild Country Club of Pinehurst, NC.  His 3-over 291 was good enough for a T-23 finish and the chance to compete in stage 2 next month.

Miller, past MGA player of the year who turned pro this year just before the Met Open, opened the four-round event with a 71 on Tuesday, then pushed it down to four under with a 69 on Tuesday. Yesterday, he slipped to a 75 and finished today with a bogey-laden 76. It was good enough to advance, though, which is the goal at this point in the long slog to earn a spot on the Web.com Tour. The next qualifying stage will be held next month.

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

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Pete Meurer Takes First Brooklyn Open Championship

Pete Meurer, 56, of Staten Island, parred the fifth playoff hole to win the professional division of the Inaugural Brooklyn Open Golf Championship at Marine Park Golf Course on Monday afternoon.

Meurer and Gabriel Lee of Bayside each finished the day with one-under 71s and proceeded to a sudden death playoff. Meurer, a retired FDNY firefighter, rolled in a 3-foot part putt on the par-5 No. 14 to secure his first professional tournament triumph.

``I played pretty good,'' said Meurer, a teaching pro at Staten Island Golf Practice Center who received $2,000 for his first career victory. ``I haven't been to Marine Park in 20 years until last Friday. I was very pleasantly surprised with the course. I shouldn't say this is a hidden gem because it is in Brooklyn. The course is fabulous."

Meurer, who turned pro in 2005, recorded four birdies during his round on the 7,079- yard Robert Trent Jones designed course. It's the first New York City tournament to play more than 7,000 yards.

``This is great for Brooklyn'' said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who awarded the winner's check. ``This is a world class golf course right here in Brooklyn. The operators really should be commended for their dedication to the borough of Brooklyn and surrounding local communities.''

Neal Fredericksen, 54,of Staten Island was the overall amateur champion after carding a 3-over 75. ``I love what they are doing here,'' said Fredericksen, a current FDNY firefighter. ``(Co-operators) Mike Giordano and Adam Giordano, (superintendent) Don Askinski and (golf director) Rich McDonough are doing a great job.''

Fredericksen opened the day with three birdies on his first nine holes. Ironically, both Fredericksen and Meurer play out of Silver Lake Golf Course on Staten Island.

The inaugural Brooklyn Open Championship greeted a sold-out field of 112 players, representing all five boroughs as well as from Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey. The Brooklyn Open Championship will be an annual  tournament.

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

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Balls of Steel Get USGA OK

Two young entrepreneurs with dreams of improving your golf game just received notice that the USGA has approved their first product, the OnCore Evo Golf Ball. The official notice to the company read,
"Golf balls with rigid cores whose core diameters do not exceed 0.9 inches, such as the OnCore Evo Ball, will be permitted exceptions to the 'traditional and customary form and make' requirement in Rule 1 of Appendix III."
When the USGA's list of approved equipment is published on November 6, the Evo ball will be considered conforming to the Rules of Golf.
"We are thrilled with the USGA's determination that rigid cores such as the OnCore hollow metal-core will be permissible in designing the golf balls of the future," says OnCore's President Bret Blakely. "We have had an enthusiastic reaction to our ball from players of all skill levels. Our objective has always been to help golfers have a better experience and get more enjoyment from the game. We expect that OnCore's products and technology (which are exclusively secured by three U.S. patents) will soon become the trendsetters in the industry."

VP Steve Coulton adds, "One of our dreams is to have young, up and coming tour players using our equipment. With the USGA approval, this dream can become reality, which is really exciting for us."

The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY and says it is dedicated to improving the lives, scores, and enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels by offering exciting products that live up to the company's tagline - "You Just Became a Better Golfer."

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

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Marine Park Fills Brooklyn Open Championship Field

Hole #14 at Marine Park Golf Course
The Inaugural Brooklyn Open Championship has reached a full field of 112 players representing some of the area's top professional and amateur golfers according to Tournament Director Rich McDonough. The event will take place Monday, October 21 at Marine Park Golf Course.

