The Mountain State of Golf Volume 1, Issue 1, Fall 2021
Reale Runs Away with 102nd WV Amateur Philip Reale of Hurricane became the 102nd West Virginia Amateur Champion today at The Greenbrier, joining 38 others to have hoisted The Greenbrier Trophy, joining the likes of William C. Campbell, Ed Tutwiler, Pat Carter, 102nd WV Amateur Steve Fox and Champion Philip Reale his brother, Anthony Reale. Reale claimed victory by nine strokes after entering the day with a slim one stroke lead. Reale got off to a slow start but finished his round birdieing six of his last 13 holes, including back-to-back birdies on holes six and seven on his way to a final round 65. Alongside Reale in the final grouping of the day was Morgantown’s Chris Williams and South Charleston’s Joseph Kalaskey. Kalaskey got as close as one stroke from Reale early on the front nine, but Reale proved to be playing at the top of his game. With a late back nine charge, Hutson Chandler of Bridgeport birdied three of his last seven holes
1
to secure solo runner-up. Low Junior honors went to Daniels’ Todd Duncan with a score of 297 and13-time West Virginia Amateur Champion Pat Carter, of Huntington, earned Low Senior honors. “Winning the tournament was unbelievable,” said Philip Reale. “It still hasn’t quite set in. It’s awesome to be able to so this in front of the family; just awesome.” TOP TEN (plus ties) Champion Philip Reale, Hurricane, 270 Runner-Up Hutson Chandler, Bridgeport, 279 3rd Joseph Kalaskey, South Charleston, 280 T-4 Noah Mullins, Milton, 281 T-4 Alex Easthom, Ravenswood, 281 T-4 Chris Wiliams, Morgantown, 281 7th Isaiah Zaccheo, Beckley, 283 T-8 Jonathan Clark, Hurricane, 286 T-8 Cam Roam, Huntington, 286 T-8 Howie Peterson, Weirton, 286 T-8 Ryan Crabtree, Falling Waters, 286 T-8 Christian Boyd, Charles Town, 286 This year’s championship included two record events. The first was a record-tying 64 on The Meadows by John Francisco of Shepherdstown. The second was the final and record-setting 54th appearance in the West Virginia Amateur for the 1988 & 1994 Amateur Champion, Steve Fox. The final round of the 102nd WV Amateur Championship, presented by Astorg Motor 102nd WV Amateur Continued on page 3
102 WV Amateur
Additional story from page 1
Steve Fox says farewell to the WV Amateur after 54 years and two titles The loudest round of applause this week at the 102nd West Virginia Amateur did not come for champion Philip Reale. And Reale was completely fine with that. Instead, that biggest applause was for Huntington’s Steve Fox as he finished up play at his 54th and final State Amateur. As Fox came to the 18th green on Wednesday, there was a loud ovation for a man who has spent more than a half-century competing in state events while helping to expand the game within the Mountain State. The 67-year-old Fox said it was the culmination of a humbling final week of memories at The Greenbrier. “Just having that much support and that many people who are my friends that thought enough to come or stick around, it meant the world to me,” Fox said. “I’m not deserving of that, that’s for sure. For them to be there and support me and be there at the end just meant the world.” Reale, who won the title on Wednesday, took time out to voice his appreciation for Fox’s
friendship and his longevity within the state’s top events. “He’s been a mainstay in the golf association for years and years and years,” Reale said. “Fifty-four Ams — that’s pretty impressive on its own. You’re not going to find a better guy or a better ambassador of the game. We’re going to miss him playing in these. The fact that he’s out here at 67, will be turning 68 and is still hanging with everybody is amazing in and of itself.” Fox shot a 6-over-par 76 on Wednesday to finish the tournament tied for 30th place. “My goal was to make the cut and I was able to do that so I could play all four days,” Fox said. His tournament started with an even-par 70 that had him near the top of the leaderboard, but he said the scoring or position wasn’t what was important to him about this week. “The biggest thing was that my family was there Sunday, Monday and Tuesday,” Fox said. “Having them there with me to share in my last tournament meant a lot — my three kids and their husbands and my brother and sister and my wife, who I met 47 or 48 years ago at The Greenbrier. That was obviously the highlight.” Fox said the emotions of the week hit hard over the last few holes as he walked down Old White for the final times in competition for the More WV Am Stories Continued on page 3
2
102 WV Amateur
Continued from page 1
Company and Mercedes-Benz of Charleston, sponsored by United Bank and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA), teed off this morning on the Old White Course at The Greenbrier. “We would like to thank the West Virginia Golf Association and The Greenbrier Resort for their commitment to a quality tournament and showcasing West Virginia talent in an event that is truly representative of the Mercedes-Benz standard of ‘The Best or Nothing,’” said Astorg Auto CEO Paul Astorg. The Greenbrier’s Vice President of Golf RobMore WV Am Stories Continued from page 2 West Virginia Amateur. “I knew it would be a real emotional day for me,” Fox said. “I look back and 54 years flew by. I’ve got tremendous memories of the tournament, tremendous memories about The Greenbrier and developed great friendships over the years. Really, I’ll miss those things a lot more than I’ll miss the golf. “I couldn’t have written a better ending to 54 wonderful years at The Greenbrier.” Kalaskey family tradition Strong finishes are quickly becoming a Kalaskey family tradition in the West Virginia Golf Association ranks. Joseph Kalaskey, a former George Washington High School golfer who will be a sophomore this year at Marshall, finished the tournament at even par, which was good enough for third place. His sister, Torren Kalaskey, also scored a third-place finish earlier this year in the West Virginia Women’s Amateur. The beauty of the brother-sister duo is that when one was competing, the other was on the bag caddying and helping to pave the way for the strong finish. “It’s pretty cool because she finished third in the Women’s Am, and I guess we finished third here,” Joseph Kalaskey said. “I caddied for her in her tournament and she caddied for me and I had my dad and my mom watching, so it was fun.”
3
ert Harris said, “It was an incredible week of fantastic golf, and Philip Reale proved to be a worthy champion. The Greenbrier was proud to host the West Virginia Amateur once again, and we look forward to next year and many more ahead.” Click here for a com- WVGA President Phil plete list of final scores. Reale with son and WV Amateur champion Philip Reale.
Joseph Kalaskey said his sister has helped him grow within the game. “It’s a little competitive, but we both know our strengths and she helps me read greens a little bit,” he said. Strong finish for Carter There were only three players who finished below par on Wednesday, and one was Huntington’s Pat Carter, the 13-time West Virginia Amateur champion. Carter shot a 1-under 69, which tied him with second-place finisher Hutson Chandler for the second-lowest round of the day.Carter’s round helped him secure the honors of Low Senior after finishing 13th in the tournament. Briefly In addition to Fox’s exit from the State Amateur, the WVGA said goodbye to one of its own employees following Wednesday’s round. Cory Hoshor, the WVGA’s director of operations, is leaving after six years with the organization. Hoshor was honored by WVGA Executive Director Brad Ullman during the trophy presentation. Low Junior honors went to Todd Duncan, of Daniels. Article by ryan.pritt@ wvgazettemail.com; used by permission.
