tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45554683322639754772024-03-13T09:47:54.662-07:00Massachusetts Golf AssociationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-74838046922150275922015-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:002015-06-15T10:00:25.865-07:00Successfully Shipped Up to Boston - Thanks For the Memories <style type="text/css">
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Nearly eight months ago, Barry McNulty from the PGA Tour made a visit to Golf House in Norton. Joe McCabe, the executive director of <a href="http://www.thefirstteemass.org/club/scripts/public/public.asp" target="_blank">The First Tee of Massachusetts</a> and our junior golf leader, had a chance to speak with Barry that day and learned the exciting news.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/constellation-senior-players-championship.html" target="_blank">Constellation Senior Players Championship</a> was coming to Boston!<br />
<br />
This was exciting news and – quite frankly – news that we did not expect. The buzz through our office was palpable. The PGA Tour was going to host a FedEx Playoff event (the Deutsche Bank Championship – our Labor Day Tradition) and a Constellation Senior Players Championship in our state in 2015.<br />
<br />
We later learned that the Symetra Tour would be hosting an event at Thorny Lea GC in August. Such developments earned a feature story in our spring issue of <i>MassGolfer</i> magazine (<a href="http://onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=256423&p=42" target="_blank"><b>click here</b></a> to read that story).<br />
<br />
The MGA was fortunate and honored to work with the operations team at the Constellation Seniors Players Championship. As the weeks and months passed, we connected with them to see how we could help. Whether it was securing volunteers, helping to organize the Tuesday kids' clinic or letting the public know that tickets were available… we were able to see first hand how much work and effort go into hosting a major event on our soil.<br />
<br />
The end result was something for the record books. The world's top golfers came to Belmont Country Club last week and put on a show. Defending champion Bernard Langer was nothing short of brilliant with his six-shot victory.<br />
<br />
In honor of such a monumental event, we would like to highlight just some of the other "winners" from the 2015 Constellation Senior Players Championship.<br />
<br />
<b>Belmont Country Club</b> and its membership for opening its doors to a major event and making everyone feel welcome.<br />
<br />
<b>Joe Rotellini</b>, executive director of the event, and his entire team for their incredible efforts managing this event. Kudos also go to <b>Katelyn DiCristofano</b> who was responsible for securing and organizing the 600+ volunteers.<br />
<br />
<b>Mike Rose</b>, the golf course superintendent at Belmont Country Club, and his entire staff for having the course ready to go and in prime condition even after the challenging winter of 2014-15.<br />
<br />
<b>Brad Faxon</b> for giving 6-year-old Ryan McGuire a putting lesson on the eve of day 1 of the event. McGuire is looking to raise money for Golf Fights Cancer at MGA Links on June 17 in memory of his kindergarten friend Danny Nickerson.<br />
<br />
The <b>Ouimet Fund</b> caddies who proudly walked stride-for-stride with each professional player during Wednesday's Pro-Am.<br />
<br />
<b>Bernard Langer</b> who became the first player since Arnold Palmer (1984-85) to win consecutive Constellation Senior Players titles.<br />
<br />
The <b>FANS</b> who came out each day to celebrate professional golf played on a historic layout.<br />
<br />
The local, regional and national media that converged on Belmont Country Club last week to cover such an amazing event.<br />
<br />
The <b>PGA Tour</b> for making charity a key part of all of their events. The Constellation Senior Players Championship will be making critical donations to many local charities, including The First Tee of Massachusetts.<br />
<br />
Although the event will not be returning to the Bay State in 2016 (they are off to Philadelphia), we were honored to be a part of such an incredible experience and we hope that Boston will be a future destination.<br />
<br />
In "A Commonwealth of Golfers", John English penned that, "the introduction of golf in Massachusetts apparently took place on July 13, 1728…"<br />
<br />
Our state has a history that is matched by few. We hope that major Tours will continue to help us create more memories.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we thank you for Shipping Up to Boston in 2015.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Posted by Becky Blaeser, who is now a Champions Tour fan for life. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-44244691914955294112015-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:002015-06-09T14:42:37.961-07:00Watching the Future of the Sport - Part II of II<div style="text-align: right;">
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It is yet another windy day here at Black Rock Country Club. The wind has died down a bit which means - in Black Rock Country Club land - that the gusts are only topping the high 20s. It is a unique experience for everyone.<br />
<br />
Here is the second installment of fun player tidbits.<br />
<br />
<b>Nick Drago</b> is from Marshfield and cites winning back-to-back high school state championships for Marshfield High School as his best golf moment. His best score ever was a 62 at Plymouth Country Club.<br />
<br />
<b>Philippe Gariepy</b> from Quebec has a very unique putting stroke. Check out the video to the right from the par-3 15th hole. <br />
<br />
<b>Alex Jeffers</b> is the assistant general manager at Cape Cod National Golf Club. His best finish at the Massachusetts Open Championship was T29. <br />
<br />
<b>Shuvam Bhaumik</b> is the managing director at Stone Toro Wealth Management and is playing in his first-ever Massachusetts Open Championship. He started playing golf in high school because he was “too small to play any other sport.” He grew up playing golf in Brooklyn, New York because it was “a safe haven for me and kept me out of trouble.” <br />
<br />
<b>Hunter Stone</b>’s greatest golf memory is playing in the 2006 Junior World Championship and the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. His aunt was the 2014 USA Olympic ice hockey coach and his dad played professional baseball.<br />
<br />
<b>Greg Farland</b> was quarterback for the University of Rhode Island football team from 1984 to 1987. He scored his first ever hole in one at the 2014 New England Open.<br />
<br />
<b>Nicholas Chakalis</b> is a caddy at the Boston Golf Club He was a member of the Boston College High School class of 2014. <br />
<br />
<b>Kip Webber</b> is an environmental engineer for GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. He attended Acton Boxborough Regional High School and then the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was a Division I gymnast.<br />
<br />
<b>Josh Biren</b> recently received his MBA at Babson College and is about to start working for Fidelity Investments. He attended Lincoln-Sudbury High School where he was the 2005 Dual County League Champion. At Trinity College, he was captain of the golf team.<br />
<br />
<b>Michael Willock</b> is a senior vice president at Asset Allocation Technology at Fidelity Investments, and most recently won the 2014 Southeastern Amateur Championship. He attended Rockland High School and then Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a Second Team GTE All American. <br />
<br />
<b>Dylan Newman</b> started playing golf when he was three years old and turned pro last December. When not playing on the pro circuit he is a DJ who specializes in bar/bat mitzvas and sweet 16 graduation parties. <br />
<br />
<b>Mark Purrington</b>’s nickname is simply “pure” and has his own web site, <a href="http://markpurrington.com/">markpurrington.com</a>. In addition to playing golf, he is a professional drummer.<br />
<br />
<b>Lucas Cromeenes</b>’ hometown is Metropolis, Illinois but he currently works in Maine were he serves as the assistant golf professional at Boothbay Harbor Country Club.<br />
<br />
<b>Billy Walthouse</b> is from Longmeadow and was an Atlantic 10 All-Conference Team selection and the University of Rhode Island Player of the Year. He was a two-time Western Massachusetts High School Champion from Longmeadow High School.<br />
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It is yet another windy day here at Black Rock Country Club. The wind has died down a bit which means - in Black Rock Country Club land - that the gusts are only topping the high 20s. It is a unique experience for everyone. Here is the second installment of fun player tidbits.<br />
<strong>Nick Drago</strong> is from Marshfield and cites winning back-to-back high school state championships for Marshfield High School as his best golf moment. His best score ever was a 62 at Plymouth Country Club.<br />
<strong>Alex Jeffers</strong> is the assistant general manager at Cape Cod National Golf Club. His best finish at the Massachusetts Open Championship was T29. <br />
<strong>Shuvam Bhaumik</strong> is the managing director at Stone Toro Wealth Management and is playing in his first-ever Massachusetts Open Championship. He started playing golf in high school because he was “too small to play any other sport.” He grew up playing golf in Brooklyn, New York because it was “a safe haven for me and kept me out of trouble.” <br />
<strong>Hunter Stone</strong>’s greatest golf memory is playing in the 2006 Junior World Championship and the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. His aunt was the 2014 USA Olympic ice hockey coach and his dad played professional baseball.<br />
<strong>Greg Farland</strong> was quarterback for the University of Rhode Island football team from 1984 to 1987. He scored his first ever hole in one at the 2014 New England Open.<br />
<strong>Nicholas Chakalis</strong> is a caddy at the Boston Golf Club He was a member of the Boston College High School class of 2014. <br />
<strong>Kip Webber</strong> is an environmental engineer for GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. He attended Acton Boxborough Regional High School and then the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was a Division I gymnast.<br />
<strong>Josh Biren</strong> recently received his MBA at Babson College and is about to start working for Fidelity Investments. HE attended Lincoln-Sudbury High School where he was the 2005 Dual County League Champion. He attended Trinity College where he was captain of the golf team.<br />
<strong>Michael Willock</strong> is a senior vice president at Asset Allocation Technology at Fidelity Investments, and most recently won the 2014 Southeastern Amateur Championship. He attended Rockland High School and then Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a Second Team GTE All American. <br />
<strong>Dylan Newman</strong> started playing golf when he was three years old and turned pro last December. When not playing on the pro circuit he is a DJ who specializes in bar/bat mitzvas and sweet 16 graduation parties. <br />
<strong>Mark Purrington</strong>’s nickname is simply “pure” and has his own web site, markpurrington.com. In addition to playing golf, he is a professional drummer.<br />
<strong>Lucas Cromeenes</strong>’ hometown is Metropolis, Illinois but he currently works in Maine were he serves as the assistant golf professional at Boothbay Harbor Country Club.<br />
<strong>Billy Walthouse</strong> is from Longmeadow and was an Atlantic 10 All-Conference Team selection and the University of Rhode Island Player of the Year. He was a two-time Western Massachusetts High School Champion from Longmeadow High School.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-26739514731565417362015-06-08T15:51:00.003-07:002015-06-08T15:51:42.169-07:00Watching the Future of the Sport - Part I of II<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 200px;">
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<td align="center"><b>These photos have nothing to do with the blog, but they are still neat. </b><br />
