EXPO SET FOR MID-MARCH

Dates are set for The 2016 Empire Golf Expo: Friday, March 11, Saturday, March 13 & Sunday, March 13. It has moved from the Empire State Plaza Convention Center to Siena College’s Marcelle Athletic Complex – the same spot where the annual PGA Professional Fall Sale and Show is held each Thanksgiving weekend.

2016 Empire Golf Expo
Friday, March 11, 2PM- 8PM
Saturday, March 12, 10AM-6PM
Sunday, March 13, 10AM-4PM

This move nearly doubles the previous exhibit space to 35,000 sq. ft., according to Empire Golf Club’s Ed Unser. With the addition of free parking and free Wi-Fi, the 2016 Empire Golf Expo is the best golf consumer event in New York, Unser said in a statement.

The Empire Golf Expo features vendors, clubs and courses. Dottie Pepper, now a commentator with both CBS Sports and ESPN, will also be back along with free PGA lessons and seminars all weekend. Additionally, local radio personalities from 104.5 The Team, Armen & Levack, will host their afternoon radio show on the first day (3pm-7pm).

TO EXHIBIT AT THE EXPO

Exhibitors will be able to load in starting at 8AM on Friday. Load in for large exhibitors will be available on Thursday. Lunch will be provided to all vendors at no additional cost. All exhibitors paid in full by January 15, 2016 will receive a free, reusable, vinyl, 10’ x 6’ banner to use as a backdrop for their booth.

For questions including exhibition rates contact Ed Unser at 518-669-3112 or ed@empiregolfexpo.com.

PHOTOS FROM 2015 EMPIRE GOLF EXPO

Doug Lonnstrom and Dottie Pepper at the 2015 Golf Expo.

 

Jeff Kelley and Anders Mattson at the 2015 Golf Expo

The post Mark Your Calendar for Empire Golf Expo appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

SAME TIME, SAME PLACE

Beginning tomorrow, “Black Friday” is really “Green Friday” for Capital Area golfers at the 24th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Golf Show and Sale at Siena College’s Marcelle Athletic Center.

HOURS: 8AM-5PM
Friday, November 27
Saturday, November 28
Sunday, November 29

And while “Small Business Saturday” has only been around since 2010, this sale has been running since 1991 with more than a dozen small businesses, aka Capital Area golf pro shops, selling everything from equipment to windshirts, neckties to winter hats.

Oh, and shhhh, “super” Sunday may be the best day to drive (chip and putt) over to Siena to get any leftover deals. There are plenty of items that the pros either want to unload or not reload onto their trucks and get back to the shop or storage unit.

Don’t get us started on “Cyber Monday” – oh, wait, there isn’t one with this sale.

TURKEY TRADITION

Schuyler Meadows Head Pro Steve Jensen didn’t have far to go to bring his pro shop to Siena College. “It’s just not golf equipment at the show. This is my booth with apparel that you can wear outside golf with brands like Vineyard Vines and Lily…it’s a win-win. They win on the prices and we win in getting rid of excessive merchandise.”

Each year, golf pros go from teaching you a grip to how to get a grip on a new club, from the proper swing to getting your closet into the swing of things with a new shirt, sweater, hat or raingear. They will also deal in glassware, pushcarts, bags and tchotchkes.

The show and sale began at Wolferts Roost CC and has stopped at the Polish Community Center and taken up residency at the MAC.
Cost to enter the show is $5 but the participating pros quickly point out shoppers make that money back in your first deal.

Courses set to take part in this 24th annual golf sale:

Albany CC
Colonie Golf & CC
Glens Falls CC
Massena CC
Mohawk Golf Club
Pinehaven CC
Rolling Hills CC
Schuyler Meadows Club
The Edison Club

PHOTOS FROM 2014

The 24th Annual Golf Professional’s Sale at Siena College is always the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Follow the arrow to the annual show.

Tom Siddon of Massena spends time with a potential customer at his section of the Marcelle Athletic Center at Siena College.

Bhavin Shah and Sabari Jayaseelan are proud of their purchases. Shah got five dozen balls and five gloves, plus the bag. Jayaseelan got a bag and SLDR driver from Edison Club and a starter set for his 5 1/2 year old daughter from Mohawk Golf Club. Negotiating, “that’s the best part,” says Jayaseelan.

Jim Hayes of Watervliet shows off two drivers and a Mizuno hybrid and was getting 15 shirts as giveaways for his annual charity tournament, “Kids Count” played at Fairways of Halfmoon the first Sunday in May.

