By Bob DiCesare
Golf Community Helping Bombing Victims
The region's golf community has been reaching out to financially assist victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
James Driscoll, who spent his early years shaping his golf game at Charles River C.C. in Newton and is now in his eighth season on the PGA Tour, has been at the forefront of the local effort. Driscoll has created a concept called Birdies for Boston to generate money for One Fund Boston. He has pledged to donate $1,000 for every birdie he makes at both the RBC Heritage tournament in Hilton Head Island, S.C. and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans the following week.
Driscoll made nine birdies at the RBC Heritage for a total of $9,000 as part of $27,000 that was raised through the first week of the program as SNE Golfer went to press for this issue.
The New England PGA has also made its presence felt by pledging $10 for every birdie made at its recent pro-am at Thorny Lea G.C. in Brockton. A field of 176 players combined to make 330 birdies for $3,300 that was raised for the cause.
The NEPGA also announced that there will be upcoming One Fund Boston weekends when local courses will ask for a minimal donation over the cost of greens fees, with proceeds going straight to the fund.
A website has been created for anyone else interested in making a pledge. To participate in Birdies for Boston, visit www.pgatour.com/together and click on the link at the top that directs visitors to Driscoll's page.
Joe & Leigh's Influence on Golf Digest's Hot List
When it comes to goods and services, Joe & Leigh's Discount Golf Shop in Easton is like a local institution.
Honored 19 times as a Top 100 Pro Shop in America by Golf World Business and now a Top 100 Club Fitter in America by Golf Digest the last two years with its new state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, the legend of Joe & Leigh's grew even further in 2010.
That's when PGA Tour veteran Jim Furyk made an unannounced visit during Deutsche Bank Championship week, purchased a used putter from the store's Swap Shop for $39, and, a few weeks later, sank the clinching putt to win the Tour Championship event and FedEx Cup playoff bonus for a grand total of $11.5 million.
Now, Joe & Leigh's reputation has become even more prominent on a national level for the 2013 golf season.
Co-owner Leigh Bader and general manager Mark Petrucci comprised one-third of a six-member national retailers panel for the editors of Golf Digest, helping the publication produce this season's golf equipment Hot List for its March issue. Nationally, it is one of the most popular sports magazine issues after the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Bader, 58, who also owns Pine Oaks G.C. in Easton and West Bridgewater-based 3balls.com, has served on the panel for the last nine years. However, the addition of Petrucci from the same company to such a select panel from a wide range of national golf retailers is extraordinary.
Bader and Petrucci spent three days at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Ariz. for what is billed as Golf Digest's annual Hot List Summit. There were three panels – scientists, retailers, and players – to determine this year's top products. The main focus of the retailers panel for Bader and Petrucci was demand of a product and how it will be received in the marketplace.
"It was humbling to be part of such a select group of retailers from so many nationally who are qualified to be involved," said the 43-year-old Petrucci, who has worked at Joe & Leigh's for 26 years, including the last 10 years as general manager.
"I've seen a lot of product come through in over 25 years," Petrucci added. "I'd like to think I have a good feel for what is going to be hot, and what is not. And Golf Digest is very serious about our opinion to see if a product will create any buzz. The entire process was overwhelming for what Golf Digest puts into one issue. It was an honor to gather with the most respected retailers in the country, and how professional the whole process was."
"In recent years, my role has taken on a broader view of the golf industry," said Bader, who is also a Board member for Golf 20/20. "More and more, I've referred to Mark about how brands influence customers and Golf Digest got to appreciate his depth of knowledge. It was very flattering for them to invite both of us to serve on the panel."
Bader and Petrucci weighed in on drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters for the 2013 model brands.
"One thing is for certain – there is a lot of good product out there," said Petrucci. "Technology has come so far. Any of the major brands of equipment is good stuff. Ten years ago, there were a couple of good drivers and irons. This year, there's a bunch of good drivers and irons. In general, the Hot List becomes a huge asset when customers are looking for new clubs. Which brings up the importance of club fitting. It's more important than ever to get properly fitted."
"The Hot List is probably the most valuable reader service that Golf Digest provides," said Bader. "The results are not influenced by the business side of things. There is no politics, no external influences that help determine the decisions. The editors do a great job of separating church and state."
Lanzetta enjoys another Masters week
Charlie Lanzetta, director of golf at Rockland G.C., served as a rules official at the recent Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club for the 13th time.
