Newsletters
July 2011
From the President’s Desk ……….
To Rockledge Men’s Club Members:
As The Bard once said: “Spring is sprung; the grass is riz. I wonder where the birdies is?” Well, if you hadn’t noticed, a red tailed hawk and a few eagles have already been spotted at The Rock, along with several species of more routine birdies!
We’re well into the 2011 season already, with 105 members showing up for the usual hearty breakfast, a brief meeting, a bountiful raffle and the Opener Scramble on April 16. Check out the winners of all our RMC sponsored tournaments as well as the remaining tournament schedule on the website!
During the Opener, a questionnaire was distributed on behalf of your Executive Board, which was concerned that several members felt the prize awards needed to be increased to encourage more participation. We asked four questions:
[1] Are you satisfied with the way things are? 97% said Yes.
[2] Would you support an increase in dues to provide larger prize pools? 67% said No.
[3] Would you support increased tournament fees to support increased prize pools? 74% said No.
[4] Would you want to see fewer “winners” with larger payouts? 88% said No.
We also got some valuable comments: “More match play or elimination tournaments;
Promote more play among members [ideas, please]; Some inter-club events; Need seed boxes on par threes; Rake traps; Mark the course [GUR, hazards, etc.]; More play among members, including “pick your own partner events.” A big “thank you” to the 70 members who participated. We’ll be working on your suggestions!
Right now, the annual CSGA handicap fee is $20, leaving $65 [76%] of your dues to run the Men’s Club, fund the raffles and augment tournament prize pools [in addition to your “at the desk” entry fee]. Our sponsors have made it possible to operate the Club and keep the raffle/prize funds in excess of 80% of your dues. This year, the Board is finding an increased interest on the part of potential sponsors and will be displaying sponsor signs on the 1st and 10th tees for each Men’s Club tournament. We hope increased sponsor support will fully underwrite the expenses of the Club and provide additional prize funds.
Remember, sponsors hope that they’ll be able to attract you as a new customer, whom they can serve in many ways. So please, support our supporters!
Hit ‘em long and straight, but not too often!!!
John Davison, RMC President
From the Crowe’s Nest ……….
Spring time in New England It can drive you crazy at times.
Rockledge kept its record intact for scheduling a demo day and having it rain. I think over the past 8 years we have had one demo day where the weather was good. That being said we rescheduled the day and things went very well. I would like to thank those who were able to make it. For those that could not make it talk to our staff and we will see what we can do to make sure you have the right clubs and equipment.
Mizuno, Ping, Callaway and Titleist continue to be strong for us. Call and make an appointment.
Even with the weather being a little tough the turn out for the tournaments have been well attended. The individual match play tournament had a huge turnout and was a great success. Congratulations to all the winners.
The Travelers Golf Tournament was also a huge success for greater Hartford and for those who bought their tickets at The Rock’s golf shop, the entire $20.00 for the price of a ticket went to the PGA Foundation.
Now that the weather has turned for the better come on down and play some golf. Go to www.golfrockledge.com make your time on line, or call the Golf Shop.
Check out the tournament results as well as upcoming tournaments on line. Kevin Smith has been doing a great job keeping all the results up to date.
The golf shop has a significant inventory of the new climate control shirts and outer wear – stop in and check them out!
Once again I am in training for my second PMC Bike ride in August. 100% of all rider’s donations goes to Dana Farber in Boston. Once again I would like to thank everyone who climbed aboard last years ride. More information is now available in the golf shop. Last years donations were over $16,000.00. UNBELIEVABLE! Thank You!
Remember Golf Shop credit (Crowe dough) needs to be used by November 1, 2011.
Thanks for all your support, Look forward to seeing you at the ROCK.
Richard Crowe, PGA Professional
2011 Rockledge Men’s Club Board of Directors
John Davison
President
Tony Albano
1st Vice President
Steve Fisher
2nd Vice President
Bob King
Secretary
Ray Cusick
Treasurer
Jerry Salad
Tournament Chair
Ed Parzych
Membership Chair
Mike Ellovich
Handicap Chair
Kevin Smith
Web Site
Joe Righenzi
Newsletter
Richard Crowe
Club Professional
Support our sponsors! Visit our website – you can access these sponsor’s web pages right off of our site!
Bob King
Angelo's on Main
Woodland Auto Body
Cricket Press
Sheehan-Hilborn
Tees & More
Distinctive Finishes
CEDA
A.V.E
Richard Crowe
Senior Insurance Services
Insurance & Investment Solutions
Ledyard Autobody
Pazzo’s in Glastonbury and Rocky Hill
Connecticut Whale Hockey Club
Rockledge News and Notes
Rockledge Men’s Club membership to date: 311 members which includes 15 Junior’s. Our 2011 budget was 295 so we are in great shape for the year! Last year’s membership was 313 members.
The RMC Board is in the process of finalizing our Club’s Tournament Rules. Once the document is approved by Rich Crowe and the Board, it will be made available to all members.
The Tournament Committee is looking to schedule another match play event. Possible dates are October 23rd or 24th – more details to follow shortly.
Best wishes to John Davison for a speedy recovery from hip surgery. The early word on the street is that John’s new hip will add 50 yards to his tee shots!
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Niedzielski family with the recent passing of Tony on June 29th. Tony was an active member of the Men’s Club and a regular Tuesday/Friday golfer. He was especially proud of his hole in one at The Rock!
