Golfing Highlights Column 6-13-08

An elevated green on the 186-yard par 3 eighth hole at the Concord International makes this hole paly a little harder then it really is.

Mike Stoltz is the new Golf Professional at The Concord Resort & Golf Club International Course

New Pro Takes Over At Concord International

Golf Professional Mike Stoltz is the new professional at the The Concord Resort & Golf Club International Golf Course and a tour of the golf course last week found the tees, fairways and greens in very good condition.
Mike Stoltz, 56, formerly of Middletown served as golf professional last year at Tennanah Lake and was also the former golf professional at the Monster and International golf courses. He also served as a golf professional at the Fallsview and formerly owned and operated a golf driving range in Middletown.
A former club champion at the Walden Golf Club, Mike two years ago attended the United States Golf Association Rules Workshop at Far Hills, NJ and is a graduate of the Mitchell Club Fitting School in Orlando, FL.
Mike noted he was raised on a black dirt farm in New Hampton and his father was also a golfer and introduced the game to Mike at an early age.
The former Middletown resident also worked 10-years in the electrical engineering field in the Middletown area. He is presently working to establish new leagues for next year.
Mike's son, John Stoltz, 24, is the 2005 PGA Met Open Champion who broke the course record shooting a 64 at Old Westbury on Long Island.
John is a first team all American and in 2001 won the Metropolitan NYC Junior Classic and in 2002 won the NYC Junior championship. Last year he attended the PGA Tour Qualifying School and his goal is to play professional golf.
Chris Hummel is the course superintendent at the International Golf Course.
Todd Barker is the Director of Golf
Though is doesn't have the aura of the famed Concord Monster Golf Course, the International is a very well designed and challenging course.
The International design gives golfers a variety of sloping fairways, tight landing areas and elevated greens.
Golfers will also enjoy this scenic 6,560-yard course from the back tees
Par is 36 on the front nine and 35 on the back nine for a total 18-hole par of 71. The course rating is 72.2 and slope is 127.
Presently operations of the International is taking place in a small office trailer.
The Monster Golf Course is presently closed and indications are that golf will not resume there until a couple of years when the new facilities are built and opened.
Golf at the International is daily from 7 a.m. to dark.
Special senior rates are available Monday-Thursday and golfers are asked to call 845-794-4000.
The International course plays host to the Thursday Traveling league.
This week we will outline the first nine holes of the International.
Hole No. 1 is a 333-yard par 4 with trees left so better to take your tee shot right center. Green traps are left and right. A comfortable opening hole.
Hole No. 2 is a 468-yard par 4 with the fairway running downhill with trees both left and right. Keeps your shots to the center to avoid problems for the open green which has no traps.
Hole No. 3 is a 502-yard par 5 with a dogleg left. Better to take your drive left center of the fairway. There is a pond on the right and proper club selections on this hole lead to a par.
Hole No. 4 is a 422-yard par 4 with a ditch being about 180-yards out from the tee. Dogleg left and there is a large fairway sand bunker on the right. Traps are left and right of the green.
Hole No 5 is a 188-yard par 3 with traps right front and left rear. Selecting the right club off the tee leads to a nice par.
Hole No. 6 is a 412-yard par 4 with a dogleg right. Better to play your tee shot left center as the green has traps right front.
Hole No. 7 is a 396-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left. Take your tee shot left center. Watch the ditch about 90 yards from the green. Traps around the green are both left and right.
Hole No. 8 is a 186-yard par 3 with an elevated green. Make sure of your club selection here as shots short of the green make difficult approach shots. A nice par 3 hole.
Hole No. 9 is a 520-yard par 5 with trees left and right and a uphill fairway. There is also a fairway bunker on the left and traps on the right of the green.
We will follow up with a detailed outline of the back nine next week.

The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

ThunderStorms: Summer temperatures were certainly here this week and we know more of the same will help bring many beautiful golfing days as summer golf swings into action.
Unfortunately, the hot summer days sometimes produce thunderstorms. When you are on the golf course or doing any outside activity, thunderstorms can be very dangerous. Here are some helpful hints for dealing with the thunder and lightning.
If you are going out to enjoy a round of golf and there is a threat of a thunderstorm, you should take some precautions. Before you head to the first tee ask the pro shop if, and where the rain shelters are located. This will help you find a safe place for cover. Also, you should find out if the course has a siren that they will sound if they know the storm is approaching the course. Most golf courses have lightning procedure in place to alert the golfers to get off the course in case of inclement and unsafe weather. Be on the alert for this sound and come off the course as soon as you hear it.If you can not make it in, seek shelter in one of the covered buildings on the course. The golf pro and superintendent will let you know when it is safe to resume play.
Many accidents on the course can be prevented if you follow these simple rules of the course. You have to remember the golf course is looking out for your safety and they are not trying to ruin your round.
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

