Some people say change is good. Not always. Especially when it comes to golf in this area. We have known for years that the “Tiger Boom” was over and that it was going to take some real work to keep golf going strong. New golf courses seem to be a thing of the past. The good news is, we are fortunate for the building boom of The Links at Ivy Ridge, The Buffalo Tournament Club, Harvest Hill, and Diamond Hawk that all opened in a span of three years. It was an awesome lift for Buffalo area golf. Then came the tremendous Seneca Hickory Stick in Lewiston. Just across the border we were given Grand Niagara, The Legends magnifi cent courses, Thundering Waters and Royal Niagara. What’s more they are all still here and offer some of the greatest golf experiences in either country that we all need to take advantage of. If you haven’t played any of the aforementioned courses, make it your duty in 2015.

And then there is the fl ip side. Most crushing to me is the passing the Brian Antonsen, owner of Beechwood Golf and

The Changing Times of Local GolfThe closing of Westwood, Harris Hill and the passing ofBrian Antonsen have changed the landscape of golf in WNY andSouthern Ontario, but the game will go on

By Rick Zurak, Golf Editor

Country Club in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Brian fought a good fi ght, but his battle with cancer ended late last year. I got to know Brian nearly 25 years ago when I was publishing Niagara Golfer Magazine. We would meet about advertising, but we would also meet about his beloved Notre Dame football team. There was no bigger fan of the Irish than Brian. Oh, he loved golf and offered to have me join him and “the boys” any Thursday afternoon for their weekly game. But the common denominator between Brian Antonsen and Notre Dame was the Irish motto, “Play like a champion today.” You see, Brian played like

a champion EVERY day. He was one of the leaders in building the game in this area. He was part of the contingent that started the Niagara Golf Trail with stay and play packages at a number of courses just north of the border including Beechwood, Grand Niagara, Royal Niagara, etc. He was also a leader in promoting and developing the game with the Niagara Junior Tour, headed by his Head CPGA Professional John White. Every Father’s Day there is a qualifi er for juniors to play a great Summer schedule of tournaments and it’s held at, where else, Beechwood. The other courses in the Niagara

Canada Region welcome the juniors to develop their game and compete to produce the best young players in the area, many who have gone on to be professionals at many levels. It was Brian and “Whitey” who have been the architects of this tour for many years. Give Whitey all the credit in the world, but if it weren’t for an owner like Brian, allowing his head professional the time to go all over the Niagara Peninsula and work with these kids throughout the Summer, it wouldn’t be the great experience it has been for many years.

If you ever met Brian you know he was a great guy with a great personality and witty sense of humor. You know that he is looking down on us and hoping we make that three foot birdie putt at Beechwood, or where ever else we are playing. That’s

the way he was, a positive guy that will positively be missed by many, but never forgotten.

Phew…As for the golf courses, Westwood Country Club in Amherst was long known as “The Westwood” to the local Jewish community because it was quite frankly, a Jewish country club. It was a challenging 18-hole layout with a fantastic “castle-like” club house, great pool complex and some great members. In recent years of struggle, Westwood opened its doors to all golfers and that was great because now everyone was experiencing Westwood and its rolling hills, various sized greens, excellent layout, and more. It became a great host to many charity tournaments with great service. My favorite times were at the WGR

radio events — which were more of a carnival on a golf course than a tournament. Westwood hosted the party and did it in great fashion. The events were a blast with dunk tanks, phenomenal food from Chester’s Cajun cuisine, Fat Bob’s Bar-B-Q and more. The rum tent, the craft beer tent, I could go on and on and Westwood was a super host.

Westwood was also the home of the Williamsville North high school golf team. I had two boys go through the program including my son, R. J., who played four years at North/Westwood and my son Kyle, who experienced two undefeated seasons as North was the number one team in WNY. Their home course…Westwood. After being sold twice, Westwood was supposed to be with us

ANNUAL GOLF DIRECTORY

Photo Courtesy of Beechwood GCBrian Antonsen (pictured above.)

Photo Courtesy of Beechwood GCThe picturesque 4th hole at Beechwood.

continued on page 8

MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

Are you in the market for a new driver, but confused with all the technical jargon? Sole weight positioning varies among drivers; sole weights are placed low forward, center, or in the rear. How does weight positioning shape your shot and how do you know which would best suit your game? Clarifi cation from technical experts from a few major equipment companies helped to differentiate and learn which drivers are best suited for particular golfers.

TaylorMadeThe R15 is their most

technologically advanced driver to date. It features a pair of 12.5-gram sliding weights in the sole track, which is closer to the leading edge than last year’s SLDR, creating a lower, more forward CG, promoting higher launch and lower spin. Splitting the weights between the heel and toe provides max stability; both weights centered produces max distance; sliding both toward heel for max draw, toward toe for max fade…shapes your shot. The adjustable hosel allows a 4-degree loft adjustability to dial in your launch cond i t ion s . The R15 is lighter than the SLDR, sports a smaller club head shape with white or black crown fi nish, black face, and a choice of 430cc or 460cc heads. This club is designed for the golfer who likes to tinker with his driver to obtain the most penetrating shot with the lowest spin and would also benefi t the golfer who tends to draw/fade his shot and desires a straighter drive ($429).

The nonadjustable AeroBurner, made for speed, has an aerodynamic shape designed with a raised center crown, reduced drop from crown to skirt and hosel fi n that reduces swing drag, promoting faster swing speeds. The new red Speed Pocket extends the length of the sole, designed to increase the size of the sweet spot and reduces spin. The AeroBurner has a fi xed hosel and the club’s overall weight is under 300 grams, which further enhances swing speed. This club is suited for mid-high handicappers, seniors, women and beginners with slower swing speeds, who want to boost their swing speed ($299).

