John Dunigan Headlines Met PGA Fall Meeting,...
Transcript of John Dunigan Headlines Met PGA Fall Meeting,...
News and Upcoming Events
John Dunigan Headlines Met PGA Fall Meeting, Special
Awards Presentation & Fall Forum at Empire City Casino on
October 26th
Our upcoming Fall Meeting & Fall Forum will be at Empire City Casino on Thursday, Oct. 26th
. The Fall Meeting
enables the members to celebrate the 2017 season and review the activities of the Section and help set the course for
the coming year with the election of officers and the Nominating Committee. In addition we will honor several of
our 2017 Metropolitan PGA Special Awards winners at the close of the Fall Meeting including the following:
Jeff Gschwind, Deepdale Golf Club, Teacher of the Year
Mike Gilmore, Winged Foot Golf Club, Bill Strausbaugh Award
Michael Breed, Michael Breed Academy, Horton Smith Award
Adam McDaid, Friar’s Head, Merchandiser of the Year Private
Max Galloway, Mohansic Golf Course, Merchandiser of the Year Public
Andy Crane, West Point Golf Course, Patriot Award
Monique Thoresz, Apawamis, Player Development Award
Ben Hoffhine, Westchester Country Club, Youth Player Development Award
Rocco Cambareri Deacon Palmer Award.
We will also celebrate our National Award Winners: Darrell Kestner, Deepdale Golf Club Professional of the Year
John Kennedy Bill Strausbaugh Award.
The Fall Forum will feature John Dunigan, comprehensive golf performance coach. John’s philosophy is that
anyone desiring long term progress needs a plan. His comprehensive Golf Performance Plans outline exactly what
to practice and how to practice it to master the skills required to move your game to the next level. John uses many
different practice/learning techniques that are based upon the latest research in The Development of Expertise, Long
Term Athletic Development, and Motor Learning Science.
Our proposed slate has been posted (click here) and the names of candidates for the 2016-2017 Nominating
Committee will be voted upon at the Fall Meeting.
Met PGA Foundation and HOPE Graduation
Among the accolades given at the Fall Meeting will be recognition and thanks to the clubs who have raised
significant funds for the Met PGA’s Foundation that directs funds to Junior Golf, First Tee, Patriot Golf Day, and
Met PGA HOPE.
The HOPE program has continued to grow with a spring and fall session this year amassing well over 200 graduates,
each receiving a new set of clubs upon completion of the program. The fall class will have their graduation
ceremony on Wednesday Oct. 18th
at Woodside Club and will include a golf outing alongside Met PGA pros for
the graduates. Professionals interested in participating in graduation should contact Kelli Clayton.
October 2017
Assistant’s Association Mock Interviews—Apply NOW!
The Met PGA Assistant’s Association will be conducting mock interviews on October 12th at the Village Club of
Sands Point, and October 24th at Greenwich Country Club. Below is a link to the job description and application instructions. Space is very limited so those interested in experiencing the process should respond right away. Please send all application materials, including desired interview location, to [email protected]. Click here for Job Description
Hurricane Relief
Our country is now dealing with the devastation that Hurricane Irma has created along its massive path leaving long-lasting impact on PGA Professionals and the golf industry throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Caribbean. As was done for victims of Hurricane Harvey in the Southern Texas PGA Section, the PGA of America is now also providing a coordinated response to help support PGA Professionals displaced by Hurricane Irma. You can help by donating to the PGA Disaster Relief Fund or by contributing to emergency relief organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, etc., which are serving storm victims. Additionally, the Officers and Board of Directors of the Metropolitan PGA opted to make a donation to the Southern Texas PGA on behalf of all section members. Assistants Association Prepares for Officers Elections at Fall Meeting on Oct. 23rd The Assistants Association puts a wrap on their season with the closing Assistant-Assistant tournament and their
Fall Meeting on Monday, Oct. 23rd
at Siwanoy Golf Club. The Fall Meeting includes an election of the Assistants
Association officers and the presentation of the Gil McNally (most improved player) Award and Stroke Average
Award. Please check the Assistants Association page for updates on the venue as well as more details on the
election and the team event. Click here for the Assistants Board Application
Thanksgiving Weekend Golf Merchandise Sale
Many professionals are aware of, and have been involved with an annual merchandise sale the weekend after
Thanksgiving. Now in its 26th year, the sale has involved many professionals who have been able to significantly
reduce their season ending inventory.