Ed's Outlook

To quickly improve your power and golf swing, implementing a weight training exercise for golf is critical.
There is a big difference between a weight training exercise for golf and an everyday exercise for fitness.
Just going into a gym and plopping down on a machine is not going to improve your golf swing power and mechanics.
Go on line or ask your club professional where you can get a specific weight training exercise for golf. It will make a difference in your game.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of golf and professional golf facilities. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information,please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site http://www.http//bght.blogspot.com

Here & There Column 6-10-08

Klatsch Talks About Property Tax Cap

Taxes and government are always favorite topics at our Sullivan County Coffee Klatsch which is made up of seven retired Democrats, Republicans and one Independent and the topic of a proposed property tax cap got some interesting discussion going last week.
As we got to brewing our delicious coffee which we do from scratch with grinding the beans and all and mixing up the dough for our home made donuts several in our klatsch said they really didn't think too highly of the new proposal brought forth by a governor appointed panel which is calling for a limit on property tax as one of several ways to stop the ever increasing property taxes.
As we got into our first cup of coffee one of our members said he felt that everyone in New York State is more then struggling to pay rising property taxes but that he was more in favor of using government consolidation as the mechanism that can reduce numbers of local government units.
The majority of our group voiced the opinion that tax control or a limit on how high taxes can be raised just gives government the right to raise property taxes a small percentage each year and does not go to the heart of the problem which is New York property taxes are 79 percent above the national average.
One of our members noted as we got into the second cup of java that everyone who lives in New York State wants much needed reform on rising property taxes and folks can no longer put up with ever increasing property taxes.
Several of our klatsch members agreed that there has been too much lip service to the topic of tax control and that politicians everywhere say they are going to keep taxes down but never follow through on their political promises.
As we got into our third cup of coffee our klatsch agreed that local government and school districts think they are pulling the wool over our eyes by only announcing small yearly tax increases.
We all feel very strongly that this proposal calling for a limit on property tax rates is again nothing more than political BS and serious studies by all municipalities and school districts should focus on consolidation which can lead to expanding the present tax base and a reduction in property taxes.

Golfing Highlights Column 6-6-08

Michael Stoddard is the new Pro-Shop-Operations Manager at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club in Liberty.

This periscope on the 7th tee at Sullivan County Golf & Country Club helps golfers to see further down the fairway and eliminates hitting into golf groups out of sight off the tee.

A small brook running in front of the 1st green at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club makes this 315-yard par 4 hole very interesting.

