Golfing Highlights Column 6-29-07

Swan Lake Golf & County Club Professional Bob Menges, left, and Monticello golfer John Hoffmann, stand next to one of the new Club Car golf carts available at the course this year.

The approach to the 18th green at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club warns golfers to hit it straight with traps on the left and right. Part of the club house can be seen at the right side of this green.

Back Nine At Swan Lake Is Skillfully Designed

The Swan Lake Golf & Country Club beautifully designed club house offers lunch and snacks and if your planning a tournament the facility seats over 100 ..... there is also available an outside gazebo and barbecue pits for any golf outings.
Before or after a round you can enjoy your favorite cocktail in their circular bar which overlooks the 18th hole.
Professional Golf Pro Bob Menges is available for private lessons and conducts several youth camps during the summer.
Bob started his golf career as an assistant pro at Swan Lake under then head pro Steve Eisenberg. From Swan Lake he and Steve moved to the Huff House at Tennanah Lake where Steve formed the Steve Eisenberg Golf Academy. The Academy and Bob Menges then moved to the school's locations at Eddy Farms near Sparrowbush and the Town of Wallkill Golf Course near Middletown.
Menges took his first job as a head professional at the Tennanah Lake Golf Club and two years later became the head professional at Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. He competes in local PGA tournaments, the local Pro-Am events and the Metropolitan local tournaments.
Bob has been playing golf since he was 6 and remembers well starting out at the former Waldemere Golf Course at Shandelee above Livingston Manor.
The Swan Lake Golf & Country Club head professional is married to Kathy, who is a nurse, and the Menges' live in the Jeffersonville area.
Last week we described some background on this course along with the first nine holes.
Today we will describe the majestic scenery.....and the occasional wildlife.....on the back nine holes 10-18.
The back nine definitely gives golfers the opportunity to use every club in their bag. It plays from the blue tees, 3,385 yards with a par of 36.
Hole No. 10 is a 418-yard par 4 with a dogleg to the left. From the tee you are looking at a 225-yard tee shot that should be played just opposite a trap on the left side of the fairway . Fairway runs slightly downhill so club selection is important here. Don't over drive the fairway where it bends to the left Green traps on the front left and right side.
Hole No. 11 is a 182-yard par 3 with the fairway running uphill. Three traps are in the front and left and right sides of this green. The hole appears to play longer than 182 yards so club selection here is important for your par.
Hole No. 12 is a 516-yard par 5 with a slight dogleg to the left. Keeping your tee shot in the center of the fairway is important here. Traps are to the right and left of this green. Don't go over the green as hill slopes sharply down.
Hole No. 13 is a 400-yard par 4 uphill with the fairway sloping to the right and has a dogleg to the left......this makes for an interesting combination. Appears to play longer than 400 yards and requires a long tee shot and a good fairway hit for your par. Traps on the left and right side of the green.
Hole No. 14 is a 375-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping downhill with a dogleg left. This is a hole where I say let it all hang out and go for it with a tee shot over the tree line to your left....a successful shot over the trees into the fairway in front of the green leads to a birdie score. The green has traps to the left and right sides.
Hole No. 15 is a 399-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg to the left. Keep your shots down the center of the fairway. Traps on the left and right side of the green. A good par 4-hole and there are opportunities for a birdie also.
Hole No. 16 is a 196-yard par 3 with the fairway sloping sharply uphill so this hole actually plays longer than the 196-yards. There is also a trap some 40-yards in front of the green on the left side and traps on the left and right sides of the green. Club selection here can lead to a birdie or par. Go for the pin on this hole.
Hole No. 17 is a 537-yard par 5 and is the longest hole on this 18-hole course. Fairway traps are on both the left and right sides and a trap on the right rear side of the green. Keeps you shots in the center of the fairway. Don't go over the back of this green. Short hitters will find this hole a challenge.
Hole No. 18 is a 412-yard par 4. with a slight dogleg to the left. Your tee shot should go to the right center portion of this fairway to stay away from a fairway trap on the left. Traps are to the left and right front sections of the green. A real nice finishing hole and a very make able par.
Tee times and information are available from Club Professional Bob Menges at 845-292-0323. Web site is http://www.golfswanlake.com/

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Preventing The Flying Right Elbow: The flying right elbow is one of the game's best known negative touchstones. It occurs in the back swing when the elbow juts out behind the player so the right arm forms the letter V or L, depending on the angle from which you view it.
What's wrong with a flying right elbow? It restricts the width or arc of the back swing. It also makes it difficult to get the shaft parallel at the top of the swing with the longer clubs, a restriction that reduced power. Finally, you don't want the elbow jutting out in the downswing because this also limits power and adds inaccuracy to the mix. So, you must drop it down and in toward your right side.Thios connection is an extra move that must be made in less than a second of real time.
However, trying to keep the elbow in close to the body is too restrictive. It prevents a free-flowing overall swing motion and narrows the width of the back swing, both of which costs power.
The right elbow can move away from the right side in the back swing so long as it remains pointed down toward the ground and in a viable, effective position. This will generate fluidity in the swing and allow the elbow to easily and readily return to or near the right side in the downswing. You do want the elbow close to the body in the downswing because it keeps the club moving from the inside.
To put it another, more meaningful way, it prevents the club from going "over the top" and cutting across the ball from outside to inside the target line at impact. Which is to say, with the right elbow in close to your side at impact, you are much less likely to hit a slice. Indeed there is a very good chance you will get a nice little draw on the ball.
Robert Menges is the golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by calling 292-0323 or by sending an e-mail to menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

The Liberty School Alumni 18-hole Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 5 at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty. Local golfers are welcome to join golfers coming in from other areas to attend the week-long Alumni and July 4th activities..
The tournament will feature a scramble format with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
The cost is $40 which includes the cart and lunch.
Joan Laskey Elder of the Class of 1958, who now lives in Tucson, AZ is the tournament chairman.
Golfers wanting to participate in the tournament activities can send a check for $40 to Roberta Zalkin Yagerman at P.O. Box 256, White Sulphur Springs, NY 12787. Roberta can be called at 845-292-6510.
This promises to be a fun time for all and the chance to meet and greet Liberty High School alumni from many classes.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 439-8177 or by e-mail at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Amateur Win Senior U.S. Open

Rick Minier defeated David Ozio, 240-223, to win the 2007 PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by Suncoast at the Suncoast Bowling Center in Las Vagas, Nevada.

