TRACK BOWLING TO SPONSOR
SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
TRACK BOWLING TO SPONSOR SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
School’s inaugural season set to begin in October Sam Houston State University is on ‘Track’ to begin its inaugural year of NCAA Division I bowling competition.The Lady Bearkats will be sponsored by Track bowling, a brand of Ebonite International, Inc.“This by far will be history in the making and an excellent opportunity for Track to be a key influence in our present and future success,” said Sam Houston State University Bowling Coach Brad Hagen. “I was looking to have that one very influential company that would be a part of our vision and growth from the beginning and I believe the synergy is a perfect fit.”The team currently consists of seven women, including one from Puerto Rico, according to the team’s Web site http://www.gobearkats.com.“The SHSU Bearkat bowling program is dedicated and committed to higher standards while maintaining all around integrity,” Hagen said. “Our accountability on and off the lanes is very imperative to the program and our intentions — like Track’s — are to exceed all expectations.”Track is not just another bowling ball brand, much like Sam Houston women’s bowling isn’t just another bowling team, according to Track Brand Manager Paul Figliomeni.“Track has always been more about the technical aspects of bowling,” he said. “This partnership with Sam Houston is a perfect fit. We are proud to sponsor this team and look forward to many years of exceptional progress from both the team and our brand.”— Track Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment - Track is a brand of Ebonite International, Inc. Based in Hopkinsville, Ky., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets domestically and internationally. In addition to Track, the company’s consumer product brands include Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Ebonite and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Johnny Petraglia Wins PBA East
Region Howell Lanes Senior Open
Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia of Jackson, N.J., defeated David Kneas of Annapolis, Md., 245-189, to win the PBA East Region Howell Lanes Senior Open at Howell Lanes recently, and join the legendary Dick Weber as only the second player to win PBA titles in six decades.
Petraglia won the first of his 14 PBA Tour titles in Fort Smith, Ark., in 1966 at age 19. A week later, he joined the U.S. Army and didn’t bowl on Tour again until 1969. With Sunday’s title, he also has 12 PBA Regional titles along with seven PBA Senior Tour titles. Now included are titles won in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s.
Weber’s six-decade span began when he won his first PBA title in the PBA’s second event ever – the 1959 Paramus Eastern Open in Paramus, N.J. – and ended with his final title in a PBA Midwest Regional event in Taylorville, Ill., on Jan. 20, 2002.
“I’d still like to win a national title, but winning a regional…it’s still a title. Just to be linked with Dick Weber, you did something,” the 63-year-old left-hander said.
“The way it turned out was really terrific because it happened at my home lanes,” Petraglia added. “I qualified eighth and struggled through match play, but I got just barely through it. There were only four of us left, but I found something. I used a different ball, a different way to play lanes and it worked while everyone else was struggling. The last couple of matches were pretty easy, which was fine with me.
“My family was there, too. It was the first time my son (John Jr.) had ever seen me win in person. Every other time he saw me win was on TV or on tape.
“I’m extremely happy,” Petraglia continued. “Doing something that Dick Weber did really makes you feel like you have accomplished something. He’s the standard bearer, the guy who got us started.”
Petraglia defeated Darryl Bower of Middletown, Pa., 226-166, and Kneas edged Bob Brady of Santa Monica, Calif., 182-181, in the semifinal round to set up the championship match.
Region Howell Lanes Senior Open
Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia of Jackson, N.J., defeated David Kneas of Annapolis, Md., 245-189, to win the PBA East Region Howell Lanes Senior Open at Howell Lanes recently, and join the legendary Dick Weber as only the second player to win PBA titles in six decades.
Petraglia won the first of his 14 PBA Tour titles in Fort Smith, Ark., in 1966 at age 19. A week later, he joined the U.S. Army and didn’t bowl on Tour again until 1969. With Sunday’s title, he also has 12 PBA Regional titles along with seven PBA Senior Tour titles. Now included are titles won in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s.
Weber’s six-decade span began when he won his first PBA title in the PBA’s second event ever – the 1959 Paramus Eastern Open in Paramus, N.J. – and ended with his final title in a PBA Midwest Regional event in Taylorville, Ill., on Jan. 20, 2002.
“I’d still like to win a national title, but winning a regional…it’s still a title. Just to be linked with Dick Weber, you did something,” the 63-year-old left-hander said.
“The way it turned out was really terrific because it happened at my home lanes,” Petraglia added. “I qualified eighth and struggled through match play, but I got just barely through it. There were only four of us left, but I found something. I used a different ball, a different way to play lanes and it worked while everyone else was struggling. The last couple of matches were pretty easy, which was fine with me.
