Nicole Morales to Test Her Game Against the Pros

photo courtesy of Ping Jr. Solheim Cup

Former Westchester resident Nicole Morales was given a sponsor exemption for the Symetra Tour’s Insurance Office of America Golf Classic at Alaqua Country Club in Longwood, FL, March 28-30. Morales moved to Florida from South Salem to work with her mentor, Cheryl Anderson, in her last year before heading off to the University of Alabama. The two struck up a winning relationship when Anderson was a teaching pro at Wykagyl CC in New Rochelle.

In a statement from the Symetra Tour, Morales said, “This is the opportunity that I have been dreaming for,” said Morales.  “I’ve been really working hard this year, I moved down to Florida for my senior year of high school so that I can train for that next level so when I found out I was so ecstatic.”

She will be part of a 144-player field competing for a share of a $100,000 purse in the event.

Morales is the top-ranked player nationally on the Golfweek/Sagarin Junior Rankings.  She also is ranked No. 2 in the American Junior Golf Association's Polo rankings and No. 27 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

“This event is so close to my home, it is literally ten minutes from our apartment and it is exactly the place where I’d love to start out,” said Morales, who trains with Volvik Championship winner Kim Kaufman.  “I want to see where I can compare myself to the women on the Symetra Tour.”

The IOA Golf Classic will mark Morales’ second career Symetra Tour event.  She was a sponsor exemption at the 2012 Credit Union Challenge in Albany, N.Y.  Morales made the cut and finished T30 as a then 15-year-old.

Morales has proven herself as a star on the amateur circuit.  She won the 2013 AJGA Thunderbird Invitational, her second career amateur victory.  Last year, she also finished third at the Dixie Amateur, T4 at the AJGA Ping Invitational, T4 at the Duke of Young Champions Trophy and T4 at the Rolex Tournament of Champions.

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

Galvin Green Introduces Ultralight Rain Gear

Galvin Green has introduced Aron, its latest ultralight men’s full zip jacket featuring GORE-TEX Paclite Technology.  Aron is totally waterproof and engineered using sophisticated techniques that ensure ideal freedom of movement. It's also guaranteed to keep you dry.

The company says features include:
• GORE-TEX Stretch Fabric – Ergonomically applied to maximize playability and comfort, the stretch effect is used in different directions in distinct regions of the garment
• Adjustable Chest Width – Tabs on each side of the back with touch-and-close fasteners
• Angled Side Seams – Styled to avoid unnecessary fabric at the front that could impede the swing
• Rain Channels – Wrist cuffs with an integrated rain channel that leads water away from the front of hands

“Aron is at its best when weight and space are critical yet you need to make certain to stay dry even in a driving rain,” says Martin Nilsson, President of Galvin Green USA. “Combine that with the exceptional release of excess body heat and moisture and you’ve got the perfect outer shell in our Multi-Layer Concept.”

Said to be extremely durable, hard wearing and long lasting, Aron (MSRP $460) is available in five colors, sizes S-3XL. It can be maintained via machine wash and tumble dry.

An approach pioneered by Galvin Green more than a decade ago, the Multi-Layer Concept uses leading-edge fabric technologies to ensure the dry comfort, thermal regulation and outer protection that helps players optimize performance. Details on this and other elements of the company’s “We Never Compromise” approach can be found at the new GalvinGreen.com.

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

Troon Reciprocal Program Opens Doors

Members at clubs managed by Troon Golf enjoy one of the best benefits in the business. It's Troon Privé Privilege, a reciprocal program that opens the doors to hundreds of private clubs around the world--at no extra cost.

“The Troon Advantage and Troon Privé programs are an excellent member benefit,” says Josh Lowney, General Manager of Brynwood Golf Club in Armonk. “Our Members are able to travel, then book golf for themselves for price of the hosts clubs cart fee. Troon has been the catalyst for the growth of the game and improving the Private Member experience. These programs are unmatched in the industry.”

