NGAWire® 2010

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Lemmon Somewhat Disappointing

NGAWire® 10Aug10

Although the hopes and dreams of the NGA were not fulfilled this past weekend, we are still proud of our Chris Lemmon.

You can never sneeze at a top 10 finish.

2010 RGA Mid-Amateur Championship

Meadowbrook Country Club

August 6-7, 2010

Championship Flight

1. Larry Loving 68-67-135 (-7)

2. Ben Keefer 71-69-140 (-2)

2. Jeff Bostic 68-72-140 (-2)

4. Tom Batthany 74-73-147 (+5)

5. James Russell 75-73-148 (+6)

5. Jim Hudson 73-75-148 (+6)

7. Jim Woodson 74-76-150 (+8)

7. Robert Nussey, Jr 73-77-150 (+8)

9. Chris Lemmon 74-77-151 (+9)

9. Ron DeCastro 74-77-151 (+9)

11. Jeff Spears 74-78-152 (+10)

12. Kent Carson 75-77-152 (+10)

13. Tony Aguiar 74-79-153 (+11)

13. Greg Bales 75-78-153 (+11)

13. Steve Isaacs 73-80-153 (+11)

13. Peyton Lawson 74-79-153 (+11)

17.Bert Wilson 75-80-155 (+13)

Proof

NGAWire® 5Aug10

Staff Writer, Kurt Goetzke

Subbed in league again yesterday…below are yesterday’s scorecard and the scorecard from about 4 weeks ago…both were played on the Front Nine at Greystone…

5 4 5 8 3 3 4 5 4 … 41

5 3 4 5 5 4 5 7 3 … 41

The round from 4 weeks ago (OLD SCHOOL), I was 6 over through 4 and 1 under the last 5…

Yesterday, I was 1 over through 4 and 4 over the last 5…

The significance??? I used “new school” Driver, Putter (2 3 putts, but made 3 putts outside 10 ft), and Irons yesterday (plus a 1 Iron that I smoked on 1 and 3, and a Persimmon 4 Wood that never got used)…I drove it right in front of the green on the Par 4 7th and made bogey…I hit driver 6 iron into front bunker on the Par 5 8th and made Double…I drove the front bunker on the Par 4 9th and made Birdie…It doesn’t matter what the hell clubs you are hitting, you have to get the ball in the hole…I could have dubbed my drive on 8 and made no worse than bogey…I think I love old school even more, because I was so frustrated with 6 (3 putt bogey) 7, and 8 that I wanted to punch a tree…with “old school” there is nothing but love and move on to the next shot…thanks “old school” and I’m very sorry that the temptations (of “new school”) nearly catapulted me to the dark side…

2010 TPC Set For Oscoda

NGAWire® 12Jul10

Today the HGA and LBGA announced that the 2010 TPC (scheduled for September 23-26) will be played at Lakewood Shores in Oscoda, MI.

In a press release to the public, they stated:

After careful thought and consideration, the TPC 2010 Selection Committee is pleased to finally announce this year’s venue. In making this difficult decision, we considered many factors including cost, accommodations, golf, entertainment, and the like. Although we are aware of the fact that the final location is not known for its restaurants or night life, it is a location rich in golf tradition, one that is loved and admired by many of this year’s invitees. We did extensive research and gave careful consideration to several other scenarios before deciding on this year’s winner: Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda, Michigan. The event this year will be played over 4 rounds on the Gailes course and the Gailes course only. The course provides us with 4 unique tee box opportunities and we are going to use each and every one of them.

This will be the first time the TPC will be played over one golf course.

Nice work HGA and LBGA!

Only Time Weight Tell

NGAWire® 12Jul10

NGA members Karl Nagy and Andy Kurncz have come up with a $10 bet regarding 2010 Women’s US Open champion Paula Creamer.

Kurncz states that by 2022, Paula Creamer will have eclipse the 200 pound barrier.

“I guarantee that Paula will be huge, over two bills” stated Kurncz. “She will rival Meg Mallon and Pat Hurst in terms of behemothness.”

On the other hand, Nagy flatly disagrees.

“No way, not my Paula” says Nagy. “The only reason she is a bit heavier now is that her thumb was on the mend and she sat around a lot doing nothing, just like us.”

Only time will tell.

2011 TPC

NGAWire® 12Jul10

The NGA, KGAM and HGA.75 are pleased to announce that the 2011 TPC will take place in Detroit, MI next September 15-18, 2011.

