PGA Head Professional Bo Botelho of Crestwood CC hosted the Rhode Island PGA Spring Meeting in early April where major awards were presented with attractive plaques donated by STERLING CUT GLASS.

Bruce Macdonald, PGA ~ RIPGA Professional of the Year	Brian Owens, PGA ~ RIPGA Player of the Year	Greg Sutcliffe/Callaway Golf

The 2012 Professional of the Year is Bruce MacDonald, PGA Head Professional at Lincoln GC while the Player-of-Year honors went to Brian Owens, PGA Assistant Professional at North Kingstown GC.

The meeting was honored to welcome its new Title Sponsor, Greg Sutcliffe/ Callaway Golf in attendance. Many thanks to Greg for his support of three major events this season.

GOLF 2.0
Later in April, several Chapter professionals and members of their respective boards met with Brian Bain, PGA & Mike Packard, PGA to discuss Golf 2.0 which has attracted attention across all golf association boundaries. This initiative targeting core golfers, lapsed golfers and attracting new golfers was well received and the Rhode Island Chapter is well underway with its planning of golf “events” this season – led by President Jim DiMarino, PGA and Tournament Chair Mike Bradshaw, PGA. Details to follow, but these efforts include a new Junior Tournament along with public efforts to get the game of golf introduced to new players.

TAYLORMADE LEDGEMONT PRO-AM OPENS SEASON
PGA GM Jack Tosone & PGA Head Professional Todd Campbell welcomed the Chapter for its first Pro-3Am of the season sponsored by Taylor-Made/Adidas/Ashworth representative Gary Rencurrel in mid April. Highlighted by a hole-in-one by Kirkbrae member Mike Laurito who was playing with Mike Bradshaw, the scoring was excellent. Both Ed Kirby, PGA Head Professional from Alpine and newly crowned player-of-the-year Brian Owens fired even par 71’s to take top pro honors.

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS:
Tuesday, May 22nd – Callaway Pro-Am presented by CCE – Warwick CC

WELCOME NEW SPONSORS
RIPGA Tournament Chairman Mike Bradshaw is pleased to announce the following new sponsors:
Matt Howard/ Adams Golf ; Tim Stundis/ Cleveland Golf ; Mike Daron/ Nike Golf. Thanks to all for supporting the Rhode Island PGA tournament schedule this season!

Rhode Island PGA Junior Championship
A new event has been added to the schedule with more details to follow: The Rhode Island PGA Junior Championship - 36 hole event. Those making the cut will play with a PGA member on the second day.

July 30 - Green Valley GC
July 31 - Montaup