Category: 19th Hole

The Golf of Maine News for August 17, 2017

August 17, 2017
“We have now⛳  golfed ⛳ over 1000 km! Which is insane!”

Jack Wyman continues torrid summer play at Match Play Invitational — “I’m going home. I’m going to bed. I’m tired, man,” said Wyman, the top seed and reigning Maine Amateur champ. “It’s mental warfare. That’s all it is. It’s a completely different game than stroke play. You’re kind of playing against yourself and trying to figure out how deep you can dig.”

Aroostook County Country Club Golf Tournament Raises More Than $27,000 for Scholarships — The 12th annual TD Bank/NMCC Golf Tournament raised $27,651 for student scholarships for the Northern Maine Community College Foundation during last week’s tournament and auction. Thirty-one teams of three participated in the scramble at the Aroostook Valley Country Club in Fort Fairfield.

Annual Children’s Dyslexia Center golf scramble returns — Spring Meadows Golf Club is gearing up to host their 12th annual Teddy Bear Scramble golf tournament. The event, a fundraiser for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland, is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23; registration begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start to follow at 8:15.

Silicon Valley’s Latest Perk: A Golf Butler — Likely NOT coming to Maine anytime soon! And if it does, we’re against it…

Drexel golf aide ‘had to disqualify myself’ from U.S. Amateur — This, friends, is why golf is different from all other competitive games. “The 23-year-old Drexel graduate from Bensalem and his caddie were the only two people to know about the breach, but the thought of keeping it to himself never occurred to him.”

82 days, 1,850 km, 14,000 shots: The world’s longest hole of golf — Now THIS is our style of golf! It all started when the pair met in Kenya and Rolston, inspired after hearing of Rutland’s epic bike ride, suggested they embark on a golfing adventure. “We actually putt out on the 18th hole of Mongolia’s only golf club,” says Rolston.

Sang Moon Bae completes his military work, planning return to golf — “The 31-year-old has spent the last 21 months as a rifleman in the army, honoring the requirement for all able-bodied Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35 to undertake military service as a deterrent to North Korean aggression.” We’re awaiting word of North Korea’s response. Is there a single golfer in NK?

The mathematics of golf — In a new review, Dr. Steve Otto, Director of Research and Testing at The R&A, which along with the US Golf Association (USGA) oversees the Rules of Golf, has highlighted some of the ways that mathematics is used to understand golf and determine many of the equipment rules. The paper is published in a recent issue of the Proceedings of The Royal Society A and was written as part of a Royal Society meeting, Mathematics for the Modern Economy.

“Heeeellllllloooooo, Balll!”

The Golf of Maine News for June 2, 2017

June 2, 2017

Join Us at Our Junior Golf Open Houses! — Junior Golf Maine will hold two open houses to promote junior golf opportunities in Maine. The first open house will be held 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Val Halla Golf Course, 60 Val Halla Road; and the second 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Waterville Country Club, 39 Country Club Road, Oakland.

Territory Manager, CCE Golf Cars — Country Club Enterprises, the region’s largest golf car distributor, is seeking an aggressive, confident, and competitive professional with a solid background in outside business development. You must be comfortable working independently and building strong business relationships. The job will entail golf and utility vehicle sales in the state of Maine and part of New Hampshire.

Roberto De Vicenzo deserves more than to be remembered for Masters scorecard blunder — This man’s story is why golf is a great game, greater than all the rest! As for the rule, it must harken back to the days when two Scotsmen would come off the 18th, arguing about who won, and one of them throwing the final bit of gamesmanship at his opponent, “But, Ol’ Tam, ye signed th’ card, th’ scair is yoors.”

659 Venues Spanning 43 Countries Around the Globe To Host Women’s Golf Day Events on June 6 — Still only one course registered in Maine to participate, Bucksport Golf Club, whose web site appears to be down presently.

Iconic sportscaster loses discrimination case against Boston golf course — When attempting to play Woodland Golf Club in Boston, Lobel, who suffers from spinal stenosis, was told his vehicle would damage the greens and was not allowed to tee it up. In response, Lobel sued.

Sustaining the Soil — “You have to understand that the biological piece of the equation is a major player here.”

Little shop of horrors — A combination of flammable and hazardous materials, electrical outlets, poor lighting, noise, abundant equipment and high employee traffic can make the maintenance shop a danger zone for any employee.

Water… in Moderation — The basic cultural practice of irrigation is generally considered to be a no-brainer in golf course management. When an inadequate or excessive amount is provided, turf roots fail to grow and function normally.

Medinah CC Promotes “Golf For Life” with Course 2 Renovation — Medinah isn’t satisfied being a tremendous venue for professional golf.  With their recent restoration of Course Two, they’ve also established themselves as a leader in golf.

