To learn more about this exhibit, here is a video posted on PGA.com:  http://www.pga.com/news/pga/art-golf-video

Metro, NY: The well-established Golfweek Amateur Tour is ready to host tournaments in Metro New York and New Jersey region. The Tour, which provides all amateurs the experience of competitive stroke-play golf, will host a 12 event local schedule that kicks of April 28th, 2012.

Founded in Charlotte, N.C., in 1995, the Golfweek Amateur Tour celebrates its 18^th season in 2012 with more than 45 Tour cities across the country. This year’s Metro NY schedule includes a 2 major tournament and approximately 11-12 one day visits through out Long Island and northern New Jersey..

“Now amateurs can play a Tour just like the pros, without the travel,” said local Tour director Tom Steinmann.  Our events are held locally on weekends, perfect for the average golfer. Our goal is to provide fun, fast, competitive tournaments with affordable pricing on the areas best golf venues. Slow play will be monitored and addressed.

The Golfweek Amateur Tour is for amateurs of all ages and abilities. Members are placed in one of five flights based on handicaps. Flights are: Championship (0-3.9 handicap), A Flight (4-8.9), B Flight (9-13.9), C Flight (14-18.9) and D Flight (19 and over).

Tournament format is gross stroke play, with USGA rules in effect. A software program and web page tracks each player’s Tour handicap to ensure participants are placed in their proper flight. Player Tour handicaps will be monitored throughout the season to field the most competitive flights possible.

Golfers may join the Tour at any time for a $99 seasonal membership fee. That  fee includes a1 year subscription to GOLFWEEK magazine, quality Tour Golf Shirt, Tour hat, Tour card and  a goody gift bag . Membership also allows members to play in local tournaments, as well as any other Golfweek Amateur Tour events around the country.

Tournament entry fees for the Metro NY Golfweek Amateur Tour range from only $110-$150 for single day events. Those fees include cart and green fees, range balls and the Prize pool. There will also be separate sponsored par- three contests and an optional skins game at each event. Crystal trophies will also be up for grabs for the winners of each flight at every Tournament. Results and points standings are posted within 48 hours at www.amateurgolftour.net.

Golfers who qualify receive invitations to the 2012 Golfweek Amateur Golf Tour Championship 54 hole event, Oct. 21-23rd at Palmetto Dunes Resort and Palmetto Hall Plantation in Hilton Head, S.C. The 2011 results are now posted on the web page in which over 600 qualifiers competed on 7different golf courses.

For info, call Tom Steinmann at (516)-360-7368,  metrony@amateurgolftour.net  or visit www.amateurgolftour.net.

If you have never experienced Hickory Golf…..Golf the way it was played 100 years ago.  You really do owe it to yourself to check it out.  It is the most fun I have ever had on a golf course.  Every shot is struck with 100 years of golfing history….as you will be playing with ORIGINAL pre-1930 hickory clubs.  ( Inexpensive rental sets are available for everyone).  It is golf, the way is was meant to be.  Played from approximately 6,100 yards…the course will still provide a fun, challenging experience for all players.

As a golfer for over 40 years, and a tournament player for over 20 years, I plan on making this event a very fun, entertaining, enjoyable time for all.  Beautiful, large antique trophies and medals will be presented.  Proceeds from the event will go to various children’s golf charities including The First Tee of Metropolitan NY.

I am looking forward to seeing some of my Golf Channel friends and making some new ones at the tournament.  Please feel free to call Brian Schuman at 516-369-2195 or email me at brianschuman@gmail.com for more information.

To learn more click this link  to view the tournament flyer  LONG ISLAND NATIONAL HICKORY OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP FLYER, or visit the tournament website at:  www.longislandhickoryopen.com.  The web site is being updated daily with new information.

I hope you can join in the fun!

Courtesy of the NYLGC

The New York Lawyers Golf Club (“NYLGC”) is very happy to announce that it has secured the Club to play at the absolutely gorgeous, private club, Hollow Brook Country Club, in Cortlandt Manor, NY (northern Westchester County).  As you know, getting to play at private clubs for any group is always a challenge, particularly on the weekends, but, we will be playing on Saturday, July 16th in the afternoon.