<b>Above is the artwork of the MGA Championship staff directly in front of the clubhouse.</b></td>
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<td align="center"><b>Here is MGA Rules Official Doug Mitchell (left) with Black Rock CC Owner </b><b id="yui_3_10_0_1_1433803520518_460">George</b> <b>McGoldrick, Jr.</b></td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieKbzgCcVeg/VXYabGHuA3I/AAAAAAAAA_o/XS53t6iWH8I/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieKbzgCcVeg/VXYabGHuA3I/AAAAAAAAA_o/XS53t6iWH8I/s200/IMG_0082.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/images/2015/open/LAYOUT.png" target="_blank"></a></td>
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<td align="center"><b>Check out the cool MGA hat that was made just for this event! The red one is only for volunteers, however.</b></td>
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So here we are at the <b>106th playing of the Massachusetts Open Championship</b>. We are surrounded by one of the most breathtaking modern classics in Black Rock Country Club. We gaze around and keep thinking... am I looking at a future PGA Tour or Champions Tour star?<br />
<br />
The answer might be yes if you take a look at the list of past champions and consider that many of these touring pros are just waiting for their big break. Just think about <b>Jon Curran</b> and <b>Jim Renner</b>. Just a few years ago they were in this field and wondering what their future might hold. <br />
<br />
The future held a PGA Tour card as both competitors made the show and used this State Open as a stepping stone. In fact, I clearly remember sitting across from <b>Jon Curran</b> when he said that his
game was "almost there." He has already made $800,000+ during his rookie
PGA Tour season... I believe that he was 100% correct in his
assessment.<br />
<br />
Since it is impossible to cover every single competitor (all 150 deserve a feature story of two, believe me!), we decided to give you a glimpse into the lives of just some of them who graciously took a moment to tell us about themselves. This will be Part I... Part II to come tomorrow following the second round of play.<br />
<br />
Read and enjoy...<br />
<br />
<b>James Smith</b> is a Dartmouth College graduate who notes the following as his most favorite courses to play – Black Rock Country Club, Kittansett Club and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Benjamin "Ben" Conroy</b> finished T3 at the 2015 Cape Cod Open. He turned pro in 2013 and didn't take long to make his mark as he fired a course record 65 at Torrington Country Club during the 2013 Connecticut Open. He finished tied for second in that event. In addition to golf, he is also a skilled pianist!<br />
<br />
<b>Eric Dugas</b> has plenty of frequent-flyer miles as he currently competes on the PGA Tour Latin America where is stands in the top 15 on the money list. One year ago, Dugas was one of four who advanced to a playoff at the Massachusetts Open Championship. His best score posted was a 61, and he turned pro in 2005.<br />
<br />
He may be an amateur on this day, but <b>Chris Wiatr</b> just graduated from the University of Connecticut and is planning to turn pro this coming fall. His best finish in 2105 thus far was an impressive third place at the Russell Palmer Cup held in Connecticut.<br />
<br />
<b>Chris Gentile</b> is playing in only his second career Masachusetts Open Championship, but one year ago he advanced to the Round of 16 at the Massachusetts Amateur Championship. The Lowell native said that he picked up a club at 11 months old and started playing in tournaments at 9 years old. He currently works at the pro shop at Mount Pleasant Golf Club.<br />
<br />
<b>Kevin Gately</b> has scored two holes in one in his career, one at the age of 10 and then his second six years later. He is a Ping DIV 2 All regional standout for St Thomas Aquinas College where he competed at the 2014 NCAA Div II Championship.<br />
<br />
<b>Charlie May</b> graduated from Masconomet Regional High School in 2013. He was named the 2012 Division 2 <i>Boston Globe</i> Golfer of the Year. He currently attends Elon University, but cites his best moment in golf as winning the 2011 MIAA Division 2 High School Individual State Championship by making a 10-ft birdie putt on the 1st sudden-death playoff hole. He is very interested in numbers and statistics and keeps several Microsoft Excel documents on his computer that keeps track of his golf performance, including one that has every round he has played since 2009.<br />
<br />
<b>Brian Higgins</b> won the 2010 New England Amateur Championship, but says that the most important fact about him is that he is the father of three beautiful daughters ages 13, 11 & 6. He is also a small business owner who enjoys the time he gets to spend with his family and on the golf course competing in tournaments.<br />
<br />
<b>Jason Short</b> is not only a fine golfer but he finished in the top 10% of his graduating class at Marlborough High School, who will be playing for the University of Rhode Island in the fall.<br />
<br />
<b>Brandon Parker</b> lives in Auburn and he is the current head men's and women's golf coach at Assumption College. He turned pro in 2011, but is currently in the process of applying for a reinstatement of his amateur status. His best golf moment in golf was making five birdies in a row during Monday qualifying at the 2012 Web.com Tour Miccosukee Classic. He is writing a book.<br />
<br />
<b>Pete Weatherby</b> is an assistant golf professional who claims that he currently lives in a haunted house in Plymouth. His highlight from 2015 is that he has "yet to break a club", and he would rather "be fishing". <i>Pete will be here all week, folks.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Dan Woodbury</b> is from Upton and currently attends Virginia Tech University. He has scored two holes in one, but one was at 9:00 p.m. in the pitch black back in 2012. <br />
<br />
<b>Dave Houghton</b> is the oldest competitor in the field at 70 years old. He is also a retired US Navy Captain <i>(thank you, Dave!).</i> He was a member of the Brown University men's golf team from 1963 to 1966, was a professional golfer from 1993 to 1995. One year ago e won the 2014 Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship. <br />
<br />
<b>Michael Carbone</b> is from Brewster and currently is a pro golfer and a caddy at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, FL. A graduate of Nauset Regional High, Carbone has been a pro for 13 years and has claimed many impressive titles including the 2009 Rhode Island Open, 2011 Maine Open and 2014 Brooklyn Open champion.<br />
<br />
<b>Chip Johnson</b> is the head golf professional at Hatherly Country Club whose best finish at this event is second. He has been married to <b>Pamela Kerrigan</b>, LPGA Tour Player for eight years. His brother <b> </b><br />
<b>Kevin Johnson</b> is also in this week's field.<br />
<br />
<b>Philip Cardwell</b> is a teaching professional at Sankaty Head Golf Club. He is a testament of courage as he is blind in his right eye. He has survived three brain tumor surgeries.<br />
There are many more player highlights to come tomorrow... what a group!<br />
<br />
<i>Posted by Becky Blaeser, whose hoping these articles will be printed in Sports Illustrated when these guys make it big.</i><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-32003866609944702482015-06-03T05:38:00.002-07:002015-06-03T05:38:43.677-07:00Hail to Our Seniors<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 175px;">
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On Tuesday afternoon, the temperatures had dropped into the mid-40s and the rain which had begun nearly 36 hours previously was still coming down as if a faucet was left wide open in the skies above.<br />
<br />
From the comfortable perch of the MGA media center at Pembroke Country Club, we watched as more than 100 dedicated senior amateurs made it around the course. The same was happening 10 miles away at the sister course of Indian Pond Country Club.<br />
<br />
Each competitor walked to the scoring table one after another with rain still dripping from every part of their rain suits. They feverishly tried to find a dry spot on their paper scorecards to write in their final scores.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile on the 12th green, I saw two MGA officials taking turns standing alongside the green. When there was a break between groups, they would run to the green surface, push any standing water over the back of the green so that the next group could proceed. They began this tag-team operation during the early morning and did not stop until late afternoon.<br />
<br />
Throughout the entire day, there was not one complaint or one foul word uttered. In fact, it was amazing how jovial and downright positive the atmosphere was. A total of 118 teams – many of whom traveled upwards of two hours to compete at the MGA Senior Four-Ball – came prepared with everything including great attitudes.<br />
<br />
Instead of going home or asking for another tee time, we heard the following.<br />
<br />
“You can’t change the weather.”<br />
<br />
“It could be worse.”<br />
<br />
“Tomorrow will be better.”<br />
<br />
“The courses held up great.”<br />
<br />
And remember that each and every one of those players and rules officials had taken a day off of work or a day away from their home and loved ones to be there. It’s not what you would think of when you envision a free day but there they were… wet, cold and playing and officiating golf in some of the worst conditions possible.<br />
<br />
But what happened at the MGA Senior Four-Ball was special. And special is a perfect word for the sport of golf.<br />
<br />
Regardless of one’s age, gender, skill level or even the weather outside… golf brings people together and unites them in a way that helps build lasting friendship and true character.<br />
<br />
I did not have the opportunity to play golf when I was young, but I did play plenty of soccer. I can honestly say that memories of the days playing in what felt like puddles up to my knees and snow covering my cleats are clear today as they ever were. I have no recollection of being cold or unhappy. I just remember enjoying the game I love.<br />
<br />
Golf is our game and the love for it was evident this week.<br />
<br />
It seems only fitting that we take a minute to watch a fun video produced by the USGA called, "<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQXOVk7y2n4" target="_blank">A Lot to Love About Golf</a></b>”<br />
<br />
So we could not go one more minute without saluting the competitors, the rules officials and the staff at every club that was open on Monday and Tuesday. Your heart and love for the sport is inspiring, and we hope that everyone will look back with a chuckle and say “Remember that day when we played in the…”<br />
<br />
Those are memories for a lifetime. Thank you for letting us be a passenger on your journey this week.<br />
<br />
<i>Posted by Becky Blaeser, who marveled at the toughness of the competitors but was comfy under her eight layers!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-14267353850221569752015-05-29T09:10:00.002-07:002015-05-29T09:10:52.223-07:00Toasting to Firsts, Farewells & the Future<style>
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<td align="center"><b>Networking, top-notch speakers and cocktails on the patio of The Country Club. What a great first MGA Speaker Series Event!</b></td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOmmkxbI_JU/VWiLb6MBtlI/AAAAAAAAA-o/msT6_uk3GU4/s1600/Report.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOmmkxbI_JU/VWiLb6MBtlI/AAAAAAAAA-o/msT6_uk3GU4/s200/Report.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
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Firsts are always scary, but they are also the pathway to great opportunity.<br />
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Last night, the MGA partnered with <a href="https://www.firstrepublic.com/" target="_blank">First Republic Bank</a> to host the organization’s first-ever MGA Member Speaker Series event. Representatives from the MGA, First Republic Bank and a group of MGA golfers came together at The Country Club.<br />
