Golfing Highlights Column 7-29-11

Professionalism At Swan Lake

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

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

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

The Putting Doctor
Putting Tip Of The Week
By Joe Bermel Jr.

"Keys to good consistent putting"
1. Organization of your mind
2. Use the successful Putting Doctor System, GAP (Grip, Alignment, Ball Position, PPR (Pre Putt Routine) 100% of the time.
3. Always stay focused.
4. Use Correct Strategy for every putt.
A. Realistic 1 Putt attempt, or
B. Putt closest to the hole for 2 putt result.
5. Visualize shape of the putt when reading and at address.
6. Feel the speed with your eyes, mind and hands.
7. Look 5X (five times) at the distance between the ball and the hole before putting.
8. Always remain confident in your ability.
9. Finish every putting stroke.
10. Practice putting sessions-30 minute sessions 5-6 times every week.
11. Remain patient always..your 1 putt opportunities will happen.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you feel would make good reading or have league scores and tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ We are also on Facebook.

Golf Tournament Schedule

Tournament-Golf Events

July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--The Tursi Tournament, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop-
Aug. 7 Tursi rain dateAug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 19--Bob Rosen Pro-Am Classic, Villa Roma CC, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, two-man best ball format. Call United Way 794-1771
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Aug. 27-28--Club Championship, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 17--Annual Steak Bake, 1 p.m. Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Cracolici's Hosting Car Show, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--The Hammer Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club, by invitation only.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.

Here & There Column 7-26-11

Don't Mess With Social Security

It may be time for "the folks" to get on the phone or email their senators and congressional representatives in Washington and tell "don't mess around with Social Security."
It is becoming very clear that lawmakers are thinking (now that's even dangerous) that changes might be made in how Social Security should be adjusted in times of inflation.
It is unclear at this point in time if changes will be made but some experts think some cuts could go through as President Obama has warned that unless an agreement on the current debate to extend the United States' borrowing limits is reached, Social Security benefits cannot be guaranteed starting in early August of this year.
The more knowledgeable thinking is that when inflation rises, retirees' social security checks usually keep pace with small increases.
Some lawmakers are now thinking that those raises may be a whole lot smaller in the future.
Congressional folks along with White House officials want to possibly change the way inflation is calculated.
The proposal as it now stands advocates measuring inflation with the chained consumer price index, a metric that would likely make inflation look slower than the current measurement does.
It would all result in smaller Social Security increases for seniors, something seniors cannot afford.
The proposed switch and change could definitely result in severe belt-tightening for some retirees.
Critics are saying that Washington had plenty of money to spend on the TARP bailouts and cash-for-clunkers and now nothing left for retirees who paid into the system their entire lives.
Stop even thinking about playing with Social Security payments, we put the money in and it is ours....lawmaker keep you fingers out of our till.

Golfing HIghlights Column 7-22-11

White Lake golfer John Bogaert, center, joins Swan Lake Golf & Country Club General Manager Todd Gallo, left, and Golf Professsional Robert Menges.