WVGA facing challenges and opportunities The COVID-19 crisis brought about several challenges for the WV golfing community. First on that list was the accelerated effort that had to be undertaken to represent to state leaders that the game of golf and the work of WVGA member clubs provides an outdoor recreational release to thousands of West Virginians at a time when such a release was needed most. Adapting a temporary set of rules to insure sanitization of golf carts and clubhouse facilities as well as protocols to maintain social distancing that included a one person to a cart rule, using electronic scoring to avoid congregation of players around a scorer’s table, utilizing shotgun starts to avoid congregating at clubhouses while awaiting one’s tee time and other measures helped convince the powers that be that indeed this game we play could in fact be allowed to continue without interruption by a pandemic the depths of which none of us could have imagined back in March of 2020. In 2021 with reduced pandemic worry, we appear to be bigger, stronger, leaner and our reach extends beyond anything anyone would have imagined two decades ago. I think we can say that the first challenges COVID presented – even to the point of carrying out our major championships last summer, consolidating our 2-season First Tee programing, condensing the deployment of the Callaway Junior Tour, the WVGA Amateur Tour, as well as the WVGA Senior Series and, otherwise carrying out our full spectrum of managing the WVGA – were well overcome by our Association. The force behind our capacity to do all of this with amazing efficiency and professionalism must be credited to our Executive Director, Brad Ullman and our amazing staff of Chris Slack, Danielle Monk, Cory Hoshor and Jeff Preast, along with our three PJ Boatwright Interns funded by the USGA. All exhibit a remarkable commitment to excelPhil Reale President, WVGA
lence and dedication to the game of golf. Cory, however, is making a career change and what he and we hope will be a positive one for his future. Equally important is the credibility of our Association to do the right thing, something the foundation for which has been more than adequately laid by those who have preceded us in leadership roles. Past presidents like Harold Payne, Butch Freeman, Paul Moran, Steve Fox, and Ed McCall, along with past executive director Ken Tackett and all the executive committee members who have come and gone over the years. Our evolution as an organization is an uncontroverted rising star and the job before us now is to continue the ascension to be better in all respects. The outcome of our ability to maintain access to the game of golf during the pandemic helped lead to a significant increase in rounds played at our member clubs, increases in membership at many of our member clubs, and increases in sales of the popular VIP card that gave more people access to play golf at our member clubs. Growth in the golf industry overall was remarkable. Now, the challenge is to retain this growth, build on it and increase the quality of what we do as an organization. Programs to attract more youth to the game, to cause there to be more diversification in our ranks, and to cultivate the game’s growing popularity with females, challenge us to be creative. Sustainability of our First Tee Program, the Callaway Junior Tour for boys and girls, the WVGA Amateur Tour and, most certainly our Senior Tour offering, which is experiencing record participation this year, represent a challenge we must meet. It is also something we must do while retaining affordability in the face of economic demands that annually increase. Yes, the WVGA will never have the luxury of escaping the annual challenge of affordability of operations and creating the kind of reserve Challenges/opportunities Continued on page 24
4
Embracing technology for 2022 and beyond The WVGA is currently engaging in a multitude of ways to enhancie the experience of being a member of the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA). This includes the partnerships with our 80 Member Clubs as well as over 9,000 competitive and recreational players in our state. As the WVGA advances its level of communication to the golfing community of our state, we are excited, through our partnership with Encova, to announce the Golf WV App that is now live in Apple and Andoid Stores! The new Golf WV App will be a one-stop shop of information for golfers. Golfers will be able to view schedules for men, women, junior and seniors, register for events, communicate with WVGA staff, read the rich history of golf in West Virginia through the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, shop the new WVGA online store, purchase West Virginia as well as Virginia VIP Cards, view the WVGA Member Club Directory, view upcoming Member Club events as well as everything junior golf in our state. The First Tee-West Virginia appears on the new App as we look to engage our next generation of golfers through our School Program as well as at our green-grass programming venues. Tournament Management (TM) is a key component to the WVGA operations, along with our Member Clubs, and we are excited to announce a new partnership in 2022 with BlueGolf. BlueGolf provides outstanding value and delivers a first-class suite of TM services that we are certain will position our Association and member clubs for long-term success. • BlueGolf has been delivering innovative systems for golf since 2000 and is recognized as the leader in tournament manage-
5
ment in the industry. BlueGolf also provides a full suite of other integrated services that will help the WVGA grow the game across West Virginia. • BlueGolf has a proven track record of innovation and developing products that significantly increase efficiency and deliver a great user experience to administrators and golfers. • BlueGolf has heavily invested in their infrastructure, providing the WVGA and member Embracing technology Continued on page 23
Brad Ullman Executive Director, WVGA
The First Tee: Bringing character education and healthy habits to elementary schools The focus of First Tee – West Virginia is to give young people, ages 5-18, of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. It all started with a question: Why don’t more kids play golf?
In 1997, a partnership among the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR, and the USGA looked to make that question a thing of the past. To find the answer, they formed First Tee. First Tee started as a way to bring an affordable junior golf program to youth and communities that did not have them. What First Tee soon discovered was that blending the rules of the game with life and leadership skills, kids and teens didn’t just learn how to putt – they were learning important values. First Tee offers more than golf lessons for kids: it offers life lessons. The program’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices.
With a focus on character development, First Tee teaches core values and healthy habits in the physical, emotional and social areas. Nine Core Values Honesty Integrity Sportsmanship Respect Confidence Responsibility Perseverance Courtesy Judgment Nine Healthy Habits Energy Play Safety Vision Mind Family Friends School Community The Life Skills Experience is one of the unique features that separates our program from many other junior golf programs. Participants learn valuable lessons about responsibility, courtesy, how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences, how to set goals, how to define those goals and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, as well as the importance of showing respect for others. These lessons for life are taught through a variety of golf-related activities designed with the primary goal of having fun. Participants learn The First Tee Continued on page 25
Jeff Preast Youth Development, WVGA
6
Callaway Junior Tour closes 37th year of providing affordable, competitive junior golf The Callaway Junior Tour, sponsored by TriState Roofing and Sheet Metal, closed the 2021 season on the Meadows Course at The Greenbrier. Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Rounds of the Day and age division winners were Todd Duncan of Daniels, with a one over par 71, in the Boys’ 17-18 Division and Sara Veara of Berkeley Springs, with a seven over par 77, in the Girls’ 15-18 Division. Duncan said, “I had a slow start, but was happy with the way I finished my round.” “Shooting a score in the 70s and winning was a great feeling,” Veara said. Other division winners were: • Boys 12 & Under: Tommy Evans of Charles Town; • Boys 13-14: Adam Gill of Wheeling; • Boys 15-16: Tanner Vest of Shady Spring; and • Girls 10-14: McKenzie Armstrong of Belmont. The event, a partner of Callaway Golf and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association, featured a field of 33 golfers 18 and under from across West Virginia and other states. Click here for a complete list of final scores. In addition, the 2021 Callaway Junior Tour Player of the Year Awards were announced today at the conclusion of the tournament. Winners are (top to bottom at right): • Boys 12 & Under: McCartney Hinkle of Princeton; • Boys 13-14: Jack Michael of Huntington, who won this honor twice in the 12 & Under Division and now a second time in the 13-14 Division; • Boys 15-16: Jackson Woodburn of Scott Depot; • Boys 17-18: Bryson Beaver of Elkview: • Girls 10-14: McKenzie Armstrong of Belmont; and • Girls 15-18: Kerri-Anne Cook of Oceana.
