WILD U.S. OPEN QUALIFIER FINISH
By John Craig

“I just hit the shot 10 minutes earlier,” said Gifford, a ’09 Siena graduate. “I felt confident.”

For the playoff, he drew the fourth of five slots. The first three players missed the green in the heavy rain. Then Gifford stepped to the tee on the 185-yard, par-3 finishing 18th hole. Par-3s are a favorite of designer Devereaux Emmet.

“I hit what I thought was an absolutely perfect shot” to a front right pin, Gifford said. “It bounced on the front, right fringe and into a fall-off area but only about 10-feet from the hole.

“I felt really confident over it with just a smooth lob wedge, sliced it under it and hit it to about inside a foot so that kind of took a lot of pressure off,” Gifford said.

Canadian Dave Levesque poured in a 20-footer for par and then Gifford grabbed his Spider Ghost Putter, which has been working well for him all season, and he made par too and turned to his caddy, his father Mike.

“I was able to tap in and gave a big high five to my dad,” said Gifford, , who goes by “@TheRealJimGiff” on Twitter (he could use more followers).

The other three who shot 72 but missed their pars: Albany CC Head Pro Glenn Davis, Brian Albertazzi of Killington, VT, and Vincent Dumouchel of Canada.

OTHERS TO MAKE IT

Medal reads: Saratoga Springs, NY

Garren Poirier, 31, an amateur from Killington, VT shot 70 (34-36) to earn medalist honors. Former Skidmore player and coach Stuart Drahota (36-35) and Shenendehowa H.S. senior D.J. Tozier (35-36) each shot one-under par 71.

For Tozier, 18, it was his first try at the U.S. Open qualifier. He lives in Mechanicville, played for Shen and was just accepted at Columbus State University in Georgia, a Division II school, earning a partial scholarship, he said. Tozier will compete in the 36-hole sectional at Suwanee, GA.

There had been 76 players signed up – three withdrew and one did not show – leaving 72 players for five spots and two alternates. The ultimate goal is the 112th U.S. Open at The Olympic Club in San Francisco June 14-17.

“It’s amazing,” Tozier said. “I’m here with my mother and grandmother and we can’t stop talking about it. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Tozier had four bogeys, three birdies in a round highlighted by an eagle on #8, knocking his second shot from 205-yards to 10-feet with a four-iron.

“I was kind of mentally preparing myself on the way home” from Cooperstown, Tozier said about his round after taking part over the weekend in a state junior event.

On the next playoff hole, Davis earned first alternate.

Bryan Bigley chips for eagle at the par-4 9th hole

SCORES

QUALIFIERS

D.J. Tozier talks to the media after shooting 71

70: Garren Poirier (Killington, VT) 34-36
71: D.J. Tozier (Mechanicville) 35-36, Stuart Drahota (Fort Collins, CO) 36-35
72: Jim Gifford (Clifton Park) 36-36, Dave Levesque (Canada) 34-38

OTHERS

72: Brian Albertazzi (Killington, VT) 36-36, Glenn Davis (Delmar) 36-36, Vincent Dumouchel (Canada) 35-37

73: Louis-Pierre Godin (Canada) 36-37, Chris Sanger (Red Hook) 37-36, Casey Komline (Dorset, VT) 38-35, Brian Hopkins (Lyndonville, VT) 37-36, Dan Russo (Hagaman) 35-38, Jim Welch (Valatie) 35-38, Dennis Gosier (McGregor) 36-37, Scott Berliner (Albany) 36-37, Ian Breen (Lake Placid) 36-37

74: Victor Fox (Delmar) 38-36, Ben Sequeira (Saratoga Springs) 35-39, Jean-Sebastien Légaré (Canada) 37-37, Marc Hurtubise (Canada) 40-34