Hooray! Our Creamer Wins US Open

NGAWire® 12Jul10

Yesterday our beloved Paula Creamer won the 2010 US Open in Oakmont, PA.

She finished 72 holes at (-3), 4 shots ahead of a Norwegian (very hot) and Korean.

We love you Paula!

Lemmon’s Not Sour This Afternoon

LGAWire® 10Jul10

Dateline – Richmond, VA

In what is destined to be the first of many, the dynamic duo of Ryan, 7, and Chris Lemmon, 37, took home their first championship in the JLCC Father/Son tourney, 9-hole division.

"I was sweaty out there” said Ryan. "But I was adequately hydrated with two Sprites and had a Twix bar to start off my day."

"I did have one birdie putt on 8 that went in. I was lucky that I made it because my Dad said he'd probably miss the 3 footer."

Along with the birdie on 8, the Lemmon’s birdied hole #5, offset by a couple of sloppy bogies on 7 and 9.

"Overall, I feel good," Lemmon spouted. "My back was a bit sore for doing "awesome abs" at the YMCA that morning."

The even par 35 was better by 2 over the other teams.

"It's a great win for Virginia, Michigan, and most importantly Richmond," Beamed JLCC pro and Virginia Mid-Atlantic pro of the year Tom Berry. "I couldn't have felt better for the Lemmon boys, it was well deserved."

Tiger Poised To Capture British Open

NGAWire® 8Jul10

In a phone call with Andy Kurncz, guaranteed that Tiger Woods would win the British Open this month. He also predicted a 5+ stroke victory. Although the NGA does not agree, we do hope that Kurncz is correct.

Kurncz Hits Tee Ball

NGAWire® 7Jul10

Simply funny. Thanks Andy!

FedEx Pickup

NGAWire® 6Jul10

During our travel home from Michigan, I received an e-mail stating FedEx had a package waiting for me at their distribution center.

We made a slight detour to Mauldin, SC to pick it up.

I wonder what I ordered?

Hooray For Hickory!

NGAWire® 30Jun10

Today was another lunch spent hitting my Louisville Golf hickory sticks at the driving range.

What a sweet feel! I can’t wait to get these to the course.

Masters Tragedy Avoided!

NGAWire® 15Jun10

Ho no! I nearly forgot to return my application for practice round tickets to the 2011 Masters Tournament.

The deadline for applications is still a month away (7/11/10), however I had long forgotten about the application e-mail I have received (and filed in my Saved folder) weeks ago.

Thank God for my buddy Kurt!

Jesus Struck By Lightning

NGAWire® 15Jun10

Oh no! The beloved I-75 Jesus in southern Ohio was hit by lightning last night and burn to the ground.

Poor Solid Rock Church is now without their 62 foot Christ statue.

Why God, why?

More New Sticks

NGAWire® 4Jun10

Today I received my newly purchased eBay auction set of club clubs.

The next round I play I will be heading to the first tee with Macgregor Tourney woods (1, 3 and 4), Tommy Armour Silver Scot irons (2-PW), a Tommy Armour Silver Scot Reg 708 putter and a brown/tan Burton golf bag.

Damn, old school golf is a lot of fun!

More Old School

NGAWire® 26May10

Yesterday after work I headed to River Falls Plantation for some more work on my old school golfing. This time around I had the complete set of Ping Eye irons and Ping Eye 2 woods.

My ball of choice today was the one-piece dynamo known as the Dynaflyte Mark V. I am not sure the age of this ball, but I’d guess best case circa 1970.

As a matter of fact, it was so old that my first one exploded on impact from a PW three holes into the round.

My Paula

NGAWire® 24May10

Yesterday I received a sample copy of Golfweek for Her in the mail. Not a bad magazine if you are a fan of Paula, Anna, Christie, Michelle, Natalie and Suzann.

