Bowling Highlights Column 9-26-08

Mike Luongo

Luongo Named Northeast Regional Manager

Bowling Highlights "Bowling Tip" author Mike Luongo is the new Northeast Regional Sales Manger for both Storm products and Roto Grip.
Storm Products Inc., manufacturer of high performance bowling equipment is located in Bringham City, UT.
On September 1, Luongo replaced Doene Moos and took over day-to-day responsibilities' of regional sales manager.
Luongo, who writes well defined and knowledgeable bowling tips for this column, said, "I'm very excited to be joining Storm and look forward to engaging with pro shops in my area."
Luongo brings to his new job close to 30 years of experience in the bowling industry. He is a Silver Level instructor with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and is currently an IBPSIA board member and certified through that organization as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor.
Along with his many outstanding qualifications Mike has a very optimistic view about the future of bowling. "I believe competitive bowling is on the upswing and how much the sport continues to grow will be determined in large part by how well we educate pro shops and show them how to keep consumers interested in the game.
"We are extremely excited to have Mike part of our sales force" said Vice President of sales and marketing Hank Bloomershine. "Mike brings years or pro shop experience to our already strong sales team. Mike has owed his own pro shop and is said to have trained more pro shop operators than anyone in the business today."
Mike and Linda Luongo have two children and one grandchild. His son Mickey works full time in Mikes Pro Shop at Middletown Lanes and has become a very professional pro-shop operator. Mike and family live in the Middletown area.
Storm Products is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance bowling equipment, featuring Storm and Roto Grip brand names. Their web site is http://www.stormbowling.com/

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

This week's tip is for all bowlers.
However, youth bowlers, new bowlers and bowlers who have not had a correctly fitted ball will benefit the most.
Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science, although it is made out to be at times.
A poorly fitted ball (lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy.
A good rule of thumb when getting a custom fitted ball is to go up 2 pounds over what a poorly fitted ball weights. You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fitted ball will feel.
When a ball is fitted properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing your to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both fingertip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles, should control the swing.
For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, it is instinct to grab a ball and throw it, not roll it. If a ball is too light, it is hard to teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball. Second, children are still growing and you may get an extra year out of the ball before the youth bowler outgrows the weight.
In the case of a youth bowler switching from conventional to fingertip, I would not recommend going too heavy as you do not want to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re-grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball.
Note: If a bowler---youth or adult--is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling in the future, the fingertip grip is the way to go.
Remember, there is no substitute for a properly fitted ball.
Parents of youth bowlers, please have the fit checked at least every six months.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the United States Bowing Congress (USBC) and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. 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