A dad from Mechanicville and his boys, ages 5 & 7, doing a little shopping: “Dad has to talk mom into it,” he joked.

Jeremy Kerr, head pro at Mohawk Golf Club, talks to a customer at his Siena spot.

It’s not just about clubs and balls, there are other items including jewelry, sunglasses and other knick-knacks.

Tom Haggerty of Glens Falls CC has traded in a club for a price gun on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

(l-r) Bill Kirtsos, Steve Lengan, Steve Engel, Ralph Robertson and Pete Toth (front) all play at Burden Lake CC. They got everything from golf balls to a Ping Driver to some shirts. “It’s kind of a tradition,” Toth said. “You never know what you are going to spot,” Robertson added.

Mary Gomolinski and Cindy Schaadt, who both play at Orchard Creek in the “Caddyshackers” league show off their treasures. Schaadt got a new 3W and 5W plus balls and sunglasses. They estimate they got $900 worth of things for just over $400.

 

The post Get Set for the Siena Sale appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

AUDIO AND VIDEO RULES

As you digest your Thanksgiving meal or leftovers or after you brave the sales lines at either the big box stores or your local “mom & pop” shop, spend a few minutes getting set for the next golf season – or extending the current season. That’s something to be thankful for.

In late October, the R&A and the USGA held a conference call explaining the 2016 Edition of the Rules of Golf.

Capitalareagolf.com listened and here is that call in five parts as they fielded all types of questions from the anchor putter to charity contributions. It was led by Thomas Pagel, senior director of the Rules of Golf at the USGA, and David Rickman, executive director – Rules and Equipment Standards at The R&A.

PART I: RULES OF GOLF CONFERENCE CALL (8:47)

PART II: RULES OF GOLF CONFERENCE CALL (8:52)

PART III: RULES OF GOLF CONFERENCE CALL (5:36)

PART IV: RULES OF GOLF CONFERENCE CALL (2:11)

PART V: RULES OF GOLF CONFERENCE CALL (6:57)

RULE 14-1b

The R&A and the USGA announced in 2013 that new Rule 14-1b prohibiting anchoring the club in making a stroke would take effect in the 2016 edition of the Rules. The Rule was adopted following an extensive review by both organizations. Click here for an explanation of the reasons for adopting Rule 14-1b and for guidance on applying the Rule.

Click below for videos on the 2016 Rules of Golf from the USGA and Royal & Ancient.

Video 1: Revisions Rule 14-1b

Video 2: Revisions Rule 14-1b

Video 3: Revisions Rule 18-2b

Video 4: Revisions Rules Clarifications

Video 5: R&A Rules Revisions

Video 6: USGA and R&A Rules Revisions

Video 7: Revision Rule 6-6

 

Rule 6-6d

Rule 6-6d: scoring tent

Rule 14-3

Rule 14-3: teeing ground

Rule 18-2

Rule 18-2

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Bubba Watson, Gary Williams of Golf Channel and PGA of America President Derek Sprague welcome attendees at the Opening Ceremonies during the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show, held at the Orange County Convention Center, on January 21, 2015 in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

THE MAJOR OF GOLF BUSINESS

A long list of golf industry leaders and luminaries joined 1,000 leading companies and attendees from all 50 states and 78 countries at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show from January 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center.

Golf Channel provided “Morning Drive” coverage, Bubba Watson was on hand to officially welcome attendees and open the show and PGA President Derek Sprague, from the NENY PGA Section, oversaw his first as the leader of the PGA of America. Sprague has been coming to this show since 1993.

Click here for more photos.

“The first day of the PGA Show has been exciting, fun and very crowded. It’s busy, busy, busy,” said PGA Professional Tara McKenna of Fort Myers, FL, who has attended every PGA Show since 1991. “For those in the golf industry, this is like Christmas morning.”

Besides all the display booths, there is the PGA Education Conference with dozens of seminars on Leadership, Teaching & Coaching, Retail & Merchandising and Sales & Marketing.

Greg Norman and Lexi Thompson appeared on the PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA on behalf of Cobra Puma, while an update on golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016 was another first-day highlight. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and women’s golf initiatives were highlighted in a special presentation in the same location, and a new website for women’s golfers, GolfForHer.com, was also unveiled.

