|
|
|
NEWS ARCHIVES
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes04/04/2008 -
Congratulations to all! We
extend a warm welcome to David and Colin to the ***************************************************************************************************** Congratulations
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 2008 | |
| Horace Archer | Catamount GC |
| Bryce Chaffee | Burlington CC |
|
March 2008 |
|
| Tony Lake | Stratton Mountain |
Congratulations to:
Ron Rosko, Gleneagles GC
10/2007 - Best wishes to Steve Gonsalves with the Grand Opening of:
|
Gonzo's Indoor Golf Club and Academy Steve Gonsalves, Director of Golf at the Links at Lang Farm usually
heads south to Florida come late fall. |
09/24/07 - Congratulations to the following Vermont PGA Professionals - recipients of the 2007 Vermont Chapter Awards:
Congratulations
|
| Professional of the Year: | Dave Soucy, Green Mountain National |
| Player of the Year: | Todd Trono, Williston |
| Junior Golf Leader: | Dan Russell, Quechee Club |
| Teacher of the Year | Eric Rich, Burlington Country Club |
| Merchandiser of the Year - Private | Josh Olney, Country Club of Vermont |
| Merchandiser of the Year - Public | Michael Bailey, Kwiniaska Golf Club |
(L to R: Brian Spitz & Evan Belcher -
Black Rock CC, Dave Woods, Dave Loveridge, Dave Pfannenstein & Patrick
Mullen - Killington Resort)
06/16/07 -
Proud dad to twin daughters. Kate Angelina Wyman and Kenzie Addison
Wyman were born on Friday June 15th.
Everyone is
doing well. Zack and Karen brought them home on Tuesday after a few
days in the hospital. They both are happy and healthy and didn't have
to spend one minute in the neo-natal unit. Karen is recovering and
feeling great. Zack is coping to life as a diaper changer and a
big body to sleep on.
Kate: 6 lbs. 5 ounces/20 inches long/Born 12:20 pm
Kenzie: 6 lbs. 10 ounces/21 inches long/Born 12:18 pm
Kate Kenzie
Click on photo to enlarge it
05/07/07 - The Vermont PGA wishes to extend its condolences to the family of John Lombardy, Jr, Head Professional at Ekwanok Country Club. His father, John Lombardy, Sr. died Sunday, May 6, 2007 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Mr. Lombardy's entire golf career revolved around Ekwanok Country Club.
The following is taken from the May 8th edition of the Rutland Herald:
Mr. Lombardy was born March 30, 1918, in Manchester. He was a World War
II veteran who served in the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, CO.
Johnny started his golf career as an Ekwanok Country Club caddie at age 9.
He was just 19 when Bobby Jones made one of his visits to Manchester to
play Ekwanok. Lombardy was assigned to caddie for Jones. He observed
Jones' gentlemanly conduct and decided then and there to make golf his
career. After winning the caddie championship for the third time, the
young Lombardy was given the opportunity to advance above the rank of
caddie, when he was offered a job in the pro shop. The following season,
he was promoted to assistant in charge of the Equinox golf course which
was then managed by Ekwanok. Three years later, Johnny was appointed head
professional at Equinox. In 1941, Lombardy played in an exhibition match
with Craig Wood, the year Wood won the Masters and the U.S. Open. In 1943,
he scored a 65 at Equinox, a new course record which has yet to be broken.
In the Vermont Open in 1963 and 1964, Lombardy was low Vermont
professional.
In 1960, Johnny installed a golf school in the basement of his home in
Manchester Village, complete with tee, driving net and putting green. When
the school opened, Golfdom Magazine published an article with several
photographs featuring the school in operation. For many years, Johnny was
personal golf instructor and friend to Mr. Lincoln Isham,
great-great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Isham visited the Lombardy
home each evening for a social visit and lesson.
