Friday, September 30, 2011

Bowling Highlights Column

PBA Snubs Tri-State Bowlers

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has once again snubbed Tri-State area bowlers who over the years have enjoyed and supported PBA stops in the Albany area, Buffalo, Long Island and Norwich, Conn.
The only PBA stop on the East Coast of this United States for the 2011-12 PBA Tour is the U.S. Open February 20-26 at the Brunswick Zone Cavelier at North Brunswick, New Jersey.
The PBA has even done away with the popular Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship formerly held on Long Island and last year at Cheektowago near Buffalo. This event is now part of their World Series of Bowling.
The PBA World Series of Bowling returns for a third consecutive season, starting a new
season of PBA competition that will culminate with the PBA Tournament ofChampions in Las Vegas in April.
The new season will get underway with the multi-event PBA World Series ofBowling Nov. 4-20 at South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas and it willend April 8-15 when the PBA Tournament of Champions returns to Red RockLanes. In addition to PBA Regional, Senior, Women’s Series and NationalTour title winners who are eligible for the Tournament of Champions, PBATour event winners during the 2011-12 season will receive exemptions toadvance directly into the 36-player finals field for the 2012 event.
The 2011-12 season will also produce the most extensive online coverageof PBA Tour competition in history, with more than 250 hours of livecoverage on pba.com’s Xtra Frame planned, including four new “Xtra FrameTour” events. Additional details regarding television coverage, tournamentformats and more will be announced soon.
The 2011-12 PBA TOUR SCHEDULE is as follows:
Nov. 4-20 – Third annual PBA World Series of Bowling (Mark Roth PlasticBall Championship, World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA, ViperOpen, Scorpion Open, Chameleon Open, Carmen Salvino Classic, Earl AnthonyTouring Players Championship, Earl Anthony Touring Players Baker DoublesChampionship and PBA World Championship), South Point Bowling Center, LasVegas (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Jan. 20-22 – PBA Xtra Frame Cheetah Open, Fountain Bowl, Fountain Valley,Calif. (Xtra Frame).
Jan. 23-29 – United States Bowling Congress Masters, Sunset Station, LasVegas (Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Feb. 3-5 – PBA Xtra Frame Shark Open, Thunderbowl Lanes, Allen Park,Mich.. (Xtra Frame)
Feb. 17-19 – PBA Xtra Frame Don Johnson Memorial Open, Sequoia Lanes,Columbus, Ohio (Xtra Frame).
Feb. 20-26 – U.S. Open, Brunswick Zone Carolier, North Brunswick, N.J.(Xtra Frame and ESPN).
March 30-April 1 – Xtra Frame Dick Weber PBA Playoffs, Woodland Bowl,Indianapolis (Xtra Frame).
April 8-15 – PBA Tournament of Champions, Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, Nev.(Xtra Frame and ESPN).
Xtra Frame is a paid online Internet service and is available to bowling fans for a monthly fee at the PBA web stie.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Welcome back bowlers.
This week's tip was suggested by a league bowler and applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls.
You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in the cover stocks.
As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates.
Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold.....this may indeed cause the ball to crack.
So the tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment--and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events with the Storm and Roto Brip Bowling Ball Company. If you have any questions or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com

Radio Bowling
News 24 Hrs.
Each Day

Bowlers wanting to hear bowling news 24 hours each and every day can tune in the internet at http://www.phantomradioshow.com/

Outstanding 825
Series & 300
By Kyle Stevens

What a way to start off the 2011-12 league bowling season...... a great 300 game and an outstanding 825 series by Liberty Lanes bowler Kyle Stevens.
Kyle rolled the 300, 246, 279, 825 in the Wednesday Men's league week number 2 at Liberty Lanes.
Congratulations Kyle.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, via email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-205-4474. For an expanded version of bowling news and this bowling column please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook.
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LOCAL SCORES

BEECHWOOD LANES

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies League included, Diane Conroy with a 158 game, Lori Kimmes 156, Jackie Gieger 168, 190, Julie Yewchuck 173, 152 and Jodi Gulley 163.

CALLICOON KRISTAL BOWL

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies League included Lillian Zieres with games of 150, 190 and 172 for a 514 series, Virginia Connel 160, Pat Peters 154, Sillporah Boldiis 140 and Mary Jean Joyal 150.In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men’s League, Mark Hawley 193, Joe Gager 180, Jamie Greier 166, Ed Leroy 169, Mark Scriber 175, Gary Maas 160, Mike Cole 173, Jeff Nober 223, 168, Eugene Fulton 178, 166, Mike Sorge 182, Jack Brockner 175, Brian Scott 202, Steve Lagoda 234, 221, 604, Gary Erlwein 199, 173 and Rick Weigelt 177.

FOX BOWLING CENTER

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men’s Independent League included Tom Anderson with a 231 game and 629 series, Mike Bowker 269, 655, Andrew Bullis 233, 234, 678, Frank Couse Sr. 237, Frank Couse Jr. 608, Jim Dibble 225, Brian Drumm 248, 620, Dylan Green 241, Paul Ignatovich 265, 670, Steve Jacobi 233, 625, Donnie Marino 615, Mark McGraw Jr. 248, 663, Ed Milk Jr. 239, 611, Mitch Persbacker 226, 226, 666, Dick Price 238, 625, Brian Tiffany 234 and Zuke Wormuth 279, 712.In the Thursday Men’s Deposit National League, Howard Couse Jr. 266, 642, Jeff Curtis 623, Lenn Davis 233, 608, Nate Finch 233, 664, Bill Gleim 227, 235, 652, Paul Ignatovich 254, 244, 655, Greg Keesler 232, 666, Dan Koch 233, 619, Rick Mills 289, 232, 695, Harold Morgan 231 and Paul Siegler 247.In the Friday Couples League, Howey Couse Jr. 258, 232, 693, Frank Couse Sr. 266, 686, Anne Couse 210, 525, Dave Lester 235, 625, Dana McGraw 502, Mark McGraw 603, Walt Oralls 601, Bob Sobas 225, 649 and Sandy Winans 190.