We’re Going to Work on Short Putts this Weekend

The Golf of Maine News for May 30, 2017

May 30, 2017

Callaway unveils new Epic and Epic Pro irons — Try them for yourself today! Callaway Fitting Day today from 3:00 – 7:00 at Sandbaggers Driving Range, 305 Bath Road, Brunswick.

Weekend golf results — As reported to the BDN.

Johnston among U.S. Open qualifiers in England — Another side of Beef at this year’s US Open

Why Humic Acids are Becoming a Multipurpose Tool — Back in 2013, Superintendent magazine dug into the scientific side of humic acids, explaining their complex formulations and how companies are promoting their use. This time, we asked superintendents who are using them for a real-world report on how humics are working for them.

When the Creek Rises — The story of last year’s tragic flooding of southern West Virginia and The Greenbrier and its inspirational recovery told by those who endured it.

One round of golf per week may be key to good health, study says — If this is true, then two, or even three rounds of golf per week must be even better!

The Memorial Winners and History — The Memorial Tournament Presented by Nationwide is a restricted field event, with only the first 75 players on the previous year’s money list guaranteed invites. Nicklaus apparently has a hand in selecting the remaining players.

Tiger Woods Attributes Medication Reaction For DUI Charge In Florida — “All I can do is take it day by day. There’s no hurry,” Woods wrote last week. “But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.” But first, a few medication cocktails.

RELATED: SportsCenter feels the need to photoshop Tiger’s mug shot.

When Bret Baier Provides Proof That the Dalai Lama is Not of This World (otherwise, he most certainly would have seen Caddyshack)

The Golf of Maine News for May 28, 2017

May 28, 2017

MILITARY PERSONNEL PLAY GOLF IN BERLIN IN POST WW2 BERLIN, GERMANY, JUNE 17, 1946 [courtesy Old Golf Images]
Par for the Course: Fenn-Ross tourney a real throwback — In 1896, a nine-hole golf course was opened, making Poland Spring the oldest resort course in the United States. The purpose of the golf tournament is to raise funds for the Poland Spring Historical Preservation Society, which supports the Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel, two of the most striking buildings on the resort’s beautiful grounds.

The best golf courses in every state, public and private — Before clicking on the link, guess which two Maine courses made the cut.

Dean & DeLuca warning: Keep your head on a swivel at No. 9 — “‘I start thinking to myself, ‘A few more inches and that could have hit me in the head.'”

How often should you change your golf ball? — And here we thought it was as simple as replacing our ball each time it goes in the pond!

Toledo was born in poverty, now he’s playing a Trump course for himself and others — Donald Trump wants to build a wall between Mexico and the United States. The whole world knows that. Toledo is fine with it. “A wall is a boundary. Just like the wall of your house.”

Sun, fun and beach reads: Which golf books to take — It’s Memorial Day Weekend, traditionally the start of summer across much of America. Mainer’s are a bit more circumspect about hitting the beach with a book just yet. But, as Yankee’s, we do plan ahead! We’re well into “Tommy’s Honour” at present, and will review it when finished.

The Worst Disease in Golf Has Hit the PGA Tour — Do you remember Kermit Zarley? He started the PGA Tour Bible Study group in 1965, and it is still around to this day.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and that means it’s time to move the Ping Pong table outdoors to play Beer Pong.

Here are some new rules:

The Golf of Maine News for May 27, 2017

May 27, 2017
Two veterans watch President Bush tee off during the Warrior Open in Irving, Texas, 2011. [PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Golf tournament keeps alumni coming back — A group of Scarborough High School alumni will convene at Willowdale Golf Club in Scarborough next month for much more than a round of golf. Over the past three years, the event has raised $65,000.

Heroes on the Golf Course — Nick credits his family and golf for his recovery. While he brags that he “played great” this year, the highlight was having his daughter meet the former president, who he says “inspires me every day to get better in life.”

Columnist calls Fred Funk’s remark sexist, elicits reaction from Funk’s son — The columnist’s agenda drove the narrative. At The Golf of Maine, we will resist any efforts by SJW’s to infiltrate the world of golf.

Clearing Up Some Myths About Preferred Lies — “Preferred lies”, “Lift, clean and place”, “Playing the ball up”. Whatever you call it, your scores can be posted.

So, You Want To Have A Backyard Putting Green? — Yes we do!

Golf’s Global Reach: Just How Many Of The World’s 245 Countries Have Courses? — There are a total of 33,161 global facilities and 567,111 golf holes. Western Sahara is waiting for an architect to design an all-bunker course.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail celebrates 25 years — We launched this site with the goal of seeing Maine become a golfer’s destination vacation. “The Trail hosts more than 1,100 events each year. Almost 12 million rounds of golf have been played on the courses. More than half a million golfers play on the trail each year. It hosts visitors from all 50 states and an average of 20 foreign countries.”

