Does Couples Win Mark End Of Pro Golf In Westchester?

You couldn't ask for a more exciting golf tournament than the 2011 Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship at Westchester Country Club. The most popular player in golf, Fred Couples, won it yesterday in a sudden death playoff that went three holes against John Cook.

photo courtesy of the Champions Tour

Couples trailed Cook by one stroke with three holes to play in regulation, but Cook opened the door for Couples at the par-3 16th by making bogey after a poor pitch shot from short of the green. Couples was over the green on the 225-yard hole, but he managed to save par and force a tie by holing a 15-foot putt just after Cook missed his par effort from 25 feet. After both players made routine pars on the final two holes of regulation and the first playoff hole, Couples appeared to have the advantage when he hit the par-5, 18th hole in two. However, he squandered the opportunity to win by three-putting for par from 70 feet. The duo went back to the par-4 17th hole where Cook pulled his wedge shot from the fairway 18 feet left of the hole. Couples, just barely in the right rough, launched a sand wedge shot that stopped just three feet from the cup. After Cook missed his birdie putt, Couples tapped in for the victory.

So what's next for the tournament? Executive Director Steven Schoenfeld told me yesterday before the final round that it's all up in the air for 2012 and beyond. While the event will be definitely be held--it is the Champions Tour's fifth major, after all--the venue is far from decided. The only thing for sure, Schoenfeld said, is that it won't be at Westchester Country Club next year. The PGA Tour would like to keep it in Westchester, and there are plenty of great courses that could host it here, but they need a title sponsor to make that happen. Otherwise, the event will probably move to one of the tour-owned TPC Courses where there's no rent required. This was the final year for Constellation Energy's sponsorship and the prospects of finding another title sponsor in this economy aren't great, although Schoenfeld said there are several meetings with potential sponsors next month.

It would be a shame to see professional golf leave Westchester again. Watching the game on television is nothing like standing fifteen feet away from a player like Corey Pavin while he goes through his pre-shot routine and blasts a bunker shot to three feet from the cup. Or seeing Mark Calcavecchia hurl his driver against a rock outcropping that snagged his off-line tee-shot. You'd never hear the words he used on TV, either. the Golf Channel did a great job of covering the tournament, but it can't match being there in person.

You also can't see the real golf course on the TV screen, no matter how big it is. The hardest hole at Westchester this year was the par-4 12th, which played to a stroke average of 4.421, ranking it as the fourth hardest hole on the 2011 Champions Tour. Only 10 birdies were made there during the four days of competition. You can't begin to see how elevated that green is when you see it on a TV screen, or how awkward the lies can be for the players' approach shots from the steeply falling fairway.

Let's hope the tour can find a sponsor and a keep professional golf in Westchester. I'm sure I'm not the only golfer who'd like to see Freddie defend his title next year.

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.

Fedex Cup Isn't Only Great Golf Event At Plainfield

While all golf eyes are fixed on The Barclays, the first playoff event in the quest for the FedEx Cup, that's not the only great golf event taking place at Plainfield Country Club. In 2009, Plainfield became the first private golf club in the country to build a First Tee chapter. In a relatively short time, the program has grown to over 250 aspiring young junior golfers who meet at Plainfield's West Nine in Edison, NJ.

In July of this year, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York launched its Path to College Program for First Tee participants at the club. On Tuesday, July 12, Drew University in Madison, NJ, hosted approximately forty 7th, 8th, and 9th graders for an information session and tour around the beautiful Drew campus. The information session focused on educating the participants on what steps they should take to prepare for college, including studying hard to achieve a high GPA and researching colleges to find the right one for each individual.

"One of the great things about being alive today is that we have options, especially when it comes to schools," said Luis Pena, Admissions Counselor at Drew University. "You need to take ownership of your college search. There is a school for every single person."

The participants were eager to gain as much knowledge about the college process as possible and were filled with questions for the counselors. "I learned that a college campus has a lot more to offer than sports," said Quavis Anderson, participant of The First Tee. "I want to find a place where I am comfortable."