Empire City Casino will be hosting the sale this year, and because of their location and available function space,
there is room for additional professionals to participate. The dates are Friday, November 24th and Saturday,
November 25th. If you might be interested in participating and for more information, please call the Met PGA office
or Bill Smittle 914-874-4061 or Grant Turner 914-337-8858.
Condolences
We are saddened to report the passing of Ed Burke, PGA on October 5th at his home in Austin, TX. A fixture on the practice range, Ed spent the last 30 years teaching and playing with the members of the Woodmere Club before losing his battle with cancer. Arrangements are being made in Texas, but we will update our members on any opportunity to pay respect to Ed, his immediate family and extended Woodmere family, when we are apprised.
October 2017 | Page 2 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
2019 PGA Championship Volunteer Reception
It may seem far away, but with the new May date for the 2019 PGA Championship the time to act is now to have your members involved with the various volunteer opportunities that the Championship will offer. With Charlie Robson at the helm as Chairman, it is his mission to showcase our professionals, our clubs, and our Section as the PGA Championship makes its first stop on Long Island in eighty years. Charlie would like to extend an invitation to our professionals and their golfers to come learn about the over 3,500 volunteer opportunities at a Volunteer Reception at Bethpage on October 12th at 4 pm. Join him for cocktails and hors d’oevres as they explain the various committee needs and opportunities to all in attendance. Whether you and your club are interested in marshalling a hole or you want to see how else you can contribute, please consider attending on October 12th and feel free to invite your golfers, neighbors, friends or family. Please RSVP to Charlie Robson at [email protected] and include the names of all the individuals that will be attending. We look forward to seeing many of our professionals on October 12th at Bethpage.
October Tournaments
Don’t Miss Fall Tournament Action
Treiber Memorial Qualifier Oct 10
National Car Rental Jack Mallon Pro Am Oct 19
National Car Rental Whitey Voight Pro Am Oct 19
National Car Rental Jack Mallon and Whitey Voight Pro-Am
Championships
The sponsorship dollars from National Car Rental and a bonus purse for those registered to join the Emerald Club (at no cost) has truly enhanced this team event. Our Long Island professionals will enjoy Southampton Golf Club while the Westchester/CT contingent will head back to Sunningdale for the Whitey Voight Pro Am. Both competitions will customarily pair the professional with their men’s club champions or facility’s top male amateurs. Registration is still available online.
Pinehurst Pro Am—Teams Needed; Atlantic City Pro Am—Sold
Out
We have come well short of capacity for our Pinehurst Pro Am from October 29-November 1. Anyone who thinks they can field a team is asked to contact Jeff Voorheis as soon as possible. The Atlantic City Pro-Am (Oct. 16th-17th) is currently OVERSOLD. There is potential to expand to additional golf courses, so if you are interested please let us know so we can make the proper accommodations.
October 2017 | Page 4 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
September Tournament Recap
91st Lincoln Met PGA Championship
Our annual fall classic, the Met PGA Championship,
was no doubt the toughest test on the local golf circuit
in 2017. The conditions of the golf course at
Metropolis Country Club tested the players physical
ability to hit shots, but also their thoughtfulness and
patience. Though there were some impressive subpar
rounds shot during the event, no player was able to beat
par over 54 holes.
Century Country Club’s Frank Bensel endured,
shooting even par (210) and putting his name on the
Joseph J Lannin trophy for the second time. The four
way tie for second place included: Josh Rackley (Tam O'Shanter), Matt Dobyns (Fresh Meadow), Scott Ford (Glen
Oaks), Mark Brown (Tam O'Shanter). Carl Alexander (GC of Purchase) finished 6th, while veterans David Young
(Sleepy Hollow) and Bobby Heins (Old Oaks) displayed their mettle, finishing tied for 7th. The OMEGA Met PGA
Player of the Year race marches on to the final point event of the season, the Treiber Memorial, with Josh Rackley,
Matt Dobyns, and Adam Rainaud all having potential to make their claim as the top player in the Met PGA for 2017.
We are so thankful for our relationship with the Lincoln Motor Company, enabling us to play for a $100,000 prize
purse, and enough cannot be said about the quality of the golf course, and the hospitality of Metropolis Country
Club.
National Car Rental Assistant Championship
In addition to the Met PGA Championship, we crowned our Assistant and Senior champions in September.