In a battle of two Texans, it was an amateur who came out on top over a Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Hall of Famer in the 2007 PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by Suncoast.
Rick Minier (Houston, Texas) put together a string of six consecutive strikes to defeat David Ozio (Beaumont, Texas), 240-223, in the title match of the stepladder finals to capture his first career PBA Senior Tour title.
The second-seeded Ozio opened the title match with three strikes while the top seed Minier spared in the first and doubled in the next two frames.
It was in the fourth frame where the tide of the match changed. After leaving a 10-pin on his first shot, Ozio, who won the 2004 PBA Senior U.S. Open, missed the spare conversion leaving an open frame in the midst of Minier’s six-strike string.
Minier’s string was snapped in the eighth with an open frame of his own, but the amateur struck in the ninth and with his opening shot in the 10th to close out the match and capture his first career title.
“This is definitely the biggest title I’ve ever won. I’ve won some nice tournaments, but this is the biggest,” said Minier. “I was nervous out there. I posted a good shot every frame except for the eighth when I hung up the split. But this is hard to top. It doesn’t get any better than this.
In the semifinal match Ozio knocked off two-time defending U.S. Open champion Tom Baker (King, N.C.), 226-196. Baker was in trouble after five frames, picking up only two strikes to Ozio’s four. Ozio allowed Baker back into the match with three spares in frames six through nine, but closed the door with a double in 10th frame.
In the first stepladder match Baker defeated the fourth seed Bob Handley (Winter Park, Fla.), 239-215. Baker used strikes in five of the first six frames and was aided by a Handley open in the sixth to take the final’s first match.
With the win Minier takes home $20,000 and a berth into the 2008 PBA Tournament of Champions. Ozio earns $11,000 for second. Baker earns $7,000 and Handley $5,500 for their third and fourth place finishes, respectively.
The PBA Senior Tour next heads to Klamath Falls, Ore., for the PBA Senior Epicenter Classic. June 24-27.

PBA Senior Tour
PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by Suncoast
Suncoast Bowling Center
Las Vegas, Nev.
Friday, June 22

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
Pos. Name/hometown Total/Games Money
1. Rick Minier (Houston, Texas) 240 (1 game) $20,000
2. David Ozio (Beaumont, Texas) 449 (2 games) $11,000
3. Tom Baker (King, N.C.) 435 (2 games) $7,000
4. Bob Handley (Winter Park, Fla.) 215 (1 game) $5,500
SCORES – In the first stepladder match, Tom Baker def. Bob Handley, 239-215. In the second match David Ozio defeated Baker, 226-196. In the finals, Rick Minier defeated Ozio, 240-223.Minier wins his first career PBA Senior Tour title.

ROUND-ROBIN MATCH PLAY(Pos., name, hometown, win-loss record, 51-game pinfall. Thirty bonus pins awarded for a victory and 15 bonus pins for a tie.)

1, Rick Minier, Houston, Texas, 12-12-0, 12,089. 2, David Ozio, Beaumont, Texas, 16-8-0, 12,038. 3, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 19-5-0, 12,020. 4, Bob Handley, Winter Park, Fla., 13-10-1, 11,906. 5, Terry Leong, Las Vegas, 17-7-0, 11,866. 6, Kevin Croucher, Grants Pass, Ore., 13-11-0, 11,850.
7, Sam Zurich, Grant, Fla., 13-11-0, 11,707. 8, Brian Brazeau, Ocala, Fla., 11-13-0, 11,692. 9, Rohn Morton, Vancouver, Wash., 10-14-0, 11,669. 10, Ross Packard, San Jose, Calif., 11-11-2, 11,651. 11, Ted Staikoff, Black Hawk, S.D., 15-8-1, 11,635. 12, Steve Neff, Homosassa Springs, Fla., 12-12-0, 11,581.
13, Tim Miller, Irving, Texas, 13-11-0, 11,566. 14, Bob Kelly, Dayton, Ohio, 11-13-0, 11,529. 15, Kerry Painter, Henderson, Nev., 9-14-1, 11,517. 16, Ron Hosler, Denver, Colo., 13-11-0, 11,515. 17, Ron Winger, Las Vegas, Nev., 7-16-1, 11,496. 18, Dave Patchen, Oregon, Ohio, 10-13-1, 11,484.
19, Joe Salvemini, Las Vegas, Nev., 9-14-1, 11,450. 20, Don Blatchford, Santa Monica, Calif., 9-15-0, 11,442. 21, Mark Roth, Fulton, N.Y., 9-14-1, 11,396. 22, Nick Morgan, Sacramento, Calif., 10-14-0, 11,374. 23, Jeff Jamison, Boulder City, Nev., 11-12-1, 11,356. 24, Vaughn Doody, Las Vegas, 10-14-0, 11,076.

