There are less than 10 days until Memorial Day. If you can’t believe the season is flying by this fast, neither can we! The NEPGA calendar is in full swing and has been the place to be so far this golf season. Don’t miss out on your chance to play some great courses and maybe join the record books as a Champion! Check out some of the upcoming events below and make your tee time today.
NEAA Spring Series #5
Valley Country Club
Thursday, May 23, 2013 Sponsored by Prize Possessions
After spending much of the Spring on Cape Cod, the NEAA Series rolls on, making a stop in the Ocean State at fun layout Valley Country Club in Warwick, RI. Just over an hour from Boston, this stop will be one of the last chances to earn Ben Boyd POY points for the Spring Series payout. The $75 entry fee includes golf and purse. Prize Possessions will be providing all players with some engraved glassware, special thanks to Jim Lynch and Prize Possessions for sponsoring! Click Here to Register!
The third major and second in two weeks visits one of the top Public facilities in the country at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. This 36-hole Pro-Scratch event brings some of the best amateurs in New England to the two fun yet challenging courses at Pinehills. The folks at adidas/Ashworth will be providing all players with a shirt and hat! $350 entry fee covers golf, carts, range, lunch and prizes. Spots are going fast and this will sell out, don’t miss it! Click Here to Register!
The NEPGA Assistants' Association wraps up its Spring Series at Marshfield Country Club, a longtime host to the NEAA and a fun track that is always in perfect shape! This is the last chance for points in the Ben Boyd Assistants Player of the Year spring payout, with double points going to all finishers. The top three will receive a bonus payout! It’s also the last chance to secure a spot in the top four on the points list, which are granted exemptions into the 2013 New England Open! Entry is $100 and includes golf, range, cart, lunch and purse. Special thanks to Jeff DiBona and Titleist/Footjoy for supplementing the purse and providing all players with a tee gift! Click Here to Register!
NEPGA Stroke Play Series #2
Golf Club of Cape Cod
Monday, June 3, 2013 Sponsored by Ahead, Cutter & Buck, Golf Buddy, PGA TOUR & Axis1 Golf
The second of six NEPGA Stroke Play Series events visits one of the best new golf courses in New England, The Golf Club of Cape Cod. This private facility has already garnered much acclaim for its fun yet challenging Rees Jones layout, superb condition and first class clubhouse. In its young lifespan, it has also played host to some prestigious events, and the Stroke Play Series is sure to bring the best Golf Professionals from around New England. This is the second chance for Wogan Points, as well as Stroke Play Series points, which determine the top 50 qualifiers for the finals at Turner Hill Golf Club on September 30th. Entry fee is $150 with an optional $50 entry for Seniors over 50. Entry fee covers golf, cart, range, lunch and purse. Special thanks to our sponsors for the event, Ahead, Cutter & Buck, Golf Buddy, PGA TOUR and Axis1 Golf. Click Here to Register!
Other Upcoming Events: NEPGA Pro+1Am Invitational @ Kirkbrae Country Club – 6/13
NEPGA Pro-Pro Stroke Play @ Mount Pleasant CC – 7/1
NEPGA Stroke Play Series #3 @ Spring Valley CC – 7/9
Chapter Tournament Notice
Spots are still available to all Chapter members for the Carnegie Abbey Pro-Am, sponsored by CCE/Keith Tortorella and Lincoln on May 23rd, includes food after golf. Register on Bluegolf's Rhode Island Chapter website.
All section members are invited to compete in one or both South Coast Callaway Pro-Pros scheduled for June 6th at Allendale CC & July 8th at Ledgemont CC. Register for Allendale off the Cape Cod website, register for Ledgemont off the Rhode Island website.
May is Welcome to Golf Month!
With complimentary instruction as its foundation, Welcome to Golf Month highlights PGA Professionals as the experts in instruction. During the month of May, showcase how your facility can embrace golfers of all abilities and make it fun and easy to stay in the game.
PGA/LPGA Professionals can: Offer complimentary instruction and/or introductory programs, 10-minute free lessons, Welcome to Golf Days, Get Golf Ready clinics, and more. Promote programs you currently offer through ACTIVE.