Golf News and Notes
Downhillers Made Easy. You find yourself putting for a birdie on the 9th hole. Your ball rests above the pin, with a blue flag. Your 10 footer is downhill with a rather slick green. The smart play is to choke down on your putter and use the heel. Chocking down will provide you with more control over the club head and will effectively slow down you stroke. Don’t be afraid to grip down all the way to the steel. Hitting the ball on the heel will deaden the impact. Hitting on the heal is easier as you have more control over that part of the putter, since that is where the shaft connects with the hosel. Plus, striking putts with the toe tends to make the head “wobble” through impact.
Kevin Smith will be updating the Men’s Club web site this year. Please feel free to provide Kevin with feedback on content, updates or additions. Kevin’s email address is smitty4sure@sbcglobal.net
Joe Righenzi publishes the Men’s Club newsletter. Please feel free to reach out to Joe regarding content and additions. Joe’s email address is jrighenzi@comcast.net
3-Putt Average per 18 Holes
PGA Tour Pro 0-5 Handicap 9-12 18-22 28-32
0.5 1 1.8 2.9 3.5
Did you know it takes a banana peel 3 to 4 weeks to decompose? And squirrels don’t eat them so please place your peels in the garbage pails located at each tee box and refrain from throwing them in the rough!
How do you compare? Below are the average carry distances for a PGA Tour Pro in 2010
3 Iron 211 Yards
4 Iron 203 Yards
5 Iron 193 Yards
6 Iron 182 Yards
7 Iron 171 Yards
8 Iron 159 Yards
9 Iron 147 Yards
PW 135 Yards
Ask the Rules Guy ….. You find the 13th green filled with small leaves, all within your putting line. Instead of picking up the leaves, you take your golf towel and swing it like a helicopter, smacking the green clear. Leaves cleared, rule broken? The rules of golf allow you to remove loose impediments on the putting green without penalty but they provide no preferred method to do so. According to Decision 16-1a/8, a player may use his towel, cap or any reasonable object to clear a path to the hole as long as he doesn’t “press down” the grass in his line of putt.
A man is sitting at home on the veranda with his wife and he says, “I love you.”
She asks, “Is that you or the beer talking?”
He replies, “It’s me talking to the beer.”
Match Play Rules ….. You are lying 5, your partner 4 in a match play round. You both have about the same line, so you want to putt first to give him a good look at his line. Yet, your opponent says “Good” to your putt before you strike it. Can you still putt or do you have to pick up for a 6? The rules of golf state that you must pick up your putt. A conceded putt in match play can neither be refused nor withdrawn. Decision 2-4/7 states that if you had putted out in order to aid your partner, you would have had to count your 6 and your partner would have been out of the hole entirely
March 2011
Rockledge Mens Club Newsletter
From the Outgoing President’s Desk ……….
On a lovely Saturday afternoon at the end of August my wife asked me to take a walk to the center for lunch. I said “no”.” Please”, she asked, “it’s a beautiful day and we need the exercise”. “No” I said, “I just played 18 at the “Rock” and I am tired. “ “Come on, I’ll buy you a beer”, to which I said “when do you want to leave”. Sipping that cold beer, waiting for our food to arrive, I couldn’t help but over hear the conversation of the two couples seated next to us. They had just finished playing golf at Rockledge and were totally impressed with the excellent conditions of the course and the helpful Pro Shop staff. I introduced ourselves to them as members of the course and they said how lucky we are to have such a gem in our midst.
Although I have only eleven scores in the computer, I make it a point to stop at the course on weekends to see what is happening. My wife says I am “nosey”; I say “I am doing my Presidential duties”. Recently I spoke with a long time men’s club member who has been playing in many CSGA tournaments this year. He said the conditions of Rockledge were on par or better than most of the private or public courses he has played.
On Sunday, September 18, my wife and I, along with our guests played in the Nine and Dine. Don and Kathy are members of Wampanoag and they also were totally impressed with the conditions of the course in this drought stricken time.
Gentlemen, you know that the combined efforts of many people make such compliments possible. From the support of the Town, to the tireless dedication of Al and his ground crew to Rich and Pro shop staff, this has made 2010 one of the most productive years in recent history. Thanks for all of your help and we look forward eagerly to an exciting and enjoyable 2011 golf season.
Jay Murphy
From the Incoming President’s Desk ……….
Gentlemen:
As you read this, the golf season will have ended and your new Executive Board has already begun working on plans and arrangements for the 2011 season.
Our first decision was to maintain the annual dues at $85 ($15 for Juniors/students) even though CSGA is increasing their handicap fee from $18 to $20 for 2011. In response to a member’s concern about the security of personal identification, we re-affirmed Men’s Club policy of not divulging e-mail addresses to Sponsors, tho’ our Webmaster and Membership Chair will conspire to e-mail you news of special promotions offered by Sponsors – so please do note your e-mail address on your renewal form next spring. In that discussion, we also noted that your birth date on the membership form allows the Board to verify eligibility for Junior/student membership fees and qualification for age-based tournaments (Senior, Senior-Senior and Legends), but agreed that month and year are the key [and will allow the Webmaster to include birthday greetings at the beginning of each month], though a few may not wish to share that information.
