There was plenty of positive energy flowing at this year's 59th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, and a lot of it had to do with the retail sector of the golf industry. Many new products from all the major vendors and a feeling that the economy is beginning to improve have fueled a brighter outlook for 2012 than in recent years. Matthew Shay, CEO of the… Read More
Jimmy Petrino Jr. feels like a lucky man these days. First, the Milton-Hoosic Club assistant golf professional survived driving the "skating rink that was the New Jersey Turnpike" during the recent October Nor'easter en route to Florida. Ultimately, he reached his final destination at venerable Seminole Golf Club just north of Palm Beach, which gives&nb… Read More
When Gary Parker won Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Award as its Best Golf Instructor in 2007, many avid golfers in the city took notice. Parker doesn't set up shop at a golf course with green grass, rolling fairways, and a spacious driving range. Instead, his expertise takes place at CityGolf Boston – right in the heart of a bustling metropolis just one block… Read More
In the summer months, Mike Haberl literally spends every day at the Hyannisport Club. No time to play in any NEPGA events. Not much time to play golf with colleagues or friends at other posh Cape Cod golf courses. The bottom line is that the 43-year-old Haberl, a Dennis native, feels fortunate to have been able to return to Cape Cod six years ago for a… Read More
Mark Copithorne readily admits that New England Country Club in Bellingham is not the easiest course for golfers to find in the Blackstone Valley region of Massachusetts. However, once he arrived there in 1999 as assistant professional then becoming the head pro in 2000, it's been an easy find for him because it's like his second home.
"It is… Read More
Christopher Hicks is a Wisconsin native who served his apprenticeship in the Milwaukee area and worked as director of operations for GolfTEC Boston until three years ago.
That's when he made the switch from an urban golf environment to a golf course setting amongst scenic vistas, historic homes, and boats along Cape Cod Bay. Hicks, 38, is the head… Read More
By Bob DiCesare
Gary Cardoza grew up in Fairhaven, MA and he still resides there today at age 36. His commute to work, however, is a different story. In December, Cardoza left Poquoy Brook GC in Lakeville where he was head professional to become Director of Instruction at the new Joe & Leigh's Golf Performance Center on Route 138 in Easton, a solid 45-minute drive each way. W… Read More
It seems only fitting that Mike Higgins has been named the new executive director of the New England PGA Section.That's because the 35-year-old Higgins has held nearly every other position within the Section since 1996, when he was a member of the NEPGA's first intern class working in tournament operations.Upon graduation from Elon University in North Carolina with a degree in sports m… Read More
Jay Morelli first came to Mount Snow briefly in 1975, but it was his return to the Vermont resort in 1977 which changed his life forever.
That's when Killington bought Mount Snow and chose Morelli to direct its new golf school in West Dover, VT like a model of its successful tennis camp.
Since then, the 64-year-old Morelli has been the key operative of The Original Golf School, one of the country'… Read More
It's a hot, steamy afternoon at the Tournament Players Club of Boston in Norton, and David Corrado is moving on fast-forward, traversing his way between the practice range, the pro shop, the locker room, and the pro-am scoring table.Such is the life of the head golf professional during tournament week of the Deutsche Bank Championship, the second leg of the FedEx Cup playoff series. Corrado has be… Read More
