Here & There Column 6-26-12

                                           Overriding The Tax Cap ?

  Sullivan County taxpayers could be facing a 14 percent tax increase if the Sullivan County Legislature overrides the state mandated 2 percent cap on tax levy increases.....but the proposal may face strong opposition from a recently organized Registered Enraged Voters Opposing Legislative Tyranny (R.E.V.O.L.T.) organization and taxpayers throughout the county. 

  Some legislators have indicated that if everything is kept in this year's budget for next year it would require a 14 percent tax increase,

  Legislator Cora Edwards is quoted as saying "we'll have to accept the fact that we'll be doing really well if we keep it (a tax increase) under double digits."

  Legislators have said the information available to them indicate the 2 percent cap will not work.

  The formation of R.E.V.O.L.T. started soon after the announcement of the proposal to override the state mandated 2 percent cap on tax levy increases.

  Supporters of the R.E.V.O.L.T. movement have issued statements urging voting against any  legislator that doesn't find a way to lower taxes, suggesting taxpayers to place their tax payments in escrow with an attorney not to be released until the last possible moment to avoid tax sale, that it's time to make Sullivan County the county of the one term politician if they don't lower taxes, if they vote for tax increases vote them out of office.

  We consider a proposed double-digit tax increase as dangerous to economically endangered taxpayers who are still facing tough times and just barely able to make mortgage, rent, fuel, gasoline and food payments.

  Foreclosures could also escalate if taxes are pushed any higher. Tax foreclosures are said to be at an all time high and high taxes are said to be the number one reason residents move out of the area. 

  Raising taxes is also not the right thing to do when the unemployment rate in Sullivan County rose last month to 9.7 percent and there are also some 3,300 unemployed folks in the county according to statistics released last week. 

  Yes, we are aware of unfunded state mandates and strong efforts  have to be made to change the way the state mandates the county to pay for medicaid, welfare, jails,  mental health etc. etc. and in turn does not give us any money for this.

  County Manager David Fanslau made it very clear that just to cover state mandated program increases next year's county budget will go up $1.4 million. 

  The size of government has risen tremendously and in many cases government is bloated and there is the need to get it down to an appropriate size.....a prime example of this is when Sullivan County changed from the Board of Supervisors to a Legislative form of government ...just another layer of government for county taxpayers to fund.

  No, there is no simple and easy solution to Sullivan County's looming financial crisis. It's going to take dedicated work, working together and probably concessions on everyone's part to keep any proposed tax increase within the state mandated 2 percent cap on tax levy increases. 

                                                              

   

                      

Golfing Highlights Column 6-22-12

                                          Bambi Joins Us At Woodloch Springs 

   Bambi and some of her running mates joined us recently at the beautiful Woodloch Springs Country Club for 18-holes of challenging golf.

   The wildlife and particularly the many deer that roam this facility are seemingly never bothered by the golfing activity and this one deer we called Bambi watched us tee off and let us walk up fairly close to her. We encountered many deer throughout the course. 

    The Country Club at  Woodloch Springs is located near Hawley, Pa. and  is a short hop and skip from Narrowsburg and the New York State border.

     This outstanding golf facility in the Pennsylvania Pocono's has received national acclaim in many of today's leading golf magazines and publications. 

    This golfing columnist and three other New York State golfers traveled to this course recently to take on the par 72, 18-hole course which winds over 6,579 yards of lush wetlands, fern-carpeted forests and broad upland meadows. Joining me were Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club members Dean Winters, George Labouseur and Charles Winters. 

    Woodloch Springs offers four sets of tees and easily accommodates all levels of play. 

    Sculptured bunkers and water holes, bridges and miles of cart paths reflect the strict attention to detail for which Woodloch is famous........and wait till you get to the 14th "signature" hole which requires a dramatic carry over "Hell's Gate Gorge" which is carved from the rugged mountainside by a rushing stream some 200 feet below. We will outline this hole next week when we detail the back nine. 

    In 1988 the resort of Woodloch Pines (Woodloch), owned and operated by the Kisendahl family since 1958, unveiled an ambitious project to add an exclusive golf community as the perfect complement to their resort.

    Four years in planning and 438 acres later, the community and golf course were completed and today more than 400 exquisitely detailed homes surround this challenging 18-hole championship golf course designed by Rocky Roquemore of Atlanta, GA.