“My family was there, too. It was the first time my son (John Jr.) had ever seen me win in person. Every other time he saw me win was on TV or on tape.
“I’m extremely happy,” Petraglia continued. “Doing something that Dick Weber did really makes you feel like you have accomplished something. He’s the standard bearer, the guy who got us started.”
Petraglia defeated Darryl Bower of Middletown, Pa., 226-166, and Kneas edged Bob Brady of Santa Monica, Calif., 182-181, in the semifinal round to set up the championship match.
Will the 2010 World Series of Bowling
Produce Another Tom Smallwood?
If his story hasn’t become legendary yet, Tom Smallwood’s remarkable road to winning the 2009 Professional Bowlers Association World Championship will one day achieve that status.
It’s an inspiring story of a husband, father and accomplished bowler who loses his job and decides to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bowler, and goes on to win one of the sport’s most prestigious titles in dramatic fashion against a reigning Player of the Year.
To review, Smallwood’s story goes something like this; the 32-year-old former assembly line worker from Saginaw, Mich., is laid off from his job with General Motors in December 2008 as a result of the country’s worsening economic condition. Losing his job gives him the opportunity to pursue his passion of bowling as his new career. He enters the 2009 PBA Tour Trials where a third-place finish earns him an exemption to bowl full-time for the 2009-10 season.
Fast-forward to the August 2009 World Series of Bowling at Thunderbowl Lanes in suburban Detroit where he qualifies for the World Championship stepladder finals to be telecast live on ESPN in December from Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.
Bowling against then-reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott, the title match is a nail-biter until the 10th frame. Malott starts with four strikes, but then runs into carry problems on the right lane. Smallwood stays close, striking on five of his first six shots, but then leaves a 4-6-7 split in the seventh frame and the tide turns to Malott’s favor. Malott isn’t able to put two strikes together in the final frames, however, and Smallwood answers with another four strikes in a row – including two in the tension-filled 10th frame – to seal the victory, 244-228.
Smallwood earns a $50,000 first prize, a two-year exemption to continue his PBA Tour career and his first chance to bowl in January’s PBA Tournament of Champions. He gains nationwide media attention in outlets ranging from Sports Illustrated to the National Enquirer.
“Looking back at last season, it was something I could have never expected—just crazy,” Smallwood said. “Now I’m concentrating on getting back in shape for this year’s World Series. Last year I wanted to prove I could compete on Tour. Now I want to prove that I wasn’t a one-year wonder.
“It’s going to be important to be in shape because there’ll be some long formats,” he added. “I’m practicing five days a week, two to four hours a day.
“I’ve been anxious to get back out there (on Tour) since the last season ended and just need to make sure I’m in top form when the end of October rolls around.”
Smallwood had a productive 2009-10 season making two other television appearances where he finished third in the Scorpion Championship and fifth in the Bayer Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles with partner Jodi Woessner.
His success in 2009-10 also earned him a contract with the Brunswick Pro Staff which has kept him busy since the end of the season last April.
“Actually, I haven’t been able to bowl competitively over the summer as much as I have in the past because I’ve been busy making appearances and attending trade shows,” Smallwood said. “There’s been a lot of traveling, but it’s been fun.”
The moral of this story is there may be other Tom Smallwoods out there and the 2010 edition of PBA’s WSOB has the potential to produce another unlikely hero, according to Smallwood.
“In general, there are just so many good bowlers out there,” Smallwood said. “Just around where I live in the Saginaw area I think there are a lot of bowlers who have the potential so I would encourage anyone who can to enter—you never know what will happen.”
The 2010 WSOB, to be conducted at the South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas Oct. 24-Nov. 6, was designed to be the ultimate destination event for all PBA members. Multiple titles are up for grabs, a huge overall prize fund and nine nationally-televised shows are part of the event. An affordable entry fee and accommodations all in one city for a short amount of time make it an affordable experience for entrants. For a $750 entry fee, bowlers are entered in six events including the PBA World Championship.
In all, the WSOB will award six PBA Tour titles and pay $635,000 in prize money. The top 16 players in each “animal pattern” event will earn prize money with the winner of each earning $15,000, a PBA Tour title and a berth in the Tournament of Champions.
The PBA World Championship will pay one in four based on 215 entries with a $2,000 low-to-cash. (Prize ratio is 1 in 3 up to 160 entries; 53 places will be paid for a field of 161-215). First prize in the World Championship will be $50,000.