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league include a 278-663 by John Fischer, Jack Rustic 235, Matt Cooper 226, Larry Berens 622, Crystal Price 233, Debbie Durland 222, 567, Mary Lee Williams 191, Barbara Yeomans 543, Crystal Price 536, Donald Durland 256, 618, Vinnie Collura 247, 610, George Kelley 235, John Hoffmann 673, Dorian Jennings 214, 602, Debbie Durland 205, 552 and Lisa Cartwright 204, 562.
In the Wednesday Men's league scores for the first two weeks included Allan Jones with a 225, 212, 258, 695, Vinnie Collura 201, 234, 255, 690, Eddie Lake 224, 217, 622, Donnie Durland 221, 232, 622, Josh Strang 230, 217, 616, Rich Bradford 226, 220, 611, Dean Shattuck 207, 214, 615, Rich Hendricks 207, 238, 614, Dan Ricco 255, Paul Durland 234, Tom Belgiovene 221, Frank DiCostanzo 245, Dan Gordon 224, George Battle 216, Matt Fallon 225, Charles McAllister 203, George Battle 205, 204, 210, 619, Frank Muller Jr. 213, Allen Jones 214, 211, 604, Larry Berens 202, 205, Dean Shattuck 205, 207, 203, 615, Art Eggleton 217, John Hoffmann 233, 225, 234, 692, Vinnie Collura 218, Rich Hendricks 200, Pedro Agapito 221, 235, 647, Al Caycho 246, 610, Mike Weiner 237, 208, 607, Wayne Atkins 243, 211, 632, Tim Minton 211, 210, Eddie Lake 238, 203, 620, Chris Magie 204, 235, 213, 652 and Bill Danchak 226.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highights scores in the Monday Ladies league include a 196 by Sue Naughton, Mary Ardizzone 182, Pat Peters 205, Debra Loughrey 234, 574, Tracy Gruebel 187 and Pat Peters 190, 182, 526.
In the Wednesday Businessmen league Mark Hawley scored a 201, Laresko Niifa 213, 204, Joseph Gager 203, 202, Paul Minton 221, 203, 603, Dwayne Cabrera 221, Shirley Townsend 182, Ed Townsend 203, Tom Russell 202, Dave Maus 215, 209, Mark Hawley 210, Joseph Gager 218, Eddie Blume 211, Frank Emmens 212 and Dwayne Cabrera 201.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Ladies Tuesday Earl Bird league incude a 188 by Jill Gorton, Tammy Kane 200, 517, Sally Ballard 213, 560, Nikki Adriano 203, 534, Anne Couse 189, 514, Louise Botsford 210 and Melinda Ferris 197.
In the Men's Wednesday Independent league Bill Gleim scored a 234, 225, 649, Donald Marino 237, 212, 640, Tony Wright 244, 215, 633, David Thomason 235, 618, Daniel Wormuth 215, 204, 615, Allen Bullis Sr. 237, 608, Glenn Bowker 237, 203, Shawn Tracy 224, 203, Brian Drumm 213, 203, Lyndon Wormuth 203, Craig Gehrig 211, Gary Resti 217, Robert McNaught 216, Hank Whitmore 255, Mitch Persbacker 202, 203, Francis Wormuth 223, Steven Jacobi 202, Brian Tiffany 201, Thomas Anderson 245, Jack Hazen 200, Lee Stanton 206, David Benedict 201, Ed Milk Jr. 202 and Richard Price 211.
In the Men's Thursday Deposit National league Bill Gleim scored a 241, 213, 235, 689, Al Bullis Sr. 290, 209, 688, Ray Cornwell 223, 231, 229, 683, Greg Kesler 234, 225, 652, Charles Dunlap 208, 247, 636, Andrew Bullis 224, 236, 630, Howard Couse Sr. 246, 627, Al Bullis Jr. 200, 235, 626, Norm Ellis 224, 233, 626, Matt Johnson 210, 203, 213, 626, Jeff Curtis 205, 225, 624, Len Terrell 234, 209, 616, John Lanner 224, 211, Robert Johnson 256, Rick Mills 222, Neil Mosher 202, Vic Davis 221, Dale Conklin 200 and Harold Morgan 245.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Elizabeth Gleim scored a 222, 205, 182, 609, Daniel L. Wormuth 256, 202, 605, Greg Keesler 200, 230, 604, James Dibble 220, Brian Robinson 201, 209, John Stanton 202, Janet Ellis 208 and July Ellis 198.

Bowling Calendar

October 17-19, Idle Hour Lanes Harvest No-Tap Doubles tournament Mulltiple Entry, 80% handicap. Contact Idle Hour Lanes at http://www.idlehourlanes.com/
April 17-May 17, 73rd Annual New York State USBC WBA Women'sChampionship Tournament. Rochester, NY Entries close Feb. 17, 2009. Information call Nancy at 1-800-404-6501 or email nancyw@nyswba.com Printable entry form at http://www.nysusbcwba.com/

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves Publicity Director. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an email to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/

PBA 2008-09 Season

PBA 2008-09 Season

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced has announced the 2008-09 PBA Tour schedule, the 50th season in the organizations history.
The 2008-09 PBA Tour includes 20 stops between October and April, with return visits to 14 venues from the 2007-08 season and venue changes for two of the four Major events.
Headlining the changes to the 2008-09 schedule is the move of the Denny's World Championship to the beginning of the schedule. The 2008-09 campaign will kick off with the World Championship, the first of four Majors, at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. This marks the first time the Tour has visited Wichita since the 2004-05 season and also marks the first time Northrock Lanes will host a PBA Major.
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters, which has been the opening event in three of the last four seasons, will move dates and locations as well. The event shifts from Milwaukee to Las Vegas and will now take place in February at the Cashman Center. The USBC Masters will be one of two Majors held in Las Vegas as the PBA Tournament of Champions returns to Red Rock Lanes.
New hosts on the PBA Tour include Olympia Lanes in Hammond, Ind., which has hosted several PBA Senior Tour stops in previous years, and Brunswick Zone Wheat Ridge in Wheat Ridge, Colo., the first time the Tour has stopped in the Denver area since the 2005-06 season.
Additionally, the 2008-09 PBA Tour will feature the return of the PBA Women's Series presented by the USBC with seven events, an increase from the four events in last year's inaugural season. Events will be held in Omaha, Neb., Taylor, Mich., Vernon Hills, Ill., Cheektowaga, N.Y., Baltimore, Md., Reno, Nev., and Medford, Ore., and will once again run concurrently with PBA Tour events.
For dates and location on the PBA Tour schedule, log on to www.pba.com

Here & There 9-23-08

Former Sullivan County resident Dave Cross, left, of Spring Hill, Tenn. and Here & There Columnist Ed Townsend of Livings;ton Manor share some time with needy residents of a small trailer park near Spring Hill. Cross and his wife Barbara bring bread, pastries and pizza every Wednesday which helps to supplement their food budgets.

