By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor
For those of you unfortunate enough to live in the North, you must be salivating at the thought of the spring golf season.
Hold on, Tiger. You ain't the man you used to be. You can't just jump up and go straight to the golf course after a long winter of sloth and mold.
Now, you will find any number of charlatans willing to sell you their total golf fitness regimens. These sleazoids always assume you're a golfer interested in a cleaner, healthier way of living and golfing. I've seen you out on the course, and I know that's not the sort of thing you're "into."
So here is my total golf fitness regimen for the "real" golfer:
• For God's sake, you have to strengthen your core! This involves eating really hard food, like jawbreakers. Eat a bag of those and have your neighbor punch you in the gut to see if your core is all it can be.
Options: Month-old fudge, Purina Dog Chow, pine bark.
• You also have to really work your obliques, I mean really work the hell out of them. Here's the perfect exercise for that. Lie flat on your back with knees bent slightly wider than your hips. If you have really fat hips, you're either going to have to really stretch your knees like in a cartoon, like The Elastic Man from India, or just skip this exercise. In fact, if you have really fat hips, just skip playing golf, nobody wants to see you out on the course.
Now, you slim-hipped people reach your hands to the ceiling like you're crying out for the Lord Jesus Christ to spare you from your miserable existence. You can hold light hand-weights, or not. What do I care? Lift your head and chest toward the ceiling and rotate to reach both hands just outside of your fat, right knee. Repeat on the left side. Now, take a breather. Ask Christ for forgiveness.
• Breathing exercises: Breathing properly and deeply is critical, especially for those tense moments on the course when normally you would start crying.
This deep-breathing exercise involves attending your local adult movie house, or calling up one of those sites on your Internet browser. Follow your instincts. It's either that or follow mine, and then you're looking at jail time.
• Horizontal abduction/adduction: I can't give you much help here, because I always get "horizontal" confused with "vertical," and I have no idea what adduction is. Who came up with that word, anyway? It's a stupid word and should be eliminated from the English language, if it's even English.
• Standing hip rotation: Don't do this. It makes you look like a girl.
• Alcohol fitness: How many times have you lost $2 Nassaus because while you were getting hamboned, your playing partners were just holding up that bottle of Jack Black pretending to drink?
Well, no need to waste good liquor. You can still drink and maintain your competitive edge. You just need to build up a tolerance. Stand upright in a dark closet, with a wide stance, and suck it down. Keep drinking until your wife leaves you.
• Aerobics: Ha! Don't make me laugh. This is golf!
• Putting: Don't bother to practice putting. Putting in golf is overrated. I play golf maybe 200 times a year and I've yet to meet anyone who can putt. You either make it or you don't. If you miss, just keep putting until the ball goes in the hole. Simple.
• Seniors: As we age, our bodies react differently, so seniors must prepare for golf differently than young punks. An important thing to remember is that there is an inverse relationship of increased ear hair to laughably short drives off the tee.
So keep those ear hairs trim and neat. If you're proud of your thick mane of ear hair, don't sweat it. If you're short off the tee, you're probably small in other areas, and I think you know what I'm talking about.
• Excuses: A healthy psychological outlook is a must for Better Golf. If you can convince yourself that the snap hook you hit into the weeds over there is not your doing at all, you'll retain the confidence needed to excel in the game.
The first time you smack one of your all-too-typical lousy shots, turn to your playing partner and snarl," "Will you stop that!" Look at him, looking all hurt and everything. Who would have thought golf fitness could be so much fun?
• Torque development in the downswing: This is so important, I can barely contain myself. This is vital to any golfer who has ever wanted to improve his score. You could even say it is absolutely critical in terms of reaching your full potential as a golfer and knowing what it is to be truly human.
• Alignment and posture: Face the target squarely and stand erect, with your rump jutting out slightly. Feels a little silly, doesn't it? Can you think of another situation in life where you would position yourself in such an odd manner? I can't.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
DEVILS ROLL PAST CENTENARY
MADISON, NJ – The College at Florham Devils knocked off Centenary, 309-380, on Monday afternoon at the Morris County Golf Club. Junior Greg Stockley (Red Bank, NJ/Middletown South) led the way for FDU, shooting a match-low 74.