Swan Lake's Junior Golf Camp

The Swan Lake Golf & Country Club is the host each golf season of the Junior Golf Camp which took place this week from Monday July 18 to and including Friday, July 22.
The camp included instruction on the full swing, putting, chipping, sand bunkers and pitching.
Rules and golf etiquette were reviewed on a daily basis.
Several years have elapsed since we toured this course but once again we find that the greens still tend to play fast and play on this course can be an enjoyable challenge. Due to the heavy rains there were some wet conditions when we played.
This course offers a spectacular setting as it is nestled on top of the Catskill Mountains overlooking rolling hills with a beautiful view.
Golf Professional Bob Menges pointed out that Swan Lake Golf & Country Club has excellent up to date golf carts on the course.
The golf course was built in the late 1960's by the Dinnerstein family, owner and operators of the former Stevensville Resort Hotel.
Architect for the course was William Mitchell.
The present owners is the Gallo family and the general manager is Todd Gallo. The family has owned this facility for some 20 plus years.
This course is located on Mt. Hope Road near the hamlet of Swan Lake. Golf course superintendent is David Irwin.
Open from April through November, this course is the home for the Tuesday and Wednesday Men's league and the Thursday Ladies league.
The course rating/slope from the blue tees is 73.5/132.
This course in 1978 hosted the Pan Am Open Tournament and in the year 2000 hosted the week-long USGTF Qualifying Tournament.
Private lessons are given at the course by Professional Bob Menges. The course plays host to many local golf tournaments. Tee times and other golf course information may be obtained by calling 845-292-0323. Their web site is http://www.golfswanlake.com/
The front nine of this golf course from the blue tees plays 3,385 yards with a par 36.
Hole No. 1 is a 412-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. Drive your tee shot to the center or right center of the fairway for a good second shot to the green. Stay away from the trees and left side of the fairway off the tee. A downhill approach to the green. A bunker is on the left side of the green.
Hole No. 2 is a 398-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. Play the center or right center of the fairway for your second shot to the green. Green can easily be reached in two and the second half of the fairway runs downhill. A trap is on the right side of the fairway and can shag any errant tee shots. A steep hill greets errant shots going over this green.
Hole No,. 3 is a 477-yard par 5 with danger lurking on the left....lots of water on the left side of the fairway. Keep your tee shot center or right center in the fairway. A hilly bank runs off the right side of the fairway. This is a long hole which takes most golfers three shots to reach the green. A trap is on the left front portion of the green..
Hole No. 4 is a 403-yard par 4 with a fairway that slopes downhill to the right. Keep your tee shot left center of the fairway. Traps are on the right and left front section of this green.
Hole No. 5 is a 385-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg as you approach the green. Play to the center or right center of the fairway.....don't go left, there is a trap on the right front portion of this green. H Hole No. 6 is a 209-yard par 3 and is reachable from the tee with the club of your choice. Stay right off the tee.....there is also a hill to the right and the green slants to the left and downhill. A challenging par 3. There is a trap on the left side of the green.
Hole No. 7 is a 512-yard par 5. Off the tee stay left as there is a slight dogleg to the left. The fairway slopes downhill to the right. Traps are on the right side of the fairway and to the left side of the green.
Hole No. 8 is a 409-yard par 4. Stay left off the tee as there are traps on the right side of the fairway. Traps are also on the left front and right side of the green.
Hole No. 9 is a 180-yard par 3, slightly uphill with a large pond on the left. Traps are to the left and right front of the green and the right rear of the green. A nice finishing hole on the front nine and a reachable par 3 with the club of your choice.
The pond has a fountain and along the pond are numerous Bon Sai style trees.
Next week we will outline the back nine at Swan Lake Golf & Country Club.

The Golf Tip
By Bob Menges

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

TPD Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

A special key to good consistent putting is finishing the putting stroke.
Most golfers do not finish and then they wonder why they are short of the hole.
You start the stroke....you must finish and hold the finish.
Finishing means the putter head is minimum 2 feet past the ball and this helps the momentum and the ball will roll end over end and will reach the hole.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf-shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site, http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

Par 3 Fun Tourney
Aug. 7 At TVGC

A par 3 fun 18-hole golf tournament will be played August 7 at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC).
The regular 9-hole course will be turned into an 18-hole par 3 course.
Any twosome combination can compete in a captain and mate format.
Cost is $18 plus a cart.
Information call the TVGC at 607-498-5829

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you feel would make good reading or have league scores and tournament information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ We are also available on Facebook.

Tournament Schedule

Tournament-Golf Events

July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Black Bear Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign up in Pro Shop
July 23--Annual President Cup Turnament begins, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club.
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--The Tursi Tournament, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop-
Aug. 7 Tursi rain dateAug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Aug. 27-28--Club Championship, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 17--Annual Steak Bake, 1 p.m. Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Cracolici's Hosting Car Show, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--The Hammer Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club, by invitation only.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.

Here & There Column 7-19-11

The late "Bucky" Buck with his famous 48-inch Yonex Titanium Plus Driver and his knickers-style pants and long socks.