75: Andrew Rathbun (Johnstown) 39-36, Scott Battiste (Rexford) 36-39, Noah Norton (Canada) 36-39, David Bakyta (Saratoga Springs) 40-35, Mike Stackus (Waterloo, VT) 38-37, Chad Stoffer (Niskayuna) 39-36, Vincent Blanchette (Canada) 37-38, Paul Jaycox (Cobleskill) 36-39

76: Herviou Clement (Canada) 40-36, Yanik Laforest (Canada) 39-37, Taylor Walsh (Napanoch) 38-38, Kim Perry (Richmond, VT) 39-37, Brendan Lamp (Westerly, RI) 39-37

77: Brennen McHugh (Lake Clear) 40-37, Jocelyn Palardeau (Canada) 42-35, David Huestis (McGregor) 42-35, Bryan Bigley (Rotterdam) 37-40

78: Ron Philo Jr. (Stowe, VT) 39-39, Matt Bogdanowicz (Latham) 37-41

79: Jess Esposito (Ithaca) 41-38, Steve Hoffman (Latham) 39-40, Daniel Winters (Milan, IL) 41-38, Brendan Jeffes (Schenectady) 41-38

80: Joshua Truman (Poland, NY) 39-41, Kevin Hughes (Saratoga Springs) 43-37, Ryan Galbraith (Canada) 39-41, Justin Deitz (Edison) 43-37

81: Philippe Garlepy (Canada) 42-39, Gary Shover (Shelburne, VT) 41-40, Heath Dunn (Mechanicville) 38-43, Anders Mattson (Saratoga Springs) 44-37

82: Jake Orr (Essex Junction, VT) 43-39

83: Norman Korniak (Glens Falls) 44-39, Elbert Lang (Navarre, FL) 38-45, Matt DeGiorgio (Mansfield, MA) 44-39

84: Zachary Meade (Tupper Lake) 42-42, Tom Oppedisano (Clifton Park) 38-46, Zachary Scala (Ballston Spa) 44-40, Ryder Brooks (East Dorset, VT) 42-42

86: Riley McGraw (Delmar) 43-43, Justin Streeter (Ballston Spa) 43-43, Steve Quillinan Jr. (West Sand Lake) 42-44

87: Stephen Jennings (Caroga Lake) 44-43, Perry Badgley (Cooperstown) 42-45, Chris Gambacurta (Gansevoort) 46-41

88: Kirk Emmons (Wilton) 41-47

89: Matthew Izykowski (Corinth) 46-43

90: Tim Lasarso Jr. (Queensbury) 48-42, Matthew Stefanik (Feura Bush) 46-44

91: Carter White (Thorton, NH) 49-42

97: Justin Filippone (Earlton) 52-45

WD: Jeb Buchanan (Loudonville), Adam Bunkoff (Watervliet), Chris DeJohn (Rocky Hill, CT)

DNS: Daniel Gaucher (Windham, CT)

Jim Gifford

D. J. Tozier chips up from the right side at 18 at McGregor Links. Louis-Pierre Godin from Canada looks on.

McGregor Links mascot

PRO: BEWARE HOLES #7 & #15
By John Craig

While sitting in the rain hut on one of several rain delays at Glens Falls Country Club last year, the USGA’s Mark Fitzgerald and the head pro at McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton were chatting.

“He said ‘That McGregor takes water pretty well, doesn’t it?’ so that’s kind of what started our conversation,” is how McGregor Links CC head pro Tom Oppedisano remembers the conversation going.

On Monday, May 14, McGregor Links will host 76 players looking for five spots in the U.S. Open Sectional. But, by the looks of things, the forecast is only slightly better than last year’s qualifying round – but it will still be raining.

“The club as a whole is very excited to host the tournament,” Tommy-O said. “We’re very much ready for it.”

Last season, McGregor hosted the NYSGA Junior Tournament. Later this year, on Monday, August 27, McGregor Links will host a NYSGA Mid-Am Qualifier.

‘FIRM AND FAST’

The crew has been letting the rough grow up and it promises to be “firm and fast,” Oppedisano said, adding “The big thing with a U.S. Open local qualifier is to remember what you’re qualifying for.”