Stoddard New Pro Shop Manager At SCGCC

Michael Stoddard is the new Pro-Shop and Operations Manager at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club on Route 52 in Liberty.
Stoddard, 46, took on his new job in April. His family has been a member of the club for over 50 years and Michael noted he has been playing this course since he was 10-years old.
He is a graduate of Liberty Central High School and received his BA from Manhattan College in 1984.
Michael worked in the insurance industry as an insurance claims adjuster and in 2001 opened Cobblers Restaurant on Liberty's North Main Street where he served as owner, chef and general manager until the popular restaurant was closed in 2007.
Stoddard started cooking for the new 52 Steakhouse in 2008 when "Nick" opened this restaurant at the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club. In addition to being the Pro-Shop and Operations Manager Michael continues to cook at this restaurant several days a week.
Michael noted in an interview at the golf course last week that "the opportunity presented itself to place a bid for operation and management of the pro shop. I won the bid and now cook part time at 52 Steakhouse and as an independent operator run the pro shop for the membership."
The Sullivan County Golf & Country Club is owned by members who are stockholders and a board of directors. John Burke is president of the board of directors.
Clay Huebsch is the groundskeeper for the club.
Stoddard said that his goal for this season "is to let the general public know that Sullivan County Golf & Country Club welcomes all players from beginners to experienced players and that everyone can have fun here."
He pointed out that the course offers a beautiful view and is a challenging course with affordable green fees.
The Sullivan County Golf & Country Club is also the home of Sullivan County's newest Steak House, the 52 Steakhouse, serving a full lunch and dinner menu.
The Club offers dine and golf packages with the 52 Steakhouse where you can play 18 holes of golf with a cart and have lunch for $32 and 18-holes of golf with a cart and dinner for $45 and the special includes a beverage and dessert.
Special group rates of 20 or more is also available.
The course also offers company outings for employees including golf, lunch and dinner as well as tournaments for fund raisers.
Clubs are available for rent and the pro shop is equipped with all the items needed for your next round of golf.
Membership on this course that was opened in 1925 has grown this year and both certificate and seasonal memberships are available.
The course plays host to three leagues, Monday Men's, Ladies league on Tuesday and Men's open league on Wednesday. In June a couples league will start on Thursday.
New at the course this year is the 8th tee menu which is attached to all golf carts and offers golfers out on the course to use their cell phones and call in an order which will be ready when them make the turn or come in to the dining room or lounge.
Golfers who would like to get on the Sullivan County Golf & Country Club e-mail list may do so by sending an e-mail to scgccproshop@gmail.com
Sullivan County Golf & Country Club has 30 carts for rental and green fees for 18-holes is $14 Monday through Friday and $22 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays....after 1 p.m,. on these days the rate is $16.
Cart rates for 9 holes is $8 and $13 for 18 holes. A special weekend rate for 18 holes and cart after 1 p.m. is $25.
A Sullivan County Golf & Country Club Champions board located in the cocktail lounge contains names of club champions from 1935 to 1988 with 13 club championships won by the late John "Jack" Coughlin, a true gentleman and outstanding golfer.
This nine hole golf course offers a whole set of different tees for holes 10-18 and plays to a total yardage of 3,006 yards for nine holes from the men's tees. Par is 36.for men and 39 for women.
Hole No. 1 is a 315-yard par 4. Straight down the middle over the directional flag will put your second shot into the green and the opportunity for a par. Don't hit it short on the second shot as a small stream runs in front of this green.
Hole No. 2 is a 295-yard par 4 and the its uphill off the tee. Take your drive to the left center portion of the fairway and play to the upper half of green on your second shot as the green slopes left to right.
Hole No. 3 is a 400-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping down hill right to left. Better to play right center for a good second shot to the green.
Hole No. 4 is a 152-yard par 3 with an elevated tee taking your tee shot down hill left to right. Club selection is key to a par on this hole.
Hole No. 5 is a 280-yard par 4 with water to the left. Take your drive right center for a good approach shot to the green which has bunkers left and right.
Hole No. 6 is a 275-yard par 4. Depending on where the tee box is you will have to play left or right of the tall tree at the start of the fairway. A small stream runs just below the start of the fairway. A good tee shot here can produce a birdie score.
Hole No. 7 is a 422-yard par 4 with an open fairway so let it all out on this tee. A good tee shot and second shot to the green also makes this a possible birdie score.
Hole No. 8 is a 545-yard par 5 making is the longest on on this course. Open fairway to the left and c enter and woods on the right. Tee shot should go center of the fairway and club selection is key on the second shot to the green or your approach shot.
Hole No. 9 is a 395-yard par 4 with Route 52 and trees on the right. a left center tee shot makes for a better approach shot to the green with traps on the right and rear section of the green.
Periscopes are installed on the 1st and 7th tees to give golfers a view further down the fairways and this avoids golfers hitting into each other.
Tee times and information is available by calling 292-9584.

Golf Tip
By Robert Menges

Many things can lead to inconsistent putting results, but distance and direction are the a reas we should always have at the top of our "How can I be more consistent?" list. Distance is the biggest cause of inconsistency, because it equates to the "feel" of the putt and also ends up controlling the direction after impact. as we've all learned, more speed equals less break, and less speed leads to more break.
On the other side of the coin, direction is the control we have in getting the golf ball started in the right direction before gravity and undulation take over the roll and path of the ball. Mixed in with all this is the factor that these two distinctions have to work together, if we are to enjoy any success in putting.
Another way of looking at this is to think of our hands as the rudder and the engine/propeller of a boat.
The rudder of the board contorts the direction, while the engine/propeller generates the speed and distance.
When putting, our lead hand is the rudder.....it's along for the ride, but is also makes sure you are staying square to the target. The trail hand, which is usually our dominant hand, is the engine/propeller and determines how far the ball goes.
So, each "part" has its own function....and a very important function....but one working without the other is either a board going in circles (no rudder) or simply going nowhere (no engine).
An important key to developing more reliability with our distance and direction is to minimize hand and wrist movement, which, in turn, will maximize feel and control.
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 e-mail at menges@hughes.net

Ed's Outlook

Golfers who are looking to save an average of $22 on every round of golf need not look any further then the Hudson Valley Golf Pass.
Ken Cohen and owns and operates Run Publishing in Jeffersonville has put together the Pass Book which is the fastest-growing golf discount program in the Northeast with more than 1,000 members.
An outstanding golfer and strong supporter of golf, Ken started the Golf Pass book in 2007 to help match golfers with golf courses by offering them specially-negotiated fees for what is now 60 participating courses in four states.
Cohen noted that a year-end survey of members of the Golf Pass revealed that they each saved an average of $300 on greens fees in 2007 and several courses enjoyed increased play because of the Pass Book and innovative Internet communications.
Cohen points out that what really distinguishes Hudson Valley Golf from any other discount program in the Hudson Valley is that they have invested heavily in specialized Internet tools which allows golf courses to be able to communicate immediately with his membership. "That means they can adjust discounts and offers from day to day, week to week and month to month.....a huge difference from standard discount programs which publish a discount at the beginning of the season and never change it," Cohen said.
This "real time" approach allows courses to market to their needs and tee sheet.
In addition, non-golf businesses like Monticello Raceway & Gaming has partnered with Hudson Valley Golf. offering members specially-priced meals.
At a time when the economy is down, golf courses are hurting and golfers are looking for value, Hudson Valley Golf is a business that is actually helping boost the golf industry in the Hudson Valley region and beyond.
Cohen also noted that they have just published their Hudson Valley Golfer annual guide which is distributed at most of their 60 courses.
To purchase or get more information about the Golf Pass Book, call 845-339-4200 or go to http://www.hudsonvalleygolf.com/