Players are scheduled to begin teeing off at 8:30 a.m. on the par-72 Robert Trent Jones designed course. The field consists of players from all five boroughs and surrounding counties. The links-style design will be stretched to 7,091 yards for the professional and top amateur players, making it the longest challenge in New York City.

"We're extremely gratified that the response for our first Brooklyn Open Championship was so strong," said Michael Giordano, co-operator of Marine Park Golf Course. "We look forward to building on this for the future."

Professionals will be vying for a purse of more than $5,000. TD Bank Visa gift certificates will be awarded to the top amateur finishers. The overall professional and amateur champion will receive a Brooklyn Borough President Trophy. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is scheduled to be on hand to present the Brooklyn Borough President trophies at 3 p.m.

Overall four amateur divisions have been prearranged by handicaps and each will crown a champion. Thirty-three players with a handicap index of 8.9 or less are in the first division vying for the top amateur's Brooklyn Borough President Trophy. Amateurs playing in divisions 2-4 will play Marine Park at 6,600-plus yards.

There will be an opportunity for an amateur who aces the par-3 No. 5 to win a 2014 Cadillac, courtesy of Kristal Auto Mall.

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

Monday, October 7, 2013

Westchester Hills Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, NY, celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Saturday, September 28th with a Gatsby-themed Gala.

Both Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach were on hand to offer congratulations and to present the Club with proclamations announcing September 28, 2013 as Westchester Hills Day in the County and in White Plains.

County Executive Rob Astorino and Club President Mike Daly
More than 220 members attended the celebration at the Club which included a cocktail hour on the first tee and a celebratory dinner dance which continued into the early morning hours.

Club President Mike Daly, a White Plains resident, delivered brief remarks congratulating various committees responsible for organizing the Centennial Gala before introducing the County Executive and the Mayor.

Westchester Hills was established in 1913 by Robert E. Farley who was the developer of Gedney Farms and the Gedney Farm Hotel. The construction of the Golf Course was supervised by Peter Clark, a Scot, who became the Club’s first golf professional. The first 9 holes were completed in October 1913, the final 18 holes in July 1915.

Recently, a member funded major reconstruction of the Clubhouse, patio and entrance way was completed resulting in an increase of membership and an increase in participation in Club activities.
The Clubhouse was renovated from floor to ceiling revealing a fireplace, which had been covered over years ago, and vaulted ceilings which had also been covered. The Patio was expanded and an outdoor service area was added.

Westchester Hills rolling and tree lined fairways remain much as they were 100 years ago and have some of the smallest putting greens in the County and beyond. As part of the recent renovation of the facility, the Golf Course was enhanced with colorful plantings, crushed stone  walkways, steps and cart paths at a number of tee boxes.

A variety of Centennial events were held at the Club this year, planned by the Club’s Centennial and Marketing Committees. The Centennial Committee, which also published a Centennial book and video for Club members, was led by Jim Rice and Steve Buckley, and included Tom Beaudrot, Connie Brown, Carrie Buckley, Jim Egan, Ruth Healey, Bob Landry, Lou Landry, Joe Mastoloni, Jim O’Brien, Tom Ralph, and John Zanzarella. The Marketing Committee was led by Frank Sampogna and included Tom Avezzano, Paul Bello, Steve Buckley, Bob Landry, Donna McCloskey, and Tom Ralph. Club events were supported by the Club’s outstanding staff led by Club Manager Jack Hrad, Food and Beverages Manager Helio Echeverry, Head Golf Professional Jason Gobleck, and Membership Manager Megan Gann.

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

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Bruce Beck New Golf Writers Prez

Bruce Beck
Bruce Beck, lead TV sports anchor of NBC 4 New York, was elected president of the Met Golf Writers Association at the MGWA Executive Committee’s September meeting.

He succeeds Ralph Wimbish of the New York Post, who served 2012-13 as president and remains on the Executive Committee.