It Should Not Be Happening In This Country

In taking a few hours out of our recent vacation to ride along with my brother and sister-in-law in their weekly mission to deliver food to the needy it became so evident to me that I began asking where is this great country of ours when it comes to helping those in need.
Dave and Barbara Cross of Spring Hill, Tenn., former Sullivan County residents of both Liberty and Monticello, are active members of the Spring Hill, Tenn. United Methodist Church. Through an agreement with local grocery stores and pizza restaurants members of the church pickup day old bread and pastry and pizza pies that customers did not come and pickup.
My brother and sister-in-law then travel several miles outside the city to a small trailer (mobile home) park to distribute the bread and pizza that was picked up earlier that day.
It was quite evident by the overall condition of most of the homes that whatever help could be given to these folks is greatly needed and very much appreciated.
It was good to hear the recipients of this food say "thank you and God bless" to us. I had a brief opportunity to talk with several residents there and as I got back in the truck my thoughts were why is this happening in this great country of ours.
We spend millions and million to help feed the needy in other parts of the world but we fail sometimes in seeing poverty and need that is staring us right in the face.
If it wasn't for volunteers, church programs and food pantry's set up to help the poor I dread to think what the end result for many of those in need would be.
In delivering food items volunteers often offer words of encouragement, advise and prayer.
These few hours spending time seeing folks reaching out to help the poor nurtured something in me and made me more aware of the spiritual side of life in that we will feed each other in many ways every day.
Wake up America....we have needs right here in our country that should be taken care of first and thank God for volunteers who are trying to meet some of these needs.

Club Champions Named at Twin Village

2008 Club Champions of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club are, from the left, Terry Knickerbocker Flight "A" Men's Champion, Anna May Husson Flight "A" Women's Champion, Ron Schulte Flight "B" Men's Champion and Ed Townsend Flight "C" Men's Champion. Ladies Flight "B" Champion Liz Hendrickson and Ladies Flight "C" Champion Tracy Knickerbocker were not available for this photo. The Champions are shown holding their winning Championship jackets.

Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club 2008 Ladies League Champions are Becky Ackerly, left, and Anna; May Husson.

Gwen Baldo won the Women's 2008 President's Cup championship at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club.

Members of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club "roasted" Tresurer Chuck Husson at the annual club dinner. He is shown here holding a toy rifle presented to him by member Ron Schulte who noted that Chuck was the "enforcer" of the 90-degree fairway rule.