Bowlers wishing to enter the WSOB must be Full PBA members. The only exception is International players who belong to the WTBA, JPBA or KPBA.
An entry form may be downloaded by going to pba.com, clicking on Schedule/PBA Tour and opening any of the WSOB tournaments. Entrants also can request an entry form by calling (206) 332-9688. Entries may be scanned and e-mailed back to PBA, faxed to (206) 332-9722, or mailed to the PBA office.
Produce Another Tom Smallwood?
If his story hasn’t become legendary yet, Tom Smallwood’s remarkable road to winning the 2009 Professional Bowlers Association World Championship will one day achieve that status.
It’s an inspiring story of a husband, father and accomplished bowler who loses his job and decides to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bowler, and goes on to win one of the sport’s most prestigious titles in dramatic fashion against a reigning Player of the Year.
To review, Smallwood’s story goes something like this; the 32-year-old former assembly line worker from Saginaw, Mich., is laid off from his job with General Motors in December 2008 as a result of the country’s worsening economic condition. Losing his job gives him the opportunity to pursue his passion of bowling as his new career. He enters the 2009 PBA Tour Trials where a third-place finish earns him an exemption to bowl full-time for the 2009-10 season.
Fast-forward to the August 2009 World Series of Bowling at Thunderbowl Lanes in suburban Detroit where he qualifies for the World Championship stepladder finals to be telecast live on ESPN in December from Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan.
Bowling against then-reigning PBA Player of the Year Wes Malott, the title match is a nail-biter until the 10th frame. Malott starts with four strikes, but then runs into carry problems on the right lane. Smallwood stays close, striking on five of his first six shots, but then leaves a 4-6-7 split in the seventh frame and the tide turns to Malott’s favor. Malott isn’t able to put two strikes together in the final frames, however, and Smallwood answers with another four strikes in a row – including two in the tension-filled 10th frame – to seal the victory, 244-228.
Smallwood earns a $50,000 first prize, a two-year exemption to continue his PBA Tour career and his first chance to bowl in January’s PBA Tournament of Champions. He gains nationwide media attention in outlets ranging from Sports Illustrated to the National Enquirer.
“Looking back at last season, it was something I could have never expected—just crazy,” Smallwood said. “Now I’m concentrating on getting back in shape for this year’s World Series. Last year I wanted to prove I could compete on Tour. Now I want to prove that I wasn’t a one-year wonder.
“It’s going to be important to be in shape because there’ll be some long formats,” he added. “I’m practicing five days a week, two to four hours a day.
“I’ve been anxious to get back out there (on Tour) since the last season ended and just need to make sure I’m in top form when the end of October rolls around.”
Smallwood had a productive 2009-10 season making two other television appearances where he finished third in the Scorpion Championship and fifth in the Bayer Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles with partner Jodi Woessner.
His success in 2009-10 also earned him a contract with the Brunswick Pro Staff which has kept him busy since the end of the season last April.
“Actually, I haven’t been able to bowl competitively over the summer as much as I have in the past because I’ve been busy making appearances and attending trade shows,” Smallwood said. “There’s been a lot of traveling, but it’s been fun.”
The moral of this story is there may be other Tom Smallwoods out there and the 2010 edition of PBA’s WSOB has the potential to produce another unlikely hero, according to Smallwood.
“In general, there are just so many good bowlers out there,” Smallwood said. “Just around where I live in the Saginaw area I think there are a lot of bowlers who have the potential so I would encourage anyone who can to enter—you never know what will happen.”
The 2010 WSOB, to be conducted at the South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas Oct. 24-Nov. 6, was designed to be the ultimate destination event for all PBA members. Multiple titles are up for grabs, a huge overall prize fund and nine nationally-televised shows are part of the event. An affordable entry fee and accommodations all in one city for a short amount of time make it an affordable experience for entrants. For a $750 entry fee, bowlers are entered in six events including the PBA World Championship.
In all, the WSOB will award six PBA Tour titles and pay $635,000 in prize money. The top 16 players in each “animal pattern” event will earn prize money with the winner of each earning $15,000, a PBA Tour title and a berth in the Tournament of Champions.
The PBA World Championship will pay one in four based on 215 entries with a $2,000 low-to-cash. (Prize ratio is 1 in 3 up to 160 entries; 53 places will be paid for a field of 161-215). First prize in the World Championship will be $50,000.
Bowlers wishing to enter the WSOB must be Full PBA members. The only exception is International players who belong to the WTBA, JPBA or KPBA.