    The golf staff is headed up by PGA Professional Director of Golf John E. Pillar, Sr., Jared Cottell, is the Head PGA Golf Professional and Eileen Pillar is the Golf Retail Associate. Jeff Hugaboom is Golf Course Superintendent,  

    Tee times for outside guests is available on a limited play based on availability 4 days in advance. Proper golf attire is required, no metal spikes, and hours of the golf course is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with spring and fall hours depending on daylight savings time.  Eighteen-hole golf rates including a cart and practice facility balls 7:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. $75, and  1 p.m. to closing $55. For the same times on Saturday and Sunday the rates are $90 and $70.  The Country Club at Woodloch Springs offers a variety of club memberships.  Golf lessons are available from  the staff of PGA professionals at their 16-acre practice facility located just minutes from the clubhouse.

    Golf shop tee times can be made by calling 570-685-8102 and dinner reservations at 570-685-8002. The website is www.woodloch.com and John Pillar's e-mail is john.pillar@woodloch.com 

     Golf Magazine and Golf Digest calls Woodloch Springs  "one of America's best courses." We found the greens fast and the fairways as smooth as your living room rug. 

    We will outline the first nine holes this week and the second nine with additional information about the resort in next week's column.

    From the gold tees this is the way the front nine is played.

    Hole No. 1 is a 400-yard par 4  and this tough starting hole requires a tee shot favoring the left side of the fairway as there are fairway traps on the right side. Add one club for your uphill second shot to a long green with traps on the left and right and rear.

    Hole No. 2 is a 380-yard par 4. This is a straight shot fairway and a fairway bunker on the left comes into play....found this green to be one of the flattest on the course with bunkers on the left and left rear.

    Hole No. 3 is a 558-yard par 5 with a dogleg to the right on the second half of this hole which is labeled as one of the hardest holes on this golf course.  Off the tee there are trees on the right and a fairway trap 229-yards off the tee on the left. Best to take a lay up off the tee of approximately 190 yards. Depending on the golfer there are wetlands on the second or possibly third shot if you lay up on the second shot. The next shot is to a 2-tiered green that slopes from left to right. Getting a par here puts you in as leader of the pack. Green traps are to the left and right and left rear.

    Hole No. 4 is a 167-yard par 3 and club selection and a straight shot is important as there are bunkers to the left and right sides of this green. The deep raised green makes holding your shot difficult.

    Hole No. 5 is a 316-yard par 4 and presents a slight uphill dogleg to the right. A fairway trap is 239-yard our on the left as you make the turn to the green. This two-tiered green requires leaving a second shot below the hole. Many golfers put off the green from above the pin.

    Hole No. 6 is a 408-yard par 4 and is a dogleg left which requires a tee shot left of a fairway bunker on the right. Small pond short left of the green may come into  play for long hitters.Take one less club for downhill second shot to one of the firmest greens on the course. 

    Hole No. 7 is a 499-yard par 5 and this downhill tee shot should be taken to the right of the fairway bunker. There are wetlands located 280 yards from the tee and lay up for long hitters.Second shot should be played to landing area to set up short third shot to an angled green that slopes left to right. Traps on upper left and fright front sides of the green. 

    Hole No. 8 is a 162-yard par 3 with four traps fronting the green and traps upper left and right. Club selection important here. This hole can play one-half club longer depending on the wind condition.

    Hole No. 9 is a 396-yard par 4 and requires a long tee shot left of the fairway way bunker on the right. This uphill fairway gives way to a deep green and club selection on your second shop is important here for scoring that par. Stay below the hole for more success with your putting.

    Next week the back nine.    

    Additional photos of this facility are available at http://bght.blogspot.com  

                                                             The Golf Tip  

                                                          By Robert Menges                                                                                                                                                                                

    Lacking Strength In My Hands....Let's take a look at the lack of strength in golfers hands. What's an easy exercise that will help to build up strength?

    Your hands and forearms play a big role in releasing the club head through the ball. And the faster you can do this while staying in control the further and straighter you'll hit the ball.

     Here's a simple exercise that will help to improve the strength in your hands. Grab your sand wedge and hold it with one out stretched hand at the very top of the grip.

     Now try to work the club up through your hand with your fingers and thumb. And made sure your arm is outstretched all the time while doing this.

     This sound easy but once you try it you'll discover how difficult it can be. Keep doing this exercise regularly until you can raise and lower the club through your fingers five times. And after this keep doing it often to retain your newly found strength. If you do this exercise regularly then you will hit the ball longer. 

     Robert Menges is a golf pro at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 292-0323 or via e-mail at menges@hughes.net 

                                                                 The 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 www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com 

    Please Insert Golf Calendar here..................  

                                                                                            

                                                    Ed's Outlook

  Make room......the Chinese are coming.....

  Mainland China's Shanshan Feng's June 10 victory at the Wegmans LPGA Championship makes her the first player from mainland China to win a major championship--male or female. It was just 14 years, in 1998 at Blackwolf Run, that Se Ri Pak won the U.S. Women's Open and jump started a golf tsunami in South Korea. 