Golf Events Calendar

Golf Events Calendar

June 29, Mary Rodriguez Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
July 8, Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Twin Village Golf Club, call 607-498-5829
July 9, Thunder 102 Outing, Swan Lake Golf & CountryClub, call 845-292-0323
July 13, Country Store Youth Foundation, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
July 14, Friends Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
July 20, Scotch Twosome Tournamsnt, Twin Village Golf Club, call 607-498-5829
July 20, B.P.W. Women's, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
July 21, Cornell Co-Op, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
July 21, Lake Muskoday Homeowners Association, Twin Village Golf Club, call 607-498-5829
July 29, TVLGA Junior Tournament, ages 13-high school, Twin Village Golf Club, call 607-498-5829
Aug. 5, Jeffersonville Lions Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
Aug. 5, Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing, Villa Roma Country Club, call 845-887-4174 or 845-887-5097
Aug. 18, Liberty Athletic Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
Aug. 19, St. George's Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323
Sept. 8, Twin Village Golf Club Annual Dinner-Season Celebration, call 607-498-5829
Sept. 15, Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, call 845-292-0323

Golfing Highlights Column 6-22-07

Swan Lake Golf & Country Club General Manager/Owner Todd Gallo with Pro Shop attendant Kate Fanning.

This pond with a fountain and numerous Bon Sai style trees is part of the 180-yard par 3 ninth hole atr the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club.

Greens Play Fast At Swan Lake Golf Club

The greens are playing real fast at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club and play on this course at time can be a challenge.
This course offers a spectacular setting as it is nestled on top of the Catskill Mountains overlooking rolling hills with a beautiful view.
Golf Professional Bob Menges noted on our visit that the greens are in very good shape and are firm which makes for the need for accurate putting.
Menges pointed out that there are new golf carts on the course this year, a new bunker has been added on the left side of hole number one, new sand has been added in a number of the bunkers and a new tee box for the white tees in under construction on hole number four.
Menges indicated that renovation for the cart paths will most likely take place next spring.
The golf course was built in the late 1960's by the Dinnerstein family, owner and operators of the former Stevensville Resort Hotel.
Architect for the course was William Mitchell.
The present owners is the Gallo family and the general manager is Todd Gallo. The family has owned this facility for some 18-years.
This semi-private resort course is located on Mt. Hope Road near the hamlet of Swan Lake.
Golf course superintendent is David Irwin.
Open from April through November, this course is the home for the Tuesday and Wednesday Men's league and the Thursday Ladies league.
The course rating/slope from the blue tees is 73.5/132.
This course in 1978 hosted the Pan Am Open Tournament and in the year2000 hosted the week-long USGTF Qualifying Tournament.
Private lessons are given at the course by Professional Bob Menges. The course plays host to many local golf tournaments.
Tee times and other golf course information may be obtained by calling 845-292-0323. Their web site is http://www.golfswanlake.com/
The front nine of this golf course from the blue tees plays 3,385 yards with a par 36.
Hole No. 1 is a 412-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. Drive your tee shot to the center or right center of the fairway for a good second shot to the green. Stay away from the trees and left side of the fairway off the tee. A downhill approach to the green. A bunker is on the left side of the green.
Hole No. 2 is a 398-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. Play the center or right center of the fairway for your second shot to the green. Green can e4asily be reached in two and the second half of the fairway runs downhill. A trap is on the right side of the fairway and can shag any errant tee shots. A steep hill greets errant shots going over this green.
Hole No,. 3 is a 477-yard par 5 with danger lurking on the left....lots of water on the left side of the fairway. Keep your tee shot center or right center in the fairway. A hilly bank runs off the right side of the fairway. This is a long hole which takes most golfers three shots to reach the green. A trap is on the left front portion of the green..
Hole No. 4 is a 403-yard par 4 with a fairway that slopes downhill to the right. Keep your tee shot left center of the fairway. Traps are on the right and left front section of this green.
Hole No. 5 is a 385-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg as you approach the green. Play to the center or right center of the fairway.....don't go left, there is a trap on the right front portion of this green.
Hole No. 6 is a 209-yard par 3 and is reachable from the tee with the club of your choice. Stay right off the tee.....there is also a hill to the right and the green slants to the left and downhill. A challenging par 3. There is a trap on the left side of the green.
Hole No. 7 is a 512-yard par 5. Off the tee stay left as there is a slight dogleg to the left. The fairway slopes downhill to the right. Traps are on the right side of the fairway and to the left side of the green.
Hole No. 8 is a 409-yrd par 4. Stay left off the tee as there are traps on the right side of the fairway. Traps are also on the left front and right side of the green.
Hole No. 9 is a 180-yard par 3, slightly uphill with a large pond on the left. Traps are to the left and right front of the green and the right rear of the green. A nice finishing hole on the front nine and a reachable par 3 with the club of your choice.
The pond has a fountain and along the pond are numerous Bon Sai style trees.
Next week the back nine at Swan Lake Golf & Country Club.

The Golf Tip
By Bob Menges

The Importance of Wedges: In today's ever-changing golf game, most players are under the influence that if they hit the ball longer they will play better. Even though technology has increased how far the ball will travel, the scores are about the same. There is no doubt that if you hit the ball longer you should have less club to the green and be able to get the ball closer to the hole and make more putts.
I believe this to be true, but you better be able to hit the shots on the green close to the pin. In order to hit the ball close, I feel it is important to carry three wedges in your golf bag. Most people have a pitching wedge that comes with their set. This club has about 47 to 49 degrees of loft. You have a choice to make for the other two wedges. A gap wedge comes with about 50 to 53 degrees of loft and a lob wedge is about 60 to 64 degrees of loft. I would choose between these two clubs depending on how far you hit the ball. A log wedge will save you shots around the green and a gap wedge will help you with the in between yardages in the fairway. You should always carry a sand wedge that has 54 to 57 degrees of loft. Some touring Professionals will carry 4 wedges in their bag. The next time you play a round of golf, count how many strokes you take from 100 yards in to the hole. I think you will find this will total about 60 percent of your score. When you are trying to improve your score, it is important to lower the number of shots you take close to the green. I think having three wedges in your bag will help you accomplish a lower score.
Robert Menges is the golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

The Liberty School Alumni Golf Tournament scheduled for Thursday July 5 at the Sullivan County Golf and Country Club in Liberty is looking for area golfers to join golfers coming in for the Alumni activities.