Gary Williams of Golf Channel and PGA of America President Derek Sprague welcome attendees at the Opening Ceremonies during the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show, held at the Orange County Convention Center, on January 21, 2015 in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

Bubba Watson, Gary Williams of Golf Channel, and PGA of America President Derek Sprague welcome attendees at the Opening Ceremonies during the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show, held at the Orange County Convention Center, on January 21, 2015 in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Matthew Harris/The PGA of America)

PGA Board of Directors pose for a photo with PGA of America President Derek Sprague, Vice President Paul Levy, Bubba Watson, Secretary Suzy Whaley, and Honorary President, Allen Wronowski during the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center, on January 21, 2015 in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

The post PGA Merchandise Show Runs Through Friday appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

NEW STICKS FOR 2016?

Golf courses are covered in snow today and the temperature continues to drop this week so the clubs may get re-stored in your garage or basement. But many golfers got a semi-early start to 2016 with warmer days over the past month in the Capital Area, including Super Bowl Sunday.

But as thousands of Capital Area golfers starts shopping for new equipment, we are offering a link and information from the industry leader in golf equipment testing, Golf Digest, and the result of their extensive testing process – their Hot List.

One local golfer, John Keeler, was once part of Golf Digest’s annual club testing process. (Click for past story.)

Click here for Part 2 of Keeler account, which ran in May 2013.

Click here for the new list from Golf Digest.

Click here for club advice from Global Golf Post.

Click here for the Best Drivers of 2016 from Golf Monthly.

Additionally, remember the Empire Golf Expo will be March 11-13 at the Marcelle Athletic Complex at Siena College. Click here for tickets.

PHOTOS FROM SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, FEB. 7 IN THE CAPITAL AREA

The post Hot List During Cold Days appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/drivers

GOLF DIGEST RESEARCH

Below are pictures with links to each of the sections from the 2016 Golf Digest annual Hot List with reviews. Click on the photo to learn more about what you need in your bag for the upcoming golf season.

Capitalareagolf.com found that a recent survey by golf-industry-researcher Golf Data tech showed that the average serious golfer spends nearly $900 a year on equipment. And 1/3 of those spend more than $1,000. With that kind of money at stake, your search should have a guide.

The Hot List comes from a two-week stint at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, AZ where experts in science are joined by golfers because golf-equipment technology starts with a Ph.D. in “How’d they do that?” Golf Digest also gathered industry experts and golfers themselves to test and review the sticks.

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/fairway-woods

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/hybrids

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/game-improvement-irons

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/super-game-improvement-irons

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/players-irons

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/wedges

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/blade-putters

www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/mallet-putters

The post Hot List Links appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

CAPITUMMINO, WOODS & NEU ALSO

Just after a teenage southpaw shot 71 to lead a field into the NYS Men’s Amateur at a qualifier on Monday, June 27, the senior circuit came to Hiland GC in Queensbury on Wednesday, June 29, to test their hand. After being rained out the week before, the Eastern New York Golf Association was ready to tee it up.

Mike Arminio of Amsterdam Municipal and Chuck Connolly of Kingswood each shot 75 to lead Class A. Paul Briccoccoli of Kingswood was the Low Net at 67, four better than Tim Getwright with CV Golf. It was Arminio’s second straight win.

Other winners: Sal Capitummino of Stadium (B), Bill Woods of Town of Colonie (C) and Ron Neu of Windy Hills (D).

Next: The next event is Tuesday, July 5 at Winding Brook in Valatie followed by Wednesday, July 6 at Brookhaven in Porter Corners. They had been rained out at Brookhaven on June 22.

Hiland Golf Club in Queensbury.

RESULTS

EASTERN NEW YORK GOLF ASSOCIATION
June 29: Hiland Park Club

CLASS A (0-9)

LOW GROSS: Mike Arminio (Amsterdam Municipal) 75, Chuck Connolly (Kingswood) 75

LOW NET: Paul Briccoccoli (Kingswood) 75-8-67, Tim Getwright (CV Golf) 82-11-71

CLASS B (10-16)

LOW GROSS: Sal Capitummino (Stadium) 77, Gus Giuffre (Capital Hills) 80, Maks Petar (Windy Hills) 82

LOW NET: Tim Ivory (Saratoga Park) 79-15-64, Bill Thiel (Stadium) 82-14-68, Matt Mulcahy (TOC) 84-16-68

CLASS C (17-23)

LOW GROSS: Bill Woods (Town of Colonie) 87, Bill Williams (TOC) 88, Bob Barsheid (Saratoga Lake) 90, Dave Lamanna (TOC) 91

LOW NET: Jim Partyka (Capital Hills) 90-23-67, Joe Branigan (Capital Hills) 92-23-69, Bob Lesniak (Eagle Crest) 93-23-70, Fred VanAlstyne (Saratoga Lake) 93-23-70

