Golfing Highlights Column 5-30-08

New Twin Village Golf Club Manager Troy Kirchner

Troy Kirchner Brings New Ideas To Twin Village

Golf course insecurity is a major topic of discussion among owners and operators of nine-hole golf courses in the Tri-County area but a 2006 graduate of Roscoe Central High School and now a Business Management Major at Ithaca College has plans and ideas he feels will help his hometown Twin Village Golf Course.
Troy J. Kirchner, 21, a Junior Business Management Major at Ithaca College and a member of the club since 1993 is the new manager at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course.
In March of this year Troy presented a 15-page TVGC Golf Management Position presentation to the Twin Village board of directors consisting of President Dan Baldo, Secretary Bill Knipscher, Treasurer Chuck Husson and directors Mary Austin, Chuck Husson Jr., Ralph Kirchner, Joe Schulte, Ron Schulte and Sally Shea.
The 15-page report covered topics from Management Position and Money to What I Can bring to TVGC.
Kirchner noted in his report that he has "acquired some of the best tactics and techniques of running a successful business and have acquired knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of managers within the business world."
He added, "when preparing this presentation and looking ahead to the future of Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC), I don't just look at it as a summer job like some employees may, I look at this as an opportunity to get my foot through the door for a passion I have and the future of my career."
Kirchner after obtaining his B.A. degree plans on furthering the future of his career by obtaining an Associates In Golf Management degree. Troy pointed out that this is the first year the clubhouse is going to be run "within itself". And by this he means that instead of paying a subcontractor to come in and operate the clubhouse for a monhly fee, they are now paying by the hour and making all profits.
The new changes to the clubhouse and course this year include starting ther fairways about 50 yards in front of the tee boxes instead of having them go right up to the tee box.
The course has ordered 9 new tee signs that have the TVGC logo, hole #, par, distances to holes fromred, white, and blue, and the layout of the hole so people can visually see it on the sign. Some nine local businesses have also sponsored a hole for the next 5 years, so the expenses of the signs were covered.
Golfers will also notice that TVGC has designed a new logo that will be on all nine tee signs and also , on the new sign on Rockland Road. the new logo will also be on all of the shirts in the "pro shop", on all the golf carts, on all letter heads, on all nine flags and other random places throughout the course.
Another improvement includes adding blue tee boxes and every hole will have its own red tee box as well. There will not be one hole where there is a joint tee box with red and white, or white and blue like in the past.
The concessions this year will be completely ran by TVGC and will feature a large menu that will be available from 8a.m.to 5p.m. with both eat in and take outs.
Kirchner also announced the addition of different inexpensive tournaments and events.
The new events include on June 7 a Pancake breakfast/family outing, on June 22 the Greensome/Bloodsome event. for teams of two, on June 28 a Par 3 Tournament, on July 11 the Travel to Flag Tournament, on July 24 the Glow Owl Night Golf, on July 30 a Chicken BBQ/Family Outing, on August 3 there will be a Callaway Tournament, on August 16 the Battle of the Ages Tournament, on August 22 the Vegas Style Tournament.
The nine-hole 2,045-yard par 32 TVGC has added several changes including adding some narrow fairways and adding rough where open fairways use to be. Cutting of the greens, fairways and rough and adding of a 90-degree cart policy also added to the beauty of the fairways and a better playing surface for all golfers.
The course features five par fours and four par threes. 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 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 the 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 is the 210-yard third hole. Again, the golfer must keep center or right to avoid going left out-of-bounds into the 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 lane 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 greens and pin placements add to difficult chip shots and the need for an accurate short game to score well on this course.
For all tournament or TVGC information or tee times call Troy at 607-498-5829 or e-mail him at tkirchn1@ithaca.edu

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Use your putter. When deciding to put or not from just off the green, the first thing to remember is that anytime you can putt, 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 is 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 sitting. 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 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 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

The Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty is adding some fun to the game of golf with two "Night Golf" tournaments.
The dates for the tournament are July 18 and August 15,
It's a best ball shot-gun format and only 9 foursomes can play.
The fee is $35 per person for nine holes of golf and cart and $25 for members of the club.
These events will feature a pre-golf appetizer party at the 52 Steakhouse, glow in the dark balls and equipment and prizes and a raffle.
Golfers participating are urged to bring a flash light.
Sign up today and reserve your spot by calling 292-9584.

GOLF CALENDAR

June 7, Pancake Breakfast-Family Outing, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

June 22, Greensome/Bloodsome Tourney, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

June 28, Par 3 Tournament, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

July 11, Travel To Flag Tournament. Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

July 18, Night Golf, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Information call 292-9584

July 24, Glow Owl Night Golf, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

July 30, Chicken BBQ/Family Outing, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

August 3, Callaway Tournament, Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

August 15, Night Golf, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club.. Information call 292-9584

August 16, Battle Of The Ages Tournament. Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

August 22, Vegas Style Tournament. Twin Village Golf Club. Information call 607-498-5829

August 24, Callicoon Kiwanis Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 932-8436

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of golf and professional golf facilities. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site http://bght.blogspot.com/

Here & There Column 5-27-08

Coal Stoves Are Becoming More And More Popular

There definitely will be no holidays for gas and heating oils come next fall and the trend to higher and higher prices to heat your home and business is turning many winter residents to coal stoves.
A review of our local telephone yellow pages list companies selling both coal stoves and coal.
While we wait for research and market development of renewable energy technologies coal is becoming the king of alternative fuels with coal companies making it easier to purchase their product in 40, 50 and 100 pound bags.
Advanced technology has made its way into the coal stove industry where various manufacturers are stating that their stoves are ergonomically designed and easy to use.
Coal stove manufacturers say that all customers have to do is add coal to the hopper every two to three days, set the variable temperature control and ever 1 to 2 days empty the ash pan.
Defined by coal stove manufacturers as the alternative heating source they have put out the claim that coal stoves offer tremendous fuel cost savings. One company claims their coal stoves (depending on the model) deliver up to 85,000 BTU's which is sufficient to heat a homo of up to 1800 square feet.
Because of the tremendous coal reserves available right here in America and the ever increasing risk that conventional sources of fuel could be interrupted at any time, using a coal stove as the primary or supplemental source of heat also gives us the assurance that we will be able to heat our home or business any reasonable prices.
In conversation with a number of Sullivan County folks we have found several who have already purchased coal stoves and a like number who are considering getting one installed before next fall.
With alternative fuels under study there appears to be so much secrecy and behind the scenes maneuvering surrounding alternative fuels that we are somewhat amazed that the general public has not received very much information about movements in Congress that could push legislation to subsidize coal as the king of alternative fuels.
Some have over the years labeled coal as a dirty four-letter word but with gas and oil fuel prices continuing to rise environmental groups are starting to lose some of their power to stop the reborn growth of coal as an alternative fuel.
Can we here in America imagine a world where our country runs on energy from Middle America instead of the Middle East. There are a number of key politicians who are said to be champions of coal-to-liquid fuels.
It indeed is very factual that the huge coal reserves of the United States could indeed provide a substitute for foreign oil and the technology to convert coal into liquid fuel is well-established.
The time appears right for us to realize the importance of coal as an alternative to foreign oil and all of us need alternative fuels but we wonder if America has the will to be one of the great energy centers of the world?
We can because we do have the resources right under our feet.

Golfing Highlights Column 5-23-08

Liberty golf fans attending the LPGA Sybase Classic in Clifton, NJ, are, from the left, Tim Yaun, Cindy Yaun, Liberty Golf Professional Nick Yaun who serves as 1st Assistant Golf Professional at the Upper Montclair CC which hosted this event, Katie Yaun and Donald Winters.

Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golfer Jane Park with Liberty Golf Professional Nick Yaun who serves as 1st Assistant Golf Professional at the Upper Montclair CC which hosted the LPGA Sybase Classic Championship.

Sybase Classic Champion Lorena Ochoa receives the trophy from John S. Chen, chairman and CEO and President of Sybase.

