Monday, August 31, 2020
LPGA NATIONAL AWARDS WINNERS
Courtney Mahon is Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Coleman is Professional of the Year, Maria Lopez is Coach of the Year and Stephanie Peareth is Junior Golf Leader of the Year
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 31, 2020 – The LPGA Professionals announced today the following members as winners of the 2020 national awards in acknowledgement of their dedication and achievements: Courtney Mahon, Falcon Ridge Golf Course at Tour Striker Midwest in Lenexa, Kansas, Teacher of the Year; Kimberly Coleman, Vista Valley Country Club in Vista, California, Professional of the Year; Maria Lopez, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, Coach of the Year; and Stephanie Peareth, Melreese International Links in Miami, Florida, Junior Golf Leader of the Year.
The national award winners were selected by the LPGA Professionals membership’s Executive Committee from the pool of Section Award winners voted on by officers of the six regional sections: Central, International, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Western.
Teacher of the Year, Courtney Mahon
The LPGA established the National Teacher of the Year Award in 1958. The award is given annually to the female golf professional who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments related to the teaching of golf during the year.
An LPGA Professionals Class A member, Courtney Mahon, currently serves full-time in several teaching positions. Mahon has been the Director of Instruction at Tour Striker Midwest Academy since 2017, as well as the Head Women’s Golf Coach for the Olathe Northwest High School. She is an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Site Director and is also the Director of Tour Striker Midwest Junior Academy, running programs that include PGA Junior League and Nike Junior Golf Camp, among many others. Mahon has served as a captain of multiple PGA Junior League teams since 2017, including four in 2020.
Mahon is heavily involved with the LPGA Professionals organization, where she has served as the LPGA Central Section Treasurer and has been a member of the LPGA Professionals Tournament Committee since 2017. She also is the LPGA Professionals National Chair for the New Member Committees.
“It is truly an honor to receive this incredible award. It has been a lifelong goal of mine,” said Mahon. “I am thankful to be a part of such a dynamic organization and to learn from some of the most respected instructors in the industry.”
In 2018, Golf Digest named Mahon to their Best Young Teachers in America list. From 2012-2017, Mahon was the Lead Instructor for the Tour Striker Golf Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. During that time, she was also the Head Instructor for the Nike Junior Golf Camps at Pebble Beach in the summers of 2013 and 2014. Mahon secured her first teaching position in 2008, where she was the Head Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Missouri in Kansas City until 2009.
Mahon has a background rooted in professional golf, where she was a playing member of the Symetra Tour (2007-2012) and the Cactus Tour (2008-2012). She played collegiately at the University of Arkansas (2002-2006), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Minor in Psychology.
Professional of the Year, Kimberly Coleman
The LPGA Professional of the Year was established in 1980 and is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member primarily engaged in a golf operation, golf association or industry position, promoting the game through player development, growth of the game initiatives and other golf-related activities.
Kimberly Coleman has been in professional golf for over 18 years and was promoted to Head Golf Professional at Vista Valley Country Club (Vista, California) in 2018. She has worked with the USGA and AJGA in hosting five USGA Qualifiers and four AJGA tournaments since 2016. Having joined Vista Valley in 2010, Kimberly is responsible for tournament operations, merchandising, instruction, junior golf camp coordination, staff management, playing with members, creating special events and daily golf operations.
Coleman’s initiatives at Vista Valley have continued to promote and support the LPGA by communicating with both members and non-members through the golf industry. In her time as the Club’s Head Golf Professional, Coleman has increased club revenue by coordinating several successful golf outings, tournaments, and junior programs, including clinics with LPGA Tour player Tiffany Joh.
In the past three years, Coleman has served on the LPGA Western Section Tournament Committee (2016-2017), was the LPGA Western Section Treasurer (2017-2018) and was a PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year in 2018. Since 2019, she has been a member of the LPGA National Tournament Committee and currently serves as LPGA Western Section President.
“I’m so honored to receive this award and to represent such an outstanding organization. The hundreds of talented and dedicated women of the LPGA continue to inspire and motivate me. I have a quote hanging in my office, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away,’” said Coleman. “This award is truly a thank you to my family, my friends, my mentors, the LPGA, Callaway and my Vista Valley CC family who have all helped me find my purpose and allow me to share my passion for the game of golf.”