Fitzgerald worked with the team at McGregor to set up the course and the philosophy of the superintendent Greg Shaughnessy “is to have the golf course tournament-ready at all times so it didn’t take a heck of a lot other than growing the rough up,” Oppedisano said.

Among those teeing it up, four of the five qualifiers from last year including Bryan Bigley, the ’03 Siena graduate, and Scott Berliner, assistant pro at Normanside CC, recent Siena graduate Justin Deitz and Skidmore alum Chris DeJohn. David Hayes from Schuyler Meadows, who also qualified, will try in Rochester.

“Bottom line, if I go out there and make it happen, hopefully good things will come of it,” said Bigley, who played a practice round with Oppedisano on Saturday.

“I like the course,” Bigley said. “It’s a strong layout so you can’t really miss it around the course and put up a good number. You have to play well to do it.”

TOUGH: #7 & #15

The public is welcome to come and watch, free of charge. If you venture out, you may want to watch holes #7 and #15: “Seven’s very difficult but 15, being very late in the round, I think is going to be somebody’s round catalyst,” Oppedisano said.

Holes 15-18 “is a real tough stretch” under tournament conditions,” he said.

Otherwise, the spot to be may be on the patio overlooking the 18th green, a par-3, which is a typical Deveraux Emmet-designed course. It’s a majestic, big raised green with bunkers around it.

“We’ve already gotten about 30-40 reservations for our patio for people to watch that day so it should be – not a Stadium-like arena like out in Arizona – but it will be the closest thing around here,” Oppedisano said.

Click here for a preview of the course written by member David Huestis, a top local amateur, who will tee it up Monday at 9:36AM. Oppedisano goes off at 9:00AM.

FIRST SINCE ‘78

Back in 1978, McGregor Links was awarded the U.S. Open qualifier that was held on May 23. It was the second time in six years that a Saratoga County golf course was used at the time.

GM at the time Mike Dennis said McGregor “will certainly be a good test for players. Any player who is trying to get to the championship should be able to play an outstanding course before they get to the Open so that they can get a chance to test their skills.”

TOMMY-O’S HOPES

Tom Oppedisano, McGregor Links CC head pro, with his adviser Yoda.

Oppedisano, who went to high school in Amsterdam, NY and played his junior golf at Ballston Spa CC – “We had a great junior program there…as a kid, I kind of took it for granted. I thought every club was like that” – was an assistant pro at McGregor in 1997. He is now in his third year as the head pro. He likes his chances.

“McGregor is a pretty big home-course advantage so I’ve got some hopes,” he said.

The closest he ever got to advancing out of the qualifier was a playoff for an alternate spot. He says the Open is pretty special and his brother-in-law, John Fudello, a doctor in Amsterdam is looking forward to it as his caddie.
“By looping for me, he’s a part of it,” Oppedisano said.

2012 PRO CLASSIC #2

He posted on Facebook “‎2 for 2” and that’s exactly what Normanside’s Scott Berliner has done this early season for the Northeastern New York PGA as he took the Pro Classic #2 at Saratoga Golf & Polo Club on Monday, May 7.

Berliner shot 67 to win $475, three strokes better than Chris Sanger of Red Hook, Milton Torres of Wahconah CC and Tom Sullivan of Wyantenuck CC, who each earned $331.67. There was also a three-way tie for fifth.

Rick Wolcott of Rolling Hills @ Antlers in Amsterdam led the Legends Division with 73 to win by three.