What to wear on the golf course — Please just stop wearing blue jeans on the course unless you’re replacing the irrigation system, okay?

The Real Cost of Hosting a USGA Event —  Hosting a USGA National Championship can bring a club notoriety and prestige—along with a major financial headache

Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Work-out Aid…

The Golf of Maine News for May 26, 2017

May 26, 2017

Summer is a Rumor at this Point [image courtesy of oldgolfimages.com]
A Few Upcoming Golf Events in Maine — Next weekend’s Mid Coast Amateur Championship at Bath Golf Club is sold out, but Bob Marley tickets for Saturday, June 3rd are still available; 20th annual Fort Fairfield Athletic Boosters Club Memorial Day Golf Scramble will be held Saturday, May 27, ​at Aroostook Valley Country Club; 24th annual David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament with a noon shotgun start on June 6, at Kebo Valley Golf Club in Bar Harbor; 15th annual Golf Fore a Cause tournament will be held Monday, June 12, at Waterville Country Club; 28th annual Bethel Area Chamber Golf Classic, June 19, Bethel Inn Resort; Brewer Parks & Recreation Department, in cooperation with Pine Hill Golf Club, is offering golf lessons for women, 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning June 8; Aroostook “House of Comfort” will host its fifth annual charity Golf Classic on Saturday, June 17, at Presque Isle Country Club; Pine Tree Hospice shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, Foxcroft Golf Club.

Gavin Dugas enjoys strong debut season for Husson — The Maine Central Institute graduate and Husson sophomore placed 16th in a field of 215 golfers at the NCAA Division III Championship last week in Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida. Dugas plays for his father, Mike Dugas, the pro at JW Parks Golf Course in Pittsfield and Husson’s golf coach.

95% of parents think golf is good for kids — Good for the kids = good for the family = good for the game = good for society.

Arizona State wins 8th NCAA women’s golf title — It came down to Strom, who was all square in her match. Strom rolled in a 7-foot par putt on the 18th to extend the match, and she won in 19 holes, with Madeline Chou of Stanford three-putted from 40 feet away on the fringe.

RELATED: Lighten up: Too tough is bad for NCAA women’s optics — “But we’re not at the LPGA level. We’re not the U.S. Open. We’re at a college golf event, and we have to create a situation where it tests the world-class players but we also don’t lose the general population of women’s college golf.”

Golf wants to depoliticize Donald Trump’s U.S. Open. Is it feasible? — With half the nation clearly unable to accept reality, being lead by a hostile media force, is it possible to just have a golf tournament anymore?

RELATED: Players defend Trump at Senior PGA— With your Senior Tour Card comes wisdom and maturity. “I believe in almost every policy he believes in,” Funk said. “That he’s, I mean, less regulation, smaller government, protect our border, bigger military, less taxes. I don’t have a problem with anything.”

Off for a Round of Golf? Didn’t Think So — The number of U.S. golfers has fallen about 30 percent since 2002, call it Peak Tiger Effect, but has stabilized recently.

If a snake offers you a golf ball, would you take it?

The Golf of Maine News for May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017
Lightning Strikes 13th Green – “Looks like God got a hole in one on 13!” [Click image for story]

Spector among 10 MPA Hall of Excellence inductees — Abby Spector broke new ground for women’s golf in Maine, winning the first of her seven state amateur championships at age 15, and now is the teaching pro at Riverside Golf Course in Portland.

5 Cultural Controls of Golf Course Maintenance — The author’s explanation of cultural controls is rather simple: manipulation of the growing environment. Or, more specifically, manipulating the growing environment using a variety of management techniques.

ASU’s Monica Vaughn rallies to win NCAA women’s golf title — We caught the tail-end of this very exciting match. “In a stunning turnaround at Rich Harvest Farms, Vaughn made up a four-shot deficit with four holes to play with two birdies and a lot of help from Wake Forest sophomore Jennifer Kupcho, who led the entire final round until a triple bogey on the 17th hole.”

15-year-old golfer advances through US Open local qualifier — Akshay Bhatia is like a lot of 15-year-olds. He’s growing taller, growing into his body. He has braces. He fiddles with his phone. But Bhatia isn’t a typical 15-year-old on the golf course.

U.S. Open Qualifying Three Weeks Out — Here’s a comprehensive look at the Exemptions List.

Web.com Tour completes first test of range finders — The first of four test events allowing players to use distance-measuring devices during competition on the Web.com Tour was held last week with largely positive, albeit incomplete, feedback from players and fans.

DEAN & DELUCA INVITATIONAL — Jordan Spieth, the defending champion at Colonial, has missed three of his last four cuts. The exception was a tie for 11th in the Masters.

Our playing partner remarked yesterday that Jordan Spieth seems to never have recovered from his debacle on the 12th Hole at the 2016 Masters. This caused us to go back and watch it again. Golf is a mental game…