In an effort to support those affected by tragedy at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the New England PGA committed a $10 donation for every birdie made at the Section’s first event of the year to support The One Fund Boston. With the pledge made by the Section, and generous pledges made by the field, the New England PGA was able to make a donation of over $3300 to The One Fund Boston! The Section is also collecting donations on www.nepga.com on behalf of our NEPGA Professionals.
Let’s not stop there! The events of April 15, 2013 hit too close to home, and it is time for us to rise to the occasion. We can help to improve the lives of those affected by the bombing through the game of golf. The New England PGA is asking our PGA Professionals to lead the fundraising efforts and conduct a One Fund Weekend event at your facility to raise money for the victims of the Boston Marathon Tragedy.
Between now and Sunday, May 19th participating facilities are asked to conduct an event, collect funds and submit them to the New England PGA. The Section will compile the funds from all of our participating facilities and make a collaborative donation on behalf of the New England Section. You can conduct a raffle, display pledge sheets and or simply have a jar on the first tee accepting donations from all players on your One Fund Weekend. Click HERE to download a PDF version of the “Boston Strong Runners Bibs” that you can print and pass out to anyone that donates. Club logos can be added to the bibs and they can be displayed on golf cars to show support.
All donations collected by the New England PGA at our first Pro-Am as well as those by our facilities will be donated the One Fund Boston. Let’s make a difference in our community by giving to a great cause.
Worcester Country Club hosted the first Section One Fund Boston fundraiser at their Men’s Opening Day. After a great round of golf and some efficient fundraising, WCC and their members raised over $1500!
Please consider showing your support and conducting a One Fund Weekend Fundraiser at your facility. The New England PGA goal is to raise $50,000 from the efforts of our PGA Professionals. Help us reach our goal! Please contact the Section office with any questions at 508.869.0000.
The Clock is Ticking for a Chance to Compete at Augusta National!
WHAT: Drive, Chip and Putt ChampionshipRegistration Deadline is April 30!
The Entry Deadline for the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, supported by the Masters Tournament Foundation, The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is April 30. Register for a chance to compete in local qualifying events that ultimately lead to the national finals, April 6, 2014 at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters.
WHO: The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is free and open to boys and girls ages 7-15, who will compete in four age categories.
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration and information is available at DriveChipandPutt.com.
Thanks for your help in promoting this exciting opportunity to youth in your area!
Upcoming Tournament News
After a wild week of weather at NEPGA events, it looks like Mother Nature is going to cooperate for the first major of the year next week at LeBaron Hills! Follow the qualifying and matches live on www.nepga.com and see who will be victorious in May Madness! If you can’t play at LeBaron, there are plenty of other events to sign up for below!
Assistants' Association Spring Series #3
New Seabury Dunes Course
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The NEPGA Assistants' Association continues its southern swing at another Cape Cod gem. This 36-hole facility played host to the NEAA last year, and if you missed out don’t make the same mistake twice! Tee times will begin at 12pm on the Dunes Course. The $75 entry fee covers your Golf, Range and Purse. Players will be responsible for their cart fees on site if they wish to ride. Click Here to Register!
NEPGA ProAm Portsmouth Country Club
Monday, May 6, 2013 Sponsored by Lincoln, Mohegan Sun & Bushnell
The third ProAm of the spring is SOLD OUT! With over 50 teams registered and even a couple on the waitlist, it should be a packed house at Portsmouth. Players will be able to test drive some Lincoln vehicles for Titleist golf balls, and all teams will be vying for the third of nine spots in the Mohegan Sun ProAm finals. The winning team will also each win a Bushnell Range Finder! Format is 2 Best Ball of 4, Gross + Net as well as an Individual Professional contest. There will also be a chance to week a Lincoln with a Hole in One for all amateurs. Golf, Cart, Range, Lunch and Prizes are included in the entry fee. If you want to get on the waitlist, register here and maybe a spot will open up!
