The End Of The Amateur In Golf

Could two amateur golfers beat two of the world's greatest professionals? Once upon a time, they might. Mark Frost tells the story of just such a contest in his account of The Match: The Day The Game Of Golf Changed Forever. But this isn't a fairy tale. It is instead a can't-put-it-down true account of a high-stakes game played in 1956 on one of golf's most spectacular courses by four of the game's legendary competitors.

Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson are the pros. They have fourteen major championships between them. Coming from the same caddie yard, the once-close competitors haven't spoken in years--but they teamed up to face the two leading amateurs of the day, Harvie Ward and Ken Venturi. Both of these young men competed at the highest levels of the game in the hallowed tradition of Bobby Jones. As a match-play team, they had never been defeated. The venue for the match? Storied Cypress Point, whose fairways follow craggy cliffs and rocky promontories swept by the winds of the Pacific while the ocean crashes below.

Frost lays out the play stroke by stroke, pacing the narrative with revealing histories of the players and other notables inolved in the day. He puts the game into context, pointing out that this day marked the end of the amateur era and the ascendance of the professional. While the match itself is compelling, the after-stories make fascinating reading, too, especially for those of us interested in the history of our great game.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

Barclay's Promotes NJ And NY Charities

New Jersey and New York charities will join in TICKETS Fore CHARITY as part of the promotional effort of The Barclays, the first event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, which will feature 125 of the top players on TOUR, Aug. 23-28 at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, N.J.

Through TICKETS Fore CHARITY, The Barclays gives 501(c)(3) organizations the opportunity to promote tournament tickets to benefit their organization. Best of all, 100 percent of the net proceeds from the ticket sales – net proceeds exclude tax or processing fees – go to charity: 75 percent to the charity promoting the tickets; and 25 percent to The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation aimed at positively impacting the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and education programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

“This is an incredible opportunity to raise unlimited funds for the participating charity and there are absolutely no costs to the organization,” said The Barclays Executive Director Peter Mele. “Fans will get to witness the very best the PGA TOUR has to offer and generate revenue for charities in New York and New Jersey during a time when these organizations need our help more than ever. We’d like to invite charities throughout the area to join us in enhancing and enriching our local communities by participating in TICKETS Fore CHARITY.”

In 2010, the second year of the program, $150,000 was generated for local charities, and the tournament has set a goal of $200,000 for 2011. As of today, 55 charities have officially signed up to participate in the program.

The ticket available through TICKETS Fore CHARITY is a weekly grounds ticket available for just $50, normally priced at $100. This is a grounds ticket for each day of the tournament from Tuesday August 23-Sunday August 28. Tickets can now be purchased on behalf of your charity of choice by visiting www.buytfc.com. Non-profit organizations interested in participating in the program should contact Dan Chelel at The Barclays tournament office at danielchelel@pgatourhq.com or 201-444-5356.

The PGA TOUR, its players and tournaments support more than 3,000 charities. These local and national organizations work in a range of areas affecting the lives of millions in the communities where we live and play. In 2010, The Barclays donated $1 million to local charities, bringing the total amount raised since 1967 to more than $37 million.

The Barclays has been a part of the PGA TOUR schedule since 1967 when Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural event at Westchester Country Club. Since that time, some of the greatest players in the game have earned the title including World Golf Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, Raymond Floyd, Seve Ballesteros, Hale Irwin, Curtis Strange and the new defending champion, Matt Kuchar, 2010 winner of The Barclays. Many of the world’s current top players have won the event as well, including two-time champions Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia, and four-time champion Vijay Singh. As the first of four playoff events, The Barclays plays a leading role in the FedExCup, the season-long competition that is the centerpiece of the PGA TOUR season. In 2011, The Barclays will be held at Plainfield Country Club in Edison New Jersey, on August 23-28. For tournament information visit www.thebarclaysgolf.com.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

MGA Media Guide Now Online

The Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) promotes and preserves the interests of the game by serving more than 565 clubs representing 140,000 golfers in the NY metro area. Virtually every round of golf in the region is connected to the MGA in some way, making it a nationwide leader of the game.

For the complete story, check out the 2011 MGA Media Guide. It includes material that covers the rich history of the MGA and its prestigious championships that will be sure to provide exciting golf action once again across the Met Area.

You can also keep up with the MGA on Facebook and new this year, on its Twitter page. Follow @MGA1897 for up-to-date tournament news and results from the MGA.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

Betsy King Brings Golf Fore Africa To GlenArbor

I have a deep interest in Africa, having visited several countries on that continent, campaigned to raise awareness of conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and written about it extensively (including my novel, Heart Of Diamonds), so when I heard about Golf Fore Africa, I had to get on the bandwagon to spread the word about this excellent cause.

Betsy King, whose Hall of Fame career produced 36 LPGA tournament wins including six major championships, has dedicated her life to helping others in need. In 2007, King founded Golf Fore Africa to heighten awareness of the terrible plight of children who were orphaned as a result of the devastating AIDS pandemic that is so prevalent throughout much of the African continent. The year before, King had made a trip to Africa with the World Vision organization and was deeply affected by the suffering and desperate living conditions she encountered.