Champion Lorena Ochoa gets ready to line-up a putt on the 18th green at the Sybase Classic

Action around the 18th green at the Sybase Classic.

Golf fans watch the leader board at the Sybase Classic

Sullivan County Golf Fans Enjoy Sybase Classic

The best in women's golf worked their magic over the beautiful fairways and greens of the Upper Montclair Country Club last week and Sunday's championship round of the Sybase Classic was personally viewed by five Sullivan County golf fans who made the short hour and a half trip down to Clifton, NJ.
This columnist along with well known Liberty golfer Donald Winters met up with three other Liberty golf fans, Tim and Cindy Yaun and daughter Katie to witness some of the most outstanding woman's golf we have ever seen.
It may have been the smallest of Lorena Ochoa's three margins of victory at the Sybase Classic, but the Rolex Rankings' number one golfer pulled off her third-straight victory at the event with a one-stroke margin on Sunday, becoming the first player since Annika Sorenstam in 2005 to win the same event in as many years
Ochoa shot a (68-67-71=206, -10) and also with the win supplanted Sorenstam as the fastest player in LPGA Tour history to reach the $12 million mark, as her $300,000 shire of the $2 million purse boosted her across the mark in a little over 5 years. The tournament was presented by ShopRite.
Liberty golfer Donald Winters remarked that he was somewhat surprised when Ochoa opened the door for the five runners-up with a bogey on the 17th hole where she missed a six foot par putt.
We both agreed that the missed putt added to the drama on the 18th green where Lorena really showed her championship form as she rolled the ball in from eight feet to secure her one-stroke victory.
We also met up and shared some time with Liberty Golf Professional Nicholas "Nick" Yaun who is the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at the Upper Montclair Country Club and who also gives all the lessons at this famous club that has hosted 20 PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour events with champions from one of those events including Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer, Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino.
Taking our position about eight feet from the 18th green Winters and I were able to watch the 90 to 100-yard approach shot of these great lady professionals.
And like in a dart game most of these professionals put their wedge shots within five to eight fee of the pin on a green that is slightly elevated and well-bunkered. This 18th finishing hole is the longest hole (530 yards-par 5) on the course and demanded an accurate tee shot.
Of the eight threesomes we watched the majority of the lady professionals laid up some 100 to 125 yards short on their second shot due to the water guarding this green on the right.
Following the championship round we shared some leisure time with Nick and his family and also had the opportunity to meet Exempt Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) golfer Jane Park from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Jane is a graduate of the University of California and her rookie year on the tour was 2007. To date she has 9 starts and two finishes in the top 10 for earnings of $208,688.00.
In 2006 she was the United States amateur champion.
Tim Yaun remarked that the lady professionals swing so smoothly and strike the ball so solidly. He added that he has previously played this course "and it certainly was not friendly to my game."
Nick recently received the promotion as the 1st Assistant Golf Professional and in just two months he will receive his Professional Golf Association Class A Professional designation.

Golf Tip
By Bob Menges

Play Golf To Stay Young
The tip: In today's day in age, with modern medicine and advances in science, people are living longer and healthier live. So many senior citizens are exercising and eating right to maintain an active life. Research shows that playing golf can add years to your life and keep the mind sharp.
I believe there is no other way to enjoy nature then being out on the course. Seeing the animals, hearing the birds chirp, certainly gives a sense of appreciation of life. Most golf courses afford gorgeous views, vibrant color and good old fashioned fresh air.There is no better way to spend a few hours with a group of friends while walking, talking and laughing your way around the course.
Everyone knows what a mental game golf is. One of the best ways to keep the mind sharp is to have one use use your mind for the technical side of golf. Golf is the perfect sport for this because you are getting mental stimulation, you are counting strokes and analyzing your next shot.
In your search for the fountain of youth, let golf help you find your way by getting exercise, stimulating your mind and having social interaction....this will truly help you stay young and live longer.
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 at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

So does that mean you can lip read?
In a recent interview on Fox Sports Radio, Tiger Woods was asked if he tapes the tournament he plays and then reviews them afterward.
"I usually have my secretary get copies of the telecasts from the PGA Tour and I'll take a look from the swing standpoint," Wood said.
But what about listening to the broadcast to hear what they are saying about you?
"Listen to the commentators, no, never," he added............yeah sure......does that mean Johnny Miller is not getting a Christmas card this year?
Ya just got to love some of the remarks that the pros slip out..

Billy Moran Memorial
Set For July 13

The Billy Moran Memorial golf outing will be held this year on July 13 at the Villa Roma Country Club.
Registration is set for 12 noon with a 1 p.m. shogun scramble.
A 5:30 buffet dinner follows.
If possible golfers are asked to register by June 29.
For information call 845-887-4734 or 845-887-4174.
Golf and buffet dinner is $75 and the buffet dinner only is $25.
Checks and golfers names may be mailed to BMS Golf Committee, #23 County Road 131, Hortonville, NY 12745.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of golf and professional golf facilities in several states on the east coast. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please give Ed a call at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Here & There Column 5-20-08

Better This Year To Vacation In New York State

Looking at an unstable economy and gas prices pushing towards and passing the $4.00 per gallon range with some saying it may go to $5.00 a gallon many who take long vacation trips during the summer months may be planning to vacation just a little bit closer to home.
With my various travel throughout the state covering the professionjal sports of bowling and golf I get the opportunity to see why so many say that New York has a little of everything....ocean and lake, wooded mountains, quiet valley farmlands, the nation's largest industrial city and a widely varied population.
It is so easy at various times to hear and throw out negative thoughts and statements about he state having the highest tax structure and a government in Albany that totally needs fixing and replacement but in the years before the Civil War, New York's swift growth made it true to its nickname, "The Empire State." It had the largest population, the greatest foreign trade, the richest agriculture, and the best transportation. It led in art, music and such reform movements as women's rights.
Today, New York is still a top influence inAmerica, and the world, excelling in finance, manufacturing, communications, tourism, and transportation. It leads in the manufacture of wearing apparel, machinery and electronics, and is a printing and publishing giant.
With the economy and gasoline prices where they presently are it might be a good choice to travel and vacation closer to home in New York State. This helps our state economy and gives us the opportunity to view a state of great scenic beauty with a highly developed park sys;tem.
Just think about it......we have great attractions that include Niagara Falls and the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Saratoga Springs, Genesee River Gorge amd beautiful Long Island beaches.
Lets also throw in historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga, the Lake Placid Olynpic Village, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ellis Island, Hyde Park and of course New York City.
As the old cronner Frank Sinatra would sing....."New York, New York." It indeed might provide shorter vacation trips, hopefully less gasoline usage, an opportunity to help our own state economy and the chance to see some great New York sites and destinations.

Professional Golfer Nick Yaun, left, with his dad Tim Yaun

Bob Menges

Golfing Highlights Column 5-16-08

Liberty Professional Working The Sybase Classic

Liberty Golf Professional Nicholas "Nick" Yaun is wearing many hats this week as he performs various tasks at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, NJ where this famous course is playing host to an elite field for the Sybase Women's Professional Classic presented by ShopRite.
Some of the world's greatest female golfers are competing this week in one of the larger Ladies Professional Golf Association tournaments where Yaun works as the Club's 1st Assistant Golf Professional.
Nick noted that several of the top female golfers competing this week include Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Ai Miyazato and Morgan Pressel.
The championship round is scheduled for Sunday and the world's best female golfers are competing for a share of $2 million.
The Upper Montclair Country Club is one of only a few country clubs world-wide known to have hosted tournaments for all three Professional Golf Associations.
Nick, son of Tim and Cindy Yaun of Liberty, recently received the promotion as the 1st Assistant Golf Professional who also gives all the lessons at this famous club. He is just two months away from receiving his Professional Golf Association Class A Golf Professional designation.