The New England PGA Hall of Famer, who last served at the Masters in 2009, had a more extensive role this year. He helped mark the golf course as well as serve in an official rules capacity on holes No. 3 (Thursday), No. 11 (Friday), No. 10 (Saturday), and No. 18 (Sunday).
"It was the second time I have worked the 18th green for Sunday's final round," said Lanzetta, who has also served as a rules official numerous times at the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup on U.S. soil. "It was actually Lucky 13 for me this year because I was able to stand under the TV tower (behind the green) and not get wet from the rain."
Golf Community Helping Bombing Victims
The region's golf community has been reaching out to financially assist victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
James Driscoll, who spent his early years shaping his golf game at Charles River C.C. in Newton and is now in his eighth season on the PGA Tour, has been at the forefront of the local effort. Driscoll has created a concept called Birdies for Boston to generate money for One Fund Boston. He has pledged to donate $1,000 for every birdie he makes at both the RBC Heritage tournament in Hilton Head Island, S.C. and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans the following week.
Driscoll made nine birdies at the RBC Heritage for a total of $9,000 as part of $27,000 that was raised through the first week of the program as SNE Golfer went to press for this issue.
The New England PGA has also made its presence felt by pledging $10 for every birdie made at its recent pro-am at Thorny Lea G.C. in Brockton. A field of 176 players combined to make 330 birdies for $3,300 that was raised for the cause.
The NEPGA also announced that there will be upcoming One Fund Boston weekends when local courses will ask for a minimal donation over the cost of greens fees, with proceeds going straight to the fund.
A website has been created for anyone else interested in making a pledge. To participate in Birdies for Boston, visit www.pgatour.com/together and click on the link at the top that directs visitors to Driscoll's page.
Joe & Leigh's Influence on Golf Digest's Hot List
When it comes to goods and services, Joe & Leigh's Discount Golf Shop in Easton is like a local institution.
Honored 19 times as a Top 100 Pro Shop in America by Golf World Business and now a Top 100 Club Fitter in America by Golf Digest the last two years with its new state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, the legend of Joe & Leigh's grew even further in 2010.
That's when PGA Tour veteran Jim Furyk made an unannounced visit during Deutsche Bank Championship week, purchased a used putter from the store's Swap Shop for $39, and, a few weeks later, sank the clinching putt to win the Tour Championship event and FedEx Cup playoff bonus for a grand total of $11.5 million.
Now, Joe & Leigh's reputation has become even more prominent on a national level for the 2013 golf season.
Co-owner Leigh Bader and general manager Mark Petrucci comprised one-third of a six-member national retailers panel for the editors of Golf Digest, helping the publication produce this season's golf equipment Hot List for its March issue. Nationally, it is one of the most popular sports magazine issues after the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Bader, 58, who also owns Pine Oaks G.C. in Easton and West Bridgewater-based 3balls.com, has served on the panel for the last nine years. However, the addition of Petrucci from the same company to such a select panel from a wide range of national golf retailers is extraordinary.
Bader and Petrucci spent three days at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Ariz. for what is billed as Golf Digest's annual Hot List Summit. There were three panels – scientists, retailers, and players – to determine this year's top products. The main focus of the retailers panel for Bader and Petrucci was demand of a product and how it will be received in the marketplace.
"It was humbling to be part of such a select group of retailers from so many nationally who are qualified to be involved," said the 43-year-old Petrucci, who has worked at Joe & Leigh's for 26 years, including the last 10 years as general manager.
"I've seen a lot of product come through in over 25 years," Petrucci added. "I'd like to think I have a good feel for what is going to be hot, and what is not. And Golf Digest is very serious about our opinion to see if a product will create any buzz. The entire process was overwhelming for what Golf Digest puts into one issue. It was an honor to gather with the most respected retailers in the country, and how professional the whole process was."
"In recent years, my role has taken on a broader view of the golf industry," said Bader, who is also a Board member for Golf 20/20. "More and more, I've referred to Mark about how brands influence customers and Golf Digest got to appreciate his depth of knowledge. It was very flattering for them to invite both of us to serve on the panel."
Bader and Petrucci weighed in on drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters for the 2013 model brands.
"One thing is for certain – there is a lot of good product out there," said Petrucci. "Technology has come so far. Any of the major brands of equipment is good stuff. Ten years ago, there were a couple of good drivers and irons. This year, there's a bunch of good drivers and irons. In general, the Hot List becomes a huge asset when customers are looking for new clubs. Which brings up the importance of club fitting. It's more important than ever to get properly fitted."