Cub Champions Named & Treasurer Roasted

The 2008 Annual Dinner for the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club named its Club Champions and "roasted" its Club Treasurer Chuck Husson.
Following the invocation and remembrance of club members who have passed away, Club President Dan Baldo introduced the guests for the evening and extended a special thank you to Troy Kirchner, the clubhouse manager for 2008 for his hard work and important input into running of the club this summer.
The 2008 Board of Governors at Twin Village consist of President Dan Baldo, Vice President Ralph Kirchner, Secretary Bill Knipscher, Treasurer Chuck Husson, and Directors Mary Austin, Church Husson IV, Joe Schulte, Ron Schulte and Sally Shea.
Named the 2008 Men's Club Champions are Flight "A" Terry Knickerbocker, Flight "B" Ron Schulte and Flight "C" Ed Townsend.
Ladies Club Champions include Flight "A" Anna May Husson, Flight "B" Liz Hendrickson and Flight "C" Tracy Knickerbocker.
Jim Bowers took second place in the men's Class "A" flight while Troy Kirchner took third place. In the men's "B" Flight second place went to Butch Hundrickson and third place to Frank McGreevy. In the "C" Flight second place went to Dylan Bowers and third place to Joe Schulte.
In the Ladies division second place in Flight "A" went to Jean Knickerbocker, "B" flight second place to Maureen Crescitelli and "C" flight second place to Ruth Ulshafer.
Club champions are determined by the Twin Village Championship Tournament which has a format wherby men's and women's league players and league subs are invited and an entry fee is paid. Tournament Chairmen Ralph Kirchner and Gwen Baldo gather all the league scores during the months of June, July and August and a players total of his/her 8 lowest scores are averaged to determine the winners.
Baldo also announced the Monday Night Men's league champions which included Frank McGreevy and Terry Knickerbocker first place and second place was a tie and went to Troy Kirchner and Dustin Sullivan and Bill Knipscher and Rick Gray.
Ladies league champions are Anna May Husson and Becky Ackerly. Gwen Baldo won the Women's President's Cup championship.
Club Secretary Bill Knipscher announced that the golf club has a new website at http://roscoegolf.com/
President Dan then announced to Chuck Husson, who is also chairman of the Monday Night Men's league that "Chuck, we are now going to have some fun with you." which turned out to be very much like a "roast."
Members who took "fun" pokes at Chuck included Ron Schulte who noted that Chuck "was the enforcer" of the 90 degree rule on the fairway and presented Chuck with a toy rifle, Butch Hendrickson brought up the "March of Dimes" contest, Ken Mooney joked about the "Silver Dollar" deal, Jean Knickerbocker read a poem about Chuck, the "Ladies" of the club sang a "Do Da" song about Chuck, Ralph Kirchner (Dan's Monday night league partner) had a rather long tale about "getting out of the sand trap" which everyone enjoyed
A gift from the club was then presented to Dan for all his work and dedication.
Club shareholders were invited to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, September 24 in the Twin Village Golf Club Clubhouse at 7 p.m.

Golfing Highlights Column 9-19-08

Hole No. 15 at the Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course is a 501-yard par 5 and features water (Morningside Lake) on the left portion of the fairway, a small stream running in front of the green and water in back of the green. Club selection and avoiding the water is important if you want to score well on this hole.

Glenn Sonnenschein is the head PGA Pro at the Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course

Beautiful Scenery On Back Nine At Lochmor

The scenery on the back nine (holes 10-18) at the Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course is beautiful and these holes also offer a challenge to most golfers.
The Mitchell-designed course was officially opened by the town in 1961 and today the 18-hole 6,550 yard course is popular for open play and league play.
A total automated water system for the tees, fairways and greens has helped this course receive a three and one-half star rating from Golf Digest magazine.
The overall condition of this course was outstanding.
Glenn Sonnenschein is the head PGA Pro, Michael Decker is the Assistant Head Pro, Clark Bartolomew is the Golf Course Superintendent with William Henkelman Assistant Superintendent. Club house pro-shop manager is Frank McCoy.
Rates at Lochmor include the weekday lunch special of $35 which includes 18-holes of golf with a cart and lunch. After 1 the golf and cart rate is $27 and after 3 the rate is $23. Weekend rates 18 holes with cart is $42, after 1 its $30 and after 3 its $25.
The golf course can be reached by calling 434-1257 or at their web site at http://www.lochmorgolf.com/
The course offers four sets of tees which make the course playable to all caliber of golfers. The greens are nicely groomed and tend to be a little fast.
Last week we took you through the first nine holes from the black tees and this week we'll define the back nine (10-18). Yardage on the back nine runs 3,360 yards.
Hole No. 10 is a 280-yard par 4 with trees darting the left side of the fairway. Best to take your drive left center. Traps are on the left and front sides of this green.
Hole No. 11 is a 201-yard par 3. Club selection off the tee is your key to nailing that birdie or par.
Hole No. 12 is a 580-yard par 5, the longest hole on this golf course. Fairway starts out straight with a dogleg left and the fairway then runs uphill. Just prior to the dogleg there is water which runs across most of the fairway. The green has a trap on the right side and the right rear. Avoiding the water running across the fairway will determine your final score here.
Hole No. 13 is a 157-yard par 3 with trees on the right side of the fairway. Traps on the right and left side of this green.
Hole No. 14 is a 418-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. The beautiful Morningside Lake is on the left and its about 170-yards to water running across the fairway off the tee. The lake runs completely on the left side of the fairway. A trap near the green is left front. Keep from going over this green on your approach shot.
Hole No. 15 is 1 501-yard par 5 with the lake on the left so best to take your ball to the right center in this fairway. There is a small stream running in from of this green and a trap on the right side of the green. The approach shot and club selection is the key to success on this hole. If you go too far over this green there is also water.
Hole No. 16 is a 409-yard par 4 with a dogleg right. An open fairway with trees on the right off the tee and in the second half of this fairway there are trees on the left. There is a trap on the right side of the green.
Hole No. 17 is a 423-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping left to right. Open fairway and some trees on the left and right sides. All depending where the flag is on this hole but overall its best to take your approach shot left center as the green slopes left to right. It might take a couple of rounds to figure our the best way to putt on this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 390-yard par 4 with a fairway trap on the right and traps left, center and right on the green.
On your next golf outing be sure to take in the beauty and great golfing opportunities at the Lochmor Golf Course.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