Cobra The Fly-Z+ Driver

What’s new in the golfer’s toy box?By Pam Borges

features ‘FlipZone’ weighting technology. A gold-colored 15-gram weight lets you shift the CG location from the middle to the rear of the sole. The forward CG position creates a penetrating, low-spin fl ight with more roll, while the rear position launches the ball higher with more spin and carry. The thin, forged titanium club face sports a Speed Channel around the edges, designed to boost ball speed on mis-hits. The 460cc head has eight loft adjustments, plus the SmartPad sole, which maintains a square face angle. There are fi ve color options: white, red, orange, blue and black. This club is geared for scratch golfers to 15 handicappers ($399).

The Fly-Z Driver has an updated head shape combined with 14 grams of added back weight (eight-gram external plug and six-grams inside head)

to create a more forgiving driver

compared with the BioCell. F o u r t e e n grams of fi xed back weighting

and Speed Channel around

the edge of the face combine to increase

launch, spin and is more stable on mis-

hits than the Fly-Z + in the back-weight position. Built to suit mid-handicappers, it features the same adjustable hosel with eight loft settings, SmartPad sole and color

options ($329).The nonadjustable Fly-Z

XL has back CG zone weighting, a Speed Channel face and has an offset design that helps chronic slicers. This lightweight club is suited for higher-handicappers, geared particularly for seniors, ladies and beginners with slower-swing speeds, who can benefi t from a higher, draw-biased ball fl ight and increased club speed that delivers more distance ($279).

Tour Edge The Exotics E8 Drivers are all about CG location and faster ball speeds. Available in two models—E8 and E8 Beta—both feature an adjustable hosel with eight loft options and an interchangeable X-shaped

sole weight to alter swing weight and ball fl ight. Each comes with a 7-gram sole weight that can be changed to 5, 10 or 12-grams with purchase of an optional weight kit. The E8 Drivers sport a hyper-titanium face milled with variable

thickness which creates a larger sweet spot on off-center hits. Both feature the Power Grid—a corrugated channel (similar to

TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket) that increases

spring-effect at impact creating a more powerful

launch. The differences between the E8 models—E8 Beta has a smaller

club head, Power Grid is narrower placing the sole weight higher and closer to the face allowing for a lower trajectory, less spin and increased ball velocity. The E8 Beta model ($399) is geared for low handicapped golfers with faster swing speeds. The more forgiving E8 ($299) produces a higher overall trajectory geared to mid-handicapped players.

The Hot Launch Driver features a 460cc titanium four-piece forged club head with variable face thickness technology to improve output on off-center hits. Internal sole weighting in the rear center of the sole creates an easier launch, greater forgiveness and stability. The adjustable hosel allows four loft options, allowing golfers to maximize their distance through improved launch angles. The Hot Launch Driver offers mid-high handicapped golfers a quality adjustable driver at a tremendous price ($199). Also available is the Hot Launch Draw ($149), a nonadjustable driver with an offset hosel engineered to straighten slices.

PNP Rake Wedge If you struggle with sand shots or chipping out of thick rough, then the Rake Wedge will help take the mystery out of those diffi cult short-game shots. The Rake Sand and Lob Wedges, from PNP Golf,

have a unique design that help you get

the ball up in a controlled and powerful manner.

These game-c h a n g i n g

wedges feature a patented

Dual Bounce Rail design…a sole with

a series of rails and channels, which help the wedge

drive through sand and rough with less surface area being caught

during t h e

strike; thus increasing acceleration. The rails stabilize the club head at impact reducing twisting and turning while improving control and accuracy. Its distinct On-Set Leading Edge enters the hitting area sooner than a standard wedge, creating a higher angle of attack, making it easier to launch the ball in the air with crisp contact from a variety of tough lies…fl uffy/wet sand, hard pan, thick/wet rough and tight lies. The undercut cavity back is designed to provide forgiveness on off-center shots.

The 56-degree Rake Sand Wedge, which features a 26-degree rail entry bounce and 10-degree sole bounce is advantageous especially for high handicappers. If you’re one who messes up sand shots because you either take too much sand or not enough, this wedge will take the guess work out of it. The Rake Sand Wedge’s offset rails support an open face, setting up easily at the correct angle, gliding smoothly through sand, creating more acceleration, and popping that ball out of the bunker with a soft landing on the green. Dread no more that short chip shot from thick turf around the green. The 60-degree Rake Lob Wedge, with its square rail design, will easily promote a straight fl op shot. The Rake Wedges are available in standard/light head weights, with a choice of stiff/regular stainless steel or uni-fl ex graphite shafts. www.pnpgolf.com

BioMech AccuLock ACE Putter Most putter designs focus just on mechanics. The ACE is designed from the body-out and features the patented AccuLock Core Putting System, which converges the physiology of the human body with physics in creating an anatomically optimal putter design that triangulates the movement among hands, arms, body to promote a core-driven stroke rather than one controlled with the hands and arms. Every design aspect is based on e m p i r i c a l data, using thousands of

people, to optimize each step of the putting process. The ACE’s forward shaft lean allows the grip to rest against the inner surface of the leading forearm, stabilizing the hands, arms and shoulders, promoting a core-driven stroke and more open stance that improves aim and accuracy. The upright 12 degree lie angle automatically positions

you for a consistent setup and stroke, further minimizing the arc in the stroke, creating a fl atter, straighter putt.

Shaft placement in the back of the putter head allows full view of the alignment aids. The cavity in the center of the putter head acts as a focal point for your dominant eye, aiding consistent alignment. The electric blue hue was chosen for the putter head because that color promotes relaxation and lowers heart rate.

The AccuLock ACE, made of top grade milled aluminum, promotes a more natural, consistent set-up position resulting in more effi cient putting. It conforms with USGA rules and is presently getting play on the PGA Tour by Heath Slocum and Bo Van Pelt. www.biomechsports.com/products/acculock_ace

DST Compressor Clubs Contrary to the conventional set-up position used by most golfers—hands behind the line of tension and shaft pointing toward belt buckle, the best ball strikers in history start from an address position with hands slightly ahead of the ball, which repl icates their impact position. This set-up simplifi es the swing by eliminating unnecessary movements, ensuring optimal impact position.