It will be a 9 a.m. shotgun starts for the 18-hole tournament which will feature a scramble format.

Cost is only $40 and includes golf, cart and lunch.

Checks should be mailed to Roberta Zalkin Yagerman at PO Box 256, White Sulphur Springs, NY 12787.

Information can be obtained at 845-292-6510.

Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or via his e-mail at bowlgolfect@yahoo.com Read his BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Here & There 6-19-07

Glory To God Christian School Board President Pastor Rich Ienuso, left, with David Carillo.

Carrillo Gives Healing Message To A Hurting World

Internationally recognized Christian musician, speaker and author David Carillo told those attending his June 8 concert at the Glory To God Christian School that he has been on the road full time since 1990 "offering the Body of Christ in a ministry of 'Hope and Healing' that has bridged the gap between age and denominations."
With his message and music David told how he was labeled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.), rejected by his peers, told by his choir teacher that he could not sing on pitch and that his struggle with dyslexia would have brought most individuals defeat and a life of misery.
But not so for David Carillo as was evidenced by his June 8 Liberty performance.
Two of his own songs from his CD "A Journey with the Wind" have gained national attention. Dave Dravecky, former all-star pitcher, uses the son "A Servant's Prayer" in his book "Portraits in Courage," and in April 1999 David was requested to share his song, "Trust in You" for the memorial service at Cory Depooter who lost his life in the Columbine shooting.
David tells the story of his birth in Los Angeles in the winter of 1965 to Mike and Mary Carrillo and that during his early childhood his parents' marriage was on the rocks, but that as a result of a good church relationship and their religious growth their marriage was saved.
At the age of eight, after attending a revival service, David realized that God was sending him a message that when he grew up he would also sing and preach.
The learning disabilities and facing rejection everyday did not deter David and he continued to practice everyday. At the age of 17 he picked up his first guitar and began to play and David realized that God had given him a gift to hear music, since he never learned how to read sheet music. He credits his Lord as giving him the ability to play and sing what he heard in his head and heart.
In 1985 Carrillo was a part of a recording with Maranatha Music entitled "Hi-Tops." In 1989 he recorded his first solo album, "In The Quiet Moments," and in 1991 moved to Portland, Oregon and began his own label, "Gentle Wind Music."
Now making his home in Indianapolis, IN, his speaker, worship leader, author, songwriter and singer has produced 13 albums, tours internationally and is ministering to numerous Christian denominations through workshops, concerts and speaking engagements.
His book, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made--My Christian Journey with ADHD" is a must read.
Having been on the road full-time since 1990, Michael relates to everyone he meets how is Lord opens new and exciting doors for him to share the "life-changing and healing message of Jesus Christ to a hurting world."
His praise and worship music was a welcomed message to those attending the Liberty concert and his own personal faith story made for a rewarding evening at Glory To God Christian School.
Gentlewind Music Ministry can be reached at 317-767-4215 or at http://www.gentlewindmusic.com/

Golfing Highlights Column 6-15-07

Board of Director Officers of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club are, from the left, Treasurer Chuck Husson, President Dan Baldo and Secretary Bill Knipscher.

The 133-yard par-3 fourth hole at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club requires good club selection and accuracy. The tee is at the bottom of this photo and the narrow fairway to the green runs uphill.