  South Korea has a population of 50 million, China has 1.4 billion people.....you extrapolate and decide how the future of golf might play out.

    Ed's Outlook & this column are written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur-professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading, or have golf scores, standings or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or via e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-205-4474. We are also on Facebook. 

      

                                                                           

Identification of above photos, top to bottom

We named this friendly deer "Bambi" as she watched us tee off on the fifth tee at Woodloch Springs.                                                            - 

Sullivan County golfers joining Woodloch Springs Head PGA Golf Professional Jared Cottell are from the left, Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend, Cottell, Dean Winters, Charles Winters and George Labouseur. 

                                                                             -

Golfers are greeted with a challenging tee shot over this gorge onto the 396-yard ninth fairway at Woodloch Springs near Hawley, Pa.                                                                                                

                   

Here & There Column 6-19-12

                              Staying Neutral On Gas Drilling

  As a journalist and columnist for some 50 plus years I can't recall a subject that has received more media attention then national gas drilling.

  Folks have continually asked me my opinion on the gas drilling controversy and my only comment is that there are always two sides to a coin and definitely two sides to this topic.  Everyone wants safe drilling regulations and clean drinking water and there certainly has been reports of pollution of wells etc. etc.

  A question I would ask is are all gas drilling companies the same and there are mixed reactions when this topic is brought up.

  The Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation promotes their theme that natural gas is the greener energy solution and we believe that to be true.

  Cabot notes that natural gas is one of America's most abundant domestic energy sources, that its clean burning, helps reduce smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.......guess one can't argue with that.

  They comment that Cabot is helping America meet growing energy demands by developing this resource and that they are doing so in ways that help protect the environment during all phases of their operations......certainly there are some that will say this is not true.

  Cabot has made strong statements that they select ideal well locations and make sure their wells are located a proper distance from water sources and designated environmental areas and that before starting drilling their drilling process they install a protective plastic liner as an environmentally safe base for their operations. 

  Well...... that all sounds fundamentally correct but someone with the professional background and knowledge of this process has to be the one to tell us if this is all true or false.

  We have read and heard many statements about the water recycling process used in this type of drilling and how it could or could not affect nearby drinking water but Cabot says their "closed loop" water system captures and contains 100% of the fluids used in their drilling, completion and production operations......again this gets a debate from some.

  And now comes the report that Governor Cuomo might be giving the green light to allow shale gas drilling technology on a limited basis in towns that want it in portions of Chenango, Steuben, Tioga and Broome counties where some towns have passed resolutions supporting drilling.

  The folks need correct professionally developed information on this topic because somewhere down the road this country will have to abandon its use of foreign fuels and take advantage of the greener energy solution of natural gas.

SAVE ON YOUR PHONE BILL

Golfing Highlights Column 6-15-12

 Many Golfers Use Magnetic Therapy

  Last week we learned what technology is doing today with golf clubs and this week we look at the use of magnetic therapy by many golfers.

  Magnetic therapy dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians but American golfers are now becoming one of the leading consumer groups buying magnetic jewelry for pain relief. 

  A number of local Sullivan County golf pro shops we have been in this year have displays of magnetic bracelets and pro-shop operators say they have become a very popular item. 

  Magnets have long been believed to have healing powers associated with muscle pain and stiffness. Chinese healers as early as 200 B.C. were said to use magnetic lodestones or "magnetite" on the body to correct unhealthy imbalances in the flow of qi, or energy.

  The popularity of magnetic jewelry to golfers is always quite evident at the yearly New Jersey Golf Show in Somerset, NJ.

  We always stop in  and say hello to Jeff Becker and Jennifer Kessel of Magnetic Connections from Rochester, NY and view their outstanding display of magnetic jewelry and at this booth you can actually see how some of the jewelry is manufactured.

  Jeff year in and year out points out to us that magnetic therapy is becoming more and more widely accepted as an alternative method of pain relief and since the late 1950's and that  hundreds of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic therapy being an effective, non-invasive, drug-free way to help reduce pain and to help increase flexibility and promote the  body's own natural healing process.  Becker pointed out that when referring to magnets he is not talking about the type of magnets found on refrigerator doors but biomagnets which are magnets manufactured for physical and mental healing.

  "Biomagnets are named after biomagnetism, the science of magnetism and the biomagnet power is measured in terms of Gauss," the Rochester Magnetic Jewelry Company owner said.

  The earth's surface is approximately 0.5 Gauss and Becker said that the magnetic closures they he uses in their jewelry range in strength from 7,000 to 14,000 Gauss.  What separates his company from others is that Magnetic Connections jewelry is two to two and one-half times stronger that most products on the market today.