Jerry Salad and his Tournament Committee are busy working with Rich Crowe and two or three Board members on the Tourney schedule for 2011 and exploring the possibility of organizing some sponsored and/or inter-club competitions. The fundamental goal of the Men’s Club is to support, encourage and promote competitive golf. The Board was pleased to learn that our Junior Golf Program includes inter-club competitions with five other area clubs and that several of our members have been involved in [and, yes, some won and/or placed among the leaders] in CSGA, USGA and/or PGA events. The Website will provide expanded coverage of Junior, Tuesday-Friday, CSGA, USGA and PGA events in which our members participate. Sign up, sign in and sign on to keep up with what’s up at “The Rock.”
You’ll hear from us again in early March. In the meantime, best wishes for health and happiness during the New Year!
John Davison
From the Crowe’s Nest ……….
The summer of 2010 will go into the record books as one of the warmest and driest summers in recent memory. Al and his staff have done a GREAT job in keeping Rockledge as well as Buena Vista golf course in great shape all year. As we all can attest to by looking at our own lawns, it was a difficult year to grow or keep what grass we had alive. Thanks for all your efforts in giving or patrons, awesome playing conditions all year.
I would like to congratulate all the championship winners on there fine play in the championships. All of our events this year have been well attended. The ABCD have had record turn outs, as well as the two Ramble events being sold out.
Kevin Smith has been keeping the Rockledge web site up to date. Take a few minutes to check out what’s in store for 2011 as well as results from past tournaments.
What’s going on out on the 16th and 17th hole? Yes its true there will be a new bathroom facility built this year and ready to go for the 2011 golf season. After much discussion with many people it was decided this location would take care of the needs of our players. We needed to be able to locate it where we had power, water and be able to connect to the sewer line. It will be a great addition to our course.
We have had our best year in equipment sales. The Mizuno and Ping fitting programs have been very strong for us. If you are thinking of a new club or clubs for your bag check into our fitting program. Keep in mind this is the year of the WEDGE. As of January 1, we will no longer be able to order wedges with the “deep groves ". The golf shop still has many to choose from.
Thanks for your support of Patriot Day. We raised $523.00 for a very worthy cause.
On a personal note, I would like to everyone for your support of my PMC Dana Farber bike ride. The generosity of so many of you was over whelming, and greatly appreciated. Never in my wildest imagination would I think we could raise $16,128.26. Together we ARE making a difference!!!
Sincerely,
Rich
2010 Board
John Davison
President
Tony Albano
1st Vice President
Steve Fisher
2nd Vice President
Bob King
Secretary
Ray Cusick
Treasurer
Jerry Salad
Tournament Chair
Ed Parzych
Membership Chair
Mike Ellovich
Handicap Chair
Kevin Smith
Web Site
Joe Righenzi
Newsletter
Richard Crowe
Club Professional
Rockledge News and Notes
Congratulations to Peter Davison who finished 2nd with a score of 2 over par at last year’s CSGA Public Links 2 day tournament held at Blue Fox Run. Peter is the ultimate gentleman and an outstanding ambassador for Rockledge Golf Club and our Men’s Club!
Congratulations to Peter Davison and Jim Gentile who won the 70th CSGA Four Ball Championship on August 24th at The Course at Yale. They fired a 5 under par round of 65 to earn their first team victory in this prestigious Championship.
Golf News and Notes
If you are interested in becoming a Men’s Club sponsor, please reach out to John Davison. Sponsorship includes placement on the Men’s Club web site, w/ the potential to link to the sponsor’s site, along with advertisement in the men’s locker room, and the ability to share promotions or discounts to the Men’s Club membership via email or our newsletter. John can be reached at 860-561-2159 or email at tunxisroad@sbcglobal.net
Perfect Husband
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cellular phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.
"Hello"
"Hi Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
"Yes."
"I'm at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
"Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
"I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked."
"How much?"
"$90,000."
"OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
"Great! Oh, and one more thing. I was just talking to Janie and found out that the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $980,000 for it."
"Well, then go ahead and make an offer of $900,000. They'll probably take it. If not, we can go the extra eighty-thousand if it's what you really want."
"OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!"
"Bye! I love you, too."
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths wide open. He turns and asks,
"Anyone know whose phone this is?"
Kevin Smith will be updating the Men’s Club web site this year. Please feel free to provide Kevin with feedback on content, updates or additions. Kevin’s email address is smitty4sure@sbcglobal.net
Joe Righenzi will be publishing the Men’s Club newsletter. Please feel free to reach out to Joe regarding content and additions. Joe’s email address is jrighenzi@comcast.net
2011 Rockledge Men’s Club Tournament Schedule
DATE Tournament
April 10th ABCD Red Tee (RC)
April 16th Opener – Scramble (B)
May 7th Spring Ramble (B)
May 15th ABCD Red, White, Blue (RC)
May 27th – 30th Rockledge Memorial and
2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
June 4th - 5th Individual Match Play Tourn.
June 12th Nine & Dine (B)
June 19th Family Day Tournament
June 26th ABCD Shamble/Scramble (RC)
July 1st – July 4th Sherman Memorial and
2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
July 8th Nine & Dine (B)
July 10th President’s Trophy (B)
July 17th President’s Trophy Finals (B)
July 23rd – 24th SR/SR - SR Legends Tourney (B) (T)
July 24th Championship Flight Qualifier
August 6th & 7th CLUB Championship (7th is for championship flight only) (T)
August 14th CLUB Championship Finals (B) (T)
August 20th Summer Ramble (B)
August 21st Nine & Dine (B)
September 2nd – 5th Pro’s Trophy and 2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
September 11th ABCD Hot Ball (RC)
September 25th ABCD Member/Member (RC)
October 2nd Beat the Pro Jr Golf Fundraiser
October 9th Fall Open Ramble (B)
October 15th – 16th Ryder Cup (B)
October 23rd ABCD – Format TBD
October 25th John Sivell Challenge (B)
October 30th Closer – Shamble (B)
November 6th ABCD – Format TBD
RC = Ryder Cup Points Tournament
B = Blocked Times
T = Post as Tournament
August 2010
Click Here for August 2010 Newsletter
Rockledge Men’s Club Newsletter
August 2010
From the President’s Desk ……….