The Hybrid Chip Shot

As many of you avid golfers have probably noticed, more and more golfers are putting a hybrid, or utility club in their bag. They are replacing the three, four and five irons for an easier club to hit.
The hybrid irons are easier to hit because, they offer the golfer more surface area to strike the ball with. Also, these clubs are much better at getting through the rough. This is because they glide through the rough instead of getting stuck in the grass as an iron would.
Many golfers are also using the hybrid club to chip around the green. If you have a shot where you only have to loft the ball in the air a short distance, and then let the ball roll on the green much like a putt, this is a very effective way to accomplish this shot.
First you must set up in a normal chipping stance. Keep your feet close together with 70 percent of your weight on your forward foot. Place your hand and arms slightly ahead or forward of the ball. When you make the stroke, attack it like you are hitting a putt. Try to let just your arms and shoulders do the work, without flipping or using your hands. You must keep your lower body and head still to avoid sending the ball in a poor direction. Try to pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land and let the ball roll as much as possible to the hole.
Remember, always try to practice this shot on the chipping green before you go out to play. As with every new shot you try to use in golf, you want the shot to save you strokes not add more to your score.
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

Wow.....what a great golf season this has been.....and that of course does not mean golf is over for us here in the Catskill Mountains as both the month of September and October very often offers some of the most beautiful scenery and golfing opportunities anywhere.
At times a sweater or light windbreaker is required but tee times are more readily available and most area courses offer special fall golfing rates......so get out there and take advantage of our fall weather and the changing of the seasons to enjoy your round of golf before the snow starts flying. It's a long winter and enjoy the game as long as yo can.
To all the golf pros and golf course managers we worked with this past golf season we offer our thanks for your cooperation in letting us tell golfers about your facilities.
We look forward to the spring of 2009 when we once again will bring you the Golfing Highlights column. Next week our Bowling Highlights Column returns. Have a great winter.

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 cal Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to mailto:bowlgolfect1@yahoo..com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site http://www.http//bght.blogspot.com

Here & There Column 9-16-08

The Portable Electric Furnace

Portable Electric Furnace May Be Answer To Winter Woes

There are many people who have heavy concerns about the high cost of keeping warm this winter and the famous Farmers' Almanac says we will have below average temperatures and a snowy and wet February.
Window companies are pushing replacement windows to keep the heat in and the cold out, other companies are selling upgrades to heating systems, heat pumps are said to save, coal, pellet, wood, gas stove and fireplace inserts have also gained popularity and now one company says their portable electric furnace will give you heat while using less electricity then a coffee maker.
Don Caffero of the Golden Rule company says he is selling a portable electric furnace that can heat 500 to 800 square feet, 17-hours a day, 30 days a month for about $10 per month.
Caffero said The Portable Furnace manufactured by Arbaco is the safest technology for generating clean reliable comfortable heat. He noted that the unit uses an average of 35% less energy than conventional gas furnace and baseboard systems.
Don pointed out that the heat is generated by the combination of infrared lamps and the exclusive heat exchanger which enables the Portable Furnace to heat areas up to 800 sq. ft. It was stated that this Furnace is the absolute safest technology, is A-1 insurance rated, meets all UL standards and is safe enough to be housed in a real wood oak veneer cabinet with casters for ease of mobility.
Rates obtained from New York State Electric & Gas Corporation indicate that if you use this unit 10-hours from morning to night and on the night rate for 7 hours your total electric bill for 17 hours, 30 days a month will amount to right around $10 per month.
The unit is listed as using 1500 watts which is less than a coffee maker.
Caffero acknowledged that many folks use the heater to supplement their existing heating system and this cuts down on the use of oil, gas or kerosene.
We find this new concept very interesting and another similar unit has received the endorsement of popular radio commentator Paul Harvey on his Paul Harvey News program.

Golfing Highlights Column 9-12-08

Pro Shop manager Frank McCoy, left, and Assistant Head Pro Michael Decker at the Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course.