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The goal of the event was to allow Bay State golfers to come together, network with fellow members and learn more about important and relevant issues. The first event focused on the state of the real estate market.<br />
<br />
It was incredible! Three outstanding speakers provided us all with the latest market trends. <a href="http://cabotandcompany.com/realestate/agent/rene-rodriguez/" target="_blank">Rene Rodriguez</a> and <a href="http://cabotandcompany.com/realestate/agent/eric-shabshelowitz/" target="_blank">Eric Shabshelowitz</a> from Cabot & Company joined Deb Taylor – founder & president of LINK – and touched on the history of the real estate market here in Massachusetts, spoke about how the Boston market compares to others and provided helpful hints for those looking to invest or purchase homes and property in and around Boston.<br />
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One highlight was an interactive discussion about the future of Boston housing market and the neighborhoods that are undergoing the biggest transformations. It was fascinating to learn about Mayor Walsh’s plans for the city and that more than 72 construction projects are already underway, of which 60% are residential!<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Cabot & Company’s <a href="http://cabotandcompany.com/realestate/agent/paula-luccio/" target="_blank">Paula Luccio</a> who was on hand (did you know that Paula’s father was the one who was behind the emergence of the condo market in Boston?), Andy Wiles and Lindsay Harlow of First Republic Bank for coordinating the event and The Country Club for being such a great host.<br />
<br />
While everyone enjoyed the evening, there was a bitter-sweet component as we took a moment to toast the MGA’s own Erin Engelson, who was enjoying her final day as a member of the MGA staff.<br />
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Erin began with the MGA two years ago as a USGA Boatwright intern. She has since been a key player with our member services and communications team. We can’t thank Erin enough for her great work – especially all of her outstanding blog postings – and wish her the best at her new position with the Marathon Sports marketing team.<br />
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We also wanted to thank Scott Guild, who also recently left the MGA to pursue some exciting professional opportunities. Scott was the one who was in his car traveling to every part of the state to assist our Member Clubs with the GHIN Handicapping program. We could not possibly begin to count the number of miles he logged over the past eight years or the number of calls he fielded whether it was day or night.<br />
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While it’s always sad to see valued staff members leave, we are truly a family at the MGA and family never leaves.<br />
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From our staff to our Executive Committee members to our more than 200+ volunteers to our Member Clubs to our huge network of golfers that now number 84,000… we consider us all one big family and we look forward to meeting many of you.<br />
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Let’s make a pact to continue to connect whether it be through our weekly emails, our Championship Program, Members Days, The First Tee of Massachusetts and now through this MGA Speaker Series.<br />
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We are excited to serve your needs. We are and will always be <b>MGA FAMILY</b>!<br />
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<i>Posted by Becky Blaeser, who is missing her colleagues but excited about new adventures to come!</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-33676605831865393492015-05-22T12:43:00.002-07:002015-05-22T12:43:48.771-07:00Reward your golf-loving dad this Father's Day!There's a lot we can thank our dads for, especially if he was the one who helped us develop a love for the game of golf. So what better way to celebrate dad than rewarding him with this fantastic offer from Club Champion?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFHPnYjBNfA/VV-FSDx5-mI/AAAAAAAAA94/JzYcbNHjkUQ/s1600/Fathers_Day_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFHPnYjBNfA/VV-FSDx5-mI/AAAAAAAAA94/JzYcbNHjkUQ/s640/Fathers_Day_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://clubchampiongolf.com/fittings/gift-certificates" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR FATHER'S DAY GIFT</a></b></td></tr>
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<br />
If you're unfamiliar with Club Champion, you should definitely check them out! The company is based in Chicago and opened their Boston-area location last year. A visit to Club Champion is more than your average shopping experience:<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HyDl0Pv4s1k" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Visit <a href="http://clubchampiongolf.com/locations/custom-golf-club-fitting-boston-ma" target="_blank">Club Champion at 924 Great Plain Ave. in Needham</a> - your dad will love it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-45182133328111771252015-04-02T08:04:00.002-07:002015-04-02T08:04:38.039-07:00'The future looks bright for golf'Can you believe that The Masters is already next week?! A sure sign of better weather to come. But before we get there, a lucky group of young people will have their moment in the sun at Augusta National. The Drive, Chip & Putt national finals are this Sunday and our fair state is well-represented with THREE participants!<br />
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<b>Here are some fun facts about our DCP participants:</b><br />
<br />
-The best piece of golf advice Joey Lenane ever received was: 'Have fun!'<br />
-Joey would serve the following at his Masters Champions Dinner: 'Steak, lobster, and pasta'<br />
<br />
Also, if you want a good cry, check out this short profile that The Golf Channel put together on Joey: <b><a href="http://www.golfchannel.com/media/drive-chip-and-putt-meet-joey-lenane/">http://www.golfchannel.com/media/drive-chip-and-putt-meet-joey-lenane/</a></b><br />
<br />
-Conner Willett thinks that the hardest part about golf is: 'To come back after a bad hole'<br />
-Conner said the best club in his bag is his putter and he always plays ProV1's<br />
-Conner would serve the following at his Masters Champions Dinner: 'Steak and creme brulee'<br />
<br />
-Molly Smith would serve the following at her Masters Champions Dinner: 'I would start by serving RobinTales with Pigs in a Blanket and spinach and artichoke dip for our appetizers. Prime rib with baby back ribs and mashed potato. Dessert would be cookie cake or grasshopper pie ice cream from Sullivan Farms ice cream parlor.'<br />
-Molly's favorite part about golf is 'Seeing how much better I'm getting'<br />
-Molly (along with her dad, Phil) is a defending MGA Champion! They won the 2014 Father & Daughter Championship - Forward Division at Wellesley Country Club last August.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.drivechipandputt.com/finalists" target="_blank">Meet all the Drive Chip & Putt finalists</a></b><br />
<br />
Be sure to catch these three talented junior golfers compete in the national finals on Easter Sunday at 8:00am on The Golf Channel! And follow all the action on Twitter:<br />
<br />
<a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="583645634386907136" href="https://twitter.com/DriveChipPutt">Tweets by @DriveChipPutt</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-57860416293454080862015-04-01T08:18:00.001-07:002015-04-01T08:18:11.605-07:00And so it begins...kindaThis is not an April Fools gag - it's the 'official' start of the golf season here in Massachusetts! So why does it look like this outside...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 9th fairway at TPC Boston</td></tr>
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Although, to be fair, this is about a billion times better than it was just a couple weeks ago!<br />
<br />
So what does April 1st mean for golfers? Simply put, you can start posting scores for rounds played in Massachusetts now, and they will count toward your Handicap Index.<br />
<br />
And in an exciting development, we will soon be rolling out MGA MembersNow! - a program that allows golfers to sign up for and renew their GHIN number online (with participating MGA Member Clubs). Up until now, renewing your GHIN number for the season meant making a special trip to the Pro Shop to pay your fee in person. But now, you'll be able to do it online! We hope to have this program up and running within the next week or two, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, who is open for public play today??Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-58521271360545695432015-03-25T08:02:00.003-07:002015-03-25T08:02:58.055-07:00What a great day for golf!Last Friday was the first ever Massachusetts Golf Day. This event, held at the Massachusetts State House, was a celebration of our industry's huge economic, social, and environmental impact.<br />
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We were lucky enough to be joined by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito as well as many legislators, aides, and State House staff members. Everyone had a great time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious We Are Golf Cupcakes thanks to Ceysa at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NOMcupcakes/103008806506480?fref=ts" target="_blank">Nom Cupcakes</a>! The golf balls are chocolate!!</td></tr>
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Extra special thanks to the NEPGA Professionals who volunteered their time to give lessons to our legislators! And thank you to all who came out in support of this multi-billion dollar industry!<br />
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Now if we can just get some warm temperatures, melt the rest of this snow, and get out on the course!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.massgolfeconomy.com/" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about the Massachusetts Golf Industry</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-36139570027472196342015-03-05T12:09:00.002-08:002015-03-05T12:09:44.998-08:00Let's make a day of it!<b>Ok, we get it. It's hard to think about golf right now. But in just two weeks, Bay State golf industry leaders will be looking ahead to warm weather at Massachusetts Golf Day!</b><br />
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<br />
The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations released an <b><a href="http://www.massgolfeconomy.com/the-report.html" target="_blank">Economic Impact Report</a></b> last year and this event is the culmination. The event will bring together state legislators, golf industry leaders, reps from some major brands, and special guest, <b>Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito</b>.<br />
<br />
As golf enthusiasts, you probably have some idea that golf is an influential business here in Massachusetts. But I bet you didn't know that our little industry, with a total size of $1.7 billion, generates a <b>total annual economic impact of $2.7 BILLION</b>...that's almost enough to fix the MBTA! Ha ha...too soon?<br />
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You probably also didn't realize that the golf industry here supports <b>25,500 jobs which generate nearly $800 million in wage income!</b> This number includes not only golf-specific jobs like pros and supers, but also hospitality positions at each club, positions in major golf manufacturers like Callaway Golf and Titleist, and positions in golf retail.<br />
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<b>Oh and did you know that we give back to charity as well?</b> The biggest golf event that takes place here in Massachusetts - the Deutsche Bank Championship - has raised more than $24 million for charity since its inception. The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund will award $1.6 million in scholarships next year. And The First Tee of Massachusetts uses the game of golf to help children develop into wonderful people. All told, the golf industry in Massachusetts gives back $74.3 million annually.<br />