7
Boys 12 & under: McCartney Hinkle
Boys 13-14: Jack Michael
Boys 15-16: Jackson Woodburn
Boys 17-18: Bryson Beaver
Girls 10-14: McKenzie Armstrong
Girls 15-18: Kerri-Anne Cook
Callaway Junior Tour names Larry Martin Sportsman of the Year Connor Ingels of New Haven has received the 2021 Larry Martin Sportsman of the Year Award. This award is named after Larry Martin, known as “The Old Pro”, who founded the West Virginia Golf Association’s (WVGA) Junior Tour 37 years ago. “This tour wouldn’t exist if not for Larry Martin,” explained today’s Tournament Director Cory Hoshor. “It was through his vision this award began eight years ago. People should know how special this award is, not only to those of us who conduct the Callaway Junior Tour for WVGA, but to those who have won it in years past.” To be eligible for this award, a boy or girl 18 and under who is a member of the 2021 Callaway Junior Tour. The player must demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the golf course, embody what it means to be a “good sport” and
show class at every golf course and demonstrate what it means to be a member of the Junior Tour. Ingels will be honored Nov. 12, along with the Player of the Year, in Parkersburg. Winners from prior years include: 2020: Tristan Van Buren 2019: Mary Denny 2018: Emma Nicol 2017: Caleb Cook 2016: Ryan Bilby 2015: Cole, Cam & Caleb Moore 2014: Sam Romine 2013: Lauryn Davidson 2012: Aaron Persily
8
Callaway Junior Tour High School Series finds Cabell Midland as leader in both events The Callaway Junior Tour High School Series, sponsored by Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal, opened the 2021 season at Edgewood Country Club’s course in Sissonville on August 5. The event, a partner of Callaway Golf and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association, featured a field of 119 golfers on 30 high school teams from across West Virginia. Cabell Midland High School won the event with a combined score of 13 over par, followed closely by George Washington High School at 14 over par. Each school has a team of four players, with the best three scores counting as the team’s total score. The five players with the lowest individual scores received Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Medalist trophies. Those were awarded to: • Cameron Jarvis of Cabell Midland High School; • Mario Palumbo and Anderson Goldman of George Washington High School; • Savannah Hawkins of Hurricane High School; and • Jackson Woodburn of Winfield High School. Click here for a complete list of the first day’s final scores. The High School Series continued its second match at Parkersburg Country Club today on August 9. The event featured a field of 117 golfers on 30 high school teams from across West Virginia. Cabell Midland High School won its second consecutive event with a combined score of 10 over par. The five players with the lowest individual scores received Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Medalist trophies. Those were awarded to: • Sara Veara of Berkeley Springs High School; • Matthew Carney, Cameron Jarvis and Taylor Sargent of Cabell Midland High School; and
9
• Bryson Beaver of Herbert Hoover High School. Click here for a complete list of the second day’s final scores. The final match was rained out by Hurrican Ida and couldn’t be rescheduled due to school calendars.
Shown above, Cabell Midland High School team.
Shown above, first day Medalists.
Shown above, second day Medalists.
18th WV Mid-Amateur Championship saw Pete Dye Golf Club showing its teeth in May The 18th WV Mid-Amateur Tournament, presented by Pikewood Energy, drew 74 players age 25 and over to Bridgeport in early May. Pete Dye Golf Club showed its teeth for the stroke play qualifying and first round of matches for the 2021 WV Mid-Amateur Championship. 74 players took to the par 72 golf course and the top 32 advanced into match play. The morning stroke play round saw Ryan Bashour of Morgantown and Philip Reale of Hurricane share medalist honors with even par 72’s to be the #1 seed and #3 seed respectively, while defending champion Hutson Chandler was automatically awarded the #2 seed. Three players shot 84 to advance for a playoff for the final spot, and it was Cason Edwards who advanced to match play. The afternoon round of 32 saw a few
The 2021 champion was Chris Williams of Scott Depot, who defeated Huntington’s Pat Carter in the final round of match play at Pete Dye course.
weather near misses but play concluded around 7:15 with 16 players advancing to the second day. The round of 16 will began at 8:000 a.m., with the quarterfinals following around noon. The final 16 players left standing after day one began the round of 16, where most of the top seeds advanced including #1 overall seed and stroke play medalist Ryan Bashour, defending champion Hutson Chandler and many other state champions. A near two-hour weather delay halted things midway through the round of 16 but when play resumed that round finished and the final eight quarterfinalists were left standing. Ryan Bashour of Bridgeport defeated fellow Pete Dye member Mike Stewart to advance to play Pat Carter of Huntington, who won his match against Cory Hoshor of Scott Depot. Chris Williams of Morgantown defeated defending champion Hutson Chandler to advance to play Sam O’Dell of Hurricane. The Semifinals took place early Wednesday morning, with the championship match following afterwards, where Chris Williams of Scott Depot overcame a challenge from Pat Carter of Huntington, finishing 3 & 2 for the Championship.
10
Cathleen Wong claims 98th West Virginia Women’s Amateur title at Berry Hills The 98th Playing of the West Virginia Women’s Amateur, presented by Kalaskey Orthodontics and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA), played its three-day championship in July at Berry Hills Country Club in Charleston. This championship featured the best 28 female golfers from West Virginia. The 2021 champion was Cathleen Wong of Parkersburg, the leader after round one, who shot a 215 for the competition. The runner-up was round two’s leader, Susan Glasby of Huntington, who shot a 218. Other competition winners were: • Low Junior: Savannah Hawkins of Hurricane • Low Senior: Karen Kennett of Shepherdstown
The 2021 champion was Cathleen Wong of Parkersburg, the leader after round one, who shot a 215 for the competition.