Golf Fore Africa is dedicated to bringing hope and support to African children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS. Funding is made available to a wide range of critical projects necessary to improve the quality of life, such as access to medical care, education, agricultural assistance and clean water resources.

On May 23rd, King will host a limited field event at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford, New York, to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the communities in Africa that her charity supports. King will be joined by an impressive list of active LPGA golfers including Jiyai Shin, who was No. 1 in the 2010 Rolex Rankings, Brittany Lincicome, Stacey Lewis, Katherine Hull and Azahara Munoz, LPGA rookie of the year in 2010.

The per person entry fee is $3,000, which includes breakfast, lunch and a clinic with Betsy and the LPGA pros. Each participant will have the opportunity to play with three different pros.
GlenArbor, designed by the legendary Gary Player, enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest private clubs in an area known for some of the country’s most historic and iconic golf clubs. GlenArbor welcomes the Golf Fore Africa intimate event, particularly as the club supports the improvement of educational and living opportunities for underprivileged children.

For more information regarding playing spots in this exceptional event for a worthwhile cause, please contact Debbie Quesada at (408) 284-5818 or debbie@golfforeafrica.org.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

Scavino Launches Event To Benefit The Eric Trump Foundation

Put this on your calendar--but first reserve your spot in this great event.

It's Dan Scavino's 1st Annual Golf Classic to benefit the Eric Trump Foundation in support of St. Jude Children's Hospital. This top-notch opportunity to help a great cause while enjoying a fabulous golf course is taking place on Tuesday, July 26th at Trump National Golf Club, Hudson Valley. It's a 1:00 pm Scramble Shotgun. A foursome is $1,200 or just $300 per golfer. Dinner only is $125. Great food, prizes, and auction items, plus a chance to play one of Donald Trump's newest courses.

For more info, contact lpatton@trumporg.com. But you should hurry--last time I checked, the event was nearly sold out!

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

Pound Ridge Give-a-way at Chelsea Piers

Pound Ridge Golf Club – the daily fee Pete Dye course in Westchester County – has a treat for golfers who visit its exhibit at the 2011 Golf Fest at Chelsea Piers Golf Club Saturday, April 30, from noon to 6 p.m.

One of the Big Apple’s most-anticipated golf season kickoff events, the eighth annual Golf Fest is a two-day celebration featuring club demos from top club manufacturers, kids activities, contests, clinics, refreshments and more.

Pound Ridge is offering attendees a complimentary drawstring logo bag, yardage book and brochures, and is giving away a round of golf at New York’s only Dye-designed layout. Metro golfers are invited to stop by and learn more about the course that garnered “Best New” recognition from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Golfweek and LINKS.

Jason Ekaireb, director of sales and marketing, will bring Pound Ridge to life with a slide presentation and by sharing his personal and professional insights of working closely with Dye during the 10-year construction process.

“Pound Ridge occupies a unique niche in the Metro area golf landscape and we look forward to sharing its fascinating back story, groundbreaking design concepts, and host of new player programs and rates with Golf Fest attendees,” says Ekaireb.

Admission to Golf Fest is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Hotdogs and beverages are complimentary for children. For more information and to register in advance, visit www.chelseapiers.com/golffest.

For more information about Pound Ridge visit www.poundridgegolf.com or call (914) 764.5771.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.

PowerPlay Golf: Nine Holes - Two Flags - Go-for-broke Scoring

Golf’s global ambassador Gary Player will headline a field of other headline-makers set to launch an intriguing new format for golf on May 30 at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. It's the first of a series of three unique televised tournaments featuring PowerPlay Golf, a new short form of the game designed to make it more exciting, telegenic, and--most importantly--faster to play. Joining Player in the initial event will be reigning U.S. Open Champions Graeme McDowell and Paula Creamer, Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Ian Poulter, and Major Championship winners John Daly, Ian Woosnam and Helen Alfredsson.

PowerPlay Golf is played over nine holes where two cups are cut into each green. Players use a limited number of "PowerPlays" to score extra points when playing for the harder black flag in a scoring format based on the Stableford system. Players who score a net birdie or eagle on a "PowerPlay" get double the Stableford points of the player who goes for the white flag. Each player must designate three of the first eight holes for "PowerPlays" before teeing off.

It's decision time on the ninth tee. The player can either protect his or her score and play it safe to the White Flag or go for a final bonus PowerPlay to the Black Flag for a potential last-hole points boost scored as a normal PowerPlay. The kicker is, if they score net bogey or worse on that hole, they get hit with a three point penalty. It should make for some exciting finishes.

This initial tournament, PowerPlay Golf: Ignition, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and other networks elsewhere. The second event will be held November 7 in Asia and November 25 in the US. Saab sponsors the initial telecast and IMG Sports is backing the venture in partnership with Convers Sports Initiatives, a Russian sports promotion firm.

In addition to writing about golf, Dave Donelson distills the experiences of hundreds of entrepreneurs into practical advice for small business owners and managers in the Dynamic Manager's Guides, a series of how-to books about marketing and advertising, sales techniques, hiring, firing, and motivating personnel, financial management, and business strategy.