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And the craziest thing about these numbers is that our golf season is what...6-8 months if we're lucky? But our total impact is more than all other spectator sports (football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer) COMBINED!<br />
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<b>So think warm thoughts. We will be celebrating this great game in two weeks and hopefully will be PLAYING this great game shortly thereafter!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.massgolfeconomy.com/" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about the Economic Impact Report and Mass Golf Day</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-84344865426898790872015-02-18T12:03:00.000-08:002015-02-24T05:40:15.165-08:00Championship Sneak Peek: The Mass AmateurAnother historic championship, another awesome club. Ho hum.<br />
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<b>Just kidding! We are so excited to bring our oldest and most venerated event, the <a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/amateur/amateur.html" target="_blank">Massachusetts Amateur Championship</a>, to <a href="http://www.oakhillcc.org/" target="_blank">Oak Hill Country Club</a> in Fitchburg.</b> Oak Hill is plenty historic, but surprisingly has only hosted this event once before! The club, officially organized in 1921, has hosted the Mass Open six times in its history, as well as a handful of other MGA, NEGA, and WGAM Championships.<br />
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<b><a href="http://oakhillcc.org/upload/IJgvAZx-iaRNe.pdf" target="_blank">The story of Oak Hill</a></b> goes back nearly a century and is similar to many of our most historic Member Clubs - a group of friends who loved golf wanted a place where they could play and socialize. So ground was broken on a new Wayne Stiles-designed nine-hole golf course in May of 1919, with the club open for play on July 4, 1921.<br />
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And then came along our old friend <b>Donald Ross</b>. Oak Hill hired him in 1925 to design a second 9 holes, which opened in 1927 with an exhibition match between Tommy Armour and Johnny Farrell. The membership liked Ross's 9 so much that they hired him again the following year to re-design the original 9 holes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first tee at the 1935 Mass Open at Oak Hill: (L-R) Champion Gene Sarazen, Dave Hackney, Jesse Guilford</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>From a 2007 Worcester Telegram article:</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg is scheduled to host the 2011 Massachusetts Open and the 2015 Massachusetts Amateur and the members plan to make the course better than ever before then. </span><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><b style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Ron Pritchard</b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, a </span><b style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Donald Ross </b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">restoration expert, is preparing a master plan to update Oak Hill. Ross designed Oak Hill’s back nine, which opened in 1927, and later renovated the front nine, a </span><b style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wayne Stiles </b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">design, which opened in 1921. </span><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">“Most of what he’ll do,” </span><b style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tom Bagley</b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, a former Oak Hill president and current member of the grounds committee, said, “is try to restore as much of the lost character as he can, but making allowances for the fact that the golf ball is going farther than it ever had and repositioning tees and perhaps adding a bunker or two.” </span><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The master plan will need board approval and work may not begin for a couple of years, but it should be finished by the 2011 Mass. Open. Bagley figures another 200 yards could be added to stretch Oak Hill beyond 6,800. </span><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Bagley has begun research for a book celebrating the club’s 100th anniversary and he has found documentation that Ross visited Oak Hill in 1925. As many as 400 Ross designs are dismissed as courses Ross designed on paper, but never visited. Courses where Ross was known to have been directly involved in construction are considered superior to courses where he wasn’t, Bagley said. </span><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Ross returned to Oak Hill in 1935 when </span><b style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Gene Sarazen </b><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">won the Massachusetts Open and Ross was presented with a medal by the Massachusetts Golf Association in recognition of his Mass. Open title 30 years before. Sarazen won the second Masters earlier that year and made his famous double-eagle on the 15th hole. </span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circa 1926 - the original clubhouse with golfers on the Wayne Stiles-designed 5th green</td></tr>
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After a fire destroyed the clubhouse in 1941, the members rebuilt, with the structure of the 1942 clubhouse still standing today. Though the interior of clubhouse has been renovated and brought into the 21st century, you can just feel the history in a place like this - just think of the names that have played at Oak Hill and been through the clubhouse: <b>Ouimet, Guilford, Sarazen, Bishop, Zaharias</b>...some heavy hitters for sure!<br />
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And in just a few short months, Oak Hill will host the state's best amateur golfers for five grueling days of championship golf. Who will take the title this year and add his name to our impressive list of past champions?<br />
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Qualifying for the <a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/amateur/amateur.html" target="_blank"><b>Massachusetts Amateur Championship</b></a> begins on June 4 and wraps up on July 1.<br />
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<b><a href="http://oakhillcc.org/upload/IJgvAZx-iaRNe.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to read a MassGolfer feature on Oak Hill from 2011</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/archives/history_amateur.html" target="_blank">Click here for Championship History</a></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-70030490705876884042015-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:002015-02-13T07:26:31.325-08:00Leading the chargeInspired by USGA Handicap Week, we decided to pore through our MassGolfer Magazine archives for some content. While Championships are the 'pretty' part of our business, a lot of people don't realize that without the Handicapping and Course Rating departments, we wouldn't have much of a reason to exist. These two services are by far the most important and highly utilized member services that we provide.<div>
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Back in 2007, we published a feature story called <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/club-services/massgolfer_howwerate.pdf" target="_blank">'How (and why) We Rate.'</a></b> Did you know that the MGA created the first ever Course Rating System all the way back in the 1920's? We truly were at the forefront of the movement to make the game of golf more equitable (and more enjoyable) for golfers of ALL abilities.</div>
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Well we know how Handicapping factors in, but how does a Course Rating work in tandem with handicapping to help make the game more equitable? Using slope ratings established as part of the Course Rating process, <i><b>'a golfer's handicap established at one course is adjusted for another course. The result: handicap portability and equitability.'</b></i></div>
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So how does your course handicap work? Well we've explained that as well!</div>
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So once this snow ever melts and you get back out on the course, take a moment to appreciate the work that is done by your friendly Course Raters.</div>
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And if you don't have a Handicap Index, you should get one! Out of the 25 million people that play golf in the United States, only about 3 million of them have a Handicap Index. Well that is just ridiculous. You're leaving all these Member Benefits on the table! Establish your index with us this season! With a GHIN number and an active index held at a club in Massachusetts, you can play in outings, your buddy's Member-Guest Tournament, MGA events, and more. And you can also track your progress and take advantage of the many benefits that we provide to our Member Golfers!</div>
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If you have questions about obtaining a GHIN number, please contact Scott Guild at <b><a href="mailto:sguild@mgalinks.org">sguild@mgalinks.org</a></b>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-47542589674377402032015-02-10T05:42:00.003-08:002015-02-11T10:49:41.554-08:00What's your handicap?Did you know that this week is <b>USGA Handicap Week</b>? <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/player-services/handicapping.html" target="_blank">Handicapping is one of the most important services that we provide to our individual members and Member Clubs.</a></b> The USGA Handicap System allows golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis...and have fun while playing! And isn't that the most important thing?<br />
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The active Handicapping season in Massachusetts begins on April 1st...we're almost there!<br />
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There are so many resources available to help you learn more about why handicaps are important. <b><a href="http://www.usga.org/handicapping/experts-explain/" target="_blank">Check out what the USGA has to offer by clicking here.</a></b><br />
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Additionally, we are joining forces with the USGA to host a <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/club-services/regional-seminars.html" target="_blank">Handicap Seminar at Pleasant Valley Country Club on March 25.</a></b> This seminar, which is invaluable for club personnel and especially Handicap Chairmen, is open to the public. Scott Guild, our director of handicapping, will be staying after the formal portion of the seminar to host an informal Q&A where attendees can ask anything and everything.<br />
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Stay up to date with all the resources presented during Handicap Week by searching <b>#USGAHandicapWeek</b> on your social networks. Only a few weeks until we can start posting scores again!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-16679542832560742852015-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:002015-02-09T07:53:31.719-08:00Championship Sneak Peek: The Mass OpenInstead of looking outside and seeing this:<br />
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Wouldn't you like to see this?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPQB_xeF-nU/VNjMenjpfRI/AAAAAAAAA3g/y37PEQNk3IY/s1600/BR16g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPQB_xeF-nU/VNjMenjpfRI/AAAAAAAAA3g/y37PEQNk3IY/s1600/BR16g2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well in just four short months (aka an ETERNITY), you will be able to! Let's not even talk about the fact that I had a dream last night that it was snowing the week of the Mass Open...<br />