Before becoming a dual LPGA Professionals Class A Member and PGA Class A Member, Coleman was a professional player, competing on numerous mini-tours throughout the U.S. and Canada from 2000 to 2010. She made one attempt at qualifying for the LPGA Tour, played in numerous U.S. Women’s Open Qualifiers, and competed in many State Open tournaments throughout the years. In 2006, she was part of a small contingent of U.S. golf professionals who traveled to Xaimen, China to compete in the country’s inaugural “Orient Open.”
From 2005-2013, Coleman also owned and operated ProGolfEvents.com, to promote women’s professional golf and provide professionals worldwide access to events throughout the U.S., while also organizing professional tournaments for women golfers in Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego to provide additional playing opportunities. Before pursuing golf professionally, Kimberly served as Director of Operations of the National Volleyball League, a women’s professional indoor organization. Coleman graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Business-Marketing in 1992 and was also a member of SDSU’s intercollegiate basketball team.
Coach of the Year, Maria Lopez
The LPGA Professionals Coach of the Year Award was established in 1980 and is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member who is actively engaged in teaching and/or coaching golf at the collegiate or high school level.
Maria Lopez enters her 21st season at the helm of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University women's golf program in 2020-21. Lopez pioneered the women’s golf program at ERAU in 2000 and during her tenure, the Embry-Riddle women’s golf team has accrued five regional championships, seven conference titles, and had an incredible run of 14 consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances (2002-15). Remarkably, from 2003-2013, the Eagles strung together 11 straight top-six finishes at the NAIA National Championship, twice finishing as national runner-up and four more times placing third overall.
A true teacher of the game, Lopez has seen her Eagles earn 41 All-America honors, and has coached 20 NAIA National Championship All-Tournament team members, 40 All-Sun Conference team members, 23 All-Region honorees and nine Conference/Region Players of the Year. In the classroom, Lopez has overseen 61 Academic All-Conference awardees, 18 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and most recently, the program's first-ever WGCA All-American Scholars (four) in 2019.
From 2003-10, Lopez also assumed the head coach position of the men’s golf program, leading them to two National Championship appearances, a conference championship runner-up team finish and 12 top-three finishes. In addition, Lopez’s student-athletes garnered several individual honors, including three individual titles, one All-America honor, one Sun Conference Player of the Year, four All-Sun Conference team members, two All-Region XIV team members, one conference A.O. Duer Award nominee, 13 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 12 Academic All-Conference recipients.
As a head coach at ERAU, Lopez was named Regional/Conference Coach of the Year eight times and was the Sun Conference Coach of Character Award winner in 2010. She was also awarded the 2007 Coach of the Year by the LPGA Professionals, marking the first time a coach from an NAIA institution had been given the award.
“Being an LPGA Class A Member and the Women’s Golf Coach at Embry-Riddle has been my life’s calling and a dream come true,” said Lopez. “I am overjoyed to have our program be recognized for its growth and achievement. It is a tremendous privilege and honor that brings great pride to our student-athletes and alumni. We are beyond humbled and grateful.”
A three-year letter winner at Alabama, Lopez competed for the Crimson Tide from 1989-92 and graduated in 1993. During her tenure at Tuscaloosa, Lopez won a U.S. Women’s Amateur sectional qualifier, earning her the right to participate in the 1992 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Lopez later turned professional and played on the Futures Tour in 1993, while also competing on the Asian (1994,1997), European and Australian Tours (1994). In 1998, she retired from full-time competition after a long battle with injuries. Lopez returned to competitive golf in 2000 and occasionally competes in various professional events in order to maintain and sharpen her skills as a player and instructor. She also has caddied in numerous LPGA and Symetra Tour events since 1994.
Junior Golf Leader of the Year, Stephanie Peareth
The LPGA Professionals Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award was established in 2012 and is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member who excels in teaching and promoting golf for juniors.
Originally from England, Peareth came to the U.S. to play collegiate golf. She started at Pfeiffer University from 2010-2012, transferring in 2012 to Concord University. Peareth was an NCAA Tournament Qualifier during the 2012-13 and 2013-2014 seasons, winning seven times as a CU Mountain Lion.