Golf Is Back
Start Teeing It Up

Weather has been mixed the past several weeks, some nice 70 degree days mixed with overcast high 50's and 60 degree weather but this has not deterred the launch of the Sullivan County golf season where most golf leagues are now underway or will start in several weeks.
The grass is growing to a nice color green, the trees are budding so it time to tee it up.....hit it straight and long and enjoy our golf season.
Golfing Highlights is back for our ninth season and we will continue to provide you with a column filled with golf league statistics and standings, golf tournament information, golf trips and vacation news, new golf equipment, a tip each week from a local golf professional, Ed's Outlook, golf feature stories and a weekly review of golf courses in and around our area.
Special attention this week goes our to all golf league secretaries and club professionals and managers....remember to get your weekly golf league highlights and standings to Ed Townsend, PO Box 116, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 or e-mail them to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com. Our telephone number is 845-439-8177. Visit our Internet Web page BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com

Welcome Back To
Pro Bob Menges

We welcome back to our Golfing Highlights Column for his seventh year, Professional Robert Menges from the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club who will again entertain and hopefully educate golfers with his writing of the weekly "Golf Tip."
Bob, 42, started his golf career as an assistant pro at the Swan lake Golf Club under then head pro Steve Eisenberg. From Swan lake he and Steve moved tot he Huff House at Tennanah Lake where Steve formed the Steve Eisenberg Golf Academy. The Academy then moved to the school's location at Eddy Farms near Sparrowbush and then to the Town of Wallkill Golf Course near Middletown.
Bob then took his first job as a Head Professional at the Tennanah Lake Golf Club and two years later became the Head Professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. He competes in local PGA tournaments, the local Pro-Am tournaments and the Metropolitan local tournaments.
Menges has been playing golf since he was 6 and remembers well starting out at the former Waldemere Golf Course at Shandelee above Livingston Manor.
Married to Kathy, who is a nurse, the Menges' live in the Jeffersonville area.
Menges noted that he will be giving private golf lessons and will conduct Junior Golf Camps during tthree different weeks this summer. The Swan Lake Golf Club presently has three leagues, Tuesday Men's, Wednesday Men's and Thursday Ladies.
Golfers may call Bob at 845-292-0323.

Golf Tip
By Bob Menges

Getting Started: Most of the avid golfers have already got a jump on the 2008 golfing season. For those of you who have not, I have a few tips to get your season going.
If your clubs have been sitting around all winter, you should check your grips to see if you might need new grips.
Grips become slick with use. Your should re-grip your clubs based on how much use they get.
If your grips become worn out or slick, you can lose control of your club. If you recently put new grips on, a good wash with warm soap and water will do the trick. I use an old toothbrush to clean both my clubs and grips.
Before you go out to play, you should try to do some stretching exercises. All the muscles you use to swing the club may need a tune up, as they have been sitting idle during the winter months. Before you go out to play, try to arrive early for your tee time and hit a bucket of practice balls. The short game, putting and chipping, tends to require more time to come back to you after the winter layoff.
Take some time to hit some practice chips and putts on the practice green before you start your round.
When you finally get to the first tee, remember to swing easy during your first round The excitement of starting to play again may lead to some fast long swings, which make it hard to control the golf ball.
Most of all remember to enjoy yourself, try to have patience during the course of your first round. I am looking forward to another great season, and I hope you are doing the same.
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 at 845-292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

The golf economy here could stand a booster shot and we believe "golf packages" would help.
We are seeing more and more the promotion of "golf packages" throughout New York State and we feel a little concerned that not enough efforts are being put forth locally to sell Sullivan County golf with motel/hotel and dining facilities all pitching in and working together to get golfers to visit and golf in our beautiful golf paradise.
Some golf packages we see in our travels around the southern states offer spring and fall rates of $70 and $80 a day for motel, breakfast and 18-holes of golf with a cart.
Several golf facilities in Sullivan and surrounding Delaware County are coming up with a breakfast (or lunch) special with 18-holes of golf and a cart so this is a good start.

Good Value With
Hudson Pass Book

One of the best bangs for your golf dollar locally is the 2008 Hudson Valley Golf Book.
Hudson Valley Golf is a golf pass that saves you more money than any other discount program.
In addition to receiving a course's lowest published discount the Pass Book saves its members hundreds of dollars more from members-only online specials and e-mail coupons.
More than 55 courses are include in Broome, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Rockland, Saratoga, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The book cost $50 and may be obtained by calling Hudson Valley Golf at 845-339-4200 or by Internet at www.hudsonvalleygolf.com

Jake Classic Set
For Sat. June 14

The 6th Annual Jake Classic Golf Outing has been scheduled for Saturday, June 14 at the Tarry Brae Golf Course in South Fallsburg.
Sponsored by the Sullivan County Probation Officers' Association, registration and a continental breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. A shotgun start scramble format tee off is at 9:30 a.m.
Beverages on the course and burgers at the turn are also part of this event. Following the competition an award luncheon will take place with raffles and prizes. A hole-in-one contest will also be held.
Golfers are reminded to respond early as the field is limited.
All proceeds benefit the Jacob E. Gunther III Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a 98th Legislative District Senior pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
Make check payable in the amount of $75 per golfer to SCPOA-Jake Classic and mail to Box 325, Mongaup Valley, NY 12762.
Information available at 845-791-8021.

Couples League Is
Starting At SCGC

A couples league will be starting in June at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty.
If interested contact Dan or Hazel Yaun at 845-292-4654.

Golf Events Calendar

May 18, Tri-Valley Baseball golf outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 1, L.M. Booster Club Golf Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 3, Highland Lions Club Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Info. at 292-0323.
June 6, Jake Hulse Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 7, S.D. Masons Tournament. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 6, Occupations, Inc. Pro-Am Tournament. The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge. Info at 692-4454.
June 7 & 8, Seniors Tournament. Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
June 8, Community Unity Golf Outing. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 14, Jake Classic, Tarry Brae Golf Course. Info at 791-8021.
June 14, Liberty Parks & Rec. Tourney, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
June 16, Rhomans Pub Tournament. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 20, TVLGA Junior Tournament, Twin Village Golf Club. Info at 607-498-5829.
June 21, Liberty Booster Club Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
June 22, WSUT & SRP Golf Event. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
July 11, B.P.W. Golf Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323
July 12, Black Bear Tournament, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
July 12, Friends Outing Golf Event, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323
July 13, Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Tournament & Dinner. Info at 607-498-5829.
July 13, Billy Moran Memorial, Villa Roma Country Club. Info at 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 18, Country Store Tournament. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
July 18, Scotch Twosome Tournament, Twin Village Golf Club. Info at 607-498-5829.
July 19, Cornell Co-Op Golf Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
July 20, Liberty Elks Tournament, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
August 9, Art Tursi Memorial Tournament, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
August 10, Jeff Lions Club Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Info at 292-0323
August 17, St. Georges Church Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
August 24, Shady Acers Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
Sept. 6, Steak Bake Tournament, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.
Sept. 13, Trevor Simpson Memorial Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-0323.
Oct. 4, The Hammer Invitational, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Info at 292-9584.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of golf and professional golf facilities in several states on the east coast. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please give Ed a call at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column please visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com

PBA Announces Summer Series Details
18 stars selected for team competition at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill.

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Six Flags announced today details of the PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags Great America, the second consecutive summer the two have teamed up for a special event featuring some of the top stars of the Denny’s PBA Tour.

A total of 18 bowlers will compete in the made-for-TV team event which will air throughout the summer on ESPN.

The PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags, also sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), will take place June 5-8 at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill. The 18 players include the 16 champions from the 2007-08 Denny’s PBA Tour along with one additional player designated by the PBA, PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber, and another designated by major sponsor USBC, World Bowler of the Year Jason Belmonte from Australia. Belmonte just recently became a PBA member.

The 18 bowlers will be divided into three teams with players being selected by three “captains” – PBA Hall of Famers Mark Roth, Carmen Salvino and Brian Voss. The three captains will draft the players during a ceremony on Thursday, June 5, following the official practice session.