Mr. Lombardy continued to serve Ekwanok over a period of 54 years. He
became head PGA professional in 1952, a post he held for 30 years until
his retirement in 1982, when the position was taken over by his son, John
Lombardy Jr.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Lydia Ruth Lombardy, and his five
children; two sons, John Lombardy Jr. of Manchester and James Lombardy of
Melbourne, FL; three daughters, Mrs. Linda Piccolella of Melbourne, FL,
Mrs. Joy Alexopoulos of Manchester and Mrs. Leigh Miles of Rutland; a
stepdaughter, Mrs. Susan Roth-Nichol of Massapequa, NY; a sister, Mrs.
Marion Batchelder of Manchester; 11 grandchildren. Johnny's first wife,
Joan, predeceased him in 1987.
The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered 10:30 a.m. on
Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at St. Paul's Catholic Church. A private family
graveside service will follow in Dellwood Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Brewster Funeral Home, 34 Park Place, Manchester,
VT, on Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. when the family will be in attendance.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Ekwanok Country
Club Scholarship Trust Fund or the Burr and Burton Academy Athletic
Department, c/o Brewster Funeral Service, P.O. Box 885, Manchester, VT
05255.
For directions or to send a personal e-mail condolence to the family,
please visit
http://www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
04/15/07 - Congratulations to the following Head Professionals in their new endeavors!
|
Nov.06 -
|
Congratulations
to the following
|
||||||||||||||||||
Congratulations to Todd Trono of
the Williston Golf Club
|
||||||||||||||||||
Williston Golf Club
|
11/06/06 - Congratulations Matt Mackin, Rutland CC! Proud dad to Ava Grace Mackin!! 7 lbs 10 oz, 19 inches. Mom and Ava are doing great!
click on pictures below to enlarge
|
|
|
05/25/06 - Former Green Mountain National Golf Course Head Professional, Jeff Hadley passed away Thursday, May 25, 2006 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Jeff had been the Head Golf Professional at GMNGC from the opening in the summer of 1996 until he retired last fall due to his illness. His patient methods of teaching and his fondness for developing awareness of the game made him very popular with his members and endeared him to all in the community. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His Golf professional career in Vermont began at Stowe Golf Course in the early 1980’s. His leadership and excellent reputation at Stowe fostered his recruitment to Green Mountain National in 1996. Diagnosed with ALS in the fall of 2004, Jeff became an active fundraiser for Driving 4 Life and other ALS related charitable organizations. When Jeff learned of his diagnosis he realized that there was nothing he would rather do than continue to be at the golf course promoting the game he loved and helping students improve and enjoy their game. Learning first-hand of the challenges for the physically disabled to learn the game of golf, Jeff helped to introduce the First Swing Program to Vermont. This program helps the physically challenged enjoy the game. First Swing helps teach golf professionals, physical therapists, recreation professionals and others in the health care field the basics of teaching the sport to those with disabilities. Jeff had the distinct honor of being named Vermont Chapter and New England Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2005. The PGA Golf Professional of the Year is the Association’s highest honor paid to a PGA professional. This Award is reserved for the elite golf professional who, throughout his or her PGA career, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional overall performance as a golf professional, distinguished service to the Association and has contributed to the growth of the great game of golf. Jeff Hadley’s courage, work ethic, dedication to his employers, staff and golfing public was an inspiration to all who knew him. Jeff is survived by his loving wife Alice, family members including his mother and three siblings and friends, who were all with him in his final struggles with his disease.
09/26/05 - The VPGA Fall Meeting and Pro-Pro Championship were held on Monday, September 26, 2005. Because of on and off rain all day, the meeting, elections and awards presentation were held in the morning and the Championship was played later in the day. Results of the Pro-Pro can be found by clicking here: Pro-Pro Championship Results.
In addition to conducting routine business, elections were held for the following year's Executive Committee and the Special Awards were presented.
The following members of the VPGA Chapter were elected to the 2006 Executive Committee:
| President | Paul Politano, Crown Point |
| Past-President | Craig McLean, Dorset |
| Secretary-Treasurer | Bill Tooley, Brattleboro |
| 1st Vice-President | Zack Wyman |
| 2nd Vice-President | Jon Rife |
2005 Special Awards Recipients
Congratulations to the following:
05/02/05 - The cancellation policy for Pro-Ams was discussed at the Spring Meeting and the following will be effective starting with the Crown Point event on May 16, 2005. Please notify any chapter members who work for/with you who might have missed this discussion!
