Billy Casper Golf to Manage Forest Hill Field Club

Forest Hill Field Club

Billy Casper Golf (BCG) has been selected to manage the iconic Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield, NJ, less than 15 minutes from Manhattan and once a favored course of legendary New York Yankee Babe Ruth.

For the private, member-owned Forest Hill, BCG will direct club operations, golf and grounds maintenance, membership marketing, staffing and training, member activities, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, public relations, special events and financial management.

“We are deeply honored to manage Forest Hill Field Club,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG.  “Our talented team will introduce new membership programs, special events and other initiatives to build on the history of Forest Hill as one of the Northeast’s premier country clubs.”

“Billy Casper Golf’s unique approach to bolstering financial performance and enhancing services for members is unmatched,” says Peter Kelly, President of the Board of Forest Hill.  “We will work with its experts to create even more structure and value to memberships which promote the highest level of exclusivity with world-class amenities.”

Opened in 1896 and anchored by an A.W. Tillinghast-designed course, Forest Hill presents members and their guests with a classic-style layout and dramatic views of the New York City skyline.  The 18-hole, 6,547-yard, par-71 layout features several elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, fast, undulated greens and a view of the Empire State Building from the first tee.

Arguably Forest Hill’s hardest hole is the 396-yard, par-4 11th that challenges golfers with an uphill tee shot and a green that severely slopes from back to front.  The signature hole is the 200-yard, par-3 18th with a two-tiered green guarded by deep bunkers and heavy rough.

BCG also operates Hudson Hills GC, the Westchester-County-owned course in Ossining.

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

Ron Sirak Honored by Met Golf Writers

Ron Sirak

Award-winning golf writer and author Ron Sirak will receive the Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism Award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association at the organization's 64th National Awards Dinner on June 9 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York.

Sirak, who was instrumental in the transformation of national coverage of women's golf, is a senior writer for Golf Digest and the former executive editor of Golf World. Prior to joining the magazines in 1998, he worked for the Associated Press for 18 years, beginning in 1980 as a news editor before becoming deputy sports editor and then golf writer.

To date, Sirak has covered more than 140 men's and women's major championships, along with 10 Ryder Cups and seven Solheim Cups. In 2005, he became the first journalist to cover four men's and four women's majors in a season. When the LPGA added a fifth major, Sirak covered nine total major championships in 2013.

Sirak's impact on golf journalism is more than just covering tournaments. He has always pushed to expand the scope of what it meant to cover golf. Among his countless bylines, a few stand out – Payne Stewart's death in 1999 writing 2,200 words in three hours on a Golf World deadline; and a piece in 2001 on how 9/11 impacted both private Winged Foot, which lost members in the terror attacks, and public Van Cortlandt Park, where many first responders played.

One of golf’s most respected journalists, Sirak joins select company. Past Linc Werden Golf Journalism Award recipients include Dan Jenkins, Jack Whitaker, Dave Anderson, Jim Murray, Jim McKay, and Jim Nantz.

Sirak is the author of three books with noted golf instructors Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott: “Every Shot Must Have a Purpose,” “The Game Before the Game” and “Play Your Best Golf Now.” He is a past President of both the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association and the Golf Writers Association of
America, an organization from which he has won more than a dozen writing awards; including top honors for a piece on a humanitarian trip to Rwanda, Africa with six LPGA players led by Betsy King to help orphans in the war- and AIDS-ravaged country. He was also honored by the AP Sports Editors in 1997 for best overall writing for his feature on the economic impact of Tiger Wood's first year as a professional.

On April 8, Sirak will receive the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award in Augusta, Georgia.

"Ron Sirak gets us to the heart of a story, connecting us with amazing personalities in our game while also delivering balanced reporting on issues affecting our industry," said PGA of America President Derek Sprague. "Ron is one of the most trusted voices in golf."

Nick Price (Gold Tee Award winner) will join Sirak at the MGWA National Awards Dinner.

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

Elmwood, Bethpage to Host U.S. Open Qualifiers

Elmwood Country Club

Ready to take your shot at the U.S. Open?  Unless you are otherwise exempted, the path to the field in Chambers Bay begins with the local qualifiers, which this year will be held at Elmwood CC in White Plains and the Red Course at Bethpage among some 111 sites in 43 states.