“We are excited about teaming with Six Flags and the USBC to once again showcase the best bowlers in the world for this special summer event,” PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer said. “We feel we have an exciting and talented field of athletes, mixing the top young stars with the legends of today and yesterday. An international flavor should also add a level of excitement for the fans and players.”

Starting Friday, June 6, the three teams will compete in round robin, Baker style match play with a total of 12 matches taking place. Each team will bowl four matches against the other two teams, with each match taking place on a different oil pattern. The only one of the five PBA oil patterns which will not be used during round robin play is the Cheetah pattern as that pattern will be used in the championship round.

With six players on a team, one bowler will sit out each game for the five-man Baker style matches. Team captains will designate which five players will compete during the matches.

After the 12 matches are complete, the top two teams based on match play record will advance to the championship round on Saturday, June 7. The championship round will consist of one singles match, one doubles match and one Baker-style match, with the captains choosing the participants for each match.

The singles and doubles matches will each be worth one point while the Baker match will be worth two points. Should the teams tie, one player from each team – who will be determined prior to the start of the competition by the team captains – will participate in a one-ball sudden death roll-off. The winning team will split $100,000.

One special feature that will carry over from last year’s summer event is the “Endless 10th Frame,” which will only be used in the round robin match play portion of the event. Should a bowler strike with his fill ball in the 10th frame, his team will continue to bowl until they do not strike again, with each additional strike adding 10 pins to the team’s total score.

Additionally, a total of $1,000 in bonus money is up for grabs in each round robin match with $100 on the line in each frame. In every frame, the bowlers on opposite teams will compete against each other for the bonus money. The bowler with the most successful frame will receive $100 for their team. Should the bowlers tie in a given frame that money will carry over to the next frame. If a tie takes place in the 10th frame, bonus money goes to the team that won the match. Endless 10th frames do not factor into the individual frame bonus money.

Below is a look at the participants:

Name Qualified
Patrick Allen 2007 Lumber Liquidators Championship
Chris Barnes 2008 Bayer Classic/2008 Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic
Jason Belmonte USBC selection
Parker Bohn III 2007 Spartanburg Classic
Norm Duke 2008 Denny’s World Championship/65th Denny’s U.S. Open
Mike Fagan 2008 PBA Exempt Doubles Classic
Michael Haugen Jr. 2007 Lake Co. Indiana Classic/2008 Tournament of Champions
Tommy Jones 2008 ConstructionJob.com Championship/2008 GEICO Classic
Mika Koivuniemi Dydo Japan Cup 2008
Wes Malott 2008 Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic
Rhino Page 2008 Go RVing Classic
Sean Rash 2007 USBC Masters
Mike Scroggins 2008 Motel 6 Dick Weber Open/2008 Pepsi Championship
Robert Smith 2007 CLR Windy City Classic
Pete Weber PBA selection
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2007 Motor City Classic/2007 Great Lakes Classic
Danny Wiseman 2008 PBA Exempt Doubles Classic
Mike Wolfe 2007 Etonic Championship


CAPTAINS
Mark Roth 34-time Denny’s PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer
Carmen Salvino 17-time Denny’s PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer
Brian Voss 24-time Denny’s PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer

Last year’s PBA All-Star Shootout Hosted by Six Flags was the first outdoor PBA event since 2001 when Jason Couch won The Villages Sun Bowl in The Villages, Fla. Norm Duke and Walter Ray Williams Jr. teamed up to win the doubles event at Six Flags St. Louis last year, which featured 16 PBA All-Stars.

This year’s event will mark the fifth outdoor PBA event in the organization’s 50-year history. The finals of a PBA Senior Tour event in 2000 were also televised from The Villages while the finals of the 1999 Brunswick Long Island Open/New York City Experience – won by Eric Forkel – were held in Bryant Park in New York City.

The PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags will air over five consecutive weekends beginning with the first three of 15 shows airing on June 22 from 1-1:30 p.m. ET.

Below is a complete list of air times. All dates and times are subject to change.

Date Network Times (Shows)
Sun., June 22 ESPN 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET (3)
Sun., June 29 ESPN 1 – 3 p.m. ET (4)
Sun., July 6 ESPN 1 – 2 p.m. ET (2)
Sun., July 13 ESPN 3 – 4 p.m. ET (2)
Sat., July 20 ESPN 1 – 3 p.m. ET (4)

Six Flags Great America is a world-class family entertainment destination with a theme park and water park. Six Flags Great America is located 45 minutes north of Chicago and 45 minutes south of Milwaukee.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Denny’s PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Aaron Rents, Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, ConstructionJobs.com, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

BOJГ, BAKER EARN ANOTHER YEAR ATOP USBC BOARD
Board also approves appointment of Tom Bluth as Director-At-Large

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors
re-elected Jeff BojГ as president and Darlene Baker as vice president
Saturday following the USBC Annual Meeting in Kansas City.

BojГ, whose family owns three bowling centers in the Tampa, Fla., area
and one in St. Louis, will lead the Board for the second consecutive
year after serving as a proprietor director since 2004. Baker, Mahomet,
Ill., who was re-elected to the Board by USBC Annual Meeting delegates,
also will serve her second year as vice president after being a Board
member since 2004.

The Board also approved BojГ's appointment of Tom Bluth as
Director-At-Large. The Davie, Fla., resident and son of USBC Hall of
Famer Ray Bluth will complete the unexpired term of Pete Tredwell plus
serve the 2008-09 season beginning Aug. 1. Tredwell resigned from the
Board last month when he joined the USBC staff.

Bluth is executive vice president, chief financial officer and general
counsel for Ellis Diversified, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale. A member of the
American Bar Association and the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, he has spent most of the past two decades in similar
positions for several companies. He previously served as a member of the
board of directors of ABCO, a for-profit subsidiary of the American
Bowling Congress. He is married with four children.

In other Board action taken in Kansas City, USBC bylaws will be
reviewed by counsel before being sent to the USBC Legal & Legislative
Committee. And an executive committee will be established beginning Aug.
1. It will consist of five board members serving one-year terms with a
bylaw change to this effect being put before the delegates at the 2009
Annual Meeting in Reno, Nev.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body,
ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides
programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members
and enhances the bowling experience

LYNDA BARNES WINS CLASH OF CHAMPIONSHOPKINSVILLE

In an exciting event that marked the return of competitive bowling to network television in more than a decade, Columbia300 staffer, Lynda Barnes, captured her second big win in the past two weeks. Still riding high on the heels of her second career USBC Queens titleon March 30, Barnes defeated PBA Tour titlist Sean Rash, 258-237, atBowling’s Clash of Champions, Kansas City Municipal Auditorium, amidst the1,500 strong crowd. Barnes earned her spot in the Clash by winning the 2007 U.S. Amateur title.She proved her skills by throwing three strikes in the final frame, a repeatperformance of the final frame at the Queens, forcing Rash to string twotogether and then nine. However, Rash struck in the first, but left the tenpin in the second, sending Barnes to the winner’s circle to claim her$50,000 prize. “Another tournament and another win for Lynda! She's bowling as well as sheever has and I'm happy for it,” said Chad Murphy, Columbia 300 brandmanager. “She has worked hard over the last couple years to keep her game inshape and it's paying off. She's a great member of our team.” Bowling’s Clash of Champions featured a field of 16 champions of USBC eventsand the U.S. Open, including Liz Johnson, junior champion Jenny Brown, TimPfeifer and Wendy Macpherson. The Clash offered one of the most uniqueformats in bowling’s history with each bowler competing in a one-ball,sudden-death round defeating opponents of all ages, and, according toBarnes, an arena filled with fantastic energy. “The crowd was really great,” she said. “They were cheering and applaudingand really getting into the show. That type of crowd and that type of energyalways makes you want to perform at the very best of your game. “I felt really good during

Denny’s PBA Tour Trials Competition to Air Live on Xtra Frame
Subscribers can catch final two days of competition live

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today the final two days of competition in the upcoming Denny’s PBA Tour Trials will be streamed live on Xtra Frame, the league’s online video service.