CLASS D (24+)

LOW GROSS: Ron Neu (Windy Hills) 87, Tim Moriarty (Kingswood) 88, John Brizzell (TOC) 90, Phil Gunther (Capital Hills) 91, Pat Ricci (TOC) 93

LOW NET: Tom Ferritto (TOC) 94-36-58, Bill Nicholson (Sycamore) 91-31-60, Rob Carson (Frear Park) 90-28-62, Bud Pfeil (Meadowgreens) 92-28-64, Allan Bausback (Capital Hills) 94-26-68

ENYGA SCHEDULE
Tues. July 5: Winding Brook CC, Valatie, 758-9117

Wed. July 6: Brookhaven (make-up), Porter Corners, 893-7458

Wed. July 13: Fairways of Halfmoon, Mechanicville, 664-1576
Wed. July 20: Rolling Hills @ Antlers, Amsterdam, 829-7423
Wed. Jul 27: Pioneer Hills GC, Ballston Spa, 885-7000
Wed. Aug. 3: Town of Colonie, 374-4181
Wed. Aug. 10: Kingswood GC, Hudson Falls, 747-4888
Wed. Aug. 17: 4 -MAN SCRAMBLE, Mohawk River CC, Rexford, 399-1920
Wed. Aug. 24: Canajoharie CC, Canajoharie, 673-8183
Wed. Aug. 31: Frear Park GC, Troy, 270-4553
Wed. Sept. 7: Harry & Bonnie Clark ABCD Memorial Championship/Dinner and year-end meeting, 8AM Shotgun Start, Fairways of Halfmoon, Mechanicville, 664-1578
Wed. Sept. 14: Stadium GC, Schenectady, 374-9104
Wed. Sept. 21: Columbia G&CC, Claverack, 851-9894
Wed. Sept. 28: Windy Hills GC, Greenwich, 695-4902
Wed. Oct. 5: Normanside CC, Delmar, 439-3160

The post ENYGA: Arminio and Connolly shoot 75 at Hiland appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

David Glod, left, is president and founder of Tour Edge Golf. John Craig, right, is executive vice president of Tour Edge Golf.

CRAIG IS EVP

Sure we took notice when this press release came out but no, the Senior Editor of Capitalareagolf.com did not get the gig. Besides, do you want to move to Chicago in the winter? From Australia?

But we do like the description of this guy: “Craig’s remarkable experience in the golf business aims to strengthen Tour Edge’s position in the marketplace, and build upon a distinguished 30-year history.”

Not this John Craig.

PRESS RELEASE

Tour Edge Golf Hires John Craig as Executive Vice President
We are 30 years new, and Golf’s Most Solid Investment!

Tour Edge Golf’s EXi clubs.

Batavia, IL (August 25, 2016) – Tour Edge Golf is pleased to announce the hiring of John Craig as Executive Vice President effective January 1, 2017. Craig’s remarkable experience in the golf business aims to strengthen Tour Edge’s position in the marketplace, and build upon a distinguished 30-year history.

“John is a significant addition to our Tour Edge team,” said David Glod, President and Founder. “His experience in the global golf market is an enormous asset for us moving forward and I am excited to have him on board to help elevate Tour Edge to the next level.”

“I have worked with David and the Tour Edge team for a number of years while in Australia, and am thrilled to be joining such a close-knit team,” said Craig. “This next chapter of my life aligns perfectly with a move to the United States, and Chicago specifically. My experience forecasts great things for the future of Tour Edge, and I cannot wait to help lead the charge.”

Craig has already partially moved into the role as Executive Vice President, working remotely from Australia, coordinating the sales and marketing strategies of the new Hot Launch 2 product line.

Tour Edge’s Lady Edge teal bag.

Before joining Tour Edge Golf Craig, born and raised in Australia, founded Cooperative Golf Services and developed it into the leading distributor of international brands to the Australian retail golf industry. In addition to his experience on the manufacturing and distribution side of the industry, Craig also brings considerable golf retail experience as well as having spent ten years outside of golf in strategic management consulting. Set to complete his MBA this December, Craig and his family are moving to the Chicago area this winter.

Every Tour Edge club comes with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee. For more information, call (800) 515-3343 or visit touredge.com.

About Tour Edge Golf: Located in Batavia, IL, and celebrating 30 years, Tour Edge is Golf’s Most Solid Investment. Tour Edge manufactures and sells golf clubs under the Exotics, Hot Launch, and Bazooka brand names. Exotics products bring futuristic technologies to the marketplace with experienced designers and smaller production runs. Hot Launch has forged a name for itself as a producer of high-quality golf clubs that are sold at unbeatable prices. Custom clubs are hand assembled in the United States and distributed throughout the world.