Delayed Strike Technology Compressor Clubs, developed by former tour player Bertie Cordle, enable golfers to locate, train and perfect the optimal impact position. The Compressor Warm-Up Clubs feature a scientifi cally curved shaft engineered to mirror the shape of a normal shaft in its optimal impact position. The curved shaft combined with its wide,

fl at sole angle and Hand Position Alignment Marker (white line that runs at an angle down the front of the hosel and along the leading groove on the club

face), enables you to locate the forward-shaft lean set-up position, which replicates the optimal impact position. Practicing with these clubs will develop muscle memory of address position and optimal movement through impact.

Available in wedge and 8-iron models, DST Compressor clubs are the fi rst clubs to utilize delayed strike technology to help golfers master optimal impact promoting improvement and consistency for all normal shots…chip, pitch or full shot. www.dstgolf.com

Alphard Duo Cart Are you a walking golfer, tired of the hassle, extra time and energy spent lifting, loading/unloading, your separate push cart and golf bag? Tired of facing the arduous task of setting up the cart then struggle to secure your bag? Tired that they both occupy so much space in your trunk that you can’t fi t much else?

The Alphard Duo Golf Cart offers a simple solution. By integrating the push cart and golf bag into one unit, it makes it easier to use, takes less time to set up, and is 30%

more compact than a traditional separate cart and bag. The Duo Cart’s folded dimension…13”W x 46”H x 18.5”D…is so compact it reduces storage space and easily fi ts inside a standard travel bag. Set up is three times faster—taking seconds to unlock the main latch, lift the cart via the hydraulic assisted system, fold out handle and you’re ready to go.

Some days you decide to ride instead of walk…no problem. The Duo Cart easily converts to a cart bag…just pop off the wheels from the anodized aluminum frame. Another unique and wallet-friendly feature is it’s detachable skin. If you want to change the bag color (9 colors available) or replace a worn bag, just shed the skin and reattach a new one by fastening a few buttons and zippers.

the rear position launches the ball higher with more spin and carry. The thin, forged titanium club face sports a Speed Channel around the edges, designed to boost ball speed on mis-hits. The 460cc head has eight

thickness which creates a larger sweet spot on off-center hits. Both feature the Power Grid—a corrugated channel (similar to

TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket) that increases

spring-effect at impact creating a more powerful

launch. The differences between the E8 models—E8 Beta has a smaller

shapes your shot. The adjustable hosel allows a 4-degree loft adjustability to dial in your launch cond i t ion s . The R15 is lighter than the SLDR, sports a smaller club head shape with white or black crown fi nish, black face, and a choice of 430cc or 460cc heads. This club is designed for the golfer who likes to tinker with his driver to

to create a more forgiving driver

compared with the BioCell. F o u r t e e n grams of fi xed back weighting

and Speed Channel around

the edge of the face combine to increase

launch, spin and is more stable on mis-

hits than the Fly-Z + in the back-weight position. Built to suit mid-handicappers, it features the same adjustable hosel with eight loft settings,

draw-biased ball fl ight and increased club speed that delivers more distance

Tour EdgeThe Exotics E8 Drivers are all about CG location and faster ball speeds. Available in two models—E8 and E8 Beta—both feature an adjustable hosel with eight loft options and an interchangeable X-shaped

have a unique design that help you get

c h a n g i n g wedges feature

a patented Dual Bounce Rail

design…a sole with a series of rails and

channels, which help the wedge

drive through sand and rough with less surface area being caught

combined with its wide, fl at sole angle and Hand Position Alignment Marker (white line that runs at an angle down the front of the hosel and along the leading groove on the club

patented AccuLock Core Putting System, which converges the physiology of the human body with physics in creating an anatomically optimal putter design that triangulates the movement among hands, arms, body to promote a core-driven stroke rather than one controlled with the hands and arms. Every design aspect is based on e m p i r i c a l data, using thousands of

position. The curved shaft combined with its wide,

fl at sole angle and Hand Position Alignment Marker (white line that runs at an angle down the front of the hosel and along the leading groove on the club

combined with its wide, fl at sole angle and Hand Position Alignment Marker (white line that runs at an angle down the front of the hosel and along the leading groove on the club

DST Compressor ClubsContrary to the conventional set-up position used by most golfers—hands behind the line of tension and shaft pointing toward belt buckle, the best ball strikers in history start from an address position with hands slightly ahead of the ball, which repl icates

more compact than a traditional separate cart and bag. The Duo Cart’s folded dimension…13”W x 46”H x 18.5”D…is so compact it reduces storage space and easily fi ts inside a standard travel bag. Set up is three times faster—taking seconds to unlock the main latch, lift the cart via the hydraulic assisted system, fold out handle and you’re ready to go.

Some days you decide to ride instead of walk…

during t h e

strike; thus increasing acceleration.

core-driven stroke and more open stance that improves aim and accuracy. The upright 12 degree lie angle automatically positions

continued on page 7

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015

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Peter Fenn served his country in the Vietnam war. When he returned to the states, he began a career as a club professional, culminating in a 16-year stint at Bethlehem Management Club (now Brierwood) in Hamburg. Some twenty years after he left BMC, Peter underwent a leg amputation whose cause might have emanated from exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

“While I was at Autumnview in Hamburg for rehabilitation, I opened a drawer and picked up a copy of the National Amputee golf association magazine. It was as though fate had a plan for me. I read the director’s name, called him in New Hampshire and he put me in touch with the Eastern Amputee golf association chair. Our conversation led to a tournament, now in its sixth year in western New York.”