Peareth started on her LPGA Professionals journey in 2015, after brain surgery and an incurable brain condition diagnosis. She underwent two of her three brain surgeries before taking over as the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Miami site director in 2015, aborting plans to become a professional player because of her brain condition. The program has grown exponentially in the last five years, from 15 girls to over 200 with over 50 active events per year. In 2016, she was recruited at First Tee of Miami as their girl’s director and became a Level 3 Certified First Tee Coach. Over the past 4 years, she has continued to create and implement many programs for junior golfers with the goal of giving young men and women as many opportunities as possible to pursue their dreams.
“It is incredible to win this award and be recognized as a junior leader! 2020 has been a battle and a very tough personal year and to know that I was able to keep focused and dedicated to my work to achieve this makes me proud of myself,” said Peareth. “Junior golf is the future of our industry and to be a small part of this amazing organization helping pave the way and create a positive fun and accessible path for juniors is an award itself! This is a truly incredible honor.”
Peareth received the 2019 Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, the most coveted honor bestowed by LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, for her continued dedication and passion for empowering girls through golf. She has also worked with organizations like the Special Olympics, PGA Junior League, PGA Hope, and Lighthouse for the Blind Junior Series, coaching and teaching clinics as part of her ever-growing community outreach.
About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while the Symetra Tour, the official development and qualifying tour of the LPGA, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Additionally, LPGA Professionals directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management.
The LPGA demonstrates its dedication to the development of the game through The LPGA Foundation. Since 1991, this charitable organization has been committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental and humanitarian golf initiatives, such as LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the LPGA Women’s Network and the LPGA Amateur Golf Association.
Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via www.LPGA.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpga, www.twitter.com/lpga and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo, and on Instagram at @lpga_tour.
Sunday, August 30, 2020
WALMART NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP
WNWA Logo NEW (1).jpg
Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G
Pinnacle Country Club | Rogers, Ark. | Aug. 28-30, 2020
Second-Round Notes
Course Setup: 36-35—71, 6,308 yards (Scoring Averages: R1, 69.95; R2, 70.19)
Weather: Cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms, with highs in the lower 90s
Media Contacts: Paula Hong, (386-405-9811), Brianne Wigley, (386-341-7331)
Quick Links:
Leaderboard
Transcripts
Online Media Center (groupings, statistics, hole locations, yardages, etc.)
Monday Box (points structures for the 2020 LPGA Tour season and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship)
LEADERBOARD
Player
To Par
Score
1
Anna Nordqvist
-16
64-62
2
Sei Young Kim
-13
65-64
T3
Nelly Korda
-12
67-63
T3
Jenny Shin
-12
67-63
T3
Austin Ernst
-12
65-65
ANNA NORDQVIST TAKES THREE-SHOT LEAD INTO FINAL ROUND IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Major champion Anna Nordqvist was feeling like her old self on Saturday in the second round of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. Lucky for her, her old self is someone who can fire a bogey-free 9-under par 62. Through 36-holes the Swede has hit 35 greens in regulation and has converted 16 of her birdie chances to take a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round at Pinnacle Country Club. After her round, Nordqvist reflected on her journey the last few seasons and said learning to focus on the things she’s doing right has been one of the keys to her resurgence this week.
“2017 was hard because I did get mono in July and didn't have enough knowledge about how to manage it and probably tried to push it a little bit too early,” Nordqvist reflected. “So it really took me a couple years. Made a few swing changes in the wrong directions. Been working with Drew Steckel now the last year and a half. Starting to feel like myself again. But it has been a little bit of bumpy road, especially when you know what you're capable of. But I been working hard throughout all these years, and hopefully it will pay off.”
Chasing Nordqvist is 10-time LPGA winner Sei Young Kim at –13, with Nelly Korda, Austin Ernst and Jenny Shin close behind at –12. And Nordqvist knows there’s no letting off the gas pedal if she wants to hoist the trophy come Sunday.
“There is obviously low scores out here, so you got to keep going,” said Nordqvist. “It's just so competitive out here. In order to win out here you really have to be on top of your game. So feel good so far, but I'm going to have to post a low one tomorrow, too.”
Korda matched her career-best on Saturday finishing at 8-under par thanks to an eagle at the last. She said she has one strategy for tomorrow: go low.