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But I digress. <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/open/open.html" target="_blank">The 106th Massachusetts Open Championship</a></b> will take place at the very scenic <b><a href="http://www.blackrockcountryclub.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp" target="_blank">Black Rock Country Club</a></b> in Hingham. While Black Rock may not enjoy a long and storied history, having been founded in 2002, it is a pretty neat place and a club that we are thrilled to bring one of our most historic events to - there are so many interesting and different elements on this golf course that will definitely challenge our best players.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fqamm4rRps/VNjPRV6gbQI/AAAAAAAAA3s/Y2eigEyDCLg/s1600/blackrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fqamm4rRps/VNjPRV6gbQI/AAAAAAAAA3s/Y2eigEyDCLg/s1600/blackrock.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Did you know that Black Rock is situated within a rock quarry that was active as recently as 1998?! </b>The owners of the land selected <b><a href="http://www.bsilvadesign.com/index.php" target="_blank">Brian Silva</a></b> to create a championship caliber golf course among this unconventional piece of land. Silva has designed some of the Bay State's most acclaimed new courses, including Cape Cod National and Renaissance. Silva knew he had a challenge on his hands but wanted to incorporate the natural elements of the rock quarry. What he ended up with was ranked in GolfWeek's 'Top 100 Modern Courses.' But this project may not have come to fruition without an owner like George McGoldrick.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtN9EUU4Pt4/VNjKtLG5mEI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Buxc2gumg14/s1600/blackrock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtN9EUU4Pt4/VNjKtLG5mEI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Buxc2gumg14/s1600/blackrock2.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #525156; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The story begins in 1992 when George McGoldrick moved to the south shore. Though he loved the area, a key attribute was missing and that was the ability to play a golf course nearby. The private clubs had a ten year plus waiting list, leaving McGoldrick and his friends little option but to drive for an hour just for the opportunity of playing a five hour round at a crowded public course.</span><br />
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As a developer, McGoldrick appreciated that the high end demographics of those around the greater Hingham area thirty minutes south of Boston supported a golf course. The rub was where to find a block of land big enough for both a course and real estate component. McGoldrick became aware of a 200 acre rock quarry that recently traded hands and was presently owned by Jim Read. Of course, a rock quarry presented all kinds of construction challenges but it did have one benefit: other parcels of land around it were available for sale as no person or business voluntarily elects to locate beside an active rock quarry!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyC6SFM3e20/VNjRbKWLEFI/AAAAAAAAA34/76MZXSwTlSY/s1600/blackrock6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyC6SFM3e20/VNjRbKWLEFI/AAAAAAAAA34/76MZXSwTlSY/s1600/blackrock6.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
Now it is one of the most sought-after residential golf course developments in eastern Massachusetts. It is really interesting to read the story of how this course was built (in the words of Brian Silva):<br />
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<em style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #525156; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center; vertical-align: baseline;">Finally there are 18 holes on paper.And in the best situation – and I had the best situation at Black Rock – there is a guy like George McGoldrick who sticks with you. Without that, the majority of the paper holes have no chance of becoming golf holes on a site like this. And it keeps going along – some holes fit land in a good way – 7, 16, 2, 9, 12, 14, 15 – while others are what the hell can be done to make this a golf hole! I need as good a client as I can ever find to make it work type of golf holes. Some holes jump at you off the background map – some you recognize walking the land – some finally become golf holes about five minutes before you seed them.</em><br />
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<b><a href="http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/black-rock/" target="_blank">Click here to read the entire article on Golfclubatlas.com. </a></b><br />
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So hang in there - we'll get through this winter together! Soon enough we'll be teeing off at Black Rock. It will be hard to beat the excitement of last year, with a four-man playoff, but I think Black Rock is up to the challenge! Do you think Ian Thimble will defend his title? Or maybe we'll see an amateur champion for the first time since 1999!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9FU-apVDoQ/VNjXJBDc4UI/AAAAAAAAA4g/gL59OMUGkj0/s1600/open%2Btrophies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9FU-apVDoQ/VNjXJBDc4UI/AAAAAAAAA4g/gL59OMUGkj0/s1600/open%2Btrophies.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: The Commonwealth Cup, given to Low Amateur; Right: The Clarence Cochrane Memorial Trophy, given to overall champion</td></tr>
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Qualifying rounds for the Mass Open begin on May 4th at Longmeadow Country Club and wrap up on May 27th.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-805189258482515072015-01-26T08:12:00.000-08:002015-01-26T08:12:25.775-08:00One step closer!Well unless you've been living under a rock the last few days, you know what's coming. While you're stuck in the house starving to death because the supermarket shelves were bare by the time you got there, why not plan out your 2015 MGA competition season?<br />
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<b>Online registration for 2015 MGA Championships will open a week from Thursday. That's right. A. Week. From. Thursday. Can you believe it?! (Because we kind of can't.)</b><br />
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And the lineup of <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/index.html" target="_blank">Championship Proper and qualifying sites</a></b> we have is a little ridiculous. We spend a majority of the season in Central Mass - with highlights being a trip to the historic <b>Oak Hill CC</b> for the Amateur Championship, and the Amateur Public Links Championship at the scenic <b>Red Tail GC</b>. Mid-Amateurs will face the challenging greens of <b>Marlborough CC</b>, and the Juniors will be tested on <b>Hopkinton CC</b>'s layout.<br />
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The courses that have stepped forward to host qualifying rounds aren't too shabby, either! We've got <b>Willowbend, Tedesco, Dedham C&PC, Plymouth, Concord, Brae Burn, </b>and<b> Turner Hill</b>, just to name a few.<br />
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But before we even get to these sites, we have something pretty cool lined up for the Four-Ball Championship. We will spend two days in the city of Boston at <b>George Wright</b> and <b>William J. Devine</b>! This will be a great way to kick off the 2015 season in the greatest city in America.<br />
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And the biggest development of all - starting this year, the Open Championship will be truly <b>OPEN</b>. Now, amateurs from ANYWHERE (as long as you have an active USGA GHIN number and meet eligibility requirements) can try for their shot at the historic Massachusetts Open title at Black Rock Country Club.<br />
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So while you're snowed in the next few days, get excited! Plan out your 2015 golf schedule! <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/index.html" target="_blank">Click here for the complete 2015 Championship Schedule</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-34729296356028479142015-01-09T09:25:00.003-08:002015-01-09T09:25:54.118-08:00Another one in the books!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tj__C7A39sU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Another MGA Salute to Champions Dinner is in the books! The prevailing theme of the night was the importance of family and friends. We couldn't help but be reminded of what Paul Harney's son said back in October at the Mass Golf Hall of Fame Gala - <b>golf brings good people together. </b>It seemed like every champion that took the microphone had glowing things to say about the support of their loved ones. It was truly an awesome night at Wellesley Country Club.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.943327775686085.1073741831.118745461477658&type=1" target="_blank">Click here to view event photos</a></b><br />
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We were lucky enough to have Megan Khang in attendance - in case you didn't know, she's pretty good at golf. At age 17 she has already competed in national championships and represented our country on an international stage. And she's hilarious! Check out this short Q&A that we featured last night:<br />
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We also had our state amateur champion in attendance. John Kelly gave us a week to remember up at Kernwood Country Club in July, and we can't wait to see him come back in 2015 and defend his title at Oak Hill!<br />
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We cannot thank everyone enough for making the 2014 season a memorable one! See you in a couple months!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-21224996852586451072015-01-01T08:32:00.001-08:002015-01-01T08:35:38.459-08:00Drum roll please...Happy 2015 everyone! Can you believe it? We're sad to see 2014 end - we had such a good time! Finally at number 1 on our top 14 of 2014, but before we get to that, here's a recap:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">9: Graham DeLaet joins our juniors for an ice bath</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">8: Jack O'Donnell's playoff bomb</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">7: Matt Naumec's come from behind victory</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">6: A very exciting Mid-Am finish</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">5: A brand new MGA Championship</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">4: Celebrating the past and the future at the MGHOF gala</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">3: Herbie Aikens breaks through at the Pub Links</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">2: John Kelly and a Saturday finish at the Mass Am</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Now without any further wait, here's NUMBER 1!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">There's nothing more exciting than a playoff. Well at the Massachusetts Open Championship this past year, we had a FOUR WAY playoff. One amateur, one new professional, and two seasoned pros. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">The playoff featured some familiar faces - as the lone amateur, Matt Parziale was trying to become the first amateur player to win this event since Kevin Quinn in 1999. Ian Thimble, born and raised in Boston, had just turned pro after a runner-up finish in the 2013 Mass Amateur. Rounding out the foursome were Eric Dugas, a longtime Cape Cod professional, and Kyle Gallo, 2011 Mass Open Champion.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">The playoff began on the tricky 16th hole - a driveable par-4. The only one that laid up and didn't try to drive the green was Thimble; coincidentally he was the only one that made birdie on that first playoff hole. That set him up for the putt of his young career on 18:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">This was definitely an exciting three holes for the gallery, but even more exciting (obviously) for Thimble, who was born and raised in Boston. And even though Matt Parziale didn't come out on top, his strong performance in this event sort of paved the way for an incredible season en route to his second MGA Player of the Year award. We can only hope that the 2015 Mass Open at Black Rock CC will be as exciting!