Category: Players & Pros

The Golf of Maine News for May 16, 2017

May 16, 2017
Get on the Links ya Dinks and then come laugh with Uncle Bobby!

The Bath Golf Club and Boothbay Harbor Country Club are proud to host the 2017 Midcoast Amateur Championship Golf Tournament. This 2-day, 36-hole individual stroke play championship features two of Maine’s premier 18-hole facilities. Bring your game to midcoast Maine on June 3rd and 4th to compete in this great annual event. Due to a limited field, This tournament will SELL OUT! don’t hesitate, sign up today! As a bonus, Maine comedian Bob Marley will perform at The Bath Golf Club on Friday, June 3rd, and this show will sell out!

Golf Instructors and Counselors for Maine Summer Camp, Belgrade — New England Golf and Tennis Camp, a top-rated children’s residential summer camp located in the beautiful Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, seeks talented persons with exceptional skills in golf instruction. Looking for pros, college level players and camp counselors.

5 Questions with Jennifer E. Poth, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Operation Support Military Golf (OSMG) — Often, overseas golf courses are our service members’ only safe and cost efficient means of outdoor recreation and relaxation from work stress and separation from their families. As of 2011, stateside military golf courses are provided zero government funding to operate and overseas courses receive minimal funding. They are required to be entirely self-sufficient. OSMG was founded to help fill this “non-essential” items void.

Rules Throwback: One Size Didn’t Always Fit All — “However, there was still one significant difference between the USGA and The R&A Rules coming out of the 1952 code: the size of the golf ball. Over the years, various sizes and weights of golf balls were used around the world.”

Why Golf Is The Best Form Of Exercise — Often, because it’s the only form of exercise for some.

The Benefits Of Eliminating Intermediate Rough — Intermediate cuts of rough may save the occasional stroke on a player’s card, but eliminating it can save time and resources, improve playing conditions and enhance overall aesthetics.

Five major takeaways from the TaylorMade sale — “The golf business has been looking for good news after 2016’s annis horribilis with Golfsmith’s and Sports Authority’s bankruptcies (and the loss of more than 500 places that sell golf equipment), declining overall sales and unimpressive rounds played and participation numbers. But that trend started to shift with positive news from the NGF, a newly invigorated retailer on the scene in Golftec and now the presence of Wall Street endorsing golf.”

Trump’s firm says it paid cash for Lake Norman golf club, denies Russia investor claim — We hope the FBI finds out who taught Mikhail Gorbachev to play golf.

TUESDAY’S TOOLBOX: Ben Hogan practicing his medium, long and short game for the Pan American Open in Mexico in May 1953. This year Mr. Hogan won this tournament, the Masters, the U.S. Open and the British Open. Notice how still he keeps his cigarette holder!

The Golf of Maine News for May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017
We’re Confident Maine’s Golfing Vibe is Way Cooler than Massachusetts’s

The United States of Golf: All 50 States Ranked By Their Golfiness — Maine tied at 34th with North Dakota. We believe the author seriously under-sampled for Maine’s “golf vibe.”

10 No-Brainer Tips for Playing Golf in the Rain — We include this link today in hope that by so-doing, the weather will finally break…

The ABC’s of Golf — This FREE book is written for the absolute beginning golfer, that person who knows nothing (or less) about the game of golf.

REMINDER: Plenty to see as Golf Channel to air more than 100 hours of NCAA Championship-related coverage — Golf Channel’s coverage begins on Thursday at 11 a.m. when they air the NCAA D-I Women’s Regional selection show that will name the 72 schools and 24 individuals competing in four locations. The NCAA D-I Men’s Regional selection show takes place the following Thursday.

Rules of Golf: Rakes in Bunkers — Read this brief analysis of the age-old question before participating in our current poll, located in the upper righthand corner of this page.

2017 PRODUCT FOCUS: Biologicals and Organics — Superintendents, looking for biological and organic products for use on your golf course? Look no further! Check out these 12 products.

Spring Dead Spot — It’s not the name of a horror film, unless you’re a Superintendent in the Northeast. A severe outbreak of spring dead spot can significantly impact playing conditions.

Why Golfers Overestimate Their Ability — As one commenter weighed in, we now hit the 9-iron where we used to hit a wedge.

Gimmes in golf – should they be allowed in any form of the game? — We let situational ethics preside. In general, make your partner sink the 2-footer for Par and they’ll thank you later… unless they miss!

How the ‘Mulligan’ got its name — We can argue the origin all day long. The real question is whether or not you allow the ‘Gilligan’ if the Mulligan fails.

A Hush Over Punishments on the PGA Tour Leads Only to Whispers — We didn’t realize the New York Times was so concerned about transparency in the golf industry.

Haven’t Had Enough of The TPC 17th?