A Horse Named Goetzke

LBGAWire® 24May10

Kurt and I played in a fun scramble with my brother and his friend this past Saturday at Michigan Meadows. It's a glorified Maple Lanes. Kurt told me on Wednesday that he played in some work outing and he hit the tee ball better than he ever hit it in his life for the entire round. This was better than the clinic day driving it 300 plus and it was either going to be a good or bad thing for the upcoming scramble. Our first hole was longest drive (of course) on a 500+ yard par 5 (card said 475 but we played blue tees). My brother and I both hit pretty good balls down the right rough. Kurt now was in the anchor spot with no pressure. Well in a typical Goetzke fashion he swings very, very hard and pops it straight up in the air totaling about 10 yards from the tee. He says "I don't think I have ever done that" and then laughs. We drive to my ball in the right rough and Kurt is still talking about the tee ball. Kurt is batting in the three spot for approaches. He mentions a few times about how he never pops it up and can't figure it out. He pulls out 3 wood from 250ish and takes another big lash and again it goes straight up in the air and lands 10 yards away again. We all have a good laugh. The shoulders go down and the club is pushed firmly into the bag. I tell him no big deal that "I gotcha pards". He snaps back with a really quick "I'm done...I got nothing." I crack up and remind him it's only the first hole.

Welcome Winston!

NGAWire® 20May10

Today we welcomed Winston to the family!

He is a 15 pound goldendoodle born on March 5, 2010 in Greenwood, MO.

He arrived to Greenville via Delta Cargo (KCI to ATL to GSP) this afternoon.

Dreaming About TPC

NGAWire® 13May10

I had a fun dream last night. We were at the 2010 TPC. The rota was Whispering Willows, Idyl Wyld, Maple Lane, Hilltop and Glenhurst. Everyone was playing reto clubs. I only had seven clubs in my bag. They were all Ralph Guldahl clubs. My handicap was adjusted up by 4 strokes, Andy only got 3 but he didn't care. Kurncz had his old Titleist irons, plus he was chipping with done type of wood shafted club. Andy's wooden driver was held together electrical tape. The one shot he hit (some hole at Maple) with it was heeled right down the fairway. We all laughed as soon as he hit. I remember someone asking if Longeway was playing his Goldwin’s.

My Weekend

NGAWire® 5Apr10

Staff reporter, Jeff Longeway

Friday was a much anticipated day for my kids as I was finally going to set up the trampoline they got for Christmas. After about 4 hrs of assembly time it was all set and the kids had a blast jumping all afternoon. Saturday morning they were up early and jumping until the the sky turned gray and the rain and wind were on there way. At about 4 pm ( right after the Wings lost in OT) I heard a huge gust of wind. I looked outside just in time to see the trampoline lift off. With the safety net and supports the trampoline began to roll on it's side though my yard, then my neighbors, then up the hill towards M14. I quickly ran out of my house to chase this thing down but it kept on going. I began to panic as headed over the hill with no stopping in sight. I got to the top of the hill just in time to see it hop the metal wire fence heading out onto the expressway. As it crashed down into the ditch it flipped itself up right about 6 ft from the road. It took 5 people to carry the thing back to my yard. The netting is trashed and tube steel frame broke in two spots and is bent in 3 others. Now I have to take it apart just to throw it away.The yellow line shows the path. It rolled about 450 ft.

Guldahl Cup Teams, Format, Handicaps, Accommodations Released

LBGAWire® 23Mar10

The LBGA has released the below information regarding the 2010 Guldahl Cup.

Players, Hometown, Handicaps

Steve Lawler, Macomb Twp, MI, 3

Kurt Goetzke, Berkley, MI, 7

Andy Kurncz, Fenton, MI, 11

Shawn Lally*, Chesterfield, MI, 12

Dan McKay, Warren, MI, 13

John Ondrus*, Macomb, MI, 13

Mark Chapman, Brighton, MI, 13

Steve Peterson*, Lincoln Park, MI, 17

Ron Clifton, Oakville, ONT, 18

Jeff Longeway, Plymouth, MI, 20

Format

Round 1 – Best ball match play (everyone gets their strokes) front, back, total (3 points per match, 9 points total)

Round 2 – Total combined score match play, single golfer will double handicap then subtract from opponents for the difference, single golfer will double their score per hole (3 points per match, 9 points total)

Round 3 – Front nine alternate shot match play, back nine scramble match play, single golfers will play match play front nine and one person two ball scramble on back nine (1 point per match, 6 points total)

Round 4 - Singles match play (front, back, total 3 points per match, 15 points total)

Purse

$200 ($20 per man)

Group Pairings

Rounds 1 & 2 will be threesome, threesome and foursome (each team will have a two on one)

Rounds 3 & 4 will be foursome, foursome and twosome

Teams Members (as drafted on 3/22)