  The magnetic bracelet has a long history of use by many famous golfers like the "King" himself, Mr. Arnold Palmer.

  Spend a day golfing at your local course and you will find many people who have purchased and are wearing a magnetic bracelet.

                                              The Golf Tip

                                        By Robert Menges 

   How to find your rhythm is a hurry.

   Here's a real simple exercise you can do anytime on the course to regain your rhythm. Simply turn a driver or 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 grip the club normally and go back to swinging it the way you normally would. But doing this drill will help you to feel the clubhead and that's critical in the golf swing. 

   Have you heard the expression "swing the clubhead?" Well, if you have or you haven't....just do it.

   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'll 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

  Here is one of the best putting drills since "sliced Bread" was invented.

  Drill  # 2 .... A Quadrant Drill

  1. Take a golf ball.

  2. On Practice green, establish on one hole at four foot distance only.

  3. First putt straight uphill.

  4. Second putt straight downhill.

  4. Third putt right edge slight right to left.

  5. Fourth putt left edge slight left to right.

  Every golfer has these four putts many times every round. Do this drill again and again,

  Make yourself make three consecutive putts at each quadrant.

  This will make you a better 2 putt per hole average.

  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 

                                                        Ed's Outlook

  Even Jack Nickllaus was impressed with the shot Bubba Watson hit off the pine straw and around trees onto the green at Augusta National during his Masters playoff victory. 

  Watson hooked the shot some 40 yards to set up  the winning par in his win over Louis Oosthuizen.

  "When your playing a hook it usually takes off...but that ball danced like it had a lot of backspin on it," Nicklaus noted. "I saw that ball hit the green and I said, "wow that was something."

  Not only did Watson play the shot, but he played the shot and ended up with control at the end of the shot which was the amazing part. Jack strongly pointed out that Watson's shot "will go down as one of the greatest shots ever played in the game."

GOLF CALENDAR IS ON OUR WEB SITE

  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 league standings and tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177,  e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and  fax at 845-205-4474. For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web site, http://bght.blogspot.com  We are also on Facebook. 

        

              

Here & There Column 6-12-12

                            Congratulations Bears For A Great Season

  The Tri-Valley Bears varsity baseball team can be proud of themselves despite their 7-0 loss to Haldane last Tuesday at Pace University Peter X. Finnerty Field in the Class C Regional semifinal played at Pleasantville in Westchester County.

  The Bears under head coach John Rusin played outstanding league baseball during the 2012 season and brought home the bacon by winning the Class C Section 9 championship, an achievement which last was accomplished in 1990. 

  Rusin, who is considered  very knowledgeable in the sport provided excellent leadership. A quality coach combined with experienced seniors like Tyler Lopez, Joe Michelson, George Baggata, Steve McInerney, Greg Swarthout, Christian Reynolds, David Donovan and Shawn Markle gave strong backing to a team that showed heart, desire and the ability to win a number of close games throughout the season. 

  Pitching and defense are the keys to the success of any winning team and Tri-Valley possessed some of the best in pitchers Joe Michelson, George Baggata and Tyler Lopez and a whole team that put defense as a major goal.

  Junior players on this years team who will be asked to step up into key leadership roles next season include Rodney "Taylor" Jester, Cody Exner, Mike Foster, Andrew Exner and John Anzano. Sophomore players this year that could definitely make an impact on next years varsity squad include Justin Swarthout and Alex Brown. 

  Strong support for this year's team came from a large contingent of Tri-Valley fans and this was very evident at the game last Tuesday against Haldane........it's helpful to have fan support and these fans also deserve a big pat on the back. 

  Coach Rusin following the loss to Haldane walked along the sidelines, shook hands and told the fans how much he appreciated their support. 

  Tri-Valley Bears baseball can hold their heads high this season. Congratulations to the 2012 Section 9 Class C Champions. 

                                                   

Identification of photo

Tri-Valley head baseball coach John Rusin, left, giving knowledgeable advice to pitcher/third basemen George Baggata. 

                                                       

SAVE ON YOUR PHONE BILL

 

                                                 

Bethel Woods Concert Announcement

EMBARK ON A MUSICAL ADVENTURE WITH MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD
Tickets On-sale Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m.