Remembering The Great "Bucky" Buck

Ellsworth C. "Bucky" Buck will long be remembered as an avid golfer, poet, musician, owner of Bucky's Diner on Liberty's South Main Street and a man who loved and had high praises for God and his Christian faith.
Bucky as he was called by almost everyone passed on to his heavenly home on June 29 at the age of 93.
He was the guest of honor several years at the annual dinner of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club and the "main event" as they say at ringside went to honoring "Bucky" Buck.
At that time Bucky was 89 and had gone through a number of medical problems which kept him away from his favorite game of golf..
Although "Bucky" had gone through a quadruple heart by-pass, leg/ knee problems and other medical situations he still loved talking about golf and his famous 48-inch Yonex Titanium Plus driver and his 24-karet golf putter.
He was for many years a regular on the golf course at Roscoe where he subbed in the Monday Men's league and played a weekly match with Bob Williams on Saturday and gained fame throughout Sullivan County when he teamed up with former Sullivan County Supreme Court Judge Robert "Bob" Williams, Marv Newberg and the late Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Emeritus Fred Stabbert Jr. in the annual Bob Williams Invitational Tournament, which was held for many years at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty.
Always known as a "gentleman golfer" "Bucky" gained recognition of the golf course as the best dressed golfer as he sported the Payne Stewart look with knickers-style pants and long socks.
Born in Roscoe, he was well known in the diner business as one of the best short-order cooks around. He owned and operated "Bucky"s Diner" on South Main Street in Liberty from 1944-1950 and worked at the famed Triangle Diner in Liberty and retired as the short-order cook in 1983.
Bucky was an accomplished musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone and was a well-known author and writer of poems, many of which have been published in the Sullivan County Democrat.
He will always be remembered as a pure gentleman who proclaimed his strong belief in God and his Christian faith.

Golfing Highlights 7-15-11

Well known Liberty Photographer Otto Hillig, left, and his pilot Holgar Hoiriis.

This model of Hillig's historic "Spirit of Liberty" airplane now sits on the lawn of the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. Vincent Cracolici who did most of the painting of this model stands next to the model. Club members help build this model aircraft.

This is the actual tablet with the "official starting point" of Otto Hillig's historic flight.

The tablet shown on this large bolder at the first tee and the ninth fairway at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club states that this location "marks the official starting point," of Otto Hillig's historic flight in June of 1931 to Copenhagen, Denmark.

Liberty Golf Course Holds Place In History

The nine-hole Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club is the site of the start of an historic airplane flight on June 24, 1931 which took well-known Liberty photographer Otto Hillig and his able pilot, Holger Hoiriis from what now houses the 9th fairway of this golf course to an airport in Copenhagen, Denmark.
This past June 24th was the 80th anniversary of this flight.
At the time Hillig was a middle-aged German photographer and Hoiriis was a youthful Danish farmer-turned-aviator
In Hillig's words, we were just a couple of immigrants going home.
A tablet or metal plaque is located on a large bolder at the first tee of the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club and reads, "This tablet is dedicated by the citizens of the Town of Liberty, New York to one of it's honored townsmen, Otto Hillig and his able pilot Holger Hoiriis to commemorate their successful airplane flight June 26-27, 1931 to Copenhagen, Denmark in the airplane "Liberty." This tablet marks the official starting point of this memorable flight--Erected July 21, 1931.
History has it recorded that the flight of some 32 hours across the Atlantic was not as easy as Hillig and Hoiriss had planned. They first landed in St. John, N.B. where they settled down to await a break in the weather.
I remember as a youth talking with Otto Hillig about this flight at his famous Hillig's Castle where my father installed the electricity in the Castle. Hillig noted that the airplane which was used in this flight was built by money he received from a lawsuit after Hillig lost his rights to a seat he had purchased on the Graf Zepplin.
The Hillig airplane was a Bellanca J-300 monoplane powered by a 300 hp Wright engine. This airplane had the name Liberty painted across the fuselage.
History records the facts that the two had planned to fly directly to Copenhagen but heavy fog and rain took them off their course and after almost 20 hours of flying they spotted land and it was Spain and not England.
Correcting their flight and getting the right bearings Hoiriis landed the plane after 32 hours in Krefeld, Germany.
Hillig phoned Copenhagen and was told that large crowds were at the airport waiting for his arrival. The flight was taking it's toll on the pilot and they could only make it to Bremen as Hoiriis needed some sleep. After getting some rest they flew on to Copenhagen where over 50,000 people greeted them.
Parades took place in Copenhagen and both Hillig and Hoiriis received medals and Hoiriis was Knighted.
The building housing Hillig's Photography store still stands on Liberty's Main Street with the name still on the building.
Otto Hillig was a wizard of a photographer in his time and his famous Hillig's Castle will always remain a part of Liberty history.
The Sullivan County Golf & Country Club has built a model of the Spirit of Liberty and it sits in honor of this historical event on the lawn outside the clubhouse.