It's An Economic Struggle For Nine Hole Golf Courses

Golf course insecurity can certainly become a major topic of discussion among owners and operators of nine hole golf courses in Sullivan County.
With the loss last year of the Pine's 9-hole golf facility in South Fallsburg and the loss quite a number of years ago of several nine hole golf courses in the Town of Rockland (including the Waldemere Hotel course) there remains only several 9-hole golf facilities including the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty and the Twin Village Golf Course in Roscoe.
The small 9-hole Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC), owned by some 100 certificate members falls under the control, of a nine-member Board of Governors.
Officers of the board include Dan Baldo as president, Chuck Husson as treasurer and Bill Knipscher as secretary, Board members include Mary Austin, Chuck Husson Jr., Ralph Kirchner, Joe Schulte, Ron Schulte and Sally Shea.
There is new enthusiasm at the TVGC this year with a much improved playing surface, new standards for cutting the greens and fairways and the use of the 90 degree cart policy on the fairways, With the use of the 90-degree cart policy the fairways have never looked better and definitely provide a better playing surface for all golfers. Many golfers have said they have never seen the course look and play as nice as it is now.
Several changes at the course the past three years included adding some narrow fairways and adding rough where open fairways use to be. It has changed the game and definitely has made the course just a little bit tougher. The club president recently spent some time with a greens superintendent at a course in Pennsylvania and following this visit changes were made on cutting the greens and fairways.
This club truly resembles a close-knit family that works together to pitch in so that the facility can remain financially stable.
Several years ago there was voiced concern for the financial stability of this club as a result of an aging membership that has been reduced by death and sickness but the club has promoted social activities around the game of golf and has tried to keep it affordable.
The course has this year added additional carts and the course is experiencing an increase in open play.......all good signs for this nine-hole golf course.
The clubhouse manager is Tom Lake, who also operates his T-Bone Sub Junction restaurant at the clubhouse, serving breakfast from 8:30 a.m.to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This 2,045-yard course may look simple, but don't think it is an easy course to conquer.
The longest hole on this course is the 349-yard par 4 ninth hole, where golfers have to remain accurate and stay away from hooking shots into a brook and the woods on the left side of the fairway.
If the tees are set way back on the ninth, this also presents a very narrow entrance and tee-shot onto the fairway. A pond on the right and a small brook with soft wet marsh on the left presents a "don't make a mistake and you better hit a straight shot" from the fairway to the green.
A trap in front of the ninth green prevents the chip, bump and run shot. The need for accurate wedge shots to the green can help when going for the par 4.
One of the more difficult par 3 holes on the course (and there are four par 3 holes) is the 210-yard third hole. Again, the golfer must keep center or right to avoid gong left out-of-bounds into the "famed" cornfield. There is a long trap in front of the green and if you shoot for the green on any shot, you better not go over the green or you will have a wet ball since it will land in the small brook immediately behind the green.
In fact, this brook also runs in back of the 168-yard par-3 sixth hole and the 180-yard par-3 eighth hole, making the smart golfer lay up in front of the front edge of these greens.
The smaller size green, along with some cunning pin placements by the greens keeper, add to difficult chip shots and the need for an accurate short game to score well.
Leagues are very active at Twin Village with a large18-team men's league on Monday and a women's league on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
A new format for the club championship has been put into play this year and the tournament will now be incorporated with the Men's Monday night league and the Ladies Tuesday league. Members of these leagues will pay a special entry fee and the average of the best eight scores of the league member or substitute for the months of June, July and August will decide the Twin Village club champions. There will be three flights for both the men and ladies.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Use your putter. When deciding to putt or not from just off the green, the first thing to remember is that anytime you can put, do it.
Keeping the ball on the ground and using the most reliable club in your bag---the putter--is a logical and smart choice. A good putt will always get you closer to the hole than a good running shot with one of your irons.
The biggest factor in determining whether to putt or not is what lies between you and the hole. Most important is the grass surface. If the path is clear, the ground relatively smooth and the grass is short, choosing your putter is an easy choice.
Another factor to look closely at is how the ball is siting. Remember, if the conditions are good, we want to putt the ball.
When making these putts from off the green , it is very important to keep our concentration and use good putting fundamentals.
Robert Menges is the golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

In talking to a number of local golfers about The Players Course at Wyboo near Manning, SC these past two weeks they asked me how the course played so here is a description of this 18-hole Par 72 course which winds around the shores of famous Lake Marion and Lake Arbu.
Playing the gold course, this golf facility looks like this.
Hole No. 1 is a 550-yard par 5 with a dogleg to the left. Trees to the right and pond on the left closer to the green. One trap on the left of green.
Hole No. 2 is a 395-yard par 4 with a dogleg to the right as you approach the green with no traps.
Hole No. 3 is a 373-yard par 4 which plays pretty straight with a small dogleg to the left as you approach the green with traps on the left and right side.
Hole No. 4 is a 176-yard par 3. Small pond to the right front portion of the green with traps on the left and right sides. The right club gets you your par.
Hole No. 5 is a 420-yard par 4 with trees along the right side and a dogleg left, no traps on this green.
Hole No. 6 is a 405 yard par 4 playing pretty much straight some trees along both sides of the fairway. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 7 is a 185-yard par 3 with trees lining both fairways and trees in back of the green that has no traps.
Hole No. 8 is a 443-yard par 4 with water crossing the fairway after your tee shot and trees on the right side. Also a slight dogleg to the right. No traps here.
Hole No. 9 is a 565-yard par 5 with water on the left, trees on the right, a dogleg left and traps on the right and left side of the green.
Hole No. 10 is a 527-yard par 5 with trees lining both fairways, dogleg left and no traps on this green.
Hole No. 11 is a 454-yard par 4 with trees on the side where the dogleg left starts. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 12 is a 440-yard par 4 with trees both sides of the fairway, big dogleg to the left. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 13 is a 171-yard par 3 , some trees left side, no traps on green.
Hole No. 14 is a 405-yard par 4. Pretty much straight with trees on both sides of the fairway on the second half of this hole. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 15 is a 388-yard par 4 straight hole with trees on both sides of fairway. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 16 is a 162-yard par 3 with trees lining both sides of fairway and in back of the green. . Water to the right rear of this green and no traps.
Hole No. 17 is a 518-yard par 5 with trees on both sides of this fairway. Slight dogleg to left and no traps on this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 392-yard par 4. Nice finishing hole, Take your shot over the trees on your left for the best score as dogleg to the left takes you to this green with one trap on the left side.
Total yardage is 6,969 and a very enjoyable 18-holes of golf. Call Lisa Haynes at Swamp Fox Country Golf for golf packages that include this course. She can be reached at 1-800-845-3538 or at their web page, http://www.swampfoxgolf.com/
Just a reminder to our many readers that our Golfing Highlights Column along with summer bowling news and our Here & There Column can be read on our Web BLOG page at http://bght.blogspot.com/
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to mailto:bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Our Web page is http://bght..blogspot.com/