Tour Edge Golf’s Back Draft putter.

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PRESIDENT’S WEEKEND EVENT
By Bob Weiner

CLIFTON PARK – Northway Golf Center owner Scott Hoffman must constantly take the pulse of the Capital Area golfing community to stay on top of an ever-changing industry.

Local golfing enthusiasts will get a chance to pick his brain about all the newest equipment, including clubs, balls, bags, carts, shoes, apparel and accessories, during this long President’s Day weekend event called the “Northway Golf Center’s 2017 Equipment Showcase.”

The four-day extravaganza includes every major brand and new product release from this year’s PGA Merchandise Expo in Orlando, FL. There will be storewide savings from up to 50-70 % in each department, including the last of the 2016 merchandise.

Currently under way, the huge event continues all weekend, through Monday, from 9AM-6PM.

“We’re honored to have established a reputation as the leaders in golf in our area,” Hoffman said. “We feel the knowledge, service and custom fitting we provide for our customers are what allows our business to grow year after year. With the recent addition of the Pro Tracer technology to our range, this only furthers our commitment to fitting and technology as we move into our 43rd year as the Capital (Area’s) golf headquarters.”

Dave Shaver is a Teaching Professional at Northway Golf Center in Clifton Park.

PRO TRACER BRINGS BOOST

Northway Golf Center’s popular Pro Tracer video system was installed last spring, and Hoffman has seen a huge boost in his overall business.

The system, which includes 10 days, tracks a player’s ball-striking statistics on the driving range and also mimics many indoor virtual golf facilities on its video monitors.

Despite the huge success of the Pro Tracer system, Hoffman knows this time of year it’s all about checking out the newest toys after a long winter without playing.

“The 2017 equipment lineup may be the best ever,” Hoffman said. “The introduction of dynamic, performance-enhancing technology from multiple vendors is the story following this year’s PGA Merchandise Show.”

After many years of seeing TaylorMade dominate the new driver market, Hoffman said a couple of old favorites are off to a quick start. “The Callaway EPIC and Cobra F7 Smart drivers appear to be the two with the greatest demand,” he said. “We will be working with every major vendor in the business this year – more than 10 – to bring the (Capital Area) the deepest selection of equipment to suit every player type.”

Checking out the results of the Pro-Tracer at Northway Golf Center in Clifton Park.

SPACE FOR ALL

Huge crowds are expected all weekend, but there is ample parking at the longtime golf equipment store located just off Exit 8 of the Northway.

For some golfers, this annual sale is like a combination of Christmas all over again, and Major League Baseball’s Opening Day. “This event is always well attended and is a definite barometer for the state of the industry,” Hoffman noted. “The amount of calls and inquiries in the weeks leading up to this weekend point to resurgence with equipment sales and player participation in 2017!”

Despite the recent snow, the temperature outside is warming up, and so are the golf sales. “Business this off season has been ahead of pace with prior years, and we’re now seeing a sharp rise in new customers and overall traffic as the demand for this new class of equipment grows” Hoffman said. “With the weather giving us a nice break for the next week or two, this makes for a great time to get out and gear up for the new season.”

For more information, contact Northway Golf Center at 371-3141.

A demo day at the Northway Golf Center

Dave Shaver is a Teaching Professional at Northway Golf Center in Clifton Park.

The post Northway showcase on ‘huge’ weekend appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

Schuyler Meadows Head Pro Steve Jensen is also the men’s head golf coach at Siena College.

GOLF PROFESSIONALS SALE
By Bob Weiner

LOUDONVILLE – Just in time for Black Friday and the opening weekend of holiday shopping, the annual Golf Professionals Sale, sometimes referred to as the Siena College Golf Sale, will be held this Friday through Sunday at Siena College’s Marcelle Athletic Complex.

All the traditional golf equipment like balls, shoes, gloves and clubs will be available, but co-director Steve Jensen, the head professional at Schuyler Meadows Club, as well as the Siena College head men’s golf coach, said that this season clothing of all types – not just golf clothing – also will be available and will take center stage.

“I think the sale should be renamed the Golf & Clothing Sale,” Jensen quipped. “I’m not just talking about traditional golf clothing. We will have all types of clothing available, here, and it’s a great place to kick off your holiday shopping.