That tournament, the Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic, welcomed 66 golfers in its inaugural event at Harvest Hill. Since that first playing, the event has found a home at Brierwood and now hosts 140 golfers each year. In 2014, 22 of the golfers were amputees. Peter Fenn continues, “We are fortunate to have a wonderful presenting sponsor in Welded Tube USA, Inc. They have offered

Amputee golfers chart course in Western New York By Ron Montesano

wonderful support to our tournament. This year, local golf ball company OnCor will sponsor the sixth hole par-three contest.”

The Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic currently funds three scholarships for amputees or children of amputees. In addition, the organization supports Camp No Limits (www.nolimitsfoundation.org), a summer opportunity for young people with limb loss, who can spend time with peers with similar injuries, to inject a bit of normalcy into the challenges of daily life. Peter Fenn related, “A woman named Mary Leighton has a ton of acreage up in New England and decided to have kids up to her place. It grew from one camp and four kids ten years ago to eight camps

around USA, with hundreds of kids in attendance.

Dave Szpara was fifteen when an accident claimed his right arm at the shoulder and his right leg below the knee. “I was horsing around, probably doing something I shouldn’t have been doing. I was always a big sports guy before the accident, so I decided to get back into them. Golf and bowling were two sports I could manage.”

While Szpara turned to well-known area pro Butch Benhatzel to coach him as a bowler, he went it alone when it came to golf. He simply started hitting the ball well, and went from there. His injury did not claim his hand-eye coordination, although Szpara suffered a bit of a setback a few years

back. “I tore a rotator cuff in my shoulder. When you have one arm, that’s a serious injury. I played six times last year and hope to play more in 2015.”

S z p a r a credits his ability to play golf to his support structure. His wife and two d a u g h t e r s encourage his

sporting exploits and work with him in a family-owned, grass-cutting business. “I never wanted to be the guy who sits at home and says ‘woe is me.’ I am fortunate to have my family.” Szapara recently lost a wager with his younger daughter on who would bowl the first 300. No telling what the next bet will be.

Pamela Kaznowski is the Recreation Therapy Supervisor at the Veteran’s Administration Western New York Healthcare System. Her responsibilities include the development of recreational opportunities for disabled veterans. One of the programs she oversees is the sled hockey program, in the news recently as the International Paralympic Committee’s World Championships of Sledge

Hockey returned to Buffalo in 2015. The V.A. partnered with Erie County and the PGA of America in 2013 to offer PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) at Grover Cleveland golf course. “The goal of PGA H.O.P.E. is to introduce golf to male and female veterans with disabilities as an activity to assist them in their progress in rehabilitation, along with helping them to assimilate back into their lives and the community. The PGA of America’s support of the United States military dates back to World War I, and continues today with their commitment to veterans with every form of disability, including concussions, mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), loss of limbs, Traumatic Brain Injuries (“TBI”), and others.

The program offers a partnership with VA Healthcare Systems’ Recreation Therapists to address the veteran’s disability, acclimation of the veteran to the sport of golf, and golf instruction, playing opportunities & social events for the participants. Veterans of all abilities, and representing a variety of branches of service and/or eras, have the opportunity to learn the game of golf.”

Kaznowski relates the story of one of the Veteran’s Administration

family members, whose participation was critical in the recovery of life elements taken for granted by most:

“The golf program provided a joyful time for my husband as well as one particular caregiver, who is over 90 years old and still loving the game, but had no one to play with. The activities brought them together to connect and inspire one another. Friendships were formed which strengthened the desire to get outside and move. These scheduled activities were effective in bringing to the Veterans self-esteem, a respite from the day to day worries of the challenges in growing older and providing hope that there were still good times to be had.

There are two ironies between golf and the life of an amputee. In life, feeling sub-par is akin to illness, while in golf, under par is worth celebrating. In golf, a handicap is a positive thing, meant to equalize the playing field. In life, well, it doesn’t work quite the same. Given the chance to speak to a number of disabled golfers on the impact that the game has had on their disability, though, reveals that life’s handicaps can be overcome on certain days by a good round on the golf course.

The 2015 Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic will be held June 29th at Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg. For registration information, www.buf faloamputeegolf.com.

Phot

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Peter Fenn (left) and Dave Szpara (right).

Public Golf Coursesin and around

Western New YorkAllegany CountyCourse Location Phone Daily/Wknd rateAllegheny Hills Rushford 585-437-2163 30/35 inc cartBolivar Golf Club Boliver 585-928-1266 25/30 inc cartSerenity Hills (9) Friendship 585-973-8882 18/18 inc cartVanderview (9) Alfred 607-587-9727 14.50/14.50 inc cartWaterways (27) Belfast 585-365-2201 25*/30* inc cartWellsville Wellsville 585-593-6114 27/27 inc cart

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MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

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Great Tournament Prizes!

Genesee CountyCourse Location Phone Daily/Wknd rateBethany Hills (Exec., par 69) Bethany CLOSEDBatavia CC Batavia 585-343-7600 27/32 inc cart www.bataviacc.comChestnut Hill CC Alden 585-547-9699 33/43 inc cartDavis Countryside Meadows Pavilion 585-584-8390 24/28 inc cartLeRoy Country Club LeRoy 585-768-7330 24/27 inc cartMeadowbrook (9 holes) Batavia 585-343-0837 13/14 inc cartTerry Hills Batavia 800-825-8633 38/45 inc cart

Livingston CountyBrae Burn (9) Dansville 585-335-8840 18/20 inc cartCaledonia Caledonia 585-538-9956 29 (mon/tues) inc. cart/lunchConesus Conesus 585-346-2100 27/33 inc cartFarview Golf Course Avon (585) 226-8210 25*/30* inc cartLima(Charleston Pines) Lima 585-624-1490 32/40 inc cartLima (Island Oaks) Lima 585-624-1490 32/40 inc cartLivingston Geneseo 585-243-4430 36/38 inc cartOld Hickory Livonia 585-346-2450 30/35 inc cartTriple Creek Nunda 585-468-2116 22/28 inc cartSonyea (9 holes) Mount Morris 585-658-2711 10/10 inc cartWoodland Hills Nunda 585-468-5010 22/26 inc cart