Junior Pat Walsh (Bernardsville, NJ/Chatham) shot a 77 whole sophomore Dennis Kimble (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater Raritan) shot a 78.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Wesley Claims Sixth at Pine Needles - Feb 26, 2008
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. - Wesley College dropped five places after a final round delayed by thunderstorms at the Pine Needles Intercollegiate hosted by Guilford. The Wolverines captured sixth with a two-day 612 after tying for first after the first day.
Mike Rushin led the Wolverines with a 17th place finish of 74-76-150. Will Scarborough, who held a two-stroke lead after shooting a 69 in the first round, tied for 22nd with an 84 in the final round to finish at 153. Andrew Geyer was one of five golfers tied with Scarborough after shooting a 75-78. Chris Osberg and Riley Powers each shot 80s in both rounds to tie for 40th with matching totals of 160.
Wesley had tied Averett for first and it was a difficult final round for the Cougars as well. Averett fell to fifth in the final standings, two strokes ahead of the Wolverines.
Belmont Abbey, third after day one, came back to claim the individual crown in the 10-team field.
Pete Latimer claimed the individiual title with a 71-72-143.
The Wolverines are now idle until competing in the McDaniel Spring Invitational on March 29-30. The event will be held in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
2008 Senior Open Can Boast Of Volunteers From All 50 States
By David Shefter, USGA
Far Hills, N.J. - Ron Diltz and Mike Kelly first became acquainted when their sons began playing high school football in Anchorage, Alaska. They quickly discovered a mutual love for outdoor activities – hunting, fishing and even golf – and their friendship soon extended beyond Friday night games.
Even after Kelly moved back to his native
This summer, the get-together will take place a little closer to Kelly’s backyard in
“I sucked him in,” said Kelly. “I only live a couple of miles from [The Broadmoor], so it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Diltz will be one of many individuals making a long trek to Colorado Springs this July to be part of the 3,000-plus volunteer force for the Senior Open (July 31-Aug. 3). In fact, this year’s championship will have volunteers from all 50 states. It’s the first time that a volunteer from every state has participated in the same championship.
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| The USGA would have a difficult time conducting championships without volunteers' participation. (John Mummert/USGA) |
The participation from near and far even had the management company that handles the U.S. Senior Open for the USGA pleasantly surprised.
“It’s very unusual [to have all 50 states represented],” said Jeff Yeager, the volunteer manager for Bruno Event Team. “I would say 40 to 45 states [is normal], but to get over the 45 mark, it’s something of a unique status.”
Part of the lure is this year’s site. The Broadmoor is a world-class resort located in an area where there are plenty of alternative activities when people are not on-site working. Yeager said The Broadmoor, which attracts guests from throughout the world, also solicited volunteers through various means of communication.
“We had started a waiting list of about 100 volunteers, but after looking at a few numbers, we have almost added all 100 of those [people] from our waiting list,” said Yeager. “So it’s been really terrific.”
Some people love being a part of the championship so much that they keep coming back.
“We’ve made the Senior Open part of our summer vacations so we can get out and see new parts of the country,” said Cato, who is retired. “This will be our first visit to
In 2005, the two served on the transportation committee. Last year, they were walking scorers. Cato went with Jim Thorpe and R.W. Eaks in the final round. In ’05, Cato said he drove Gil Morgan, Fuzzy Zoeller and Thorpe. He also got to meet Tom Watson. This year, they will be on-course marshals, just like in 2006 at Prairie Dunes in
“Especially in transportation, you get to meet a lot of [contestants] because you are right there with them,” said Cato. “When you are working out on the course, you see them but you don’t necessarily get to talk with them.
“But we’ve enjoyed it and it’s been a good experience. We haven’t decided if we are going to do it next year [at Crooked Stick] or not. We’ll probably make that decision after this year’s tournament.”