Professional must call the Executive Director (802-476-7007) to cancel a tee time.
Tee Times must be cancelled before noon on the Saturday immediately preceding the event.
Violations will result in:
1st Offense will result in a $50.00 fine.
2nd Offense will result in a $100.00 fine.
The Executive Committee will deal with further offenses.
Fines must be paid before the Professional is eligible to play in subsequent change chapter events.
05/01/05 - The following members have attained their Class A Membership:
 |
Rich Vacca - Okemo Valley GC |
|
Joe Dingledine - Northfield CC |
|
Dave Bennett - Stowe CC |
|
John Cleanthes - Brattleboro CC |
|
Eric Rich - Burlington CC |
|
Todd Trono - Williston GC |
|
Joshua Olney - CC of Vermont |
|
Jay Thomas - Burlington CC |
The following employment changes are in effect for the 2005 season:
|
Rich Setter has been named the new Head Professional at the Equinox Resort. |
|
Tony Lake is the new non-Member Head Professional at Stratton Mountain CC. |
|
Rich Vacca is the new Head Professional at Okemo Valley GC. |
|
Joshua Olney is the new Head Professional at Country Club of Vermont. |
|
Jesse Osborne is the new non-Member Head Professional at the Links at Lang Farm in Essex. |
|
Jack
Tosone is the new General Manager at Lake St. Catherine CC. |
|
Todd
Nalette is the new non-Member Head Professional at JP Larkin/Windsor CC. |
09/27/04 - The following Vermont PGA Professionals were honored at the Fall Meeting with the presentation of the following awards:
| Junior Golf Leader | Chris Bourassa | Mount Snow CC |
| Merchandiser - Public | Steve Holland | St. Johnsbury CC |
| Merchandiser - Private | Zack Wyman | Vermont National CC |
| Merchandiser - Resort | Dave Pfannenstein | Killington GC |
| Teacher of the Year | Steve Gonsalves | Basin Harbor Club |
| Player of the Year | Dave Bennett | Stowe CC |
| Horton Smith Award | Larry Kelley | Cleveland Golf |
| Bill Strausbaugh Award | Dave Christy | NEPGA |
| Professional of the Year | Dave Pfannenstein | Killington GC |
04/04/04 - Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort and Okemo Valley Golf Club have announced that they have completed the sale for the purchase of Windham Golf Club in Chester, VT from Windham Golf, Inc.
Windham Golf Club was the former nine-hole Tater
Hill Golf Course and is located just 17 miles southwest of Ludlow. It was
previously known for its small greens, moderate to high degree of difficulty and
challenging layout. The course witnessed several years of gradual
modification in the 1990's, including the addition of nine new holes of golf,
until it reached its final form in 2002.
The Mueller's are no strangers to golf course construction and golf operations.
In the late 1990's, they hired Jim Remy as the General Manager/Director of Golf
to oversee the construction and operation of the highly acclaimed Okemo Valley
Golf Club in Ludlow, VT. Okemo Valley has fast become one of the most
desired golf destinations in New England.
"Under our ownership, the new Tater Hill Golf Club will undergo significant
capital improvements starting this April," said Jim Remy. "Our
plan is to retain the name of Tater Hill to preserve the tradition and history
of the course. Once construction is underway, the original Tater Hill
9-holes of golf open will remain open to the members and playing public, while
we reconstruct and enhance the layout of the newer 9-holes."
The emphasis for the new Tater Hill Golf Club will be placed upon the overall
quality of the course maintenance to ensure that the golf course will be in
prime playing condition every day of the season, along with increased services
and amenities for the members and guests.
"We are pleased to announce that John Pawlak, a PGA Class A Golf
Professional, has been hired as the Head Golf Professional and Manager and will
oversee the golf operations at Tater Hill Golf Club," commented Jim Remy.