Led by Drew University students, the participants went on a tour of the campus and got a taste for what college would be like. For some, this was their first time on a college campus. "I didn't think it would be this nice," said Andrew Gutierrez, participant of The First Tee.

Later in the afternoon, older students of The First Tee attended their first SAT preparation class, taught by Mark Hoyt. Participants were introduced to the math section of the SAT and learned about special techniques to use when solving the tricky SAT math problems. These classes will take place at both the Essex County and Plainfield facilities over the next 12 weeks and will prepare participants for the SAT this October.

The following day, high school students in the Program toured Rutgers University and gained additional information on the acceptance process and setting a proactive timeline for college admission.

For more information about Plainfield CC and the First Tee program there, contact Bill Castner, PGA,
(908) 769-3672 or castnerpga@gmail.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.

Met Open At Sleepy Hollow

A powerful field of more than 150 golfers will compete in the Met Life Metropolitan Open Championship at Sleepy Hollow Country Club August 23-25. This will be the first Met Open hosted by the Scarborough, NY, club, a major highlight of Sleepy Hollow's centennial year celebration.

Defending champion Bob Rittberger will face challenges from top players like Rob Labritz, winner of the 2011 NY State Open, Andrew Giuliani, 2009 Met Open champion, Kevin Foley, 2011 New Jersey State Open champion, and Frank Bensel, 2011 Connecticut Open champion and a previous Met Open champion. Former champions of the modern era include Darrell Kestner, George Zahringer III, Bobby Heins, Mike Diffley, Johnson Wagner, and Andrew Svoboda. Wagner, who won the Met Open as an amateur in 2001, won the title again in 2002 for his first victory as a professional.

The Met Open was once considered one of golf's "majors" along with the U.S. Open and Western Open. Winners during golf's golden era include Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Byron Nelson, Craig Wood, and Claude Harmon.

photo courtesy of Sleepy Hollow CC

Sleepy Hollow Country Club was founded in 1911 by some of the nation's most prominent business leaders at the pinnacle of America's "Gilded Age" including members of the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller families. Charles Blair Macdonald, assisted by Seth Raynor, designed the course, which was later tweaked by A.W. Tillinghast. More recently, Sleepy Hollow Country Club completed a comprehensive restoration bringing back the original designs and concepts of Macdonald. The result is a wonderful classic yet fully up-to-date course world renowned for its 16th hole, with its dramatic green and unparalleled view of the Hudson Valley.

John Cooney, Jr., President of the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, said: "We are honored to have been selected to host the Met Open during our club's centennial year. Competing golfers will enjoy our unique and challenging course that is in keeping with the Met Open standards and tradition."

Over the decades, Sleepy Hollow Country Club has hosted numerous golf tournaments including the Met Amateur Championships in 1944, 1965 and 1983, the Metropolitan Golf Association's 2003 Ike Championship as well as the 1993 French-American Challenge. From 1986 to 1993, Sleepy Hollow hosted the "Legends of Golf" Senior PGA tour event and in 2002 it played host to the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

Mr. Cooney added, "The strong fields and world-class venues that characterize the Met Open have made it one of the nation's most sought-after regional titles. Sleepy Hollow County Club is proud to join the Met Open's distinguished list of host sites."

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.

Fans Can Win At CE Senior Players Championship

Tournament officials at the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship today announced a special “Sunday Funday” promotion for the final round of competition on August 21 that will give fans on site the chance to win a 60” TV and $1,000 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card.

Fans attending the tournament at Westchester Country Club on Sunday, August 21 are encouraged to stop by the “Sunday Funday” contest area, located behind the television tower on the No. 18 green, starting at noon to fill out an entry form. During the trophy presentation at the conclusion of play on Sunday, approximately 6:00 pm local time, the 2011 Senior Players champion will draw the contest winner's name. The winner must be present at the No. 18 green when their name is drawn in order to claim the prize package.