11
• Low Net: Diane Watkins of Elizabeth • Flight One Winner: Candy Rollyson of Barboursville • Flight Two Winner: Jan Allen of Daniels “I’m extremely excited to be holding this trophy. It means a lot to me,” said 2021 champion Cathleen Wong. “There was great competition all week and I feel very fortunate to have been victorious.” “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this tournament. I want the women to have the same caliber of course as the men have, and I want them to have fun,” explained Larry J. Kalaskey III, DDS, owner of Kalaskey Orthodontics. “My passion is golf and we have two children on golf teams at Marshall University. I wanted to give back to my sport and my state, and this is a great way to do it.” Other notables in the field were: 2020 WV Women’s Senior Amateur Champion Lisa Younis; 2018 WV Women’s Senior Amateur Champion Karen Rainey; 2007 Girls Junior Amateur Champion Kimbery Easton; 2020 Girls Junior Amateur Champion Savannah Hawkins; 2012 WV Women’s Senior Amateur Champion Candy Rollyson; 3-time WV Women’s Senior Amateur Champion Karen Kinnett; and 2018 Girls Junior Amateur Champion Torren Kalaskey. You can see complete results by clicking here.
Senior golf continues to thrive in WV as a part of Senior Series, presented by Little General The West Virginia Senior Series, sponsored by Little General Stores and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association, will involve 31 separate events culminating in the Senior Series Tour Championship at Pete Dye Golf Club on October 21. The Top 10 players in each age division (Gold, Silver and Senior) after the event at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course on October 18th, as well as any player that played in all or all but one event, will qualify for the Tour Championship at Pete Dye Golf Club. The Gold Division is for players aged 70 and above, the Silver Division if for players 60 to 69 and the Senior Division is for players 50 to 59. The tour schedule for 2021 stopped at the following locations: April 14 Greenhills (Ravenswood) April 26 Mountaineer’s Woodview April 27 Oglebay Resort (Palmer)
May 6 May 11 May 19 May 24 June 1 June 16 June 30 July 1 July 6 July 22 July 26 Aug. 9 Aug. 17 Aug. 18 Aug. 31 Sept. 1 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 18
Tygart Lake Edgewood Country Club Mingo Bottom Golf Club Stonewall Resort The Resort at Glade Springs Grandview Country Club Fincastle Country Club Pipestem Resort State Park Guyan Golf and Country Club Glade Springs Village Sleepy Hollow Golf Club Berry Hills Country Club Preston Country Club The Pines Country Club Highlands at Fisher Mountain Canaan Valley Resort Riverside Golf Club Bridgeport Country Club Edgewood Country Club Parkersburg Country Club Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
Event winners during the season include (top to bottom, left to right): Jim Cyrus, Mike Koreski; John Duty and Tim Mount.
12
88th West Virginia Open returned to Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport in 2021 Professional golfer David Bradshaw was crowned the 88th West Virginia Open Champion (WV Open) at the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, W. Va., conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) with presenting sponsor WVU Medicine. It is the 12th time Bradshaw has won this tournament. The only other golfer to win the WV Open 12 times was Sam Snead. Others finishing in the top ten were: Mason Williams of Bridgeport; Woody Woodward of Bridgeport; professional Kenneth Hess of Parkersburg; Nick Fleming of Cabins; Chris Williams of Scott Depot; Trent Tipton of Ghent; Joseph Kalaskey of South Charleston; professional Samuel Berry of Morgantown; and Pat Cater of Huntington. “The course is hard so I was just avoiding the big number and just kind of scraping it around,” Bradshaw said. “I definitely didn’t have my ‘A’ game, so I was aiming away from the holes. Par is a good score out here for sure, so that was pretty much my strategy after the first few holes. I knew I kind of wasn’t swinging great so it was like, ‘Let’s just keep parring this place to death.’”
13
Perhaps the single best shot of the day occurred when Trent Tipton scored a hole-in-one on the seventh hole. Winner of Low Junior honors, for those 18 and under, was Ryan Bilby of Follansbee. Low Senior honors, for those 50 and above, went to Pat Carter of Huntington. “We were very fortunate to have a great golf course in superb condition,’ said WVGA Championship Chairman David Pope. “We’d love to come back here sooner than another 21 years.” “What a great three days of golf. We extend our congratulations to David Bradshaw as the winner of the 88th WV Open tournament,” said WVU Medicine Senior VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Doug Coffman. “We would really like to thank Randy Buzzo and his team for a great golf venue and championship atWV Open Continued on page 25
West Virginia Amateur Tour closes season at Glade Springs Resort The West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) Amateur Tour concluded its season on July 7 on the Cobb course at Glade Springs Resort in Daniels. The 2021 Overall Champion was Cam Roam of Huntington, with Dean Daniels of McHenry, Maryland, claiming the Mens’ Division Champion title and Kathy Chesley of Charleston claiming the Ladies’ Division Champion title.
Roam said, “I played really well today, other than making a triple on #16, but I am very happy to win the Amateur Tour player of the year honors.” Chesley said, “I’m very happy to have won the season title and I enjoyed playing with all the ladies!!” The event featured a field of 42 players. Click here for full results.
Check your gift list and see who needs a VIP card for 2022...then invite them to golf! The West Virginia VIP Card is one of the many benefits of becoming a member of the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA). VIP Card holders have access to 67 West Virginia private, public and resort courses at discounted rates. They also receive an official GHIN Handicap for score posting and each golfer has a specific, private number assigned to them. When you purchase the VIP Card you are a member of the WVGA and are eligible to participate in WVGA events. Courses decide how many times you can play each year using the VIP Card, as well as rates and any restrictions. Fees range from $8 to $245 and restrictions can include days of the week and times of day when the VIP Card may be used. Number of times the cards can be used at a course range from two to 10. The VIP Card can be used at a great number of courses across West Virginia. Click here for more details.
Danielle Monk Membership, WVGA
14
2021 WV Mixed Championship enjoyed the hospitality of Pipestem Resort & State Park On a foggy morning at Pipestem State Park, Susan Glasby and Cory Bruzda, of Huntington, started the day two strokes behind Round One leaders Ben Palmer and Cathleen Wong. Through the front nine Four-Ball competition, Glasby and Bruzda narrowed the gap and were all tied with Palmer and Wong.
“It’s exciting!” said Glasby. “It’s great to get a win, and we played really well as a team today. I like this format!” Glasby got off to a hot start this morning in Four-Ball play, birdieing five of the first six holes. The twosome finished with a 36-hole stroke total of 127. “We’ve been very happy with the course conditions and hope all players at this event had a great time,” said Director of Golf Steve Robertson. Today’s format was four-ball on the front nine and scramble on the back nine. Other top finishers among today’s 15 teams were: Championship Flight: • 1st Place Susan Glasby & Cory Bruzda of Huntington (36-hole stroke total of 127) • 2nd Place Cathleen Wong & Ben Palmer of Parkersburg (36-hole stroke total of 128) st 1 Flight: • 1st Matt Moore & Cimmie Shahan of Morgantown (36-hole stroke total of 140) • 2nd Bart & Kellie Willis of Logan (36-hole stroke total of 141)
15
2nd Flight: • 1st Place Brent & Megan Barber of Hurricane (36-hole stroke total of 155) • 2nd Place Stan & Teresa Skiles of Parkersburg (36-hole stroke total of 158) The Mixed Championship concludes the 2021 Championship season for the WVGA. 16 State Championships, four USGA Qualifiers, over 50 one-day competitions and over 7,000 rounds of competitive golf have been played across the state since April 1st for men, women, junior and senior golfers of all skill levels. “It’s been a great Championship Season for the WVGA, said WVGA Executive Director Brad Ullman. “It’s been exciting to see golf thrive as more golfers returned to the game in 2021. A special thank you goes to over 1,000 of our competitive golfers who participated this season, as well as to our WVGA Member Clubs for their willingness to support the growth and development of golf in our state.” You can see complete scoring results here.