Somehow the Met PGA Assistant’s manage to bring their “A-games” following a busy Labor Day weekend at their
jobs.
The traditional post-Labor Day dates for the National Car Rental Met PGA Assistants Championship always
produces a great test for the Section’s assistants and apprentices. Bethpage Red is the annual host and inevitably, a
score of even par is in the mix. This year saw a lot of familiar names on the leaderboard, perfect weather for scoring
and a continuation of a player of the year caliber season from Tam O’Shanter assistant Josh Rackley. Coming off of
his recent win in the Met Open, Rackley needed extra holes to top Winged Foot’s Mike Ballo, who fired seven
under par on the final day to post a total of 132. Also qualifying for the National Assistant Championship were:
Tony DeMaria (Westchester Golf Range), Adam Rainaud (Winged Foot GC), Erik Easton (The Bridge), Paul
Selvaggio (Westchester CC), Ethan Votraw (Old Oaks), Danny Balin (Westchester CC), Anthony Casalino
(Scarsdale GC), Kent St. Charles (Wykagyl CC), Peter Ballo (Old Oaks), and Hugh Heo (Bethpage State Park GC).
This year’s Championship boasted a field of over 150 players competing for $60,000.00 in prize money raised by
the sale of raffle tickets by the assistants with prizes donated by the Met area’s vendors and supporters.
October 2017 | Page 5 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
Senior Junior
The Met PGA Senior-Junior Championship combines three 9-hole formats (better ball, modified Pinehurst and
scramble) over Bethpage State Park’s Red Course and nine holes of their Blue Course. Sleepy Hollow’s David
Young teamed with Greg Bisconti of Saint Andrew’s Golf Club to shoot -13 under par and win by one shot over:
Carl Alexander (GC of Purchase) & Frank Bensel (Century), and John Sanges and Ryan George (both from
Rockaway Hunting Club). The Championship was presented by Bushnell, Mohegan Sun, and Fairway Golf Cars
GlenArbor Awaits the Summit Brands 2017 Farley Cup Teams
Like the PGA Tour, there was competition inside the competition as our Lincoln Met PGA Championship at
Metropolis concluded. The OMEGA Player of the Year standings have been updated and the 2017 Farley Cup
teams headed to GlenArbor on Oct. 20th
will include the following: Long Island will be represented by the following
leaders among the OMEGA point standings:
Matt Dobyns, Josh Rackley, Mark Brown, Anthony Aruta, Scott Ford, Jason Caron, Sean Quinlivan, Rob Corcoran,
Matthew Sita, Matt Belizze and senior representatives Darrell Kestner and Scott Hawkins. The
Westchester/CT/Upstate squad will be comprised of: Adam Rainaud, Rob Labritz, Danny Balin, Frank Bensel,
James Ondo, Brian Gaffney, Greg Bisconti, Tyler Jaramillo, Paul Selvaggio, David Young, and seniors Craig
Thomas and Chris Toulson. This fraternal yet competitive event continues to honor the memory of our great friend
and Tournament Director, John Farley who passed away in 2008.
Gene Borek Squire Cup Teams Square Off at Westhampton
Our congratulations to the assistant professionals who have been selected for the 2017 Gene Borek Squire Cup team.
They will compete against a team of their head professional counterparts at Westhampton Country Club on
Wednesday Oct. 4th. These matches honor the memory of Gene Borek and his legacy as a leader, player and the
ultimate professional. The matches are sponsored by Cutter & Buck and Paul McManus. It will be a special and
memorable event at one of the most special clubs in our Section. Below are the participants:
Assistants Team
Mike Ballo (Winged Foot), Peter Ballo (Old Oaks), Jessica Carafiello
(Innis Arden), Patrick Clark (Wee Burn), Sara Dickson (Quaker
Ridge), Matt Hurd (North Hempstead), Nick Iacono (Elmwood), Tyler
Jaramillo (Saint Andrew's), Frankie Martinez (Patterson), Adam
Rainaud (Winged Foot), Alexander Smith (Garden City GC), Daniel
Sposoto (Mill River).
Head Professionals Team
Mark Brown (Tam O'Shanter), Brian Crowell (Silo Ridge), Matt
Dobyns (Fresh Meadow), Dave Gosiewski (Noyac), Darrell Kestner
(Deepdale), Rob Labritz (GlenArbor), James Ondo (Apawamis), John
Schob (Huntington Crescent), Michael Shank (North Shore), Stuart
Waack (Silvermine), Heath Wassem (Fenway), and Brad Worthington.
