BGHT: Golfing Highlights Column 8-2-13

Unique Par 3 Tournament Aug. 17

One of the most unique par 3 golf tournaments in the tri-state area will take place Saturday, August 17 at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Course.

The unique part of this tournament is where this regular 9-hole course is transformed into an 18-hole par three layout which will test any golfers short game.

The 1:30 p.m. shotgun start will feature two-person teams (any makeup will be acceptable) and the tournament will be played with a best-ball format.

Organizer of this event Ralph Kirchner advises golfers that the event will need 40 golfers (20 twosomes) by August 10.

Entry fee for the tournament is $20 per person with all proceeds going to benefit the Twin Village Golf Club.

The entry fee includes the golf fee, drinks and snacks during play at the Courtyard Restaurant which is adjacent to the second hole tee and fairway, food after play at the Courtyard (with a cash bar).

A small fee will be charged for use of golf carts.

Kirchner reminds golfers to bring some extra coins for betting extras, a 50/50 and that mulligans can be purchased prior to the start of the tournament.

A signup sheet is available in the Twin Village Golf Clubhouse and information may be obtained from Kirchner at 845-498-5555.

This is a fun challenging event so polish up on your short game and get your reservations in early.

Ed's Outlook

Are you ever faced with not having a lot of time before a round of golf and you want to to get in a few warm-up shots with you mid-irons before going to the golf course.

I have found that this is all possible with my new Rope It which shows me more ball flight than a golf net or those foam and plastic whiffle balls.

The Rope It is designed to be a simple alternative to hitting a golf ball into net and more convenient than the driving range.

John Girifalco, the inventor of this magnificent golf aid, perfected his invention's performance and durability after meticulously testing materials and settled upon a 20-foot long bungee and nylon cord attached to the golf ball using a zinc plated hook eye.

The Backyard Practice Range was finalized in 2002 and has not changed much to this day.

The Rope It is designed for irons use only (mid-irons six, seven and eight) and is held to the ground by any 5-pound weighted object and the attached golf ball feels like a common two piece golf ball. Do not use is with Hybrids or woods.

The ball will come half way back to you if struck well and as long as you use it and set it up according to the instructions the Rope It is very safe. The Rope It has been specially calibrated, with two different types of rope, so that no matter how far you hit it, it cannot come back and hit you.

John strongly points out that the Rope It is not a replacement for the driving range as there is no substitute for seeing the complete ball flight but the 20-yard shot from use of the Rope It will show you if you have struck a straight flight path with pure contact with the ball and a quick snap of the rope.

I have found that the Rope It is designed to show a poor swing that will feel heavy off of the club face, sound harsh and the shot will curve off to the left or right.

It's best to use the weight as a target line to aim your shot and determine direction.

Have fun and help your game....hit real golf balls in your backyard and see 20-yards of flight.

For information call Louis or Marc Reda at 302-897-8149, email at louis@TheRopeIt.com

Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league and tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, led Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on facebook.

Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

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.

If you make a few adjustments this shot is quite easy.

First use one more club than you would normally use from that yardage. After you select the club, 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 though is not necessary, keep your arms and hand low through impact and hit more of a punch shot.

The key to this show 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 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net

The Putting Doctor

By Joe Bermel

Most important barometer 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 skills 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