How to be a better golfer (without lowering your handicap) What does it mean to be a “good golfer”? In one important sense, it has nothing to do with technical ability, with the scores you shoot. Good golfers take care of the course. Good golfers appreciate all that the sport gives them and pay it forward with philanthropy and kindness. Good golfers savor their time in and around the game. Golfers strive to improve, and we should all strive to be better in this non-scorecard way, too. It isn’t always easy. But, for starters, kindness begets kindness – so if you are kind to newcomers, kind to the course, and kind to yourself, golf will (generally) be kind to you. Leave the course better than you found it. Take a moment to apply the Golden Rule to course care. Would you like your ball to land in someone else’s bunker footprint? Was that fun, hitting out of an unrepaired fairway divot? “Golfers claim that they always fix their ball mark and at least one other,” said Adam Moeller, the USGA’s director of Green Section education. “But in my experience, that’s not the case. Still, if more people did what they said, it would result in better conditioning for everyone.” Moeller also recommends taking extra-special care with bunkers. “Players try to minimize how much they have to rake by entering on the low side and exiting on the high side,” he said. “But that can damage grass on the slope and leave a deep footprint, a bad lie for someone else.” A few other bunker basics: follow course rules regarding preferred rake placement (i.e., inside or outside the bunker) to minimize the potential for one to come into play; never pull sand from the middle to the edge and redistribute only enough to smooth over your splash mark; finally, don’t assume you can skimp on raking late in the day. Regarding divots: If soil is still attached, replace the divot and firmly press it down. Otherwise, use the divot mix provided by the course – but remember, less is more. “Only fill it to just Katie James Watkinson for USGA
beneath the turf surface,” he said. Moeller has a tip for ball marks, too: Take an angled ball-mark repair tool and flip it backwards, so it’s automatically at an angle that helps to stretch the turf, as opposed to prying it upright and accidentally causing more damage. And, for goodness’ sake, keep all four wheels on the designated cart path around tees and greens. “People often park their cart partway on the grass there, because it’s second nature to pull over a cart to allow others to pass,” Moeller said. “But it’s especially tough to grow grass in these places, so the more people can avoid doing that, the less likely golfers are to have to play from hardpan or bare soil.” Play at a quicker pace. We’ve all been there, arriving at the next tee only to find the group ahead still there. Sigh. Congestion can plague any course, public or private, and it isn’t only because of a slow group here or there – it’s a mathematical problem, according to Matt Pringle, the USGA’s managing director for Research, Science and Innovation. “I use the analogy of a train,” Pringle said. “The day’s first rounds are the locomotive. If they go slow, on a busy day it’s almost certain that every round that follows will be slow.” So, early bird, it’s your job to be a team player and play briskly. For those who follow in their wake, your job is to keep up. “If the group in front of you teed off at 9, and you teed off at 9:10, you need to stay 10 minutes behind,” he said. “If you lag by 11 or 12 minutes, it adds up.” The onus isn’t only on the golfer: The facility has a responsibility to manage the tee sheet with realistic expectations and ensure that golfers are staying in position. This might entail politely asking slower groups to skip a hole or switch to a different set of tees. If, heaven forbid, that’s your group, please comply gracefully. To avoid inadvertently “slowing down the Be a better golfer Continued on page 26
16
USGA P.J. Boatwright Internship Program benefits WVGA and interns In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program, in which the WVGA has been participating for many years. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis. Each internship is different, since the needs vary from association to association. An intern may help conduct tournaments, junior golf programs, membership services, and other general activities that promote the best interests of golf. The common thread running through the internship is exposure to tournament preparations, administration and post-tournament business. The nature of tournament administration will test one's patience, initiative and decision-making abilities, as well as one's ability to endure long hours and hard work. A prospective intern should demonstrate strong managerial potential and a sufficient interest in golf. Golf associations that participate in the Internship Program will provide an appropriate level of orientation and ongoing training and attention. Each intern becomes an employee of the golf association, which will have primary responsibility for recruitment, and sole responsibility for compensation and supervision. Upon completion of the program, the USGA receives evaluations from both the association and the intern. We asked our 2021 interns to share their insights into their internships and we learned a great deal from these three outstanding young
17
people. Our three-month interns were Justin Estep and Connor Thompson, with Taylor Massie filling the seven-month internship. Justin is a graduate of Greenbrier West High School and WVU, majoring in sports and adventure media who is entering the insurance field in September. He said he needed an internship to graduate and had a work history with golf, so when he heard about this opportunity through social media, he traced the information, applied, interviewed and got it! His favorite part of the internship was meeting new people, while his least favorite aspect was the travel. When asked about lessons learned, he said he didn’t know how much went into conducting a statewide tournament like the Open or the Amateur. “I played in the 2019 and 2020 Amateur events, so I just signed in and started playing,” he said. “I didn’t realize it took two full days just to set up before the tournaments begin!” Connor Thompson is a junior at WVU, majoring in sports management and minoring in marketing who wants to work in college athletics after graduation. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, he saw the internship opportunity on social media, as Justin did. His favorite part of the experience has been being out on the road with the staff. The worst part was the wake-up times, Connor explained, adding, “But now I’m trained.” He said he learned the importance of hard work and what goes in planning an event and the day-to-day operations of tournament management. Talor Massie is starting her senior year at Marshall University, and will finish with a degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice and will go to graduate school. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Central Catholic High School in Huntington. She heard about this internship through her mother, and wanted to try it to see if she might be interested in a marketing career. PJ Boatwright interns Continued on page 24
New apparel and gifts available for golfers of all ages - these make great holiday gifts As you start planning for upcoming gift giving occasions and the holiday season, start by shopping First Tee-West Virginia’s online shop. This shop features clothing and accessories for women, men, girls and boys. Other items are available exclusively in our Charleston Town Center location. There are a variety of styles, colors and sizes in: blankets, casual tees, cinch packs, headwear, hoodies, outerwear, pants, performance tees, polos, pullovers, shorts, spectator scarf, stadium seats, and more. There are long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops. Depending on styles, you can find a rainbow of colors including black, light, navy or royal blue, light or dark gray, forest or kelly green, pink, purple, red, white or yellow. Your purchases can benefit First Tee-West Virginia, which means you’ll be helping students throughout the state in both classroom-based and green-grass programs. Let us make your shopping more convenient, while helping the children of West Virginia!