Revisit Fred Couple’s 1999 Hole-in-Three

The Golf of Maine News for May 14, 2017

May 14, 2017
Mother and 7-time Major Champion Julie Inkster

Hole-in-One at Barren View — Nate Mugford recorded his first ever hole-in-one on Tuesday playing at Barren View Golf Club. He aced the 129-yard second hole using a pitching wedge.

Newry reduces golf course assessment — The Sunday River Country Club has had its land value decreased by $1.3 million by the town’s assessor, according to town officials.

Mother’s Day and golf are linked — “What does Mother’s Day have to do with golf? John Wanamaker helped Anna Jarvis organize in 1908 “the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Va.” Recognize his name? Each year, the Wanamaker Trophy is awarded to the last major champion of the year.”

Five of Clubs golf game explained — We love this format. Which five clubs would you carry? Related: Golfer Shoots 65 With Just Two Clubs and a Putter!

Spirituality center tees up for golf retreat — Always able to appreciate the spiritual side of the game, we would eagerly attend more retreats if golf were involved.

How long must a hole-in-one be to count? — If you’re playing from a recognized teeing ground on a correctly measured hole with a definite yardage, it doesn’t matter if the hole is 430 or 65 yards. We haven’t had our first hole-in-one yet. Have you?

How many golf balls do tour pros carry? You might be surprised — With 29 balls in the water at the 17th Island Green on Friday, this is a timely question to ask.

How to watch a tour event, by the PGA champ’s wife — And the mother of their children!

Opinion: Singh on the Stadium Scent — “The notion of new commissioner Jay Monahan presenting the Tour’s most prestigious trophy to a man the organization has been at legal war with for years is titillating.”

Confirmed: PGA Tour pros hate the USGA — “We interact with the USGA once a year at the U.S. Open, which from our view is usually a debacle. Five or six things that feel ridiculously unfair are guaranteed to happen to you that week, like losing a ball in the rough one yard off the fairway, or seeing your stopped ball suddenly roll 30 feet off a green. Unless you’re the guy holding the trophy at the end, you leave bitter.” The author’s name is a wee bit suspect…

The Lasting Legacy of Women’s Golf at Pebble Beach — This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the pioneering women’s golf played at Pebble Beach Golf Links — going back to when it was known as the Pebble Beach Course at Del Monte Golf and Country Club.

A collection of golf swings from women champions of the past. Mickey Wright, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Patty Berg, Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Joanne Carner and more.

The Golf of Maine News for May 11, 2017

May 11, 2017
‪Open the office: ✔️‬
‪Greens mowed: ✔️‬
‪Sprinklers on: ✔️‬
‪Put schedule together: ✔️‬
‪Eat breakfast: ✔️‬
#ThankASuper

The First Tee Links of Maine kicks off new season at RGC — The cost of the program for students is only $60 for the six-week program. Scholarships are available. For more information, to register a child, or volunteer, call Rockland Golf Club at 594-9322 or Jim Povec at 704-280-7595.

Sugarloaf Golf Club named Maine’s best by Golfweek — The ranking marks the first time in more than a decade that Sugarloaf has landed atop the Golfweek rankings. Belgrade Lakes, Sunday River, Kebo Valley, and Ledges rounded out the top five in this year’s rankings.

Making a Difference: Gary’s House gets ready for Celebrity Golf Tourney — On Tuesday, June 20th, you’ll park at the driving range at 8:30AM and ride the trolley to the course where the day begins with a chef’s breakfast, celebrity meet and greet, and Trish Koch’s famous Bloody Mary Bar. Tee time is 10AM.

Card for One Round of Golf at Houlton Community Golf Club — Valid for one round of 18-hole golf without cart; cart rental required to redeem card. $11. Valid Mon-Sun; call ahead for tee time, 207-532-2662.

Golf broadcaster hits back at ‘vulgar’ online critic with impassioned defense of new tournament — We think Golf Sixes should be filed under “We have to kill the patient in order to save the patient.” Your thoughts?

Adidas gets out of golf equipment, selling businesses for $425 million — Busy week… Sign Rory, sell the clubs.

Why Golf is My Safe Haven — “MainLine Today” Editor Jim Finnegan waxes philosophically on how he escapes everyday stresses by heading for the green.

Throwback Thursday

The Golf of Maine News for May 8, 2017

May 8, 2017
No, Make it Stop!

Will Kannegieser, Minot Native, Leads Williams College to NCAA Championship — “He is really strong in the mind. He went into this (past) weekend believing it was his time to win and he did it.”

Related: Plenty to see as Golf Channel to air more than 100 hours of NCAA Championship-related coverage — Golf Channel will show more than 100 hours of news and competition from the back-to-back championships, the women playing May 19-24 and the men following May 26-31.

GCSAA launches ‘Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Week’ — Running from 8-14 May, the initiative aims to celebrate the work superintendents do to keep courses in great condition and enhance their sustainability.