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the amateur sport of golf and professional golf facilities. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com
For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit the Web site
http://www.bght.blogspot.com/

NEW ARCH RIVAL OFFERS POWER AND CONTROL WITH ITS 300 REACTIVE PLUS

Designed for the most detailed of league bowlers, the new Arch Rival from Columbia 300 is a champion on medium oil. “Arch Rival is the perfect sophomore introduction to the Rival performance line,” said Chad Murphy, brand manager. “As anticipated, it offers more length, better backend and, with its superior surface texture, cleaner ball motion. Arch Rival gets five more boards in the backend than Rival.” Arch Rival contains the “Spinner” core found in Rival, but it introduces a brand new coverstock from Columbia 300, “300 Reactive Plus.” The ‘plus” in the name means more length; bowlers will see less traction up front and more on the back, making it the perfect combination of power and control needed to perform at the highest levels of the game. Available June 17 in 12 – 16 pounds, Arch Rival is Red/Green/Black. For more information, visit www.columbia300.com. Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. The company's consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby's, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse™. Its commercial product brands are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment, Vantage Genuine Parts and Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

POWERHOUSE™ INTRODUCES FOAMING ENERGIZER CLEANER

Powerhouse™ Energizer Ball Cleaner has been a flagship product for pro shops and consumers for years. Now, the company has expanded its offerings to include a foaming version of this performance-enhancing product, Foaming Energizer Ball Cleaner. “The foaming action of the Foaming Energizer Ball Cleaner literally scrubs away the dirt, particles, debris and excess oil that a ball picks up on the lane and rejuvenates the surface for optimum performance,” said Powerhouse™ brand manager, Brian Chilcutt. “And, because of its consistency, it stays in place when applied to the ball and doesn’t run as the liquid can sometimes do.” Foaming Energizer Ball Cleaner is ideal for high performance bowling balls. Both the liquid form and the new foaming version are approved for use during USBC competition. For more information, visit www.powerhousebowling.com. Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. The company's consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby's, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse™. Its commercial product brands are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment, Vantage Genuine Parts and Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

Here & There Column 6-3-08

Jack Lauckem

Lauckem Wins 'Colgate Country Showdown'

Sixteen-year-old Jack Lauckem from Auburn, NY is the 2008 local winner of Sullivan County Radio Station Thunder 102 Annual Colgate Country Showdown competition held last Sunday afternoon at Sullivan County Community College.
The Showdown was part of the Craig Morton show held later that same evening.
Second place went to Johnny Dodge and Bill Lis from Utica, NY and third place was won by Darcy Demmin of Auburn, NY.
This competition is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers.
The 'Showdown" begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the United States.
Lauckem will advance to the New York State competitions where he will compete for a $1,000 prize, the state title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional finals.
The regionals is the last step before the national final which is usually televised to a national audience from country music's most exciting venues like the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House. Lauckem if he continues to win would be awarded $100,000 and the national title.
The staff at Thunder 102 works very hard at producing this local event and they know that this event has become a reliable source of rising country music stars over the years.
Some of today's outstanding country stars like John Michael Montgomery, Sara Evans and Garth Brooks competed in the Country Showdown.
Thunder 102 Marketing and Promotions Director Regina Hensley noted that contestants for this local competition can come from anywhere in New York and Pennsylvania but that their area is deemed to be a 50-mile radius of Liberty, NY.
Seven contestants competed last Sunday as part of Thunder 102's ThunderFest.
Area country music fans had the best of all worlds as their kind of music flowed from the large stage in the Paul Gerry Field house from 3 p.m. to after 8 p.m. that evening.
Trista Wheaton, last year's Colgate Country Showdown winner was interviewed by Paul Ciliberto and she disclosed that she would be moving to Nashville, Tenn. she also performed for the audience who came and supported this benefit for the Sullivan County Community College Student Activities fund.
Sullivan County country music fans in addition to being a part of the Colgate Country Showdown also were treated to the talented Craig Morgan, Mandy Miller, Iron Cowboy and Cooper Boone.
Country 102 did an outstanding job in bringing together this entire event and the entire staff deserves a nice big pat on the back for helping in its support of this and many other community fund raising events.