“We're thrilled to bring the ‘Sunday Funday’ promotion to our fans, as it will add another level of excitement to the championship’s final round,” said Steven Schoenfeld, executive tournament director of the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. “I encourage everyone to come out to Westchester Country Club and watch some of the greatest players of our generation compete in the Champions Tour’s final major championship of the season. When you’re here on Sunday afternoon, be sure to register for your chance at winning this exciting prize package.”

Gates will open for Constellation Energy Senior Player Championship ticket holders at 8:15 am, on Sunday of tournament week. However, spectators entering after 3 p.m. on Sunday will be admitted free of charge.

The 78-player field at the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship includes fan favorites such as Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Tom Lehman, Corey Pavin, Nick Price and Tom Watson.

Daily and weekly tickets to the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship are still available and may be purchased for a reduced price in advance online at www.ceseniorplayers.com or at the gate. Children 18 and under and active, retired and reserve military personnel are admitted to the grounds at no charge.

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.

Exciting Golf In Westchester

I'm picking up my press credentials today at Westchester Country Club, site of the 29th annual Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. I hope I'll see you this week at this stellar event.

The field is filled with major championship winners as well as current members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The current field lists World Golf Hall of Famers Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer, Larry Nelson, Nick Price and Tom Kite. A total of 17 players with PGA TOUR major championships on their resume are scheduled to compete.

A number of new faces, including Tom Lehman, Kenny Perry and Brad Faxon, the Champions Tour’s newest rookie, will make their first appearances in the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. These three are joined by Tom Pernice, Jr., John Huston, Steve Lowery, Mark Brooks, Steve Pate, Lee Rinker, Jim Gallagher, Jr., and Roger Chapman.

photo courtesy of Westchester CC

Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY will serve as the third different venue in the last five years for the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship, but the majority of the field is quite familiar with the West Course, having played there numerous times in their PGA TOUR careers. The course served as the host of the Westchester Classic from 1967-1975, the American Express Westchester Classic from 1976-1978, the Manufacturers Hanover Westchester Classic from 1979-1989, the Buick Classic from 1990-2004, the Barclays Classic and then The Barclays from 2005-2007. Bob Gilder’s four-round total of 19-under 261 at Westchester in 1982 was the tournament record and included one of the most famous shots in golf, a double-eagle two on the 509-yard 18th hole on the third day with a driver and three wood.

In addition to Gilder, four other former winners at Westchester are expected to compete in the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship – Scott Simpson (1984), Bob Tway (1986), Hale Irwin (1990) and David Frost (1992). Irwin finished among the top 10 five times in 17 appearances at Westchester. Tom Watson and Tom Kite never won on the PGA TOUR at Westchester but both had a number of good finishes. Watson was T2 in 1976 and had eight top-10s in 13 appearances. Kite was T2 in 1982 and also had eight top-10s in 23 appearances at Westchester Country Club. Nine players in this year’s field played at Westchester 20 or more times in their PGA TOUR careers – Jay Haas (27), Bob Tway (23), Tom Kite (23), Ben Crenshaw (22), Bob Gilder (22), Loren Roberts (21), Fred Couples (20), Don Pooley (20) and Craig Stadler (20).

photo courtesy of Westchester CC

This event will mark the first time since 1993 that a Champions Tour event has been held in Westchester County. Sleepy Hollow CC in nearby Scarborough was the host for the NYNEX Commemorative event from 1986-1993. Among the winners were Lee Elder, Gene Littler, Bob Charles (twice) and Lee Trevino. Roberto DeVicenzo also won the first U.S. Senior Open in 1980 at Winged Foot GC in Mamaroneck.