Elmwood is a tough not-so-little Tillinghast track that demands accurate play off the tee and the ability to hit and hold small, well-contoured greens.  It's flourishing under the leadership of Pete Stefanchik, who took over as head pro last year.  The qualifying tournament will be held there on May 13.

The Red Course at Bethpage is considered a near-equal to the more famous Black Course, even though it doesn't have a sign warning less-than-good players to stay away.  Play there will be on May 14.

The U.S. Open will be contested June 18-21 at Chambers Bay, in University Place, WA, the first U.S. Open in the Pacific Northwest. Local qualifying, conducted over 18 holes at 111 sites in 43 states, will take place between May 4-21.

“U.S. Open local qualifying represents the start of an exciting two-tiered process in which thousands of golfers from around the world, both professional and amateur, pursue a place in this year’s field at Chambers Bay and the opportunity to compete for our national championship,” says Diana Murphy, USGA vice president and Championship Committee chairman. “U.S. Open qualifying is conducted with the support and expertise provided by state and regional golf associations, and we appreciate their effort and commitment.”

Those players who advance out of local qualifying will compete in sectional qualifying, which will be conducted over 36 holes at 10 U.S. sites on June 8. For the 11th consecutive year, Japan and England will host international sectional qualifying, both scheduled for May 25.

In 2014, the USGA accepted a record 10,127 entries for the championship at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2, in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C. That total eclipsed the 9,860 for the 2013 championship at Merion Golf Club, in Ardmore, PA.

Just in case you think you're exempt from qualifying, check out the changes made to the local exemptions that were amended prior to 2014. The top 500 point leaders and ties from the Official World Golf Ranking (as of March 2) will be exempt. Any player in the OWGR’s top 500 (as of April 27) who has filed an entry prior to the deadline of 5 p.m. EDT on April 29, will also earn a local exemption. In the past, only the top 150 point leaders were exempted.

Additionally, any player who has had multiple finishes in the top 400 of the year-ending OWGR in the past five calendar years (2010-2014) will be exempt from local qualifying.

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. Last year, 24 players advanced through local and sectional qualifying to the 156-player U.S. Open Championship field at Pinehurst.

Oh, and one other thing--very important: To be eligible to play in the qualifier, a player must have a Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4, or be a professional.

Online player registration for the 2015 U.S. Open will begins this week.

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

An App to Dress You

Just in case you don't know whether you need shorts or a parka for a given day on the course, Galvin Green has launched ‘Dress for the Weather,’ a free app combining course-specific forecasts with advice on optimum attire for any playing condition. Galvin Green makes functional golf clothing for serious players and says its the No. 1 global golf partner of GORE-TEX.

Offered on the App Store or Google Play, ‘Dress for the Weather’ allows golfers to choose from thousands of courses in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe. It then provides detailed five-day forecasts and recommends the ideal layering solution for expected levels of precipitation, temperature and wind speed. A brief demo video is available at vimeo.com/118823848.

“We’re constantly exploring ways to add more value to the experience of our customers in connection with the Multi-Layer Concept we pioneered,” says Nicholai Stein, Brand Manager of Galvin Green. “Facing desert heat, howling Scottish winds or anything in between, golfers can stay ahead of the competition by choosing the proper outfit.”

Aligned with premiere of Galvin Green’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, the app also lets player’s challenge their friends to a match, locate the nearest stockist and stay updated with the latest brand news.

Based in Sweden, Galvin Green developed the Multi-Layer Concept, golf’s first apparel layering system, more than a decade ago. This distinctive approach 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.

The line is worn in competition by leading Tour players including David Lynn (European Tour), Lucas Bjerregaard (European Tour) and Caroline Masson (LPGA Tour).

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

New Balance Adds to Golf Shoe Line

New Balance 2003

New Balance Golf continues to expand its line of golf footwear with the introduction of the 2003 model, a cleated athletic style golf shoe designed for the golfer looking for a lightweight shoe that provides traction and comfort.  

The 2003 golf shoe is built on a performance fit golf last that features a waterproof mesh upper with a TPU stability cage for ultralight support and fit, and a REVLite® 10mm drop* midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The outsole utilizes the Champ One-Lok® Zarma Tour** cleat system. The company says golfers will enjoy the same style, comfort, and fit they are accustomed to from New Balance footwear, plus performance technologies designed to help enhance their golf game.