Of course, having the championship in a smaller market like
The retired Kelly moved back to
“You can get lost in places like
Just seeing a major golf event in person is a big opportunity for Diltz.
Diltz admitted that his outdoor activities of choice are hunting and fishing. But he does enjoy an occasional round of golf, including an indoor version played on a simulator.
“I’m just a weekend hacker,” said Diltz, a sales manager for an office supply company in
Inexperience can lead to golf outing headaches
Helpful hints to aid the search
Keeping it fun
- Find a trusted co-worker or friend who knows his golf to lend a hand with the planning.
- Book a resort or venue that offers activities other than golf.
- Choose a course that is familiar with hosting events and tournaments.
- Don't group players by handicap.
- Plan a social event for before or after the golf outing.
Even on the sunniest of days, putting together a round of golf can be a challenge. For the business owner planning his first golfing event, the logistics can be overwhelming.
"No one realizes how much planning goes into your first golf outing," said Kenn Klarich, golf sales manager at Château Élan in Braselton.
Teaming up with a well-connected sales person at the right golf venue will ensure that a good time will be had by all.
Whether hosting a golf tournament for employees, clients, vendors or a mix, keeping the event low-key can avoid the stresses that come along with a competitive sport.
Top Players of 2007
Player of the Year
The DSGA Player of the Year for 2007 is Eric Onesi of Newark CC. Eric was the 2006 Junior Player of the Year, the 2007 Amateur Runner-Up, and Low 6 in the Open Championship. He is a recipient of a DSGA scholarship and is currently attending
Junior Player of the Year
The DSGA Junior Player of the Year for 2007 is Justin Martinson, of Hartefeld National GC. Justin is the 2007 Junior Champion, and qualified for both the Amateur and Open Championships.
Senior Player of the Year
The DSGA Senior Player of the Year for 2007 is Charles McClaskey of The Club at Patriots Glen. Charles is the 2007 Senior Champion and finished Low 4 in the Tournament of Champions
Wesley Claims Sixth at Pine Needles
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -
Mike Rushin led the Wolverines with a 17th place finish of 74-76-150. Will Scarborough, who held a two-stroke lead after shooting a 69 in the first round, tied for 22nd with an 84 in the final round to finish at 153. Andrew Geyer was one of five golfers tied with
Wesley had tied Averett for first and it was a difficult final round for the Cougars as well. Averett fell to fifth in the final standings, two strokes ahead of the Wolverines.
Belmont Abbey, third after day one, came back to claim the individual crown in the 10-team field.
Pete Latimer claimed the individiual title with a 71-72-143.
The Wolverines are now idle until competing in the McDaniel Spring Invitational on March 29-30. The event will be held in
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hock Takes Playoff; Wins Back-To-Back On Champions Tour
Naples, FL (AHN) - Scott Hoch made an eight-foot birdie putt on No.18 to force a four-hole playoff, then rolled in another eight-footer on the first playoff hole to win The ACE Group Classic for his second straight Champions Tour victory on Sunday.
The 52-year-old Hoch picked up the top prize of $240,000 a week after winning the Allianze Championship in
Hoch, Tom Jenkins, Tom Kite and Brad Bryant all finished regulation at 14-under par 202. Jenkins, Kite and Bryant had all made pars on No. 18 before Hoch made his birdie.
On the playoff hole, Jenkins and Kite both missed chip shots after going over the green. Bryant lipped out a birdie putt.
Said Hoch, "I just said, 'Let's end it here. I don't want to play anymore. Anything else could happen."
Mickelson adds Riviera to collection of West Coast wins
LOS ANGELES (Map, News) - Phil Mickelson had played 10 tournaments at Riviera dating to his first appearance 20 years ago as a teenager. Never before had he arrived with such good vibes, mostly because of a minor change that he didn't reveal until he won.
It wasn't his close call last year, when he bogeyed the final hole and lost in a playoff.
Nor was it the playoff loss two weeks ago in Phoenix, a sign that his game was on the right track.
Rather, it was a noise only Lefty could hear.