Monroe CountyBraemar Spencerport 585-352-5360 25/30 inc cartBrockport Brockport 585-638-2266 20*/25* inc cartButtonwood 18 hole (par 3) Spencerport 585-352-4720 14/14Chili Scottsville 585-889-9325 32/34 inc cartChurchville Churchville 585-293-0680 21/22 inc cartDeerfield Brockport 585-392-8080 30/40 inc cartDurand-Eastman Irondequoit 585-266-0110 30/31 inc cartEagle Vale Perinton 585-377-5200 44/49 inc cartGenesee Valley Rochester 585-424-2920 30/31 inc cartIsland Valley (9) Fairport 585-586-1300 12/13Lake Shore Greece 585-663-0300 36/36 inc cartLatta Lea(Par 3, 9 holes) Greece CLOSEDMill Creek Churchville 585-889-4110 39/49 inc cartMill Creek Short Course 585-889-0739 10/10Perinton Perinton 585-223-7651 CALLPinewood (9) Spencerport 585-352-5314 12/12Riverton( 9) Henrietta 585-334-6196 21/22 inc cartSalmon Creek Spencerport 585-352-4300 25*/29* inc cartShadow Lake Penfield 585-385-2010 43/47 inc cartShadow Pines Penfield 585-385-8550 43/48 inc cartShadow Lake Executive 9 Penfield 585-385-2010 14/14Shore Acres Executive 9 Greece 585-621-1030 17/17 inc cartSt. John Fisher (9) Rochester CLOSED TO THE PUBLICTimber Ridge Golf Club, LLC Brockport 585-637-2582 28/28 inc cartTwin Hills Spencerport 585-352-4800 30/38 inc cartWebster East Webster 585-265-1920 41/49 inc. cartWebster West Webster 585-265-1920 28/32 inc cart Wildwood Rush 585-334-5860 42*/45* inc cartWoodcliff Golf Course (9) Fairport 585-248-4880 14*/17*

Niagara CountyDeerwood N. Tonawanda 716-695-8525 14r;26nr/14;26nrwww.deerwoodgc.comGothic Hill (9, exec par 3) Lockport 716-438-5477 11/11www.gothichillgolf.comHyde Park(18 holes) Niagara Falls 716-297-2067 17r;20nr/19r;23nrNewfane Pro-Am (9 holes, par 3) Newfane 716-778-8302 10/11Niagara County Lockport 716-439-7954 31/35 inc cartNiagara-Orleans Middleport 716-735-9000 30/34 inc cartOak Run Lockport 716-434-8851 34/36 inc cartSeneca Hickory Stick Lewiston 716-754-2424 60/70 inc cartShawnee (9) Wheatfield 716-731-5177 14/14Willowbrook Lockport 716-434-0111 35/37

18 holes for $25 includes cart M-F 6:30am–9 am and Sat-Sun a�er 2pm(reservation through on-line system or automated line at 692-4100)

Twilight rate $5 begins at 6 pm (all-you-can-play till dark, walking only)TWILIGHT BEGINS:5/1 - 5/31, 6 pm6/1 - 6/30, 6:30 pm7/1 - season end, 7 pm

1818 Sweeney Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120www.deerwoodgc.com • Ticket office 695-8525

To Schedule an Event: 695-8529 or Email deerwoodgc@gmail.com

- 27 hole public golf course- Banquet facility on site

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015

13th Annual Roy E. SommerMemorial Scholarship Golf Scramble

June 22nd, 2015 • Tan Tara Golf Club • North Tonawanda, NY • 8:00am RegistrationFor more information, including: fees, schedule, events, sponsorship information, and to register, visit

www.niagaracc.suny.edu/athletics/Roy_Sommer.php Or call 716-614-6259

Ontario CountyCourse Location Phone Daily/Wknd rateBig Oak Geneva 315-789-9419 26/30 inc cartBristol Harbour Cananadaigua 585-396-2200 59/79 inc cartCenterpointe Canandaigua 585-394-0536 33/40 inc cartParkview Fairways East Bloomfield 585-657-7539 30.50/38.50 inc cartwww.parkviewgc.comRavenwood Victor 585-924-5100 55/65www.ravenwoodgolf.comReservoir Creek Naples 585-374-8010 40/45 inc cartWinged Pheasant (27 holes) Farmington 585-289-8846 25/34 inc cartWinding Creek Executive (9) Victor 585-924-0280 8/10

Orleans CountyHarbour Pointe Waterport CLOSEDHickory Ridge Holly 585-638-4653 23/28 inc cart www.hickoryridgegolfresort.comRicci Meadows Albion 585-682-3280 22/27 inc cartWhite Birch (Par 3) Lyndonville 585-765-2630 7/8

Seneca CountySilver Creek Waterloo 315-539-8076 26/30 inc cart

Wayne CountyBlue Heron Hills GC Macedon 315-986-5888 39/49 inc cartCrooked Pines Macedon 315-986-4455 25/32 inc cartGreystone Walworth 315-524-0022 49/60 inc cartPort Bay Golf Course Wolcott 315-594-8295 29/29 inc cartSodus Bay Heights Sodus 315-483-6777 50/50 inc cartWayne Hills Lyons 315-946-6944 36/60 inc cart

Wyoming CountyArchie’s Chip & Putt (11 hole, Par-3) Java 585-457-9505 12/12Byrncliff Resort & Conference Ctr Varysburg 585-535-7300 39/48 inc cart www.byrncliff.comIronwood Cowlesville 585-805-0350 35/43 inc cartQuiet Times (par 62) Attica 585-591-1747 17.50/17.50Rolling Acres Pike 585-567-8557 27/29 inc cartSpruce Ridge GC Arcade 585-492-4122 25/25 inc cart(9 holes/rate is for 18) www.spruceridgegolfcourse.com

Yates CountyLakeside Penn Yan 315-536-7252 59/68 inc cart

www.byrncliff.com | Call 585-535-7300 for Reservations.