Golf & Putting
Tips Will Return
In Next Column

Due to the length of this lead story and the accompanying photos the Golf Tip and Putting Tip will return in next week's column.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177 and by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a more expanded version of this column please visit out Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook.

2011 Memorial Tourney Champions

Donald Winters, top photo and Dean Winters, bottom photo, are the 2011 Men's Regular Division Champions of the 2011 Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Scholarship Tournament

Champions of the 2011 Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Scholarship Tournament are, from the left, Terry and Jean Knickerbocker as mixed couples regular division and Anna May Husson and Becky Ackerly, women's regular division.

2011 Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Scholarship champions are, from the left, Tom and Barbara Trask in the Mixed Seniors Division and Mary Day in the Seniors Ladies division. Mary's partner Sally Shea was not available for this photo.

Special awards at the TVGC Memorial Tournament went to, from the left, Bobby Simpson closest to the pin, Walter Herzog longest drive for men and Anna May Husson longest drive for women.

Memorial Golf Tournament

Sixty-one golfers competed Sunday, July 10, in the annual Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC) Memorial Scholarship Tournament.
The tournament is past years has assisted flood victims, sick children, the Roscoe Ambulance Corps and the Roscoe Fire Department.
Tournament golfers were reminded in prayer by Ed Townsend to keep the family of Ellsworth C. "Bucky" Buck in their prayers. Bucky passed away at the age of 93 on June 29 and was an avid golfer and a long time member of the TVGC where he was always known as one of the best dressed golfers. Bucky often read poems and sang and played the saxophone at TVGC functions. He was honored several years ago at the Club's annual dinner.
The slightly less then $1,000 raised this year goes directly into the Twin Village Golf Club Youth Golfer Scholarship fund.
Tournament Director Chuck Husson thanked sponsors who donated prizes, Spiro's Countryside Restaurant, The Rockland House, Buffalo Zack's, The Roscoe Diner, Cracolici's On The Green, Tennanah Lake Grill, Grossingers's Country Club, French Woods Golf & Country Club, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club, Terry Brae Golf Course, Lochmor Golf Course, Sullivan County Golf & Country Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club and the Twin Village Golf Club.
The tournament featured 8:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. shotgun starts and used the Captain and mate format.
A one-hour bar and the awards banquet dinner was enjoyed by all at the Roscoe Rockland House.
Champions of this years tournament included in the Regular Division, Don Winters and Dean Winters in the Men's division, Becky Ackerly and Anna May Husson Women's division and Jean Knickerbocker and Terry Knickerbocker in the Mixed Couples division. Champions in the Seniors Division included , Mary Day and Sally Shea in the Ladies division and Tom and Barbara Trask in the Mixed Seniors Couples division. Special awards for closest to the pin went to Bobby Simpson for the men, longest drive to Walter Herzog for men and Anna May Husson for women.
A photo gallery of banquet and tournament champions is available at http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark and enter the privacy code photome

Here & There Column 7-12-11

Don Quixote (Kevin Loreque and Sancho Panza (Jim Bray) tilt at windmills.

