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Second Time's A Charm
Boomer Erick makes it two for two at rescheduled Stroke Play
Falmouth, MA
On a day that was a complete 180 from the original schedule date, there was one thing that remained the same early in this season. Under perfect skies, Boomer Erick, PGA kept on his roll to start the 2013 season with a second victory in as many tries, this time at The Golf Club of Cape Cod. Boomer shot a 3-under par 69, good for a one shot victory and the second leg of the Stroke Play Slam.
NEPGA Pros raise money for the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club
New England PGA Professionals took part in the 20th Annual Sam Sylvia Invitational to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Nantucket on June 9th. Thirty-two Professionals (pictured left) combined with 3 amateurs enjoyed a day at Sankaty Head Golf Club.
Jeff Martin, PGA of Norton Country Club won the event by defeating host assistant professional Jake Pleckowski, PGA in a playoff after a -2 (70) for the day.
Thank you to host professional Mark Heartfield, PGA and his staff, who did a wonderful job of hosting. Also a tremendous thanks to the Boys and Girls Club of Nantucket, who have allowed The New England PGA to be a part of this special event for 20 years!!
Tuffin and Aikens lead the pack and defend their home turf
Plymouth, MA
The 2013 NEPGA Pro – Am Championship sponsored by adidas and Ashworth Golf is an event that pairs a professional with an amateur in a medal play format. What makes this event different than most Pro – Am events is that the players play scratch, without handicaps, for 36 holes. It is a grueling test of patience and attrition which separates the team that can keep their composure and persevere to achieve a common goal. On a perfect day in Plymouth, MA at Pinehills Golf Club, one team would use their home course knowledge to their advantage to defeat a field loaded with talent.
Host Professional John Tuffin, PGA and his partner Herbie Aikens have played Pinehills a time or two. For over 5 years, Tuffin has been the Head Professional at Pinehills Golf Club, and Aikens has been a presence in the New England amateur circles over that same span. On the day of the NEPGA Pro – Am Championship, Tuffin and Aikens would put together two rounds worthy of the trophy. Beginning on the Nicklaus Course, Tuffin and Aikens would start off with birdie (3) eagle (3) that would prove to be a sign of things to come. They closed out their opening round with 4 more birdies to card a bogey free -7 (65), and held a 1 stroke lead after round 1.
Father-Son Duo Bill and Griffin Andrews capture Pro-Assistant
Mattapoisett, MA
The Pro-Assistant has been a staple on the NEPGA calendar for as long as anyone can remember. A celebration of teamwork and a chance to relax amidst the grind of a New England golf season make the event a must play for many Head Golf Professionals and their Assistants throughout the northeast. For many Professionals, it’s a day to play with your Assistant, as many don’t get that opportunity throughout the season. For Bill Andrews, PGA of Portsmouth CC and his son Griffin, it’s more than that.
Griffin and Bill (center), featured (L-R) with Dave Woods, Dave Greblick, Mark Finnerty and Pat Dalton of the Acushnet Company.
Over the past few months The PGA of America has taken a vocal and active position which reflected the strong viewpoint of our PGA Professionals in opposing the USGA and R&A's proposed Rule 14-1b that would ban the anchored stroke. Today, the governing bodies indicated that they will proceed with the formal adoption of the rule.
We are disappointed with this outcome. As we have said publicly and repeatedly during the comment period, we do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. Growing the game is one of the fundamental purposes of The PGA of America.
Although we do not agree with the decision, we applaud the USGA for its willingness to listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions. In our opinion and based on our experience, the USGA treated the comment period for what it was intended to be -- a time to exchange opinions, concerns and potential solutions.
On a day where temperatures in the seaside town of Duxbury reached mid 80’s and winds gusted up to 30 mph, two players were left standing for one final shot at the NEPGA Assistant Professionals' first major of 2013, affectionately named for longtime NEPGA employee and former Executive Director Susan Hudson.
The trek from Maine was worth it. After grinding out a 66 in stroke play qualifying, and four grueling matches over three days, the duo of Shawn Warren, PGA (Nonesuch River GC) and Jim Fairbanks, PGA (Dunegrass GC) took a 4&3 victory over Eddie Kirby, PGA (Alpine CC) and John Rainone, PGA (North Kingstown GC) in style. Warren & Fairbanks were 8-under par through ten holes, helped by two eagles and four birdies. That’s a great start no matter the circumstances, but when you factor in that their opponents in the 18-hole final were 5-under par through the same stretch, it lets everyone know what a special round it really was.
Warren & Fairbanks face Kirby & Rainone in Pro-Pro Finals
Lakeville, MA
After a marathon two days at LeBaron Hills under picture perfect skies, the 2013 Pro-Pro Match Play is down to the final two teams. 4 Seed Shawn Warren, PGA of Nonesuch River GC & Jim Fairbanks, PGA of Dunegrass CC will meet 11 Seed Ed Kirby, PGA of Alpine CC & John Rainone, PGA of North Kingstown GC in the 18 hole final on Wednesday. The two teams have taken different routes to get there, but one thing is for sure; it will be a can’t miss finale.
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