Here & There Column 6-12-07

Ulster Orchard Owners Support New Law

Our Sullivan County coffee klatsch took a long look the other day at the proposed immigration plan that has come out of the magical think tanks in Washington.
We were not surprised by the comment made by several in our group who noted that last fall they were talking to a leading orchard owner in the New Paltz area who said he could not keep his prices down and be competitive in the market if it were not for the illegal immigrants.
This Ulster County orchard owner made it very clear that without the low-wage, unskilled labor, costs for goods would be far higher.
As we settled in with our first cup of home brew and of course those famous home made donuts one in our group pointed out that he felt this new proposed immigration legislation is nothing more then a plan to grant legal status to millions of people in the country unlawfully.
Discussion within our group said that it looks like the United States does not want to limit immigration but that we also are not obligated to take in all the poor of other nations and the only ones to get hurt with this proposal are lower-middle class Americans who can't compete with the low wages and some unsafe workplaces illegal immigrants will accept.
"It's amnesty," one in our group said, "and amnesty will bankrupt all social programs including social security."
Our coffee klatsch entered the second cup phase of debate on the proposed new immigration plan with discussion on how many businesses are stating that they would have the labor they need to keep economies humming because national estimates say 70 percent of illegal immigrants work in low skill jobs.
We all had a number of questions on how the new proposal could have strong implications for the work force, for the industries it serves and for the consumers who buy everything from prices houses to pints of berries.
Our Ulster County orchard owners gave us a cautiously basic thumbs up by pointing out that the new law would give provisions to legalize immigrants which could relieve a broken labor system and protect loyal workers skittish about being deported.
Several in our group noted that the immigration reform bill would grant immediate legal status to 10-12 million illegal aliens and that the bill seeks to take "illegal" out of "illegal immigration."
Four members of our Sullivan County coffee klatsch said that statistics they have point out that it will cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $2.4 Trillion dollars to covert the retirement costs of illegal aliens who get amnesty under this new bill. They added that "each year, low-skilled illegal alien households cost our society about $20,000 and that's because low-skilled immigrant households consume 3 dollars in government services for every 1 dollar they pay in taxes."
Our coffee klatsch concluded that there is indeed a lot of controversy with this topic and much of that surrounds the topic of ;amnesty.
This certainly is a not a Republican, Democrat, Conservative or Liberal movement but we hope the adopted Congressional plan does what's right for America.

Here & There Column 6-5-07

Now County Employees Get "Beheaded" ?

The whole scenario is just way off base and is one of the most distasteful situations to have ever taken place in Sullivan County Government history.
Two nice respectful people have had to go through living hell over this entire situation and county politicians should be ashamed of themselves. For them to have to go and bury their heads in sand is not the answer for some of the dirtiest politics.ever to surface in Sullivan County.
And if our new County Clerk truthfully said what was printed in an area newspaper, "I was asked by the Democratic Party To Behead you." then he too is totally wrong and there is now a dark cloud over his appointment and future as County Clerk.
When we first saw it in print we shook our head and read is over several more times.
Would our newly appointed County Clerk Neil Gilberg actually say to his deputy clerk Nora Manzolillo, "I was asked by the Democratic Party to behead you."
Then as a seasoned veteran reporter and journalist the statement printed has quotation marks both in the beginning and closing of this statement which means Gilberg actually said this or he was totally misquoted.
We will say this....we hope he was totally misquoted but if the quote is true its not a good way to start the new job as County Clerk.
We can only wish that this entire mishandled situation should have never taken place.
The sky fell in last year when Manzolillo was fired and subsequently sued then County Clerk George Cooke for allegedly improper remarks in a harassment and wrongful termination lawsuit.
After 15-years in the elected post, Cooke resigned as part of a settlement and Manzolillo returned to work for the county in February.
Believe me I have always had the greatest respect for the professionalism and work ethics of George Cooke and for his willingness to help whenever asked. I have known his highly respected family for many years and felt very badly when it was announced he would have to resign as a result of the final court arrangements. I still feel there should have been some form of court ordered agreement that would have allowed George to remain in office.
In addition to the respect I had for George I have also respected Nora for the knowledge and professionalism she brought to the county clerks office. She and her family are decent people and with politics as it is there must have been some thought going through her mind as to if she would actually be reappointed by new County Clerk Neil Gilberg.
The ill feelings of Cooke supporters and most likely those in power within the Sullivan County Democrat Party could and eventually were somewhat satisfied when Gilberg stated "I did have to make a change" and fired Manzolillo.
Let's hope that politicians will learn from this statement that they will be held accountable for irresponsible "behead" remarks (if they are true) and someday we will learn the truth behind this entire situation.

Golfing Highlights Column 6-8-07

Narrowsburg, NY golfer Ed Guthrie shows
his putting form on The Players Course
12th green.

Golfers enjoy this beautiful scenery mixed with nicely designed homes and outstanding maintenance of the tees, fairways and greens at The Players Course at Wyboo at Manning SC.