RESULTS

67: ($475) Scott Berliner (Normanside CC) 32-35
70: ($331.67) Chris Sanger (Red Hook Golf Club) 37-33, Milton Torres Wahconah CC) 35-35, Tom Sullivan (Wyantenuck CC) 36-34
71: ($186.67) Anders Mattson (Saratoga National Golf Club) 36-35, David Bakyta (PGA Professional) 36-35, Steve Vatter (Capital Hills @ Albany) 33-38
72: ($110) Bob Mucha (Greenock CC) 36-36, Frank Mellet (Colonie G&CC) 33-39, Ian Breen (Colonie G&CC) 36-36, Paul Jaycox (Cobleskill Golf & CC) 37-35, Rick Pohle (Taconic Golf Club) 36-36
73: ($40) Brad Hess (Oneonta CC) 38-35, Kevin Cain (Colonie Golf & CC) 38-35
74: Glenn Davis (Albany CC) 38-36
75: Josh Hillman (Berkshire Hills CC) 39-36, Maite Cupp (Saratoga National Golf Club) 38-37, Marc Levesque (Columbia Golf & CC) 37-38, Matt Bogdanowicz (Town of Colonie Golf Course) 36-39
76: Brian Lowe (Windham CC) 38-38, Jeremy Kerr (Mohawk Golf Club) 38-38, Kevin Hughes (Saratoga Golf & Polo Club) 38-38, Lucas Cohen (New York Golf Park) 38-38, Michael Hillman (Berkshire Hills CC) 38-38, Todd Manderson (Ballston Spa CC) 41-35
77: John Durcan (Alapaha Golf Course) 40-37, Michael Berthiaume (McGregor Links CC) 38-39, Tom Oppedisano (McGregor Links CC) 41-36
78: John Andrews (Burden Lake CC) 39-39, John Souza (Stadium Golf Club) 38-40, Peter Gerard (Mill Road Acres GC) 36-42, Steve Mazzariello (Stockbridge Golf Club) 36-42
79: Bill Wigand III (Battenkill CC) 38-41, Jesse Muller (Saratoga National Golf Club) 36-43, Tim Lonergan (Wolferts Roost CC) 38-41
81: Adam Panagopoulos (Wolferts Roost CC) 36-45, Kevin Haller (The Sagamore Resort Golf Club) 43-38, Mike Kucera (CC of Troy) 39-42
82: Anthony Therrien (Saratoga Golf & Polo Club) 42-40
88: Erik Smith (Normanside CC) 44-44
94: Ryan Mazula (Wolferts Roost CC) 47-47

Legends Division
73: ($170) Rick Wolcott (Rolling Hills @ Antlers CC) 37-36
76: ($105) Ron Choquette (PGA Retired) 39-37, Willie King (Plattsburgh Golf) 38-38
79: Curt Lohrey (Airway Meadows Golf Course) 41-38, Ron Ireland (Saratoga Golf & Polo Club) 42-37
83: Tom Haggerty (Glens Falls CC) 42-41

Mike and Jim Gifford combined for eight birdies Sunday in the final round of the Stadium Classic at Stadium Golf Club in Schenectady to win by one shot over the combo of Jim Welch of Valatie and Dave Pallas of Clifton Park. That’s according to the Daily Gazette newspaper, which covered the event Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6.

In the senior division, Earl Winchester and Jerry Wander were three better than George Hillenbrandt and Jay Taub.
Sunday featured better ball. Saturday they played a two-man scramble.

RESULTS (par-71)

Regular Division:
126: Mike Gifford (Saratoga National)/Jim Gifford (Mohawk Golf Club)
127: Jim Welch (Winding Brook)/Dave Pallas
128: Jim Mueller (Saratoga Muni)/Jay Gargiulo, Steve Owens (Shaker Ridge)/Ken Bessette
129: Dan Russo (Rolling Hills)/Bill Sullivan
130: Josh Barney/Dave Rutz, Ron Cohen/Lance Hope
131: Jerry Brescia/Steve Hughes
132: Dan Grignon/Chris Doring, Mike Wheeler (Mohawk Golf Club)/Doug Mehall, Kevin Broderick/Peter Broderick
133: Kurt Benedict/Jim Male
134: Mike McCarroll/Tom McCarroll
135: Kevin Cassidy (Empire Golf Club)/Justin McCarthy
136: Steve Quillinan (CC of Troy)/Steve Quillinan Jr.
137: Bob Genarelli/Brian Long
138: John Corson/Dave Hostig, Chris Barach/Bryan Barach, George Roe/Zack Scala
139: Adam Bunkoff/Matt Cole, Joe Plantz/Brandon Alois
140: Mike Saccocio/Seth Adams
144: Glenn Cunningham/Bryan Piche
146: Carl Gilbert/Chris Gilbert
151: Stan Moore/Matt Cushing

Senior Division:
129: Jerry Wander/Earl Winchester
132: George Hillenbrandt/Jay Taub
133: Chuck Connolly/Paul James
134: Mark Barton/Scott Hoerning, Farrand Russell/Gary Kline, Fred Guzielek/Lou Carleo
135: Jim Geoghegan/Bob Stranahan
136: Fred Case/John Albarelli
137: Mike Sturm/Tip Schroeder, Glenn Stopera/Mike Arminio, Tom Reamon/Bill Denton, Dan Seiter/Lee Reeves
139: Keith Gillespie/John Barscz
140: Rit Cimmino/Mike Salvatore
142: Mike Burns/Mike Rhatigan
144: Kip Kirby/Kevin Smith
145: Peter Socaris/Bill Bucci
146: John Gadani/Dave Acker
153: Gerald Diotte/Moe Mrockowski

On the same day that the USGA formally accepted Donald Trump’s invitation to play the U.S. Women’s Open, biggest event in women’s golf, at Trump National in Bedminster in 2017, he says he wants more.

Trump, 65, told the Associated Press on Thursday he would like to host the U.S. Open. Currently, his “Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice” program airs on NBC and the network has the rights to the U.S. Open and other USGA events.

The Tom Fazio-designed old course at Trump National is big, bold, and tough, Trump said, and he believes it could stand up against the best in the world. It was the site of the U.S. Junior Amateur and the Girls’ Junior championships in 2009. Trump said having the U.S. Open would be the next step after the Women’s Open.

Trump, who loves golf, and had a show on Golf Channel showcasing his outlets and some made-for-TV competitions – ala “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” – owns golf courses in North America and Europe.

TROY — The annual meeting of the Northeastern New York PGA was held Monday, April 16, at the Hilton Garden Inn. The section handed out awards and took part in panel discussions regarding the future of the game, how to grow the game and the new Golf 2.0, presented by the Director of Golf and General Manager of Malone Golf Club, Derek Sprague, in his second year as Secretary of the PGA of America.

Click here to hear our conversation with Derek Sprague: Derek Sprague April 16, 2012

Below are the Special Award Winners from the section:

Photos are courtesy of Doug Evans of the NENY PGA.

Jeremy Kerr, Head Pro at Mohawk Golf Club, accepts the award as Junior Golf Leader

Steve Sormanti of Nike Golf is presented with the Sales Person of the Year Award from NENY PGA President Tom Philion.

Tim Lonergan of Wolferts Roost CC is recognized as Merchandiser of the Year for Private Clubs.

Brian Hampson of Burden Lake CC earns the Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public courses.

Peter Martin of Whiteface Club & Resort earns Merchandiser of the Year honors for the Resort courses.

Willie King of Plattsburgh Golf is presented with the President's Plaque/Player Development Award for the section.

Herb Moreland of Western Turnpike earns his fifth Teacher of the Year Award for the section.

Bob Mucha of Greenock CC wins the Roland Stafford Award.

Ron Ireland of Saratoga Golf & Polo is presented with the Bill Strausbaugh Award from Tom Philion.

Other Award Winners:

Matt Daley, Mohawk Golf Club, earning TaylorMade-Adidas Assistant Professional of the Year.

Mike Behan, former head pro at Van Patten Golf Course, now with W&B Golf Cars, earns the Horton Smith Award.

Awards Committee:

Kevin Hughes, Chairman

Matt Daley, Tom Oppedisano, Kent Tarkleson, Scott Warren

Jeff Sperber, the owner of Colonie Golf & Country Club, makes a few remarks ahead of his club's pro, Frank Mellet, named Golf Professional of the Year. Kevin Hughes, Chairman of the Awards Committee, looks on.

Frank Mellet of Colonie Golf & CC is presented with the Golf Professional of the Year Award by NENY PGA President Tom Philion.

The New York State Golf Association and the Junior Golf Alliance raised nearly $10,000 on Friday during our first Masters Viewing Party. We held it at Wolferts Roost CC, watched the second round of the Masters and, as luck would have it, about the time it started, Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters Champion, was walking off the course as the leader.

Oddly enough, we had a Masters flag from the 2010 Masters signed by Fred Couples. Nice coincidence to have.

Besides that, we had great giveaways, a nice dinner and great fellowship on a Good Friday night.

It’s the first step in bringing The First Tee’s scholastic program to the Capital Area and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Assistant pro at Burden Lake CC John Andrews went home with a great prize too, Dottie Pepper’s 2002 Solheim Cup bag and putter. What a nice prize.

MASTERS WEEK IS GETTING BIGGER IN THE CAPITAL AREA

We have added new items to the still growing list offered this Friday at the Masters Viewing Party at Wolferts Roost CC in Menands.

How about these new items added to the prize list: photos and items from both NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

First, professional photographer Tom Killips is donating a framed photo of Arnold Palmer when he appeared in the Capital Area for the Ellis Hospital charity skins game in 2002 and of Tiger Woods, when he appeared at Turning Stone Resort, for the Notah Begay III Foundation Skins Game in 2009.

NBC: Saratoga’s Dottie Pepper has secured several items including her autographed copies of “Bogey Tees Off” children’s books, an NBC Sports hat signed by members of their golf team including Pepper herself, Johnny Miller, Roger Maltbie, Gary Koch, Mark Rolfing and Dan Hicks, plus a 2002 Solheim Golf Bag and putter!

CBS: And a member of the CBS Sports golf team is donating a golf shirt and hat. The winner of the silent auction item picks the shirt size and which CBS announcer he wants to have sign the hat.

We could use more people to attend so click here to sign up. And click here to see the whole prize list!

Hope to see you Friday. Sign up by Wednesday!

PRIZES FOR MASTERS VIEWING PARTY

As the countdown continues to the Masters Viewing Party on Friday, April 6 at Wolferts Roost Country Club, here are some of the items available for you to bid on and win between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. while we gather to watch the 2012 Masters broadcast, swing in simulators and enjoy a nice meal.

There are silent auction items and raffle prizes and some handouts just for showing up. We appreciate your support very much. For $75, you will support the new effort of The First Tee scholastic program and have fun while doing something you would normally do – watch the Masters.

Here’s the list (subject to last minute additions/changes) of silent auction items, raffle items and door gifts just for coming. We hope you do.

Click here to register and get your ticket now to the hottest golf ticket before all those charity events. Be an MVP — Masters Viewing Party!

PLAY GOLF ITEMS (SILENT AUCTION)

Group of four for golf:
Airway Meadows Golf Club
Ballston Spa Country Club
Country Club of Troy
Malone Golf Club

Group of two for golf with cart:
Burden Lake Country Club

Group of four for golf with cart:
Colonie Golf & Country Club
Olde Kinderhook Golf Club
Oneonta Country Club
Rolling Hills Country Club
The Edison Club

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club/Mid-Pines Inn & Golf Club: Two-night stay with deluxe accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, 18-holes per day, carts, unlimited range balls, club storage (May 23-Sept. 5, 2012)

Saratoga Lake Golf Club: Group of two for golf (Monday-Thursday)

Saratoga National Golf Club: Group of two for golf and cart (Mon-Wed or after 1pm Sat-Sun, excluding 7/21-9/3/12)

Sunny Hill Golf Resort: up to two nights of accommodations, food, unlimited golf for two during 2012 season.