"As a PGA Professional, John is one of the best and we are pleased to
welcome him into our Okemo family."
04/04/04 - Paul Meunier is returning to Vermont as the new Head Professional/General Manager of the Montague Golf Club. Paul left Williston Golf Course at the end of the 2000 golf season to go to Naples, Florida for a new opportunity in the golf business. He is happy to be returning back to Vermont and is looking forward to the added challenges and opportunities that the position of General Manager will offer him.
04/04/04 - Rodney Bicknell has been hired as the new Head Professional at the Neshobe Golf Course in Brandon, Vermont. Rodney is returning back to his roots in Vermont in accepting this position. A native Vermonter, Rodney graduated from Middlebury College in 1975, got into the golf profession and spent several years as the Head Professional at Sabal Point Golf Course in Orlando, FL. He is looking forward to returning to Vermont and getting involved in the Vermont Chapter.
01/03/03 -- Mia
Carol Politano was born on New Year's Day (night)! Mia weighed in at 6 lbs. 1 oz. and proudly stands (lies) 19 inches
long!!
Mom and daughter are doing fine - (Paul's ok, too!) Congratulations can be sent to:
Paul & Erika
Politano, 20 Pearl St, Brandon, VT 05733
01/03/03 -- Joe and Brooke Dingledine welcomed Joseph Merritt Dingledine, Jr into their family on December 29, 2002 (Good timing for that tax exemption!) Joseph, Jr weighed in at 9 lbs. 2 oz. Everyone, including "Big Joe" is doing well!
02/27/02 -- Jon Rife has been hired as the new Head Professional at the Sugarbush Golf Course in Warren, Vermont. Jon has been in the golf business for fifteen years and became a Member in 1997. John comes to Sugarbush from the Orchid Island Golf Club in Vero Beach. He has also been with John's Island Golf Club in Vero Beach, FL; Sankaty Head Golf Club and The Nantucket Golf Club in Nantucket, MA; and Royal Poinciana and The Vineyards in Naples, FL. He attended the University of Michigan from 1983 - 1987, was a varsity letter winner and graduated with a B.A. in Sports Management and Communications. While working on Nantucket, Jon also served as the Nantucket High School golf coach from 1990 - 1996 and had three straight undefeated teams. In 1993 he was elected Cape and Islands Coach of the Year. Jon is looking forward to his return to the New England Section and getting involved in the Vermont Chapter.
01/14/02 -- Roger King has been hired as the new Head Professional at the CC of Barre. Roger has been a PGA Member since 1996. He comes to Barre from Kernwood Country Club in Salem, Massachusetts where he was an Assistant Professional. Prior to Kernwood, Roger was an Assistant Professional at Waterville Country Club in Waterville, Maine and also at Bass Rocks Golf Club in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He has worked in Florida over the winters at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach and at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Roger has been active in the NEPGA, having served as Co-chairman of the NEPGA Assistants Association from 1999 - 2001.
Roger and his wife Alison are busy getting ready for this new position and should be settled in Vermont sometime in March.
01/01/02 -- Dave Christy, formerly the Head Professional at the Country Club of Barre, has been appointed the Executive Director of the Vermont PGA. In his capacity as Executive Director, Dave will be responsible for running all the Chapter tournaments, working on tournament and website sponsorship, handling Membership Services, in charge of Employment and Club Relations and basically handling all of the administrative duties of the Vermont Chapter of the PGA.
Dave Christy was the Head Professional at the Country Club of Barre for the past 13 years. He came to Vermont in 1989 from the Concord C.C. in New Hampshire. Dave was most recently the Past President of the Vermont PGA, having served as Tournament Chairman, Vice-President and President since joining the Executive Board of Directors in 1994. Dave received the prestigious Vermont Professional of the Year award in 1996. He lives with his wife Kathy in Barre.