Golf members at Brynwood Golf & Country Club (and Westchester Hills in White Plains) can play at other private clubs for the host club's cart fee rate. Members have access to facilities like BallenIsles in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Lake of Isles in North Stonington, CT, Ocean Club in the Bahamas and many more covering 33 states and 23 countries. Brynwood Members are automatically enrolled in the Troon Privé and Troon Advantage programs at no additional cost. Also, members are entitled to bring up to three guests that will play for the host clubs accompanied guest rates.

What's that worth? Considering that greens fees at premier resort courses can easily approach $400 per player (forget Pebble Beach!), and the savings add even more value to a membership at Brynwood or other Troon clubs.

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

Century and Old Oaks to Host US Open Sectional Qualifier

For the third time in six years, Old Oaks and Century CC, both in Purchase, will host the US Open Sectional Qualifier. Sectional qualifying, conducted over 36 holes, will be held on June 2 at ten sites in the U.S. For the 10th consecutive year, Japan and England will host international qualifying, which is scheduled for May 26. Winners will advance to the US Open to be held at Pinehurst #2 on June 12-15.

Unless you otherwise qualify, you'll need to win a Local Qualifier before you can advance to the Sectionals. Those will be held locally at Whippoorwill CC in Armonk and Paramount CC in New City.

Ken Venturi (1964) and Orville Moody (1969) are the only players to win the U.S. Open after qualifying through both local and sectional play. Jerry Pate (1976), Steve Jones (1996), Michael Campbell (2005) and Lucas Glover (2009) have won as sectional qualifiers.

Online registration for the US Open began March 5 and continues through April 23. If you haven't signed up yet, go to https://champs.usga.org/index.html and see if you qualify.

2014 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Sites
May 26 – International (2)
Asia – Nara International Golf Club, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Europe - Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey, England
June 2 – United States (10)
Lake Merced Golf Club & The Olympic Club (Ocean Course), Daly City, Calif.
Quail Valley Golf Club, Vero Beach, Fla.
Ansley Golf Club (Settindown Creek Course), Roswell, Ga.
Woodmont Country Club (North & South Courses), Rockville, Md.
Old Oaks Country Club & Century Country Club, Purchase, N.Y.
Brookside Golf & Country Club & Scioto Country Club, Columbus, Ohio
Springfield Country Club, Springfield, Ohio
Emerald Valley Golf Club, Creswell, Ore.
Colonial Country Club (North & South Courses), Memphis, Tenn.
Lakeside Country Club, Houston, Texas

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

Golf Lessons from John Wooden (and Mike Diffley)

In this guest post, Mike Diffley, Met PGA Teacher of the Year and Head Pro at Pelham CC, not only talks about how we all feel about the endless winter (UGH!!!), but what we can do to make the most of it and be ready for the first tee in just a few weeks. Diffley writes....

Unless you have been south or west this winter for a short sanity trip and a quick couple of rounds, any golf, workouts related to golf or just plain workouts have been inside. Watching golf on TV in the north in the winter seems surreal. Is there really grass under all that ice? Can my body move as freely as those guys on TV?

There are more places than ever to hit balls inside, gyms that specialize in golf workouts and many of you including me have our own little place in our abode that we can putt or swing or at least stretch. All great stuff--it's what you need to do. It's all you can do! The outdoor heated ranges have run out of balls many times because they can't pick them up. Those places are great except when it's about 20 degrees or colder. The balls are frozen--I mean the range balls!

Spring does always come despite the fact it just doesn't seem possible. The greens in NY almost always are open on 4/1 everywhere. The Masters is a month away! That means 3 weeks until real golf. What is real golf? Real golf is playing, hitting golf shots, drives, approaches, pitches, chips, sand and putting.Trying to make a score. Caring about the result. There are infinite ways to try and emulate real golf but just about impossible to do.

This year, as you're getting ready, start swinging, stretching, walking. and continue what you are doing to get ready, but do yourself a favor. A small list follows; read it and answer it honestly. You will spend many hours daydreaming of the times you will be outside playing or practicing golf, so take a few moments and think about how you will spend this time. It's called a plan!