An entry form may be downloaded by going to pba.com, clicking on Schedule/PBA Tour and opening any of the WSOB tournaments. Entrants also can request an entry form by calling (206) 332-9688. Entries may be scanned and e-mailed back to PBA, faxed to (206) 332-9722, or mailed to the PBA office.
Howard Stern Show’s Scott "The
Engineer" to Bowl in PBA World Series
Scott "The Engineer” Salem, an avid league bowler who serves as an engineer for SiriusXM satellite radio star Howard Stern, will compete in the Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling this fall. The iconic talk show host plans to follow his longtime staff member’s progress for weeks leading up to, and during, the kickoff event for the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season.
The PBA World Series of Bowling, which will be webcast live in its entirety on pba.com's Xtra Frame streaming video service, is a multi-event competition to be held at South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Oct. 24-Nov. 6.
Salem, who carried a 218 bowling average in his league last season, accepted the PBA's special invitation to compete in the World Series live on Stern's show last Thursday. Millions of listeners heard his acceptance and Stern's permission to compete.
"I was like a deer caught in the headlights," said Salem. "I'm very excited. It will be phenomenal to get to bowl against these top of the line, world class guys."
Stern has long made Salem the brunt of jokes due to his bowling prowess.
"Scott has been talking about what a great bowler he is for years," said Stern on Monday's show. "Now Scott's going to get his shot. And we'll see. I guarantee he'll choke, bowl a 130 and his excuse will be they oiled the lanes differently. Or maybe it will be a 'Rocky' story and he'll have the game of his life. I can see him working out in a meat locker to get ready now."
The PBA expects an increase in attention from Stern's audience for the WSOB. Currently, a poll on howardstern.com asks users to vote for how they expect Scott "The Engineer” to perform.
"Scott is a legitimate high-average league bowler and he is a big fan of the PBA," said PBA Deputy Commissioner Tom Clark. "Hopefully bowlers like him across the country will live vicariously through his experience at the World Series.
"The Howard Stern Show is a pop culture phenomenon," Clark said. "Stern's legions of passionate fans will be extremely interested in how Scott 'The Engineer' does against the best in the world."
Salem, 57, mentioned on air that he was looking forward to meeting PBA stars Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Chris Barnes. "I don't have high expectations because I know how hard it will be," Salem said. "I understand the conditions they bowl under are much more difficult than typical league bowling. As the date gets closer I'll probably freak out."
Salem is preparing for the opportunity by beginning a renewed practice regimen and has scheduled an Oct. 8 coaching session from PBA Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia, who recently became the second player to win PBA titles in six decades. Brunswick is providing Salem an arsenal of equipment.
In addition to Stern’s SiriusXM Satellite Radio stations 100 and 101, Stern's "HowardTV" pay-per-view on-demand television plans to cover Salem's experience leading up to and throughout the PBA World Series of Bowling.
Stern fans, like all other PBA fans, can follow the exploits of the entire WSOB field by subscribing to pba.com’s Xtra Frame video streaming service. Subscriptions to the upgraded Xtra Frame, with improved video quality and a number of other new features, are available by clicking on the Xtra Frame logo on pba.com’s home page. A special Howard Stern fan Xtra Frame rate for the first five days of the WSOB will be made available soon.
PBA World Series of Bowling telecasts begin on ESPN on Nov. 28, with the PBA World Championship main event airing live Jan 14-16.
Engineer" to Bowl in PBA World Series
Scott "The Engineer” Salem, an avid league bowler who serves as an engineer for SiriusXM satellite radio star Howard Stern, will compete in the Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling this fall. The iconic talk show host plans to follow his longtime staff member’s progress for weeks leading up to, and during, the kickoff event for the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season.
The PBA World Series of Bowling, which will be webcast live in its entirety on pba.com's Xtra Frame streaming video service, is a multi-event competition to be held at South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Oct. 24-Nov. 6.
Salem, who carried a 218 bowling average in his league last season, accepted the PBA's special invitation to compete in the World Series live on Stern's show last Thursday. Millions of listeners heard his acceptance and Stern's permission to compete.
"I was like a deer caught in the headlights," said Salem. "I'm very excited. It will be phenomenal to get to bowl against these top of the line, world class guys."
Stern has long made Salem the brunt of jokes due to his bowling prowess.
"Scott has been talking about what a great bowler he is for years," said Stern on Monday's show. "Now Scott's going to get his shot. And we'll see. I guarantee he'll choke, bowl a 130 and his excuse will be they oiled the lanes differently. Or maybe it will be a 'Rocky' story and he'll have the game of his life. I can see him working out in a meat locker to get ready now."