Both teams should be very proud of their selection and
accomplishments and having the opportunity to celebrate the assistants
and the legacy of Gene Borek.
October 2017 | Page 6 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
Announcements & Reminders
Giovanettone and Sakson earn PGA Certifications
Loretta Giovannettone of Woodway Country Club recently earned PGA Certification in Teaching and Coaching.
Shane Sakson of Manhattan Woods has added certifications in Player Development and General Management to his
resume. Congratulations to both of these professionals these achievements attained by less than 7% of the
membership.
Jonathan Phillips Becomes PAT Examiner
Jonathan Phillips of Beekman Country Club has qualified to serve as a PAT Examiner after notching a near perfect
score on the test. Our thanks to Jonathan for volunteering to assist with this critical aspect of election to
membership.
Congratulations to New PGA Members
We welcome our four newest additions to the Met Section roster. Newly elected PGA members include John
Sheehan A-8 to Sean Farren at The Creek, and David Szajnuk A-20 with Golf Business Network.
Met PGA Partner News and Updates
Mizuno Golf has been added to PGA Retirement Plus. We
appreciate their dedication to our professionals and the importance
they’ve placed on getting involved with this program.
Callaway Golf has named Jerry McGoey their Salesperson of the
Year. Jerry is pictured (right) with Callaway CEO Chip Brewer at
the awards ceremony. Congratulations to Callaway and Jerry on an
Epic year in 2017!
Adidas Change in Email Addresses
Items sent to old Tmag email addresses will only be forwarded until December 31st, 2017
October 2017 | Page 8 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
Announcements & Reminders
Propourri
Lawrence Yacht & Country Club will be hosting the 2nd
annual Long Island Village Golf Championship on October
30th
. Click here for more information and entry form
James Ridyard (short game expert) will be presenting at Rockrimmon on October 16th from 10am-4 pm. The event
will focus on wedge education. Click here for flyer or contact Paul Kenney at [email protected]
Foresight sports is offering a fitting & coaching workshop at Sleepy Hollow on October 11th
. There are still some
spots left but you have to act fast. Click here for more.
For Sale
Charlie Bolling is selling a Trackman IV in mint condition. Asking price is $17,000. Call Charlie at 516-578-9847
Tom Lupinacci is offering a $20,000 Commission to any PGA Professional who might find him a client for his
Antique Golf Collection. Please review Tom’s Website Timelessgolfantiques.com. Tom also has used white striped
Range Balls for Sale and High quality Used Golf Balls for re-sale—AND hit away balls for .15ea. There is free
delivery in Long Island or Westchester for orders of 3000 balls or more! Tom is looking to purchase used Yellow
Range balls! Tom can be reached at 904-233-1023
PGA Updates
The 2017 PGA Tournament Series presented by GolfAdvisor will start to accept entries in October. Event schedule
begins in late November with six two day events in all at the PGA Golf Club. Visit pgatournaments.com to sign up
For those changing their address or Section affiliation as the off-season approaches, make sure that you use the PGA
online change forms
We are pleased to announce that the application window for the next class of PGA LEAD, 2018-2019, will open
tomorrow and run through November 17, 2017. Program and application information can be accessed via PGA.org:
https://www.pga.org/articles/pga-lead-accepting-applications-2018-2019
October 2017 | Page 9 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
Club Association
Apawamis Club
Ardsley CC
Aspetuck Valley CC
Atlantic GC
Bedford G & TC
Bethpage State Park GC
Birchwood CC
Blue Hill GC
Bonnie Briar CC
Brae Burn CC
Bridge, The
Brooklawn CC
Brookville CC
Burning Tree CC
Centennial GC
Century CC
Cherry Creek Golf Links
Cold Spring CC
Connecticut GC
Creek, The
Darien, CC Of
Deepdale GC
Fairfield, CC Of
Fenway GC
Garden City CC
Garden City GC
Gardiners Bay CC
Garrison GC
Glen Head CC
Glen Oaks Club
Glenarbor GC
Golf & Body NYC
Griffith E. Harris GC & Range
Hempstead G & CC
Hollow Brook GC
Hudson National GC
Huntington CC
Huntington Crescent Club
Indian Hills CC
Innis Arden GC
Inwood CC
Lake Isle CC
Laurel Links CC
Long Island National GC
Longshore CC
Mahopac GC
Maidstone Club
Manhattan Woods GC
McCann Memorial GC
Meadow Brook Club
Metropolis CC
Milbrook Club
Mill Pond GC
Mill River Club, Inc.