Western New York's Favorite Golf Get-Away!

2357 Humphrey Rd. Varysburg, NY 14167

Book a Stay & Play Package!

Includes unlimited golf with cart, hotel accommodations, dinner and breakfast.

as low as $135 +tax, per person

(Spring/Fall Rate)

Ask about the Maple Lodge Guesthouse – private accommodations for up to 12 people overlooking the golf course

MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE

New York State Jr. Golf Tour

And Chris Protos Memorial Scholarship Fund Participation ~ Speed of Play ~ Etiquette ~ Competition

**Scores are NOT of the utmost importance** Over $35,000 in scholarships have been awarded

May 17 .......Bristol Harbour ResortJune 7 ........................... RavenwoodJune 28 Scholarship Fund Raiser, Batavia CC

July 12............................. Ivy RidgeJuly 26..............................Glen OakAugust 9......................Tan Tara CCAugust 16................... Willowbrook

Great Courses, Low Greens Fees Zgolfstore.com • 716-390-0549

Rick Zurak, Director • zurakgolf@roadrunner.com

Parent-Junior Scramble Series

Open to All Kids

10 –18

~ 2014 ~

Our 23rd Year

CanadaCourse Location Phone Daily/Wknd (Can.$)Beechwood Niagara Falls 866-883-3633 45/55 inc cart & taxwww.beechwoodgolf.comChippawa (9) Niag Falls 905-295-2240 15/15Eagle Valley GC(Par 63) Niagara Falls 905-374-2110 26/26Emerald Pines Port Colborne CLOSEDFort Erie Golf Club Fort Erie 905-991-8883 25/25 inc cart & taxwww. www.forteriegolf.caGrand Niagara Resort Niagara Falls 905-384-4653 95/110 inc cartHunters Pointe(formerly LochNess Links) Welland 905-714-4659 90/95 inc cart & taxInternational Stevensville 905-382-2000 38/43 inc cartwww.niagaragolficc.comLegends on the Niagara (Ussher’s Creek) N. Falls 866-465-3642 75/90 inc cartLegends on theNiagara (Battlefield) N. Falls 866-465-3642 75/90 inc cartNiagara GC (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake 905-468-3424 31/35.50 inc taxesNiagara Falls GC Niagara Falls 905-358-5846 26.10/26.10Oak Hall Par 3 (9) Niag. Falls 905-358-6418 8/8Oaklands Niagara Falls 905-295-6643 30/36Peninsula Lakes Fonthill 905-892-8844 89/111.87 cart & taxQueenston (9) Queenston 905-262-4528 14/16Rio Vista (9) Fort Erie 905-871-0921 16/20RockwayVineyards St. Catharines 877-762-5929 57/67 inc cartRolling Meadows Niagara Falls 905-384-9894 44/49 inc cartRoyal Niagara Niag.-on-the-Lake 866-ROYAL-18 70/89.50 inc cartSt. David’s (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake 905-262-4522 14/16Thundering Waters GC Niagara Falls 905-357-6000 69.99/89.99 inc cartWhirlpool GC Niagara Falls 905-356-1140 65/80 inc cartWhiskey Run Port Colborne 905-835-6864 37.50/37.50Willodell Golf Club (formerly Links of Niagara) Niagara Falls 800-790-0912 50/60 inc cart

Due to space constraints, complete pricing information for each golf course could not be printed. Several courses offer season passes, spring and fall rates, senior and youth discounts and variable pricing throughout the day, week and weekend.

Weekday fees are listed in front of the slash (/), followed by weekend and holiday rates. Some weekend prices are for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Holidays, while others are for Saturday and Sunday only. Fees which include carts are denoted by “inc. cart.” An asterisk (*) denotes 2014 prices, as not all golf courses are yet open for the season and/or could not be reached for their updated pricing information. Resident prices are indicated with an “r,” and most require an ID card. Non-resident prices are indicated by “nr.” Prices for 9-hole courses are for 9 holes only, but some courses offer discounted rates for completing the course twice. All prices for Canadian golf courses are in Canadian funds (Can) and do not include tax unless noted.

USA VISITORS

2 for 1 GREEN FEES

USA VISITORS

2 for 1 GREEN FEES

905-991-88831640 Garrison Road

Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 5Y7www.forteriegolf.caexpires: end of 2015 season

Exchange Rate!ExExE cxcx hhannggeegeggeg RRaattee!!20% U.S.

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB • NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA * TRADITION * CHARACTER * CHALLENGE Est. 1960 - A Favorite for Golfers for 54 Years!

GOLF & RIDE SPECIAL WITH THIS AD

18 Holes with Power Car – Just $30 U.S. Save Even More! $108 U.S. Per Foursome

Rates above include taxes. If paying by credit card, you will be charged the Canadian equivalent.Valid weekdays and after 1 P.M. weekends. Minimum one coupon per foursome - not valid for

tournaments. Offer valid for U.S. Residents only. Offer expires July 31, 2015.

TEE TIMES 1-866-8TEEOFF (883-3633)10 minutes from Lewiston & Niagara Falls Bridges

20 minutes from Peace Bridge in Buffalo Visit us at www.beechwoodgolf.com

GOLF 27 HOLES AT ICC

2900 College Road, Stevensville • Ontario • 905-382-2000www.niagaragolficc.com

Prices are in Canadian Funds. All prices are subject to change & are applicable to taxes. Call for Tee Times and Specials.