Team Goldenrod – CAPT Ron Clifton, Kurt Goetzke, Andy Kurncz, Dan McKay, Shawn Lally

Team Markers Mark – CAPT Jeff Longeway, Steve Lawler, Mark Chapman, John Ondrus, Steve Peterson

Golf Courses

Round 1 – Friday 3/26/10 – Andover Golf & Country Club (1:30pm)

Round 2 & 3 – Saturday 3/27/10 – Cherry Blossom Golf Course (9:00am)

Round 4 – Sunday 3/28/10 – University Club of Kentucky Wildcat Course (9:00am)

Accommodations

Holiday Inn Lexington North – Georgetown

140 Osborne Way

Georgetown, KY 40324

Each golfer will pay $120.00 per night plus applicable tax. This total includes hotel room, hot cooked breakfast each morning compliments of the general manager, green fees and cart rental at each golf course. They are also checking into a complimentary meeting/hospitality room for our group.

The NGA would like to welcome Shawn, John and Steve to the family.

Death To America

NGAWire® 21Mar10

This evening the United States Congress plunged a dagger in the heart of all that it is to be American with their passing of the Health Care Reform Bill.

By a vote of 220 to 215 (50.574%), the House of Representatives passed bill HR 3962.

http://www.opencongress.org/vote/2009/h/887

Each American will now be required to purchase nationalized health care from the government, otherwise face fines and/or imprisonment.

The health care you have received your entire life will be gone.

Good bye America, you had a great run!

NGA Announces Paula Creamer Day

NGAWire® 18Mar10

The NGA is please to announce that beginning in 2010, March 18 will forever be known as Paula Creamer Day.

This day has been created to celebrate the goodness of America’s number one female golfer.

In keeping with the tradition of St Patrick’s Day, please remember to eat and drink something pink on this day.

Killer Kurncz

NGAWire® 17Mar10

Staff Writer, Kurt Goetzke

I had a dream last night that Kurncz was hired by a Mafioso to kill me…I have no idea why…being the nice guy Kurnczie is, he didn’t kill me right away, but kept saying he had to do it…I asked if there was any way I could get out of being killed and he told me that I would have to take a picture of something in nature that would impress the mafia guy…so, I remembered the Cardinal that taps on my bosses window every day because it thinks there is another Cardinal in the reflection…I took a picture of it and gave it to Kurncz to give to the Mafia guy…Oh, and we were in Myrtle Beach, by the way…then I woke up…I think I need some serious help…

Clifton Really Long In Jamaica

NGAWire® 16Mar10

This past week Ron Clifton and family enjoy a well earned vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Clifton’s wife Ginger afforded him the luxury of three rounds of golf during the vacation.

During one of those rounds Clifton hit the Jamaican jackpot.

Clifton tomahawked his Callaway FT-I 9.5º LCG Tour Draw Matrix (with Ozark stiff shaft) an extraordinary distance during a long driving completion and won himself a bottle of rum.

Clifton stated “Thanks to Sandals Golf and CC, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Ya Man!”

BTW – Clifton fired rounds of 91, 85 and 89 in Jamaica. Where the hell was this guy in Myrtle?

NGA Launches NGAWireless Live! To The World

NGAWire® 12Mar10

Today the NGA unveiled its newest form of media, NGAWireless Live!

In conjunction with USTREAM (www.ustream.tv), the NGA will broadcast live from various events, gatherings, functions and tournaments.

This historic broadcast took place in Fountain Inn, SC, very near to NGA Headquarters in neighboring Simpsonville.

Although both the video and audio quality was somewhat substandard, the NGA is still pleased with its first live broadcast.

“Everyone knows the acronyms CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN, TGC, HBO, TWC, CNN, CSPAN, TWC, PENT, PLBY, DIY, etc…” exclaimed Karl Nagy, NGA President. “Soon enough everyone will know NGA as well!”

At the peak of today, a total of 4 viewers/computers were tuned in to the broadcast. This number translates into a total of 5 persons within Hungry Howie’s Headquarters, with a possible sixth who was walking by an open office door and turned to see what all the commotion was about.

Fairway Driving Clinic Scheduled For 2010

NGAWire® 9Mar10

The NGA has received wonderful news that the 2010 Fairway Driving Clinic has been scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010.

The event will take place during the Memorial Tournament at Glenhurst Golf Course in Redford, MI.