“Going to take it as low as I can,” Korda, who is looking for her first win on American soil, said. “It's going to take a low one to win tomorrow. Just going to stick to my game plan, try to have fun out there, and try to shoot a low one.”
Former World No. 1 Stacy Lewis and second-year Tour player Maria Fassi lead the pack of seven University of Arkansas Razorbacks as they head into the final round tied at 8-under par. The long-hitting Fassi removed driver from the bag this week, and the change of strategy paid off as she safely made her first cut out of three previous tries at Pinnacle Country Club.
“It's always good to play good out here, said Fassi after a second straight round of 67. “I've always wanted to kind of have a good tournament. I think it just kind of feels like home to me, so I'm kind of excited that I got that behind me and that I'm in good position for tomorrow.”
Out of the seven Razorbacks in this week’s field, four made the cut and will play the final round on Sunday: Stacy Lewis, Maria Fassi, Gaby Lopez and sponsor invite Brooke Matthews.
SEI YOUNG KIM PLAYS WITH FEEL AND THIS WEEK, THAT FEEL IS GREAT
“Rather than having my routine, I follow the feeling and atmosphere of that day a lot,” said Sei Young Kim who carded her best round of the 2020 season in the form of a 7-under par 64 at Pinnacle Country Club on Saturday.
For a golfer who plays more with feel than mechanics, a lot can affect the end result. On Saturday of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, a rain delay very well could have reversed Kim’s astounding front nine. Immediately after ending her front nine on hole 18 with an eagle, Kim and all of the players in the morning wave were stopped due to poor weather.
“Originally, when I'm nervous I feel like I should prepare something or make plans to do something. But today I wanted to talk with friends, so I chatted with In Gee Chun, Jennifer Song, and Robynn Ree. They asked so I started telling them about which cosmetics I use. They said my eyebrows looked good, so I said that I would teach them how to do it later,” Kim said while chuckling.
Letting loose with a few close friends fortunately kept Kim and her “good feeling” in play as she returned after the 58-minute rain delay.
“It is important to play as comfortable as possible in order to play the best game. Since it's a physical game, it's important to play comfortably.”
AUSTIN ERNST KNOWS THE WAY TO WIN AT PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB
With nothing but pars, four birdies, and an eagle during the second round of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, Austin Ernst gives away the secret to playing well this week—grab as many birdies as you can.
“I'm trying to birdie every hole out there. I know that you can birdie every hole out there, too...When I can attack, I'm going to try to hit it right at it and get as close of a look as possible,” Ernst said after her six-under par second-round.
The strategy may be easy in theory, but executing it is difficult. With hole locations to be determined ahead of the final round on Sunday, the only comfort players will find is taking every opportunity and predicting that others are, too.
“It's huge because with Sei Young and others still out there playing, you don't know. I saw that she was at 12-under when I came in, so you kind of know you can make a lot more birdies. I was just trying to make as many as I could coming in. I think it's huge for tomorrow just to not have quite as big of a gap, and then obviously see what everyone does.”
WITH A WIN
Anna Nordqvist would capture her ninth career win on the LPGA Tour and first since she won the 2017 Evian Championship
Nordqvist would capture her fifth career win in a 54-hole event
Nordqvist would be the second player from Sweden to win on Tour in 2020, joining Madelene Sagstrom who won the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio in January
Sei Young Kim would capture her 11th career win on the LPGA Tour
Kim would have captured at least one win in every season she has been on Tour since 2015
With the $345,000 winner’s check Kim would become the 25th player in LPGA Tour history to cross the $9 million mark in official career earnings
PLAYER NOTES
Rolex Rankings No. 102 Anna Nordqvist (64-62)
Nordqvist’s 36-hole score of 126, is a career-best mark; she previously recorded a 131 twice, most recently at the 2015 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Her second-round 62 is her best round since she fired a 61 at the 2017 Bank of Hope Founders Cup
She hit 12 of 13 fairways and 18 of 18 greens, with 27 putts
This is Nordqvist’s 10th start at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship; her best finish is T3 in 2015
This is Nordqvist’s 12th season on the LPGA Tour; she has eight career victories including two major championships