Golf is an unabashedly old fashioned sport. We love its traditions and customs. But even the most die hard traditionalist knows that new technology can enhance a players approach to this great game. In fact, it is no coincidence that the average golfer’s handicap has dropped by two strokes since the early 1990’s. Technological innovations account for at least some of that. For example, GPS driven tools like the highly touted sky caddie allow players to ascertain optimal approaches to holes on thousands of courses around the world. Hybrid clubs from such companies as Bobby Jones come outfitted with weight and angle adjustment capabilities and even the lowly golf ball, via makers such as Srixon and Titleist, have benefited from enhanced dimple designs and cutting edge core and cover materials. That said, a bag full of high performance equipment gets you only so far. Too really up your game, you need to get out there and swing, so go for it! See you on the course.
Jay Murphy
From the Crowe’s Nest ……….
Here we are into July already. Al and his staff continue to work hard on the golf course and it shows. We had a very good April and May and our numbers where up for the year thanks to you and your support. May was a busy month with some outside events as Rockledge hosted the Connecticut Senior Open. There were some great rounds shot with a 65 being low round by Jim Becker. The competitors were very complementary of the course and our volunteers that helped out that day. I would like to thank everyone for their support.
The spring ramble was a sell out. The member - member and ABCD tournaments have also been well attended. Make sure you keep an eye out for the coming events and sign up early. Congratulations to Paul Schaffer for winning the Rockledge Memorial. In June The Rock hosted the SWENGA team championship and a Travelers Championship PGA Tour Clinic as well as our annual clubs for kids program.
I would like to thank those that attended the annual Demo day as well as our wedge fitting day put on by Cleveland golf and Mike Kelly. We had our best turn out ever! The excitement generated with the new fitting carts for drivers and irons has been well received. If you are in the market for new equipment stop in and see what is new in the Pro Shop. Remember, golf shop credit (Crowe Dough) has to be used by October of 2011. If there is anything we can help you with let us know. As always, thanks for your efforts in keeping our course in good shape. Replace divots, repair ball marks and rake bunkers.
Stop by and see Mike and Georgia at the snack Bar. Try one of their hamburgers or foot long hot dogs and a drink.
Sincerely,
Rich Crowe
2010 Board
Jay Murphy-Presidenr
Mike Ellovich-Handicap Chair
Tony Albano-1st Vice President
Niel Andersen-2nd Vice President
Jerry Salad-Tournament Chair
Bruce Farnsworth-Web Site
Bob King-Secretary
Joe Righenzi-Newsletter
John Davison-Treasurer
Ed Parzych-Membership Chair
Rich Crowe-PGA Professional
Several Board Members will be having their term limits expire at the conclusion of this year. If you are interesting in getting more involved in the Club, please reach out to any of the Board members above. From a commitment perspective, the Board meets monthly. It is a great way to meet new members and have an opportunity to influence the Rockledge Men’s Club.
Rockledge News and Notes
It’s great to see Frank D’Annolfo back on the course and doing well after his recent heart surgery!
Congratulations to Joe Killoran for his double eagle on 6 during the Senior Championship!
If you haven’t had a chance to participate in a Nine and Dine, the next tournament is scheduled for August 22nd. It is a great opportunity to play with a spouse, friend or partner and the dinner at Angelo’s after the round is fantastic! The first two events have been well attended. Feel free to invite another couple from outside the Club to play with you and your partner. It is a great way to introduce them to the Rockledge Men’s and Women’s Clubs. Feel free to contact Jerry Salad for more details.
Men’s Club membership remains solid for the 2010 season. The tournament budget for the 2010 season was forecasted for 295 members, including juniors. As of late July, the Men’s Club is at 325 members, including juniors.
On Saturday, August 7th, Rich Crowe will be participating in the 31st annual Pan Massachusetts Bike Challenge. Rich set a personal goal to raise $3,000 in which 100% of his contributions would be donated to Dana Farber. As of August 1st, Rich has received more than $13,000 in donations, with a significant percentage coming from his friends and family at The Rock. We all wish Rich the best as he participates in this challenge, and a sincere “thank you” to all of the members who have contributed in the name of Rich and his family!
Rockledge Golf Course was rated the “Best Public Golf Course” by both the Hartford Advocate’s Readers Poll and Hartford Magazine.
As a friendly reminder, if you are not able to commit to your starting time, please ensure you or one of your playing partners calls the golf shop in advance and cancels. Also, if participating in a tournament and you are unable to finish the round, please ensure you notify your playing partners and the golf shop to ensure the integrity of the field is maintained.