The Denny’s PBA Tour Trials, which takes place May 27-June 1 at Stardust Bowl II in Merrillville, Ind., will mark the first time fans will have the opportunity to see Denny’s PBA Tour action live on Xtra Frame, which debuted in December 2007.

The final two days of the five-day competition, which offers seven exemptions for the 2008-09 Denny’s PBA Tour, will be streamed live with commentary from PBA Production Coordinator Jeff Mark. Mark, who will have guests on the broadcast throughout the two days, called the action on Xtra Frame’s taped “Match of the Week” broadcasts during the 2007-08 season.

Additionally, Xtra Frame will feature exclusive interviews from the final two days of the Tour Trials competition. The top seven bowlers after the five day, 45-game competition will receive one-year exemptions on the Denny’s PBA Tour.

This content is only available to subscribers of Xtra Frame. The service, which costs $5.95 per month, includes exclusive features, interviews, tips from the pros and an array of behind-the-scenes footage for an insider’s look at life on the Denny’s PBA Tour. Xtra Frame subscribers also have exclusive access to an expanded version of the PBA’s live online scoring system which includes Pin Mapping technology.

Besides offering exclusive footage and content, Xtra Frame also features an extensive library of PBA telecasts on ESPN from the current and past seasons.

Fans interested in signing-up for Xtra Frame should visit www.pba.com/xtraframe.

The month of May is “Chris Barnes Month” on Xtra Frame. Each week, the service will feature one of Barnes’ 10 Denny’s PBA Tour victories. Additionally, fans can see exclusive interviews and tips from the 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Denny’s PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

CRAIG MORGAN ROCKS THUNDERFEST ON MAY 25TH

The Thunder 102 2nd annual ThunderFest rocks Thunder Country with headliner Craig Morgan on Sunday, May 25th in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at the Sullivan County Community College. ThunderFest is a fundraising event for the SCCC Faculty Student Association, which is in charge of funding student activities and athletics at the college.

“We are looking forward to helping the college with this great fundraising event,” remarked Mike Sakell, on-air personality and half of Sakell & Ciliberto in the Morning, “We hope all our ThunderHeads turn out to support this worthy cause.”

ThunderFest kicks off at 3:00 with the Colgate Country Showdown, the nation’s oldest country music talent search that has produced major country music stars over the years. Next to hit the stage is Trista Wheaton, the 14 year old winner of last year's Colgate Country Showdown in Thunder Country.

The music continues with New York City’s Cooper Boone, 2007 ThunderBash opening act, performing his urban-country song “Midnight Drive” from his sophomore album, Made In America.

As if that wasn’t enough music, 2008 ThunderBash headliners Iron Cowboy, known for “Country Music With Horse Power”, hits the stage, along with Thunder Country’s own Mandy Miller, to warm up the crowd for opener Craig Morgan.
Craig Morgan, country music's stealth star, rocks ThunderFest with his back-to-back #1 singles and music from his latest CD, “Little Bit of Life”, Morgan’s fourth album which includes the hit, “International Harvester” and the just released, “Love Remembers”. Morgan is best known for such memorable hits as “I Got You”, “Redneck Yacht Club”, the poignant “Tough”, as well as “That’s What I Love About Sunday”, which spent five weeks at No. 1 and ended 2005 as country radio’s most played song of the year, surpassing hits by Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, George Strait, Sugarland and Faith Hill, among others. Morgan frequently performs at military bases both in the U.S. and abroad, remembering how much visits from entertainers meant to him during his 10 years of active duty.
“With only 1,800 seats available, this will be an “up close and personal” type of concert. There are very few times when you can experience a concert with a star the magnitude of Craig Morgan in such an intimate setting,” said Paul Ciliberto, on-air personality and co-host of Sakell and Ciliberto in the Morning.
Tickets for ThunderFest are on sale now. Tickets are $27.50 and available on www.ticketweb.com. If you want to skip the ticketweb fees, buy tickets direct on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. at the Thunder 102 studios in Colonial Square on Route 52 in Liberty or at the door the day of the event. Tickets are limited. So get yours today!

The Sullivan County Community College is located just off Route 52 in Loch Sheldrake. Doors for ThunderFest open at 2 p.m. Food and beverages will be available during the event. Proceeds benefit the Sullivan County Community College Faculty Student Association.

About Thunder 102:
Thunder 102, in Liberty New York heard in New York and Pennsylvania on 102.1, 94.1, 94.9 and 107.7, was voted The Best Station by River Reporter readers for 2006 and 2007. Thunder 102 is owned by Bold Gold Media Group, who also owns Sunny 105 and 95.3DNH in Eastern Pennsylvania, 105 The River in Scranton and a 4 station AM sports network, The Game, which has exclusive broadcast rights to broadcast the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees games.

Here & There Column 5-13-08

Trista Wheaton

Thunder 102 Presents 'Colgate Country Showdown' May 25

Sullivan County's popular Country radio station Thunder 102 will once gain play a leading role in the 27th Annual Colgate Country Showdown with their local Country Showdown competition at the Sunday May 25 Craig Morton show at Sullivan County Community College.
The competition is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.
The 'Showdown" begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the United States.
Winners from the Thunder 102 competition advance to their respective state competitions where they compete for a $1,000 prize, the state title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional finals.
The regionals is the last step before the national final which is usually televised to a national audience from country music's most exciting venues like the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House. The grand prize winner gets $100,000 and the national title.
Thunder 102 and Country Showdown know that this event has become a reliable source of rising country music starts over the years.
Some of today's outstanding country stars like John Michael Montgomery, Sara Evans and Garth Brooks competed in the Country Showdown.
Thunder 102 Marketing and Promotions Director Regina Hensley noted that contestants for this local competition can come from anywhere in New York and Pennsylvania but that their area is deemed to be a 50-mile radius of Liberty, NY.
There will be eight contestants on May 25 with the competition starting at 3 p.m. and last year's local winner Trista Wheaton will also perform.
Doors at the college for this great afternoon of country music open at 2 p.m.
Ms. Hensley pointed out that Country 102 is chosen by Colgate Country Showdown to host this local event and "participating in the Showdown gives the artist a chance to sing in front of about 2,000 people as the Showdown is part of The Thunder 102 ThunderFest featuring Craig Morgan."
Thunder 102 will also be broadcasting live from this event.
In addition to the Colgate Country Showdown and Craig Morgan also taking the state will be Iron Cowboy, Cooper Boone, Trista Wheaton and Mandy Miller.
Also a special event at the college that afternoon will be the presentation of the colors by the Middletown U.S. Marine Corps Guard.
This entire event will benefit the Sullivan County Community College Student Activities fund.
Tickets may be ordered from TicketWeb or from the Thunder 102.com web page.

Bowling Highlights Column 5-9-08

Champions of the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes is the Lawn Doctor team consisting of members, l to r, George Battle, Dean Shattuck, Frank Muller Jr., Larry Berens and Shane Cunningham.

The Hack Masters team are the 2007-08 champions of the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen's league at Callicoon Lanes. Members of the team include, front row, l to r, Kory Kessler, Mike Beseth and Bruce Rutledge. Back row, l to r, Alan Rutledge and Mark Rutledge.

Champions of the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes is the IAPOTH team consisting of members, l to r, Kevin Stackhouse, Robert Yakin Sr., Roberta Yakin and John Hoffmann.