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/about-us/news/2014/news_2014_061214.html" target="_blank">Click here for the final round story</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Well it certainly has been an incredible year for the MGA. We can't wait to see what the 2015 season holds for all of us!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Have a great New Years Day, everyone!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-25852405806358480432014-12-31T15:03:00.000-08:002014-12-31T15:03:21.803-08:00Let's play 2!Before you head out for your New Years Eve festivities, check out the runner up in our Top 14 MGA Moments of 2014! But of course, a quick recap:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">9: Graham DeLaet joins our juniors for an ice bath</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">8: Jack O'Donnell's playoff bomb</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">7: Matt Naumec's come from behind victory</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">6: A very exciting Mid-Am finish</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">5: A brand new MGA Championship</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">4: Celebrating the past and the future at the MGHOF gala</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">3: Herbie Aikens breaks through at the Pub Links</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Number 2 is a biggie! Brand new champion, Saturday finish, amazing golf course - it's all there!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">The state amateur is far and away our biggest event. A unique and grueling test of golf, this championship crowns the very best after five long days.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Well in 2014, it was SIX days - thanks to Mother Nature, we had a Saturday finish for the first time in recent memory. And it sure was an exciting finish.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">With a large gallery of spectators and perfect playing conditions (finally!) the relatively unknown Kelly took on Doug Clapp, the 2013 MGA Player of the Year. Kelly entered the final match on a tear, having played 10-under-par golf over the past 30 holes, but Clapp wasn't ready to concede quite yet. I'll let our videographer, Don Coyne, tell you all about it:</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/about-us/news/2014/news_2014_071914.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the final round recap!</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://davidcoltphotography.smugmug.com/NewEnglandGolfImages/Mass-Golf-Association/MGA-2014/2014-Mass-Amateur/" target="_blank">Click here for the Mass Am photo gallery</a></b><br />
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This was a fantastic, exciting final round between two tough competitors - definitely worthy of our number 2 moment of the year. Happy New Year everyone! We'll see you tomorrow to unveil NUMBER 1!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-26900930808910621592014-12-31T08:52:00.000-08:002014-12-31T08:52:09.152-08:00A breakthrough victory at number 3!It's New Years Eve! Which means we're only one day away from number 1! But first we have to get numbers 3 and 2 out of the way. Before we get into it, here's a recap:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball</span><br /><span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br /><span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br /><span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br /><span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br /><span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">9: Graham DeLaet joins our juniors for an ice bath</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">8: Jack O'Donnell's playoff bomb</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">7: Matt Naumec's come from behind victory</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">6: A very exciting Mid-Am finish</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">5: A brand new MGA Championship</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">4: Celebrating the past and the future at the MGHOF gala</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">How about number 3!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Didn't we say that Herbie Aikens would make another appearance on this countdown? Well he checks in at number 3 with his breakthrough victory at the MGA Amateur Public Links Championship in August.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">We all knew Herbie was a great player, but he could never seem to capture that elusive first individual championship. Well he must have been eating his Wheaties down in Harwich because he posted an impressive 8-under par 136 to edge out Billy Van Stratum by one stroke. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">The last few holes of the final round were pretty exciting, and 18 was made even more exciting by this masterful shot:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">In front of a gallery of all his friends, with his dad on the bag, Herbie sank the putt and finally claimed that elusive first individual championship!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/about-us/news/2014/news_2014_080614.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the final round recap!</a></b></span></div>
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This definitely opened the proverbial floodgates for Aikens, as just a month later he captured his second straight MGA Championship!</div>
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Check back later today for number 2!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-1055512440400485172014-12-30T14:43:00.000-08:002014-12-30T14:43:50.243-08:005 and 4 comin' at ya!Only two days until the new year! What's your resolution? Our immediate resolution is to finish this countdown! We're down to numbers 5 and 4 on this frigid afternoon. But first a recap:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">9: Graham DeLaet joins our juniors for an ice bath</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">8: Jack O'Donnell's playoff bomb</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">7: Matt Naumec's come from behind victory</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">6: A very exciting Mid-Am finish</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">And now, number 5!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">It's been a while since we introduced a new championship to the roster, but the guys were definitely clamoring for this one. We must have underestimated the demand, because in no time we had filled the field for the first ever MGA Super Senior Amateur Championship, and had a healthy wait list.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Thanks to the good folks at Cohasset Golf Club, we were able to expand the field from 80 to 120 and get everyone in. And what a great day it was down at Cohasset! First of all, the scenery there is stunning. A great Donald Ross at the beginning of the fall, as the foliage is just starting to turn - can't get much better than that.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU-RlnAxM1g/VKMknvNpZYI/AAAAAAAAA0E/s2-XiqMoaJg/s1600/d8m_8476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU-RlnAxM1g/VKMknvNpZYI/AAAAAAAAA0E/s2-XiqMoaJg/s1600/d8m_8476.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">The last time we added a new championship to the schedule was 1997 with the introduction of the Senior Four-Ball, but the last time we added a new individual championship was way back in 1984 with the Mid-Amateur. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">And a quiet, humble guy named Peter Brumme - who has only been playing golf for 10 years, mind you, joins names like Donald Ross, Arthur Lockwood, and William Blaney as competitors who captured inaugural MGA indivudual championships.</span></div>
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<b>With his victory, Brumme joins the prestigious company of <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Donald Ross</span>,<span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Arthur Lockwood</span>, <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Raymond Ouimet</span>,<span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">William Blaney</span>, <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Don Reycroft</span> and <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Peter Drooker</span> who all captured inaugural MGA <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">individual</em> championship titles.</b></div>
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<b>"I'm not like them, but it still feels great," said Brumme, who began playing competitive golf in 2004. "I have been doing this for about 10 years now and this is the first time that I have won."</b></div>
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<b>He was able to accomplish this feat under blue skies but often gusty conditions in Cohasset. On a classic Donald Ross layout that measured 6,140 yards, Brumme carded two birdies and three bogeys en route to his 1-over par score. It was an especially strong score given that the entire field managed just 96 birdies and the average score was 84.</b></div>
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<b>"The putter was working," said Brumme. "I birdied the first hole and missed a few putts but made three more and that is what I needed."</b></div>
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<b>Following his opening birdie on the 372-yard, par 4 1st hole – a downhill slider that he was “glad hit the hole” – Brumme would go on to make the turn at 1-over par 37. While his fellow competitors fell back, Brumme remained strong.</b></div>
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<b>He carded his second birdie of the day on the 267-yard, par 4 13th hole and then gave it back quickly with what proved to be his final bogey of the day. He finished his round with four straight pars to secure a two-stroke margin of victory.</b></div>
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<b>“I played as a kid and then I had a family and a job so I only just started competing in MGA events when I was 55,” said Brumme. “When I heard about the Super Senior I was very happy because I turned 65 last month. It was perfect timing."</b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">And next year, the Super Senior Amateur Championship will be expanded to a two-day event and will take place at the beautiful Bass Rocks Golf Club.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">And number 4, ah number 4. What a night it was. It had been more than a decade since we had inducted anyone new into the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame, so a real celebration was in order! On October 16, we inducted six new members into the MGHOF and it was a celebration indeed. We were incredibly privileged to have three living legends in attendance - Pat Bradley, Bob Toski, and Joanne Goodwin, and they did not disappoint. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><a href="http://www.massgolfhall.com/event-highlights.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here for event highlights and party photos!</b></a></span></div>
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From Pat Bradley's welcome address, to the family members of all inductees enjoying memories of their loved ones, to Joanne Goodwin making the crowd laugh with her funny stories, i<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">t was a fun, emotional, and inspiring night for all in attendance. Can't wait to do it again in two years!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">See you tomorrow as we break into the top 3!!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-27617940757791294512014-12-29T11:42:00.000-08:002014-12-29T11:42:25.140-08:00A double dip - getting down to crunch time!Whoa, there's only three days until 2015! When did that happen? Well since we're running out of time let's double dip today - presenting number 7 and 6 in our top 14 moments.<br />
