NEPGA Announces 2012 Award Winners & Hall of Fame Inductee
Boylston, MA-- With 200 PGA Professionals in attendance, the 2012 NEPGA Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductee were announced at Spring Meeting at Andover Country Club on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.
Brendan Walsh, PGA Head Professional at The Country Club has been named the 2012 Golf Professional of the Year. Paul Parajeckas, PGA Head Professional at Pleasant Valley Country Club is the 2012 Hall of Fame Inductee.
Upon hearing the news from Jimmy Noris, PGA and the President of the New England PGA, Walsh said: “I am honored to be the NEPGA 2012 Golf Professional of the Year. It is a great thrill to be recognized by your peers. I am grateful for the support of The Country Club and the men and women whom I am so fortunate to work with. This is a team honor.” When Parajeckas heard the news, he said: "It’s a wonderful honor to be recognized in the same class, with so many great professionals from our New England P.G.A. Section."
The 2012 Junior Golf Leader Award was given to DonnieLyons, PGA General Manager at Reedy Meadow Golf Course. ShawnHester, PGA Teaching Professional from Charles River Country Club was named the 2012 NEPGA Teacher of the Year. The Bill Strausbaugh Award for 2012 was given to Susan Bond, PGA Head Professional from Weekapaug Golf Club. Bond is also currently the Secretary of the NEPGA. Bob Beach, PGA Head Professional from Braintree Municipal Golf Course was named for the second year in a row as the recipient of the Horton Smith Award. The 2012 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is Tony Decker, PGA Assistant Professional from The Woodlands Club. The 2012 Merchandiser of the Year at a public facility is Chris Sleeper, PGA Director of Golf at Granite Links Golf Club. Todd Cook, PGA Head Professional at The Milton Hoosic Club is the 2012 Merchandiser of the Year Award Winner for a private facility. Ron Philo, Jr., PGA General Manager at Stowe Mountain Club is the recipient of the 2012 Merchandiser of the Year Award for a resort facility.
The recipient of the 2012 George S. Wemyss Award is Terry Frechette. This award is given annually to honor someone in the golf industry who has made an exemplary contribution through leadership and innovation to the growth of the game. Through R. J. Shepherd Company and as a representative of Ahead, Frechette has been a dedicated and long time supporter of the New England Section PGA of America.
All of the award winners will be formally honored at the NEPGA Special Awards Dinner being held this fall at Kernwood Country Club, Salem, MA.
Welcome back! After what seemed like an extension of the fall rather than winter, we are excited to start our 2012 NEPGA Tournament Season! We have a great schedule lined up for 2012 and hope you will be able to take advantage of it and come play. Whether you are looking to entertain members, tune up for a major or get out of the shop for a few hours, we have everything you are looking for!
Spring Fling ProAm #2 – Cummaquid Golf Club Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sponsored by Kathy Lynch/Ash City
After a brief hiatus from the schedule, Cummaquid Golf Club in Yarmouth, MA returns to the schedule! One of the oldest clubs in the U.S., Cummaquid is one of Cape Cod’s gems. Space is available as tee times are ranging from 8am until 1pm, so grab a group and join us! The format is 2 BB of 4 Gross + Net (cannot be the same ball), as well as an Individual Pro contest, and Cart, Range, Breakfast, Lunch and Prizes are included in your entry fee. Special thanks to Kathy Lynch for her support of this event! Click here to register!
This is the traditional kickoff to the Massachusetts Chapter season at one of the oldest and prestigious courses in the U.S. The meeting will start at 10:30AM, with lunch and Blind Draw Pro-Pro to follow. Special thanks to Bill Safrin, PGA and Myopia for again hosting our season kickoff! Click here to register!
Pro-Pro Match Play – LeBaron Hills Country Club
Monday, April 30 - Tuesday, May 2, 2012
Spots are filling up for the first major of the year! Stroke Play qualifying and Round 1 Matches will be on Monday, April 30, 2012. 16 teams will qualify for Match Play. Quarter Final and Semi Final Matches will take place on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. The Finals will be played on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. Special thanks to Adams Golf, Golf Max, and Sky Golf for their sponsorship of this event! Click here to register!
Be on the lookout for details on more upcoming events in the next Mixed Bag! If you have any questions, contact Dave McAdams at dmcadams@pgahq.com or at the Section office at 508.869.0000.