Sports broadcaster and author Ann Liguori of Ann Liguori Productions was newly elected as a vice president. Peter Morrice of Golf Digest was re-elected a vp.

Also re-elected as Executive Committee members: Dave Anderson, New York Times; Dan Berger, DMB Media Network; Martin Davis, The American Golfer; Dave Donelson, Westchester Magazine; Bill Fields, Golf World; Damon Hack, Golf Channel; Pete Kowalski, USGA; Andy Lavine, Trump National Hudson Valley; Jay Mottola, Met Golf Assn.; Howie Munck, freelance; Pat Norton, On Course Strategies; Bill Pennington, New York Times; Jimmy Roberts, NBC Sports; Ron Sirak, Golf World; Chuck Stogel, freelance.

Beck is in his 15th year at NBC 4, where among other assignments he hosts a Sunday late night show called Sport Final. A winner of 9 New York Sports Emmy Awards and named New York State Sportscaster of the Year six straight times (2007-12) by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, Beck covers the gamut of sports in the Metropolitan area along with national and international assignments for WNBC-TV.

From 1982-94, Beck was a staff broadcaster for MSG Network. He also has worked freelance assignments for CBS, ESPN, Showtime, Epix, USA Network and NBA-TV. He is a regular contributor to WOR radio’s weekday morning show, and will be covering his sixth Olympics this February in Sochi, Russia. He also is active in numerous charitable endeavors, including The March of Dimes.

For the past 12 summers, Beck, along with sportscaster Ian Eagle, has run a Sports Broadcasting Camp at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Montclair, N.J. The camp teaches the fundamentals of broadcasting and features lectures by some of the top broadcasters in the New York area.

A graduate of Ithaca College, Beck received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1978. He resides in Scarsdale, NY, with his wife, Janet. His two sons live in New York City.

Ann Liguori
Longtime sports talk radio host on WFAN, New York, Liguori is one of the station’s original hosts and serves as its correspondent for major golf and tennis events. She also is golf and tennis correspondent for CBS Sports Radio Network and hosts a weekly radio show on NPR affiliate WPPB 88.3. She is the president of Ann Liguori Productions, her own TV production company, and owner of the nationally syndicated award-winning Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori cable TV series. The program is the longest-running sports show hosted, owned and produced by a woman. She also was the first woman to host her own weekly prime-time sports show, Conversations with Ann Liguori, which aired on The Golf Channel.

A resident of Westhampton, NY and graduate of the University of South Florida, Liguori is involved in numerous charitable endeavors. She is founder of the Ann Liguori Foundation. Every year she hosts the Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic in The Hamptons, and has raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research.

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

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Jack Nicklaus Introduces Golf Ball Line

Jack Nicklaus will introduce a new line of golf balls with a double mission: simplifying the game and giving to charity. The winner of 18 major championships says the balls will accommodate three skill levels of player through a color-code system designed to match the traditional tees from which they play. The three golf balls--Nicklaus Black, Nicklaus Blue, and Nicklaus White--will be available online and in golf pro shops and other retailers.

The balls are going into production this month and will begin shipping in November. In addition to online sales, they will be sold at the more than 200 Nicklaus Design courses nationwide. A percentage from every golf ball sold in those shops will be donated directly back to the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation to support pediatric programs and hospitals nationwide, while visitors to Nicklaus.com will have the ability to support the Foundation with voluntary contributions.

"We all know that the game of golf can be challenging enough, so we are trying to simplify the decision-making process of selecting the right golf ball and at the same time provide consumers the highest-quality golf balls and at a price that encourages charitable support," Jack Nicklaus said. "By buying these balls, players will get the added benefit of supporting these wonderful charities that help children in need as well as the families that dearly love them.

"The idea of creating three balls corresponds to the teeing areas golfers typically play. The Nicklaus White ball is designed for the players who might typically play the forward or white tees.  Nicklaus Blue is designed for players who would typically play the middle or blue tees.  And, finally, Nicklaus Black is designed for the single-digit or better golfer who generally plays from the back tees."