KIAMESHA LANES

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Mike Weiner with a 225 game and 607 series, John Hoffmann 247, 236, 688, Jim VanAken 602, Tom Belgiovene 258, 668, Matt Fallon 620, Kevin Stackhouse 227, Laresko Niffa 225, Eddie Lake 248, 666, Rick Lake 254, 234, 240, 728, Paul Durland 247, 617, Jaryl Scott 247, 622, Vinnie Collura 246, 611, Al Caycho 226, Jack Moylan 226, 227, 664, Mitch Juron 607, James Ratner 228, 226, 649, Dave Graham 244, 225, 244, 713, Nate Sanders 608, John Fischer 612, George Battle 600, Erik Miller 226, 600, John Lopez 255, 651, Tim McIntyre 611 and Jon Wilhelm 236, 643.In the Tuesday Mixed League, Edward Walsh 233, 609, Wayne Atkins 607, Joan Lake 215, 191, 559, Trasey Barres 180, 204, 556, Suzette Bertholf 187, 183, 534, Allene Washington 197, Joann Ruggiero 182 and Melinda Gwiozdowski 180.In the Wednesday Men’s League, John Hoffmann 242, 670, Steven Belgiovene 246, 616, Tom Belgiovene 247, 237, 705, James Durland 239, 623, Pedro Agapito 244, 253, 258, 755, Eddie Walsh 228, 289, 726, Shane Cunningham 256, 225, 626, Kenny Atkins 247, 612, Frank Gerow Jr. 225, Donald Durland 244, 269, 284, 797, Jon Wilhelm 269, 691, Matt Fallon 225, 235, 235, 695 and Gregory Fallon 238, 630.In the Thursday Ladies League, Barbara Merton 191, Kathy King 180, Trasey Barres 205, Pat Gibson 180, Debbie Durland 211, 224, Cheryl Neist 196, Pat Shuart 201 and Fran Kaiser 214.In the Friday Night Mixed League, Carolyn Williams 191, 221, 182, 594, Julie Chen 185, 500, Joan Lake 199, 223, 568, Antionette Rau 198, 188, 556, Nancy Green 191, Cathy Carpenter 185, 180, 536, Tammy Sze 180, 500, Eddie Lake 269, 266, 235, 770, John Hoffmann 268, 258, 739, Dan Ricco 233, 247, 648, Eugene Kelly 247, 649, Jon Wilhelm 264, 663, Frank Scuderi 257 and Donald Durland 245.

LIBERTY LANES

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Paul Minton with games of 245, 208 and 223 for a 676 series; Kyle Stevens 300, 661; Ralph Coney 199, 201, 257, 657; Rudy Belanchia 224, 219, 204, 647; Thomas Fix 202, 258, 642; Pete Meachum 235, 210, 610; Todd Houghtaling 235, 577, Robert Cady 228, Ed Blume Sr. 224, Dean Shattuck 223, Mitch Mattison 216, Carmine Santillo 213, Jason Jones Sr. 210, Walt Edwards 193, Jason Jones Jr. 191 and Chris Stevens 190, 190.In the Wednesday Men’s League, Kyle Stevens 248, 204, 288, 740, Chuck McAllister 221, 234, 227, 682, Thomas Fix 206, 210, 206, 622, Stew Stevens 209, 213, 194, 616, Anthony Atkins 197, 221, 197, 615, Keith Smith 199, 198, 196, 593, George Crary 208, 573, Herbie Sklar 209, 571, Gene Smith 219, 215, Chris Stevens 211, Paul Minton 208, Carlos Torres 207, Glenn Norris 206, Chris Stewart 204, Dwayne Cabrera 202, Mark Carman Jr. 190, 201, Rob Tuttle 200, Rich Bivins 190, 198, Mark Carman Sr. 197, Jason Jones Sr. 195, Ed Blume 194, Mike Aumick 192 and Tony Mears 191.In the Thursday Ladies League, Wendy Finn 201, 514, Kathy Smith 175, 186, 501, Audrey Woolard 179, 492, Karen Martin 176, 486, Carly Sklar 185, Maureen Barber 178, Florence Good 176 and Cindy Short 171.In the Friday Mixed League, Thomas Fix 225, 223, 632, Alan LaBounty 246, 594, Kyle Stevens 236, 203, 594, Mike Fritz 198, 217, 584, John Melchick 213, 203, 574, George Crary 202, Brian Devine 202, Ralph Cannon 196 and Betty Jane Stevens 182.In the Saturday Mixed League, Phil Norris 246, 209, 203, 658, Thomas Fix 237, 207, 206, 650, Keith Smith 211, 203, 579, Russell Bivins 205, 231, 577, Tabatha Bound/Smith 176, 482, Wendy Swan 170, 480, Gene Smith 213, Randy Kinred 199, Tony Miller 194, Jolene Vail 193, Walt Edwards 192 and Michele Roosa 174.In the Sunday Mixed League, Barbara Cady 194, 179, 179, 552, Lillian Zieres 203, 174, 542, Robert Cady 214, 205 and Jerry Scandore 197.
ESPN’s 2011-12 PBA
Tour Coverage Begins
On December 4

For the 32nd consecutive year, ESPN will provide millions of American bowling fans with nationally-televised coverage of the Professional Bowlers Association during the 2011-12 season.

The PBA Tour’s new television season, which includes 18 Sunday telecasts, will begin with a “doubleheader” on Sunday, Dec. 4 with the men’s and women’s World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA airing in back-to-back one-hour segments. The PBA-ESPN season will conclude with the live finals of the PBA Tournament of Champions from Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15.

Supplementing the ESPN telecasts, pba.com’s exclusive Xtra Frame video streaming service will provide more than 250 hours of live, online coverage of PBA Tour preliminary rounds as well as start-to-finish coverage of four new Xtra Frame Tour events during the season.

2011-12 ESPN-PBA TOUR SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)
Dec. 4, 1 p.m. – World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA (men), Las Vegas.
Dec. 4, 2 p.m. - World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA (women), Las Vegas.
Dec. 11, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA World Championship, Carter Division, Las Vegas.
Dec. 18, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA World Championship, Hardwick Division, Las Vegas.
Jan. 1, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA World Championship, Petraglia Division, Las Vegas.
Jan. 8, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA World Championship, Aulby Division, Las Vegas.