Paul & Debbie Durland

James Durland

Donald Durland

Durland Family Had Great 2007-08 Season

The Wurtsboro bowling family consisting of Paul and Debbie Durland along with their sons, Donald and James have finished what certainly can be called a great 2007-08 bowling season.
Paul and Debbie are the 2008 champions of the annual Monticello Elks Scotch Doubles tournament winning the event on March 1 with a 662 score over 50 other two-person teams at Kiamesha Lanes.
Debbie Durland is truly one of the premier female bowlers in the Sullivan Tri-County area and on March 18 she added to her high-scoring talents when she scored a 255, 735 series in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Debbie also maintained a 204 plus average and bowls both at Kaimesha Lanes and Colonial Lanes in Chester. On January 29 of this year she recorded 11 strikes in a row for a 290 single and a 665 series.
Her bowling equipment consists of a Morich Onslaught bowling ball.
She has one perfect 300 game bowled in August of 2004 in the Kiamesha Lanes Friday Doubles summer league and one of her previous high series included a 720.
Twenty-year-old Donald Durland recorded his fifth career 300 on April 4.
He scored this 300 while subbing in the Friday Night Mixed league for Tom Skiff Jr. Donald started out with a 201, added a 358 and then scored his fifth career 300 using an Ebonite Maxim plastic bowling ball on lanes 5 and 6.
His previous high series was bowled earlier this year in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes when he recorded a 268, 249, 279, 796.
Donald has been bowling since he was five years old and his present average is 216 plus.
He bowls in three leagues at Kiamesha Lanes and subs in leagues at Ellenville Lanes and Colonial Lanes in Chester.
Sixteen-year-old James Durland recorded several nice scores this past season.
Bowling in the Saturday Morning Youth league at Kiamesha Lanes, James scored a 265 game on lanes 1 and 2 using a Morich Ravage III bowling ball.
He has been bowling for some 11 years.
James also received the boys hight game (243) net score award in this years Tri-County NY USBC Association youth Major/Senior Division Tournament held at Pin Street Lanes in Warwick.
James is a Sophomore at Monticello Central High School.
Congratulations to an outstanding bowling family.

Leagues Complete
Season, Will See
You In The Fall

Leagues at Callicoon Lanes, Fox Bowling Center and Kiamesha Lanes have finished league play for the 2007-08 season. Our congratulations to all the league champions.
This week's bowling tip by Mike Luongo is included in a Morich Camp photo caption.
We again thank the Professional Bowling Association for their continued cooperation and applaude them on a great season.
We take this opportunity to thank the many league secretaries who provided league scores and happenings and look forward to working with everyone this coming fall.
Our hats are off to the oustanding board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and Association Manager Michele Bensley for their o work and contrabutions to make this great sport of bowling work for everyine the the tri-county area.
We also thank Mike Luongo for his continued support and bowling tips he makes weekly to this column.
Included in this weeks column are several league champion photos from the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen's league at Callicoon Lanes, the Wednesday Men's League and the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Have a great summer, enjoy the many outdoor sports activities, (but don't forget there are summer bowling leagues available) don't get too much sun, stay healthy and we will see you when our column returns in September.

BARNES CLINCHES SECOND USBC QUEENS TITLE

Her husband may be one of the best bowlers in the world, but Lynda Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, proved she's not so bad herself Wednesday as she won the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Queens.

Barnes, whose husband is PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes, delivered three perfect strikes in the final frame en route to defeating Amy Stolz of Castle Rock, Colo., 215-195 at Skore Lanes to win the biggest and most prestigious title in women's bowling.

"Stepping up in the 10th frame in that situation is every athlete's dream," said Barnes, who also won the Queens in 1998. "When I looked up there and knew I needed all three strikes just to give me a chance, I knew I'd already done it a thousand times in my head and I just needed to get out of my own way."

Barnes entered the championship round as the top seed and survived seven consecutive matches without a loss to claim the title. She rebounded from a 2-4-10 split in the sixth frame and struck on five of her next six shots to win the title.

"This is a tough tournament, and I've been very fortunate because it takes the luck of the draw and bowling the right people at the right time," Barnes said. "I feel lucky to even have made it to this position."

While Barnes was competing in the championship match, her husband was calling the action for the live telecast on ESPN2, creating a unique situation for Barnes.

"I could hear him throughout the show, and I could hear some of his comments," said Barnes, the mother of 5-year-old twin boys, Ryan and Troy. "It was actually reassuring for me because I could hear him and it let me know I was doing the right things. Plus, I had the picture of my kids on the table, so between the two it really kept me focused."

After Barnes stepped up in the final frame and delivered three strikes, Stolz had an opportunity to tie the match if she could match with a three-bagger of her own. But on her first shot, she left the 2-5 spare to finish second.

"I just wanted to step up and throw a good shot," Stolz said. "Usually I'm great under pressure and I didn't throw a bad shot, it just didn't quite make it to the pocket. It felt really good off my hand, but it just hung out there a bit."

On the way to the title match, Stolz took out Australian Carol Gianotti, 217-179, and then defeated second seed Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., 234-232, in the semifinal. Gianotti defeated Joy Esterson of Annapolis, Md., 237-222 in the opening match.

Barnes took home $30,000 for first place in addition to the Queens tiara, pendant and crystal trophy. Stolz earned $18,000 for second.

The USBC Queens, which is presented by Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus, featured a field of 337 of the top female bowlers in the world competing for a total prize fund of $200,000.

For more information on the USBC Queens, including standings, photos and stories, visit bowl.com.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowl with US


2008 USBC QUEENS
At Skore Lanes, Taylor, Mich.
Wednesday's Results

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Match 1
Carol Gianotti, Australia, def. Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md., 237-222. (Esterson finishes fifth, earns $7,500.)

Match 2
Amy Stolz, Castle Rock, Colo., def. Gianotti, 217-179. (Gianotti finishes fourth, earns $9,500.)

Match 3
Stolz def. Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 234-232. (Johnson finishes third, earns $13,000.)

Match 4
Lynda Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, def. Stolz, 215-195. (Stolz finishes second, earns $18,000; Barnes finishes first, earns $30,000.)


Watch bowling like never before
Bowling's Clash of Champions
http://www.bowl.com/clash
Saturday, May 10th - 5 PM ET
Sunday, May 11th - 4 PM ET
on CBS Sports

PBA Announces Plans for 50th Anniversary Celebration
2008-09 season is the PBA Tour’s 50th

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today plans for a 50th Anniversary celebration as the upcoming 2008-09 Denny’s PBA Tour will mark the 50th season in the organization’s history.

To kick off the celebration, the PBA will announce the “50 Greatest Players in PBA History.” A committee will select 50 bowlers from an original list of 100 and will then rank them from 1-50. Prior to the announcement of the top 50, fans will have the opportunity to rank their top 15 bowlers on the PBA’s official website, www.pba.com, starting in June.

A countdown to the top 50 bowlers will take place throughout the summer and the start of the 2008-09 season on PBA.com. Should a fan’s top 15 bowlers match the committee’s top 15 in exact order, they will be entered into a drawing to win a special prize, which will be announced at a later date.

The PBA will also designate one stop during the 2008-09 season for a gala celebration in which members of the 50 Greatest Bowlers in PBA History will be honored. In addition, a PBA Hall of Fame induction will take place at the gala with bowlers being inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame for the first time since 2005.

The PBA’s online video service, Xtra Frame, will feature special interviews and video clips of the 50 Greatest Bowlers throughout the season.

Announcements will be made throughout the summer detailing plans for the upcoming celebration.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Denny’s PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Aaron Rents, Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, ConstructionJobs.com, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

PBA Announces Summer Series Details
18 stars selected for team competition at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill.

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Six Flags announced today details of the PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags Great America, the second consecutive summer the two have teamed up for a special event featuring some of the top stars of the Dennys PBA Tour.

A total of 18 bowlers will compete in the made-for-TV team event which will air throughout the summer on ESPN.

The PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags, also sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), will take place June 5-8 at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill. The 18 players include the 16 champions from the 2007-08 Dennys PBA Tour along with one additional player designated by the PBA, PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber, and another designated by major sponsor USBC, World Bowler of the Year Jason Belmonte from Australia. Belmonte just recently became a PBA member.

The 18 bowlers will be divided into three teams with players being selected by three captains  PBA Hall of Famers Mark Roth, Carmen Salvino and Brian Voss. The three captains will draft the players during a ceremony on Thursday, June 5, following the official practice session.