Swamp Fox Country Golf Director Lisa Haynes

Telephone 1-800-845-3538 Web-- www.swampfoxgolf.com

Area Golfers Enjoy The Players Course

Swamp Fox Country golf in Florence, SC is truly one of South Carolina's best golf vacation spots and much of the success of this program is due to the outstanding promotional and public relations abilities of Golf Director Lisa Haynes.
Not only was she born on a golf course, raised by a golf pro and started to play golf at the age of five but she came to back from Texas several years ago to take over the reins as golf director and now heads up Swamp Fox C Country Golf which offers 32 great golf courses to play on and a choice of fine accommodations.
Lisa takes care of all the tee times and golfers never have anything to worry about when making arrangements with Swamp Fox Golf...... as Lisa says, "sit back and enjoy your golfing vacation."
Lisa can be reached at 1-800-845-3538 or at their web site, http://www.swampfoxgolf.com/
Area golfers Ed Guthire from Narrowsburg, Josh Jennings from Port Jervis, George Korth (formerly from Livingston Manor) now making his home in Paducah, Ky. and Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend of Livingston Manor took part in a March golf outing put together by Lisa Haynes and the first course they played on was The Players Course at Wyboo, owned and operated by the Pro and developer Tommy Wallace, who as we noted last week is one of the finest southern gentleman we have ever met.
In last week's column we noted the background and history of this beautiful course located in Manning, SC and noted to you that this week we will take you through this 18-hole Par 72 course which winds around the shores of the famous Lake Marion, Lake Arbu and several small lakes and ponds within the course property.
Playing the gold course, this golf facility looks like this.
Hole No. 1 is a 550-yard par 5 with a dogleg to the left. Trees to the right and pond on the left closer to the green. One trap on the left of green.
Hole No. 2 is a 395-yard par 4 with a dogleg to the right as you approach the green with no traps.
Hole No. 3 is a 373-yard par 4 which plays pretty straight with a small dogleg to the left as you approach the green with traps on the left and right side.
Hole No. 4 is a 176-yard par 3. Small pond to the right front portion of the green with traps on the left and right sides. The right club gets you your par.
Hole No. 5 is a 420-yard par 4 with trees along the right side and a dogleg left, no traps on this green.
Hole No. 6 is a 405 yard par 4 playing pretty much straight some trees along both sides of the fairway. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 7 is a 185-yard par 3 with trees lining both fairways and trees in back of the green that has no traps.
Hole No. 8 is a 443-yard par 4 with water crossing the fairway after your tee shot and trees on the right side. Also a slight dogleg to the right. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 9 is a 565-yard par 5 with water on the left, trees on the right, a dogleg left and traps on the right and left side of the green.
Hole No. 10 is a 527-yard par 5 with trees lining both fairways, dogleg left and no traps on this green.
Hole No. 11 is a 454-yard par 4 with trees on the side where the dogleg left starts. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 12 is a 440-yard par 4 with trees both sides of the fairway, big dogleg to the left. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 13 is a 171-yard par 3 , some trees left side, no traps on green.
Hole No. 14 is a 405-yard par 4. Pretty much straight with trees on both sides of the fairway on the second half of this hole. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 15 is a 388-yard par 4 straight hole with trees on both sides of fairway. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 16 is a 162-yard par 3 with trees lining both sides of fairway and in back of the green. . Water to the right rear of this green and no traps.
Hole No. 17 is a 518-yard par 5 with trees on both sides of this fairway. Slight dogleg to left and no traps on this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 392-yard par 4. Nice finishing hole, Take your shot over the trees on your left for the best score as dogleg to the left takes you to this green with one trap on the left side.
Total yardage is 6,969 and a very enjoyable 18-holes of golf.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Wind Shots.....When you play golf in the mountains, sometimes you are faced with windy conditions. There are some things you can do to help cope with the wind. Most golfers find hitting into the wind more difficult than having the wind at their backs. If you are playing a shot with the wind in your face, you must first try to keep the ball lower than normal. This is accomplished by placing the ball more towards your back foot, or back in your stance. Because the ball is back in your stance, the club face will not have time to square up so you must open your stance slightly to compensate for this. The next thing you want to do is keep your hands low through impact. This means not taking a full follow through with a high finish. The ball should travel lower than normal with not as much backspin. Always use more club than normal depending on how much wind there is and try not to over swing,
When the wind is behind you aiding your shot, it is much easier to control The ball will travel faster than normal so you will want to use less club than normal for the distance away that you are. You will want to swing and keep yourself from over swinging to try and kill the ball. Because the wind is helping, the ball will have a tendency to roll farther than normal and have more topspin. Try to land the ball shorter than you want to allow for this. Remember, don't let the wind control your shot, have a positive mind set and you control the wind.
Robert Menges is the golf pro at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt.Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

Just a reminder to our many readers that our Golfing Highlights Column along with summer bowling news and our Here & There Column can be read on our Web BLOG page at http://bght.blogspot.com/...... check it out.
We enjoyed so much the professional skins game played in Montgomery, NY but the event has not been held for several years now.
This got me to thinking why not a Sullivan County Skins game for the benefit of a good local organization or charity? I would be willing to bet that area golf fans would enjoy a skins game between Gary Player, Freddie Couples, Blaine McCallister, Ed Fiori and one of our local pros.
I would think that local golf fans would be more than willing to pay a $25 entry fee to talk with these pros, see club and shot demonstrations and watch them play an 18-hole skins game.
Just wondering what local golf fans take would be on something like this.......might may a few phone calls to see if something like this can be organized.
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by calling 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com. Visit our BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Golfing Highlights Column 6-1-07

This crafty big crow enjoys our chips (one in his mouth and other
chips to his left) which he removed (bag and all) from inside
our golf cart.

Golfers who recently enjoyed the southern hospitality of the Swamp Fox Country Golf package of Florence, SC and Tommy Wallace, far right, the professional and developer at The Players Course At Wyboo in South Carolina, are from the left, Ed Guthrie of Narrowsburg, Josh Jennings of Port Jervis, George Korth (formerly of Livingston Manor) and now a resident of Peducah, Ky. and Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend of Livingston Manor.

