Completing 43 Years As Head Greenskeeper
Sixty-year-old Jim Rosiecki is completing his 43rd year as Head Greenskeeper at the nine-hole Roscoe based Twin Village Golf Club.
His week's golf course grooming activities make him responsible for over 2,085 yards of fairways, roughs, greens and tees.
It's almost an impossible task for one man so the course provides some volunteer work that takes a little pressure off Jim.
Generally, to becme a greenskeeper, there is no minimum education level needed and it's a fact that many greenskeepers have less than a high school education or only a high school education.
Jim readily admits that he attended Livingston Manor Central school, did not finish high school and at the age of 17 started working as a greenskeeper at Twin Village.
Jim took over the head job from John Rosetti.
As most greenskeepers have done Rosiecki learned to repair equipment like leaf blowers, edgers, lawnmowers and trimmers. He is credited with learning everything on the job.
Other duties he has performed over the years include laying sod, planting grass and other types of plants and trees, weeding and fertilizing.
Generally as the head greenskeeper Jim keeps up the grounds, maintains the grass on the course and even at times repairs golf carts but at times cart repairs have to be done elsewhere.
His greenskeeper job is of course seasonal, starting work sometime in late April or early May and is finished in the fall when the course closes.
Another interesting part of Rosiecki's job is changing the location of the putting greens' holes, both so that the green does not become worn unevenly and so that golfers do not become bored on the putting greens.
Although Jim does not play golf he is known at times for placing the holes in interesting and difficult putting positions.
Dan Baldo, chairman of the greens committee at Twin Village has high praise for Jim calling him "honest and hard working."
"His heart is in the right place and he has proven to be a valuable asset to the Twin Village Golf Club," Baldo noted.
"We have worked very closely together since the death of Francis "Rooster" Temple many many years ago," and "although we do not always agree we do respect each other and like any team make it through the rough spots," Baldo pointed out.
The chairman of the greens committee complimented Jim as "being great with equipment and is one with the machine of which he is working," and "that is an asset not all men possess."
Jim has earned the title of being a loyal employee by Baldo as "he and his dog Tippy are on time to work each day."
Rosiecki noted that he plans to retire in two years.
Ed's Outlook
The 32ed Annual Town of Fallsburg Lion's Club Alan Steingart Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Sunday, June 12 with a 1 p.m. shot gun start at the Tarry Brae Golf Course in South Fallsburg.
The tournament supports the Catskill Regional Medical Center and Lions Sight Initiatives and Charities.
The $95 per player entry fee ($85 with a Fallsburg Golf Membership) includes lunch, refreshments and dinner.
Awards will be given to the winners in several different categories including team scramble, team scratch, long drive and closest to the pin for both men and women.
There will be Hole-In-One car sponsored by Robert Green Auto and Truck Dealerships on one of the par 3's.
Extra dinner tickets are available at $25 per person.
Lunch and registration starts at noon.
For information call 845-434-4321.
Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league or tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let 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 photos at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.
The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges
When it rains golfers can still enjoy a tour of the golf course.
This week we offer some advise for playing in the rain because playing in the rain is full of distractions. It can become a distinct advantage for players gifted with powers of concentration stronger than their physical abilities.
Remember to always have your rain suit handy.
Tips to improve your golf in the rain or wet conditions.
1. Have you tried Latex gloves? Rubber on rubber doesn't slip. Pulling then out at just the right time can be fun too. I like the yellow-colored ones the best. Naturally, it take aplomb, but you can do it. The rain gloves made by several manufacturers are another option.
2. Wear you contact lenses if you have them. Raindrops on glasses present problems.
3. Bring several towels as they will come in handy for a variety of reasons.
4. Bring several hats as many golfers can't hack the drips.
5. Read the casual water rule.
6. Always dry your ball and your putter before making a stroke.
7. Remember, shots out of wet sand always go farther.
8. Bring a baggie for your scorecard.
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 email at menges@hughes.net
Putting Tip
By Joe Bermel
As a top contender in the World Putting Championships and a Professional putting expert instructing for 32 years, one of the tips I always offer is .....finish the putting stroke.
Think smoooooth, just as if you are painting with a delicate paint brush ......stroke, steady and smooth thru the ball to about 23 inches past the ball to conclusion of the putt and Hold the finish.
After hearing and seeing impact, only then can you allow your eyes to start turning towards the ball as it rolls towards the hole.
If you want to score well then you must learn to putt well.
Joseph Bermel Jr. is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organizations 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
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