The new address for the Executive Office of the Vermont PGA is: |
VPGA 21 Daniel Dr Barre, VT 05641 |
|
|
Phone: |
802-476-7007 | |
|
Fax: |
802-476-7977 | |
|
email: |
11/02/01 -- A local scholarship is being
established in the name of Richard Wood under the direction of his good friend
and business associate, Joe Charbonneau, Golf Course Superintendent at the
Gleneagles GC. He is looking to establish some type of apprenticeship
program, but at the present
he is still looking at all options. The ultimate goal of the scholarship
is to make sure that Richard's name lives on and assists others who are
interested
in the game of golf.
Donations may be made to the Northshire Community
Foundation, PO Box 321, Manchester, VT 05255. Please be sure to note
in the memo on the check
"Richard Wood Golf Foundation".
For more information, contact Joe Charbonneau at: JCharbonneau@compuserve.com
9/18/01 -- Funeral services were held
today for Richard Wood, 44, the Director of Golf for the Gleneagles Golf
Course at the Equinox in Manchester Village. Richard passed away on
Saturday, September 15, 2001 following an illness. He had suffered a
ruptured aneurysm earlier this spring. Richard completed his apprenticeship and earned his
Class A membership under PGA professional Jim Hutson at Quechee. His early
professional career was spent at the Quechee Club in Vermont and The Fountains
in Lake Worth, FL. Later, he became a teaching professional at the
Buccaneer on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, from 1980 to 1982. He was a
member of the Vermont Chapter of the PGA.
Richard is survived by is wife, Merriel Wood of Manchester, his parents, Paul
and Joyce Wood of Quechee; his stepson, Seth Whitworth of Lebanon, NH; his
stepdaughter, Merriel Patterson of Orford, NH; a brother, Ralph Wood of Quechee;
four sisters, Paula Bugbee of Hartland, Liz Meade of Lebanon, NH, Susan Wood of
Stratford, CT and Cathy Herlihy of Montpelier; a nephew and two nieces.
Donations may be made to the Richard Wood Golf Scholarship Foundation, in care
of the Equinox Resort, PO Box 46, Manchester Village, 05254.
9/07/01 -- Larry Kelley, former Head Professional at St. Johnsbury
and most recently Head Professional at Belmont CC, Belmont,
MA
will be returning to Vermont. He has taken a sales
rep position with Cleveland Golf and his territory will encompass Vermont, NH
and Maine.
Larry, wife Sandi and new baby daughter Paige will be residing in Ludlow.
Welcome home, Larry, Sandi & Paige!
| Contact information: | Larry Kelley Box 1 Ludlow, VT 05149 802-228-2004 Phone |
9/11/01 -- The Vermont PGA Website has
been selected as a recipient of the 2001-2002 Golden Web Award. This award
is presented to websites
based on excellence in design, originality and content. Websites submitted
for the award are randomly forwarded from the association's database to the VVA
Committee ( voluntary voting assignment members). These members of the
IAWMD (International Association of Web Masters and Designers) review and rate
each of the submitted websites on design, originality and content.
Congratulations to all the Members of the Vermont PGA for initiating and
supporting their Chapter's website!
8/21/01 -- Paige Kelley was born on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 to Sandi & Larry Kelley. Larry was the former Head Professional at St. Johnsbury CC and is currently the Head Professional at Belmont Country Club, Belmont, MA. Sandi worked in the Pro Shop at St. Johnsbury as well. Paige came in weighing 9 lbs 3oz. Both Mom and daughter are doing well. Congratulations can be sent to the happy parents at 9 Towbridge St, Belmont, MA 02478. Email can be sent to belmontpro@aol.com.
|
|
08/04/01 -- Jeremy Hyjek was offered and has accepted a job as assistant professional at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. He and his wife Monica will be leaving before the end of August . Jeremy will be missed in the Chapter, and he wishes to thank everyone for all their hospitality over the last 5 years. We wish them both well!
08/02/01 -- Two
Vermont teams were victorious in the Sectional Qualifier at The Killington Golf
Course on Thursday, August 2, 2001.