Brian Harman birdies final two holes to win Wells Fargo Championship — Harman’s only other victory was the John Deere Classic in 2014 that sent him to the British Open. This victory gets him back to the Masters, which he has played only one time, along with other perks of winning.

PGA chief: Trump is good for golf — We’re officially registered in the Golf Party, so, it’s all good from our view.

Speedy GolfSixes tournament not afraid to make changes — We’re afraid that, like the singing of “YMCA” at Sea Dogs games, this is not going to go away quietly… “The longest drive hole? Introduce NFL-style yardage lines across the fairway next time. The lull that followed the introduction of the players through smoke onto the first tee? Maintain the momentum with more music, more noise, lots of it.”

John Daly Wins First Tournament In 13 Years — We’re happy for Long John. Great way to finish up his birthday celebration week!

The laid-back, but competitive, world of college club golf — “Depending on what school you’re talking about, there is little glamour in college golf. No matter what school you’re talking about, there is no glamour in college club golf.”

Be Careful, It’s Dangerous Out There on the Course — United Hook and Ladder along with EMS 54 responded to Bridges Golf Course for a person reported trapped under a golf cart on hole number 15.

In Honor of “Thank a Super” Week, Your Mower Ballet for The Day:

The Golf of Maine News for May 7, 2017

May 7, 2017
Thank a Golf Course Superintendent if your course is appealing to the eye.

The European Tour is experimenting with a shot clock and pyrotechnics this week — We admit to being a wee bit old-fashioned, but, please, PGA, no, don’t do this here. We hope The Wall is built before this tries to invade the U.S. Tour.

How to play golf with a hangover — We love the stoic honesty of The Brits. “Now, the most obvious way to prevent a hangover is to not drink so much the night before. Clearly this is unrealistic.”

Rakes in or out – golf’s great debate — We are currently grappling with whether we prefer rakes to be placed at rest in or out of the bunkers. We’ve always believed that, already being a hazard, why not leave them in the bunker, as it is ALREADY a hazard. However, this brief video has changed our minds, and the voices in our head have begun the debate anew…

5 Tips to Reduce Your Spring Maintenance — The GCSSA has declared this week “Thank Your Super” week. We will feature more news for Superintendents in recognition of the tireless efforts of these hard-working members of our golfing community.

Golf Facilities: Focusing on What Matters Most — Limiting course accessories and expanding native areas allows maintenance staffs to spend more time on primary playing areas.

Rocky River golf course goes to the goats for mowing help — For “Thank Your Super” week, we’re linking to this innovative method of keeping your rough trimmed without having to leave the maintenance shed.

Why Golf is Poised for Growth, Finally — “The industry owes superintendents some recognition and gratitude for doing more with less. Golf’s demise could have been worse without the ingenuity of superintendents.”

Hickory golf finding a home at Country Club of Greenfield — Today is National Hickory Golf Day, so here a couple of stories about the resurgence of the old game.

Hickory Friends & Facilities Participating in National Hickory Golf Day — Nothing in Maine yet, but we’ll get cracking on it soon!

Make Sunday Your Funday!

The Golf of Maine News for May 5, 2017

May 5, 2017

Midcoast Maine’s Premier Amateur Golf Championship — Since every decent drive seems to plug in this wet season, I’ll plug  an event that will take place in better weather…

Husson women’s golf to join Empire 8 — “Husson University women’s golf program will be one of the eight women’s golf programs who will be joining the Empire 8 Conference as an affiliate member starting with the 2017-2018 season.

Thurlow’s view: My introduction to golf — “While I was still in high school and working at Cherry Hill Nursery, they had a landscape job at the Kennebunkport, Maine, golf course. … I got about 150 feet and down I went: 15,000 pounds of iron down for the count, sunk into the fairway and 100 miles from home.”

Why It’s Important to Work to Change Perceptions — In Town Meetings across the country, water and golf is on the agenda. In Maine, there is no shortage of water on the courses, with much more scheduled to fall in the coming days.

Rules of golf: Rakes in bunkers — It’s complicated… We enthusiastically disagree with the ‘feelings’ of the Rules of Golf on this, thinking that once in a bunker, one is already in a hazard, so a brush with a rake is incidental. Ultimately, it is a matter for the committee to decide where it wishes rakes to be placed.

Golf is hard. You gotta problem with that? — “Every spring, when we Northern golfers joyfully pick up sticks, we rediscover that this sport is hard. It is complex, unnatural, and often punitive. And that’s just the rules.”

Mowing Patterns: Aesthetic vs. Function — “Can you imagine watching a professional sporting event that’s played on grass and not seeing some type of mowing pattern visible?” We prefer patterns that lead directly toward the hole.

Friday Flashback, The 1925 Open Championship at Prestwick