A six-time member of the European Solheim Cup Team (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019), with an overall 12-9-2 record
Represented Sweden at the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing T11
Rolex Rankings No. 6 Sei Young Kim (65-64)
She hit 9 of 13 fairways and 16 of 18 greens, with 28 putts
This is Kim’s fourth start at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship; her best finish is T16 in 2015
This is Kim’s sixth season on the LPGA Tour; she has 10 career wins and was the 2015 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year
Earned the largest winner’s check in the history of women’s golf, $1.5 million, with a win at the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship, surpassing over $8 million in career earnings
Recorded three wins in 2019, her third multi-win season since her rookie year in 2015 and second three-win season on Tour
Represented Republic of Korea in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing T25
Won five times on the KLPGA in 2014 and 2013 while also leading in driving distance both years
Is a third-degree black belt in taekwondo and her father owned a taekwondo academy in Korea
Rolex Rankings No. 4 Nelly Korda (67-63)
Korda’s 36-hole score of 130 beats her best 36-hole score by 1; the next best was 131 at the 2019 LPGA Lotte Championship
She hit 10 of 13 fairway and 16 of 18 greens, with 27 putts
This is Korda’s third start at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship; her best finish is T37 in 2017
This is Korda’s fourth season on the LPGA Tour; she has three career wins
Korda last placed within the top 10 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America in January
Rolex Rankings No. 86 Jenny Shin (67-63)
Shin’s 36-hole score of 130 is a career-best mark, she previously recorded 131 at the 2015 TOTO Japan Classic
She hit 10 of 13 fairways and 17 of 18 greens, with 28 putts
This is Shin’s 10th start at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship; her best finish is T10 in 2019 and in 2012
This is Shin’s 10th season on the LPGA Tour; she has one career win at the 2016 Volunteers of America Classic
Shin was born in Seoul, but moved to the United States at age 9
Rolex Rankings No. 58 Austin Ernst (65-65)
Ernst’s 36-hole score of 130 is a career-best mark, she previously recorded 132 on two occasions, most recently at the 2018 Kingsmill Championship
She hit 9 of 13 fairways and 16 of 18 greens, with 29 putts
This is Ernst’s eighth start at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship; her best finish is solo second in 2018
This is Ernst’s eighth season on the LPGA Tour; she has one career win at the 2014 Cambia Portland Classic
Member of the 2017 U.S. Solheim Cup Team with a 2-2-0 record
2011 NCAA Individual Champion at LSU where she graduated from in 2014 with a degree in Business Management
Hosts the annual Austin Ernst Charity Pro-Am benefitting Safe Harbor, a domestic violence shelter
TOURNAMENT VIDEOS AND PHOTOS
For links to pre-tournament press conference videos and complimentary tournament photos, please contact LPGA Tour Media. Tournament imagery is provided as a courtesy by Getty Images and the LPGA strictly for editorial use. All images are intended for media publishers only and cannot be redistributed, sold or licensed by any individual or company provided with access.
To access additional LPGA tournament imagery for licensing, contact Brandon Lopez at brandon.lopez@gettyimages.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA: #NWAChampionship #DriveOn
LPGA: @LPGA, @LPGAMedia (Twitter), @lpga_tour (Instagram)
Tournament: @NWAChampionship (Twitter), @nwachampionship (Instagram)
TV TIMES (all times EST on Golf Channel)
Sunday, Aug. 30: 5-7 p.m. Live, 4-7 p.m. live stream
TOURNAMENT SCORING RECORDS
18 holes: 61, So Yeon Ryu, second round, 2017
36 holes: 126, So Yeon Ryu, 2017
54 holes: 192, Nasa Hataoka, 2018
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
USBC BUYS BOWLERS JOURNAL
ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress has purchased the rights to Bowlers Journal International magazine and the Bowlers Journal Championships tournament from Chicago-based Luby Publishing, Inc.
Bowlers Journal International magazine is the most iconic media brand in the sport, with a 107-year history of publication, while the Bowlers Journal tournament, contested alongside the USBC Open Championships, dates back to 1946.
"USBC is proud to bring on the Bowlers Journal International brand as a great addition to our association," USBC President Melissa McDaniel said. "The USBC Promise is about celebrating the past and ensuring the future. By acquiring Bowlers Journal, USBC will be the custodian of the magazine's rich history, while ensuring bowling's stories continue to be showcased and chronicled for decades to come."