We are excited about teaming with Six Flags and the USBC to once again showcase the best bowlers in the world for this special summer event, PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer said. We feel we have an exciting and talented field of athletes, mixing the top young stars with the legends of today and yesterday. An international flavor should also add a level of excitement for the fans and players.

Starting Friday, June 6, the three teams will compete in round robin, Baker style match play with a total of 12 matches taking place. Each team will bowl four matches against the other two teams, with each match taking place on a different oil pattern. The only one of the five PBA oil patterns which will not be used during round robin play is the Cheetah pattern as that pattern will be used in the championship round.

With six players on a team, one bowler will sit out each game for the five-man Baker style matches. Team captains will designate which five players will compete during the matches.

After the 12 matches are complete, the top two teams based on match play record will advance to the championship round on Saturday, June 7. The championship round will consist of one singles match, one doubles match and one Baker-style match, with the captains choosing the participants for each match.

The singles and doubles matches will each be worth one point while the Baker match will be worth two points. Should the teams tie, one player from each team  who will be determined prior to the start of the competition by the team captains  will participate in a one-ball sudden death roll-off. The winning team will split $100,000.

One special feature that will carry over from last years summer event is the Endless 10th Frame, which will only be used in the round robin match play portion of the event. Should a bowler strike with his fill ball in the 10th frame, his team will continue to bowl until they do not strike again, with each additional strike adding 10 pins to the teams total score.

Additionally, a total of $1,000 in bonus money is up for grabs in each round robin match with $100 on the line in each frame. In every frame, the bowlers on opposite teams will compete against each other for the bonus money. The bowler with the most successful frame will receive $100 for their team. Should the bowlers tie in a given frame that money will carry over to the next frame. If a tie takes place in the 10th frame, bonus money goes to the team that won the match. Endless 10th frames do not factor into the individual frame bonus money.

Below is a look at the participants:

Name Qualified
Patrick Allen 2007 Lumber Liquidators Championship
Chris Barnes 2008 Bayer Classic/2008 Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic
Jason Belmonte USBC selection
Parker Bohn III 2007 Spartanburg Classic
Norm Duke 2008 Dennys World Championship/65th Dennys U.S. Open
Mike Fagan 2008 PBA Exempt Doubles Classic
Michael Haugen Jr. 2007 Lake Co. Indiana Classic/2008 Tournament of Champions
Tommy Jones 2008 ConstructionJob.com Championship/2008 GEICO Classic
Mika Koivuniemi Dydo Japan Cup 2008
Wes Malott 2008 Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic
Rhino Page 2008 Go RVing Classic
Sean Rash 2007 USBC Masters
Mike Scroggins 2008 Motel 6 Dick Weber Open/2008 Pepsi Championship
Robert Smith 2007 CLR Windy City Classic
Pete Weber PBA selection
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2007 Motor City Classic/2007 Great Lakes Classic
Danny Wiseman 2008 PBA Exempt Doubles Classic
Mike Wolfe 2007 Etonic Championship


CAPTAINS
Mark Roth 34-time Dennys PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer
Carmen Salvino 17-time Dennys PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer
Brian Voss 24-time Dennys PBA Tour titlist, PBA Hall of Famer

Last years PBA All-Star Shootout Hosted by Six Flags was the first outdoor PBA event since 2001 when Jason Couch won The Villages Sun Bowl in The Villages, Fla. Norm Duke and Walter Ray Williams Jr. teamed up to win the doubles event at Six Flags St. Louis last year, which featured 16 PBA All-Stars.

This years event will mark the fifth outdoor PBA event in the organizations 50-year history. The finals of a PBA Senior Tour event in 2000 were also televised from The Villages while the finals of the 1999 Brunswick Long Island Open/New York City Experience  won by Eric Forkel  were held in Bryant Park in New York City.

The PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags will air over five consecutive weekends beginning with the first three of 15 shows airing on June 22 from 1-1:30 p.m. ET.

Below is a complete list of air times. All dates and times are subject to change.

Date Network Times (Shows)
Sun., June 22 ESPN 1  2:30 p.m. ET (3)
Sun., June 29 ESPN 1  3 p.m. ET (4)
Sun., July 6 ESPN 1  2 p.m. ET (2)
Sun., July 13 ESPN 3  4 p.m. ET (2)
Sat., July 20 ESPN 1  3 p.m. ET (4)

Six Flags Great America is a world-class family entertainment destination with a theme park and water park. Six Flags Great America is located 45 minutes north of Chicago and 45 minutes south of Milwaukee.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Dennys PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Aaron Rents, Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, ConstructionJobs.com, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

Here & There Column 5-6-08

Volunteers Are Hard To Find

Websters dictionary defines the word "volunteer" as "one who performs or gives services of his own free will," and "to enter into or offer to enter into an undertaking of one's own free will."
Certainly sounds simple to understand but when it comes right down to the point of getting folks to volunteer sometimes leaves organizations having to make serious decisions that have a direct effect on services they offer.
Two emergency organizations, the volunteer fire department and ambulance corps for years have seen lower and lower numbers of volunteers joining their ranks.
Now who would ever think that folks would not want to serve their communities and fellow human beings as volunteer firemen or volunteer ambulance corps members but some of our fire departments and ambulance corps have had to merge with others or reduce services.
Volunteers are also the core of many community groups such as our local Little Leagues, softball leagues, American Legion baseball, fall youth football, soccer leagues, boy and girl scouts, cub scouts, volunteers to help in local hospitals and the list goes on and on.
Many religions activities of all faiths are run by volunteers and assist the members of their clergy where they can.
We had first hand contact last summer with some of the volunteers of the Sullivan County Alzheimer's committee and often touch base with volunteer members of the American Red Cross and they all have to work extra hard not only in their fund raising efforts but in getting volunteer help to carry out the mission of their cause.
Being active in the sports of bowling and golf we continue to see folks backing away from volunteering their time to help the cause their treasure.
We do understand that times have changed when years ago a lot of people seemed to have time on their hands and this of course meant they had time to volunteer for whatever organization or group they belonged to or wanted to support.
Fiscal responsibility today sometimes warrants couples to work two jobs just to get by and this can certainly be a contributing factor in getting volunteer help.
If you can spare some volunteer time think about the needs of the above listed organizations and also here are just a few additional areas where help can be used......staff and help keep in repair a local playground, gather together leaning material and books for various local youth programs, give help in local children advocacy groups, give some time working with children and adults with learning disabilities and don't forget the efforts to prevent teen substance abuse.
We have just celebrated National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3...............time is so precious to all of us but just a little volunteer help will be greatly appreciated by these and many other groups and organization.

Bowling Highlights Column 5-2-08

Vinnie Collura

Vinnie Collura Scores 299- 847 In State Firemen's Tournament

It takes a bona fide bowling technician to figure out difficult bowling conditions and once again Monticello's talented right handed bowler Vinnie Collura saw that he had to switch from reactive to plastic and then went on to score an outstanding 847 series off single games of 279, 269 and 299 on Saturday, April 26 in the New York State Firemen's Association Tournament held in Buffalo.
Collura noted that his high scoring efforts took place in the doubles event which placed his team in first place in the scratch event with one more weekend of tournament play scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday.
The doubles and singles events were being held at Transit Lanes in Buffalo and after attempting to use his reactive bowling ball Vinnie immediately realized that the drier lane conditions would require him to bowl with his plastic Brunswick Zone bowling ball. Collura said the "outsides were dry."
And so who says you can't score high games with a plastic bowling ball............Collura did so by rolling 10 strikes in the first game, 9 strikes in the second game and 11 strikes in the third game for a total of 30 out of a potential 36 strikes for three games of tournament play.
In the 299 game Vinnie left a wiggling 7 pin on his last ball which he indicated was "just a touch light in the pocket."
He was bowling in the tournament as a guest with the Rock Hill Fire Department team.
In the recently completed Tri-County NY USBC Association tournament held at the Pin Street Lanes in Warwick Collura blasted the maples for a perfect 300 game in the Doubles & singles event,.
This 300 was his sixth career perfect game and came a little more than two months after he scored his fifth career 300 on December 26, 2007 with a 300, 246, 234, 780 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Collura, 39, is only bowling in one league this year, the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha lanes, and that presently he holds down a 212 average.
Vinnie's highest previous series was an 809..
Vinnie previously has served as Sergeant At Arms for the Tri-County NY USBC Association and secretary of the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Vinnie and his wife Carena live in Monticello and Vinnie is employed as a Rehab Technician for the Center For Discovery .in Harris.