"The Hot List is probably the most valuable reader service that Golf Digest provides," said Bader. "The results are not influenced by the business side of things. There is no politics, no external influences that help determine the decisions. The editors do a great job of separating church and state."
Lanzetta enjoys another Masters week
Charlie Lanzetta, director of golf at Rockland G.C., served as a rules official at the recent Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club for the 13th time.
The New England PGA Hall of Famer, who last served at the Masters in 2009, had a more extensive role this year. He helped mark the golf course as well as serve in an official rules capacity on holes No. 3 (Thursday), No. 11 (Friday), No. 10 (Saturday), and No. 18 (Sunday).
"It was the second time I have worked the 18th green for Sunday's final round," said Lanzetta, who has also served as a rules official numerous times at the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup on U.S. soil. "It was actually Lucky 13 for me this year because I was able to stand under the TV tower (behind the green) and not get wet from the rain."
People and places
The season's first major amateur golf tournament in late April was a memorable one as the 35th John Cronin Memorial Four-Ball proved to be a testament to perseverance and love for the game of golf.
The host site, the Country Club of Halifax, will never be mistaken for St. Andrews or Ballybunion, but it sure did look and feel like a seaside links course in Scotland or Ireland with a two-day combination of cold, wind, and rain.
In the Cronin Division (low handicaps), Henry Alves and John Nolan of Easton C.C. defeated former Mass. Golf Association Player of the Year Brian Higgins of Franklin C.C. and Mark O'Sullivan on the second extra hole (No. 17) in a playoff that ended under the cover of darkness at 7:55 p.m.
Bill Tribou of Halifax and his brother, Bob Tribou of Pocasset GC, captured the Lambert Division (higher handicaps) by three strokes at 73-74-147.
"Dark? Are you kidding me? It was black out there," said Nolan, a four-time men’s club champion at Easton C.C. "I've never played competitive golf in cold and dark conditions like that. At least if it rains in the summer, it's 70 degrees. We definitely got a taste of Scotland or Ireland out there."
Also, several key figures on the local golf scene received recognition in recent months.
Bob Beach, head professional at Braintree Municipal G.C., was named one of the top 50 Growth of the Game teaching professionals by the Golf Range Association of America.
Peter Costello of Cohasset G.C. received the Mass. Golf Association's Andrew J. Blau Volunteer of the Year Award.
Norman White III and T.J. White, operators of Sandbaggers Golf Range in Pembroke, have been honored as a Ping regional club fitter of the year.
Bob DiCesare is an award-winning golf writer for The Patriot Ledger of Quincy, MA and The Enterprise of Brockton, MA and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf.
The season's first major amateur golf tournament in late April was a memorable one as the 35th John Cronin Memorial Four-Ball proved to be a testament to perseverance and love for the game of golf.
The host site, the Country Club of Halifax, will never be mistaken for St. Andrews or Ballybunion, but it sure did look and feel like a seaside links course in Scotland or Ireland with a two-day combination of cold, wind, and rain.
In the Cronin Division (low handicaps), Henry Alves and John Nolan of Easton C.C. defeated former Mass. Golf Association Player of the Year Brian Higgins of Franklin C.C. and Mark O'Sullivan on the second extra hole (No. 17) in a playoff that ended under the cover of darkness at 7:55 p.m.
Bill Tribou of Halifax and his brother, Bob Tribou of Pocasset GC, captured the Lambert Division (higher handicaps) by three strokes at 73-74-147.
"Dark? Are you kidding me? It was black out there," said Nolan, a four-time men’s club champion at Easton C.C. "I've never played competitive golf in cold and dark conditions like that. At least if it rains in the summer, it's 70 degrees. We definitely got a taste of Scotland or Ireland out there."
Also, several key figures on the local golf scene received recognition in recent months.
Bob Beach, head professional at Braintree Municipal G.C., was named one of the top 50 Growth of the Game teaching professionals by the Golf Range Association of America.
Peter Costello of Cohasset G.C. received the Mass. Golf Association's Andrew J. Blau Volunteer of the Year Award.
Norman White III and T.J. White, operators of Sandbaggers Golf Range in Pembroke, have been honored as a Ping regional club fitter of the year.
Bob DiCesare is an award-winning golf writer for The Patriot Ledger of Quincy, MA and The Enterprise of Brockton, MA and he is also a member of the International Network of Golf.