Mount Kisco CC
New Canaan, CC Of
Nissequogue GC
North Hempstead CC
North Shore CC
Noyac GC
Old Westbury G & CC
Pelham CC
Pine Hollow CC
Piping Rock Club
Port Jefferson CC
Purchase, The GC of
Quaker Hill CC
Quaker Ridge GC
Quogue Field Club
Rockaway Hunting Club
Rockland CC
Rockrimmon CC
Rockville Links CC
Rolling Hills CC
Round Hill Club
Saint Andrew's GC, The
Scarsdale GC
Seawane Club
Sedgewood GC
Shinnecock Hills GC
Shorehaven GC
Silvermine GC
Siwanoy CC
Sleepy Hollow CC
Southward Ho CC
St. George's G & CC
Stanwich Club, The
Tamarack CC
The Greens Golf Club
Towers CC
Trump Golf Links At Ferry Point
Trump National GC
Tuxedo Club, The
Village Club Of Sands Point
Vineyards Golf Club, The
Metropolitan PGA Newsletter October 2017 | Page 11
Thank you 2017 Partners & Sponsors
Ahead
Anheuser Busch
Associates Golf Car Service
Avidia Bank
Birdie Box
Birdie Now
Bushnell
Callaway
Carr Golf
Club Car
Cobra/Puma Golf
Columbia Sportswear
Cutter & Buck - Paul McManus
Destinations Golf & Leisure
Donald Ross Sportswear
Earth Networks
Empire Casino
EPEC Golf
Evolve Golf
EY
EZ-GO
Fairway Golf Car
Fennec Golf/Martin Golf
Go Club Golf
Golf Life Navigators
Golf Pro Delivered
H4 Distribution
Haas Jordan
Heritage Creations
J. Lindeberg
Jani-King
JBA Awards
Kirk & Matz
Lenox Advisors
Lift 23
Lincoln
Mastercard
Mercedes Benz
Michael Hebron
Middleton Golf Group/Cleveland Srixon
Mizuno
Mohegan Sun
Morell Studios
National Car Rental
OMEGA
Par Bar
Peter Millar
PGA National Resort & Spa
PGA Tour
PING
Polo
The Preserve 18
Streamsong Resort
Summit Brands
Fairway & Greene, EP Pro, Zero Restriction
Sun Mountain
TaylorMade - Adidas - Ashworth - Adams
Terry Murphy
Titleist/Footjoy
Traveling the Fairways
Treiber Insurance
UnderArmour
VPAR
Yamaha
Dirk Zuhlke
Golf Buddy, Golf Max
October 2017 | Page 12 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter
Metropolitan PGA
Officers
Brian Crowell, Silo Ridge Field Club
President
Michael Shank, North Shore GC
Secretary
Stuart Waack, Silvermine GC
Treasurer
Carl Alexander, GC of Purchase
First Vice President
Chris Kenney, The Patterson Club
Second Vice President
Heath Wassem, Fenway GC
Honorary President
Board of Directors
Bill Bresnan, Colonial Springs GC
Andrew Gruss, Greenwich CC
Theron Harvey, Hudson National GC
Ben Hoffhine, Westchester CC
Jim Lusk, Seawane CC
Adam McDaid, Friars Head
Karl Obermeyer, VC of Sands Point
James Ondo, Apawamis Club
Peter Procops, The Lawrence Yacht & CC
Steve Scott, Paramount CC
Nominating Committee
Mike Diffley, Pelham CC
Joe Felder, Griff Harris GC
Dave Fusco, Patriot Hills GC
Bobby Heins, Old Oaks CC
Tom Henderson, Round Hill Club
Greg Hurd, North Hempstead CC
Jim Smoot, Huntington CC
Staff Members
Jeff Voorheis, Executive Director
Kelli Clayton, Director of Operations
Dan Kiley, Tournament Director
Kevin Rodine, Assistant Tournament Director
Dan Frankel, Junior Golf Director
Kaitlin Sabbagh, Player Development Manager
Amanda McKnight, Communications Manager
Charles Robson
October 2017 | Page 13 Metropolitan PGA Newsletter