The Luby family, which founded Luby Publishing, launched the first edition of Bowlers Journal in November 1913. Founder Dave Luby's love of bowling inspired him to create the magazine in his spare time. The Luby family continued to publish Bowlers Journal through two world wars and the Great Depression.
Dave Luby, his son, Mort Luby Sr., and grandson, Mort Luby Jr., all are members of the USBC Hall of Fame. Bowlers Journal International is currently the longest-running monthly sports magazine in the nation.
In 1994, Mort Luby Jr. sold the company to two long-time employees, Keith Hamilton and Mike Panozzo.
"Bowlers Journal International is more than just a magazine or a business for Luby Publishing," Luby Publishing President Keith Hamilton said. "We are caretakers of a publication that is part of bowling's DNA. Our goal has always been to create the best future for Bowlers Journal, and we feel USBC is the perfect fit."
Under the agreement, USBC will take over operations of the magazine effective Sept. 1, 2020. Plans call for continuing Bowlers Journal's current products and services without disruption.
"We are thrilled for the opportunity to move forward with this wonderful brand as part of USBC, and we are pleased to announce that Gianmarc Manzione will continue as editor and Mike Panozzo as publisher," McDaniel said. "We have been celebrating our athletes at USBC for over a century, and a special aspect of this new merger is that Bowlers Journal has been, too. Joining together will allow us to elevate that exposure bigger and better than ever."
UNION HEAD BACKING TRUMP
The head of the union representing 4,000 New York State Police Troopers – a workforce overseen by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo — is backing Republican President Trump’s re-election bid.
“Donald Trump has our back. President Trump has supported us when so many people have turned against us,” NYS Troopers PBA president Thomas Mungeer told the Post on the eve of the Republican National Convention.
“Joe Biden supported cops in the past but he’s turned his back on us,” said Mungeer, referring to the former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee who is taking on Trump in the Nov. 3 general election.
Mungeer’s endorsement of Trump comes just ten days after New York City PBA president Patrick Lynch personally threw his union’s support behind Trump at an event with the president at his Bedminster, N.J. golf club.
The bottom line, Mungeer said, is that Democrats have swung too far to the left on criminal justice issues – leaning in the direction of criminal defendants at the expense of cops and law-abiding citizens.
He said the anti-law enforcement shift started before the protests and violence that erupted following the police brutality death of George Floyd in Minneapolis but has accelerated since then, including within the national Democratic Party. The recent crime spike in New York and other urban areas wasn’t specifically discussed during last week’s Democratic National Convention.
“Biden has taken anti-police stands that pander to his base,” Mungeer said.
He cited one issue in particular that separates Trump from Biden.
Trump supports preserving qualified immunity, the doctrine that shields police officers from being sued civilly for misconduct. Biden has said he wants to reform the immunity doctrine.
“No one is going to want to become a cop if he faces frivolous lawsuits,” Mungeer said.
AOC blasts NYPD union's endorsement of Trump
Mungeer said “we don’t agree with what happened in Minnesota” and “we don’t want bad cops on the force.”
But Mungeer said it’s wrong to exploit one horrible incident and turn it into a broader “anti-police” movement and demonize all cops as abusers.
“We were all grouped together as bad,” he said.
He claimed actions taken by New York Democratic lawmakers have hindered or slighted law enforcement — particularly citing New York’s bail reform law that took effect earlier this year. He also noted the Cuomo-appointed Parole Board is releasing more convicted murderers – including cop killers.
“My members have been seriously handcuffed from doing their jobs,” Mungeeer said.
“It is the people who are going to suffer. The people who need us the most. The silent majority supports law enforcement but they’ve been silent for too long,” he said.
Mungeer has been critical of how Democratic leaders in Albany and City Hall have handled criminal justice issues.
He said he has maintained a “decent rapport” with Cuomo over contractual issues. Still, he sent a letter to the governor in June complaining that Cuomo offered “zero support” by not addressing attacks directed at troopers during the early protests following Floyd’s death.