Jan. 15, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA World Championship finals, Las Vegas.
Jan. 22, 3 p.m. – WSOB Bayer Viper Open, Las Vegas.
Jan. 29, 12:30 p.m. – USBC Masters, Las Vegas.
Feb. 5, 4 p.m. – Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational, New Orleans.
Feb. 12, 3 p.m. – WSOB Chameleon Open, Las Vegas.
Feb. 19, 3 p.m. – WSOB Scorpion Open, Las Vegas.
Feb. 26, 3 p.m. – 69th U.S. Open, North Brunswick, N.J.
March 4, 3 p.m. – WSOB Shark Open, Las Vegas.
March 25, 2:30 p.m. – WSOB Mark Roth-Marshall Holman PBA Doubles Championship, Las Vegas.
April 1, 1 p.m. – WSOB Carmen Salvino Classic, Las Vegas.
April 8, 1 p.m. – WSOB PBA Exempt Players Championship, Las Vegas.
April 15, 1 p.m. – PBA Tournament of Champions, Las Vegas.
WSOB = PBA World Series of Bowling

Monday, September 26, 2011

Here & There Column 9-27-11



Enjoy The Fall Foliage


We are into our early fall season and with the change in temperatures foliage and the colors of autumn create beautiful scenes for our enjoyment.
Conversation with various state tourist stops clearly points out that foliage in New York State ....with its leaves of every possible shade of red, yellow, gold and orange is legendary as the spectacular colors of a New York State autumn mean more than just pretty scenery to those in the State's travel and tourism industry.
The fall foliage season means big business for New York and has become one of the state's most popular travel seasons.
This so-called "shoulder season" has become a favorite time for weekend getaways and week-long vacations as well as the traditional drive to the country to view nature's colorful display.
Folks in the tourist industry pointed out to us the reason people all over the world head to the spectacular New York State foliage display is that unlike the rest of the country the northeast is particularly blessed with a great variety of broad-leaved trees which help give the region's foliage a spectacular color range.
Our state has almost as many acres of such trees as the rest of the Northeast combined.
We love the fall foliage and for many years traveled to the Lake George-Lake Placid area in September to participate in a fall square dancing weekend and view what mother nature does to our trees as the temperature drops.
While speaking to a former Biology teacher about the fall change he pointed out that seasonal conditions and the resultant chemical changes in the leaves are the key factors in the timing and coloration of the leaves and that generally clear sunny days and cool nights with temperatures in the 40's bring about the most striking autumn colors.
Get out and enjoy the best foliage that takes place the last two weeks of September, first two weeks of October and in some parts of the state the last two weeks of October and the first week in November.
The frost and white stuff comes next.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Amelia Baldo National Champion

Amelia Baldo with her coach Bill Strynkowski




Grandfather Dan Baldo



Grandmother Gwen Baldo



Baldo Granddaughter Wins National Championship

Retired Sullivan County educators Dan and Gwen Baldo are swimming with pride these days as a result of the outstanding success their 10-year-old granddaughter Amelia Baldo had in winning the 9-10 year-old softball throw in the 34th annual Hershey's Track and Field Games North America Finals held August 6 at Hershey, Pa.
Amelia, daughter of Anthony and Jane Baldo of Palmyra, Pa, is in the fifth grade at Lingle Elementary School at Palmyra.
Anthony is Dan and Gwen's oldest son and is a 1988 graduate of Roscoe Central School and received his BA and Masters degrees from Virginia Tech. He is employed as an industrial engineer for Hershey's.
Roscoe grandparents Dan and Gwen Baldo are both retired from educational systems, Dan retired nine years ago as Director of Admissions at Sullivan County Community College and Gwen retired 12 years ago as Head Librarian at Livingston Manor Central School.
Dan was an active baseball umpire from 1980 to 2009 and started the Sullivan County Softball Umpires Association and ASA in 1987 and still officiates high school and ASA games which have included many New York State championship games. He is also an avid big game hunter and has hunted in both the United States and Canada and just several weeks ago returned from a 10-day backpacking hunt in the NWT's.
Both Dan and Gwen have also been very active in the sport of golf with Dan formerly serving as President of the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club (TVGC) where he presently serves as Greens Chairman.
Gwen has twice won the Ladies TVGC Championship.
The Hershey's Track & Field Games is the largest youth sports program of its kind in North America. The event starts out with some 450,000 competitors in 8 zones in the United States and Puerto Rico finishes with 450 in the final events at Hershey.
Amelia was part of the zone 7 competition where she won the local event, regional and zone event which qualified her to enter the finals at Hershey.
Her favorite sports are basketball, field hockey and track and field and although she has indicated not a lot of interest in playing softball in school her decision to enter the softball throw came about because she has a strong arm.
The strong arm paid off as Amelia won first place in the 9-10 year-old softball throw with a distance of 114 feet and two and three quarters inches beating out her closest competitor who threw 113 feet and 0 inches.
In this event each competitor had three throws.
Last year Amelia competed in the 100-yard dash event and qualified second at the district level.
These North American Final games have produced many Olympic medalists and competing athletes and this year Olympic greats Rafer Johnson and Carl Lewis returned to this years event as ambassadors of the Hershey's Track and Field games.
Grandparents Dan and Gwen noted that the message of these games is helping to get kids on the right track, teaching lifelong lessons and having fun along the way.

Golfing Highlights Column 9-23-11


Liberty Golfer Joe Decker scored his lst Hole In One recently in North Carolina.

The now famous and very unique Hammer tournament trophy will once again be lifted by a new team at the Hammer Outing Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club.


Dan Baldo won the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club Athletic Cup Championship.


Recording the lowest scratch score in the Monday Night Men's Twin Village Golf Club league was TVGC's assistant greenkeeper Dean Winters. He had a 21 after shooting a 35 with a 14 handicap.


Monday Night Men's 2011 League Champions at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club are from the left, first place Ron Shulgte Sr. and Dennis Bennett, second place Jordan Tallman (his partner Jessie Huggins was not available for this photo) and third place Chuck Husson IV and Chuck Husson lll.