“We will also have all the usual golf equipment here,” Jensen said. “This is a place where golfers can typically get all their favorite items at a reduced price, because the golf professionals are clearing out their inventory to make room for all the new equipment they will purchase at the annual merchandise show in January. Many of the local pros will have all types of items from their pro shops.”

Follow the arrow to the annual show.

Only pro shop operators who are members of the Northeastern New York PGA are eligible to participate in this weekend’s sale. There will be nine local vendors on site, including Jensen, co-director Scott Warren, who is the head pro at Pinehaven Country Club as well as the head coach of The College of Saint Rose men’s golf team; Colonie Golf & Country Club head pro Frank Mellet, Albany Country Club head pro Glenn Davis, Glens Falls Country Club head pro Tom Haggerty, Massena Country Club head pro Tom Siddon, Mohawk Golf Club head pro Jeremy Kerr, Shaker Ridge Country Club head pro Mark Jorgensen and The Edison Club director of golf Craig McLean.

The sale hours will be 8AM-5PM both Friday and Saturday, and 8AM-3PM on Sunday. There is a door charge of $5. “That fee is necessary to offset the expenses of moving all the equipment and to pay Siena for the space over the weekend,” Jensen said.

All golfers and shoppers of all types are welcome.

Jeremy Kerr, head pro at Mohawk Golf Club, talks to a customer at his Siena spot.

Tom Haggerty of Glens Falls CC has traded in a club for a price gun on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The post Annual Siena sale means Green Friday appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING IDEA
By Bob Weiner

Golf Galaxy Albany, located at 161 Washington Ave. Ext., will be closing its doors for good on January 6, 2018, the Crossgates Commons store announced this past weekend.

Part of an extremely successful national chain that sells clubs, apparel and a full range of equipment, Golf Galaxy also was a club-fitting center. Lessons were also available, including tips from head pro John Neet, as well as fellow PGA professional Gerry Fitzgerald.

John Neet during one of his Tip Tuesday video segments with Golf Galaxy.

Although the Albany store is the only local outlet, Golf Galaxy has 98 stores nationwide, according to the Capital Area store’s general manager Rich Rogaski.

“As far as I know, this is the only Golf Galaxy that is closing,” Rogaski said. “Our inventory will get transferred either to other Golf Galaxy stores nationwide, or to local Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods is Golf Galaxy’s parent company.

Rogaski said all of his Golf Galaxy Albany employees have been offered jobs at one of four local Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.

“Everything will work out for everybody,” Rogaski said. “The reason for the stores closing is not sales related. The lease we had with Crossgates on the store was coming to an end, and we couldn’t reach an accord in the negotiations.”

All special orders or club repairs must be picked up prior to closing on Jan. 9. Gift cards are redeemable online.

Rumors of the Golf Galaxy Albany branch closing have been circulating for more than a week or so, but the official announcement to store employees didn’t go out until Saturday, December 16.

The post Golf Galaxy closing in two weeks appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

Clubs custom made by Tony Curro. Photo provided.

Bob Weiner

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
By Bob Weiner

Golf gave Tony Curro a new lease on life – literally.

The longtime physical education teacher and coach at Watervliet High School is more known for his exploits on the baseball diamond than around the fairways and greens, but he’s turned his newest venture into a customized career.

“I am re-inventing myself for the third time,” said Curro, who retired two years ago after 35 years with the Watervliet City School District. Curro was the head baseball coach for the Cannoneers for 15 years and then was Tony Rossi’s assistant baseball coach at Siena College for nine more years. He tried changing careers after studying Educational Supervision & Administration at The College of Saint Rose, but it didn’t work out.

Tony Curro. Photo provided.

“It was a disaster, and I hated it,” he said. “I’m much more of a hands-on kind of guy, and being a school administrator wasn’t for me.”

That’s when Curro, 59, began toying with the idea of making a career out of his toys.

“I picked up the game of golf later in life,” Curro said. “I played baseball until I was 26-years old, and I didn’t have time for golf. Then I was a coach for all of those years. When I was an assistant coach at Siena, I began getting into golf with my friend Art Cotugno. I found the Dynacraft website about golf clubs, and I began tinkering with making clubs. I found I could make clubs on the side, and on my own time.”

Tony Curro with Frank Viola.

HOME GAMES

Curro desperately wanted a career where he could spend more time at home.

“My wife is a lawyer, and I have an autistic son,” he explained. “I decided that I needed to be home more.”

Curro decided to focus on the golf business the same way he devoted so much time to baseball. “I talked to as many people as I could who knew about the game. I took courses, and I went to seminars,” he said. “Bill Brady, one of the area’s top clubmakers, let me mirror him at his job for six months. I eventually bought a tour bus from Bill, and I started selling clubs out of the bus.”