"The 2003 looks and fits like a running shoe, but has the traction elements that will provide stability and balance throughout a golfer's swing," says Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Golf and Tennis, New Balance. "Our customers have been very pleased with the initial sell-through of our introduction line. Now with the addition of the 2003, 574B and other styles for men and women, we are able to provide more options for different types of golfers, with many styles offered in widths up to 4E."      

NBG2003 Specs                                                                    
• Men's Style: Silver/Red
• Sizes: 8-12, 13, 14
• Widths: D, 2E
• Shoe Last: New Balance hybrid last
• Weight: 11.1 oz.
• 2-year waterproof warranty***
• Upper: Waterproof mesh upper with TPU stability cage
• Outsole: Champ Slim-Lok® Zarma Tour cleat system with seven cleat system. The Slim-Lok is an extremely thin and light locking cleat system.
• Midsole: REVlite® - a foam compound that provides the same responsiveness and durability of foams 30 percent heavier. REVlite® provides a very lightweight ride without minimizing construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning or stability.

Suggested retail is $134.95

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

Titleist Releases 2015 ProV1 and ProV1x

The 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are on sale now, eighty years after the first Titleist golf ball was produced and almost fifteen years since the dominant model was first introduced in October, 2000. It's been one heck of a successful ride, one based on performance and brand aura with a healthy dose of reverse price appeal ("it's more expensive, therefore it has to be better").

“Golfers often ask us what sets Pro V1 and Pro V1x apart from other golf balls. You can’t just point to one or two things,” said Bill Morgan, Senior Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball R&D. “The difference is everything. We have more people with more experience designing and making golf balls, the largest intellectual property portfolio and the most sophisticated precision manufacturing processes. The 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the culmination of all that knowledge and all of that technology. The original Pro V1 was revolutionary, no question, but we’ve learned a lot in the last 15 years and these new Pro V1 models are the best we’ve ever made.”
 
Since 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x were first introduced on the PGA Tour in October, more than 100 players have put the new models in play around the world – including Jordan Spieth, who played new Pro V1x in back-to-back runaway victories at the Australian Open and Hero World Challenge, winning those events by a combined 16 strokes. Jimmy Walker first put new Pro V1x in play at the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions, where he finished runner-up. The following week, he won the Sony Open in Hawaii by nine shots. Bubba Watson, Padraig Harrington and Charley Hoffman also trusted 2015 Pro V1x to victories soon after the new models were introduced on the worldwide tours.

The 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls feature a new, patented thermoset urethane elastomer cover that the company says delivers more short game spin and control, and softer feel – while maintaining their exceptional distance and flight characteristics, and best-in-class durability. The softer, reformulated cover system improves feel, sound and short game scoring control, Titleist says, providing golfers the confidence and performance to hit it closer to the hole.

“When we set out to improve Pro V1 and Pro V1x, the product development process always starts with asking golfers how we can help them shoot lower scores,” Bohn said. “Since golfers have had such resounding success with Pro V1 and Pro V1x, this time around, they told us, ‘Don’t change much. I love the distance. I love the scoring performance. I love the durability. If you can give me slightly more spin in the short game as well as even softer feel, I’ll take it. I just don’t want to give anything up.’ So that became our design goal.”

The thermoset urethane cover formulation on both Pro V1 and Pro V1x is created by a chemical reaction that takes place during the sophisticated casting process. Liquid materials specifically formulated by Titleist R&D are combined and react to form the solid cover. This urethane is termed “thermoset,” meaning that the cover, once formed, will not re-melt. Most competitive urethane-covered golf balls use a thermoplastic urethane (TPU), supplied by an outside vendor and usually formulated for another non-golf product, which is melted and then reformed to create the cover.

“Thermoset urethane is very difficult to work with, but it gives us complete control of the chemical composition. It’s essentially a little chemical plant right in the mold, compared with using an off-the-shelf material like TPU. This allows us to dial in our desired properties of spin control, softness and durability,” said Michael Sullivan, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Product Development. “We do a lot of testing. We test the urethane on the ball and test it off the ball. In fact, we do so much material testing before it even gets onto a golf ball that by the time it does, we have a solid understanding of how it’s going to react. With the new 2015 models, we tested hundreds of formulations. You simply can’t do that with TPU. In the end, our iterative prototyping process ultimately improves performance for golfers.”