Joe Decker Scores His 1st Ace

Sixty-seven year-old Liberty golfer Joe Decker scored his first career hole-in-one on August 12 at the Sandpiper Bay (Piper Course) near Calabash, North Carolina.
Playing with his wife, Pat, and Mike, a retired golf professional from Sanford, NC, Joe's ace took place on the 175-yard par 3 third hole using a Callaway No. 5 wood.
Decker over his 50-plus years of playing golf has come close to a hole-in-one and this ace was truly a welcomed gift from the golf God's.
Joe has been playing golf since the 9th grade of high school when he joined the Liberty High School golf team.
A graduate of Liberty High School and Orange County Community College, Joe is a retired Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) investigator with the New York State Police after 28-years of service and is also a retired Sullivan County Under-Sheriff, serving 8 years in this job.
He has been a 40-year member of the Monday Night Men's golf league at Sullivan County Golf & Country Club and presently golfs with partner John Salamon. Joe's previous partners included the late Win Barley and the late Bob Mullen.
His current handicap is an 8.
Both he and his wife Pat play a lot of golf and as often as they can and both enjoy their South Carolina residence at the Colonial Charters golf community at Little River, SC where they also both enjoy the beach.
Joe and Pat have two children, Lynn Barber and Joseph who is a member of the New York State Police and four grandchildren. The entire Decker family (except for their youngest granddaughter Katy) all enjoy playing the game of golf.


Hammer Tourney To
Honor Baker, Buck &
Kathy Stoddard

The 5th Annual Hammer Outing taking place tomorrow, September 24 at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club will honor the lives of departed golfers Jack Baker, Sydney Benton, Ellsworth C. "Bucky" Buck and Kathy Stoddard.
This popular well-known tournament is by invitation only and no pre-established teams can enter as the "Ting" puts together each foursome with an A, B, C. and D player and only fate and good fortune will determine which team will hoist the legendary Hammer of Thor trophy.


The Bill Carlson
Memorial Tourney
Set For Oct. 2

The Hurleyville Fire Department is sponsoring the 1st Annual Bill Carlson Memorial Golf Tournament October 2 at 1 p.m. at the Tarry Brae Golf Course.
The shotgun start at 1 features a scramble format with an entry fee of $80 which includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner.
Bill passed away on April 2 of this year and was a member of the fire department for over 60 years.
For information call John J. Cox at 845-866-6431.


Schulte & Bennett
Repeat As League
TVGC Champions

Ron Schulte Sr. and Dennis Bennett for the third year in a row are the champions of the 19-team Monday Night Men's league at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course (TVGC).
Second place went to Jesse Huggins and Jordan Tallman and third place was won by Churck Husson IV and his dad Chuck Husson III.
Jim Bowers recorded 2 eagles in league play, Chuck Husson IV had 21 birdies, Jim Bowers had 66 pars and Chuck Husson III won the most individual points 116.5.
Recording the lowest scratch score was TVGC's assistant greenskeeper Dean Winters with a 21 after shooting a 35 with a 14 handicap.
Dan Baldon won the men's club Athletic Cup championship.

Wrap-Up Time
For Golf Column

This is our 2011 wrap-up column for Golfing Highlights ....wow.....what a golf season it has been......way too much rain and some golf courses had a difficult time drying out.
Many personnel changes at golf courses we visited and if your course didn't get highlighted this season we will make sure you are on the list when we return in May with the start of the 2012 tri-state area golf season.
Thanks to all the local professionals, golf course managers and the many folks who kept us posted on the outstanding golf tournaments, league standings and the many happenings at their golf facilities this past season.
Thanks to Bob Menges for his always interesting Golf Tip of the week and to Joe Bermel for his great tips on putting.
Be reminded that there is still plenty of good golf at area golf courses and many have special fall rates.
Have a safe winter and see you in the spring.
Next week we return with our Bowling Highlights Column.


The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges
The Half Wedge Shot.


One of the shots most golfers fear is the dreaded half wedge shot. This means you are to close to the hole for a full swing, but to far away to chip or pitch the ball. When you are faced with one of these shots, it is important to have confidence before you make your swing.
To get set up for this shot, you should open your stance slightly, keep the ball in the center of your stance, and aim the club-face at the target. On your back swing it is important to limit your arm swing, the longer you swing your arms the more it will effect your distance and there is more of a chance for things to go wrong. Try to keep your lead arm from going beyond horizontal on the back swing. Make sure to cock your wrists fully and swing down and through the ball aggressively keeping your eyes on the ball and your head still.
When you finish, your hands should not be above your waist.....it is an abbreviated follow through.
This is a shot that requires some patience and practice to be good at. Keep practicing this shot and it will help you improve your scores.
Robert Menges is the head golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net


Hurricane Irene
Reschedules The
McMichael Tourney

An early fall tournament will be held on Sunday, October 16 at the Villa Roma Golf & Country Club as a result of the arrival September 4 of Hurricane Irene.
The Kathy McMichael Memorial 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held that date and will feature a scramble outing for men and women.
Registration takes place at 11:30 a.m. with tee off take place at 12:30 p.m.
The $75 per player entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, dinner, prizes, contests and raffles.
Kathy was loved greatly at her work at BOCES and her inspiration, courage and love of life influenced many hearts to help those in need. BOCES officials note that Kathy was an outstanding colleague, a devoted mother, daughter, sister and loyal friend.
Monies raised from this tournament benefit the Kathy McMichael Foundation.
Paid reservations for golfers is suggested by October 1.
Information may be obtained from Jeffrey Molusky at 845-702-2373, at 570-224-5027 or a molusky21@hotmail.com


The Putting Doctor
Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

The Number 1 miscue of golfers is that on short putts, especially, they decelerate on the forward stroke.
Golfers need to do the exact opposite....that is accelerate on the forward stroke.
Short putting is from a tap in up to 6 feet, the "Holy Grail" of putting.
Paramount to being proficient here.......your 2nd putt on every hole is between a tap in and up to 6 feet.
How many of these 18 you make or do not make will determine your score.
Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows-tournaments. His special edition DVD 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 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.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Here & There Column 9-20-11