The Police Benevolent Association of NYS Troopers also sued New York City for approving a controversial new law that criminalizes cops kneeling on a suspect’s back. Mungeer previously called for the 200 State Police Officers assigned to city detail to be pulled out, after calling the local law a “ill-conceived, knee-jerk reaction by lawma
Friday, August 21, 2020
PBA LEAGUE RELOCATE TO D.C. METRO
PBA League Relocates To D.C. Metro Without Fans
In a move announced Thursday, the PBA League will change locations and be held without fans next month.
Previously scheduled to take place at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine, the event will now take place Sept. 26-30 at a Bowlero center in Centreville, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.
The new host location in Centreville will allow the PBA League players to compete in a safe environment - limited to athletes, managers, and essential staff only, with no fans on site, the PBA wrote in a news release.
The PBA League has thrived in recent years in Portland thanks in part to the rambunctious fans at Bayside Bowl. The PBA announced the event will return there in 2021.
“This was an extremely tough decision given the inextricable link between the PBA League and Bayside Bowl, and the strong desire for things to feel normal,” Bayside Bowl proprietor Charlie Mitchell said in the release. “We tried to come up with a safe way to host the event, but given safety concerns, social distancing guidelines and occupancy limits, there is no way to recreate the BoPo atmosphere with fans this year.”
One other question surrounding the PBA League has been whether or not international players will be able to travel to compete.
At least one of those questions was answered Thursday night when PBA superstar Jason Belmonte tweeted he had received clearance to travel to compete in upcoming events.
The race to capture the Elias Cup will begin with a seeding round on Sept. 26 starting at 10 a.m. broadcast live exclusively on FloBowling, followed by 12 hours of live competition on FS1. The TV schedule is as follows:
PBA Elias Cup: Anthony Division Quarterfinals – Sunday, Sept. 27, 12 p.m. ET on FS1
PBA Elias Cup: Carter Division Quarterfinals – Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. ET on FS1
PBA Elias Cup: Anthony Division Semifinals – Monday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. ET on FS1
PBA Elias Cup: Carter Division Semifinals – Monday, Sept. 28, 9 p.m. ET on FS1
PBA Elias Cup: Division Finals – Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. ET on FS1
PBA Elias Cup: Championship Finals – Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. ET on FS1
International viewers will be able to watch every round live on FloBowling.
USBC PURCHASES BOWLERS JOURNAL
USBC PURCHASES BOWLERS JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL BRAND ASSETS
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress has purchased the rights to Bowlers Journal International magazine and the Bowlers Journal Championships tournament from Chicago-based Luby Publishing, Inc.
Bowlers Journal International magazine is the most iconic media brand in the sport, with a 107-year history of publication, while the Bowlers Journal tournament, contested alongside the USBC Open Championships, dates back to 1946.
“USBC is proud to bring on the Bowlers Journal International brand as a great addition to our association,” USBC President Melissa McDaniel said. “The USBC Promise is about celebrating the past and ensuring the future. By acquiring Bowlers Journal, USBC will be the custodian of the magazine’s rich history, while ensuring bowling’s stories continue to be showcased and chronicled for decades to come.”
The Luby family, which founded Luby Publishing, launched the first edition of Bowlers Journal in November 1913. Founder Dave Luby’s love of bowling inspired him to create the magazine in his spare time. The Luby family continued to publish Bowlers Journal through two world wars and the Great Depression.
Dave Luby, his son, Mort Luby Sr., and grandson, Mort Luby Jr., all are members of the USBC Hall of Fame. Bowlers Journal International is currently the longest-running monthly sports magazine in the nation.
In 1994, Mort Luby Jr. sold the company to two long-time employees, Keith Hamilton and Mike Panozzo.
“Bowlers Journal International is more than just a magazine or a business for Luby Publishing,” Luby Publishing President Keith Hamilton said. “We are caretakers of a publication that is part of bowling’s DNA. Our goal has always been to create the best future for Bowlers Journal, and we feel USBC is the perfect fit.”
Under the agreement, USBC will take over operations of the magazine effective Sept. 1, 2020. Plans call for continuing Bowlers Journal’s current products and services without disruption.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to move forward with this wonderful brand as part of USBC, and we are pleased to announce that Gianmarc Manzione will continue as editor and Mike Panozzo as publisher,” McDaniel said. “We have been celebrating our athletes at USBC for over a century, and a special aspect of this new merger is that Bowlers Journal has been, too. Joining together will allow us to elevate that exposure bigger and better than ever.”