BETHEL, NY (June 12, 2012) –The perfect 3-day weekend in early October ends with An Acoustic Evening with Medeski Martin & Wood in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts  on Sunday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. The concert concludes a weekend that hosts the Wine Festival on Saturday, October 6 and the final Harvest Festival, Rustic Craft Show, on Sunday. Reserved tickets are $40.00 in advance and go on-sale Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at BethelWoodsCenter.org, Ticketmaster or by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

The trio’s amalgam of jazz, funk, “avant-noise” and a million other musical currents and impulses is nearly impossible to classify, which is just how they like it. Medeski’s keyboard excursions, Chris Wood’s hard-charging bass lines and Billy Martin’s supple, danceable beats have come to resemble a single organism, moving gracefully between genre-defying compositions and expansive improvisation atop a relentless groove.

Floridian Medeski had his first out-of-body experience playing a Mozart piano sonata as an adolescent. He soon began playing at every opportunity – from school musicals and talent shows to marching band, in which he served as a percussionist -- and had his mind blown by an Oscar Peterson record. As a teen, he formed his own jazz-fusion trio and was invited to tour Japan by legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius. He made his way to the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) and entered its boundary-pushing Third Stream department, which nurtured his improvisational impulses and encouraged him to find his own musical voice. He worked as a sideman in Boston and rediscovered roots music playing seven nights a week Mr. Jelly Belly.

California-born, Colorado-bred Wood, meanwhile, learned folk and blues songs at the feet of his musician/biologist dad and poet mom, swooned at the fearless innovations of Mingus and Monk, attended NEC and eventually studied with Geri Allen, Dave Holland and other luminaries. His apprenticeship with these powerful music figures was, he admits, a humbling one. “Sometimes my lesson would consist of me improvising for an hour with Geri watching,” he relates. “It was terrifying, because it exposed every weakness. But the more you accept who you are, the more free you are to express that. Your bag of tricks as a player becomes a doorway to infinite possibilities.”

Martin, who’d grown up in New York and New Jersey, imbibed a range of musical currents from his classical violinist father and Radio City Rockette mother, but it was his older brothers who first exposed him to rock and soul. He fell in love with Hendrix, James Brown, Sly Stone, Zappa and KISS and began bashing his uncle’s kit; soon he was in the jazz band at school, then at the preparatory division of the Manhattan School of Music. As a musical omnivore in New York City, he studied with assorted greats, mastered an array of percussion instruments, formed the samba band Batucada and played with everyone from jazz-pop superstar Chuck Mangione to Bill Frisell to New York’s avant-garde heroes the Lounge Lizards.

For more information please visit BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.
 

Here & There Column 6-12-12

                            Congratulations Bears For A Great Season

  The Tri-Valley Bears varsity baseball team can be proud of themselves despite their 7-0 loss to Haldane last Tuesday at Pace University Peter X. Finnerty Field in the Class C Regional semifinal played at Pleasantville in Westchester County.

  The Bears under head coach John Rusin played outstanding league baseball during the 2012 season and brought home the bacon by winning the Class C Section 9 championship, an achievement which last was accomplished in 1990. 

  Rusin, who is considered  very knowledgeable in the sport provided excellent leadership. A quality coach combined with experienced seniors like Tyler Lopez, Joe Michelson, George Baggata, Steve McInerney, Greg Swarthout, Christian Reynolds, David Donovan and Shawn Markle gave strong backing to a team that showed heart, desire and the ability to win a number of close games throughout the season. 

  Pitching and defense are the keys to the success of any winning team and Tri-Valley possessed some of the best in pitchers Joe Michelson, George Baggata and Tyler Lopez and a whole team that put defense as a major goal.

  Junior players on this years team who will be asked to step up into key leadership roles next season include Rodney "Taylor" Jester, Cody Exner, Mike Foster, Andrew Exner and John Anzano. Sophomore players this year that could definitely make an impact on next years varsity squad include Justin Swarthout and Alex Brown. 

  Strong support for this year's team came from a large contingent of Tri-Valley fans and this was very evident at the game last Tuesday against Haldane........it's helpful to have fan support and these fans also deserve a big pat on the back. 

  Coach Rusin following the loss to Haldane walked along the sidelines, shook hands and told the fans how much he appreciated their support. 

  Tri-Valley Bears baseball can hold their heads high this season. Congratulations to the 2012 Section 9 Class C Champions.                  

                      

Identification of photo

Tri-Valley head baseball coach John Rusin, left, giving knowledgeable advice to pitcher/third basemen George Baggata. 

                                                           -30- 

Golfing Highlights Column 6-8-12

New Standards In Golf Clubs

  The golf equipment evolution have many asking the question....where have all the standards gone? 

  At a recent golf show we were introduced to the High Five Putters and the Radius-Roll technology now being manufactured by R & B Putter. The face of all their putters have a 0.8400" radius with a CNC milled face, the exact radius of a golf ball and this putter creates perfect forward roll and eliminates all hop and skid. A very interesting concept which we will feature in a future column.