Golf N’ RideMONDAYPlus Small Bucket

HungryTHURSDAYGolf, Cart, Small Bucket, & Hot Dog

2 for 1TUESDAYIncludes 18 Holes & Cart

SUNDAYAFTERNOON(After 1PM) Golf & Ride

Only 10 minutesfrom Fort Erie!

TwilightWEDNESDAYBegins at Noon, Incl. Cart

$30 $35

$25$2450

$25

SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015

This amazing 19 lb. combo cart sports 14-way full length club dividers, 9 pockets including an insulated cooler pocket, height/angle adjustable handle, as well as attachable umbrella holder and drink holder.

The newest addition to the Duo Cart family is the Duo Cart —Evolution. In addition to all of the standard amenities, it has a thermoformed external putter well that caters

to larger grips. www.DUOgolfcart.com.

Sun Mountain’s “Reflex” Push Cart

“Refl ex” is arguably the easiest and lightest cart on the market to fold and unfold. Distinguished by its automatic 3-step, one-second folding system, you simply fold in handle, release E-Z Latch to fold cart down, release lever and fold down handle bar. Lightweight at 17 lbs, it folds into a small 25”x15”x11” footprint for easy storage and opens into a full-size golf push cart with a wide 4-wheel base for on-course stability. The cart has uniquely designed,

individual handles featuring 180 degrees of adjustability for ergonomic fi ne-tuning, as well as height adjustments. The handle accommodates an umbrella mount and parking brake. The “Refl ex” sports dual padded accessory trays with ball rack, magnetic lid with score card holder and adjustable beverage holder. Tires are maintenance free and sealed, precision ball bearings ensure easy roll. “Refl ex” is available in four color combinations: black, silver, black/lime, and charcoal/red.

Sun Mountain’s“Two-5” Golf Bag“Two-5” golf bag was

named such because it

only weights 2.5 lbs…possibly the lightest, full-size, dual-strap, stand-bag on the market. The weight savings come from substituting carbon-fi ber legs for aluminum, higher-grade, lighter plastic for top and base, lightweight fabric/zipper and simpler dual strap. The bag houses four full-length club dividers, four pockets including a full-length clothing pocket, mesh elasticized pocket for beverage/accessories, and pen holder. Also included is your standard umbrella holder and rain hood. The “Two-5” is projected to be available in June. www.sunmountain.com

The Rain Wedge…A Premier Rain Cover For Clubs:

This patented, canopy-style, lightweight cover is made of durable, waterproof, rip-stop nylon. It attaches to your bag in seconds by sliding the two grip clips to the sides of your golf bag and fastening the handle strap. The weighted front-end keeps the cover down during windy conditions and the handle strap guarantees that it won’t blow away. It’s generous size provides clearance to cover your longest clubs. The patented, retractible, fl exible rod system allows you to use one hand to fl ip up the cover while you grab the club you need. You’ll be

Equipmentfrom page 2

amazed how easily it twists into a small, circular shape to store away in its own tiny, nylon bag that fi ts into your golf bag pocket, ready for the next rainfall. Rain Wedge offers versatility for all golfers, whether you carry, push or drive a cart…this “rain canopy” will ensure your clubs stay dry. www.rainwedge.com.

through 2015. But last year a soil sample turned up arsenic in the soil and the course was deemed unplayable and CLOSED. Well, my fi ne feathered friends, I have come to learn that you will fi nd arsenic in many a golf course throughout the world as it was used as a pesticide. From what I have been told, it’s not in the top number of levels of soil, but deep down, without the ability to affect your health. It appears it turned out to be a good excuse for the bulldozers to come in and wipe out the golf course in order for an offi ce and housing complex to be built. What a shame. The town of Amherst had a chance to trade the Westwood land owners for Audubon golf course and receive a much better course, but the town turned down the offer. I don’t know all the circumstances, but it sure would be nice to have Westwood as the Amherst town course. Having played the course over 100 times, I’m here to tell you that the arsenic hasn’t affected me one bit, other than to make me bummed that the course is no longer.

Speaking of housing projects, at the corner of Genesee and Harris Hill in Lancaster, there is a new development under way. The problem is, they are bulldozing Harris Hill Golf Center to build it. Another sign of the economy and the value of the properties that host golf courses. Harris Hill had a driving range, practice putting green, a 9-hole par three course that included lights so you could play at night and an ice cream stand. I held many tournaments there for the kids on my New York State Junior Golf Tour. Most of the holes were in the 100-140 yard range so we put

together an event using the “Almost” golf ball, a hard foam rubber ball that would go one-third the distance of the a regular golf ball. That way, you would use every club in your bag. And we played at night, under the lights, which was a real treat. The fi rst hole was 100 yards, but a well struck driver (a 240 yard drive with a typical golf ball) would go right on the green with he Almost golf ball. Putting was a little tricky with a lighter ball, but the kids, and their playing partner parents, loved it. The one very challenging hole was the 6th hole. It played around 240 yards with a big pond in the middle of the fairway. No problem. If you hit your Almost golf ball in the water, it fl oated! And you could use a retriever to get it back.

The best part about Harris Hill and its ice cream stand, was the Serowick family. Ron, Camille and R.J. operated the facility and were the nicest people in the world. Ron, unfortunately, lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, but not before leaving lasting memories at his driving range. You see, in the beginning of the season Ron would bring a used car to the range and park it right in the middle of the landing zone, about 120 yards from the hitting mats. The windows were in tact, but not for long. It was the greatest thrill to his a ball and hit that car. Better yet, it was an AMAZING thrill if you were one of the golfers to take out one of the windows of the car. No better feeling when crushing a golf ball than to hear that smashing of glass. High fi ves around, even from people you never met who were there trying to do the exact same thing, SMASH THAT GLASS.

Now is a great time to head over the border and check out all that the great green north has to offer. The exchange rate makes it possible to check out some of the pricier courses at a discount. Many of the courses are also offering deals for their US friends. Be sure to bring US cash as some of the specials are valid for US cash only. And be sure to bring your passport.