Man of La Mancha Outstanding

The Forestburgh Playhouse production of Man of La Mancha was brilliant and it's easy to understand why the original 1965 Broadway production won five Tony Awards including Best Musical.
The talent at the Forestburgh Playhouse can never be topped by anyone and this production under Edward Juvier's directorship brought top quality live theatre to Sullivan County as they do with all of their shows.
Outstanding vocals by Kevin Loreque as Miguel de Cervanes/Don Quixote, Jim Bray as Manservant/Sancho, Pilar Millhollen as Aldonza/lady Dulcinea, Dann Dunn as The Duke/Dr. Carrasco......and the entire cast.
Local well known musical talent with a beautiful voice, Lori James, played the part of The Housekeeper.
Professional guitar music titled "The Guitarist" was provided by Coyote Anderson and was a pleasure to listen to.
One does not have to be a musical purist to get caught up with songs like Man of La Mancha, It's All The Same, Dulcinea, I'm Only Thinking of Him, I Really Like Him, What Do You Want of Me, Little Bird, Little Bird, The Barber's Song and the principal song in this play, "The Impossible Dream."
In singing The Impossible Dream Quixote explains his quest and the reasons behind it and in doing so he captures the essence of the play and it philosophical underpinnings.
For me.....it is absolutely magical and the lyrics, "to dream...the impossible dream, to right...the unrightable wrong, to reach the unreachable star, this is my quest.....to reach the unreachable star," will remain with me forever.
The Forestburgh Playhouse fits perfectly into "The Impossible Dream" by not only dreaming but reaching the impossible dream and reaching and producing the unreachable stars for all to hear and see with their summer productions.
Their next show, Jekyll & Hyde, starts tonight (July 12) and plays through July 24.Tickets and information are available by calling 794-1194.

Golfing Highlights Column 7-8-11

Sal Cracolici, far right, greets golfers playing the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club, from the left, Paducah Ky. golfer George Korth, Port Jervis golfer Josh Jennings, Narrowsburg golfer Ed Guthrie and Golfing Highlights columnist Ed Townsend

New Pro Shop Manager At SCGCC

Cracolici's On The Green is the new Pro-Shop and Operations Manager at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club on Route 52 in Liberty.
Sal Cracolici opened his restaurant in early May of this year and also took on the management of the Pro Shop.
Sal noted in an interview last week that he has 20 years in restaurant management.
Kyle Rank, a certified instructor is available for lessons and can be reached at 629-5313.
The Sullivan County Golf & Country Club is owned by members who are stockholders and a board of directors.
Clay Huebsch is the head groundskeeper for the club.
Cracolici said that his goal for this season "is to let the general public know that Sullivan County Golf & Country Club welcomes all players from beginners to experienced players and that everyone can have fun here."
He pointed out that the course offers a beautiful view and is a challenging course with affordable green fees.
Renovations have been made to the restaurant facilities and the exterior of the building has been painted.
Cracolici's On The Green offers daily specials all day long and dinner and lunch packages.
The course also offers company outings for employees including golf, lunch and dinner as well as tournaments for fund raisers.
Clubs are available for rent and the pro shop is equipped with all the items needed for your next round of golf.
Membership on this course, that was opened in 1925, offers seasonal membership for $450.00 and a new Weekday membership (Monday-Friday) for $250.00.
The course plays host to four leagues, Monday Men's, Ladies league on Tuesday Men's league on Wednesday and a couples league on Thursday.
New at the course this year at the 7th tee is a sign reminding golfers that they can place an order with their cell phone to Cracolici by calling 747-4337 and the order will be ready when them make the turn or come in to the dining room or lounge.
Sullivan County Golf & Country Club has 30 carts for rental.
Green fees for 18-holes is $15 for walkers Monday through Friday and $20 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays....after 2 p.m,. on these days the rate is $15.
Cart rates for 9 holes is $10 and $15 for 18 holes. A special weekend rate for 18 holes and cart after 2 p.m. is $25.
A Sullivan County Golf & Country Club Champions board located in the cocktail lounge contains names of club champions from 1935 to 1988 with 13 club championships won by the late John "Jack" Coughlin, a true gentleman and outstanding golfer.
This nine hole golf course offers a whole set of different tees for holes 10-18 and plays to a total yardage of 3,006 yards for nine holes from the men's tees. Par is 36.for men and 39 for women.
Hole No. 1 is a 315-yard par 4. Straight down the middle over the directional flag will put your second shot into the green and the opportunity for a par. Don't hit it short on the second shot as a small stream runs in front of this green.
Hole No. 2 is a 295-yard par 4 and the its uphill off the tee. Take your drive to the left center portion of the fairway and play to the upper half of green on your second shot as the green slopes left to right.
Hole No. 3 is a 400-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping down hill right to left. Better to play right center for a good second shot to the green.
Hole No. 4 is a 152-yard par 3 with an elevated tee taking your tee shot down hill left to right. Club selection is key to a par on this hole.
Hole No. 5 is a 280-yard par 4 with water to the left. Take your drive right center for a good approach shot to the green which has bunkers left and right.
Hole No. 6 is a 275-yard par 4. Depending on where the tee box is you will have to play left or right of the tall tree at the start of the fairway. A small stream runs just below the start of the fairway. A good tee shot here can produce a birdie score.
Hole No. 7 is a 422-yard par 4 with an open fairway so let it all out on this tee. A good tee shot and second shot to the green also makes this a possible birdie score.
H Hole No. 8 is a 545-yard par 5 making is the longest on on this course. Open fairway to the left and c enter and woods on the right. Tee shot should go center of the fairway and club selection is key on the second shot to the green or your approach shot.
Hole No. 9 is a 395-yard par 4 with Route 52 and trees on the right. a left center tee shot makes for a better approach shot to the green with traps on the right and rear section of the green.
Periscopes are installed on the 1st and 7th tees to give golfers a view further down the fairways and this avoids golfers hitting into each other.
Tee times and information is available by calling 292-9584.
For a Photo Gallery of pictures taken at this golf course go to http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com.clark/ and insert the privacy code word photome.

Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Many things can lead to inconsistent putting results, but distance and direction are the a reason we should always have at the top of our "How can I be more consistent?" list. Distance is the biggest cause of inconsistency, because it equates to the "feel" of the putt and also ends up controlling the direction after impact. as we've all learned, more speed equals less break, and less speed leads to more break.
On the other side of the coin, direction is the control we have in getting the golf ball started in the right direction before gravity and undulation take over the roll and path of the ball. Mixed in with all this is the factor that these two distinctions have to work together, if we are to enjoy any success in putting.
Another way of looking at this is to think of our hands as the rudder and the engine/propeller of a boat.
The rudder of the board contorts the direction, while the engine/propeller generates the speed and distance.
When putting, our lead hand is the rudder.....it's along for the ride, but is also makes sure you are staying square to the target. The trail hand, which is usually our dominant hand, is the engine/propeller and determines how far the ball goes.
So, each "part" has its own function....and a very important function....but one working without the other is either a board going in circles (no rudder) or simply going nowhere (no engine).
An important key to developing more reliability with our distance and direction is to minimize hand and wrist movement, which, in turn, will maximize feel and control. 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

TPD Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

Consistent Speed is a major asset to every terrific putter and can never be overrated.
You feel the speed with your EYES, MIND and HANDS. "The Triangle" Your eyes see the distance between the ball and the hole, a signal is sent to your mind, then your mind sends a signal to the muscles in your right hand fingers as the pressure and amount of acceleration on the forward stroke for the distance you want the ball to travel.
This definitely connects to the amount of back and thru distance.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD "How To Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site http://www.theputtingdoctor.com/ or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers association. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to edwardctownsend@hotmail.com For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site http://www.bght.blogspot.com/ We are also available on Facebook.