Rockledge Men’s Club members – we need your help and commitment. To date, the course has endured some very challenging weather, with extreme heat and limited rainfall. Overall, Al and his team have done a remarkable job keeping the course in top shape, despite what Mother Nature has been throwing at them. We are asking the Men’s Club to also lend a helping hand. Divots need to be replaced, traps need raking and ball marks need fixing! As a public facility, the Rock experiences a tremendous amount of rounds on a weekly basis and we need the help of the Men’s Club to not only replace your divot, but one additional divot too. Same for ball marks on the greens and foot prints in the traps. We need to set the example. Did you know that if a ball mark is fixed real time it grows back within 48 hours versus an old ball mark left unattended takes up to a week to heal? Next time you are waiting for the green to clear on a par 3 take the time to replace a few divots on the tee box. And when replacing a divot, use a little creativity. Like a jig saw puzzle, the divot will go back as it came out. Take the time to fit it in and ensure the edges don’t hang out. Use your weight to ensure you tamp it down. Imagine walking up to your 3rd shot on the 14th fairway, wedge in hand while competing in the Club Championship, only to find that your ball has landed in an unrepaired divot. Has the potential to ruin your round. With a little effort, we can ensure the Rock remains the crown jewel of public golf courses that it is!
Golf News and Notes
What’s hot? Mizuno Irons. Rich and his staff have a revolutionary system at their disposal called a Shaft Optimizer by Mizuno. The system has the capability of recording five data points that make up your swing DNA – club head speed, swing tempo, release factor, shaft toe down and shaft kick angle. The Shaft Optimizer identifies the components that perfectly fit your swing profile which can lead to immediate improvement on your scorecard. If you are in the market for a new set of irons, ask Rich about the Optimizer.
Golf Shots Per Round Average Score
PAR 80 90 100
Shots on Green 36 >36
Shots to the Green >22 >30 >40 >50
Shots with the Driver 14 14 14+ 14+
Do you know the rules?
1. Loose impediments are natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs and branches:
• True or False?
2. A player incurs the general penalty when he touches his line of putt in which one of the following:
A. He taps down spike marks on the line of putt.
B. He repairs a ball mark on the line of putt.
C. He removes loose impediments on the line of putt with a towel.
D. He presses down a ball marker of a fellow competitor that is on his line of putt.
3. In singles match play, the players share a motorized golf cart. In searching, the
moving cart strikes and moves a player’s ball. What is the ruling?
A. There is no penalty if the moved ball belonged to the player not driving the cart.
B. There is no penalty regardless of who was driving because the ball moved during the search.
C. The player driving the cart loses the hole.
4. In stroke play, a player is in the process of taking relief from ground under repair through the green. Before he drops the ball, he removes sand and loose soil from the area in which he is to drop the ball. What is the ruling?
A. There is no penalty.
B. There is a one stroke penalty.
C. There is a two stroke penalty.
5. In stroke play, a player returns his score card with a total score that is correct but with a score missing for one hole. What is the ruling?
A. The Tournament Committee should allow him to enter the missing score.
B. The Tournament Committee should enter the missing score.
C. He is disqualified.
6. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds:
• True or False?
7. Soft, mushy earth is casual water whether or not water is visible:
• True or False?
8. In which instance may a player touch his line of putt without penalty?
A. With his towel in removing a loose impediment
B. With his club in removing casual water.
C. With his club when tapping down spike marks.
9. A player has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance
A. On the teeing ground.
B. In the rough.
C. In the fairway.
D. In the bunker.
10. When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds.
• True or false?
Please patronize our sponsors – their advertising dollars go a long way to the success of our Men’s Club!
Golf quiz answers:
1. True 2. A 3. A. 4. C 5. C 6. True 7. False 8. A 9. D 10. True
Score: 100% = Pro 50% or less = you should be playing at Buena Vista
March 2010
Rockledge Men’s Club Newsletter
Click here for pdf version of March 2010 Newsletter
March 2010
From the President’s Desk ……….
Fine Print, Legal Jargon, Conditions and Surgeon General Warnings: As most of you know, warm weather is here, the new improved RANGE is OPEN and the course is set to become operational this weekend (March 13) but rain is in the forecast. Our web site (rockledgemensclub.com) is up with the Tournament Schedule, Membership Applications and Sponsorship Applications. This year’s Board is committed to running the web site as well as updating with info on upcoming starting times, tournament results, general knowledge and timely tips. The first two tournaments, which are both in April, are important. Saturday April 10th is first with an ABCD Red Tee (RC) play and the second is Sunday April 18th the OPENER SCRAMBLE (B). Last year’s “Opener” was probably the largest field we had in a long time, so sign up early for these two exciting events. NOTE: (B) is indicating BLOCKED TIME for the tee and (RC) indicates Ryder Cup points and the Ryder Cup tournament is the most enjoyable that we have. You are awarded points for each RC you play in and the top 30 make it to the finals. Any tournament with a (T) after it must be posted with your score in the computer with a (T) or you will be PENALIZED and that stays with your handicap for one year. Anyone interested in becoming a club sponsor please see me. The cost is $250.00 per year. Speaking of sponsors, long time supporter and sponsor, Angelo’s on Main, is now serving BREAKFAST on Saturday from 7:00 to 11:30 am and on Sunday from 7:00 to 2:30 pm. Please stop in before a round of golf, after church services or just to enjoy a leisurely morning. Eggs, pancakes, French toast, you name, they have it. The winter treated the course very kindly, not much damage. Al and crew are working hard to provide us with the best conditions possible. Rich, Bob and Andrew are back in the Pro Shop. Stop in and say hello or pick up some new clubs, balls, and shoes and beat the rush. And in closing, Mike is returning to run the new improved snack shack. The Town has completely renovated the building installing new kitchen equipment, grills, sinks and an ice machine. I ask that you continue to support Mike and his lovely wife, Georgia with as much enthusiasm as possible. See you on the course.
