New Jersey March & April Golf News 2008

Golf’s role in the debate over “open Space” - By Christopher Schiavone

The recent closing of Holly Hills Golf Club in South Jersey’s Salem County is likely thought by some to be a “sign of the times.” Most of us connected to the game whether for business, pleasure, or both are aware of the statistics indicating that participation in golf has been roughly flat over the last decade. But in what may be an ironic twist to the Holly Hills story, its demise, and the apparent disparity between supply and demand in golf in our area, may in part be due to the same concept now being discussed in connection with Holly Hills’ post mortem Joseph Fedora, who wears the Mayor’s “hat” (excuse the pun) in Alloway Township, home to the former Holly Hills golf facility, says that the State is considering using Green Acres funds to purchase the privately-owned property (that means using taxpayers’ money, of course) to preserve it as “Open Space” however intends to use the space neither for development nor to continue it as a golf course.

The irony here is that for years, the preservation of “Open Space” has been used as a justification by municipal and county governments for the building of golf facilities Taxpayer dollars have given birth to golf courses all over the State. There are approximately sixty government owned courses in New Jersey and now for a reverse of fate, perhaps, to give them a final burial. Is it possible that this public funded schizophrenia was in part due to how we defined, or should have, “Open Space” in the first place? While some politicians sought to use “Open Space” as a means to get their municipality in the golf business using a “golf is green” argument, many do not think of cart paths, clubhouses, irrigation systems, and mowed, chemically controlled turf as “Open Space” at all.

These preservationists prefer undisturbed land in its “natural” state. Considering the over-supply of golf courses in many markets and the general state of our economy, it is hard to see why taxpayers do not insist that public funds, which are used in the name of “Open Space,” aren’t’t promoting flora and fauna instead of fairways and foursomes. There is no greater fan of the game of golf than this writer, but my fellow golf course owners can meet the demand without taxpayers having to foot any part of the bill. Perhaps it would be better if governments used our “Open Space” tax money based on a more purist definition of land preservation, and leave the golf business to those who really understand it.

Christopher Schiavone currently serves as the Public Affairs Chairman for the New Jersey Golf Course Owner’s Association. The views of this column are strictly those of the author, and may or may not be those of the newspaper or its editorial staff.

First Tee Program Coming to Jersey Shore - By Billy Hannum

After a lengthy struggle, the national organization of The First Tee has approved the application of the Junior Shore chapter that will lead to its fifth program in New Jersey. The new program will be based out of Colonial Terrace Golf Course, which borders Asbury Park. The facility was recently purchased by Ocean Township. There are plans to build a one-acre practice facility at the course, which will have its own putting green, hitting stations and hitting cages. This will be a major boost for junior golf programs in Monmouth and Ocean Counties Bob Hodnett, of the Catholic Charities in Asbury Park and partner Britt Lapp had founded the Jersey Shore Junior Golf organization, and worked tirelessly in an effort to bring the First Tee to the area The First Tee is a private, non-profit enterprise that receives support from many major golf organizations, including the USGA, PGA of America, PGA and LPGA Tours. They provide young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education. The Jersey Shore chapter joins the other First Tee programs in NJ, including chapters in Atlantic City, Newark, Somerset and Trenton While this is a great start, the Jersey Shore, and all The First Tee chapters need additional sponsors and corporate support If you interested in further information, visit The First Tee website, and contact the program in your area.

Ron Jaworski’s Celebrity Golf Challenge returns to Atlantic City in early May

The Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge returns to the Atlantic City area from May 3-5. New for 2008 is the addition of the Ron Jaworski Poker Open and cocktail party(May 3rd), which will add an extra day to the tournament this year. The poker tournament will feature many of the celebrities who also participate in the golf event such as Bill Bergey, Richard Dent, Glenn Foley, Rich Gannon, Joe Pisarcik, Beasley Reece, Joe Theismann, Garo Yepremian and of course host Ron Jaworski.

The Ron Jaworski Celebrity Shoot-Out, which will also be broadcast in prime time on Comcast CN8 after the actual competition in May, will again feature a star studded list of celebrity golfers Joining host Ron Jaworski will be Pro Football Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka, former Oakland Raiders All-Pro Quarterback Rich Gannon, the 2007 defending champion former Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Defensive Lineman Tony Siragusa, former All-Pro Quarterback of the Washington Redskins Joe Theismann and several other top celebrities. Spectator tickets will be on sale Sunday, May 4 at Atlantic City Country Club and 100% OF PROCEEDS FROM TICKETS ARE DONATED TO CHARITY RON JAWORSKI UPS CELEBRITY PRO-AM.

The Celebrity Pro-Am, preceded by the always popular Pairings Party on Sunday night, will again feature many outstanding celebrities Since the Pro-Am has been completely sold-out for the past several years, the tournament has initiated a double shotgun start for 2008 which will make a very limited number of additional Pro-Am teams available.

For information please call the tournament office at (888) 505-7070 PROCEEDS Tournament proceeds, annually over $200,000, are donated to the Jaws Youth Fund and this year a significant portion will also be donated to Gridiron Greats- to benefits needy ex-NFL players.

Historic Golf Tour finds great golf in New Jersey - By Andrea Stuart

With so many new courses built in the last decade, many of us have forgotten about some of the historical golf courses that are scattered throughout New Jersey. Courses designed by the likes of Tillinghast, Travis, and Ross are some of our best layouts around. For those wanting to play these courses, the biggest hurdle is that most are exclusive, private courses with limited access. But the solution may be found in the new Historic Golf Tour, which is entering its second season The brainchild of Nick Johnson, a golf enthusiast and world golfer, Johnson has put together the ideal solution for the golfer desiring to play these courses.

Golfers must have a USGA handicap, and be available for mid-week afternoon tee times “There are maybe half-a-dozen golf leagues in New Jersey, and they all play public or semi-privates courses,” says Johnson “I was tired of those five and six hour rounds, and wanted to play some of the more interesting courses, so I started this Historic Tour.” The current twelve-course schedule includes Morris County Country Club (Raynor), White Beeches Country Club (Travis), Saint Andrew’s (Reid/Nicklaus) and many other gems. Space is limited to the first twenty-eight players, and members have first priority. The Membership cost is $250, plus individual entry fees ranging from $145-$255, depending on the course and includes lunch, cart and drinks following play.

Members are entitled to participate in a prize fund, play in a match-play Ryder Cup three-event playoffs, and a year-end trip to Scotland. Both men and women are welcome to join, and there are some spots available for individual tournaments. For further information on joining or the complete schedule of events, visit the Historic Golf Tour website.

Former President Bush awarded USGA’s Highest Honor

Former President George Bush was recently presented the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, the golf organization’s highest honor. The award is for distinguished sportsmanship in golf, and recognizes a person who emulates the golf attitude and spirit of amateur great Bobby Jones. “I’m very flattered to receive this award,” Bush said in a statement. “Golf has meant a lot to me. It means friendship, integrity and character. I grew up in a family that was lucky enough to have golf at the heart of it for a while. My father was a scratch player and my mother also was a good golfer It’s a very special game.” Bush’s grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was president of the USGA in 1920 and inspired the Walker Cup, biennial matches for amateurs between the United States and a team from Britain and Ireland. His father, Prescott Bush, was USGA president in 1935 and helped establish the USGA Museum and Archives It was only the second time the award was given to a non-golfer. The USGA has recognized several entertainers including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in 1978. He received the award at the USGA meeting in Houston this past February.

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