Complete Helplessness At 9-11 Site


Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Ralph Bressler told those attending a 9-11 memorial service September 11 at the Golden Park Apartments complex in Liberty that almost three weeks after the attacks on the twin towers his ambulance crew was called to relieve the "overburdened New York City Emergency Medical Services.
" I remember ten years later exactly what I was doing and how I felt," Bressler noted.
As soon as he learned that a plane had hit the World Trade Center, "I set up an ambulance crew and called the Sullivan County EMS Coordinator to volunteer our services," and, "that we were ready to go tho NYC immediately."
He said that he remembered "having an overwhelming desire to go and help" but, "as the hours dragged on and two days passed it became obvious that there were few lives to save."
When they were called three weeks later they arrived in NYC at 12:01 a.m. on October 3 at the corner of West and Vessey Street where their job was to treat those working on "The Pile" for injuries and breathing problems.
"I will never forget the fires that were still burning after three weeks, the points of light indicating cutting torches being used to dismantle the steel, the smell of burning electronics, the site of empty offices open to the elements or the haze that hung over the rubble," Ralph said.
"I will always remember the feeling of complete helplessness," he added.
The Golden Parks 9-11 Memorial service was organized by Henrietta Phelps and included remarks made by Liberty Village Deputy Mayor Corinne McGuire, District 6 Legislator Jodi Goodman, members of the Liberty Village Police Department, Liberty resident Dan Ratner, singing of the song "Where Were You" by Paul and Valerie Minton and "God Bless America by Stephanie Watson.
Deputy Mayor McGuire urged the gathering to "never forget.....never forget that they made the ultimate sacrifice to protect each of us......never forget their courage, but mostly, never forget the American spirit which rose up from the ashes in New York City, Shanksville, Pa and Washington DC."
Legislator Goodman told of her experience that day while working at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris and the feeling she and fellow employees experienced when the hospital received the "Code Disaster" message.
Liberty United Methodist Church Pastor John A. Thomason led everyone in a closing prayer and the service ended with Liberty Central School Senior Nicole Snyder playing taps.
Additional photo coverage of this service is available at http://bght.blogspot.com/ and at http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark and if asked insert the word ( photome ) as the privacy code.

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION


Emergency Medical Technician Ralph Bressler, left, was one of several speakers at the 9-11 memorial service Sunday evening at the Liberty Golden Hill Apartments complex. Looking on is the event organizer Henrietta Phelps.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Golfing Highlights Column 9-16-11





Bowers & Tallman Take Management Positions At Tennanah Lake

Thirty one year-old James Bowers of Roscoe has returned as Superintendent and Casey Tallman is the new Food Service Manager at the Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club.
Bowers had previously served as the golf course Superintendent but left Tennanah in the spring of this year. He was returned to that position several weeks ago. He previously also served as assistant greens superintendent and general manager.
Being born into a golfing family James has been around the game of golf for many years, introduced to the game at an early age by his father, well known Roscoe golfer Jim Bowers.
A graduate of Roscoe Central High School in 1999, James has received golf course maintenance (greens superintendent) training from Cobleskill College and Cornell University. He also completed studies from Penn State through Internet studies to become a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Bowers was individual champion of the former Western Sullivan League in 1996 and 1998 and was Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1999.
Jim's dad coached the golf teams for a number of years and was instrumental in getting a girls varsity golf team started. His mother is now the golf coach at Roscoe Central.
Bowers is married with two children and a baby boy expected sometime around Christmas.
Forty-one-year-old Casey Tallman is well known in the food preparation industry and at Tennanah Lake will be in charge of The Grill restaurant and the facility Catering Hall.
She came on board at Tennanah Lake two-months ago and previously worked in the restaurant-food preparation industry at DA's Place in Walton, The Twin Village Golf Course in Roscoe and at the Roscoe Nursing Home. Her speciality is home made specials with a variety menu and don't forget to try out her deserts.
The Grill features a bar and different daily hours and it's best to call for hours at 607-498-5017.
Casey is a graduate of Roscoe Central School, is married and has two sons, a step-daughter and one grandchild.
Bowers noted several recent major golf course projects which include the installation of small pond like structures with a spray fountain where the small stream crosses the fairway on Hole No. 3 and the soon to be constructed "Signature Hole" near the 14th green which when completed will have the green completely surrounded by water. Several greens will also see improvements for the 2012 season.
Some four years ago Tennanah Lake totally renovated the clubhouse which now includes an enlarged pro shop, an expanded dining area and grill and the addition of new outside dining decks which offers golfers a 60-mile panoramic view of the Catskill Mountains.
The land for the golf course was purchased in 1910 by the Wolf Brothers and opened in 1928. Alfred Tull did the redesign of the golf course in the 1950's and one of the highlights of the course was the exhibition play of Sam Snead in 1952 with Sam calling the layout one of the longest and most challenging courses he has ever played.
When the course was expanded to 18-holes, six of the original nine were utilized in the design.
Tennanah Lake is the oldest golf course operating in Sullivan County and is presently owned by Love Realty of New York and Florida.
A practice putting green and driving range are also available as well as the full service pro shop.
The facilities also include two tennis courts, a heated pool and a banquet hall for parties, special events and wedding receptions.
The facilities also offer special stay and play packages
Tee times, reservations and information can be obtained by calling 607-498-5000 or email at tennanahlake@aol.com. Their web site is http://www.tennanah.com/

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

How to start your Downswing to become more consistent.
To start your downswing you want to feel as though your hands stay at the top of the back swing and your front leg starts the downswing. Of course this won't happen but that's the feeling you should have.
You should also experiment with different parts of your front leg to start your downswing. I recommend using either your front knee or your front hip.So simply swing back as normal and then feel as though your hands do nothing because is should be your front knee or hip that pulls your downswing into action.
A good drill to get this feeling is to swing back as normal but pull your front foot in so it touches your back foot at the top of the back swing. And then to start your downswing simply move your front foot into it's normal position and swing through.
This will help to teach you the correct chain of events for the downswing.
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

Third Annual Club
Fund Raiser Oct. 2

The 3ed Annual Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club fund raiser will be held Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m. at The Rockland House in Roscoe.
The event helps the club offset rising costs of operations and offers $6,000 in cash prizes.
A $100 ticket entitles one person and a guest to three hours of open bar, a buffet, music and a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $2,500 to $100.
For information and ticket purchase call Chuck Husson at 607-498-5557.

