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

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

Simple, Effective Putting Drills Will Lower Your Scores

Here's one of the best drills you can do to sharpen your putting stroke. Jason Gobleck from Westchester Hills in White Plains demonstrates how to insure a square set-up and an accurate stroke in this video from Five Iron Fitness.

Golf Tips From Around The Met is just one of the many ways Anthony Renna from Five Iron Fitness helps golfers--pros and ams alike--improve their games.

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

Improve Your Impact Position

As Anthony Renna of Five Iron Fitness continues his excellent golf video series, Jason Gobleck from Westchester Hills CC in White Plains, NY, talks about using the Impact Bag to get into a better position.

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

An Intro To Golf From EWGA Westchester

Whether you are new to golf or want to reconnect to golf for business and social purposes, the Executive Women's Golf Association of Westchester (EWGA) has an event that's perfect for you on March 6 at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, NY.

EWGA Westchester is teaming up with Elisa Gaudet, author of Two Good Rounds, to present a fun, informative after-work event for women golfers (or women who want to be golfers). You'll rotate through four instructional stations to learn everything you need to know about golf attire, etiquette, basic rules, terminology and how you can get easily involved in the game of golf. There will also be a fun putting competition!

No clubs or golf attire is required--and you don't have to be an EWGA member! The informative indoor session will be followed by an open wine, beer and soda bar and hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to network with other like minded professional women. Admission is just $25. All attendees will receive a gift and Elisa Guadet will speak about the game and be available for book signings.

For more information, visit EWGAWestchester.com.

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

Oscar Salazar Honored By Westchester Hills

Oscar Salazar

Westchester Hills Country Club paid tribute to a special person August 21. It wasn't the winner of a tournament championship or a newly-elected club president but rather Oscar Salazar, a locker room attendant at the White Plains club for 43 years.

When members of the club learned that the 65-year-old Salazar was battling cancer, they got together to stage an outing to both honor his years of service and to raise money for the education of his three kids. Over 120 golfers signed up for golf, dinner, raffles, and other fund-raising festivities held in the newly-renovated club house. One long-time member came from Florida for the event. Another cut short a business trip in Germany to fly back for it.

Oscar and his family greeted participants as they arrived, exchanging stories and posing for endless pictures as the golfer checked in. "This is like my second home," Oscar said. "The members are like a family."

Like the perfect sunny day, the mood was upbeat, cheerful, and celebratory of the man's life. His brother, Pepe, was in the locker room where he, too, has worked for many years. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino declared August 21, 2012, "Oscar Salazar Day."

Oscar, a native of Lima, Peru, came to Westchester Hills as a bus boy. In 1980, he "graduated" to the locker room where he presides over the upper level. His brother, Pepe, is stationed on the ground floor. The two are noted for continuous banter about their favorite teams. Pepe is a Yankees fan while Oscar roots for the Mets.

As head pro Jason Gobleck said, "We do golf events all the time, but this one is special. It's for one of our own."

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