The 209-yard fourth hole at the Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course is a par 3 and offers a beautiful view in the background (left) of Morningside Lake.

Lochmor GC In Great Shape

The Lochmor Golf Course was first built in the early 1950s by the hotels that were in the area and originally it did not start out as a town owned and operated facility.
The course originally had about 12 holes when the Town of Fallsburg took over the project in 1958 and the Mitchell-designed course was completed with 18-holes by town employees.
The newly designed course was officially open for play in 1961.
Today the 18-hole 6,550 yard course is popular for open play and league play.
Par for the front nine s 35 and par for the back nine is 36 for a total par of 71.
A total automated water system for the greens, fairways and tees has helped the course receive a three and one-half star rating from Gold Digest magazine.
We found the cart paths to be in excellent condition and the white sand in the traps are a definite plus.
Glenn Sonnenschein is the head PGA Pro, Michael Decker is the Assistant Head Pro, Clark Bartholomew is the Golf Course Superintendent with William Henkelman Assistant Superintendent. Club house pro-shop manager is Frank McCoy.
Rates at Lochmor include the weekday lunch special of $35 which includes 18-holes of golf with a cart and lunch. After 1 the golf and cart rate is $27 and after 3 the rate is $23. Weekend rates 18 holes with cart is $42, after 1 its $30 and after 3 its $25. The golf and lunch special is very popular.
The golf pro shop at Lochmor offers a nice variety of golf equipment and accessories.
The golf course can be reached by calling 434-1257 or at their web site at http://www.lochmorgolf.com/
The course offers four set of tees for each hole which makes the course playable to all caliber of golfers. Black tees are recommended for men with a 0-8 handicap, green tees for men with up to a 20 handicap, gold tees for men with 21-25 handicap and ladies with a 0-10 handicap and yellow tees for men with handicap of 36 and above and ladies 11 and up.
We found this golf course in excellent shape and very well maintained. Greens are nicely groomed and tend to be a little fast.
This week we will take you through the first nine holes from the black tees. Yardage on the front nine runs 3,190 yards
Hole No. 1 is a 334-yard par 4 and pretty much straight. Take your tee shot left center. The green has 3 traps.
Hole No. 2 is a 362-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left. Stay center of the fairway. Traps are left and right of this green and keep your approach shot from going over this green.
Hole No. 3 is a 388-yard par 4 and fairway runs pretty much straight. Trees are on both sides of the fairway.
Hole No. 4 is a 209-yard par 3 with the beautiful Morningside Lake in the background. Proper club selection here can get you your par. Traps are left and right of this green.
Hole No. 5 is a 467-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. There is a trap on the left side and water on the right of this green. A nice golf hole with opportunities for a birdie after a good tee shot.
Hole No. 6 is a 495-yard par 5 with water off the tee and a dogleg right. Take your tee shot right center. Proper club selection on your second shot can get your ball up and on this elevated green for an eagle or birdie. Traps are left and right on this green.
Hole No. 7 is a 380-yard par 4. Fairway is pretty much straight and the second half of the fairway runs uphill. Traps are left and right on this green.
Hole No. 8 is a 390-yard par 4. Stay in the center of fairway on this hole. There is a pond about 200-yards on the left. Trap is on the left side of the green.
Hole No. 9 is a 165-yard par 3. Again club selection is the key to your birdie or par.
Next week we will outline the back nine.

Golfing Tip
By Robert Menges

Buried Bunker Lies.
To blast the ball out of the sand, your club needs to swing more up and down to create a steeper angle of attack.
To help illustrate, have someone stand (or picture a wall) several feet behind the ball. In the backswing, hinge your wrists early to get the club up more, avoiding the person (or wall).
Also make note of the length of the backswing. It should almost be a full swing. In order to create enough speed and energy to blast the ball out of the sand, avoid taking a short and /or low backswing.
From this position, you will be able to swing the club into the sand on the downswing. It's imperative that you strike down into the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball and finish with the club low to the ground.
Amateur golfers often try to scoop or help lift the ball out of the sand. This usually results in the club hitting the sand too far behind the ball and either missing it completely or taking too much sand and leaving the ball in the bunker. Or, the club misses the sand and strikes the top of the ball, resulting in a topped shot that can go anywhere.
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 email at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

Less than two weeks after word of the LPGA's decision to impose penalties for players unable to pass an English-speaking exam became known, the women's golf tour decided, "Never Mind." In a colossally poorly-planned scenario, the LPGA had decided it would hit players with suspensions if after two years they were unable to pass an English exam.
The idea of asking its members to speak English is in itself not a bad idea. Certainly it is important for players to be able to communicate. It is in their best interests. But to threaten suspension? It bordered on discrimination.
Although the rule was not specific, it was clearly meant for Asian players, especially those from South Korea, where more than 40 players are from.
It proper and good that now the LPGA will go back to the drawing board and will attempt to draft a policy in which education is the key, with the possibility of fines being imposed.
Too bad the tour didn't just do that the first time and save itself the embarrassment.