Click here to order now!
18
Nominations now being accepted for the 2022 class of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame The West Virginia Golf Foundation was formed in 1999, when the major associations of golf joined forces to create the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame and William C. Campbell Scholarship Fund. The West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame enshrined its first members in 2009 with William C. Campbell and Sam Snead. Since then, members have been added each year, and we will continue to recognized those who have made such a profound impact on the game of golf in the Mountain State. Members (listed by year of induction): • William C. Campbell (2009) • Sam Snead (2009) • Ed Tutwiler, Jr. (2010) • Harold Payne (2011) • Denny Shute (2012) • Patrick D. Carter (2013) • Julius Pollock (2013) • Stuart Bloch (2014) • Fritzi Stifel Quarrier (2014) • Sally Carrol (2015) • Steve Fox (2015) • Larry Martin (2015) • Berridge Long Copen (2016) • Brad Westfall (2016) • Slugger White (2016) • Scott Davis (2017) • Barney Thompson (2017) • Barry Evans (2019) • Sue Vail (2019) There are a few criteria for nominations to the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame: • Any person may be considered for nomination. The nominee does not have to presently be a resident of West Virginia, but must have established a relationship with the State of West Virginia by virtue of having been born in the state; or who distinguished himself or herself in some capacity associated with the game of golf in West Virginia; or whose golf-related accomplishments have generally
19
been publicly noted to have brought acclaim to West Virginia’s golf community. • A level of experience and/or acclaim in the game of golf as a consequence of any of the following: (a) golf playing ability and record from either amateur or professional competitions; (b) golf teaching or coaching ability and accomplishments; (c) dedication, commitment and service to the game of golf at either the local, state or national level; or (d) recognized impact and contributions to the game of golf in the State of West Virginia and the organizations that administer and promote the game in the state. For more information on the selection process and the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, visit www.wvga.org and click on Foundation or call (304) 391-5000. The West Virginia Golf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
2022 WVGA Sponsor and Partner Opportunities ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone
Sponsorship opportunities: _____ Oakhurst Sponsor $50,000 (includes exclusive event sponsorship, “presented by” naming, event signage, mentions in all promotions) Contact Brad Ullman to select event. _____ Family Sponsor $20,000 (includes exclusive event sponsorship and “presented by” naming of Parent/Child Championship, event signage, mentions in all promotions) _____ Baffie Sponsor $7,500 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions) _____ Two-person Scramble Championship _____ Mid-Amateur Championship _____ Senior Open Championship _____ Four-ball Championship _____ Womens Amateur Championship _____ Mashie Sponsor $5,000 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions) _____ Junior March Play Championship _____ Womens Senior Amateur Championship _____ Junior Amateur Championship _____ Senior Amateur Championship _____ Senior Four-ball Championship _____ Women’s Tourneys (EXCLUDING Amateur Championship) _____ Junior Tour Events (EXCLUDING Amateur Championship and Finale) _____ First Tee Sponsor $3,250 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions) _____ First Tee Sponsorship at specific school (includes name on banner, promotional mentions) _____ Niblick Sponsor $3,000 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions) _____ Womens Intra-state Matches _____ Club Team Championship _____ The Mixed Championship _____ Cleek Sponsor
$1,000 (signage at certain events, mentions in newsletter, web site)
_____ Spoon Sponsor $500 (includes mention in newsletter, on web site) Please return this form to Danielle Monk at WVGA, 2115 Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV 25389. Email a high resolution (300-dpi minimum) version of your company’s color logo to dmonk@wvga.org.
20
Thanks to our sponsors and partners
21
2022 WV Golf Association Newsletter Advertising Contract Advertising is available to members of the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) in our quarterly newsletter issues. Please see below for details regarding ad sizes and rates.
Ad Sizes
Frequency of Ad 1 – 3/issue
4/year
Full page 2 columns (7” wide x 9.5” deep)
$900.00/qtr.
$3,240/year
Half page (vertical) 1 column (4 5/8” wide x 9.5” deep)
$500.00/qtr.
$1,800/year
Half page (horizontal) 2 columns (7” wide x 4.5” deep)
$500.00/qtr.
$1,800/year
Quarter page 1 column (4 5/8” wide x 3” deep)
$250.00/qtr.
$ 900/year
Business card 1 column (4 5/8” wide x 2” deep)
$100.00/qtr.
$ 360/year
WVGA wants to assure that you get the best quality advertisement in the newsletter for your advertising dollar. To that end, we ask that you submit your color ad electronically in a 300 dpi (dots per inch) resolution JPG or PDF format. Ads saved as Word or Word Perfect documents or Excel spreadsheets will not give you a quality ad in the publication. If there are conversion issues with your file, our designer will contact you directly. Ads must be emailed directly to Danielle Monk: dmonk@wvga.org. Ads can be run each quarter throughout the year or in any combination of quarters you choose. Please note there is a price break when you commit to a full-year contract. Changes to your ad copy or cancellations can be made during the duration of the contract, but must be submitted 30 days prior to the next publication. (i.e, February 1st for the March issue). Please complete the information requested below and return this page, with payment, to WVGA Newsletter, WVGA, 2115 Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV 25389. Ads must be paid in full by check or credit card prior to publication. Please contact Danielle Monk at (304) 391-5000 or dmonk@wvga.org to discuss these options.
Company Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Contact Person:______________________________________ Phone:(_____)_____________________ Billing Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:____________________ State:_____ Zip:___________ Email:_______________________________ Run my ad as follows: Winter _____
Spring _____ Summer _____ Fall _____ Full Year _____
My ad size (Check One): Full Pg. ____
½ Pg. Vertical ____
½ Pg. Horizontal ____
¼ Pg. ____
Bus. Card Horizontal ____
Payment Amount Enclosed: $______________
Approved by: _________________________________________ Date: __________________________
22
Embracing techology
Continued from page 5
clubs with exceptional speed, performance and reliability across all webpages. • BlueGolf works with over 50 Amateur programs, more than 100 of the top Junior programs and 34 PGA Sections (over 80% of all Sections)
Easy-to-use. Member clubs will be able to significantly improve efficiency and reduce time managing tournaments with BlueGolf’s modern “card-based” layout. Interactive Club Profiles. BlueGolf provides each member club with an interactive profile which includes course tours, course maps, course stats to showcase your club and provide useful information to golfers.