The introduction of a Nicklaus-designed and branded golf ball is the latest venture since Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein in 2007 to help further the growth of the company and to realize the full potential of the brands and branded businesses. Howard Milstein is Chairman and CEO of New York Private Bank & Trust, and is actively involved in the Nicklaus Companies as Co-Chairman along with Jack.

Nicklaus added, "For more than three years, we have contemplated entering the golf ball business, so over that time, I have been researching and testing golf balls. There are a lot of very good balls on the market, but I was not able to find a ball that fully met my expectations and hopes-not just for me or other professionals, but more important, for the everyday golfer. So I simply decided not to enter the business until I found that ball. Well, I found that ball. Actually, I found three.

"These golf balls are designed for every level of play, from the everyday or recreational golfer-be it men, women, children, or seniors-to the tour professional. No matter the age or ability, there is a golf ball to fit your game. Our strategy is based on a simple principle: skill level is an extremely important factor when selecting the right golf ball. From the tees you play, we know your swing speed; this is paramount when choosing a golf ball. But no matter the percentage of players who know their swing speed, 100 percent of them know the tees they play."

Over the decades spent fashioning his record-setting career-one that includes a record 18 professional major championships, 120 professional victories worldwide, including 73 on the PGA Tour, as well as four captaincies of The Presidents Cup-Jack has exhibited a passion for introducing and growing the game worldwide. Jack has been a Trustee and national co-chair for The First Tee, and this year he launched an initiative with SNAG (Starting New At Golf) called the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, which gives children ages 5 through 12 the opportunity to be introduced to the game at parks and recreation facilities nationwide. Jack was also a "Global Ambassador" for the game's unified campaign to have golf returned to the Olympic Games. In July, Jack received the Ambassador of Golf Award, presented annually to a person who fosters the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the golf course.

With accessibility and growth of the game paramount, the online model will save golfers money by reducing hidden distribution costs typically built into golf balls sold through traditional retail channels. For example, Nicklaus Black will sell in pro shops for $50 a dozen, but while that is the recommended price when sold through Nicklaus.com, visitors to the site will pay $32, plus a voluntary contribution of up to $20 for those who can afford a donation. Nicklaus Blue and Nicklaus White are priced somewhat lower at $46 in pro shops, but on Nicklaus.com, visitors only pay $28 a dozen plus the optional contribution. This distribution approach lets people buy the highest quality balls in a way that encourages them to support the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which champions the health, safety and well-being of children nationwide. During a month-long pre-order period, customers can order the ball for discounted introductory prices of $30 (Nicklaus Black) and $26 (Nicklaus Blue and Nicklaus White).

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

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

An Open in Brooklyn

 
The inaugural Brooklyn Open will crown a professional and an amateur champion for the metropolitan NY area at Marine Park Golf Course. The one day medal play tournament will be held Monday, October 21 on the links-style, Robert Trent Jones design.

"We are excited to host the inaugural Brooklyn Open for top metropolitan area professionals and amateurs," said Marine Park Golf Course operator Mike Giordano. "This gives us an opportunity to showcase improvements made at Marine Park and at the same time deliver a first-class golf tournament experience in Brooklyn. We firmly believe Marine Park Golf Course will be a daunting challenge when it's stretched more than 7,000 yards."

The professional purse is expected to exceed $5,000. The top professional and amateur champion each will receive a Marty Markowitz Trophy, in honor of the Brooklyn borough president. Amateur winners will receive gift certificates. Ams must have a USGA index. The field will be capped at 90 players. The entry fee for pros is $175 and $100 for amateurs. Entries close on October 14 at www.brooklynopen.com.

Marine Park Golf Course is an 18-hole Championship Course open to the public year-round and is a member of New York City Parks. Located in southern Brooklyn, this links-style course was designed in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and boasts panoramic water views, country club quality greens and fairways, a manicured driving range and prevailing winds off Jamaica Bay. It's been operated since 2008 by the father-son team of Michael and Adam Giordano.
 
Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf