BOGEY IS A GOOD SCORE TONIGHT

He hangs around a driving range but has never swung a club. He knows a good shot when he “feels” it. He has dreams that go further than that “250 yard” sign at the end of the range. Bogey Ballton III, a red-striped range ball, has ambition and wants to make it on the PGA tour.

Bogey is tired of being smacked out into a field, scooped up and funneled back into a metal basket – often disciplined by “Bucket Boss Bob,” another ball with the “Elitist” logo on his dimples.

Bogey has a buddy named “Tres,” a three-wood, and “Chipped Libber,” a broken golf tee. When Bogey decides he wants to cover up his true stripe with white make-up, a sprinkler has other ideas. Later, he gets life lessons from “John the Ball Washer” who helps Bogey be truthful to himself and others like him at Scooter Pines Golf and Country Club. Bogey still dreams of Top Flight School, though.

Bogey’s already traveled up and down the East Coast, has visited Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s, site of this year’s British Open, has infiltrated a network golf booth, has flown high above the famed 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass at last week’s Players Championship and is getting set for his official “hardcover” unveiling at The Olympic Club in San Francisco at the U.S. Open next month.

In an “Associated Range Press” report, “Lawrence Links” wrote that Bogey was released from Customs in order to make it to Saratoga Springs for an appearance with his chief backers – former LPGA star turned NBC Sports broadcaster Dottie Pepper, author Scott Fuller and the illustrator who helped him round out his game, Kenneth Templeton.

They will all be at “Impressions of Saratoga” on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. for a book signing of the first installment of “Bogey Tees Off, Vol. 1: A Lesson About Being Truthful.” Food and refreshments to be provided by Gaffney’s Restaurant.

Grace Ziamandanis, Matt Parrottino and coach Tom Gladd talk with Dottie Pepper

DOTTIE PEPPER VISITS VOORHEESVILLE

VOORHEESVILLE – In an effort to promote junior golf, Voorheesville Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Dennis McCormick initiated an eight-week intramural golf program with 49 kids (grades 4-5) learning the game of golf. And guess who showed up? The guest instructor was Saratoga Springs native and current NBC Sports golf commentator and former #1 world-ranked professional female golfer, Dottie Pepper.

UPDATE: YNN story by Marisa Jacques

Dottie Pepper

On Wednesday, May 16, Pepper talked with kids and helped teach the very basics of golf to the eager kids. Known as one of the toughest competitors in the game, Pepper had a big smile for the students and was aided by Voorheesville golfers Grace Ziamandanis and Matt Parrottino, along with their coach, Tom Gladd.

Pepper also donated her 2002 Solheim Cup golf bag and putter and a dozen “Bogey Tees Off” books that were given away at the kickoff event, The Masters Viewing Party, back in April.

Check out YNN’s story here.

Pepper was joined by Pinehaven Country Club Head Professional Scott Warren, NYS Golf Foundation committee members Dick Dorgan, former NYSGA President, and NYSGF Board Member Warren Winslow, NENY PGA Executive Director Tracie Warner and Frank Ciarlo, president of the Capital Area’s Junior Golf Alliance, plus representatives of NYSUT, who helped fund the First Tee’s National School Program, along with the NYSGF.

They were all there to help the kids learn the basics of golf in a fun environment. The program plans to hold a scramble at Hiawatha Trails Golf Course on Saturday, May 26 for all the kids.

At a cost of approximately $3,000 per school, 40 schools and nearly 1,500 students will received the program through NYSGF funding. This is the first year that the Golf In Schools Program will be utilized in the Capital Area. School districts receiving funding to help the PE teachers activate the program include Albany, Guilderland, Troy, Newburgh, Voorheesville with Saratoga Springs may come on board as well.

Ciarlo’s Capitalareagolf.com has joined allied association forces 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 the Junior Golf Alliance (JGA) of New York here in the Capital Area. The JGA is also responsible for assisting in funding to help cover the costs of SNAG equipment and training along with NYSUT (New York State United Teachers).

“Frank made the contacts with First Tee and NYSGA,” said Mark Walsh, VP of the Troy Hook a Kid on Golf program and VP for schools on the Junior Golf Alliance board. “We made a pitch to the NYSGA Executive Board in October for support and funding, and we haven’t stopped moving since then. As a local president (Troy Teachers’ Association), I was a conduit to get other locals involved and help to make this a union driven community coalition program.”

“A broad coalition will provide the long term financial support needed to grow the program,” said Ciarlo. As an association with strong ties to the community we think we have a great opportunity to financially grow the program from one to many more schools.”

The focus of the program is to establish lifelong interest in golf by engaging students in a structured golf curriculum that promotes personal character development within a physical education setting.

After learning the game of golf in the gym class, the NYSGF works with organizations such as the NENY PGA Section, First Tee and the Capital Area’s “Hook a Kid on Golf” programs offered at three local municipal courses – Albany, Schenectady, Troy – to provide students with opportunities to practice their new skills at a “real” green grass facility.

BOGEY TEES OFF

As part of her appearance, Pepper also discussed the children’s book she co-authored with Scott Fuller and illustrator Kenneth Templeton, “Bogey Tees Off.” It will be available for purchase for the junior golf students for $9.99 with proceeds benefiting the NYSGF Golf in Schools Program along with her upcoming book signing event at Impressions of Saratoga in downtown Saratoga Springs on Saturday, May 19 from 5-8 p.m.

SENIOR SUCCESS AT STATE JUNIORS

To say that Victor Fox and Jessica Madsen had a great weekend in Cooperstown would be an understatement. No, they were not visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, although that’s a nice stop too. They were too busy winning their respective divisions in the New York State Junior PGA Championship at Leatherstocking Golf Course.

Delmar’s Fox eagled the 18th hole (450-yards) to win the Boys’ title on Sunday, May 13. Not to be outdone, Voorheesville’s Madsen, who trailed by 11 strokes going into the second round, put together a miraculous comeback to prevail in the Girls’ division. Madsen had rounds of 90-74=164 to Larissa Carter’s 79-86=165.

In the team scoring, NENY PGA had a 597 score to beat Met PGA, 606.

Jessica Madsen competing in 2009 at The Edison Club in a NENY PGA event.

MADSEN MADNESS

“I felt pretty good going into this tournament because it was my fourth year playing in the event,” Madsen told Capitalareagolf.com. “I really did not have much pressure this year with trying to figure out where to go to school.”

Madsen has been working with Frank Mellet at Colonie Golf & Country Club and became much more confident in her game. But she got off to a very slow start and, after the first day, wasn’t very happy with the way she played.

“My swing was out of tempo and I was upset that I was not able to get anything going that day,” she said. “With the score of 90 the first day and being 11 strokes behind, I was really not thinking about winning the tournament. I was just thinking about having fun the second day and trying to have a better round.”

She responded in big fashion. Madsen knew Carter was a good golfer and to believe that she could come back 11 strokes was very hard. Madsen felt she had to put in a really good day and Carter needed to have an off-day for something to happen.

“I really had no clue that I had a shot to win the tournament until I made it back to the clubhouse and saw the scores,” said Madsen. “I was shocked that I was able to come back that much and be in first. I found that the second day I was more relaxed and able to hit more greens which led to me making more birdies.”

Madsen felt the course was in very good shape. The weather was perfect, she said. It marked the first time in the four years that she played this event that it was sunny both days.

“Leatherstocking is a great course, and this is one tournament I will really miss playing in and very proud to have won,” she said.

Victor Fox tees off at the U.S. Open qualifier, one day after winning the NYS Junior

FOX NOTEWORTHY

After playing in some tournaments in Florida and other southern states over the winter, Fox returned home and became confident in his game, ready to make a charge in the tournament.

“I was pretty excited,” Fox said. “I was one of the first groups in (after the tournament) and eating a hamburger. Someone came over to me and said I won the tournament. It felt good.”

Fox posted scores of 72 in each round for 144 and beat out Dilio of Hopewell Junction who delivered 70-75=145. Last year, Fox came within one stroke of bringing home the title.

Fox and Jeff Palmerino, both students at Bethlehem High School, took the opportunity to play a practice round at Leatherstocking and collected notes. Palmerino also competed in the tournament, shooting 84-76=160 to tie for 23rd.

“We both talked about the course,” Fox said. “I think one of the key factors was the weather. It was a treat to wear shorts this time. I like how my game is right now.”

Actually, Fox was trailing by five strokes through eight holes and felt he had to go for everything to have a chance. On the 18th hole, Fox played his tee shot off to the right, a more conservative play than the first day, so he didn’t have the water coming into play.

EAGLE ON #18

“I figured that I’m down by one and if I put the ball into the water, then my chances were very slim, so I made sure I had the option of going for the green for my second shot,” said Fox.

“I hit my drive right where I planned which left me about 200-yards to the center of the green. The wind was in my face and the pin was in the front right side of the green, with plenty of room to miss the shot to the right of the green for an easy up and down opportunity,” he added.

Fox hit a 5-iron to about 15-feet of the pin and that’s when he believed that he had a chance of making the putt and hopefully winning the tournament by one.

“I got up to the green and took a look at my putt and saw that it was about a ball out on the left,” he recalled. “I trusted my line and made my stroke, and the ball hit the back of the hole. I gave it a little fist pump and looked over to my mom because I wanted to win it for her for Mother’s Day.”

Victor Fox won state title with eagle on 18

FOX, MADSEN WIN NYS JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stunning endings for both the boys’ and girls’ divisions in Cooperstown and when it was over, two NENY PGA player – Victor Fox of Delmar and Jessica Madsen of Voorheesville – were champs.

They captured their respective Overall Division Championships Sunday, May 13, in the 2012 New York State Junior PGA Championship at Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown.

Additionally, the NENY PGA won the Section Team Competition over the May 12-13 tournament.

Victor Fox competing last fall with Jeff Palmerino at the Section II tournament. Fox won the State Championship over the weekend in Cooperstown

Fox began the day two shots behind the Round 1 leader Nicholas Dilio (Hopewell Junction, NY). The two players were neck-in-neck through the second round. Heading into the final hole, a par-5, Dilio had a one shot advantage. But Fox hit his second shot onto the green and sank his eagle putt. Dilio failed to make birdie and Fox captured the Overall Boys Division Trophy.

Madsen, who shot 90 on Saturday, was 11 shots behind the leader Larissa Carter (Owasko, NY) but roared back with a two-over par 74 to overtake Carter by one shot and win the Overall Girls Division Trophy.

Age Division Winners:

Jessica Madsen

Boys 12-14: Mike May Jr. (Auburn, NY) 80-74-154 (Won a Match of Cards)
Boys 15-18: Victor Fox (Delmar, NY) 72-72-144
Girls 12-14: Nabila Inak (Forest Hills, NY) 84-86-170
Girls 15-18: Jessica Madsen (Voorheesville, NY) 90-74-164

The team competition uses the top 3 boys and one girl score from each day to determine the winner.

FINAL RESULTS

SECTION RESULTS (Top 3 Boys & 1 Girl’s score from each day)

1. NENY PGA 308-289=597
2. Met PGA 304-302=606
3. CNY PGA 303-307=607
4. WNY PGA N/A (No girl in field)

GIRLS OVERALL

Jessica Madsen competes in 2009 at The Edison Club

164: Jessica Madsen (Voorheesville, NY) 90-74
165: Larissa Carter (Owasco, NY) 79-86
166: Kaitlin Clancy (Smithtown, NY) 82-84
169: Alessandra Ricigliano (Scarsdale, NY) 87-82
170: Nabila Inak (Forest Hills, NY) 84-86
171: Angela Tocco (Blauvelt, NY) 86-85, Emily Doyle (Horseheads, NY) 91-80
176: Rachel Oates (Rye, NY) 88-88
178: Sarah Adamowski (Amsterdam, NY) 85-93
180: Alexandra Sazhin (Old Greenwich, CT) 95-85
182: Danielle Greene (East Setauket, NY) 93-89
185: Kasey Harter (Mollport, NY) 90-95
186: Natalie Squillace (Slingerlands, NY) 91-95
193: Casey Marson (Norwich, NY) 98-95
195: Brianna Sovring (Liverpool, NY) 99-96
207: Kayla Szekely (Gansevoort, NY) 105-102

GIRLS 12-14 Age Division

170: Nabila Inak
171: Angela Tocco
180: Alexandra Sazhin
207: Kayla Szekely

GIRLS 15-18 Age Division

Sarah Adamowski competing at The Edison Club in 2009

164: Jessica Madsen
165: Larissa Carter
166: Kaitlin Clancy
169: Alessandra Ricigliano
171: Emily Doyle
176: Rachel Oates
178: Sarah Adamowski
182: Danielle Greene
185: Kasey Harter
186: Natalie Squillace
193: Casey Marson
195: Brianna Sovring

Victor Fox competes in last fall's Section II tournament at Orchard Creek

BOYS OVERALL

144: Victor Fox (Delmar, NY) 72-72
145: Nicholas Dilio (Hopewell Junction, NY) 70-75
146: Art Griffin (Lake Placid, NY) 75-71
147: Patrick Milkovich (Vestal, NY) 73-74, Thomas Kolb (Farmington, NY) 73-74
148: Matthew Csillig (Syosset, NY) 77-71
150: John Clare (Camillus, NY) 73-77
151: Ian Spellane (Rochester, NY) 75-76, Josh Stauffer (Bradford, NY) 74-77
153: Eric Terminello (White Plains, NY) 75-78, Michael Miranda (Selden, NY) 77-76
154: Jimmy Greg (Clifton Park, NY) 79-75, Michael McIntosh (Chittenango, NY) 78-76, Mike May Jr. (Auburn, NY) 80-74, Solomon Thompson (Scarsdale, NY) 77-77, Zachary Scala (Ballston Spa, NY) 82-72
155: Chris Yeom (New Hyde Park, NY) 81-74, Corey Haas (Cuba, NY) 75-80, DJ Tozier (Mechanicville, NY) 76-79
156: Alexander Kinkaid (Ballston Lake, NY) 78-78, Matthew Mahlke (Poughquag, NY) 81-75
157: Danny Lapp (Trumansburg, NY) 79-78
158: Luke Tetreault (Horseheads, NY) 81-77, Ryan Mehnert (Fairport, NY) 79-79
159: Rasmey Kong (North Haven, CT) 83-76
160: Devin Solar (West Nyack, NY) 80-80, Jeffrey Palmerino (Glenmont, NY) 84-76
161: Kyle Burke (West Sayville, NY) 79-82, Matthew Allen (Lima, NY) 83-78, Ryan Bonk (Syracuse, NY) 85-76
162: Bobby Diforio (White Plains, NY) 83-79, Davis Jensen (Loudonville, NY) 87-75, Gregory Sibick (Williamsville, NY) 79-83, Matthew Parrottino (Slingerlands, NY) 80-82
183: Gerry Mackedon (South Setauket, NY) 77-86
165: Corey Purcell (Clifton Park, NY) 81-84
166: Andrew Derrenbacker (Fayetteville, NY) 82-84
167: Caleb Edwards (Cuba, NY) 89-78, Nicholas Santaro (Manlius, NY) 81-86
169: David Studin (Ithaca, NY) 86-83, Devin Delisle (Brushton, NY) 86-83, Patrick Hinkson (Lyndonville, NY) 87-82
174: Tim LaSarso Jr. (Queensbury, NY) 85-89
178: Conor Stanhope (Lansing, NY) 86-92

BOYS 12-14 Age Division

154: Mike May Jr., Solomon Thompson
157: Danny Lapp
162: Bobby Diforio
163: Gerry Mackedon

BOYS 15-18 Age Division

Jimmy Greg competes in the Section II tournament last fall at Orchard Creek

144: Victor Fox
145: Nicholas Dilio
146: Art Griffin
147: Patrick Milkovich, Thomas Kolb
148: Matthew Csillig
150: John Clare
151: Ian Spellane, Josh Stauffer
153: Eric Terminello, Michael Miranda
154: Jimmy Greg, Michael McIntosh, Zachary Scala
155: Chris Yeom, Corey Haas, DJ Tozier
156: Alexander Kinkaid, Matthew Mahlke
158: Luke Tetreault, Ryan Mehnert
159: Rasmey Kong
160: Devin Solar, Jeffrey Palmerino
161: Kyle Burke, Matthew Allen, Ryan Bonk
162: Davis Jensen, Gregory Sibick, Matthew Parrottino
165: Corey Purcell
166: Andrew Derrenbacker
167: Caleb Edwards, Nicholas Santaro
169: David Studin, Devin Delisle, Patrick Hinkson
174: Tim LaSarso Jr.
178: Conor Stanhope

The Capital Area will be well represented in the New York State Junior PGA Championship this weekend at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown.

The top 60 junior golfers from around the state tee off at 11:30AM Saturday with an 8:30AM shotgun start on Sunday. Eligibility is by invitation only – up to the top-10 boys and up to the top-5 girls from the four New York PGA Sections. This weekend’s tournament is 36 holes of individual stroke play.

NENY PGA PLAYERS

Boys: Zachary Scala of Ballston Spa, who plays out of Van Schaick Island CC, Jimmy Greg of Clifton Park, Matt Parrottino of Slingerlands who plays out of Albany Country Club, Davis Jensen of Loudonville who plays at Schuyler Meadows, Corey Purcell of Clifton Park, Tim LaSarso Jr. of Queensbury, Jeff Palmerino of Glenmont, Victor Fox of Delmar, DJ Tozier of Mechanicville and Alexander Kinkaid of Ballston Lake, who plays at Shenedehowa.

Girls: Natalie Squillace of Slingerlands, Sarah Adamowski of Amsterdam, Kayla Szekely of Gansevoort and Jessica Madsen of Voorheesville.

THAT SLY FOX

Fox, who enjoyed a successful 2011 junior season, is familiar to this tournament. Over the winter, he traveled to Florida and other southern states to compete in different junior tournaments to keep his competitive edge, he said. Now that the weather has been nice here, Fox has been out on the course as much as possible to get ready for the upcoming season.

“Seeing that I’ve been practicing and focusing on some of the aspects of the game that might have left me over the winter, I feel like I will do well in the tournament this weekend in Cooperstown,” he said. “I have played at Leatherstocking the past three years and moved closer to winning it. Last year, I came in second and it was one of the most back and forth rounds of golf I’ve ever played in a tournament.”

Fox says that every year he’s played in the tournament, the weather has been an issue. But the forecast shows a decent weekend which will please many of the returning players.

PARROTTINO AND PALMERINO

Another Capital Area product is Voorheesville’s Parrottino.

“I have done a lot of working out and cardio training since last year,” Parrottino said. “I have been playing a lot, played a few tournaments over the winter down south. I have played Leatherstocking for the last two or three years.

“To be honest, my game is in pretty good shape right now, and I’m expecting to do well this weekend. There are a few big names playing also, but I think I should be able to hold my own. I’m hoping to play well, but you never know with golf,” he said.

Palmerino worked with his swing coach over the last season and made a few changes to his grip and posture that has excelled his game.

“I played Leatherstocking twice within the last two weeks and it was in all weather conditions,” Palmerino said. “The first one was in 40 degree foggy weather and the second was in 70 degree sunny weather, so I really figured out how to work my way around the course. I feel very prepared. Because of that, my game is strong right now and I’m looking to carry that over into this weekend.”

Palmerino feels the competition this weekend will be very good and that everyone in the field has earned a spot for a reason and deserved the opportunity they have.
“I know everyone has a chance,” Palmerino said. “There is some great talent out there. I’m paired up with the winner of last year in Saturday’s round and looking forward to that. I just need to play my best and don’t let things get to my head and hopefully it can pay off with a victory.”

Fox, Parrottino and Palmerino are also on the Section II team which will compete in the NYS Tournament at Cornell University.

LPGA GIRLS GOLF DAY MAY 19

eduKaytion golf is hosting an LPGA Girls Golf Day sponsored by Guido’s Fresh Marketplace and Toole Insurance, Saturday, May 19, from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club in Lenox, MA.

This event is part of the LPGA’s “Grow the Game” national initiative, sanctioned by the USGA, to introduce as many girls to the sport of golf. The cost is $10 per junior and is open to all junior girls, golfers and non-golfers, between the ages of 7-to-17. All attendees will receive complimentary gifts and lunch boxes to commemorate the event. Clubs may be provided if needed but juniors are encouraged to bring their own.

WHAT YOU GET

Attendees will be introduced to the fundamentals of golf in a safe, educational and exciting way emphasizing health, fitness and sportsmanship, according to Kay McMahon, Director of Instruction and LPGA Teaching Hall of Famer.

“We are excited about this day and we hope to elevate girls’ enthusiasm towards the game of golf,” McMahon said.

Please register by Friday, May 11. Click here for more information.

ABOUT EDUKAYTION GOLF

eduKaytion golf, the Northeast’s #1 Golf Education Company, an innovative leader in golf education, now located at Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club and also boasts five satellite sites throughout the Northeast in the Berkshires and the Capital Area.

Under the direction of Kay McMahon, LPGA Teaching Hall of Fame member, the eduKaytion golf staff offers state-of-the-art video/computerized private lessons, group classes, junior camps, workshops, and corporate group instruction.

Director of Operations: Eloise Trainor, eloise@edukaytiongolf.com or 518-669-1551

Remember to include Your name, Junior Names, ages, and if need clubs, right or left handed, phone numbers, and emails.

STRONG FIRST SWING FOR FIRST TEE

TROY – Teachers gathered at Troy High School on a recent Saturday morning to go to school themselves. It was to learn the basics as part of The First Tee Scholastic training program. In turn, they will teach hundreds of elementary school kids how to play golf through physical education classes.

“It is an exciting new opportunity for area young people to learn the game with their friends in a school environment,” said Frank Ciarlo, President of CapitalAreaGolf.com and the newly-formed Junior Golf Alliance of NY, the driving force behind the program locally.

“This will give kids an opportunity to practice and play the game right in school with their friends. Those kids that are interested can take advantage of area golf courses summer programs or those offered by the ‘Hook a Kid on Golf’ programs at these municipal golf courses.”

P.E. teachers will use an approved national curriculum and specially designed golf equipment for use indoors and outdoors.

Judy Stout, The First Tee’s Director of the Northeast Region Affairs, Judy Stout, sat in Troy High’s gymnasium to observe the training class.

“The First Tee program has different avenues in which we expose kids to the game of golf, different delivery channels,” Stout said. “Our certification program is what I consider our ‘meat and potatoes.’ That’s where when a kid comes to the golf course, we have certification programs from our par level to our age level.

“In addition to receiving the golf instruction, they are also receiving our life skills experience. For instance, you can be five-years old and you are still going to learn the life skills of how to shake hands, how to have eye-contact, all the way up through our age program where we’re helping kids with college scholarships, leadership academies and positions and jobs within the golf industry.”

CORNHUSKER IN TROY

Lana Peterson-Pressler is a K-5th grade teacher at Rousseau Elementary School in the Lincoln, Nebraska Public Schools. She is also a certified First Tee trainer who presented the four-hour class and has been teaching for 30 years.

In 2010, she was named the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Teacher of the Year and was the pilot teacher for The First Tee National School Program (TFT NSP) eight years ago along with a dozen others in Lincoln.

“I became a teacher-trainer seven years ago and travel all around the country helping elementary schools add TFT NSP to their elementary physical education programs,” Peterson-Pressler said.

Gym teachers are uniquely qualified to teach golf/character/healthy habits all seemlessly integrated into their day-to-day lesson objectives as they know how to teach motor skills such as golf requires and many already teach character and healthy habits as a part of their curriculum, she said.

“The equipment is fun and engaging, drawing students in and making NSP lessons some of their favorites,” said Peterson-Pressler. “Teachers also love the equipment as it is very durable and is a wonderful addition to their sometimes lacking equipment rooms. The generosity of TFT and their partners such as the group Frank (Ciarlo) put together for the Albany training, is something physical education teachers are so grateful as they do not often receive ‘gifts’ of this nature that will so greatly benefit their physical education students.”

Mark Walsh unwraps the First Tee tools

The clinic featured special guests like Kay McMahon and Eloise Trainor, Director of Instruction and Director of Operations, respectively, for eduKaytion golf; Mark Walsh, a special education teacher and President of the Troy Teachers Association, who helped organize the clinic; and Tracie Warner, Executive Director of the NENY PGA and JGA of NY’s VP for golf operations.

CapitalAreaGolf.com 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 the Junior Golf Alliance of New York.

Walsh got involved when Ciarlo wanted to bring “Hook a Kid on Golf” to Troy three years ago.

“I knew Frank from working with him at NYSUT on the new member program several years earlier,” Walsh said. “It took on a life of its own during which we brought a PGA professional into the middle school and some of the elementary schools in Troy. That’s when it hit us that the next logical step was to bring golf into the elementary schools.

“Frank made the contacts with First Tee and NYSGA,” Walsh said. “We made a pitch to the NYSGA exec board in October for support and funding, and we haven’t stopped moving since then. As a local president, I was a conduit to get other locals involved and help to make this a union driven community coalition program.”

Teachers learn The First Tee at Troy H.S. March 30, 2012

STRONG TURNOUT MARCH 30

Walsh was very excited about the turnout at Troy and feels the program will go a long way in teaching kids about golf and life.

“It was great to see educators from different school districts interacting with peers they don’t normally if ever get to see,” he said. “Also, having a nationally recognized PE teacher as The First Tee trainer was fantastic.”

Warner was also pleased with the turnout and interest from the local P.E. teachers willing to “pilot” the golf in schools program “as it’s vital for the longevity and success of the sport to at least have an introduction to the game at an early age,” she said.

“There are numerous sporting activities that golf competes with so making elementary kids aware of the game and learning it in a fun environment is key,” Warner said. “Regardless if the juniors go on to play immediately after (during their youth), they are more likely to take up the game, in adulthood if they have been exposed to it.

“We envision our role in the golf-in-schools program to help in the expertise for any of the physical education teachers who wish to take advantage of local PGA Professionals to come into the schools at the start of their golf unit to bring in a PGA Professional.”

It’s her hope that the children can learn who and what a PGA Professional does and where he or she works. The next phase would be for the NENY PGA to put each pilot school in touch with a local green-grass facility to have the follow through portion in place of where these children and their families can go for “on course activities and programs.”

Kay McMahon

HALL OF FAMER HITS ‘SNAG’

McMahon, a member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Hall of Fame, played an integral part in the training class and came away with positive thoughts on the program. When asked what she thought about the First Tee program and SNAG (Starting New at Golf) she said: “It is so important to grow the game and grow the game that makes is accessible and affordable to more. The First Tee is going to elementary schools to…introduce them to a game of a lifetime….exercising and developing relationships.”

And what is the importance of SNAG?

“SNAG is a fun way to introduce juniors and adults into playing, and playing is the key to it all. Learn to play and have fun,” McMahon said. “SNAG and The First Tee have partnered well and will partner with the Northeastern NY PGA Section to promote the game through education and learning the game from many approaches and with the assistance of PGA and LPGA professionals.”

Hopping around for The First Tee

TRAINOR FOR THE FUTURE

Trainor, a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, started the Futures Tour 32 years ago in Florida. It is the golf tour that comes to the Capital Area each year, hosting the second longest running tournament on the Tour’s schedule. This year, it will be played July 30 – August 5 at Capital Hills @ Albany. Trainor ran the tour for 20 years and then returned home to New Lebanon in Columbia County.

“I was very impressed with the attention to safety at all times,” Trainor said. “I also believe the ‘Life Skills’ which are intermingled with the play structure and instruction are brilliant. We hope that the youngsters can continue with what they learn and play on a golf course – that doesn’t always happen.  But, the fact that they have this very positive exposure to the game of golf, they will very likely play later on in their lives when an opportunity arises.”

CORE VALUES AND PARTNERSHIPS

The First Tee also incorporates the Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

Stout travels around the country promoting The First Tee and she hopes that Ciarlo and his support team can make a lot of noise in the Capital Area.

“We try to make it as easy as possible for counselors, the PE teachers and military personnel to just expose kids to the game as a first touch,” Stout said. “And the most important thing, the absolute most important thing, is to make it fun because if isn’t, the kids won’t come back. We’re going to focus on retention and progression.  Frank is off to a good start with this enthusiastic class today.”

Warner: “The golf-in-schools program will also help the local area develop golfers and for the (PGA) to begin to track statistically the number of children being exposed to the game so that we can help achieve the PGA’s newest initiative of Golf 2.0 which is reaching 40 million golfers by 2020.

“The initial support from The First Tee and the NYSGA along with NYSUT have made the golf-in-schools program a reality,” Warner added, “and we are pleased to be working together, as allied associations should, to help grow the game.”

DEFINING A PROGRAM

The First Tee is an international youth development organization that uses golf as a tool to teach young people the positive values inherent in the game such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence.

Click here for more information.

The First Tee lessons are taught in traditional settings such as golf courses and driving ranges as well as in schools and on military installations. Research has proven that participants are learning and using the skills such as goal setting, interpersonal communication, self-management and resistance skills.

Perhaps most importantly, many of the participants are receiving college scholarships and career opportunities because of their involvement with The First Tee.

Each participating school receives three tangible products and services: developmentally appropriate golf equipment; curriculum created using the framework of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) National Physical Education Standards; and teacher training for participating physical education teachers.

The First Tee National School Program utilizes developmentally appropriate equipment: SNAG. This equipment which is durable and safe consists of colorful oversized clubs, tennis-style balls and a variety of targets. Schools receive enough equipment to deliver programming to up to 48 students per class.

Through 2010, The First Tee reached more than 4.7 million young people with its educational programs. A goal of the organization’s Phase IV Strategic Plan (2011-17) is to positively impact 10 million more kids.

Currently, The First Tee has more than 10,000 volunteers, 600 active Life Skills Experience coaches and more than 4,800 trained physical educators.

-compiled by Mike Collar

TEE-OFF IS MASTERS VIEWING PARTY

This spring, hundreds of elementary school kids will learn to play golf now that “The First Tee” school program allows PE teachers to teach the game and program’s nine core values.

Students in Albany, Guilderland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Voorheesville and Newburgh will learn the game along with all the other games taught in school including baseball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball.

PE teachers will be using an approved national curriculum and specially-designed golf equipment for use indoors and outdoors.

“It is an exciting new opportunity for area young people to learn the game with their friends in a school environment,” said Frank Ciarlo, President of Capital Area Golf and the Junior Golf Alliance of NY. “This will give kids an opportunity to practice and play the game right in school with their friends.  Those kids that are interested can take advantage of area golf courses summer programs or those offered by the ‘Hook a Kid on Golf’ programs at three municipal golf courses.”

Click here for more information on First Tee programs in NY.

Click here to watch a short video and background information on “The First Tee” program.

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.

Tracie Warner, Executive Director of the NENY PGA and JGA of NY VP for golf operations, says this is a great way to introduce kids to the game.

“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.”

A PARTNERSHIP

Click here for more information on the Masters Viewing Party.

“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,” Ciarlo said.

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.

Bailey Cocca, who has played in the Capital Area's Futures' stop, is headed to UAlbany to play golf in college.

TOP CAPITAL AREA JUNIOR STAYING CLOSE TO HOME
By Mike Collar

It didn’t take Latham’s Bailey Cocca long to decide where she wanted to play golf and continue her education. The Shaker High School Senior has accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University at Albany and play for Dick “Doc” Sauers.

“I knew that I wanted to stay close to home and I felt like being 20 minutes away was a good amount of space for me,” Cocca tells Capitalareagolf.com. “I liked the school and I’m really excited to play for them. I feel a lot better knowing that the stress of figuring out where I want to go is finally off my back.”

Sauers said he and Bailey’s father, standout Capital Area golfer Jim Cocca, met at Shaker Ridge Country Club and talked about college choices – which once included Siena College, Coastal Carolina, Florida State and other top southern programs.

“I admired her swing,” Sauers said. “She’s the best junior golfer coming to Albany. She has the game.

“I’ve known Bailey for a long time. I always admired her game. I think she had it in her mind (to attend UAlbany). She wanted to stay here. Staying close to home played a big factor in her decision.”

OTHER SCHOOLS?

Bailey Cocca of Latham is staying close to home to play college golf.

Cocca, 17, said she did consider other schools but UAlbany seemed like a good fit.
“I think it’s pretty important because I need to have my family close,” Bailey said. “I’m extremely close with my family and I feel like I would definitely get homesick if I went away somewhere.

“I like the buildings and just all around I like the place. And I’m not exactly sure about my major yet. I’m still looking into it,” she said.

Cocca, a two-time state junior girls’ champion, joined the Shaker High School boys’ varsity golf team as an eighth-grader. On her first day of tryouts, she was 3-over par after the first hole and still shot a 76. Head coach Mike Cavotta took notice.

“I knew then we had a special player,” Cavotta said. “Bailey is a talented golfer. She drives the ball consistently straight and has a very strong short game. Every year during her high school career, she would have to tee it up from the men’s tees and compete against the males, and she did.

“Over her career she was medalist at many Suburban Council regular season events. She finished her career with a match against Burnt Hills at home (green nine, Town of Colonie) with a 34. She should have an instant impact on the UAlbany golf team,” said Cavotta.

ADVICE FROM CAPTAIN

Another top area female player, Anne Marie Kissane, is the captain of the UAlbany women’s team and knows Cocca from playing in summer tournaments.

“Our team is very independent, so I have noticed very little change between competing in junior tournaments and college tournaments. I chose to attend and play golf at UAlbany because it is extremely affordable, and also because my family situation at the time required that I remain close to home,” said Kissane, whose grandfather was extremely ill and she was one of his primary caregivers.

More advice from captain Kissane: “Be sure she makes what she needs to happen, happen. She needs to be self-motivated and independent to ensure that she can get what she wants out of the program. If she advocates for herself and her needs, both on the course and in the classroom, she has the chance to have a successful college golf career.”

HER RESUME

Cocca’s accomplishments are quite impressive: Went to the PGA juniors about three years ago and the U.S. Juniors, won the NYS junior two years ago and made it to the qualifier for states and missed going to states by one shot (school golf); played in the NYS Women’s-Am tournament, Dixie Amateur and IJGT, AJGA, and FCWT tournaments.

Sauers feels Bailey will have an immediate impact when she arrives.

“She’ll be in pretty good game shape,” Sauers said. “We have a practice routine and conditioning program. If I can’t help her, my wife (Elaine) can or some of the pros in the area. She has the potential. Bailey will help us out a lot.”

COMMENTS FROM BAILEY ON SIGNING DAY

“It’s really exciting to finally know that this is where I’m going and, I don’t know, I’m just really excited to play for them.”

“…my grades, I struggled a little bit…working on my SATs it really helped me get them up so a really big thanks to them.”

On Sauers and UAlbany: “It felt like it was easy for me to go there and I like their campus and everything so…”

On family: “Yeah, they’re happy. My mom wanted me to go away at first but she’s happy with my decision and she’s happy that I’m staying. It’s not too far away but it’s not really all that close.”

Not Siena? “I felt like I’d be more comfortable there” at Ualbany .

-comments from Bailey Cocca to YNN on signing day, Nov. 21, 2011