Steve Holland from St. Johnsbury CC and his team of Adam Whitcomb, Chris Norway,
Dana LaFaivre and Dan Dudas won the Gross Division in the qualifier in a
chip-off against the team from Holden Hills. Both teams shot a 59 and a
chip-off to determine the winner took place on the 10th green of the Killington
course. The Net Division winner was Dean Helm from the Haystack Golf
Course and his team of Henry Coley, Frank Larsen, Steve Lamontagne and Ron
Ellis. The winning net score was 55. The finals take place October 3
- 7, 2001 in Walt Disney World, FL.
|
|
|
| (click on an image above to see a larger picture) | |
3/2/01 -- Danny Caverly is returning to Vermont to take over the position of Head Professional at Stratton Mountain Country Club. Danny returns after a year away during which he split his time working for Liquidgolf.com and teaching at Grand Haven Golf Club in Palm Coast, Florida. Danny had been the Director of Golf and Instruction at Sugarbush Golf Course in Warren, VT for three years prior to that. Danny is no stranger to New England. He was born in Maine and brought up in Massachusetts. His first golf position was as an Assistant Professional in New Hampshire at Bald Peak Colony Club. His first Head Professional position was at Falmouth Country Club on Cape Cod. He will be arriving at Stratton sometime in late March. Welcome back to Vermont, Danny!
1/29/01 -- Paul Politano, formerly the Head Professional at Neshobe Golf Club in Brandon, VT, has been named the new Head Professional/General Manager at Crown Point Country Club. Paul will oversee the pro shop, food & beverage and golf course operations for the club. Paul comes to Crown Point after having spent the last five years at Neshobe. Before moving to Vermont, Paul was 1st Assistant at The Legend at Arrowhead, Glendale, Arizona. He was elected to membership in 1996. He received a BA in Sociology from St. Lawrence University. Paul is active in the Vermont PGA, currently serving as Education Chairman for the chapter. Paul and his wife, Erica, a teacher in the Rutland school system, will be relocating to the Ludlow area. Best wishes to Paul in his new venture!
12/27/00 -- Mike Zaranek will be leaving Brattleboro Country Club in 2001 to assume the position of Head Professional at the Crumpin-Fox Golf Club in Bernardston, Mass. Mike will actually be returning to Crumpin-Fox after having spent four years as the Head Professional of Brattleboro Country Club. In that time, he brought Brattleboro from a 9 hole golf course to 18 holes. He came to Brattleboro from Crumpin-Fox where he was the Assistant Professional in 1996. A true professional, Mike has been active in the Vermont PGA, having served on the board, most recently as Vice-President/Tournament Chair. In spite of his busy schedule, Mike has also managed to keep his game sharp, having finished 11th on the points list for the 2000 season. Of course, by leaving the Vermont Chapter, Mike now makes it possible for more of the Vermont Pros to share the wealth in their 2001 Tournaments! All kidding aside, Mike will be sorely missed, and everyone in the Vermont PGA wishes him the best and heartiest congratulations!
12/07/00 -- Fairway & Greene is pleased to announce the appointment of the following
Sales Representatives effective December 8, 2000:
Mr. Terry Murphy: Southern NY & Fairfield County CT
Mr. Russell Worthington: CT, New England & Upstate NY
They will be replacing Michael Hennessy who used to cover the entire territory.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Todd Martin
Vice-president, Marketing & Sales
Fairway & Greene, Ltd.
2 Corporate Drive, Suite 133
Shelton, CT 06484
203-926-1881 x-13 Voice
203-926-9497 Facsimile
rtmfairgrn@aol.com
10/18/00 -- Paul Meunier has announced his decision to leave his position as Head Professional at Williston Golf Course and head south to Florida on a permanent basis. Paul's wife Ellen has been offered a wonderful career opportunity as restaurant manager at the Ritz-Carlton of Naples. Paul will be working at Hunter's Ridge in Naples in the interim while looking for a Head Professional position. They have bought a house and plan to move in as soon as Williston closes for the season. Paul has been a wonderful asset to the Vermont PGA and will be missed. His email address will remain the same (phmpga@aol.com) for anyone who would like to get in touch with him. Best wishes to Paul and Ellen in their new ventures! |
|
Todd Trono, currently Assistant Professional at Champlain Country Club, has been named the new Head Professional at Williston for the 2001 season. Todd will be spending some time this fall working with Paul over at Williston in an effort to make the transition a smooth one. This is a wonderful opportunity for Todd and a plus for the Vermont PGA that the owner of Williston decided to continue having a member of the Vermont PGA oversee his operations. Congratulations, Todd!