The PBA expects an increase in attention from Stern's audience for the WSOB. Currently, a poll on howardstern.com asks users to vote for how they expect Scott "The Engineer” to perform.
"Scott is a legitimate high-average league bowler and he is a big fan of the PBA," said PBA Deputy Commissioner Tom Clark. "Hopefully bowlers like him across the country will live vicariously through his experience at the World Series.
"The Howard Stern Show is a pop culture phenomenon," Clark said. "Stern's legions of passionate fans will be extremely interested in how Scott 'The Engineer' does against the best in the world."
Salem, 57, mentioned on air that he was looking forward to meeting PBA stars Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Chris Barnes. "I don't have high expectations because I know how hard it will be," Salem said. "I understand the conditions they bowl under are much more difficult than typical league bowling. As the date gets closer I'll probably freak out."
Salem is preparing for the opportunity by beginning a renewed practice regimen and has scheduled an Oct. 8 coaching session from PBA Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia, who recently became the second player to win PBA titles in six decades. Brunswick is providing Salem an arsenal of equipment.
In addition to Stern’s SiriusXM Satellite Radio stations 100 and 101, Stern's "HowardTV" pay-per-view on-demand television plans to cover Salem's experience leading up to and throughout the PBA World Series of Bowling.
Stern fans, like all other PBA fans, can follow the exploits of the entire WSOB field by subscribing to pba.com’s Xtra Frame video streaming service. Subscriptions to the upgraded Xtra Frame, with improved video quality and a number of other new features, are available by clicking on the Xtra Frame logo on pba.com’s home page. A special Howard Stern fan Xtra Frame rate for the first five days of the WSOB will be made available soon.
PBA World Series of Bowling telecasts begin on ESPN on Nov. 28, with the PBA World Championship main event airing live Jan 14-16.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Here & There Column 9-14-10
Taking part in the Sullivan County Alzheimer's Association Benefit Softball game August 30 were, from the left, Thunder 102 New York Regional Manager Paul Ciliberto, who also served as the Thunder All Stars captain, Alzheimer's Association representative and fund raiser Marcia Fink and Charlie Angels player-coach Jo Walls.
Alzheimer's Game & Memory Walk
The Alzheimer's Association is on the move to end Alzheimer's and the local Sullivan County Memory Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 26 at the Frontier Insurance Building, 195 Lake Louise Marie Road in Rock Hill.
Check in time is 9:30 a.m. with the welcome and walk getting underway at 11 a.m.
For information on the walk contact Janet Troia at 845-794-3774 or at the web site http://www.sullivancountymemorywalk.org/
There were some competitive juices flowing August 30 at the Edward M. Collins Memorial Park in Mongaup Valley but the final score between the Thunder 102 Country All Stars and the 2010 Sullivan County Women's Softball League and Playoff Champions Charlie's Angels was overshadowed by this important benefit game that raised over $1,255 for the Alzheimer's Association. The Angels team themselves raised $1,005.50 for this event. Additional photos of the game and evening events can be seen at http://bght.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 10, 2010
Golfing Highlights Column 9-10-10
The Sullivan County foursome who joined Town of Fallsburg Lochmor Golf Course Club House Pro Shop Manager Frank McCoy (second from the right) for this photo included from the left, Dean Winters, George Korth, Ed Guthrie and Golfing Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend.Automated Water System Helps Top Rating For Lochmor
Golf Digest magazine has given the Town of Fallsburg Municipal Lochmor Golf Course a three and one-half star rating and a major reason why is the total automated water system for the tees, fairways and greens.
The Mitchell-designed course was officially opened by the town in 1961 and today the 18-hole 6,550 yard course is popular for open play and league play plus the scenery on the back nine (holes 10-18) is beautiful and offers a challenge to most golfers.
Our Sullivan County foursome who toured Lochmor included myself, Ed Guthrie, Dean Winters and George Korth. We found the overall condition of this course to be outstanding.
Glenn Sonnenschein is the head PGA Pro, Michael Decker is the Assistant Head Pro, Clark Bartolomew is the Golf Course Superintendent with William Henkelman Assistant Superintendent. Club house pro-shop manager is Frank McCoy.
Rates at Lochmor include the weekday lunch special which includes 18-holes of golf with a cart and lunch. After 1 and 3 p.m. the golf and cart rate is reduced.
The golf course can be reached by calling 434-1257 or at their web site at http://www.lochmorgolf.com/
The course offers four sets of tees which make the course playable to all caliber of golfers. The greens are nicely groomed and tend to be a little fast.