Volunteers Needed for Play Golf America Day, Sat. April 21st
PGA Professionals are needed to volunteer to give free 10 minute lessons at Play Golf America Day at Bayberry Hills Golf Course in West Yarmouth, MA on Saturday April 21, 2012. There are two shifts—Shift 1: 10am-12pm or Shift 2: 12pm – 2pm. PGA Professionals will receive 1 MSR credit per hour (max of 8 credits per day) for volunteering.
For those of you that attended the Spring meeting at Andover CC this past week, I’m sure you were all touched when Ginger Gilbert Ravella so bravely shared her tragic experience with us about losing her husband, Major Troy Gilbert (USAF) in 2006 in an F-16 accident outside Baghdad. It is the type of story that we only see in a movie or hear about in national news, but, when you meet and hear first hand how a soldier’s wife, or a soldier’s husband, or even the parent of a soldier can instantly become totally independent due to the horrific nature of combat, you realize that your movie or news flash has become a reality.
Well, my name is Larry Demers and I am the PGA Teaching Professional at The Kittansett Club in Marion, Massachusetts. As the parent of a US Marine that served over two years in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I feel extremely proud of the courage that “Chris” and all who fight for our freedom exude with virtually minimal and unsolicited recognition.
My wife Kathy and I had discussed many times how we would react to the "knock on the front door" by the US Government should the inevitable had happened. Fortunately for us, our soldier returned with minimal physical scars but the same psychological issues that I’m sure everyone in that environment will carry for the rest of their lives. God Bless Ginger and her family for their strength and courage.
Anyway, enough about me and on to the challenge I have for you. The Folds of Honor Foundation provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. I am encouraging you to not only participate in Patriot Golf Day, but, also asking you to be a part of “Red Shirt Friday”. You can find out about this program by googling Polo Golf and The Folds of Honor. We learned at the PGA Merchandise show that Polo Golf will donate proceeds ($10.00 was mentioned) from every red shirt sold. There are also many other companies listed on the “Folds” website that are partnering in this worthwhile cause. Please find a way to support all of the companies that have been so generous.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the important thing to remember is that as PGA Members we are influencers, and people do what influencers do. I challenge you as a PGA Member and as a father of a US Marine whose life was probably saved by a courageous F-16 Pilot such as Major Troy Gilbert to do all you can to use your influence and be a part of this outstanding program.
Have a Great Season – Hope to see you some” Red Shirt Friday”!
27,000 PGA Members x 6 Staff Shirts (Red) x 10.00 = $ 1,620,000.00 Not a bad Goal!
Hixenbaugh Marsico Fire Fund
As many of you know, there was a devastating fire at Dartmouth Woods Apartment Complex this past weekend. Chris Hixenbaugh, PGA and Angie Marsico, Chris's fiance, were affected by this fire. They lost all worldly possessions, however, we are thankful they are both HEALTHY and SAFE. Both Chris and Angie work for the Acushnet Company. Chris in Golf Ball R&D and Angie for Footjoy.
Through the efforts of several caring individuals, an account (below) has been set up for any and all donations to be contributed. This fund will allow Chris and Angie to begin again.
Hixenbaugh Marsico Fire Fund
First Citizens Federal Credit Union
2 Fairhaven Road
PO Box 1766
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
EIN #45-4997971
Golf 2.0 Update
Golf 2.0 encourages Professionals and facility owners to increase the number of golfers and rounds played. New for 2012 is Welcome to Golf Month, a fresh approach that highlights golf as “fun and welcoming.” We hope as a NEPGA Golf facility, you will support Welcome to Golf Month and register as a host facility.
During Welcome to Golf Month, professionals are encouraged to provide a minimum of four hours of complimentary instruction. This is an opportunity to give new golfers and customers a taste of how fun golf is and highlight why your facility is the best place to play. Facilities have the flexibility to promote free 10-minute lessons, Get Golf Ready clinics, Welcome to Golf Days, Family Days or Mother’s Day specials. Be sure to have additional programs, such as Get Golf Ready, available for new golfers.
This program is promoted nationally in May, however, facilities are encouraged to host anytime throughout the year as your schedule and local market permits.
All facilities that register will be promoted on PlayGolfAmerica.com and receive a marketing kit, with posters and tips to promote. In addition, all participating Professionals will receive MSR credits. Visit PlayGolfAmerica.com for additional information and to register.
Thank you for growing the game and welcoming new golfers to your facility.