9/29/00 -- The Vermont PGA Match Play Championship was held on September 28, & 29, 2000 at the prestigious Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester, VT. Sixteen of the top players on the VPGA Points List teed it up on Thursday morning, the 28th. The field of 16 was cut to 8 after the morning round. Second round matches were played on Thursday afternoon narrowing the field to four. The third round was played on Friday morning the 29th, leaving two players to battle it out for the Championship title on Friday afternoon. Mike Coakley, assistant professional at the Country Club of Barre, having won his first three matches, ended up beating Mark Aebli from Mount Snow Country Club, in the final match. It was a well-played match with Mark Aebli one up after 11 holes. Mike then won two of the next five holes to take a one up lead into the seventeenth hole. He proceeded to win the 17th hole, thus defeating Mark 2 and 1 to claim the 2000 VPGA Match Play Championship title. This title for Mike comes right on the heels of receiving 2000 VPGA Rookie of the Year honors at the annual Fall Meeting of the Vermont PGA, held on Monday, September 25th at Okemo Valley Golf Course. Click here for complete Match Play Results.
9/25/00 --The annual Fall Meeting of the Vermont PGA was held at the Okemo Valley Golf Resort on Monday, September 25, 2000. The meeting was preceded by the Pro-Pro Championship. Host Professional Jim Remy and his partner Mike Zaranek from Brattleboro won the event with a score of 65. Coming in a close second was the team of Dave Christy and Mike Coakley from the CC of Barre with a 66. The third place winners were Greg Nelson of Rutland and Steve Gonsalves of Basin Harbor with a 67. Click here for complete results.
A new Board of Directors was elected at the meeting. Newly elected officers are: President - Greg Nelson (Rutland), Vice-President/Tournament Chairman - Mike Zaranek (Brattleboro), Assistant Tournament Chairman - Steve Gonsalves (Basin Harbor), Secretary/Treasurer - Craig McLean (Dorset), Past President - Dave Christy (Barre), and Dave Pfannenstein (Killington) leaves the board after 10 years of service.
Two major awards were presented at the meeting. 2000 VPGA Rookie of the Year honors were presented to Mike Coakley from the CC of Barre. This award is given each year to a new member of the VPGA for outstanding tournament play. It is still too early to determine who the 2000 VPGA Player of the Year will be as there are 4 more pro-ams on the schedule yet to be played. The 2000 VPGA Professional of the Year was awarded to Dave Pfannenstein, Director of Golf at the Killington Golf Resort. This honor is based upon qualifications and endeavors as a home professional in the promotion of golf, public relations, community and charitable program participation, and dedication to fair play. This award recognizes an outstanding member in this profession honored and respected by fellow professional golfers.
7/27/00 -- The Maxfli May Madness Series for the Vermont Chapter has been competed. Over $3200 in Revolution and Tour Patriot Golf ball sample packs were dispensed to 600 Vermont amateurs. Incredibly 81% of the professionals played a Maxfli ball at the three Pro-am sites!7/27/00 -- The Maxfli May Madness Series for the Vermont Chapter has been competed. Over $3200 in Revolution and Tour Patriot Golf ball sample packs were dispensed to 600 Vermont amateurs. Incredibly 81% of the professionals played a Maxfli ball at the three Pro-am sites! Maxfli Golf is the Vermont Chapter's largest supporter from the golf manufacturing industry.