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But first, a recap of course:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br />
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<span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf5; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">With number 7 we'll stay with the Juniors. 2014 marked the centennial year of the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship <a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/archives/history_junior.html" target="_blank">[click here for Junior Am history]</a> and the championship's final round did not disappoint. Matt Naumec came into the final round 5 strokes off the lead but was able to take the title with a blistering back-9.</span></span></div>
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<b>Concord, MA — One hundred years ago, the Massachusetts Golf Association introduced a special event in order to give youngsters “their day”.</b></div>
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<b>On Wednesday under perfect conditions at Nashawtuc Country Club, <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Matthew Naumec</span> <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(CC of Wilbraham)</span></em> enjoyed <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">his</em>day by capturing the <a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/junior/junior.html" style="border: 0px; color: #887744; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">2014 Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship</span></a>. It marks the first MGA Championship title for the 17 year old from Wilbraham.</b></div>
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<b>“This morning I was looking at the board and saw the list of the past champions,” said Naumec. “I said to myself that it would be sweet to have my name up there and it came true.”</b></div>
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<b>Today’s performance was especially meaningful for Naumec who just one year ago finished second overall. This time around, Naumec entered the final round five strokes back of the leader, but capped off a stunning come-from-behind win by playing his final five holes at 3-under par.</b></div>
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<b>“I knew coming into this back nine that it was gettable,” said Naumec, who finished with a third-round score of 2-under par 70. “I knew I needed to make one or two birdies and I was able to do that.”</b></div>
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<b>Naumec began his run to the top of leaderboard by reaching the 502-yard, par 5 14th hole in two and two putting for par. On the very next hole, he pulled his drive but – like most champions – enjoyed a fortuitous bounce off a tree. He took advantage of Lady Luck and knocked his approach to 20 feet and made that birdie putt.</b></div>
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<b>He would go on to lip out for birdie on the 16th hole from 10 feet and then make a key par on 17 which set the stage for a dramatic finish on the 505-yard, par 5 18th hole… a hole where Naumec had made birdie twice before.</b></div>
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<b>“I reached it in two yesterday and felt comfortable there all week,” said Naumec. “I heard it was a hard hole but I tried to attack it.”</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAl9R4mQ870/VKGocK1-GGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/iW1PiASh7AI/s1600/_d4b5740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAl9R4mQ870/VKGocK1-GGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/iW1PiASh7AI/s1600/_d4b5740.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><b>Although his drive sailed right, Naumec set himself up for an 80-yard approach from the fairway. His third shot landed six feet from the hole. With friends and family gathered around the perched green, Naumec sank the putt.</b></div>
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<b>The road to the winner’s circle was not an easy one as Aikens had to fend off a challenge by <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Ben Spitz<em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> (George Wright GC)</em></span>, who entered the final round three strokes back but managed to pull ahead by one stroke with just three holes remaining.</b></div>
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<b>“This one was really nerve wracking,” said Aikens. “I haven’t won a lot of individual titles so I had never been in a situation where I had a three shot lead. I tried to make sure that I didn’t play differently, but I did and I got a little nervous and my putting left me for a while… and Ben was playing awesome and putting on the pressure on top of it, so it was definitely a mental battle out there.”</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6CqmfsvdZ8/VKGt_0AXBWI/AAAAAAAAAzs/cJbx70i1kGE/s1600/_d4b8761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6CqmfsvdZ8/VKGt_0AXBWI/AAAAAAAAAzs/cJbx70i1kGE/s1600/_d4b8761.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><b>Aikens won the battle of the minds down the stretch.</b></div>
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<b>Spitz missed the green on the 16th hole to the left and then pushed his six-foot par putt past the hole. Aikens then made his third birdie of the day on the 17th hole thanks to a wedge approach that landed three feet from the hole.</b></div>
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<b>“I knew we were even and I had been feeling like oil was leaking all over the place and the wheels were falling off,” said Aikens. “I pulled my focus together and hit a really good shot off the tee and then felt really good about the wedge. Even though it was in between yardage for whatever reason it felt good.”</b></div>
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<b>Nerves returned on the 18th tee as Aikens hooked his drive into a native area. His punch-out shot rolled into the heavy rough, which opened the door of opportunity for Spitz who found the middle of the fairway with his drive.</b></div>
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<b>Spitz was unable to capitalize. His approach landed in the greenside bunker and his third shot rolled 20 feet past the hole. Aikens, meanwhile, hit a phenomenal approach to 30 feet right of the hole.</b></div>
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<b>“I almost made a big mistake on 18 but that was probably one of the best 5s I have ever made in my life,” said Aikens, who secured the victory after both players two putted for par. “I was in some real, real bad stuff and I was lucky to get a club on it. Then I got buried in the rough and to even get it on the green was pretty good, so I was happy with how I finished.”</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-14425505322587838652014-12-27T17:50:00.002-08:002014-12-27T17:50:34.943-08:00A BOMB for number 8!We hope everyone had a fantastic, restful, food-filled holiday! As we inch closer to 2015, we can't forget about the rest of our countdown. We are up to number 8, which is pretty darn amazing. But first let's recap:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball</span><br style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number</span><br style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut</span><br style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball</span><br style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">10: Two unbeatable families</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">9: Graham DeLaet joins our juniors for an ice bath</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">And now, on to number 8!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">2014 was the final year of the Boys Division at the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship - next year, the boys get their own show! But that means that a 12-year-old from The Kittansett Club had quite the gallery for his moment in the sun.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2NAsXLik4Q/VJ9hHgVl_tI/AAAAAAAAAyY/aNr3k036leE/s1600/_d4b5639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2NAsXLik4Q/VJ9hHgVl_tI/AAAAAAAAAyY/aNr3k036leE/s1600/_d4b5639.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">First of all, let me just say that these 12- and 13-year-olds play better golf than I could ever dream. But we're getting off topic here.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">After shooting a first-round 70 at Nashawtuc, Jack O'Donnell ended up in a sudden-death playoff with 13-year-old David Rogers of Willowbend. As the pair approached the green on the first playoff hole, Jack had visions of an awe-inspiring putt in his head:</span><br />
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<b><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Jack O’Donnell</span> <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(The Kittansett Club) </span></em>played out his boyhood dream on Wednesday afternoon when he sank a 50-foot birdie putt on the first sudden-death hole to capture the Boys Division title.</b></div>
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<b>Although it was not the 80-foot putt to win the Masters that has played through his mind for most of his 12 years, it was a moment that he won’t soon forget.</b></div>
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<b>“I was thinking going into playoff that I just wanted to make a par and see what would happen,” said O’Donnell, who turns 13 in September. “I was trying to lag that last big putt and fortunately it went in.”</b></div>
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<b>It was a putt that veterans could only dream of making as O’Donnell - with poise beyond his years - sent his third shot on the 502-yard, par 5 1st hole to the back of the green. With his opponent – <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">David Rogers</span> <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(Willowbend) </span></em>– on the green in four and facing a challenging downhill putt, O’Donnell was simply looking for a par to place the pressure back on Rogers.</b></div>
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<b>What he delivered was so much more.</b></div>
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<b>O’Donnell struck his putt with confidence and watched as it gained speed down the hill, found the subtle break in the green and then dropped into the bottom of the hole.</b></div>
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<b>It was especially rewarding for O’Donnell who entered the final round with a two-stroke lead after posting a 2-under par 70 on Tuesday. Rogers evened the score heading to the 18th hole, but O’Donnell had a chance to win in regulation but watched his par putt come up inches short. </b></div>
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<b>“I knew I had to make that putt to win, but it fell just short,” said O’Donnell. “I tapped it in and went to the playoff.”<br /><br />And what happened next was simply a dream fitting for a new MGA Champion.</b></div>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Can you imagine being 12 and experiencing this incredible moment?! I don't think we've heard the last of Mr. O'Donnell. Certainly a moment worthy of number 8 on our Top 14 Moments of '14.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">We'll see you tomorrow for number 7!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf5; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-49927142800213424182014-12-23T07:17:00.000-08:002014-12-23T07:17:35.967-08:00A chilly number 9!Well since it's going to be unseasonably warm the next few days, we need to provide the chill ourselves. We'll do that with number 9 and the Ice Bucket Challenge!<br />
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First, let's recap where we are in the MGA Top 14 Moments of '14:<br />