He switched golf balls this year to a softer cover for more spin, and figured he had made all the adjustments until he struggled with his speed on the greens at Pebble Beach last week, which held him back. That's when he decided to change the insert in his putter.
"When I had putted with the insert I had, it was a quieter sound when the ball was coming off and I couldn't hear it, and I was giving it a little too much," Mickelson said. "Consequently, my speed was going well by the hole. By putting in the firmer insert, I was able to hear it, and my speed and touch came back.
"Now I hear it and it feels great."
The putter was key for Mickelson, who closed with a 1-under 70 for a two-shot victory over Jeff Quinney that gave him yet another PGA Tour title on the Left Coast.
He now has 33 career victories, with 16 of them in California and Arizona.
But as much as the putter helped Mickelson, it went from a magic wand to a ball-and-chain for Quinney.
He made four straight putts, three of them for birdie, from outside 10 feet that took him from a two-shot deficit to a brief lead and ultimately to a duel alone the final seven holes. But Quinney again had trouble down the stretch.
He bogeyed three straight holes, starting with back-to-back par putts that he missed from 7 feet, that gave Mickelson a two-shot lead and some comfort as he played the final holes. Quinney lost all hope with a three-putt from 20 feet on the par-5 17th, and his 25-foot birdie on the final hole only made it look close.
He shot a 71 for his first runner-up finish in his two years on tour.
"I had two (putts) that I'd like to have back," Quinney said. "I just put a little too much pressure on the putter on the back nine."
Mickelson, meanwhile, was solid throughout the week.
His putting kept momentum in his round of 64 on Friday to seize control, and in his 70 on Saturday to stay in the lead. And after a two-shot swing that gave Quinney the lead on the ninth hole Sunday - Quinney made a 12-foot birdie, Mickelson missed the green well to the right and made bogey - Lefty responded with clutch putts.
The first came at the 310-yard 10th hole, where Mickelson hit driver over the green and a flop shot to the skinny part of the green, the ball stopping 6 feet away. Quinney saved par with a 10-foot putt, and Mickelson made his on top of him to tie for the lead.
Mickelson pulled away when Quinney made the first of three straight bogeys, and the tournament turned on the par-3 14th.
Quinney went over the green and chipped 7 feet by the hole. Mickelson hit into a bunker and blasted out to the same distance, a few inches farther away. That meant he went first, and Mickelson poured it in for par.
Quinney missed his, the lead was two shots, the tournament effectively over.
Mickelson didn't make it a clean sweep of the West Coast Swing. He has never won in Hawaii, and only goes to Hawaii on vacation. He has never won the Accenture Match Play Championship, although he gets another shot starting Wednesday.
But he has won at every stop on the West Coast, from the ocean courses of Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach to soggy La Costa Resort to the desert tracks in Phoenix, Palm Springs and Tucson.
"I do enjoy the West Coast," Mickelson said. "I'm excited to play golf and I practice very hard on the West Coast when the season is coming around and I haven't played for awhile, I've got a lot of energy and I'm excited to get back out. I think all of these things, plus the fact that I grew up here and used to walk these fairways on the outside, I just have a great love for the West Coast.
"I've been fortunate to play well here."
It should be no surprise that Riviera took so long.
Until last year, Mickelson had missed the cut four out of eight times, including the 1995 PGA Championship. He loved the look of Riviera, but was confounded by the sticky kikuya grass that could grab the ball as it was approaching the green.
There's an art to his course off Sunset Boulevard, and he was a slow learner.
"I didn't understand the nuances of this golf course, where you can and can't hit it," he said. "And learning those nuances and how to hit the shots into some of these greens has helped me over the years. Last year was when I started to put it together, and I'm fortunate to break through this year."
Sweeter still is having his name on the roll call of a champions, a list that includes Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead. And it's a list that doesn't include Tiger Woods, or even Jack Nicklaus.
And now that another victory is in the bag, he's hungry for more.
"It's not quite to where I believe I can get it, but I feel like it's been much better than in the past, so I feel like I'm getting better," Mickelson said of his game. "I can taste where I want to get to. But I'm not quite there yet."