Keys to success: Plan events in May to promote golf (Click here to download the poster.)
Use social media to promote your programs
Send PR templates and email blasts announcing programs and dates
Cross-promote other instruction programs at your facility to keep golfers coming back
Click here to log into PGALinks.com and learn how to promote your event and facility on ACTIVE.com.
Volunteer Opportunities
Putting For Autism and Special Needs Clinics - The Putting For Autism and Special Needs Clinics for 2013 began on Monday, April 22nd at Braintree Municipal Golf Course. These clinics will run every Monday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm until the Thirteenth Annual NEPGA/Special Olympics Golf Tournament on Sunday, October 20th.
Free Lessons for Veterans/Disabled Veterans/First Responders - Volunteers needed to give free lessons to veterans, disabled veterans, and first responders at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course on the following Saturdays: May 18th and 25th from 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm. In light of the horrific events of April 15th, it is great to offer these lessons to our first responders! Please spread the word.
Veterans' Clinics - Veterans' clinics will be held on May 21st and 28th from 1-3 pm at the Patriot Golf Course on the Bedford VA Campus. There is a need for 1-2 NEPGA Professionals to help out with this program for our wounded veterans. Initially there will be weekly events on Tuesdays depending on the attendance and response that is received from the veterans who are rehabilitating at the hospital.
Golf Clinic for Perkins School of the Blind - Volunteers are needed for a golf clinic for the Perkins School for the Blind at MGA Links in Norton, MA on Tuesday, May 21st from 10 am to 1 pm.
Free Clinics for Veterans/Disabled Veterans - Free clinics for veterans and disabled veterans will be held on May 22nd and 29th from 2 - 4 pm at the Granite Links Golf Course in Quincy, MA. Volunteers are needed to help with golf instruction.
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans - A clinic for veterans and disabled veterans from the Brockton VA will be held on Thursday, May 30th from 3 pm to 5 pm at Braintree Municipal Golf Course. Volunteers are needed to help with golf instruction.
PGA volunteers will receive 1 MSR hour under "Growth of The Game" for each hour volunteered at any of the above clinics (max of 8 credits per day). For more information or to volunteer for any of these above events, please contact Bob Beach, PGA at 781.843.6513 x2 or bbeach@braintreema.gov.
Nick and Bob Beach, PGA at Veterans Clinic on May 7, 2013 at Patriot GC in Bedford, MA
Channel 7 WHDH Health & Fitness Expo - PGA Professional volunteers are needed to give free 10-minute lessons at the Channel 7 WHDH Health & Fitness Expo at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA on Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23, 2013. This event always has a great turnout and we need as much help as we can get! PGA members will earn 4 MSR credits per shift (1 credit per hour, max of 8 credits per day)! There are two shifts each day: Saturday, June 22- 10am to 1:30pm or 1:30pm to 5pm and Sunday, June 23- 10am to 1:30pm or 1:30pm to 5pm. Click here to register as a volunteer and choose your shift! If you have any questions, please call the NEPGA Section office at 508-869-0000 or email Jacy Settles at jsettles@pgahq.com.
Clubs for Vets - Thank you to the following individuals who have generously donated to the Clubs of Vets program: Rob Hardy, PGA; Larry Kelley, PGA; Lou Katsos, PGA; Mike Brown, Art Harris, PGA; Peter Doherty, PGA; Allan Belden, PGA; Bob Miller, PGA; Paul Parajeckas, PGA; Al Lupis, PGA; Joe Cordani Jr., PGA; Mike Wortis, PGA; Jacy Settles; Bob Beach, PGA and Bob Green, PGA.
If you are able to support the Clubs for Vets program by donating golf clubs and bags to these veterans who have served our country and put their lives on the line, please contact Bob Beach, PGA at 781-843-6513 or bbeach@braintreema.gov.
THE GOLF LIFE: Celebrating Francis Ouimet
From the Patriot Ledger
“It was so enjoyable, I didn’t want it to stop,” said Beach. “It definitely shaped my life. As a family, we’re big on the Ouimet Scholarship Fund.”