Thunderhart Resort & Golf Course: up to two nights of accommodations, food, unlimited golf for two during 2012 season.

Golf Galaxy: $100 gift card

The First Tee: Attaché case and golf shirt with The First Tee logo

Seneca Beverage Corporation: Cooler with Michelob Ultra logo

EVENT TICKETS (SILENT AUCTION)

2012 U.S. Open: Two weekly grounds only ticket packages, June 11-17, 2012 at Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA

Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland A’s at Fenway Park, Monday, April 30, 7:10 p.m. Two front row bleacher seats behind visitor’s bullpen (best view of Fenway Park).

Cornell University: Four season tickets to men’s basketball, general admission; Four season tickets to football, general admission

The Barclays Tournament: Four grounds tickets at Bethpage Black, valid any day, Aug. 23-26, 2012

Two tickets to the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association Awards Dinner where Tony Jacklin, Lorena Ochoa, Golf Digest chairman and editor-in-chief Jerry Tarde. June 19, 2012 at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook, NY

OTHER ITEMS (SILENT AUCTION)

Masters Flag autographed by 1992 Champion Fred Couples

Phil Mickelson autographed photo of the 18th hole at the National golf Links of America (donated by Dylan Muller)

Autographed Arnold Palmer book

Jim Boeheim & Carmelo Anthony photo from 2003 NCAA Men’s basketball championship season, signed by Coach Boeheim

Callaway Big Bertha Heavenwood: Ladies’ 6-hybrid, donated by Mohawk Golf Club and PGA Pro Jeremy Kerr

RAFFLE ITEMS

12 Autographed copies of “Bogey Tees Off” by Dottie Pepper, four given away each hour from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. (every 15 minutes)

New York State Golf Association hat, shirt and pullover

1 year subscription to GolfWeek

Book: World’s Top 100 Golf Courses

Gift basket: Ithaca Coffee Company

Gift basket: CNY Healing Arts, free yoga, gift card. Value $100

Shoe Bag by Bobby Jones

Burton Golf Bag with The First Tee logo

Craig Wood book (donated by Peter Martin)

Adirondack Golf Courses – Past and Present (donated by Peter Martin)

Wilson Golf Bag with Labatt Blue Light Lime logo

DOOR GIFTS

Golf balls
$10 Golf Galaxy coupon
Surprise gift

JOIN US TO WATCH THE MASTERS

To help raise funds to teach elementary school kids how to play golf, Capitalareagolf.com and the New York State Golf Association is holding a Masters Viewing party and we’d love for you to come. Consider this your invitation.

We are building “The First Tee” school program in Capital Area schools.

Click here for more details.

If people just want to make a simple donation to the Foundation, please click here.

Capital Area Golf is partnering with the NENY PGA, NYSUT, area education association leaders and “Hook a Kid on Golf” leaders to bring “The First Tee” to area schools under the umbrella of a new organization called the Junior Golf Alliance of New York.

“The New York State Golf Foundation is excited to partner with the Junior Golf Alliance to bring our Golf in School program to elementary school children in Albany,” said Scott Gerbereux, NYSGA Membership & Foundation Director. “They have valuable connections with leadership at the schools, youth groups and parks and recreation services. By working together we are able to provide students with a program that will show them the basics and values of golf in PE class and then transition them to a golf course setting. Capital Area golfers have always been some of our most passionate members and we are looking forward to seeing that continue in the next generation.”

“This is a great partnership between the New York State Golf Association and Junior Golf Alliance that combines local youth / community leaders and state golf leaders in a program that benefits the kids of the capital area,” said Frank Ciarlo of Capitalareagolf.com.

As a strong supporter of area junior golf programs, Ciarlo says his company — Capital Area Golf.com and weekly radio show will support a fundraising program Masters’ weekend at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Menands. The money raised helps cover the costs of equipment and training while additional funds will support a scholarship fund.