• How many rounds did I play in 2013? ____ Try and play 10% more
• How many practice sessions a week?  ____  Add a session per week
• Do you plan your practice? Long game % ___ Short game % ___  Putting % ____
• Do you know what you are doing when you practice? ____
• Are you aware of your attitude before every round? ___ After every round? ____
• Are you aware of your attitude before every shot? ___ After every shot? ____

March Madness is upon us, an awesome time for sports fans. I love College Hoops and you all know I'm a big St. John's fan. I still own my tickets after 30 years out. Conference Tourny's have started for the small conferences, the big guys start next week. Who are the teams that will answer the call? Who is improving? Who just goes out there and hopes talent and luck will get them through?

Someone who didn't hope that talent and luck would get his team through was the greatest coach in all of sports, John Wooden of UCLA. He won 10 National Championships in 12 years. Coach Wooden won a National Championship as a player at Purdue in 1932. He is a member of the basketball Hall of Fame as a Player and a Coach. Wow! Unbelievable!

Success, yes, but did you know Coach Wooden was the coach at UCLA for 15 years before winning a National Championship? Two of the four years before his 1st championship in 1964 the team was not ranked in the top 20 nationally. Wooden was a lifetime learner who had principles he followed but adapted to the game as it changed.

An amazing man, and a good one they say! How did coach Wooden figure it out after 15 years? Two things, he had a PLAN! He planned every minute of every practice prior to the start of the season. Pretty rigid! YES and NO! He would adapt the plan as the season moved along to what he observed to be the teams strengths and weaknesses. That's smart!

Ok, back to golf, do you have a plan for the year? You should! Will you adapt it as the season progresses? You should! How about spending a little time laying out that plan now and I will tell you how to adapt later when you might need to!

For more from Diffley, be sure to attend the Westchester County Golf Show Saturday, March 8. He'll be on the stage at 10:30 AM talking about the college recruiting process, developing junior golfers, and more with plenty of time for questions and answers after.

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

Don't Miss Westchester Golf Show This Weekend

It's here this weekend! It's the 10th Annual Golf Show at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The show is sponsored by The Journal News and lohud.com in conjunction with Westchester County Parks and their six golf courses.

Try the latest clubs from major manufacturers on the driving range. Pick up pre-season bargains in the pro shop.  Get free 10 minute lessons with a PGA Pro. Try to sink a 50 foot putt and win a prize while benefitting the MGA Junior Golf Foundation. Learn more about the game and your swing at hourly demonstrations and question and answer sessions on the Metropolitan Golf Association Let’s Talk Golf Stage. Visit Exhibitors from golf resorts and destinations, local and area private and public courses, and other golf exhibits.

Parents of high school age golfers will want to hear Frank Darby discuss college golf and scholarships while parents of younger students will want to bring their children to a PGA Pro who will work with juniors and will have soft balls and junior size clubs.

There is a special Women’s Learning Area and, new this year, the TD Bank Women’s Networking Breakfast on Saturday from 9AM – 11AM both in cooperation with the Executive Women’s Golf Association.

Other sponsors include the Metropolitan Golf Association, Home Green Advantage, TD Bank, Fairview Golf Center, WFAS Radio, Executive Women’s Golf Association and its all powered by Entergy.

Tickets are available at the door on Show Days or in advance at lohud.com/golftickets.  Admission is $10 with $1.00 off coupon available at The Journal News and lohud.com. The Journal News Golf Show will take place Saturday, March 8th from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday, March 9th from 10AM – 4PM.

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

First Lady Tries SNAG

President Obama apparently isn’t the only golfer in the first family.  Michelle Obama was introduced to SNAG® Golf during her recent visit to the Gwen Cherry Park NFL/YET Center in Miami, Florida. The visit was part of a celebration around the fourth anniversary of Lets Move!, her initiative to ensure that all children grow up healthy and reach their full potential.

SNAG®, has partnered with Miami Parks and the National Recreation and Park Association in order to introduce golf to kids throughout south Florida. SNAG® incorporates developmentally appropriate equipment and programming that allows golf to be learned and played in non-traditional venues, such as on a soccer field, in a gym, on the beach or any open space.  It can be taught and played anywhere with immediate, positive results.  This instant success keeps new learners wanting to be further involved with golf.

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