Last week we took you through the first nine holes from the black tees and this week we'll define the back nine (10-18). Yardage on the back nine runs 3,360 yards.
Hole No. 10 is a 280-yard par 4 with trees darting the left side of the fairway. Best to take your drive left center. Traps are on the left and front sides of this green.
Hole No. 11 is a 201-yard par 3. Club selection off the tee is your key to nailing that birdie or par. Hole No. 12 is a 580-yard par 5, the longest hole on this golf course. Fairway starts out straight with a dogleg left and the fairway then runs uphill. Just prior to the dogleg there is water which runs across most of the fairway. The green has a trap on the right side and the right rear. Avoiding the water running across the fairway will determine your final score here.
Hole No. 13 is a 157-yard par 3 with trees on the right side of the fairway. Traps on the right and left side of this green.
Hole No. 14 is a 418-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. The beautiful Morningside Lake is on the left and its about 170-yards to water running across the fairway off the tee. The lake runs completely on the left side of the fairway. A trap near the green is left front. Keep from going over this green on your approach shot.
Hole No. 15 is 1 501-yard par 5 with the lake on the left so best to take your ball to the right center in this fairway. There is a small stream running in from of this green and a trap on the right side of the green. The approach shot and club selection is the key to success on this hole. If you go too far over this green there is also water.
Hole No. 16 is a 409-yard par 4 with a dogleg right. An open fairway with trees on the right off the tee and in the second half of this fairway there are trees on the left. There is a trap on the right side of the green.
Hole No. 17 is a 423-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping left to right. Open fairway and some trees on the left and right sides. All depending where the flag is on this hole but overall its best to take your approach shot left center as the green slopes left to right. It might take a couple of rounds to figure our the best way to putt on this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 390-yard par 4 with a fairway trap on the right and traps left, center and right on the green.
On your next golf outing be sure to take in the beauty and great golfing opportunities at the Lochmor Golf Course.
The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges
The Hybrid Chip Shot
As many of you avid golfers have probably noticed, more and more golfers are putting a hybrid, or utility club in their bag. They are replacing the three, four and five irons for an easier club to hit.
The hybrid irons are easier to hit because, they offer the golfer more surface area to strike the ball with. Also, these clubs are much better at getting through the rough. This is because they glide through the rough instead of getting stuck in the grass as an iron would.
Many golfers are also using the hybrid club to chip around the green. If you have a shot where you only have to loft the ball in the air a short distance, and then let the ball roll on the green much like a putt, this is a very effective way to accomplish this shot.
First you must set up in a normal chipping stance. Keep your feet close together with 70 percent of your weight on your forward foot. Place your hand and arms slightly ahead or forward of the ball. When you make the stroke, attack it like you are hitting a putt. Try to let just your arms and shoulders do the work, without flipping or using your hands. You must keep your lower body and head still to avoid sending the ball in a poor direction. Try to pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land and let the ball roll as much as possible to the hole.
Remember, always try to practice this shot on the chipping green before you go out to play.
As with every new shot you try to use in golf, you want the shot to save you strokes not add more to your score.
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
Golf Digest magazine has given the Town of Fallsburg Municipal Lochmor Golf Course a three and one-half star rating and a major reason why is the total automated water system for the tees, fairways and greens.
The Mitchell-designed course was officially opened by the town in 1961 and today the 18-hole 6,550 yard course is popular for open play and league play plus the scenery on the back nine (holes 10-18) is beautiful and offers a challenge to most golfers.
Our Sullivan County foursome who toured Lochmor included myself, Ed Guthrie, Dean Winters and George Korth. We found the overall condition of this course to be outstanding.
Glenn Sonnenschein is the head PGA Pro, Michael Decker is the Assistant Head Pro, Clark Bartolomew is the Golf Course Superintendent with William Henkelman Assistant Superintendent. Club house pro-shop manager is Frank McCoy.
Rates at Lochmor include the weekday lunch special which includes 18-holes of golf with a cart and lunch. After 1 and 3 p.m. the golf and cart rate is reduced.
The golf course can be reached by calling 434-1257 or at their web site at http://www.lochmorgolf.com/
The course offers four sets of tees which make the course playable to all caliber of golfers. The greens are nicely groomed and tend to be a little fast.
Last week we took you through the first nine holes from the black tees and this week we'll define the back nine (10-18). Yardage on the back nine runs 3,360 yards.
Hole No. 10 is a 280-yard par 4 with trees darting the left side of the fairway. Best to take your drive left center. Traps are on the left and front sides of this green.