Jay Murphy
From the Crowe’s Nest ……….
SPRING IS HERE!!! As I write this letter, everyone is busy getting things ready for what I believe is going to be a GREAT golf season. Rockledge came through the winter in pretty good shape. Al and his entire staff once again have been working hard to get things ready for opening day.
Andrew, Bob and most of our staff will be returning for the 2010 season. We are all very excited and looking forward to seeing you in early Spring.
New for the up coming year will be a totally renovated snack bar. Al spent a good part of the winter bringing the snack bar up to date with town codes. Mike has been down already making plans for the 2010 season.
We are still working on a restroom facility out on the golf course. The idea we had mentioned last fall came back way over what was told to us before. We have not given up! As we speak we are getting plans to do something which I think will be better. More information will be forth coming as I receive it.
Save the date - April 27th in the afternoon we are going to have a demo wedge day with Cleveland golf and Mike Kelly. It will be free of charge with a sign up format. We will be talking about the different types of wedges and custom fitting. More details to follow soon!
Keep Wednesday May 5th open. This will be our annual Demo Day. Acushnet, Callaway, Cobra, Cleveland, Mizuno, and Nike will be here with the latest and greatest for 2010. We will have their fitting carts and equipment to custom fit you. Stop in and ask about the new Mizuno fitting system. It is going to be something different and special.
If you are thinking about new equipment this year this would be a great opportunity to see what’s new out there. If our staff can help in any way please ask. I know our prices will be competitive with everyone around, and we will make sure you have the right equipment to help you enjoy this great game.
Both the Women and Men's clubs have been busy putting the final touches on their events. Make sure you look at the event schedules. Sign up, bring a friend and get involved.
Rockledge Golf Club will become an e-club house member with the CSGA this year. This new program will allow Rockledge members to go on line and see up coming events, post scores and keep your own stats. Sign up for events, check on starting times for events and get tournament results. Once we are on line I will post more information on this new program.
To check on this year’s fees go to www.golfrockledge.com .
From the entire staff at Rockledge we look forward to seeing you down at THE ROCK!
Sincerely,
Rich Crowe
2010 Board
Jay Murphy Mike Ellovich
President Handicap Chair
Tony Albano Jerry Salad
1st Vice President Tournament Chair
Niel Andersen Bruce Farnsworth
2nd Vice President Web Site
Bob King Joe Righenzi
Secretary Newsletter
John Davison Rich Crowe
Treasurer Club Professional
Ed Parzych
Membership Chair
ROCK LEGEND
Tony Niedzielski
by Andrew Schoolnik
20th Century events clashed with the life of Tony Niedzielski. Born on July 2, 1928, in Niklowice, Poland, he grew up in the farming village of Rudki. He didn’t seek to be in the center of a warring world, and his life was changed by many dramatic scenes that happened with little fan fare. With grace and a smile he gives calm descriptions of how a changing world changed his life.
Walking to school one winter morning, a friend fell through the ice of a frozen river. Tony told his sister to hold a nearby bush with one hand and him with her other. He leaned into the water and with his free hand lifted his friend to safety. He laughs at the memory, ‘over here, I would’ve been a national hero, over there, we were afraid to tell our parents.’
As his hometown of Rudki minded its own business, by July of ‘39, it was occupied by the Nazis, who burnt half the town, including Tony’s home. Following these fires, three families were forced to share each home. Only one month later, in August, the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed, which divided Poland. Rudki was now occupied by the Soviets, who sent the village leaders to Siberia.
The Nazi’s broke this pact on June 22, 1941, and Tony remembers seeing the Soviets advance west on that Sunday afternoon. One week later, Tony remembers seeing the Soviets retreating eastward. As they retreated through Rudki, the Soviet troops pillaged and emptied the village stores, taking food and supplies. It was this same day that Nazi troops rode in on bicycles with ‘potato mashers’ (grenade sashes) that the second Nazi occupation began.
There was a large, long standing Jewish population in Rudki, including many of Tony’s friends at school. The Nazis made a Jewish ghetto where the local slaughterhouse had been. They burnt both village synagogues.
As is said, first the Nazis burnt their homes. Next, the Soviets took their neighbors and emptied their town of supplies. Then, the Nazis forced local Jewish families into ghettos. Finally, the Nazis came for Tony.
One afternoon in ’42 there was a knock at the door. Guns in hand, the Nazis took most of Tony’s family, his mother left behind. ‘We said our goodbyes and that was it,’ Tony says. Many Poles were taken to Austria, where farmers selected these prisoners, including Tony, to be their slaves.
Tony and his brother, Stanley, escaped from separate farms on the same day, were caught, and jailed together. One week later, his father escaped from the farm he was assigned to. He was caught, and incredibly, he landed in the same cell.
Later in ’42, Tony and his Dad were taken to an employment office. They worked in a cement factory, a brickyard and Traibach Chemical Work, in Austria for the war’s duration. They were forced to do manufacturing for their Nazi enemies. After another escape attempt, Stanley was sent to the Dachau Concentration Camp. One day British troops showed up and announced the war’s end. By ’48 Tony’s family, including Stanley, re-united in the UK.