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 email 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 9-9-08

Ray Price

Thunder Country Bringing Ray Price to Monticello Raceway

Thunder Country All-Time Favorites show presents country music legend Ray Price on Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m. in the grandstand at Monticello Gaming & Raceway.
On August 27 last year over 10,000 fans came through the Bethel Woods gates for the Last Of The Breed Tour featuring Willie Nelson, Merge Haggard and Ray Price and in reviewing the fan reaction and applause the overall favorite was the 82-year-old Ray Price singing many of his top recordings such as San Antonio Rose, For The Good Times, Heartaches By The Number and Release Me.
There is no doubt that Price can still sing with a beautiful tone in his voice.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, he celebrated his 50th year in the music business in 1999.
His appearance and singing clearly show why Ray Price was named eight time the "Number One Country & Western Singer."
His timeless music, incredible voice, and innovative genius have yet to be equaled by any other singer in today's country-music world.
Born on January 12, 1926, Ray is also a songwriter and guitarist.
Price served in the Marines from 1944-1946 and began singing on KRBC in Abilene, Texas in 1948. He joined the "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas in 1949 and hit Nashville in the early 1950's, rooming for a shirt time with the late Hank Williams.
In 1953 Price formed his famous band, the Cherokee Cowboys.
During the 1960's Ray experimented increasingly with the Nashville sound, singing slow ballads and utilizing lush arrangements of strings and backing singers.
Thunder Country's own Rivers Edge Band will open the show for Ray Price.
Show is 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m. Gold seats are $39 and general admission is $29.
For tickets call 845-794-4100, Ext. 494 or visit the Monticello Gaming & Raceway Gift Shop.

Golfing Highlights Column 9-5-08

Attending the K-Netic Swing & Fitness Trainer seminar at the New Jersey Golf Show earlier this year were, from the left, seminar spokesmen Jamie Koehler and CEO Larry Collum of the Hybrid Wedge Company, Golfing Highlight Columnist Ed Townsend, Port Jervis Golfer Josh Jennings and Monticello golfer John Hoffmann.

K-Netic Swing & Fitness Trainer

Local Golfers Learn About Trainer & Wedge

There is never a time in the game of golf when you stop studying, learning and improving your game.
Such was the case earlier this year when several Sullivan County golfers traveled to the popular New Jersey Golf Show at the Garden State Exhibit Center at Somerset, NJ
The show is put on by the North Coast Golf Shows out of Twinsburg, Ohio.
Locals attending the show included Liberty golfer Don Winters, Monticello golfer John Hoffmann, Port Jervis golfer Josh Jennings and this columnist.
In addition to learning about the K-Netic swing and fitness trainer we had the opportunity to watch the Trick Shot Master Peter Johncke, Professional Long Drive champion Brian Pavlet and Canada's Golf Doctor Terry Miskolczi.
We met and enjoyed our conversation with Larry Collum and Jamie Koehler of the Hybrid Wedge company out of Hazleton, Pa.
Larry, who is CEO of the company pointed out that one of the primary reasons people lose interest in the game of golf is frustration and that included frustration with their swing, ball flight and their score.
"This does not make for an enjoyable game," Collum noted, but, "the K-Netic Swing Trainer can help," he pointed out.
The advantage of using the K-Netic swing trainer is that it strengthens the swing muscle group, it increases the swing speed, it promotes the proper grip, it ingrains proper release thru the impact zone, it develops a better swing plane, it eliminates "casting" from the top and overall it is described by Collum as "the best warm-up tool anywhere and will last forever."
Collum strongly pointed out that this swing trainer is not for hitting golf balls and is to be used for swing training only.
The odd shaped trainer has a bend in the shaft and Kellam and Koehler said that the reason for the bend is that all golf instructors agree that a good release of the hands through the impact zone is a fundamental part of a good swing and the bend in the shaft adds weight forward of the center line of the shaft and that this plus the weight of the club head causes a subtle reminder to release the trailing hand over the other.
Importance of the weight is that it builds strength and flexibility of all swing muscles and helps golfers feel the proper plane of the swing.
In addition to the K-Netic Swing and Fitness trainer Larry showed us his new and improved 2008 model of the Hybrid Wedge which he said adds control and accuracy and is easier to use than a lofted wedge.
The wedge manufacturer said the club is easier to hit using just a putting stroke and makes chip shots from 10-80 yards a lot easier to control. A demonstration of the club showed that it was easier to get the ball up and easily get the ball over the fringe. Cullum showed us how the club gives a predictable good roll with control and accuracy.
It was easy to see how the club is easier to use than a lofted wedge, is shank proof and tends to lead to lower scores and is a good game-improving club.
We truly enjoyed our visit with Larry and urge golfers to contact him for additional information at 1-800-773-7865 or at their web page, http://www.hybridwedge.com/ or by email at larry@hybridwedge.com

