There are two signs that the golf season is truly upon us. One is that Brookhaven is open (Friday, April 17) and McGregor Links held its annual cleanup day whereby a number of golfers volunteer their services for a Saturday morning. They do those little jobs that help beautify the course: raking leaves, cutting brush, a little touch-up painting, etc. The jobs would not be done by the regular crew until later in the season, if at all.
General Managers Erinn (Dennis) Kolligan and her husband Dean did a
great job organizing cleanup day. When the golfers arrived on the scene
they knew exactly what needed to be done. The old adage that "many
hands make light work" was very evident last Saturday. While the
volunteers were working on the course, the regular crew was helping to
get the much-needed watering system in full operation.
The volunteers were treated to a hefty buffet followed by a four-person scramble tournament financed by the club. Only those golfers who worked on cleanup day were allowed to participate.
The Kolligans have also instituted a tee program whereby members can "adopt a tee" and will be responsible for its beautification. Over the summer, they may add plants, plant ornate bushes and flowers, etc. It sounds like a great idea making the course pleasing to the eye.
McGregor Links wintered very well. They can probably boast of having the best greens in the area for so early in the season. There is no evidence of winterkill as is present at many of the neighboring courses.
While the course made it through the winter, two of their top personnel will not be returning for the 2009 season.
Mike Shpur, Director of Golf, has decided to retire from the golf industry and pursue other avenues. Working as a club pro is very demanding and after 15 years as head professional, he wants to spend more time with his wife and enjoy his new grandson. Chris Bentrovato, who was an assistant pro last year, will take over the pro shop. Well-liked by the members, he should do well.
And another unexpected loss was course superintendent Mark Prinsky. A 25 year member of the McGregor Links family, Mark was a victim of "an offer I can't refuse" situation. Prinsky will take over a franchise from a Tennessee company who was looking for a representative in the Northeast. Personable Prinsky will no longer be working from dawn to dusk but will have the opportunity to see what a "normal" lifestyle is like. Luckily, Greg Shaughessy, a native of Saranac Lake, was available and comes to McGregor Links with years of experience as a course superintendent. Shaughessy will be bringing a new perspective to McGregor Links. I'll have more on Chris and Greg in a future column.
Golf roundup:
The tournament season has just begun and McGregor Links Country Club kicked off their tournament season with their traditional four-person scramble following their annual clean-up day on Saturday. April 18.
Closely contested, the tourney saw a two-way tie for first place at -7. The tie was broken by the watching of cards. First place went to the team of Paul Dryer, Mike Vail, George DeMetras and Al Mottau. The runner-up spot was awarded to the foursome of Joshua Barney, Mrs. Roberts, Liz Grandjacquet and Jennifer Stroebel also at -7.
The nine hold Friday night scramble is underway at Airway Meadows. Owner Joan Hebert wants to let all area golfers know that they are welcome to participate. Call Joan for more information at (518) 792-4144.
Last Friday night winners were: Chris Dunn, Ron Baker, Earl Skiff Jr., Tammy Crawford, Kathy Jones, Matt Levin, Sean DeAngelo and Kyle Schultz.
Fairway Feats: Congratulations to McGregor Links member Matt Dailey for his hole-in-one on Monday, April 13. Dailey used a six iron to ace the difficult 160 yard par three 18th hole. What a way to start the season.
The volunteers were treated to a hefty buffet followed by a four-person scramble tournament financed by the club. Only those golfers who worked on cleanup day were allowed to participate.
The Kolligans have also instituted a tee program whereby members can "adopt a tee" and will be responsible for its beautification. Over the summer, they may add plants, plant ornate bushes and flowers, etc. It sounds like a great idea making the course pleasing to the eye.
McGregor Links wintered very well. They can probably boast of having the best greens in the area for so early in the season. There is no evidence of winterkill as is present at many of the neighboring courses.
While the course made it through the winter, two of their top personnel will not be returning for the 2009 season.
Mike Shpur, Director of Golf, has decided to retire from the golf industry and pursue other avenues. Working as a club pro is very demanding and after 15 years as head professional, he wants to spend more time with his wife and enjoy his new grandson. Chris Bentrovato, who was an assistant pro last year, will take over the pro shop. Well-liked by the members, he should do well.
And another unexpected loss was course superintendent Mark Prinsky. A 25 year member of the McGregor Links family, Mark was a victim of "an offer I can't refuse" situation. Prinsky will take over a franchise from a Tennessee company who was looking for a representative in the Northeast. Personable Prinsky will no longer be working from dawn to dusk but will have the opportunity to see what a "normal" lifestyle is like. Luckily, Greg Shaughessy, a native of Saranac Lake, was available and comes to McGregor Links with years of experience as a course superintendent. Shaughessy will be bringing a new perspective to McGregor Links. I'll have more on Chris and Greg in a future column.
Golf roundup:
The tournament season has just begun and McGregor Links Country Club kicked off their tournament season with their traditional four-person scramble following their annual clean-up day on Saturday. April 18.
Closely contested, the tourney saw a two-way tie for first place at -7. The tie was broken by the watching of cards. First place went to the team of Paul Dryer, Mike Vail, George DeMetras and Al Mottau. The runner-up spot was awarded to the foursome of Joshua Barney, Mrs. Roberts, Liz Grandjacquet and Jennifer Stroebel also at -7.
The nine hold Friday night scramble is underway at Airway Meadows. Owner Joan Hebert wants to let all area golfers know that they are welcome to participate. Call Joan for more information at (518) 792-4144.
Last Friday night winners were: Chris Dunn, Ron Baker, Earl Skiff Jr., Tammy Crawford, Kathy Jones, Matt Levin, Sean DeAngelo and Kyle Schultz.
Fairway Feats: Congratulations to McGregor Links member Matt Dailey for his hole-in-one on Monday, April 13. Dailey used a six iron to ace the difficult 160 yard par three 18th hole. What a way to start the season.
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