From an executive perspective, Wollaston GC in Milton is well represented when it comes to the Ouimet Fund. Donovan, the executive director, has been a longtime member there, as well as current Ouimet president Terrence Kennedy and Peter Maich, chairman of the centennial committee. Also, club members Bill Neville and Liam Cain combined to play a total of 153 holes at last year’s 20th Ouimet Golf Marathon, the nation’s largest fund-raising marathon of its kind.
Another marathoner and beneficiary of a Ouimet scholarship is Joe Fitzsimmons of Marshfield CC, who just completed his junior year at St. Anselm College and works in the bag room at the club. Two years ago, Fitzsimmons played 108 holes in his marathon debut and exceeded that number in 2012 by playing 112 holes at Stow Acres. He made his playing debut at the 2012 Ouimet Memorial Tournament and finished tied for eighth in a strong invitational field.
Click here to read more: THE GOLF LIFE: Celebrating Francis Ouimet - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger
NEPGA Newsletter Mailing
Do you know of a PGA Professional who does not have access to the internet? If you feel that he or she would like to receive the NEPGA monthly newsletter, please email the name and address information to jstuart@pgahq.com or call the Section office at 508-869-0000.
Featured Sponsor: Shaun Madigan - adidas Golf/Ashworth
Shaun and adidas Golf/Ashworth are sponsoring next week's ProAm Championship at Pinehills.
What is your age?34 years old
What is your birthdate?August 29th, 1978
Where do you currently reside? South End, Boston
What is your hometown? Clifton Springs, NY
What previous jobs have you held? I have been with TaylorMade-adidas Golf for the past 11 years; working in credit, finance, marketing and sales. This will be my second season as part of the New England territory.
What is your career low round, and on what course? 79, Ravenwood GC, Victor, NY.
What was your greatest moment in golf?Hole in one, #11-135 yard par 3 at Mission Bay GC in San Diego, CA.
Do you have a spouse? If so, how long have you been married? Single.
Do you have any children?No.
What is your favorite golf course and why? Augusta National, it hosts the best tournament in golf.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of golf?Snowboarding, ice hockey, lacrosse, photography.
What do you drink after a round of golf? A twisted Mark Stephenhagen.
What is some advice you wish someone had given you when you entered the golf business? Be patient, learn from your mistakes and take time to appreciate that at the end of the day I am building a career around a passion of mine, the game of golf.
Who is your favorite golfer of all time? Why? Bobby Jones, his sense of style brought a level of professionalism to the game that still exists today but should be observed by more.
Click here to read the rest of Shaun's answers in the Sponsor Spotlight Archive on NEPGA.com!
Free Junior Tour Membership for Children of PGA Professionals!
We are offering FREE NEPGA Junior Tour membership (excluding entry fees) to children of PGA Professionals for the 2013 season!
Eligibility: Open to children of PGA Professionals (ages 9-21)
Registration: Please submit the completed application (FAX OR MAIL) for each child. Click here to download the application.
Please allow two days upon receipt of the application for membership to be processed. Once the membership is processed, you will be emailed a username and password from the BlueGolf Tournament Software. Keep this information in a safe place as this allows one to log in to sign up for tournaments.
Note to remember—The user id and password will be sent in all caps (uppercase). You will need to use all lower case when logging in.
"Outside the Ropes" Questionnaire
The NEPGA is introducing a new feature about the Section's PGA Professionals giving back to their communities called "Outside the Ropes" to be featured in our monthly newsletter and also on our website. We want to share your story that might inspire other Professionals to become involved in charitable endeavors!
Please email Joan at jstuart@pgahq.com to request the brief questionnaire informing us of your volunteer experiences. If you have pictures to submit along with the questionnaire, please email them to Joan at jstuart@pgahq.com.
We are currently featuring Steve Sheridan, PGA and his experiences with volunteer work on the "Outside the Ropes" page on NEPGA.com, listed in the About Us menu.
NEPGA Bulletin Board
The NEPGA Bulletin Board is now located on NEPGA.com under the Home tab.
Featured Sponsor: 