We are extremely blessed to have such great golf at great rates in this part of the world. If you have been to Arizona, California, Hawaii or even the Carolinas, you know that. This year is no different. In honor of the closed golf courses and the people that are no longer with us that built this game, it’s up to us to keep our heads down, grip it and rip it. Here are some of the new things we found out when making our annual calls to local courses.

Cattaraugus CountySt. Bonaventure, Allegheny

– This year they have purchased 23 new club carts.

Elkdale, Salamanca – New for 2015, they are now taking tee times on their website.

Chautauqua CountyHillview, Fredonia – New

owners have taken over the course.

Rose Brook, Irving – They redid part of their clubhouse and will have their liquor license this season. They also have new partners.

Erie CountyAudubon, Amherst –

Amherst Town courses are under new management. Also, part of the Westwood CC team are now part of the Amherst Audubon team.

Olmstead course – They are now offering “Foot Golf”, a cross between soccer and golf.

Diamond Hawk, Cheektowaga – They have widened the playing area by strategically cutting down some of the heather to make the course more forgiving.

Eden Valley, Eden – They have many new tee boxes and they are renovating their club house.

Buffalo Tournament Club, Lancaster – New fl eet of carts and has newly renovated the pro shop.

Rolling Hills, Chaffee – They now have three tee boxes, white, gold and red.

South Shore, Hamburg – New for 2015! Check out the large variety of exciting specials.

Genesee CountyBatavia CC, Batavia

– They run a number of holiday specials such as July 4 and Labor Day. Check their website for specials, www.bataviacc.com.

LeRoy Country Club, LeRoy – They have made improvements this year including a new drainage system.

Chestnut Hill, Alden – They have purchased a fl eet of 23 new EZ GO Carts and they have a new barn.

Livingston CountyLivingston, Geneseo –

Their new superintendent is Steve Bonno.

Woodland Hills, Nunda – The clubhouse is getting a full renovation.

Monroe CountyBraemar (Spencerport) –

They have a new banquet and reception room that will seat up to 100.

Niagara County:Niagara Orleans

(Middleport) is under new ownership and look for improvements and changes moving forward.

Gothic Hill (Lockport) – Early this summer they are adding on a large covered patio which will be great for parties!

Hyde Park, Niagara Falls – They have a new greens keeper, Jon McGinn and he has taken the course to a new level of excellence.

Niagara County (Lockport) – They have new sand and added some sand traps and have new drainage system.

ANNUAL GOLF DIRECTORY

Deerwood (N. Tonawanda) – is offering a crazy cheap rate of $5 for walking after 7pm.

Oak Run (Lockport) – Has recently purchased half a fl eet of new carts.

Willowbrook (Lockport) has completely renovated part of their clubhouse.

Ontario CountyRavenwood, Victor –

Ravenwood will be hosting the 2015 AJGA Junior All Stars June 29 - July 3. This event consists of many of the best junior golfers in the Country ages 12 to 15. They have also created a new “Ravenwood Golf Academy” powered by Brian Jacobs Golf, www.brianjacobsgolf.com. The New Academy Team consist of three PGA Professionals including Brian Jacobs, Sean Lalley (former head pro at Mendon) and Mike Labella – all using the Track Man Technology with their teaching programs.

Ravenwood will be hosting two USGA Qualifi ers this year. The Women’s 18 & Under Championship Qualifi er is on June 15 and the Senior Amateur Championship Qualifi er on August 31.Ravenwood always has afternoon twilight rates and senior rates. Get the best possible rates by going to RavenwoodGolf.com and see all the golf specials.

Orleans CountyParkview Fairways, East

Bloomfi eld – Come check out Parkview Fairways as the WHOLE course is powered by solar and the golf carts are 75percent electric!

Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort, Holly – They purchased all new fl ags for the course and driving range; red in front, white in the middle and blue in the back. A new bar is opening near the putting green this season and it will feature three TVs and will serve pub food.

Wyoming County:Byrncliff (Varysburg):

Byrncliff is offering some great deals. Summer Weekday Early Riser Special – Tee off from 6am - 7am, Greens Fee & Cart

Local Golf from page 1

Photo Courtesy of ICCOverview of the beautiful greens at ICC in Ontario.

(18holes): $27.00. Summer Weekend Early Riser Special Tee off the back nine from fi rst light to 7am

Greens Fee & Cart (9holes): $20.00.

Rolling Acres, Pike – Paul Moore is the new owner and Chris May is the new GM. They have renovated the clubhouse.

Spruce Ridge GC, Arcade – They are a family owned and family run course. They added new forward and blue tee boxes.

Quiet Times (Attica) – This season they will have new red tee box.

CANADAFort Erie Golf Club – As of

July 1 they will have made 2 new holes, hole 1 and 18 as part of their land was sold off for a high school…. And take advantage of the Low US rates – US at 20% US exchange.

Hunters Point in Welland has new golf pro/dir of operations, Brody Whetham.

ICC, Stevensville – They have a new clubhouse and new carts and they are doing much work on the course too.

Oaklands, N. Falls – New superintendant Nick Morocco, he is from the area, but worked in New Brunswick in the past.

Rio Vista, Fort Erie – Rob Dunn is now in his second year as owner/operator. He put a lot of improvements into the clubhouse. Completely renovated it with a gas fi replace. There’s also a new fi repit and big screen TV on the patio.

Willodell Golf Course, Niagara Falls – Offering US specials and be sure to make a tee time reservation.

Rick Zurak is the Producer/Host of the Western New York Golf Report TV Show, Tuesdays at 6:30pm on Time Warner Ch. 20 in the Buffalo area. He is also the Director of the NYS Junior Golf Tour. Go to Zgolfstore.com for more information or email Rick at zurakgolf@roadrunner.com.

Photo Courtesy of Fort Erie GCFort Erie Golf Course is offering an awesome golf special for US visitors.