 Maxfli Ball Series for Best Two of Three Points for Neshobe, Basin Harbor & Killington |
|||||
| Name | Neshobe Points | Basin Harbor Points | Killington Points | Total | Ball |
| 1. Matt Gidney-Engberg | 22.5 | 17.3 | - | 39.8 | Revolution |
| 2. Dave Soucy | 1 | 17.3 | 20.67 | 37.97 | Revolution |
| 3. Ron Philo | - | 25 | 9 | 34.00 | Elite |
| 4. Don Longe | - | 10.5 | 20.67 | 31.17 | Revolution |
Congratulations to Matt, Dave, Ron and Don for their fine performances!
4/24/00 -- The Vermont PGA held its annual Spring Meeting at the Equinox Resort in Manchester, VT and was well attended by Head Professionals and Apprentices from throughout the state. In addition to the Vermont Chapter members, several guest speakers attended, including Ben Hale and his staff from the Vermont Golf Journal and Steve Napoli and Ed Carbone from the New England PGA Section.
In addition to the standard business meeting, awards were presented to several of the members for various achievements over the past year.
|
|
Despite temperatures in the low 40's and a constant drizzle, coupled with a last minute change of venue, 16 members of the Vermont PGA braved the elements for their annual Pro-Pro tournament that traditionally follows the Spring Meeting. Originally scheduled at Glen Eagles at Equinox, the tournament had to be moved due to the wet conditions. Bob Stearns of Manchester made some quick phone calls and the tournament was moved over to Manchester Country Club. Teams consisted of 4 pros playing two best balls of the foursome - nassau format (front, back and total). The winning team, which won all three ways, consisted of Host Professional Bob Stearns, Dave Rihm (Stratton), Greg Loniewski (Sugarbush) and Dave Pfannenstein (Killington). The team shot a 68 on the front, 71 on the back, with a total 139.
This event kicks off the 2000 VPGA tournament schedule, with the first Pro-Am scheduled for next Monday, May 1st at Neshobe Country Club. Click on the Tournament Schedule Page to find out more about this event.
4/14/00 - Joseph M. Dingledine has recently been named Head Golf Professional at Northfield Country Club in Northfield, VT. Joe, who is a PGA Apprentice, has been an assistant professional at the Country Club of Barre for the past several years. Prior to Barre, he was an assistant professional at Montague. Joe brings lots of experience and enthusiasm to Northfield. He can be reached at (802) 485-4515 or dingledine@quest-net.com.
3/22/00 - Greg and Nicholle Nelson, Rutland Country Club, are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Jared Michael Nelson was born on March 16, 2000 down in Florida where Greg and Nicholle spend their winters. This is their first child and both Mom and Jared are doing fine. The family will be returning to Vermont in early April.
3/7/00 - Congratulations to Greg Loniewski and Michael Santa Maria, the new Head Professionals at Sugarbush Country Club and Newport Country Club.
Greg comes to Sugarbush from Ocean City, Maryland where he was director of the Golf School at Ocean City for the past nine years. Greg is replacing Danny Caverly who has taken a position as Head of Instruction for liquidgolf.com.
Michael will be replacing Pete Matthews as the new Head Professional at Newport C.C.
Congratulations to Greg and Michael and best of luck to Danny and Pete in their new ventures.
1/26/00 -- The Vermont PGA is now officially online. The official website address for the Vermont PGA is http://www.vermontpga.com. Plans are to publish the tournament schedule on the website and to have the results of each tournament available on the web by 9:00 pm the day of the tournament or by the following morning at the latest. This way both professionals and amateurs alike can find out how they fared in the different events.
Each Pro-Am can be showcased on a separate page, provided enough information is supplied to make this happen. For example, the specific format of the event, tee times available, sponsorship money, course info (length, par, dress code, shoe type, pictures, etc.) and any other information that the host pro wants to have available can be published on the Pro-Am site. Results of the Pro-Am will be available for viewing on the page hopefully by 9:00 pm the day of the event or by the following morning at the latest. Also any interesting stories or news such as any holes-in-one etc. will also be published.
This web site is for you - the PGA Professionals of the Vermont Chapter. Let us know what you want to see included in this site. Any and all feedback, comments or suggestions are welcome! We want this to be an active, helpful, informative and useful site for all of you.
|
|