photo courtesy of PGA TOUR

In addition to a star-studded field, this event promises some exciting golf. Last year, Mark O’Meara made a par putt of just over three feet on the first extra hole to defeat Michael Allen at the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. O’Meara, who narrowly missed winning in regulation when his 30-foot birdie opportunity finished just inches short on the 72nd hole, hit two near-perfect shots in the playoff and then two-putted from 30 feet for the win. Allen got into the playoff by making up a three-stroke deficit over the final five holes thanks to three birdies. However on the first playoff hole, Allen hit his tee shot into the right rough and could do no better than a bogey-5. O’Meara became the 10th player with a Senior Players title as well as at least one major championship to his credit on the PGA TOUR and the first since Craig Stadler in 2003. He was the only player in the field with four consecutive rounds in the 60s at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

There's plenty at stake. This year's purse is $2.7 million, with the winner collecting $405,00 as well as 810 points toward the Charles Schwab Cup.

If you can't make it to the club in person (aw come on--it's less than $25 and kids under 18 are free!), you can watch all four rounds on the Golf Channel.

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.

Meet Fuzzy Zoeller At Emma's Ale House

One of golf's great personalities--not to mention champion players--will be at Emma's Ale House in White Plains on Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30 PM. Stop by, get acquainted, and try out his new product, Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka.

Fuzzy's professional golf career produced ten PGA TOUR victories, including the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open, and thousands of loyal fans who enjoy his fun approach to the game and his chatter with the gallery as he stalks the fairways looking for birdies. Fuzzy's Masters victory remains the only win posted by a Masters rookie, and at the 1984 U.S. Open he jokingly waved his white towel in mock surrender to Greg Norman on the final hole on Sunday after Norman sank a monster putt for par to tie him after 72 holes. Fuzzy went on to win the next day in an 18 hole playoff in record fashion.

Since joining The Champions Tour Fuzzy has notched another major, the 2002 Senior PGA Championship. He'll be in town this week to compete in the CE Senior Player's Championship at Westchester Country Club.

Fuzzy says he spent nearly four years creating a vodka that he felt proud to put his name on. It's distilled five times from corn and grains, then slowly filtered ten times through charcoal. The product was awarded a gold medal and a 94 rating from the Beverage Testing Institute.

While you're swapping golf tales with Fuzzy, don't forget to try out the excellent pub fare at Emma's. I'd have to rank the burger as one of the best anyplace and the fried chicken is almost as good as my Mom's!

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.

Adidas Spikeless Golf Shoes Pass The Test

Two things struck me when I first saw the adiSTREET golf shoes kindly given to me by the folks at Adidas:

1. Do I really want to be seen in white shoes with lime green soles and laces?
2. How will spikeless golf shoes perform on wet turf?

I overcame the first problem by using the thoughtfully-provided optional white laces. I couldn't do anything about the soles, but hey! if anybody wants to waste their day looking at the soles of my feet, I don't want to hear about it.

photo courtesy of Adidas

The traction question was a bigee, of course, but that was answered in short order when I played a round at Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, NY. It's a great historic track where Babe Ruth once belonged. It was also wet that day, the area having received torrential rains the night before and more showers due to arrive shortly after I finished my round. In other words, prime conditions for slippin' and slidin' on the old turf.

I didn't slip a single time. Not on the tee when I was over-swinging and swaying like crazy. Not even trying to recover from side-hill lies in soaking wet rough (the place where you go when you over-swing and sway during your drive). If these shoes provided a stable foundation under those conditions, they'll be good anywhere.

The adiSTREET shoes use 124 strategically placed traction lugs in varying sizes for traction and grip. They feature full-grain leather uppers which are both lightweight and durable and there's a textured synthetic toe-cap for improved abrasion resistance. The shoes are offered in medium widths, and carry a two-year waterproof warranty. They are available in a choice of six color combinations with an MSRP of $190.

About the only improvement I could recommend would be to build more arch support into the shoe. Many of us older golfers have seen our arches fall at bit over the years (along with our jowls and few other body parts), so we need a little extra lift to go along with the comfortable feel of the spikeless style. I switched out the shoe lining for orthotic lifts, though, and my feet felt great at the end of the round.

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.