Hole No. 11 is a 201-yard par 3. Club selection off the tee is your key to nailing that birdie or par. Hole No. 12 is a 580-yard par 5, the longest hole on this golf course. Fairway starts out straight with a dogleg left and the fairway then runs uphill. Just prior to the dogleg there is water which runs across most of the fairway. The green has a trap on the right side and the right rear. Avoiding the water running across the fairway will determine your final score here.
Hole No. 13 is a 157-yard par 3 with trees on the right side of the fairway. Traps on the right and left side of this green.
Hole No. 14 is a 418-yard par 4 with a dogleg left. The beautiful Morningside Lake is on the left and its about 170-yards to water running across the fairway off the tee. The lake runs completely on the left side of the fairway. A trap near the green is left front. Keep from going over this green on your approach shot.
Hole No. 15 is 1 501-yard par 5 with the lake on the left so best to take your ball to the right center in this fairway. There is a small stream running in from of this green and a trap on the right side of the green. The approach shot and club selection is the key to success on this hole. If you go too far over this green there is also water.
Hole No. 16 is a 409-yard par 4 with a dogleg right. An open fairway with trees on the right off the tee and in the second half of this fairway there are trees on the left. There is a trap on the right side of the green.
Hole No. 17 is a 423-yard par 4 with the fairway sloping left to right. Open fairway and some trees on the left and right sides. All depending where the flag is on this hole but overall its best to take your approach shot left center as the green slopes left to right. It might take a couple of rounds to figure our the best way to putt on this green.
Hole No. 18 is a 390-yard par 4 with a fairway trap on the right and traps left, center and right on the green.
On your next golf outing be sure to take in the beauty and great golfing opportunities at the Lochmor Golf Course.
The Golf Tip
By Robert Menges
The Hybrid Chip Shot
As many of you avid golfers have probably noticed, more and more golfers are putting a hybrid, or utility club in their bag. They are replacing the three, four and five irons for an easier club to hit.
The hybrid irons are easier to hit because, they offer the golfer more surface area to strike the ball with. Also, these clubs are much better at getting through the rough. This is because they glide through the rough instead of getting stuck in the grass as an iron would.
Many golfers are also using the hybrid club to chip around the green. If you have a shot where you only have to loft the ball in the air a short distance, and then let the ball roll on the green much like a putt, this is a very effective way to accomplish this shot.
First you must set up in a normal chipping stance. Keep your feet close together with 70 percent of your weight on your forward foot. Place your hand and arms slightly ahead or forward of the ball. When you make the stroke, attack it like you are hitting a putt. Try to let just your arms and shoulders do the work, without flipping or using your hands. You must keep your lower body and head still to avoid sending the ball in a poor direction. Try to pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land and let the ball roll as much as possible to the hole.
Remember, always try to practice this shot on the chipping green before you go out to play.
As with every new shot you try to use in golf, you want the shot to save you strokes not add more to your score.
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
This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the amateur and professional sport of golf and to several golf writers associations. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league standings and tournament information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, by e-mail at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-230-8674. For a much more expanded version of this golf column, please visit our Web site at http://www.http//bght.blogspot.com This column is also available on Facebook.
USBC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS NOMINATED
FOR 2010 SPORTSTRAVEL AWARD
After 90 years of competition, the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships recently got a makeover, and the upgrades were well-received by more than 30,000 competitors who traveled to El Paso, Texas, for the 2010 edition of the storied event.> > The 2010 USBC Women's Championships also garnered attention from outside of the bowling industry and landed on the official ballot for one of SportsTravel magazine's 2010 SportsTravel Awards.> > The ballot includes nominees in amateur, collegiate and professional categories, and awards will be presented for best single-sport event, best multi-sport or multi-discipline event and best sports event series or circuit in each category. To be eligible, nominated events had to occur between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.> > "It has been an exciting year for USBC and the Women's Championships, and it is very satisfying to be considered among the top sporting events in the world," said Brian Lewis, USBC's Managing Director of Tournaments. "We are proud of the evolution and growth of our tournaments and events, and being recognized for our efforts is proof of our impact in the industry."> > The 2010 Women's Championships is one of six finalists for Best Sports Event Series or Circuit in the Amateur Sporting Events category. The tournament, which has been held in 56 cities since its inception in 1916, made its first visit to El Paso this year and attracted 5,864 five-player teams during its 100-day run from March 27 until July 4.> > In 2011, the Women's Championships will make its third visit to Syracuse, N.Y., and 10th trip to the Empire State overall. Syracuse hosted the event in 1940 and 1954, featuring 1,185 and 4,538 teams, respectively. The 2011 tournament kicks off its 88-day run on April 7, and more than 6,000 teams are expected to compete.