Curro eventually became certified in clubfitting and began the long road of obtaining enough products to sell to his customers.

“It took a while, but now I’ve got equipment parts from Adams, Callaway, TaylorMade, PXG and Misuno,” he said. “I’ve turned a hobby into a career.”

Former Major Leaguer Jim Kaat visits Curro’s cave. Photo provided.

Clubs from Curro. Photo provided.

TOUR-LEVEL STUFF

Curro no longer sells his custom-made equipment from a bus. A couple of years ago, he opened his Tru-Fit Custom Clubs business on 961 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham. His store is loaded with all types of equipment, especially shafts, which are the motor for every club.

“I’ve got more than 250 types of shafts on my wall from 12 different companies,” Curro said. “I’ve got tour-level stuff, and plenty of it.”

Last month, Curro was chosen the 2018 North American Clubmaker of the Year by the International Clubmakers Guild. He had to pass a stringent certification test that included a practical component of building a club and providing the committee a 45-minutes video on how to do it. Curro will accept his award at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Jan. 24: “It’s a fantastic honor for me, and I’m thrilled.”

Curro won two state baseball titles with Watervliet as head coach in 1985 and 1991. This recent honor is equally appreciated.

“I don’t get to play much golf myself until later in June,” he said. “I probably play the most from September to November, but I love making clubs and helping people improve their games.”

One of Curro’s best customers is longtime Major League pitcher Jim Kaat, who played for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals. He later had a long announcing career, including a stint with the Yankees.

Curro fits clubs by appointment and is usually at his Tru-Fit Custom Clubs store weekdays from 9:30AM-2PM.

Confetti falls at the grand opening during the PGA Merchandise Show held at Orange County Convention Center on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Traci Edwards/The PGA of America).

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2018 IRON SHOPPING
By Terry Manziano, PGA Professional, Northway Golf Center

A couple of things to keep in mind when you’re looking for your next set of irons:

What is my technique and is there an iron design that can help improve my technique?

Very simply, how you swing should be taken into account when looking for a new set. For higher handicap golfers who attack the ball from the top of the swing an iron with more club head mass and weight will be beneficial. This allows the golfer to be more consistent with ball striking and timing and will tend to even improve their technique, to a degree. Irons with more weight help higher handicap golfers avoid casting the club so drastically.

Current examples: Mizuno JPX900 Hot Metal, Ping GMAX K1, Ping G700, Cleveland Launcher HB, Callaway Epic, Cobra FMax, Callaway Rogue X, Titleist 718 AP1, Taylormade M2 or MCGB, Cobra King OS).

Along this line of thinking, the MCC +4 and CP2 Pro grip can also help in an effort to curtail casting in the golf swing. These grips do not taper as much as other grips. The lower half of the grip is built up to take some pressure out of your bottom hand.

For the average golfer looking for your standard game improvement iron (Midsize bottom flange, cavity back, perimeter weighted).

Current examples: Ping G400, Cobra F8, Cleveland Launcher CBX, Wilson D300, Callaway Rogue, Taylormade M4, Cobra F8.

For more accomplished golfers who utilize their lower body for weight transfer and rotation but are not in the scratch or professional class, a ‘tweener’ might be the best fit. A tweener is a golf club that is designed to look like a player’s club; thinner profile, smaller face and less offset. However, it has more forgiveness, greater speed off the face and overall a much larger sweet spot than a forged blade. (current examples- Ping I200, Epic Pro, Taylormade P790, Callaway Rogue Pro, Titleist 718 AP3, Cobra King Forged Tour, Taylormade M3, Mizuno JPX900 Forged, Titleist AP2).

For those scratch golfers and pros out there, there are always some nice forged blade models. Forged blades have the thinnest profile with a heaver head and small sweet spot. They tend to provide less forgiveness, but set up neutral at address. (current examples-Titleist 718 CB/MB, Mizuno MP18, Callaway X Forged, Callaway Apex MB, Taylormade P770).

Should I be looking at steel shaft or graphite shafted irons?

Again, this is a major question to be answered before you purchase irons. The best way to determine this, in this fitter’s opinion, is to get fit using the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer. This tool is designed to measure what your swing produces; your swing speed, toe down, kick angle, tempo and release factor. It takes all of these factors into account and tells you not only what shaft composite you should be playing, but what flex and a recommended gram weight range. With steel you get a heavier feel in general. Mostly, steel shafts provide more consistent results. For those golfers who lack strength and power graphite is softer on the body, can help increase swing speed and is lighter in weight. It just depends on you.