Swamp Fox Country Golf Director Lisa Haynes

1-800-845-3538 www.swampfoxgolf.com

The Crow & Sullivan County Golfers

Sullivan County golfers traveling to and from the southern states have a real treat in store for them at The Players Course At Wyboo which is offered as part of the Swamp Fox Country golf package at Florence South Carolina.
Not only is the golf great in this part of the state but the sightings of a big crow that decided to steal our potato chips added a little something special to a round of golf while we were trying to get our game in shape after a long winter layoff.
A March golf trip by two Sullivan County men, one Port Jervis golfer and a former Sullivan County golfer from Peducah, Ky. found this big crow following them after they had stopped in the clubhouse for lunch before going out on the second nine and several of them brought snacks with them and put them safely in the golf cart compartments where many golfers put extra golf balls, tees, hats and sunglasses.
As we started play on the back nine we snacked away on chips and soda and the one crow had picked up a couple of buddies and followed us from the 10th hole to the 12th hole where he made the bold move to steal our chips.
We had parked the two golf carts some 25 yards from the green and were studying our putts and that crow knew he had us where he wanted us and flew into our golf cart and took the bag of chips which were quickly devoured by the crow crew.
We all had quite a chuckle about this incident and the one big crow just hung around and actually posed for a photograph so as to give our readers a little evidence as to what we would eventually write about.
The folks back in the club house when told about our crow incident indicated this happens quite frequently and said some of the crows have gotten real good at what they do and golfers are just not aware that the crows can easily spot the chips in the plastic bags inside the golf carts. .
Besides the great golf facility here at The Players Course these intelligent crows added an interesting topic for discussion.
Marking the March Swamp Fox Country South Carolina golf trip were Narrowsburg golfer Ed Guthrie, Port Jervis golfer Josh Jennings, Peducah, Ky golfer (formerly from Livingston Manor) George Korth and Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend from Livingston Manor.
The Swamp Fox Country Golf package is managed by Golf Director Lisa Haynes who puts together golf course tee times and accommodations at very reasonable rates. For information call 1-800-845-3538. Their web site is http://www.swampfoxgolf.com/
The par-72, 18-hole Players Course is golfer-friendly and accommodates varying proficiency of play. Big, forgiving titfwarf greens and wide Bermuda fairways make playing the golf course a joy for all golfers, however, positioning of the tees and the choice of tee box can significantly increase the challenge of play and appeal for the serious player.
Designed in 1992 by Ernest Wallace and kept to PGA standards, the course features fairways of rolling terrain, with undulating greens, large bunkers, heavy wooded borders and water hazards prominent on almost every hole. The golf course winds around the shores of Lake Marion, Lake Arbu and several small lakes and ponds within the property. Golf on The Players Course at Wyboo is a combination of wonderful play and incredible scenery. The putting green and driving range will help you hone your game and the clubhouse has a full-service pro shop and a snack bar. The course plays 7,007 yard course has four sets of tees. The course plays open on the front nine while the back nine plunges deep into the woods. .
Tommy Wallace is the Pro and developer of this golf facility and indeed is one of the finest southern gentlemen we have ever met and he admits with a friendly smile on his face that he has being managing this course for some 40 years.
Wallace noted very strongly that "Golf Packages" like the one offered by Swamp Fox Country are very important to the economy of his golf course during the months of February through May and September through November. Some 65 percent of his total income comes from golf packages. Wallace says that this course was built so that the golfer could have a good time. Wallace said he has a lot of repeat customers which is very important to him.
This course has a fully automated fairway, green and tees watering system which indeed helps the Course Superintendent Richard Peters to keep the course in the excellent condition we found it to be. In almost the center of this golf course is located the 35-acre Lake Arba which make plays on this course that much more interesting.
The Course was built in by the Goodson Brothers. The private developer of homes around the golf course is Bill Gregory. The course plays host to local tournaments, two men's leagues, two ladies leagues and a Sunday Mixed league.
This course rating/slope: blue tees 68.8/123; white tees 67.2/115.
Having been around the game most of his life, Wallace grew up in Hartsville, SC but spent a lot of his adult life in Myrtle Beach.
Next week we will take you through this 18-hole course at Wyboo, located in Manning, South Carolina.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Playing Lesson: If you are an experienced golfer who has been playing for a number of years, and you find that your scores are not getting better, you may want to explore the option of a playing lesson.
After you have learned how to hit all the different types of golf shots, you may find that a playing lesson with your local Golf Professional will give you a better advantage at a better score.
Once you are on the course, the golf professional will look at how you hit different shots and what your mental thought process is around the golf course. He, or she, may be able to help you see things differently or point out how to plan your shot better to give you an advantage at making a better score on a certain hole. Believe me, there is definitely more than one way to skin a cat. You could learn more about your game and fix some things you are doing on the course to give you a better score.
I would not suggest a playing lesson for beginning golfers. It is more for someone who plans regularly, but is not seeing any improvement from week to week. Contact your local Golf Professional to see if they can improve your game.
Robert Menges is the head Golf Professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@localnet.com

Ed's Outlook

Just a reminder to our many readers that our Golfing Highlights Column is also available on our Web BLOG page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ Check it out.
A new Junior Golf Tournament is taking place on June 29 at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course.
The event will be a nine-hole tournament for youth ages 13 through high school.
The event will be held from 3-8 p.m. and handicaps are required.
Refreshments and prizes will be a part if this fun tournament.
For information call 845-439-3988.
The World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine is quickly approaching its 10-year anniversary.Not long ago, the grand facility was built to honor golf's greatest players and contributors and almost 10-years later, the Hall is doing just that and much more.
With 114 members holding prestigious membership in the Hall of Fame, and new members being inducted each year, the museum takes care to tell their stories through accounts, personal and career memorabilia and more. In keeping with its mission, the World Golf Hall of Fame unveils special featured exhibits each year focusing on one of its members and telling an even more intricate story of their life on and off the course.
A special exhibit will open on November 12 of this year in conjunction with the 2007 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; "Jack Nicklaus Golf's Golden Champion."
For those of you who have never been here the Hall is a real special place.
You can visit the Hall for more information online at http://www.wgv.com/ When in the area stop in. The Hall's phone number is 904-940-4123
Ed's Outlook is provided by Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend.If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or via e-mail at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Look us up on our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/