  Lofts of both woods and irons have been becoming stronger over the past quarter-century and where they go in the future will be interesting to watch.  With the advent of the "Rescue" type of club, which is an iron/wood or wood/iron hybrid, long irons labeled as #3's or #4's may soon be a thing of the past.

  These new designs may act as transitional clubs in place of high-lofted woods or strong-lofted irons, making the set of clubs probably more playable for most golfers.

  Lofts of shorter irons may be more incrementally used friendly in the form of a 50-degree pitching wedge, a 55-degree sand wedge and a 60-degree lob type of wedge.

  The set will still have 14 clubs, but they may not necessarily be thought of as "woods" or "irons", but rather just as specifically lofted clubs.......yes only time will tell.

  Club lengths have been on the increase as well. It is not uncommon in today's world to have the same numbered iron being one and one-half inch longer than in the past.

  Twenty years ago, most #5 irons were 37 inches long, today there are #5 irons on the market at more than thirty-eight and three-quarter inches in length.

  The reasoning behind this trend is twofold. One, players want to hit the ball longer...the longer the club, the longer the swing arc and the potential for more club head speed and distance.

  There is also the theory that the longer clubs may be more difficult to control than shorter clubs and here is where perimeter weighting comes into play. While longer clubs may be more difficult to return to an on-center position, the perimeter weighting of cavity backed and over sized clubs make the results of less-than-perfect impacts not so poor, plus, when the player does return the longer club to a square impact position, the ball does go longer, hence, the player feels he hits longer clubs a greater distance. This tends to make his or her shots go farther and the "misses" are longer and more playable as well. 

  It continues today to still look like its "Hip To Be Square" on the golf course with the introduction of the hottest drivers out on the golf market.

  Some are saying move over to the traditionally shaped driver and welcome to the technologically enhanced driver that is suppose to give you a forgiving golf club off the tee.  And then again many will counter this statement that is the golfer and the his swing that determined success off the tee. 

   A high Moment of Inertia and a new square face are now being featured in drivers manufactured by many companies.

   The technical changes being offered by these companies  is that this new concept in drivers is designed to help the golfer go straighter with what some are calling "Total Accuracy Control"  technology.

    Golf club manufacturers engineers have taken their time to make sure their "center of gravity" is positioned to provide improved forgiveness, greater distance and a perfect launch angle while presenting a pleasing profile at address.

    This new geometric shape moved the "center of gravity" back and  lower in the club head and offers a very high "moment of inertia" that helps keep the club head from twisting at impact. This square profile repositions weight at the corners of the club head, raising the "moment of inertia" across both he horizontal and vertical axes.

    Golf manufacturers are saying this produces greater stability and forgiveness for ball striking across the entire face, which is much wider than your average driver. 

    The new concept helps ensure the best ball flight possible and some manufactures have improved the bulge and roll of the driver and they say this produces a ball flight that is straight, while still being workable. 

     Golf club manufacturers are saying that the  proprietary Total Accuracy Control technology with the square head provides maximum perimeter weighting and more discretionary weight for precise positioning of the "center of gravity" and "moment of inertia."

     Some club makers have even built in two draw-fade adjustable weight ports that they say put their product way out in front of the competition.     New technology in golf clubs continue to challenge our great game of golf. Check these latest features out with your local golf professional. 

                                                               The Golf Tip 

                                                        By Robert Menges  

    Shaft Flex: New drivers are hitting the ball longer than they were 10 to 15 years ago.     Every golfer is looking for more distance off the tee. With the new materials the drivers are made of, you can find them to be very light and easy to swing. This can increase your swing to allow you to  hit the ball longer. 

    When you are looking to get a new driver, you must also look at the type of shaft you have. This is the part of the club that is more overlooked. 

    The shaft of the club is very important to how the club will react based on your swing. It is important to have the right shaft flex and weight to help you hit the ball properly. If a shaft is too heavy or too stiff, it will effect the club face at impact.  This is the most important part of the golf swing, and you want the club to be in the right position when you are about to hit the ball. 

     The technology of the shaft has grown as far as the materials in the make up of the head of the club. Before you invest money into a club, see your local PGA professional to help you select the right shaft for your swing. He will be able to see the proper flex and weight of the shaft to give you the best opportunity to hit the ball far and straight.

     The right shaft will help you with your accuracy and, in turn, enable you to hit more fairways. 

     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 

                                                                                       The Putting Doctor

                                                                                            Putting Tips

                                                                                        By Joe Bermel

  In putting I link organization with strategy.