Ticket pricing and availability is still undetermined at this time.

Lawler Buys New Shoes

NGAWire® 9Mar10

Today Steve Lawler purchased himself a new pair of Puma golf shoes.

“I couldn’t help myself” stated Lawler.

Beware Bed Bugs

NGAWire® 4Mar10

Sadly, NGA’er Ron Clifton was infested with bed bugs bites during the CJI. Godspeed Ron!

McLemmon Wins 2010 CJI

NGAWire® 1Mar10

In a mild upset last weekend, Team McLemmon won the 2010 CJI over Team Glenfiddich Chargers by sixteen strokes, 661 to 677.

McLemmon dismantled the Chargers in a workmanlike fashion, winning each of the four rounds. In truth, they were never really challenged.

“I am the greatest CJI’er ever! Bring on naked chicks and Bombay Sapphire!” exulted McLemmon captain Chris Lemmon.

Asked what he thought about losing another CJI, Kurt Goetzke announced “Screw McLemmon. They suck!”

Congrats to Chris Lemmon, George Lemmon and Dan McKay on a well earned victory!

McKay Has One Weak Ass Arm

NGAWire® 28Mar10

Yesterday CJI participants Karl Nagy, Dan McKay and Kurt Goetzke conducted a golf ball toss from the Barefoot Resort condo balcony to the intercostal waterway.

Goetzke lead the way, with Nagy finishing a close second. Poor McKay’s ball never reach the water.

An infant in the midst of crapping himself silly could throw farther than poor jelly-armed McKay.

CJI Percentages

NGAWire® 24Mar10

Staff Reporter, Dan McKay

I have been thinking about this since Ron told me he flight plans. His flight from Buffalo lands at Metro about 4:40 pm. He then must make his way to our flight to Charlotte, which leaves at 5:15 pm. By my math that equals about 35 minutes. With all of that said, I will place the percentage that Ron's golf bag makes our flight at about 62.5%.

After seeing Kurt's travel golf bag and hold wide and stuffed it is, I will place 20% chance that all of our bags will fit in the car top Nagy shell.

I will place a 99.9% chance that CJI players will see someone topless. For all of you, I will do my best to ensure it is not me.

I will place a 26% chance that CJI players will someone bottomless; if Andy is to attend that number climbs to 76%.

I will place a 2% chance that a CJI player will get eaten by an alligator; Ron's chances are slightly elevated to 4%.

I will place a 13% chance that someone will get food poisoning; although a 70% that the person is Kurt.

Blueprints, Cigar And Skinny Chappy

NGAWire® 22Feb10

Staff Reporter, Steve Lawler

Sometime early this morning I was going in and out of a golf dream again.

Meeting somewhere in a southern Michigan parking lot, Dan and I were waiting for our ride. Kurncz as usual was the man we were waiting for. After a few minutes of talking with McKay, in drives Kurncz in a white and chrome Rolls Royce. Kurncz gets out along with Chappy. I say to the Cha-man that he looks like he lost some weight. He responds with a monster smile "it's just 20 pounds Steve, just 20 pounds" Kurncz then opens the trunk and said "Load up". What's funny is that the trunk was full of golf course blueprints. I went to get my clubs and noticed McKay only brought cigars to pile in the trunk. When I woke I said to myself McKay has a problem and then laughed.

2010 Guldahl Cup Courses And Accommodations Set

LBGAWire® 20Feb10

The golf courses and accommodations for the 2010 Guldahl Cup have been finalized.

Holiday Inn Lexington North - Georgetown

140 Osborne Way

Georgetown, KY 40324

www.holidayinn.com/georgetownky

Each golfer will pay $120.00 per night plus applicable tax. This total includes hotel room, hot cooked to order breakfast each morning compliments of the general manager, green fees and cart rental at each golf course. They are also checking into a complimentary meeting/hospitality room for our group.

Friday March 26, 2010

Andover Golf & Country Club

First Tee Time is set for 1:30pm

http://www.golfandover.com

Saturday March 27, 2010

Cherry Blossom Golf Course (36 holes)

First Tee Time is set for 9:00am

Replay is included in your stay and play rate

http://www.cherryblossomgolf.com

Sunday March 28, 2010

University Club of Kentucky Wildcat Course

First Tee Time is set for 9:00am

http://www.uckygolf.com

Nagy Buys New Kicks

NGAWire® 18Feb10

Today Karl Nagy purchased a new pair of white Ecco Casual Cool II Hydromax golf shoes.