The Putting Doctor
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 strike, you must finish and hold the finish.
Finishing means the putter head is a minimum 2 feet past the ball. This helps the momentum, the ball will roll end over end and 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

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 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 available on Facebook.

Photo identification for above photos

Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club recently returned James Bowers, left, as their Golf Course Superintendent. Joining James as the new Food Service Manager is Casey Tallman.

A recent golf course project at Tennanah Lake includes the installation of small pond like structures and a water fountain where the stream crossed the fairway on Hole No. 3.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Here & There Column 9-13-11

A Great Musical Treat


In our travels we often run across talented folks and great musicians and such was the case on our visit to this year's Little World's Fair at Grahamsville where we had the great opportunity to sit down and listen to the outstanding musical renderings by Dorraine Scofield and the Thunder Ridge band.
Their performance at Grahamsville saw this country-rock band perform songs by artists such as Sugerland, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Charlie Daniels, Tim McGraw and many others.
The talent level of Dorraine and Thunder Ridge clearly showed why they have performed shows with Ricky Skaggs, Sawyer Brown, Charlie Daniels, Shenandoah, Ricky Van Shelton, Clay Walker, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Pirates of the Mississippi and others.
The band was the winner of the 1996 True Valley Country Showdown, the largest music contest in the country and they travel wide and far performing at concerts, festivals, fairs, clubs, weddings and parties.
Those in the music industry point out that Thunder Ridge is one of the hardest-working and popular bands in the Hudson Valley area.
Their repertoire is highly varied and consists of new country music as well as some classic rock and roll songs.
An accomplished individual musician Dorraine was the guest opener in 2010 at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble sessions the night before he won his 2ed Grammy award.
From West Shokan, NY Ms. Scofield began playing the violin at age 8, got her first regular band gig at age 15 and has shared the stage with stars like Diamond Rio, John Sebastan, Cousin Brucie, Charlie Daniels, George Jones and Waylon Jennings.
A real treat is in store for you when you have the opportunity to hear Scofield's wide vocal range and this entire Thunder Ridge band.
The band and Dorraine can be contacted at 845-399-2049.

Photo Identification For Above Photo

Members of the Thunder Ridge band, are, from the left, JB Hunt (bass guitar and sound), Dave Ryan (drums, vocals), Dorraine Scofield (vocals, fiddle, guitar, mandolin), Chris Walsh (vocals, guitar) and Larry Federman (lead guitar).

Friday, September 9, 2011

Golf Tournament Schedule

Tournament-Golf Events

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. 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. 2 --Twin Village Golf Club Party fund raiser from 1-4 p.m. at The Rockland House. Tickets $100 entitles you and a guest to 3 hours of open bar, a buffet, music and a chance to win the top prize of $2,500. Tickets can be purchased by calling Chuck Husson at 607-498-5557.
Oct. 29--Sull. Co. Golf & Country Club closing dinner.






Thursday, September 8, 2011

Golfing Highlights Column 9-9-11



Different Venue On Cricket Hill Back Nine

The contrast between the back and front nine's at the Cricket Hill Golf Course near Hawley, Pa. offers golfers an interesting challenge.
Ownership at Cricket Hill includes Dr. Fred Mancuso, a Carbondale, Pa. chiropractor and his brother David Mancuso who owns and operates a beer distributorship also located in Carbondale.
Justin Manley is the superintendent and pro-shop-bar manager and handles most of the everyday activities at this golf course which also offers a nice restaurant and lounge.
This 18-hole public golf course is located at 176 Cricket Hill Road, Hawley and offers three sets of teeboxes for a fun, but challenging golfing experience. The golf course is easily reached and is a short distance from Narrowsburg off of Route 6 between Honesdale and Hawley.
From the blue tees the course for the front nine plays 3,152 yards and the back nine plays 2,531 yards for a total course yardage of 5,683.
The slope and rating from the blue tees is 104 and 67.3. The front nine par is 36 and the back nine par is 35 for a total par of 71.
The back nine of the course was built in 1987 but no background information was available as to who designed the layout which offers a totally different venue then the front nine.
Special at the club include the Tuesday and Thursday 18-holes of golf with cart and lunch for $30. Special senior rates are also available on Tuesday and Thursday.
Tee times are available by calling the course at 570-226-4366.
The back nine, holes 10-18 plays like this from the blue tees.
Hole No. 10 is a 477-yard par 5 with lots of water to content with. If you can fade your tee shot shoot to the left of the pond that will work but you must hit it far enough to get to where the dogleg goes sharp left and again there is water on the right. The second half of this fairway is narrow with a ditch running along the left side. Be careful with your approach shot as a slope in back of the green runs sharply downhill. Careful and accurate shots are the key for your par on this hole.
Hole No. 11 is a 187-yard par 3 with the fairway running uphill. This hole plays longer then the 187-yards and club selection off the tee is the key to a birdie or par. There are no traps on this green.
Hole No. 12 is a 452-yard par 5 with an immediate dogleg left. Not the place to use your driver and again club selection is a key on this tee shot. The second fairway shot is over a pond located on the left. There are no traps on this hole but there is water in back of this green.
Hole No. 13 is a 335-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. A driver off the tee is OK here. There are several mounds in front of this green and no traps. A good par hole.
Hole No. 14 is a 135-yard par 3 with a very narrow opening for your tee shot ...watch out for the pond on the right before the green.
Hole No. 15 is a 305-yard par 4 with a pond located right after the tee. There is a dogleg right and then 5 traps before the green. Careful with the approach shot so that it does not go over the green.
Hole No. 16 is a 185-yard par 3 with water on the left and a slightly uphill fairway. Try to keep your shots right past the tree which is located in the fairway. There are no traps on this hole.
Hole No. 17 is a 245-yard par 4 and a sign on the tee reads you need 175 yards to clear the pond. After the pond there is a dogleg left and keep you shot left as there is a deep ditch on the right side.
Hole No. 18 is a 240-yard par 4 with a sign on the tee reading that there is 133 yards to the pond on the right. The approach shot is to a slightly elevated green. A nice finishing hole for what is part of a challenging nine holes of golf.