Chipping woes?

Take a look at Cleveland Golf’s Smart Sole wedge or Callaway’s Sure Out. They both provide a wide sole that helps you set up for a chip correctly. At address, the club naturally promotes a forward shaft lean when the club is soled on the ground. This sole feature also helps keep the club in a square position at impact. Due to its added head mass, it’s easier to use from the bunker, short shots around the green and from the deeper rough.

For some a chipper may still be best, Cleveland’s Smart Sole Chipper is excellent as well as the Odyssey Tank Chipper. The biggest difference between a chipper and the wide sole wedge is you have the ability to hit full shots with the wide sole wedge. Chippers are designed solely for chipping.

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NORTHWAY GOLF CENTER DEMO DAY

This weekend, despite the weather, the Demo Day went on at Northway Golf Center in Clifton Park. Among the companies represented: Titleist, Callaway, Ping, Mizuno, Taylor Made, Adidas, Bridgestone, Srixon, Wilson, Backspin, Bag Boy, Cleveland, Greg Norman, Hot-Z, Tour Edge, XXIO, Ray Cook, Sun Mountain & FootJoy.

Even with the weather, Capital Area Golf paid a visit and was inspired to offer this:

TO THE TUNE OF “JINGLE BELLS”

[Verse 1]

Dashing through the snow,
with a golf bag in your trunk
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

Calls on cellphones ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to grip and swing
A demo day just might!

[Chorus]

Northway 8, Northway 8
It’s the place to be.
Oh what fun it is to try
New clubs that catch your eye, hey

Northway 8, Northway 8
It’s the place to see.
Oh what fun it is to try
At Demo Day we’ll be.

[Verse 2]

A day or two ago
We thought it would be spring
And soon, my buddy and I
Realized it was not a thing.

The bag was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed our lot
We got into a weather crank
And then we took our shot

[Chorus]

Northway 8, Northway 8
It’s the place to be.
Oh what fun it is to try
New clubs that catch your eye, hey

Northway 8, Northway 8
It’s the place to see.
Oh what fun it is to try
At Demo Day we’ll be.

The post Demo Day at Northway 8 – Grip and Rip appeared first on Capital Area Golf.

Clubs custom made by Tony Curro. Photo provided.

7th GOLF DATATECH REPORT

Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent research firm for consumer, trade and retail golf trends, released its 7th Edition of its exclusive report on the Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment in the United States on May 30.

“The percentage of golfers getting their clubs custom fit continues to increase”, said John Krzynowek, Partner, Golf Datatech, LLC. “This study takes an in-depth look at every aspect of the evolution of custom club fitting, while segmenting attitudes and habits by handicap, rounds played and golfers who have (and have not) participated in the custom fitting experience.”

The 200+ page Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment in the United States report covers responses from 1,685 serious golfers of which 68% have “ever” been custom fit for clubs. Perhaps even more revealing is the 89% of total respondents that plan to be custom fit in the future.

Krzynowek adds, “Custom fitting has evolved significantly over the past three decades, moving from static measurement of physical attributes, to dynamic fitting, to the current focus on data driven analysis which places the proper product into the hands of the golfer to most positively benefit their game. Add in the advent of interchangeable heads/shafts along with adjustability in drivers, and the category today looks nothing like it did years ago. In the end however, the data is just a guide, and the skill level of the fitter combined with the personal connection with the golfer will lead to satisfied customers.”

The data suggests golfers who have had prior experience with custom fit clubs are now buying them at a higher rate than ever before. In the previous 2012 and 2015 Custom Fitting reports, Golf Datatech estimated that one-third of all iron sales were custom fitted at some level, and that percentage has grown significantly.

The report also details how traditional Off Course Specialty stores remain the most popular place where custom fittings are done, but the rapid increase in Custom Fitting Specialists has boosted their popularity beyond the Green Grass Pro shops.

The complete Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment in the United States report will be available on June 8.

About Golf Datatech, LLC: Golf Datatech, LLC (www.golfdatatech.com) was established in 1995, and since that time it has become the industry’s golf standard for accurate and timely information on the retail sales, inventory, pricing, and distribution of golf products through the on and off course channels. In 1998, the Company extended its reach into consumer research and strategic sales and marketing consulting. In 2006, the Company expanded its retail and consumer research programs into the United Kingdom and in 2008 added markets in Europe. Golf Datatech now produces the first-ever digitally driven golf retail sales reports for the US, UK, Sweden, France and Germany.

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