It wasn't his close call last year, when he bogeyed the final hole and lost in a playoff.
Nor was it the playoff loss two weeks ago in Phoenix, a sign that his game was on the right track.
Rather, it was a noise only Lefty could hear.
He switched golf balls this year to a softer cover for more spin, and figured he had made all the adjustments until he struggled with his speed on the greens at Pebble Beach last week, which held him back. That's when he decided to change the insert in his putter.
"When I had putted with the insert I had, it was a quieter sound when the ball was coming off and I couldn't hear it, and I was giving it a little too much," Mickelson said. "Consequently, my speed was going well by the hole. By putting in the firmer insert, I was able to hear it, and my speed and touch came back.
"Now I hear it and it feels great."
The putter was key for Mickelson, who closed with a 1-under 70 for a two-shot victory over Jeff Quinney that gave him yet another PGA Tour title on the Left Coast.
He now has 33 career victories, with 16 of them in California and Arizona.
But as much as the putter helped Mickelson, it went from a magic wand to a ball-and-chain for Quinney.
He made four straight putts, three of them for birdie, from outside 10 feet that took him from a two-shot deficit to a brief lead and ultimately to a duel alone the final seven holes. But Quinney again had trouble down the stretch.
He bogeyed three straight holes, starting with back-to-back par putts that he missed from 7 feet, that gave Mickelson a two-shot lead and some comfort as he played the final holes. Quinney lost all hope with a three-putt from 20 feet on the par-5 17th, and his 25-foot birdie on the final hole only made it look close.
He shot a 71 for his first runner-up finish in his two years on tour.
"I had two (putts) that I'd like to have back," Quinney said. "I just put a little too much pressure on the putter on the back nine."
Mickelson, meanwhile, was solid throughout the week.
His putting kept momentum in his round of 64 on Friday to seize control, and in his 70 on Saturday to stay in the lead. And after a two-shot swing that gave Quinney the lead on the ninth hole Sunday - Quinney made a 12-foot birdie, Mickelson missed the green well to the right and made bogey - Lefty responded with clutch putts.
The first came at the 310-yard 10th hole, where Mickelson hit driver over the green and a flop shot to the skinny part of the green, the ball stopping 6 feet away. Quinney saved par with a 10-foot putt, and Mickelson made his on top of him to tie for the lead.
Mickelson pulled away when Quinney made the first of three straight bogeys, and the tournament turned on the par-3 14th.
Quinney went over the green and chipped 7 feet by the hole. Mickelson hit into a bunker and blasted out to the same distance, a few inches farther away. That meant he went first, and Mickelson poured it in for par.
Quinney missed his, the lead was two shots, the tournament effectively over.
Mickelson didn't make it a clean sweep of the West Coast Swing. He has never won in Hawaii, and only goes to Hawaii on vacation. He has never won the Accenture Match Play Championship, although he gets another shot starting Wednesday.
But he has won at every stop on the West Coast, from the ocean courses of Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach to soggy La Costa Resort to the desert tracks in Phoenix, Palm Springs and Tucson.
"I do enjoy the West Coast," Mickelson said. "I'm excited to play golf and I practice very hard on the West Coast when the season is coming around and I haven't played for awhile, I've got a lot of energy and I'm excited to get back out. I think all of these things, plus the fact that I grew up here and used to walk these fairways on the outside, I just have a great love for the West Coast.
"I've been fortunate to play well here."
It should be no surprise that Riviera took so long.
Until last year, Mickelson had missed the cut four out of eight times, including the 1995 PGA Championship. He loved the look of Riviera, but was confounded by the sticky kikuya grass that could grab the ball as it was approaching the green.
There's an art to his course off Sunset Boulevard, and he was a slow learner.
"I didn't understand the nuances of this golf course, where you can and can't hit it," he said. "And learning those nuances and how to hit the shots into some of these greens has helped me over the years. Last year was when I started to put it together, and I'm fortunate to break through this year."