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women’s Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.
Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 1,555 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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Sunday, August 16, 2020
LEWIS WINS SCOTTISH PLAYOFF
NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Stacy Lewis won the Ladies Scottish Open with a 23-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff Sunday, giving the American her first title in nearly three years and a confidence boost ahead of the Women’s British Open.
The 35-year-old Lewis took a swig of champagne beside the 18th green after fending off Azahara Munoz, Cheyenne Knight and Emily Kristine Pedersen for her 13th LPGA Tour victory — and first since the birth to daughter Chesnee in October 2018.
“I have been trying to get a trophy from the day she was born. That’s been my goal,” Lewis said. “I just called them, got to FaceTime with them. My husband said she was hitting the TV screen with her plastic golf clubs when I made that putt. So it’s just pretty cool. I can’t wait to get home with them in a week or so and celebrate.”
Lewis closed with a 1-over 72 to match Munoz (73), Knight (70) and Pedersen (68) at 5-under 279 at The Renaissance Club. The Texan won for the first time since the 2017 Cambia Portland Classic and won for the first time in a playoff after dropping her previous three.
“On this golf course, you’re going to hit good shots and they are just not going to end up where you want them to. That’s links golf. That’s this type of golf,” Lewis said. “The patience was tested today. There were moments there on the back nine where I wanted to go at pins but knew I couldn’t. So I really just tried to wait for my opportunity and just kept hanging in there.”
After Lewis holed her birdie putt in the playoff, Knight missed a 10-foot birdie try.
“I’m really happy the way I hung in there today. The conditions were really tough,” Knight said. “t’s all a learning experience. I kind of struggled starting the restart, so I feel really good about my game.”
Lewis will look to follow up at Royal Troon next week, when the first women’s major of a reshaped golf year takes place. She is a two-time major winner, triumphing at the Women’s British Open in 2013.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
TAIWAN LPGA TOURNEY CANCELLED
LPGA Statement on the 2020 Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA
Further to the advice of the Taiwan Government and GAROC, and with the significant travel restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus, the LPGA along with our tournament partners, has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA, scheduled October 29 – Nov 1 at Miramar Golf Country Club. We are very grateful to Swinging Skirts, the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education, GAROC and IMG for all their hard work in trying to make the 2020 tournament happen. While we are disappointed we cannot play this year, both Swinging Skirts and the LPGA are fully committed to returning in 2021 for the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA.
Friday, August 14, 2020
BOWLING ALLEYS TO OPEN LATER THIS MONTH
More businesses in New York have been given the green light to reopen as the state continues combatting COVID-19.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday, Aug. 14 that bowling alleys and museums can open up with certain restrictions later this month, and a determination on gyms and fitness centers is expected sooner than later.
Bowling alleys will be allowed to reopen with 50 percent occupancy and mandatory face coverings. Food and alcohol will only be allowed to be served by waitstaff to a customer’s location and parties must stick to their lanes, Cuomo noted.
Museums and cultural institutions can open in New York City with 25 percent occupancy and timed ticketing required. Cuomo said the pre-set staggered entry will allow them to control the flow of traffic in and out of the building.
Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will also be in place, especially for shared and rented equipment. The businesses will be opening as of Monday, Aug. 24.
According to Cuomo, an announcement on reopening gyms is expected on Monday, Aug. 17, though it is unclear in what direction the state is leaning toward.
“The New York State Fitness Alliance thanks Governor Cuomo for his continued leadership in reopening the economy in an intelligent way,” Bill Lia, Chair of New York State Fitness Alliance said in a statement following the announcement of bowling alleys reopening.
“The fitness industry is ready to reopen safely, with proper protocols in place to protect our employees and members. We look forward to providing New Yorkers access to safe fitness facilities so they can advance their physical and mental health.”
While announcing the new business openings, Cuomo touted the state’s infection rate hovering below 1 percent for an entire week, with just 0.85 percent of 85,455 COVID-19 tests taken returning positive yesterday.
"That is fantastic," Cuomo said. It is a great number and is based on a very large sample size, the largest sample sizes that we’ve been taking. So on the numbers, it’s been extraordinary. Congratulations to all New Yorkers for observing preventing measures.”
NORTHCOAST GOLF SHOWS INFORMATION
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