“We’re giving golfers everything they’ve previously had in Pro V1 and Pro V1x with some enhancements,” Morgan said. “They’ll get the extraordinary distance and ball flight they’re accustomed to. But they’ll also get a softer cover, which will add more spin control and feel around the greens. The feedback we’ve received on tour and with club professionals and amateurs clearly tells us that players are benefiting from this improved performance.”

New Pro V1 and Pro V1x also are designed to maintain their long-lasting durability. The company says the new urethane cover, combined with the improved paint system that debuted on the 2013 models, keeps Pro V1 and Pro V1x whiter and brighter longer throughout the course of play. The cover and paint system also contributes to an aerodynamically more consistent golf ball.  

“The breakthrough we made in durability with 2013 Pro V1 and Pro V1x really opened up the doors for us in terms of experimentation with our cover formulation. Our urethane is so resilient that as we softened it, we were able to increase short game spin and enhance the feel while maintaining its abrasion resistance,” Morgan said.

Titleist provides two distinct performance options within the 2015 Pro V1 family. Comparatively, Pro V1 has a softer feel, slightly more long game spin and a penetrating trajectory for a shallower angle of descent for more roll. Pro V1x offers a slightly firmer feel, lower long game spin and launches higher with a steeper angle of descent. The company says both Pro V1 and Pro V1x deliver extraordinary distance, the best scoring performance for all golfers, and long lasting durability, yet differ in feel, long game spin and flight.

Pro V1 is a three-piece, multiple component technology with a very soft compression ZG process core, ionomeric casing layer, softer thermoset urethane elastomer cover, and spherically-tiled 352 tetrahedral dimple design.  

Pro V1x is a four-piece, multi-component technology with a ZG process dual core, ionomeric casing layer, softer thermoset urethane elastomer cover and spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design.

And what about that reverse price appeal I mentioned?  MSRP for a dozen is $62.

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

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress an Orlando Golf Essential

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress New Course

Orlando offers a surprising number of good golf experiences, but one not to be missed is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.  Multiple Jack Nicklaus signature courses, one of the top 25 golf academies in America, and a simply exemplary level of service make Grand Cypress a golf destination in a class by itself.

The original heart of the golf operation are three mix-and-match nine hole courses (North, South, and East) designed by Nicklaus in 1984-86.  Each nine is distinctive, although the East course is a bit more forgiving, with wider fairways, fewer bunkers, and more options for getting your ball onto the green.  The North and South are tighter and more demanding of accuracy, featuring slightly elevated fairways with unforgiving edges and plateau greens all-too-frequently surrounded by sand and/or water. Tackling all three nines in a day will give you a feeling of accomplishment regardless of your score.

The headline course at Grand Cypress is the confusingly-named New Course, which opened in 1988.  Nicklaus designed it as a tribute to the Old Course at St. Andrews (now do you get the name?) complete with a links feel, replica holes, devastating pot bunkers (bring a ladder) and even double greens and fairways.  Bring your bump and run game--it will feel right at home.

Orlando is home to numerous top-name golf schools, but you won't put a finer point on your game anywhere than at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf.  It's been recognized since 1999 as one of the top 25 golf schools in America by Golf Digest and every resident instructor at the Academy is listed among the top 50 instructors in Florida.  Whether you're a beginner or a tour pro, the level of instruction, the teaching tools, technology, and facility will help you lop strokes off your scores.  The 21-acre practice facility not only has state-of-the-art computer and video-aided instruction, but three regulation practice holes designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Not to be overlooked is the Greens of Lake Windsong Par Three course at Grand Cypress.  It's a nine-hole pitch-and-putt with holes ranging from 37 to 90 yards.  Best of all, the hotel will supply the clubs, tees, and even a golf ball when you stop by for a little family fun--or to work on your short game.

If by any chance you need a break from golf, the list of other activities at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is almost too long to include here. Suffice it to say there's everything you (or your other family members) could want in the way of water sports at 21-acre Lake Windsong or around the half-acre pool with 12 waterfalls and a water jet splash zone, the Marilyn Monroe Spa, and seven on-premises bars and restaurants.  And did I mention the accommodations?  The 815 rooms were recently refurbished and have every sophisticated amenity you could possibly want.

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