  The strategy component is easier than you might think and involves:

  A. Picking a distance based on the current realistic skill from which a golfer can reasonable attempt a one-putt, say 10 to 12 feet.

  B. With all putts  longer than say, 12 feet, the thought is to get the first putt close enough to the hold to get a 2-putt result.

  Remember, 2-putting is good putting for the average golfer.

  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 631-589-1394, at his Web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com      

                                                                           Ed's Outlook 

  A couple of tips while visiting a professional at a local club recently were quite interesting and so I'll share them with you. 

  The first tip is on chipping. When chipping green side, try using a putting stroke. 

  If the shot  calls for more run once it hits the green, position the ball to the rear of center in your stance. If the shot calls for more loft and less run, play the ball front of center in your stance.

  And you know what folks......it works.

  The second tip was something like "brush your pocket."

  The pro suggested that on the downswing, brush your right pocket with your right cuff (right handed golfers). This eliminates any possibility of coming over the top. If done right, the  cuffs on all your golf shirts will become frayed at the right cuff.  And after trying this it definitely does eliminate any possibility of coming over the top. 

                                                                               Golf Calendar

   The Golf Calendar is available at http://bght.blogspot.com  

   Occasionally, tight space requirements results in items being edited out of columns. For full coverage of this column and golf news in general go to http://bght.blogspot.com This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur-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, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or by fax at 845-205-4474. We are also on Facebook. 

          

                                                                              

Identification of photo

In this photo I took of the "Radius Roll Technology" High Five putter you can actually see how the face of this putter is rounded. When hitting a putt with this putter one can readily see the ball start rolling with a forward roll.  This is just part of the new technology being offered to golfers today.

                                                                                      

                                                            -                                                                                                                                                          

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Bethel Woods Concert Announcement

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF ROCK WITH RARE CONCERT APPEARANCE AT BETHEL WOODS Tickets On-sale Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. BETHEL, NY (June 8, 2012) – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is pleased to welcome the Stone Temple Pilots for a Pavilion-Only Concert on Wednesday, August 22, at 8:00 p.m., joined by a special guest. As many bands from the grunge rock ‘n roll era have recently done, Stone Temple Pilots will honor their 20th anniversary of Core by diving into nostalgia head first. Tickets for Stone Temple Pilots are $49.50 - $125.00 for reserved seating and go on-sale Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, the Bethel Woods Box Office, Ticketmaster, or by phone at 1.800.745.3000. New all-In ticket prices show at a glance exactly what you will pay for your ticket. No added charge for general admission parking upon arrival. Just park and go. Stone Temple Pilotswere able to make alternative rock into stadium rock. STP and fellow rock bands Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains became major stars in the early ‘90s. The influences of those bands are apparent in their music, but Stone Temple Pilots do manage to change things around a bit. They are more concerned with tight song structure and riffs than punk rage. Their closest antecedents are not the Sex Pistols or Hüsker Dü; instead the band resembles arena rock acts from the '70s -- it's popular hard rock that sounds good on the radio and in concert. Stone Temple Pilots have undeniably catchy riffs and production; there's a reason why over three million people bought their debut album, Core, and why their second album, Purple, shot to number one when it was released in 1994. Since the moment they appeared on the scene in 1992, Stone Temple Pilots dominated the decade from start to finish, racking up 15 hit singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a “Best Hard Rock Performance” GRAMMY® Award in 1994 for “Plush,” and having their five albums sell 40 million copies worldwide. Of all their peers, STP alone had sustained commercial success, earning greater critical acclaim with each release, building a body of work that remains popular and its enduring acclaim has only highlighted the absence of the band, who quietly went their separate ways after the turn-of the millennium release of Shangri-La Dee Da. In 2003 STP lead singer Scott Weiland joined Velvet Revolver, a hard rock super group consisting of former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, with Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth. Velvet Revolver ruled post ‘90s rock radio and received one GRAMMY® Award for "Slither" in 2005 as Best Hard Rock Performance. The song "Fall to Pieces" received a nomination for Song of the Year/Rock Radio in 2005. The band won the Best International Newcomer Kerrang! Award in 2004 while they were nominated for a Rock Artist of the Year Billboard Music Award in 2005. Weiland left the band in 2008, and reported to the press recently the possibility of a 2012 reunion. For more information please visit BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.

Golf Calendar

                                                                                     Golf Events 

May 12, Monticello High School Golf Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Dennis Browne, 774-9436.

May 18, Mamakating Lions Tournament, Terry Brae Golf Course, Information 434-2620.

May 18, Marine Corp. Golf League Outing, Lochmor Golf Club, Information 434-1257.

May 19, Fallsburg PBA Tournament 9 a.m. Shotgun. Lochmor Golf  Club. Information 434-1257.