23
Full library of tournament formats. Member clubs are provided with an expansive library of tournament formats that are easy to set up in BlueGolf, including advanced formats like Parimutuels. Great-looking, interactive leaderboards. Golfers will love the upgraded leaderboards which include tournament highlights, featured hole, complete hole-byhole scores and detailed analysis. Fully Integrated with GHIN. Add GHIN members to club tournaments in seconds. Builtin handicap lookups, verifications and score postings ensure clubs have all the handicap tools available. Enhanced Digital Scoring App. Golfers will enjoy upgraded features in the live scoring App, including hole locations, local rules, course tour, yardage book, GPS yardages and stat tracking. Included Online Registration. Member clubs will enjoy complimentary access to online registration for tournaments. The WVGA is excited to embrace this new technology as well as to deliver it to you, the golfer, in 2022.
P.J. Boatwright interns
Continued from page 17
Her stepfather is WVGA member Pat Carter. Her favorite part of this experience has been learning about golf as a sport. Her least favorite part has been the learning curve, since she had no knowledge of the game. That gave her struggles with answering member questions and being overwhelmed by the foreign language of golf, and she wishes she could have attended more tournament events, while realizing she was more valuable in the office setting. When asked about their advice for the next Boatwright interns, each had great input. Justin
said interns need to be ready to travel and put in long hours. “You’ll do things wrong at first, but you’ll learn as you go and get better,” he said. Connor said he developed good relationships on the road, and got to know his bosses, adding, “It’s a long grueling process, but it flies by, so stick with it. It’s fun!” Taylor’s advice was to try to see one event from each category of tournament. Each of the interns said it was an unbelievable experience and wanted to thank each of the staff members and committee volunteers for the opportunity and for helping them along the way.
Challenges & opportunities Continued from page 2 necessary to allow us the flexibility to build a slightly larger staff, but we must find a way. It is a priority item for the Executive Committee. Our current staff doubles down on a variety of fronts. They need help and the WVGA needs help in order to sustain and grow what the WVGA has created. This is essential to accommodate administering nearly 180 days of competitive golf in one form or another in venues throughout our state between April 1 and October 31 of each year. Often is the case that there will be multiple events being held simultaneously. Our staff gets spread thin. We are fortunate our relationship with the USGA affords us the benefit of receiving funding for 3 internships. It gives us knowledgeable seasonal help and we give them education and experience in learning tournament administration in a practical environment. Our interns fill a significant untold void in the staffing needs of the WVGA. Four of our current full-time staff are alumni of the PJ Boatwright internship program. They are a shining example of the value to the program. So, the challenges are many. The effort to deal with those challenges is constant. The need for volunteer assistance to enrich the experience at all our championship events is a challenge. The need for increased levels of benevolent support from the WV business community for our organization is a challenge. The capacity to deal not only with the administration of state
championships and golf offerings, not to mention the administration of the WV High School Series and providing special assistance to the WV High School Golf Championships, but the First Tee National School program administered by the WVGA (if you don’t know about it, that will be a subject for another day), the WV Golf Hall of Fame, developing structured and organized fundraising campaigns, finding ways to become more relevant and purposeful to our member clubs and giving value to our thousands of golfers in WV while contributing value to life in the Mountain State, are all challenges the WVGA takes most seriously. The efforts in response to all are tirelessly engaged by the WVGA staff, the WVGA Executive Committee and many volunteers, of which we need more. The encouraging aspect of all of this is that all who are involved find reward in what they do – something to preserve and protect the game they love so much. Their labor of love really is golf, a game itself that is coming into conflict with some of its roots as technology replaces some acquired skill and human judgment. Perhaps that can be a subject for a future column as well. So, until the next time, I hope everyone has nothing but fairways and greens the rest of the summer and invite everyone to answer the call to volunteerism in support of the WVGA.
24
The First Tee Continued from page 6 about themselves and others through a range of experiences enhancing their golf skills as well as their fundamental values for life. As their opportunities on the golf course expand, so do the opportunities for their futures. First Tee-West Virginia offers school-based programs in 145 elementary schools in 25 of the state’s 55 counties. In addition, green-grass courses are offered from April through October at courses in Beckley, Charleston, Charles Town, Lewisburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling. All coaches go through a background check, and volunteers are welcome to share their knowledge of core values and healthy habits. Contact Jeff Preast with questions.
WV Open Continued from page 13
mosphere, as well as the many volunteers who made the event possible. WVU Medicine is very proud to have partnered with Pete Dye Golf Club, the WV Golf Association, the USGA and the other tournament sponsors to make this a very special version of the WV Open.” “We were honored for Pete Dye Golf Club to host the 88th WV Open. It was an honor to host the state’s best golfers, and we gave them a challenging course,” said owner Randy Buzzo. “We congratulate David on his 12th WV Open Championship title and we congratulate the WVGA on a great event. I’d like to thank my staff, as well, including Director of Golf Chris McGinnis, Golf Course Superintendent Tony Kowalski and Food and Beverage Director Brian Annapolen for creating a terrific week for golf.” In addition to three rounds of tournament play, which began on June 23, there were a number of events scheduled throughout the week. • Sunday: Champions Dinner hosted by Pete Dye Golf Club • Monday: Official Pro-Am event • Monday: Youth Day at the WV Open • Tuesday: Coca Cola Shootout
25
• • • • •
Tuesday: Davisson Brothers concert Wednesday: Round 1 for 132 players Tuesday: Round 2 for 132 Players Friday: Final Round (lowest 60 scores/ties) Friday: Trophy presentation Transformed from a coal mine in the magnificent Appalachian Mountains, this 7,248 yard par-72 championship course featured 18 unforgettable holes with panoramic vistas, coal cars, Pete Dye’s signature land sculpting and even a 200-foot mine shaft walkway. According to Pete Dye, this course features “18 of the most exciting and memorable holes I have ever built on one course.” To see a complete list of final scores, visit wvga.org. In addition to WVU Medicine and Coca Cola, other event sponsors include: Advantage Occupational Medicine, Arsenal Resources, Buckhannon Toyota, Encova Insurance, Gray Griffith & Mays A.C., Joe Funderburk, Law Office of Philip A. Reale PLLC, Little General, Mon Health, Omega Commercial Interiors, Pro V Tree Services, PSIMED, Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Company, Wincore Windows & Doors and Yes Chevrolet.