In a recurring theme, the NEPGA Assistants' Association will visit a top notch Cape Cod facility, this time just off the highway in Falmouth. The Golf Club of Cape Cod has received much acclaim for its challenging layout and outstanding facilities. It has played host to some major events since its opening, and should be a great test for all players. Tee Times will begin at 8am. The $75 entry fee covers your golf, range and purse. Players must ride or take a caddie. Carts are $27 paid on site, caddies can be arranged by calling the golf shop at 508.457.7200. Click Here to Register!
NEPGA Stroke Play Series #1
Shelter Harbor Golf Club
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Sponsored by Ahead, Cutter & Buck, Golf Buddy
& PGA TOUR
The race to Turner Hill Golf Club starts here, as Professionals begin to jockey for points and an invitation to the Stroke Play Series finale in September. Shelter Harbor Golf Club is a majestic course located near the shores of Block Island Sound, and was voted one of the best new courses in the country in 2007. This first of five Stroke Play Series events is sure to be a treat, so don’t miss out on your chance for Stroke Play and Wogan Points! Format is Individual Stroke Play and the $150 entry (extra $50 optional for Seniors over age 50) covers golf, cart, range, lunch and purse. Tee times will begin at 9:30am. Click Here to Register!
Other Upcoming Events:
NEPGA Hudson Cup @ Duxbury Yacht Club – 5/16
NEPGA ProAssistant @ The Bay Club – 5/20
NEPGA ProAm Championship @ Pinehills 5/28
Section, Chapter & Association Spring Meeting Schedule
USGA Handicap System in 2013 Seminar at Rutland CC, May 16th
The USGA is offering a seminar on the USGA Handicap System in 2013 in Rutland, Vermont. This year’s seminar is scheduled for May 16, 2013 at Rutland C.C. Click
The seminar cost is $40 including lunch and all materials.
PGA Golf Professionals in attendance and passing the quiz will receive 5 MSR hours.
Featured Sponsor: Gene Gonzalez - Prize Possessions, Donald Ross, Ecco, Sunice, Maui Jim
Prize Possessions is a Section Partner and sponsor of the Pro-Officer.
What is your age? 48
What is your birthdate? September 24th
Where do you currently reside? West Roxbury, MA
What is your hometown? Mostly Newton, MA
What previous jobs have you held? Assistant Professional, and Teaching Professional
What is your career low round, and on what course? 66 at Thunderbird CC and Charles River CC
What was your greatest moment in golf? Winning the Club Championship
Do you have a spouse? If so, how long have you been married? I am married and have been for 18 years.
Do you have any children?I have one daughter Jacqueline and she is 14 years old.
What is your favorite golf course and why? That’s a hard question but I do love Pebble Beach. It’s a great and memorable layout in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of golf? I like going to the movies, pool or beach time, going out to dinner, and hanging out with my family and friends.
What do you drink after a round of golf? Cold Amstel draft usually sounds good.
What is some advice you wish someone had given you when you entered the golf business? To be yourself and the best you can be no matter where you work, or who you work for.
Who is your favorite golfer of all time? Why? Seve. The things he could do, and the flair with which he did it was awesome.
How did you get into the sales business? I was working at a golf club in California and a good friend was the national sales manager of an apparel brand. He was looking for a rep in New England and I ended up taking the position. A long time ago now.
What songs are currently on your iPod? I’m all over the place, but mostly things like Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Rihanna, etc...
What is your dream job? I haven’t really thought much about it. I enjoy what I do and love the lines that I represent.
Do you have any career aspirations outside the golf industry? I have been helping out with my daughter’s golf team and could see doing something like that in the future. It’s not outside of golf, but coaching and working with kids rather than selling.
What do you enjoy most about the game of golf? Working on my game, playing with my family and friends, competing, playing great layouts, playing with people from all different generations. There are so many reasons. It’s such a great game.
What awards or career accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of the awards given to me for achieving goals, and the recognition for hard work from the various companies that I have been affiliated with.
What is your favorite club in your bag and why? #6 Iron. Not sure why, but I love my 6 iron and wear it out on the range.
Click here to view the Sponsor Spotlight Archive on NEPGA.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans -There will be a free clinic for veterans and disabled veterans at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, April 27th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to give instruction to our veterans and their families. PGA members who volunteer will earn 3 MSR credits.