May 20, Pars For Parkinsons Outing, Terry Brae Golf  Course, Information 434-2620.

June 1, Monticello PBA Tournament, 100 players, A.M. shotgun.Lochmor Golf Club, Information 434-1257.

June 1, Jake Hulse Memorial Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country  Club. Information Bill Hulse, 292-0438

June 3, Fallsburg Lions Tournament. Terry Brae Golf Course. Information 434-2620.

June 3, Shady Acres Hunting Club Outing. Ternnanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

June 9, 10th Annual Jake Classic Golf Outing, Terry Brae Golf Course. Information call 434-2620.

June 10, New City 30P, 12 noon shotgun. Terry Brae Golf Club. Information 434-2620.

June 10, Hiriam Jones HC Tourney, Lochmor Golf  Club, Information 434-1257.

June 11, Bull Pen Outing, Terry Brae Golf Club. Information 434-2620.

June 10, Jeffersonville Lions Club Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Doug Immoor, 482-5094.

June 16, Twinbrook Duffers Outing. Lochmor Golf Club. Information 434-1257. 

June 16, Rock Hill Ambulance Tournament. Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.

June 22, 2012 Pro-Am Tournament to benefit Occupations, Inc. At the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge, Monroe. Information email jporter@occupations.org 

June 23, Tarfaglia Picklepuss Tournament, Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.

June 29-30, Twin Village Golf  Club first time ever Ryder Cup  fun team event. Two consecutive evenings at 5 p.m. 9 holes each evening.Very low entry fee around $5 each evening. Call Ralph Kirchner at 607-498-5555.

July 1, Billy Moran Memorial Golf Outing, Villa Roma Golf Club, Golf & Dinner $85. Information call 887-4734 or 87-4174

July 3, Claryville Open, 11 a.m., Lochmore Golf Club, Information 434-1257.

July 7, Cornell Co-Op Tournamment, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Sean Welsh, 292-2420.

July 8, Annual Twin Village Golf Club Memorial Tournament. Twin Village GC, 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. start times. Information 607-498-5557

July 14, Friends Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information 292-0323.

July 14, Carlson 1:30 Shotgun Outing, Lochmor Golf Club, Information 434-1257.

July 14, Liberty Elks 11th Annual Golf Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Early Bird Special, call Harry or Peggy Fox at 482-5331.

July 15, Liberty Booster Club Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Inforamation Deb Simpson, 292-0323.

July 20, D.O.C.C.S. Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information 292-0323.

July 20, Country Store Youth Foundation Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

July 22, Swan Lake Fire Company Tournament. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Information 292-0323

July 22, Lazy Beagle Golf Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

July 27, 28, 29, Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man-Better Ball Golf  Tournament, Villa Roma Country Club. Entries must be postmarked no later than July 11. Information Fred Stabbert III, 887-5200.

July 28, Monticello Fire Dept. Tournament. Lochmor Golf Club. Information 434-1257. 

July 28, Twinbrook Duffers 9 a.m. shotgun Outing, Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.

July 29, N.A.M.I. Outing. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Al Beatini, 754-8752.

July 29, Roscoe Kiwanis Club Tournament. Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

August 5, St. George's Church Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Bill Moloney, 482-5625.

August 10, Sheriff's Outing, Lochmor Golf Club. Information  434-1257.

August 10, St. Joseph's Church Outing 9 a.m., Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.

August 19, Town of Callicoon Republican Party Outing, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Bonnie Hubert, 482-5390.

August 23, Ralph Behar Tournament, Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.

August 24, Mahwah Elks Tournament 8:30 shotgun. Terry Brae Golf Club. Information 434-2620.

August 25, O.B. Outing. Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information 292-0323.

August 26, Roscoe/Rockland Fire Department Tournament, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

Sept. 1, Pull & Putt Tournament presented by Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club  and Catskill Pheasantry $400 entry fee for 4 person team. Dinner and drinks, a special event. Information call 607-498-5000 or 887-4487. 

Sept. 2, Dave Curreri Memorial Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Joe Cirreri, 292-0323.

Sept. 15, Warwick GL Outing 8 a.m. shotgun. Terry Brae Golf Club. Information 434-2620.

Sept. 16, Rock Hill FD Tournament. 12 noon shotgun. Terry Brae Golf Club. Information 434-2620.

Sept. 15, Trevor Simpson Memorial Tournament, Swan Lake Golf & Country Club. Information Bob Simpson, 439-5034.

Sept. 16, Methol Hunting Club Tournament. Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club. Information 607-498-5000.

Oct. 1, Putnam Fire 11 a.m. lunch, 12 noon shotgun. Terry Brae Golf Club, Information 434-2620.