Damn skippy I’d say!

2010 Guldahl Cup Set For Lexington

LBGAWire® 17Feb10

Get those clubs out of the basement and start swinging! We only have 5 weeks before the start of the golf season.

I should have all the hotel info and tee times booked by the end of this week. I will be making reservation based on 8 people. I can possibly add more if needed but we need even numbers. Once we have the field of players we can set handicaps, select captains and pick teams. Then let the trash talking begin.

Just a little info for those on the fence…total trip cost around $240, two people per room with two beds, two nights stay, cook to order breakfast each morning, on site restaurant and lounge, 4 rounds of golf at some highly rated courses, possible complimentary meeting/hospitality poker room for group and no deposit needed.

That weekend average high is 59 and average low is 39 and the sunset is at 8pm.

Here is an update on players that are in so far

1. Steve Lawler

2. Dan McKay

3. Kurt Goetzke

4. Andy Kurncz

5. Mark Chapman

6. John Ondrus*

7. Shawn Lally*

8. TBD

On the fence

Karl Nagy

Jeff Longeway

Bruce Kruckeberg

Jim Hartigan

*denotes non-NGA member

Medalist Golf Grip Horror

NGAWire® 18Feb10

Staff Reporter, Steve Lawler

Funny story...sometime last night I started dreaming about golf as I often do. We were at Carrington for a Publinx match with half of our old team and part of my new team. As I was warming up on the range and talking up my new cheap grips, my driver grip started to unravel like an old leather wrap. I started to panic and told Karl to make up the lineups and put us in the last group so I could go to Golfsmith for a new grip. I also said to put Goetzke with Kurncz. Then I woke up.

Kurncz To Rejoin NGA

NGAWire® 14Feb10

After much consideration, 2009 TPC champion Andy Kurncz has decided not to leave the NGA.

“I may have been somewhat hasty in my decision” explained Kurncz. “I love the NGA and promise to never, ever leave.”

Welcome back Andy!

NGA Reveals TPC Champion Hand-Foot Policy

NGAWire® 13Feb10

The NGA has decided to forego plans on holding a champion’s dinner next TPC.

Instead they have instituted a policy that is call the “TPC Champion Hand-Foot Policy”.

The lucky defending champion will have all his needs catered to by the former champions in attendance.

“We aim to make his time as defending champion a pleasurable one. If he needs anything at all, it will be provided to him” stated an unnamed NGA spokesman. “Nothing will be too much or too little.”

This policy does not include anything sexually related, nor does it include anything associated to “bathroom” activities.

Non-participation by former TPC champions is strictly frowned upon.

Since the current TPC champion has departed the NGA, 2008 winner Karl Nagy will reap the benefits of this new policy.

O Guru De Golfe Salvador Swing Review – Steve Lawler

NGAWire® 14Feb10

Matt “o guru de golfe Salvador” Maser reviews Steve Lawler’s golf swing.

Address

Good ready position to start. Note: the camera wasn’t completely still during the recording.

Halfway Back

Left arm parallel to the ground. Yellow line is the path the club head has traveled. Ideally, it stays between the shaft and shoulder planes. Good job of maintaining the spine angle. Shaft is pointing at the ball which is also good.

Top

With today’s modern teaching, you don’t want the club head to cross the shoulder plane because it requires an equal and opposite compensation move to recover at impact. Steve has a more traditional longer backswing motion and does a great job getting the shaft and club face in a nice square position.

Halfway Down

Left arm parallel to the ground. Steve does a very good job of executing the transition move between top of backswing and start of downswing resulting in the powerful position shown here. The club head has moved back to match the backswing path so the shaft (green line) is intersecting his right bicep. You can see his lower body is active as well. A club head path of this shape and approaching angle (below the shaft plane) into impact is indicative of a “draw”.

Impact

Great position to compress the ball against the club face and turf. Left hip is clearing, right elbow in close to the hip, spine angle is maintained. A real efficient use of converting potential energy into kinetic energy.

Post Impact

Although I am not sure how significant this is, I thought this was interesting position of the high arms (blue circle). I am thinking it is a result if the club head path working below the shaft plane during the downswing (slide 5).

Finish

Well done, Steve.