Golf Tip
By Robert Menges


The "Draw" system.
How to find your rhythm in a hurry.
Here's a real simple exercise you do anytime on the course to regain your rhythm. Simply turn a driver or any wood up the other way and swing.
Doing this will make the club very, very light and it will change the feelings that you've been having with the club.
Once you've had a number of swings like this, I suggest you then grip the club normally and go back to swinging it the way you normally would.
Doing this drill will help you to feel the clubhead and that's critical in the golf swing.
Swing the clubhead and not the club. Let the clubhead do the swinging and feel the power you get without forcing it. Keep turning the clubhead over so you can get the feeling of the clubhead more often.
You will soon regain your rhythm and with it will return your confidence.
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

The Putting Doctor
Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

Practice your putting only on days that end in Y
Absolute key to consistent practice repetition sessions.
That's how we build Confidence so when we play a round, we can perform with absolute competence and skill.
Practice (30 minute sessions) is an every week process.
We need to keep 3 key areas sharp, MIND, EYES, HANDS.
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 by phone 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 available on Facebook.


Photo Identification for the above photo.

Golfers teeing off on hole No. 14 at the Cricket Hill Golf Club must avoid the trees in this narrow opening and a pond on the right on this 135-yard par 3 hole.

DeBruce Labor Day Parade







DEBRUCE LABOR DAY PARADE


DEBRUCE-- The rain held off and the turn in the road called the DeBruce-Goff Road once again put itself on the map with it's one of a kind Labor Day parade and festivities.
Located some five miles above the hamlet of Livingston Manor the 17th annual DeBruce Labor Day Parade activities features one of the shortest but most interesting parades staged in the area and a theme this year celebrating "Fun, Food and Fitness."
Certainly not short on ingenuity the parade featured floats, a parade princess and queen, The Mountain Tones Marching Band and antique fire trucks and cars.
In the float category one that caught the attention of many of the parade viewers was two wagons used to transport two potbellied pigs which is part of Linda Good's NEPA Pet Pig Association. The talented pigs performed some interesting stunts following the parade with some asking what kind of pets do these pigs make?
Ms. Good pointed out that when these Vietnamese potbellied pigs were imported into the county little did folks realize that within just a few years these pigs would be the new smash-hit pet of the 1990's.
A nice crowd enjoyed food displays like the Livingston Manor United Methodist Church pie table, face painting, hayrides and a book sale.
A big display of official parade shirts were also available being sold in addition to home made ice cream, home made bread products and a number of other delicious lunch item treats.
Politicians also took the opportunity to encourage votes in the upcoming fall elections with Democrat District 3 Legislator Elwin M. Wood and his challenger Republican Kathleen "Kitty" Vetter greeting parade goers.
A new activity this year was the debut of The DeBruce Fun Run/Walk featuring three distance races for kids and an almost one-mile race for those 14 and over.
The names of all finishers in the races and walk were entered into a drawing for prizes donated by area businesses.
For the second year in a row the festivities benefited the Livingston Manor Free Library.
Additional photos of the parade and festivities are available at http://bght.blogspot.com/ and at http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark and insert the privacy code ( photome ).


PHOTO IDENTIFICATION FOR ABOVE PHOTOS


Livingston Manor Methodist Church Pastor Fran Waite, standing left, admires the church's pie table, one of the many food displays at the DeBruce Labor Day Parade festivities.
___________________


Livingston Manor Central School art teacher Valerie Taggart, right, face paints young elementary school student Julia Zangre at the DeBruce Labor Day Parade. Julia is the granddaughter of Steve Dills and the daughter of Nancy Zangre.

_______________________

Everybody enjoys a parade and so does pot-bellied pig Miss Maycie May as she rides in a wagon at the DeBruce Labor Day Parade.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Here & There Column 9-6-11

Where Were You On 9-11 ?

Do you remember where you were 10 years ago on Tuesday September 11, 2001 ?
A group of friends of mine had planned a golf outing that day and as we entered the club house at the Monster Golf Course near the former Concord Resort at Monticello we were told an airplane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
We watched on TV what appeared to be at that moment a serious pilot error or an airplane with possible mechanical problems but as newsmen were reporting giving information about this serious crash another airplane appeared on the television screen and crashed into the complex's South Tower.
We looked at each other knowing that something more then pilot errors or mechanical problems was the cause of this horrific scene and it was not too long after that we learned of another plane crashing into the Pentagon and a fourth plane crashing into the countryside near Shanksville, Pa.
It was clearly a new revolution, marked by the jihadists' fantasy of striking a death blow at our beloved United States of America.
Thousands lost their lives in this tragic terrorists attack and the mode of our country carried us into a war mode against terrorism and was directed as a response to the deadliest attack on the U.S. homeland in American history.
All of lives were effected by these 19 hijackers who boarded four airlines, defeated all the security layers that America's civil aviation system then had in place and turned four transcontinental fights laden with jet fuel into guided missiles that killed 2,977 people.
This date resulted in two wars on two soils, countless arrests of suspected terrorists, a new emphasis on homeland security and changes to national defense so broad they would affect what size shampoo bottle a passenger could carry onto a plane.
There is no way 9/11 can fit into the category of being a sensitive issue and everyone including our children and grandchildren should know what happened on this date. "Never Forget" was the adopted motto regarding this terrorists attack on America.
Five days from today will mark the 10-year anniversary of this attack against our American beliefs.
Take some time Sunday to honor this day with respect by attending 9-11 ceremonies and keeping in prayer the many families who lost loved ones as a result of this attack.
God Bless America.