Clinic for Paralyzed Golfers/Wounded Warriors - Anthony Netto, the designer of the ParaGolfer, will be demonstrating the ParaGolfer and shot making by a physically challenged golfer at the Southborough Driving Range on Sunday, April 28th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This clinic is designed for paralyzed golfers and Wounded Warrior Project alums who have lost the use of their legs in combat. Other Wounded Warriors are also invited. Volunteers are needed to help with the clinic.
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans -Volunteers needed to give free lessons to veterans and disabled veterans from the Brockton VA at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course on Tuesday, April 30th from 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm. PGA members who volunteer will earn 2 MSR credits.
Super Saturday Clinic - PGA golf professionals and assistant golf professionals are invited to participate in a golf clinic for 40 Braintree Public School students with special needs. The Super Saturday Clinic will be held at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Free lunch will be included to any volunteers.
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans -Volunteering double header. There will also be a free clinic for veterans and disabled veterans at the Braintree Municipal on Saturday May 4th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to give instruction to our veterans and their families.
Weekly Veterans Clinics at Bedford VA Campus -Veterans clinics will begin on May 7th from 1 pm-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 we receive from the veterans who are rehabilitating at the hospital. Perhaps some of the NEPGA Professionals from local courses, Winchester CC, Oakley CC, Belmont CC, Nashawtuc CC, Concord CC, Pine Brook CC, Woodland CC, Brae Burn CC, Stow Acres, Wedgewood Pines CC, Butternut GC, etc. might be interested in helping us out on a rotating basis due to their proximity to Bedford.
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans -There will be a free clinic for veterans and disabled veterans at the Granite Links Golf Course in Quincy, MA on Wednesday, May 8th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to help with the free instruction.
Free Clinic for Veterans/Disabled Veterans/First Responders -Volunteers needed to give free lessons to veterans, disabled veterans, and firstresponders at the Braintree Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, May 11th from 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm. In light of the horrific events of recent weeks, it is great to offer these lessons to our first responders!
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.
Clubs for Vets - Thank you to the following individuals who have generously donated to the Clubs of Vets program: Rob Hardy, Larry Kelley, Lou Katsos, Mike Brown, Art Harris, Peter Doherty, Allan Belden, Bob Miller, Paul Parajeckas and Al Lupis.
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.
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 click on the below link to complete and submit 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 James Antonelli, 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.
In an effort to support those affected by tragedy at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the New England PGA committed a $10 donation for every birdie made at the Section’s first event of the year to support The One Fund Boston. With the pledge made by the Section, and generous pledges made by the field, the New England PGA was able to make a donation of over $3300 to The One Fund Boston! The Section is also collecting donations on 
The third ProAm of the spring is SOLD OUT! With over 50 teams registered and even a couple on the waitlist, it should be a packed house at Portsmouth. Players will be able to test drive some Lincoln vehicles for Titleist golf balls, and all teams will be vying for the third of nine spots in the Mohegan Sun ProAm finals. The winning team will also each win a Bushnell Range Finder! Format is 2 Best Ball of 4, Gross + Net as well as an Individual Professional contest. There will also be a chance to week a Lincoln with a Hole in One for all amateurs. Golf, Cart, Range, Lunch and Prizes are included in the entry fee. If you want to get on the waitlist, 
The race to Turner Hill Golf Club starts here, as Professionals begin to jockey for points and an invitation to the Stroke Play Series finale in September. Shelter Harbor Golf Club is a majestic course located near the shores of Block Island Sound, and was voted one of the best new courses in the country in 2007. This first of five Stroke Play Series events is sure to be a treat, so don’t miss out on your chance for Stroke Play and Wogan Points! Format is Individual Stroke Play and the $150 entry (extra $50 optional for Seniors over age 50) covers golf, cart, range, lunch and purse. Tee times will begin at 9:30am. 
The USGA is offering a seminar on the USGA Handicap System in 2013 in Rutland, Vermont. This year’s seminar is scheduled for May 16, 2013 at Rutland C.C. Click 
Featured Sponsor: 