Tony met Mary, his wife-to-be, as they worked spinning cotton together near Bolton, England. Mary, who is also Polish, had been sent to Siberia during the war. As part of Stalin’s so called, short lived Polish Amnesty she went thru Persia, Pakistan, Tanzania, and eventually made it to England after the war ended. Was it love at first sight Tony? With a sheepish grin he says ‘practically.’
In January of 1951 Mary left for Hartford and Tony soon followed in early 1952. They married on May 31, 1952 at the Polish National Home and one month later Tony was drafted by the US Army and sent to Korea. Staff Sgt Niedzielski was on the second line, just north of the 38th Parallel, supporting the front line infantry with Quad-50 machine guns mounted on half tracks. He served for 13 months in the Korean War.
The State of Connecticut gave $300 bonuses to Korean War vets, provided they were residents of the state for at least one year before enlisting. But Tony was only in America for 5 months before he was drafted – not even an American citizen – and to this day he has never gotten the bonus.
They bought their West Hartford home on Levesque Ave in 1957, where their children, Bernard and Andrew grew up. Tony and Mary still live their today and have four grandchildren. Tony worked as a machinist at Chandler Evans for 36 yrs.
Tony has only used one putter – ever – and his career round is a 79 at Rockledge. He has eagled the 9th hole, but never birdied it! His only other eagle came on the old 17th, and he’s never liked the new 14th. Tony scored his only hole-in-one on the 5th hole during the 1993 Club Championship – there were two other foursomes waiting their turn behind his group, and as Tony bent down to pick up his tee, it went in. Everyone saw it go in but him!
He always enjoyed the golfing company of Dexter Claflin, Bill Barry, Joe Ficaro, Don Righenzi, Leo Lattizzori, and many others – especially in the Tuesday-Friday Group. At 81 years old Tony’s the same matter-of-fact guy he’s always been – even now, as a Rock Legend. You can find him as the commissioner of the VFW on South Street.
Rockledge News and Notes
The Rockledge Men’s Club offers our deepest sympathy to both Roger Hough and Bruce Farnsworth. Roger’s wife Jo Ann and Bruce’s wife Kathy recently passed. The Rockledge community was also saddened by the sudden loss of Jerry Cavanaugh, a past Men’s Club President and fixture of the Tuesday – Friday group. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roger and Bruce and to Jerry’s family.
Health update – Billy Tumillo has had a complete recovery from off season surgery at Hartford Hospital. Steve Johnson had one knee replaced, Peter Stockwell two, yet should be ready to tee it up this spring. Frank D’Annolfo is recovering from heart by pass and valve replacement surgery and is doing great! Joe Janiak has also been feeling under the weather yet we look forward to a full recovery for Joe and hope to see him on the course soon!
I thought when men went thru a mid life crisis they go out and purchase a high performing vehicle, expensive, fast and “showy”. Never thought a white Toyota hybrid Prius fit that bill?
The wallet sized tournament schedule is back! They are available in the Pro Shop.
Nine and Dine – The RMC will be sponsoring three 9 & Dines during the 2010 season. Golf includes 9 holes then dinner at Angelo’s, including a summer barbraque menu. The cost for the dinner will be $14 per person, and based on last year’s events, a great venue to play golf with friends. Feel free to contact Jerry Salad for more details.
Lunch will be provided by Mike and the snack shack for this year’s Rambles.
The tournament committee will be addressing the following two issues with Rich and his staff: Possible introduction of gold tees for the weekends, including member - member tournaments. This would provide three tee options for members: white, gold and blue. The second issue is our current local rule around age and handicap. If you are 70 years old and have a handicap of 15 or higher you can play from the white tees in the ABCD tournaments. A proposal is on the table to change the local rule to if your age and handicap are a combination of 80, you can play from the white tees. More to come on both of these issues.
2010 Greens fee increases - $1 increase for 18 holes and a 50 cent increase for 9 holes. The season ticket fee went up by $25 from $1,070 to $1,095. Buena Vista will see a 25 cent increase for 9 holes but no increase to the season ticket. These increases will provide revenue to the town as well as solidify Rockledge’s capital fund. Rounds were up by 3% last year and the revenues generated for the 2008-09 fiscal year were the highest in the town’s history. Resident fees are discounted up to 30%. Based on information from the W H News, Steven Adler was the only council member to vote against the increase and would have preferred to charge non residents more. Councilman Rob Durbin inquired if it would be possible to raise resident fees even more and use the money to save jobs.
Golf News and Notes
Game changers ….. 1850’s Gutty balls, made from the sap of Malaysian rubber trees replaced feathery balls that were leather pouches stuffed with goose down. Imagine trying to hit one of those with a wedge onto the 14th green! 1926 introduced steel shafts, which quickly replaced hickory shafts. Sand wedges were introduced in 1932 by Gene Sarazen. Prior to the sand wedge, golfers used niblicks, or 9 irons to pick the ball clean out of the traps. Taylor Made introduced its steel headed Pittsburgh Persimmon in 1979. Remember when Callaway introduced its “oversized” Big Bertha at 190 cc’s, which at the time seemed huge but miniscule when compared to today’s 460 cc drivers! This year the Pros are dealing with V grooves vs. U grooves. Eventually these changes will impact amateurs, but regardless of a V or U, I still think we’ll hit a lot of fat wedges into the water on 14!