> > Nominations for this year's awards were made by SportsTravel readers and ballots can be found in the August and September issues of SportsTravel magazine or online at www.sportstravelmagazine.com.> > Voting will continue through Monday, Sept. 13, and winners will be announced on Oct. 21, 2010, at the TEAMS (Travel, Events And Management in Sports) '10 Conference & Expo in Charlotte, N.C.> > Also up for grabs will be the title of Best New Sporting Event of the past year, which includes the Professional Bowlers Association's World Series of Bowling, and an overall Sports Event of the Year from among the nominated events.> > For the first time, the Women's Championships was held in a convention-center setting, as 48 lanes were specially-constructed inside the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. All previous tournaments, with the exception of events held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., every third year since 1997, were held in traditional bowling centers.> > Along with the setting, the tournament format also had a new look this year as it was pared down from five divisions to three, and a 100-percent handicap format was introduced.> > Cities that host the Women's Championships, the world's largest participatory sporting event for women, can expect to see more than 60,000 visitors (bowlers and guests) and an economic impact of more than $40 million.> > "Events such as this one are a prime example of the achievement of excellence in the organization and management of sporting events," said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference & Expo. "SportsTravel readers are the leaders of the sports-event industry, and they know what it takes to execute a high-quality event. The SportsTravel Awards program is an opportunity for them to honor their peers for a job well done."> > For more information on the USBC Women's Championships, visit BOWL.com.> > United States Bowling Congress> The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.> > The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.
FOR 2010 SPORTSTRAVEL AWARD
After 90 years of competition, the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships recently got a makeover, and the upgrades were well-received by more than 30,000 competitors who traveled to El Paso, Texas, for the 2010 edition of the storied event.> > The 2010 USBC Women's Championships also garnered attention from outside of the bowling industry and landed on the official ballot for one of SportsTravel magazine's 2010 SportsTravel Awards.> > The ballot includes nominees in amateur, collegiate and professional categories, and awards will be presented for best single-sport event, best multi-sport or multi-discipline event and best sports event series or circuit in each category. To be eligible, nominated events had to occur between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.> > "It has been an exciting year for USBC and the Women's Championships, and it is very satisfying to be considered among the top sporting events in the world," said Brian Lewis, USBC's Managing Director of Tournaments. "We are proud of the evolution and growth of our tournaments and events, and being recognized for our efforts is proof of our impact in the industry."> > The 2010 Women's Championships is one of six finalists for Best Sports Event Series or Circuit in the Amateur Sporting Events category. The tournament, which has been held in 56 cities since its inception in 1916, made its first visit to El Paso this year and attracted 5,864 five-player teams during its 100-day run from March 27 until July 4.> > In 2011, the Women's Championships will make its third visit to Syracuse, N.Y., and 10th trip to the Empire State overall. Syracuse hosted the event in 1940 and 1954, featuring 1,185 and 4,538 teams, respectively. The 2011 tournament kicks off its 88-day run on April 7, and more than 6,000 teams are expected to compete.> > Nominations for this year's awards were made by SportsTravel readers and ballots can be found in the August and September issues of SportsTravel magazine or online at www.sportstravelmagazine.com.> > Voting will continue through Monday, Sept. 13, and winners will be announced on Oct. 21, 2010, at the TEAMS (Travel, Events And Management in Sports) '10 Conference & Expo in Charlotte, N.C.> > Also up for grabs will be the title of Best New Sporting Event of the past year, which includes the Professional Bowlers Association's World Series of Bowling, and an overall Sports Event of the Year from among the nominated events.> > For the first time, the Women's Championships was held in a convention-center setting, as 48 lanes were specially-constructed inside the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center. All previous tournaments, with the exception of events held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., every third year since 1997, were held in traditional bowling centers.> > Along with the setting, the tournament format also had a new look this year as it was pared down from five divisions to three, and a 100-percent handicap format was introduced.> > Cities that host the Women's Championships, the world's largest participatory sporting event for women, can expect to see more than 60,000 visitors (bowlers and guests) and an economic impact of more than $40 million.> > "Events such as this one are a prime example of the achievement of excellence in the organization and management of sporting events," said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference & Expo. "SportsTravel readers are the leaders of the sports-event industry, and they know what it takes to execute a high-quality event. The SportsTravel Awards program is an opportunity for them to honor their peers for a job well done."> > For more information on the USBC Women's Championships, visit BOWL.com.> > United States Bowling Congress> The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.> > The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.
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