Golfing Highlights Column 9-2-11



New Manager At Cricket Hill

Justin Manley is the new Superintendent, Pro-Shop and Bar Manager at the Cricket Hill Golf Course near Hawley, Pa.
Justin, 29 and single, is originally from the Beach Lake, Pa. area and is a graduate of Honesdale High School where his major sport was foodtball.
He received his Turf Grass Science degree from Penn State and has served as assistant superintendent at Woodlock Pines, at Cricket Hill under the former ownership, at a golf facility near Philadelphia and at Weeburh at Darien, Conn.
An interesting and enjoyable contrast between the front and back nine's at the Cricket Hill Golf Course offers golfers an interesting challenge.
Ownership at Cricket Hill includes Dr. Fred Mancuso, a Carbondale, Pa. chiropractor and his brother David Mancuso who owns and operates a beer distributorship also located in Carbondale.
This 18-hole public golf course is located at 176 Cricket Hill Road, Hawley and offers three sets of teeboxes for a fun, but challenging golfing experience. The golf course is easily reached and is a short distance from Narrowsburg off of Route 6 between Honesdale and Hawley.
From the blue tees the course for the front nine plays 2,954 yards and the back nine plays 2,542 yards for a total course yardage of 5,496.
The slope and rating from the blue tees is 115 and 67.5. The front nine par is 36 and the back nine par is 35 for a total par of 71.
This golf facility was originally a farm and a farmer with the last name of Becker is said to have designed and built the first nine holes sometime in the 50's and later added a hotel, swimming pool and campground.
The back nine of the course was built in 1987 but no background information was available as to who designed the layout which offers a totally different venue then the front nine.
Holes 1-9 gives golfers a more open course and hole 10-18 is tighter and requires more accuracy.
Special at the club include the Monday-Thursday 18-holes of golf with cart and lunch for $30. Special senior rates are also available on Monday-Wednesday at $17 for 9 holes with cart and $9 for walkers.
Golf leagues who compete at Cricket Hill include the Thursday AM women's, the Friday AM senior men's, two Monday leagues, a men's afternoon league on Wednesday at 4, a Friday Mixed league and a Tuesday men's, Wednesday men's and Thursday Ladies afternoon leagues.
The course is also the home of the Lake Wallenpaupack High School golf team.
Memberships and tee times are available by calling the course at 570-226-4366.
This week we will outline the front nine, holes 1-9.
Hole No. 1 is a 330-yard par 4 with a very slight dogleg to the left off the tee...best to aim for the pole marker in the center of the fairway. Try to keep your approach shot away from the big tree on the right side of the fairway. Accurate shot making will give you your par here. No traps on this hole.
Hole No. 2 is a 300-yard par 4. Take your tee shot between the fairway trees and use the red pole marker in the middle of the fairway....this hole can be a little confusing the first time you play it. There are no traps on this hole.
Hole No. 3 is a 390-yard par 4, the second longest par 4 on the front nine. Open fairway with a slight dogleg left.....there are trees left side of the fairway.....take the tee shot right center. No traps on this green.
Hole No. 4 is a 495-yard par 5. The present tee is being reconstructed at this time. Off the tee you will find a straight open fairway....trees do dot the left and right sides of this fairway so keep your shots down the middle. Avoid the trap near the middle of the fairway and there are two traps, left and right, on this green.
Hole No. 5 is a 450-yard par 4 and one of the most interesting golf holes on the front nine. Best to take your tee shot down the right side of the fairway as there is a pond near the left center portion of this fairway. Keeping the ball right helps to keep you from having to shoot over this pond down a hill and onto the green. As golfers shoot their approach shot to the green they will notice a pole with a rope and bell on it. This is used to alert golfers on the fifth tee that they have taken their approach shot and will be out of the way of any tee shots as golfers on the tee cannot see that portion of the fairway. We rang the bell not knowing what it was for and sort of (jokingly) hoped that by ringing the bell the clubhouse would have brought us out sandwiches and liquid refreshments.
Club selection is important on this approach shot to the green which is downhill from where the bell is located. Take the approach shot to the left center portion of the green for best scoring. There are no traps on this green.
Hole No. 6 is a 155-yard par 3 and the tee shot is all down hill. There is a big trap both in the front and back of this green so your tee shot club selection is important for that birdie or par.
Hole No. 7 is a 370-yard par 4 with the fairway running mostly uphill. Halfway up the hill the fairway is a dogleg right. Try to take your drive right center and avoid the big rock on the left side of the fairway.
Hole No. 8 is a 205-yard par 3. Hazards here include four traps on the left side of the green and a pond somewhat right center of the fairway. Tee shot club selection will help in scoring on this hole.
Hole No. 9 is a 457-yard par 5 with a pond off the tee on the left and a fairway that runs uphill. Take your tee shot left of the trees. The second half of the fairway is a dogleg right with a pond on the right side. Keep left of the bushes on the right side of the fairway. There are traps front and back on this green.
Some reconstruction of tees are presently taking place but overall upkeep and maintenance are good.
Next week we will outline the very interesting back nine (holes 10-18).


Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

How To Hit Out Of A Divot.
Sometimes you hit a great drive right down the middle of the fairway and think you have an easy shot to the green, only when you get to your ball you find it sitting in the middle of a divot that someone didn't replace.
Unfortunately, due to a rule called rub of the green, you must play the ball where it lies and hit the ball out of the divot.
Instead of being upset about your predicament, if you just make a few adjustments this shot is quite easy.
First, you should always use one more club than you would normally use from that yardage. After you have selected your club, you should grip down, or choke down on the club.
When you aim, try to aim more left than usual (this is for right-handed golfers), as the ball will have a tendency to curve to the right after impact.
Try to play the ball more towards the back of the stance, this should make the ball fly lower than normal and put more spin on it.
When you make your swing be sure to hit down on the ball and drive through it with some acceleration. A full follow through is not necessary, keep your arms and hands low through impact and hit more of a punch shot.
The key to this shot is to make contact with the ball first and then drive the club through the shot keeping your head still.
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

The Putting Doctor
Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel

Most important barameter for building putting skills is MOTIVATION.
The student golfers I have taught over the years that improve the most are those that are motivated the most.
Practicing diligently what they learn.
Performing the putting drills every practice session.
Building better putting skllls is an ongoing process. Try EVERY week.
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, 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 by phone 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.