Kurncz Leaves NGA For NGL

NGAWire® 12Feb10

In an unprecedented move, reigning TPC champion and mainstay Andy Kurncz is leaving the NGA and will rejoin in the NGL (Neighbors Golf League) in 2010.

Kurncz, a one-time NGL member, is rejoining the tour he was a member of from 1996 to 2001.

“I have conquered all there is to conquer on the NGA. There are other mountains for me to climb” stated Kurncz.

He then added “I have made many friends and enjoyed my time as an NGA member. I will never forget it.”

It is rare that a man is able to leave his sport at its pinnacle, on the very top, as Kurncz is doing.

We wish Kurncz well on all his future endeavors.

O Guru De Golfe Salvador Swing Review – Dan McKay

NGAWire® 8Feb10

Matt “o guru de golfe Salvador” Maser reviews Dan McKay’s golf swing.

Address

Good ready position to start from.

Halfway Back

Left arm parallel to the ground. Yellow line is the path the club head has traveled. Ideally, it stays between the shaft and shoulder planes.

Top

Ideally you don’t want the club head to cross the shoulder plane as Dan has done here because it requires an equal and opposite move to recover.

Halfway Down

Left arm parallel to the ground. Note the massive difference Dan’s club has traveled from the top of the back swing to the half way down position. When the club head/path is this far outside the shaft plane, Dan has lost club head speed and depends solely on his athletic ability to square the club face with his hands making it very challenging to have consistent ball striking. Also note how Dan’s hips have moved away from the red line and towards the ball (a).

Impact

From the over the shoulder plane position, you can see Dan’s hips and legs are not active in the swing, again the hands are doing all the work. You can also see Dan is losing his spine angle which buys him more time to square the club face. This is a result of the improper sequenced transition from back swing to down swing.

Post Impact

You did a good job of recovering the club shaft below the shaft plane. Now you see the legs becoming active and catching up in the swing.

Finish

Well balanced, shaft aligning nicely with the ears. The club head path and face position tell you what you need to work on. 1) Keep the club head behind the shaft , with a not so shut face. 2) Work on the transition by moving the hips first which provides space for the club head and arms to drop down behind the shaft plane. I’m sure it will feel very strange so have Steve confirm the club head positions match so you can remember the body feelings until they feel normal.

iMOM Spotted Clubbing

NGAWire® 7Feb10

Last evening Kurt Goetzke was spotted out and about town, getting his groove on with the ladies of suburban Detroit.

Goetzke, voted NGA playboy of the decade from 2000-2009, is gifted with rugged good looks and a dazzling personality.

“When I noticed Kurt across the bar, my knees turned into butter, hot melted butter” exclaimed one adoring female admirer.

Another unexpecting female stated “I thought it was going to be another regular night out with my girlfriends. Little did I expect to find my true love.”

“Life is not fair. One Kurt, but billions of women” sobbed another female fan.

Nagy Vows To Lay Up

NGAWire® 20Jan10

Once upon a time, par 5 holes offered a chance to make up shots. Eagles were always possible, birdies likely.

However that was long ago.

Nagy has averaged 5.5 stokes on these holes since last June.

His tee shots are not the issue. Driving has been the strongest part of Nagy’s game the past 3+ years.

In order to cure this problem, he has vowed to lay-up any shot from over 220 yards.

“Hell, I can’t do any worse, can I?” stated Nagy.

Time will tell.

Opening Day

NGAWire® 16Jan10

The opening day of golf for me occurred today at the 2009 Mitterling Cup Matches.

This event is a match play event between the Upstate (SC) and Charlotte/Pinehurst Amateur Golf Tour organizations and was played at Deer Brook GC in Shelby, NC.

My opponent was Mike Hindmarsh of Ramseur, NC (former resident of Dearborn Heights, MI and former associate at Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth, MI).

When we teed off, the ground was a bit hard and playing shots involved additional bounce and skip calculations. My calculator must have been off since I found myself 2 down after 2 holes.

My first par did not occur until the 6th hole, but I was hitting the ball well and I wasn’t too worried.

As the temperature began to heat up, so did my game. I made the turn 1 down and leveled the match on the 11th hole. After halving 12, Mike’s game began to fade.

A consistent tee ball was too much for Mike and I took four in a row (13-16) to win the match 4&2.

All things considered, it was a wonderful opening day on the links.