Be a better golfer
Continued from page 16
train,” Pringle recommends practicing “ready golf,” conceding short putts, and keeping a 10-minute shot clock in your mind’s eye. “If the group ahead of you is on the green when you tee off on No. 1, that’s a visual reference for what 10 minutes looks like.” Give back to the game. In golf terms, philanthropy is opportunity – an opportunity to share the game with those who may not otherwise have access and to give back to your local community. That’s the philosophy of Charlaine Hirst, site director for the Whispering Pines, N.C., chapter of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and recipient of the 2020 Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, named for the organization’s founder. “Many girls have the potential to grow their skills,” she said, “but when you add the dynamic of boys, they’re just not as comfortable in a learning setting. A girls-only option lets them be giggly and enjoy the experience.” Her program provides more than just diversion. “Golf offers a foundation in life skills,” Hirst said. She adds philanthropy as a core pillar: Every year, Hirst and her girls collect donations for a local pet rescue and build giftfilled shoeboxes for children in need during the holidays. Consider taking these lessons to heart. “Not everybody can give financially, but everybody is able to give something of themselves,” Hirst said. Make newcomers and less experienced golfers feel welcome. We were all beginners once. “It starts with an invitation,” said Jane Frost, LPGA Hall of Famer and founder of the Jane Frost Golf Performance Center at Sandwich Hollows Golf Club in Massachusetts. “If you see new faces around the course, reach out and get to know them.” If you’re paired up with a newbie to the game, you might offer to play a scramble or teach them how to get around the course efficiently with casual tips like, Did you know that you can clear the green faster if you leave your bag on the side closest to the next tee? Be patient, recalling your own early days. If the rookie struggles to advance the ball much Katie James Watkinson for USGA
on several consecutive fairway shots, suggest he or she move forward 100 yards or drop the ball beside the green rather than just pocketing it and moving on to the next hole. “This way, you keep pace of play, but your playing partner can practice chipping and putting, which helps to develop your full swing and impact position,” said Frost. If they’re stressing about their score, remind them that newcomers and skilled players aren’t measured by the same standard. And always keep the mood light: “Remind them to focus on the simple things,” Frost suggested, “like the fact that you’re out in nature, the weather is pleasant and you’re getting some exercise.” Stay calm and carry on. For Lama Kunga Rinpoche, a Tibetan monk who runs the Ewam Choden Buddhist Center, near Berkeley, Calif., golf came at a relatively late age. “A friend introduced me, and I became hooked,” he said. After 20 years, Lama – a self-professed beginner now in his late 80s – still enjoys playing. “It gives me an opportunity to exercise, and when I play by myself I pray.” He also appreciates the mental challenge. He focuses on staying calm: “Once you physically and mentally relax, you won’t be holding the club too tightly or trying to hit too hard.” Lama suggests setting your intention explicitly before each round. Say to yourself, Today, I’m going to remain calm and enjoy my friends. When you do that, “you open your heart and mind together,” he said, “and it leads to big possibilities.” Know the Rules better — and adhere to them more. Your ball rolls onto a greenside sprinkler head. You say to yourself, I know I get relief, but is it one club-length or two? Two foundational principles drive the Rules of Golf: To play the ball as it lies and to play the course as you find it. “If golfers keep those in mind,” said Wallace, “they’ll have a direction of how to proceed, even if they don’t know exactly how to do so.” Still, it pays to understand the four Rules scenarios that Wallace says you’re most likely to Be a better golfer Continued on page 27
26
Be a better golfer
Continued from page 26
encounter: 1) relief from a cart path or sprinkler head; 2) ground under repair or temporary water; 3) hitting your ball into a penalty area; and 4) losing your ball or hitting it out of bounds. Commit those to memory via the Rules Hub on usga.org. If you find yourself in a conundrum that even your pro can’t settle, call the Rules Hotline (908-326-1850) seven days a week. Tell a better golf story. Everyone’s got a golf story. That time they made a hole-in-one, won a tournament – or, real talk – carded an 11 on No. 1. But there’s a delicate dance when it comes to recounting the experience in a captivating way. We sat down with Larry the Cable Guy, master comedian and dedicated philanthropist (his Git-R-Done Foundation has donated more than $8 million to veterans’ and children’s causes, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children), to learn the art of golf storytelling. Golf Journal: I just broke 80 for the first time. How do I tell my buddies so they actually believe me, or even just listen? Larry the Cable Guy: The key is to combine that 79 with a couple of really bad shots. “Dude, it was the greatest round I ever had. I shot 79 – but I smashed one into a tree, one hit a house, one went sideways off the tee.” GJ: Throw some self-deprecation in there. Larry: Yeah, you get away with saying you shot 79 because you say it quickly. Then you move on. You don’t give them time to go, “You’re full of it.” Never give ’em time to see the trash. Be a pleasant playing partner. Golf may be an individual sport, but more often than not, you’ll have playing partners, chosen or imposed. So, as Mom used to say, Play nice! And there’s more to being an enjoyable person than having a few jokes up your sleeve – playing proactive, “ready golf,” for example. Helping to look for errant golf balls, picking up a club that was set aside, caring for the course, all are appreciated – as is minding others’ temperaments: “If you’re playing with someone who just can’t get out of their own way, give them space,” Frost said. Play more often. Katie James Watkinson for USGA
Whether golf is intrinsic to your being or it’s all about the 19th hole, setting aside time to play is essential. “How you structure your week to make time for golf starts by first claiming the time and then building it in as a major architectural pillar of your week,” said Julie Morgenstern, time management expert and New York Times-bestselling author of “Time to Parent.” Still, life happens. When an unexpected work deadline or family crisis trumps a Saturday morning tee time, you need to adjust. This could mean playing nine holes, hitting the range after work, or practicing putting for 10 minutes. Incorporate mindfulness. Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a life skill – one that can help you enjoy the game more. “Mindfulness is a quality of awareness, in which you consciously block past or future interpretations, judgments and fears from affecting the present moment,” said Sharon Salzberg, author of “Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and Change the World.” Rather than allowing a bad hole to blow up your round, apply the practice of “letting go.” Pause, take three deep breaths, say to yourself, I’m starting over, and… let it go. Be better prepared. Confidence stems from preparation. Here, Jane Frost and Erin Hills pro Kristine Schoonover share their tips for avoiding unnecessary fire drills: Reconfirm with the course and/or your playing partners at least one day in advance. Gather equipment the night before a round. Ensure your bag contains: at least two sleeves of balls, tees, a ball-mark repair tool, ample Band-Aids, a glove, sunscreen and an extra top or rain jacket just in case. Pack water, especially since many courses have had to remove communal water jugs during COVID-19. Arrive at least a half-hour before your scheduled tee time. Be on the first tee 10 minutes early. Who knows, being a better, more prepared golfer might even lead to a better score… if you care about that kind of thing.
27
2115 Charleston Town Center Charleston, WV 25389 Phone (304) 391-5000
WV Golf Association Staff and Executive Committee President Philip Reale Edgewood County Club Vice President David McCormick Pete Dye Golf Club Secretary Kirk Waldeck The Club at Cress Creek Treasurer Kimberly Mann The Village at Glade Springs
Directors
Staff
Andrew Jordan The Greenbrier Sporting Club
Brad Ullman Executive Director
Tim McNeely Pete Dye Golf Club
Danielle Monk Membership
Brian McPherson Parkersburg Country Club
Jeff Preast Youth Development
Sam O’Dell Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
Chris Slack Director of Rules and Competitions
Dave Pope Edgewood County Club Lance Woodford Glenville Golf Club Lisa Younis The Club at Cress Creek