RMC Sponsorship
If you are interested in becoming a Men’s Club sponsor, please reach out to Jay Murphy. Sponsorship includes placement on the Men’s Club web site, with the potential to link to the sponsor’s site, along with advertisement in the men’s locker room, and the ability to share promotions or discounts to the Men’s Club membership via email or our newsletter. Jay can be reached at 860-521-4951 or email at dgs1232@aol.com
Bruce Farnsworth will be updating the Men’s Club web site this year. Please feel free to provide Bruce with feedback on content, updates or additions. Bruce’s email address is kbfarnsworth@sbcglobal.com
Joe Righenzi will be publishing the Men’s Club newsletter. Please feel free to reach out to Joe regarding content and additions. Joe’s email address is jrighenzi@comcast.net
Is this where we are heading?
Art is 90 years old. He’s played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago.
One day he arrives home looking downcast. “That’s it”, he tell his wife. “I am giving up golf. My eyesight has gotten so bad that once I hit the ball, I cannot see where it went”.
Art’s wife sympathizes with him and as they sit down she says, “Why don’t you take my brother with you and give it one more try”.
“That’s no good”, sighs Art, “Your brother is a hundred years old. He cannot help”.
“He may be a hundred” says his wife, “but his eyesight is perfect”.
So the next day Art heads off to the golf course with his brother in law. He tees it up, takes a mighty swing and squints down the fairway. He turns to his brother in law and says, “Did you see the ball?”
“Of course I did!” he says. “I have perfect eye sight”.
“Then where did it go?” asks Art.
“I don’t remember” replies his brother in law.
We Need a Rain Check
The 2009 golf season at The Rock was a wet one and not an easy year for Al and his crew. Excessive rain restricted maintenance on the fine turf and course conditions suffered, including mowing frequency, green speed and fairway quality. Normally, the more often turf grass areas are mowed, the better their overall quality. There were times in 2009 that superintendents were forced to mow under conditions that they knew would likely damage the turf. The frequent rainfall last year kept the rough lush and actively growing and also limited cutting, for fear of rutting. And when the grass was finally cut, excessive clippings accumulated degrading the appearance of the Rock or damaging the underlying grass.
Green speed was also a major topic of conversation, especially in late spring and early summer of last year. Maintenance intensity on greens was much lower than normal during May and early June due to excessive rainfall. Greens tended to be “slow” when we would have expected them to be at their best. Persistent wet weather keeps putting greens soft, but being wet does not mean that a green must be slow. What it does mean is that superintendents are conservative with putting green maintenance to prevent scalping or other mechanical damage from occurring. Superintendents are reluctant to implement aggressive mowing, rolling and grooming practices to promote ball roll on wet, soft greens because of potential mechanical injury that can predispose greens to other physiological problems when summer stress hits.
The lack of daily maintenance on greens restricts green speed and this effect is cumulative. That is, the maintenance practices performed on a given day build on the maintenance practices performed the day before. Gains in speed are made in increments of several inches per day until the desired green speed is achieved and maintained. Given the natural rainfall seems to increase turf growth rates, the impact on green speed is further compounded.
Excessive rain also played havoc on bunker maintenance. Golfers are not used to firm, wet sand. The heavy rain also lead to severe wash outs or even outright flooding in many bunkers. Repairing bunkers takes a great deal of man hours to bring them back to an acceptable, playing condition. When bunkers are repaired after a heavy rain and they begin to dry out, they are then often considered too soft, as it typically takes time for the new sand to settle. Washouts lead to sand contamination with soil and rocks when the sand washes from the face of the bunker.
The excessive rain last year took its toll on The Rock. Bunker repair required excessive man hours, mowing quality can be poor under saturated conditions, cut quality can be uneven and clippings can be heavy and at times unsightful. Let’s hope the 2010 season brings just enough rain, and that it only rains at night!
Do you know the rules?
A player has interference from an immovable obstruction (cart path) when:
1. His ball lies on the cart path
2. His stance is on the cart path
3. His club hits the curbing of the cart path when he simulates a swing
4. Any or all of the above occur.
Answer – 4
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2010 Rockledge Men’s Club Tournament Schedule
DATE Tournament
April 10th ABCD Red Tee (RC)
April 18th Opener – Scramble (B)
May 8th Spring Ramble (B)
May 16th ABCD Red, White, Blue (RC)
May 29th – 31st Rockledge Memorial and
2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
June 11th Nine and Dine (B)
June 20th Family Day Tournament
June 27th ABCD Shamble/Scramble (RC)
June 30th Junior Golf Marathon
July 2nd – 5th Sherman Memorial and
2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
July 10th President’s Trophy – 27 Holes (B)
July 11th Nine and Dine (B)
July 18th President’s Trophy Finals (B)
July 24th – 25th Senior, SR/SR & Legends Tourney (B) (T)
July 25th Championship Flight Qualifier
July 31st Club Championship (T) (B)
August 1st Club Championship - championship flight only (T) (B)
August 7th Club Championship Finals (B) (T)
August 21st Summer Ramble (B)
August 22nd Nine and Dine (B)
September 3rd – 6th Pro’s Trophy and 2 of 4 day Member/Member (T)
September 12th ABCD Hot Ball (RC)
September 26th ABCD Member/Member (RC)
October 3rd Beat the Pro Jr Golf Fundraiser
October 10th Fall Ramble (B)
October 16th – 17th Ryder Cup (B)
October 26th John Sivell Challenge (B)
October 31st Closer – Shamble (B)
November 7th ABCD Skins
RC = Ryder Cup Points Tournament
B = Blocked Times
T = Post as Tournament