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Scoring is all about getting the ball in the hole with the least amount of strokes, and the short game is to work on distance control.
In this drill, I set up four targets....whether it's buckets or whatever visual object you can find....with distances ranging from 10 to 40 yards.
After the targets are in place you then hit one ball at each target in sequence. By hitting at different targets in sequence, you once again will prevent yourself from locking in to one distance.
In the long run, this will help you develop better feel for your distance control.
As far as club selection, I suggest you start with your 5 degree wedge for this drill....and then experiment with your other wedges. the key here is to develop your touch for the different distances.
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 email at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

In the race each year for league champions many factors come into place including total points won, putts, pars, birdies and eagles.
At the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club the 18-team Monday Men's league enjoys seeing the weekly, monthly and year-end totals for all the golfers in the league which are established and maintained by league president Chuck Husson.
Some of the interesting figures released by Chuck at the annual end-of-season league dinner finds that the low handicap golfer was Troy Kirchner with a 2.15. Total pars and birdies were shot by Jim Bowers with 84 pars and 22 birdies. League champions Terry Knickerbocker and Frank McGreevy did well with the stats as Knickerbocker had 75 pars and 19 birdies and McGreevy hit 46 pars, 4 birdies and won the individual high points total of 108.50.
Knickerbocker and McGreevy won the league team championship with a total of 237.50 points with Knickerbocker winning 99.50 individual points.
You just got to love the comments recently by Tiger Woods on missing the last two majors of the year. Tiger's comments were, "the thing I miss the most about not competing, is the challenge. I've gone through the experience before, so I know what I was in for. I know I'm in no condition to beat anybody right now....so I don't have a problem with not being able to compete."

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of bowling 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 email 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 9-2-08

Members of the first violin section of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra warm up prior to the start of their August 22 concert.

BostonPops Brings Lighter Kind Of Music

A concert with a lighter kind of music was brought to Bethel Woods on Friday, August 22 with the third appearance in three years of the world famous Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.
Also for the third year in a row the Liberty High School Jazz Ensemble and the Goshen Youth Jazz Band entertained concert goers prior to the main concert.
We love to watch the energetic style of conductor Keith Lockhart as he brings an outstanding style to the podium and interacts so well with the audience.
Adding to the great performance of this Esplanade Orchestra this year was an ensemble cast featuring America's most talented rising stars who sand selections from Mike Bernstein's Broadway musicals "On The Town", "Wonderful Town", and "West Side Story."
The history of the Boston Pops was for many years linked with the name of Arthur Fiedler, who in 1930 became the eighteenth conductor and the first who was American-born. The "Pops" concerts are performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra, which is composed of members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, except for twelve of the principal players, who tour during the Pops season as the Boston Symphony Chamber Players), and by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, made up of other Boston-based musicians,
Keith Lockhart became the twentieth conductor of the Boston Pops in February 1995 and is in his fourteenth season this year.
In this their third-year at Bethel Woods Lockhart made note of the Woodstock Festival and its site as "being sacred grounds."
In paying special attention to the violin and violas section one can easily become mesmerized by seeing all the bows moving like the automated second hand on a clock....all moving in the same direction and same speed ........and this quickly puts them in the category of very professional and talented musicians.
What a night at the "Pops" to hear great songs like For Lenny, Three Dance Variations from Fancy Free, Suite from On The Waterfront and excerpts from One The Town, Wonderful Town, West Side Story and Candice.
The encore of Stars And Stripes Forever was truly a fitting conclusion to a beautiful night under the stars at Bethel Woods........and yes once again the fireworks display was more than outstanding.