Also all Golf 2.0 materials are housed on www.golf20.net, please share this link with staff and direct reports.
Username: Golf2.0
Password: growgolf
If you have any questions about Golf 2.0 or Player Development please feel free to reach out to me.
The NEPGA Sponsor Spotlight has been introduced to provide NEPGA members and apprentices the opportunity to get to know the Sales Representatives that are sponsors and supporters of New England PGA Professionals. Click here to view the Sponsor Spotlight Archive on NEPGA.com.
Featured Sponsor:Matt Howard -- Adams Golf, Leupold Rangefinders, Ansai Heated Outerwear
What is your age? 44
What is your birthdate? June 20, 1967
Where do you currently reside? Hanson, MA
What is your hometown? Hanson, MA
What previous jobs have you held? I have been a sales rep for MacGregor Golf and before that I spent 19 years in golf Retail.
What is your career low round, and on what course? I have only broken 80 a handful of times. Lowest score was a 74 at White Pines in Brockton years ago before kids. Best round is an 80 at Plymouth CC. I know it is 11 over par but for me that was a great score at a great course.
What was your greatest moment in golf? I have 3: Hitting a 3 wood off the tee to about 2 inches on the fourth hole at Green Harbor (Yes, I made the putt for eagle). Holing out for birdie after a popped up drive and a shank into the woods on the 10th or 11th at Cohasset. I had to hit a low punch draw 8 iron down a path in the woods to a green I could not see. I could not find the ball until someone in the group checked the hole. Just like I drew it up. The last one was a sand wedge out of a pond to a foot for birdie on a par 5 at Lakeville CC (I made that putt, too!).
Do you have a spouse? If so, how long have you been married? I have been married to my wife Jan for almost 22 years.
Do you have any children? What are their names and ages? I have two children, Andrew is 17 and a senior in high school and Kathryn is 14 and a freshman.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of golf? I played basketball twice a week for over 20 years but had to give it up when I had back surgery last year. I also play softball and enjoy playing the guitar. I really enjoy anything that I can do with my family and friends.
What is something most people don't know about you? I am a Sunday school teacher at my church (at least until demo day season) and my wife and I run the senior high youth group there.
What is some advice you wish someone had given you when you entered the golf business? Be yourself. If you try to be something that you are not, people will see right through you. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Those are simple things that I try to live by.
How did you get into the sales business? I started out with Nevada Bobs in 1987 and evolved from there. I was able to learn new things every step of the way with every company I have worked for; and continue to learn every day.
What is your dream job in the golf industry? I would say that right now I am living it. I represent a couple of great companies that make industry leading products and they support them with good marketing. They also have programs that make it easy for me to partner with my accounts.
Do you have any career aspirations outside the golf industry? I would have to say no. Golf is what I know and I have made so many friends in the industry that I can’t see myself in any other field.
What do you enjoy most about the game of golf? I enjoy the unpredictability of the game. One day you can have a career round and it means nothing. The next day all it takes is a few missed fairways and a few missed putts and you shoot 90. It keeps you humble.
What awards or career accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of my relationship with my wife and kids. Career wise, I received the Regional Salesman of the Year from Adams in 2010. It meant a lot to me because there are many great reps within the company that easily deserved the award just as much, and yet it came to me. It means a lot.
The New England PGA is currently ranked 21st out of 41 Sections. This overall ranking is based on the Section's participation in 14 specific programs/activies (see below).
PGA Professionals are needed to volunteer to give free 10 minute lessons at Play Golf America Day at Bayberry Hills Golf Course in West Yarmouth, MA on Saturday April 21, 2012. There are two shifts—Shift 1: 10am-12pm or Shift 2: 12pm – 2pm. PGA Professionals will receive 1 MSR credit per hour (max of 8 credits per day) for volunteering. 
For those of you that attended the Spring meeting at Andover CC this past week, I’m sure you were all touched when Ginger Gilbert Ravella so bravely shared her tragic experience with us about losing her husband, Major Troy Gilbert (USAF) in 2006 in an F-16 accident outside Baghdad. It is the type of story that we only see in a movie or hear about in national news, but, when you meet and hear first hand how a soldier’s wife, or a soldier’s husband, or even the parent of a soldier can instantly become totally independent due to the horrific nature of combat, you realize that your movie or news flash has become a reality. 
Featured Sponsor: Matt Howard -- Adams Golf, Leupold Rangefinders, Ansai Heated Outerwear