Thanks,
Dennis Katsefes
917-364-3276

Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York

The Fourth is excited to have the opportunity to learn more about The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. To share that knowledge with The Fourth Tee Community, we conducted a Q&A with Todd Bordonaro, Director of Instruction, The First Tee Coach and National Trainer for The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.

The Fourth Tee: Welcome to the Fourth Tee. Tell us, what is The First Tee?

Todd Bordonaro: The First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches young people life skills through the game of golf.

TFT: Where is The First Tee of Metropolitan New York located?

TB: We are headquartered in the Bronx. We have ten different locations throughout the tri-state area – that is, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

TFT: Is there a membership requirement? And, if so, what is it?

TB: There is no specific membership requirement. Once a child signs up for a The First Tee class he/she is automatically a member.

TFT: What are some of the key benefits of being a part of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?

TB: The First Tee participants receive instruction from The First Tee Recognized Coaches and PGA Professionals. We offer a wide array of instructional and playing opportunities. Participants are entitled to reduced fees for playing and practicing at all our facilities.

TFT: What are the non-golf advantages of being part of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?

TB: We offer mentoring, tutoring, SAT prep classes, an honor roll program and several The First Tee National opportunities.

TFT: Is it a year long program? Or is it seasonal?

TB: We run programs all year long. In the winter we have indoor fitness classes. We also offer programming at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.

TFT: Tell us about the 2011 Summer Golf School program.

TB: Intended for juniors age 9 to 17, the Summer Golf School is designed for kids interested in strengthening their golf game, making new friends and having fun. All schools are divided into nine week-long sessions throughout the summer season. The daily school routine consists of PGA level golf instruction, skills and rules review and guided play on our 9-hole course.

Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York

TFT: Is there an enrollment deadline?

TB: June 27 – August 22 (9 weeks).

TFT: Do kids get to compete with each other? Or is this just a learning program?

TB: Our Advanced program offers participants a chance to compete on the golf course 3 times per week.

TFT: What is the Players’ Golf Academy?

TB: The Player’s Golf Academy is an exclusive program targeted for the aspiring junior golfer. Designed for students who wish to improve their golf skill in a smaller class setting, The Academy offers one-on-one instruction and attention to technique and development. There are three levels to choose from: Apprentice, Pro and Super Pro.

TFT: Can you share with us some notable accomplishments of kids who have passed through your program?

TB: Many of our participants play on their high school and college golf teams. They have received scholarships and have been selected for national opportunities, including The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, Life Skills and Leadership Academies and Future Leaders Forum. Of recent note, Paul Spano received the first ever The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award. This is a national award. Paul received a $20K scholarship. Last summer, Kuriko Tsukiyama was the youngest ever player to win the New Jersey Women’s Amateur Golf Championship. She was also selected to participate in this year’s First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York

TFT: Kudos! Finally, tell us a little about your background. First, how long have you been in your current role as Director of Instruction at The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?

TB: I was the Program Director at Mosholu for 6 years. Last fall I was promoted to Director of Instruction for all ten of our locations. I am a class A member of the PGA of America, an authorized instructor of The Golfing Machine, a Recognized The First Tee Coach, National The First Tee Trainer and a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. The Metropolitan PGA awarded me the 2009 Presidents Plaque for outstanding contributions in growing the game of golf.

TFT: Now, you are a member of the Professional Golfers Association?

TB: Yes I have been a PGA Member since 2007.

TFT: And is that only as a teaching professional? Or have you played on the PGA Tour?

TB: A teaching professional. I have not played on the PGA Tour but do play in local professional events conducted by the Metropolitan Section of the PGA and The Metropolitan Golf Association.

TFT: Recently, The Fourth Tee featured your youtube chipping lesson. Besides being the Director of Instruction for The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, do you also provide golf lessons to the average golfer? And, if so, how can our interested readers contact you?

TB: Yes, I provide instruction for golfers of all ages and abilities. I can be contacted through my website: www.toddbordonaro.com

TFT:  Thank you for sharing the story of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York with our readers.

TB: You’re most welcome. Thank you.

To learn more about The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, visit:  http://www.thefirstteemetny.org