Tournament-Golf Events

July 9--Cornell Co-Op, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Sean Welsh 292-2420
July 9-10--Senior Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign-up in Pro Shop
July 10--TVGC Memorial Tournament & Dinner, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact Chuck Husson 607-498-5557
July 15--Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July16--Single Golfers of Long Island, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Catskill Cup, Villa Roma Country Club, for information call 887-5097
July 17--Falls Lions-Alan Steingart Memorial, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
July 17--Liberty Booster Club, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Deb Simpson 807-1996
July 22--Scotch Twosome Tournament, Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club, Contact 607-498-5829
July 23--Black Bear Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club. sign up in Pro Shop
July 23--Annual President Cup Turnament begins, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club.
July 23--Liberty Elks, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Harry Fox 482-5331
July 24--Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing. Villa Roma Country Club. Information call 887-4734 or 887-4174
July 24--Roscoe Kiwanis Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
July 29-- Middletown St. Josephs Church, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
July 30--Monticello FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257July 30--Dave Curreri Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Joe Curreri 252-7358
Aug. 2--Catskill Regional Medical Center Tournament, Tennanah Lake GC, Contact 607-498-5502
Aug. 5-6-7--Sullivan County Democrat two-man-better ball Golf Tournament. Villa Roma Country Club. Information contact the Sullivan County Democrat 887-5200.
Aug. 6--The Tursi Tournament, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop-
Aug. 7 Tursi rain date
Aug. 6--Rock Hill Ambulance Corp, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257Aug. 7--N.A.M.I., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 11--Sullivan County Realtors, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug. 12--Wurtsboro St. Josephs/ Knights of Columbus, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-1257Aug. 13--Monticello Rotary, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 14--St. Georges Church, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bill Moloney 482-5625
Aug. 19--United Way Pro-Am, Villa Roma Country Club, information call 887-5097
Aug. 20--Ramsey Vol. FD, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 21--N.A.M.I. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Beatini 754-8752
Aug. 25--Sullivan Correctional, Lochmor GC, Call 434-1257
Aug. 26--Mahwah Elks, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Aug.27--Liberty P.B.A., Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Devon Brust 807-3786
Aug. 27-28--Club Championship, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club
Sept. 10--Trevor Simpson Memorial, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Bob Simpson 439-5034
Sept. 10--Otisville Hunting Club, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 10--Twin Village Gof Club Annual Dinner, Contact Chcuck Husson 607-498-5557
Sept. 17--Annual Steak Bake, 1 p.m. Sull. Co Golf & Country Club, sign up in Pro Shop
Sept. 18--Bethel Lions, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Contact Al Frangipane 583-6540
Sept. 18--Cracolici's Hosting Car Show, Sull. Co Golf & Country Club
Sept. 18--Rock Hill FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--Bloomingburg FD, Tarry Brae GC, Call 434-2620
Sept. 24--The Hammer Tournament, Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club, by invitation only.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.

Here & There Column 7-5-11

Ms. Sharon Gibson McGinnis

Take Time To Appreciate Others

Livingston Manor Central School (LMCS) 1987 graduate Ms. Sharon Gibson McGinnis in her guest speaker remarks at the June 25 LMCS Commencement Program emphasized the important fact that the most successful people she knows take the "time to show they care about and appreciate others."
In bringing forth the importance of this statement she told the story of a management-training program at a company she once worked for where there were 10 pretty smart, eager, fresh-out-of-college employees that were invited to participate in this program.
Sharon pointed out that these trainees were identified as the best and brightest the company had to offer and would likely be future leaders as they went through months of intense training to prepare for leadership roles.
Toward the end of the program, a huge management opportunity came up......this was the chance the group were all waiting for.
Ms. McGinnis noted that the president of the company was going to be the one who would decide which trainee would be selected for the assignment.
Rather than looking at the past test scores of the group or reviewing their resumes, the company president came into the training room, asked each of the trainees to take out a piece or paper and asked them one question, "what is the name of the woman who cleans the offices each night?"
Apparently at first they all thought he was joking but when they realized he wasn't joking they panicked.
Sharon said "all but one sat there, frozen, while one woman put pen to paper, wrote down the name, "Marion" and handed her answer to the President who smiled."
One of the other trainees expressed to the president that she was very upset and told the president the test was unfair, that it had nothing to do with the training they were going through to become future leaders.
The president, according to Ms. McGinnis, told the group, " you will meet many people in your careers," and "all of them are significant," and "they deserve your attention, even if all you do is look them in the eye, smile and say hello."
Later that day the long trainee who answered the question and who know that Marion was the name of the person who cleaned the offices each night, was offered the job and that person was Sharon Gibson McGinnis.
The importance of taking the time to show they care and appreciate others has certainly proven to be successful for Sharon who graduated salutatorian from her 1987 LMCS class, graduated cum laude with a BS in Business Administration from SUNY New Paltz and now works as the Director of Human Resources for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation in Poughkeepsie.
Lesson learned here is that everyone should take the time to show they care and appreciate others.........it will truly make a better world for all.