Sweeter still is having his name on the roll call of a champions, a list that includes Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead. And it's a list that doesn't include Tiger Woods, or even Jack Nicklaus.
And now that another victory is in the bag, he's hungry for more.
"It's not quite to where I believe I can get it, but I feel like it's been much better than in the past, so I feel like I'm getting better," Mickelson said of his game. "I can taste where I want to get to. But I'm not quite there yet."
Bayside, DE, Opens One-of-a-Kind Playground with Help of Local Artists
Bayside, DE: Award-winning golf & now a new playground.
Bayside, the Delaware resort golf community being
developed by Carl M. Freeman Companies, is a place
especially for families and now it is is home to a
newly installed coastal-themed playground thanks in
part to the efforts of local artists, Bayside homeowners,
and Freeman employees.
The 6,500-square-foot facility, which is part of Bayside’s
Carousel Park, shines with bright colors and whimsical art
providing the backdrop for such features as a rock
climbing wall, an osprey tower, a lighthouse, a maze, and
a puppet theater.
Local artists Aubre Duncan, John Donato, and Laura
Hickman donated their time and talents to creating the
original artwork throughout the playground while Bayside
homeowners and Freeman employees helped with the
painting and some of the construction.
The design of Bayside’s playground is the work of Leathers
& Associates, a leader in the field of community-built
playgrounds. The Ithaca, New York-based company designs
one-of-a-kind playgrounds that are built on site, usually
within 5 days, using volunteer labor.
Its playgrounds are built with environmentally friendly
materials and are known for their safety features as well
as for providing opportunities to children of all abilities
to play.
To request immediate information about Bayside, please
click here.
Bayside, the Delaware resort golf community being
developed by Carl M. Freeman Companies, is a place
especially for families and now it is is home to a
newly installed coastal-themed playground thanks in
part to the efforts of local artists, Bayside homeowners,
and Freeman employees.
The 6,500-square-foot facility, which is part of Bayside’s
Carousel Park, shines with bright colors and whimsical art
providing the backdrop for such features as a rock
climbing wall, an osprey tower, a lighthouse, a maze, and
a puppet theater.
Local artists Aubre Duncan, John Donato, and Laura
Hickman donated their time and talents to creating the
original artwork throughout the playground while Bayside
homeowners and Freeman employees helped with the
painting and some of the construction.
The design of Bayside’s playground is the work of Leathers
& Associates, a leader in the field of community-built
playgrounds. The Ithaca, New York-based company designs
one-of-a-kind playgrounds that are built on site, usually
within 5 days, using volunteer labor.
Its playgrounds are built with environmentally friendly
materials and are known for their safety features as well
as for providing opportunities to children of all abilities
to play.
To request immediate information about Bayside, please
click here.
University of Delaware Golf Team Announces Three Recruits To Join Program
University of Delaware golf head coach Mike Keogh (at right) has announced that three high school senior standouts will enroll at UD and begin playing for the Blue Hens in the 2008-09 season.
Bobby Arthur, a native of Marlton, NJ, was the 2007 Junior Golfer Sportsmanship of the Year Award winner by the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Arthur, a member of the 2006 and 2007 Golf Association of Philadelphia Williamson Cup Team, was a medalist and semifinalist at the 2006 Philadelphia Junior AM.
Greg Matthias, a local product from Wilmington, DE who attends Salesianum, was named to the 2006 All-State First Team. Matthias finished second at the 2007 Rehoboth Junior Open, fifth at the DIAA State Championship, and fifth at the 2007 DSGA Junior Amateur.
Stephen Scialo, a native of New City, NY, was named HP Scholastic AJGA All-American last year. Scialo was the 2007 Journal News Player of the Year and was the Dellwood Country Club Men’s Club champion.
“As our program improves, we are attracting solid players who will enhance the quality of the Delaware golf program,” Keogh said. “We are fortunate to have many excellent young players in the tri-state area like Bobby, Greg and Stephen who will enable our program to continue to improve.”
Best Delaware Golf Courses
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