Bowling Tip.
By Mike Luongo

This tip is for all bowlers regardless of age of level of play.
So very often today bowlers find themselves off balance at the foul line.
While there are many reasons for this, what you may not realize is that most bad finishes are a result of a bad start..
The tip: Check your first step and see if it's too long. This will cause you to push the ball away too far and then your feet will have to play "catch up" to keep you from falling down.
Try a smaller first step next time......it may help.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is also a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net


Local Scores

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 630 series off single games of 248, and 203 for Kathleen Maltese, Sally Ballard 189, 192, 203, 584, Sherry Persbacker 212, 195, 566, Anne Couse 183, 511, Tammy Kane 212, 505, Jill Gorton 191 and Kathleen Stanton 180.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Donald Marino scored a 243, 233, 245, 721, James Dibble 236, 236, 227, 699, Bill Gleim 248, 257, 687Robert McNaught 278, 213, 678, Rod Pudney 257, 234, 673, Tony Wright 237, 214, 213, 664, Brian Drumm 234, 209, 214, 657, Daniel Wormuth 267, 213, 646, Andrew Bullis 67, 206, 644, Josh Rice 226, 202, 624, Pat Kille 235, 202, 621, Thomas Anderson 227, 211, 620, Robert Johnson 236, 221, 618, Ed Milk Jr. 213, 224, 608, Lee Stanton 231, 200, 605, Jim Thompson 243, 604, Jeremy Gulley 236, 196, 603, Neil Mosher 199, 224, 603, Chris Conway 234, 602, Jerry Kulakosky 227, Craig Gehrig 224, Richard Price 224 and David Thomason 254.
In the Friday Couples league William Gleim scored a 268, 237, 675, Andy Bullis 237, 224, 198, 659, Matthew Johnson 232, 256, 651, Jason Mead 245, 232, 640, Gary Resti 213, 235, 632, Edwin Linkroum 213, 203, 208, 624, Brian Tiffany 221, 203, 196, 620, Rick Mills 203, 222, 617, James Dibble 213, 195, 600, Anne Couse 196, 180, 199, 575 and Michelle Brush 196, 532.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league include a 289, 727 by Ed Guthrie, Charles Blackburn 244, Donald Durland 237, 676, John Hoffmann 678, Crystal Price 226, 592, Dorian Jennings 218, 613 and Debbie Durland 215, 590.
Champions of this league with a 153-71 record is the IAPOTH team consisting of team member Kevin Stackhouse, Roberta Yakin, Robert Yakin Sr. and John Hoffmann.



.

BARNES CLINCHES SECOND USBC QUEENS TITLE

TAYLOR, Mich. - Her husband may be one of the best bowlers in the world, but Lynda Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, proved she's not so bad herself last week as she won the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Queens.

Barnes, whose husband is PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes, delivered three perfect strikes in the final frame en route to defeating Amy Stolz of Castle Rock, Colo., 215-195 at Skore Lanes to win the biggest and most prestigious title in women's bowling.

"Stepping up in the 10th frame in that situation is every athlete's dream," said Barnes, who also won the Queens in 1998. "When I looked up there and knew I needed all three strikes just to give me a chance, I knew I'd already done it a thousand times in my head and I just needed to get out of my own way."

Barnes entered the championship round as the top seed and survived seven consecutive matches without a loss to claim the title. She rebounded from a 2-4-10 split in the sixth frame and struck on five of her next six shots to win the title.

"This is a tough tournament, and I've been very fortunate because it takes the luck of the draw and bowling the right people at the right time," Barnes said. "I feel lucky to even have made it to this position."

While Barnes was competing in the championship match, her husband was calling the action for the live telecast on ESPN2, creating a unique situation for Barnes.

"I could hear him throughout the show, and I could hear some of his comments," said Barnes, the mother of 5-year-old twin boys, Ryan and Troy. "It was actually reassuring for me because I could hear him and it let me know I was doing the right things. Plus, I had the picture of my kids on the table, so between the two it really kept me focused."

After Barnes stepped up in the final frame and delivered three strikes, Stolz had an opportunity to tie the match if she could match with a three-bagger of her own. But on her first shot, she left the 2-5 spare to finish second.

"I just wanted to step up and throw a good shot," Stolz said. "Usually I'm great under pressure and I didn't throw a bad shot, it just didn't quite make it to the pocket. It felt really good off my hand, but it just hung out there a bit."

On the way to the title match, Stolz took out Australian Carol Gianotti, 217-179, and then defeated second seed Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., 234-232, in the semifinal. Gianotti defeated Joy Esterson of Annapolis, Md., 237-222 in the opening match.

Barnes took home $30,000 for first place in addition to the Queens tiara, pendant and crystal trophy. Stolz earned $18,000 for second.

The USBC Queens, which is presented by Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus, featured a field of 337 of the top female bowlers in the world competing for a total prize fund of $200,000.

For more information on the USBC Queens, including standings, photos and stories, visit bowl.com.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than 2.6 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowl with US


2008 USBC QUEENS
At Skore Lanes, Taylor, Mich.
Wednesday's Results

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Match 1
Carol Gianotti, Australia, def. Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md., 237-222. (Esterson finishes fifth, earns $7,500.)

Match 2
Amy Stolz, Castle Rock, Colo., def. Gianotti, 217-179. (Gianotti finishes fourth, earns $9,500.)

Match 3
Stolz def. Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 234-232. (Johnson finishes third, earns $13,000.)

Match 4
Lynda Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, def. Stolz, 215-195. (Stolz finishes second, earns $18,000; Barnes finishes first, earns $30,000.)

# # #


Watch bowling like never before
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http://www.bowl.com/clash
Saturday, May 10th - 5 PM ET
Sunday, May 11th - 4 PM ET
on CBS Sports

BARNES EARNS TOP SEED AT USBC QUEENS

CANTON, Mich. - Lynda Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, earned the top seed Tuesday for the live televised finals of the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Queens.

Barnes, who won the 1998 Queens, went undefeated in match play, winning six consecutive three-game matches against a field of the best women bowlers in the world at Super Bowl Lanes. The championship round will be televised live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. Eastern from Skore Lanes in Taylor, Mich., on Wednesday.

Joining Barnes in the stepladder finals are second seed Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., third seed Amy Stolz of Castle Rock, Colo., fourth seed Joy Esterson of Annapolis, Md., and fifth seed Carol Gianotti of Australia.

"When I won the national amateur title last year it had been 10 year since I'd won that event, and if I win tomorrow it will be 10 years between Queens titles," said Barnes, 40, an 11-time Team USA member and three-time U.S. Amateur champion. "I've had to work for it more now that I'm older and it would be very rewarding after 10 years to win again."

Barnes was clutch when she needed it most, firing her best three-game set of the tournament by nearly 70 pins as she defeated Johnson, 736-680, to earn the top seed.

"I knew I would have to bowl my absolute best and would have to bowl my highest set of the tournament to beat Liz," said Barnes, whose husband is PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes. "I felt like I thought much clearer and physically, that was the best I've bowled all week."

The top four seeds were the final four players remaining in the winners bracket, while Gianotti made her way through the contenders bracket. Gianotti, the 1989 Queens champion, defeated defending champion Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., 698-631 to earn the final spot in the finals.

The USBC Queens featured a field of 337 of the top female bowlers in the world competing for a total prize fund of $200,000 with $30,000 going to the winner.