14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball<br />
13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number<br />
12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut<br />
11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball<br />
10: Two unbeatable families<br />
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And now, number 9!<br />
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The week of the Deutsche Bank Championship is kooky town around Golf House. But luckily for us some of the players take time out of their crazy schedules to visit with local junior golfers. This year Graham DeLaet had a fun idea...check it out:<br />
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You might recognize the kids dumping the water on Mr. DeLaet - MGA Linksters! What a fun day these kids had - earlier in the day they participated in the Deutsche Bank Championship Skills Challenge at MGA Links with Cobra/PUMA, then they got to head over to TPC and do this! Definitely a top 14 moment.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbPTS53C7QQ/VJmHCsFhtbI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Qeswje7xbds/s1600/titleist_tft_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbPTS53C7QQ/VJmHCsFhtbI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Qeswje7xbds/s1600/titleist_tft_small.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a>And here's a shameless plug: if you donate to The First Tee of Massachusetts by the end of the month, you're automatically entered into a drawing to win a Titleist 915 Driver! Could be a nice late Christmas present! <b><a href="http://www.thefirstteemass.org/club/scripts/view/view_insert.asp?pg=PUBLIC&GRP=20143&IID=227718&NS=PUBLIC&APP=106" target="_blank">Click here to learn more.</a></b><br />
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We hope everyone has a stress-free Christmas eve (easier said than done, right!), and a wonderful, relaxing, food, family, and fun-filled Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-30524720045726677752014-12-21T17:00:00.001-08:002014-12-21T17:00:29.970-08:00Can you say Dynasty?We're cracking the top 10! We've got a double-dip for this one, with two of the most fun events of the year - the Father & Daughter and Father & Son Championships.<br />
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Before we get into that, let's recap what we have so far for the Top 14 of '14:<br />
14: Team Titleist takes the Four-Ball<br />
13: Dave Houghton proves that age is just a number<br />
12: Colin Brennan's auspicious professional debut<br />
11: A marathon playoff at the Senior Four-Ball<br />
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And now number 10!<br />
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While the Father & Daughter and Father & Son Championships are a heck of a lot of fun for all involved, they also draw some pretty darn good golfers! The champions of both events have built a bit of a reputation for being unbeatable in their respective events.<br />
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At the Father & Daughter at Wellesley, John and Mary Mulcahy made it a ridiculous five in a row! Mary has some serious game - she competed in the 2014 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship and has been a perennial contender in WGAM Championships. She currently plays on the golf team at the University of Central Florida.<br />
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<b>Wellesley, MA —For a mind-boggling fifth year in a row, the team of <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">John Mulcahy</span><em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(Hatherly CC)</span></em> and <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Mary Mulcahy</span><em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(Hatherly CC)</span></em> captured a divisional title at the <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/f-d/f-d.html" style="border: 0px; color: #887744; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Massachusetts Father & Daughter Championship</a></span>.</b></div>
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<b>The Mulcahy duo carded a score of 6-over par 77 at Wellesley Country Club on Thursday to claim the Championship Division title as their own.</b></div>
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<b>The Mulcahys have not lost at this Championship Proper since 2010 when Mary was just 15 years old but the road has never been an easy one. In three of the five years – including 2014 – the duo has captured the title by just one stroke. And despite the string of recent victories, John still can’t forget the championship of 2009 when he sent his 7 iron into a hazard on the final hole to finish T2.</b></div>
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<b>“All I had to do was hit it onto the green and we probably would have won it,” said John. “It was a really long winter thinking about that shot, but to win it again today for a fifth time really feels good.”</b></div>
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<b>On this day, the title looked to be in jeopardy through nine holes as the Mulcahys made the turn at 4-over par 39 and were several shots off the lead.</b></div>
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<b>They capped off the front nine with a birdie – the lone one of the day – on the 425-yard, par 4 9th hole where Mary – from just left of the green – chipped to two feet for a tap-in birdie.</b></div>
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<b>“That got us going in the right direction,” said John. “Through the first eight holes we made five birdies and then after that we were one over. For most people the scores were higher on the back, but that was a big birdie for us and then we got up and down on a few holes and kind of settled down.”</b></div>
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And at the Father & Son at Willowbend, the affable Drohens took the title for the second year in a row and the third time in the past five years. Both Jim and Bill are MGA past champions - Jim in the Senior Amateur and Bill in the Amateur Championship. Both fierce competitors, they always look forward to this event where they can get out on the course and enjoy each other's company.<br />
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<b>Mashpee, MA — For the third time in five years, the team of <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">James Drohen</span> <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(Bradford CC)</span></em> & <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Bill Drohen</span> <em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">(Brookmeadow CC)</span></em>walked away from the<a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/championships/f-s/f-s.html" style="border: 0px; color: #887744; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Massachusetts Father & Son Championship</span></a> with more than a smile.</b></div>
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<b>The dynamic duo continued their success on the links together by capturing the senior division title at Willowbend to claim the Lester and Peter Oppenheim Trophy as their own.</b></div>
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<b>With their latest victory, the Drohens have now won the senior division title three times – 2010, 2013 and 2014. Only three other teams (see below for the <a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/about-us/news/2014/news_2014_062314.html#history" style="border: 0px; color: #887744; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">history of this event</a>) have won the title more times since the event was introduced in 1977.</b></div>
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<b>Included in that esteemed list are<span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Fordie & Fordie Pitts, Jr.</span> (1984, 1986, 1988, 1990), <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Joseph & Jason Cook</span> (1987, 1989, 1995, 1998) and <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Dick & Jim Salinetti</span> (1997, 1999, 2000).</b></div>
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<b>“I looked at the web site last night and saw the names of the teams that have won three times and it includes names like Salinetti, Cook and Pitts,” said James. “That is quite impressive company, so it looks like we need to come back and win a fourth title.”</b></div>
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<b>Whether they won the title or not, the Drohens would be back. This is an event that they look forward to competing in together each and every year. With Bill now working as a full-time teacher and a father to two young children, the opportunities to play 18 holes together are not as plentiful as they used to be.</b></div>
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<b>“It’s nice to win, but whether we received these trophies or not we would not miss this tournament,” said Bill. “We get to play maybe two or three times per year, but nothing is better than playing together.”</b></div>
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<b>James – the 2003 Massachusetts Senior Amateur Champion – echoed his son’s feelings.</b></div>
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<b>“It is perfect day at a perfect place,” said James. “We enjoy each other’s company and look forward to the opportunity to spending this time together.”</b></div>
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And we've got some great sites lined up for next year's Father & Daughter and Father & Son Championships - do you think the Mulcahys and the Drohens will extend their winning streaks?<br />
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And stay tuned this week for number 9 in the countdown! Have a great Sunday night everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555468332263975477.post-86341005080633525432014-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:002014-12-18T10:47:50.177-08:0011 is a doozy!We thought we were going to have to turn on all the car headlights to finish this one!<br />
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<b>Number 11</b> brings us back down the Cape last May for the Senior Four-Ball Championship, and two teams that just would not quit. We went to FIVE playoff holes between the teams of <b>Keith Smith/Dave Turgeon and Bob Linn/Jim Hosey.</b> I guess Smith and Turgeon really liked it at Bayberry Hills and wanted to keep playing, because everytime we thought it was over, we were on to another hole.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvsltVLMVGE/VJL3upiO13I/AAAAAAAAAxY/kql07DW7ZEY/s1600/turgeon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvsltVLMVGE/VJL3upiO13I/AAAAAAAAAxY/kql07DW7ZEY/s1600/turgeon.jpeg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
This playoff went so long our photographer had to leave! So we were left with this when all was said and done --------><br />
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Much better left to the professionals!<br />
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Thankfully Keith and Dave were on-site at Oyster Harbors for the Senior Am and we were able to redo the trophy shot:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJmJY2mEbnI/VJL4FqHPj1I/AAAAAAAAAxg/eYEzMgCbXOo/s1600/Senior%2BFour-Ball.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJmJY2mEbnI/VJL4FqHPj1I/AAAAAAAAAxg/eYEzMgCbXOo/s1600/Senior%2BFour-Ball.jpeg" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a difference a season makes!</td></tr>
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So it only took 5 extra holes, but Smith and Turgeon were able to put away the championship. This is what makes golf great - so unpredictable! <b><a href="http://www.mgalinks.org/about-us/news/2014/news_2014_052214.html" target="_blank">Read the event recap here.</a></b><br />
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Stay tuned as we break into the TOP 10 this weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03294641112428180990noreply@blogger.com0