Teeing Up in Union County

LOCAL GOLF PROS PROVIDE SOME TIPS FOR GETTING BACK INTO THE GAME.

By Kim Ann Zimmermann

(...continued)

WOMEN HIT THE LINKS IN RECORD NUMBERS
By Jo-Ann C. Dixon, President
Northern New Jersey Chapter of Executive Women’s Golf Association

Record numbers of women are learning to play the game of golf. The most recent stats we’ve seen confirm that more than 4.4 million women are dedicated golfers — and they average more than 60 rounds a year. Women spend more on equipment and travel nationwide and are gathering a larger market share each year, by using golf for exercise, to enhance their careers and social activities.

More than 320 women will be hitting the golf courses of Northern New Jersey this summer as members of the 26 leagues offered by Executive Women’s Golf Association – NNJ. In addition, the over 500 members of this chapter of the largest, international amateur women’s golfing organization will have access to some of the finest golf courses throughout the Metro North East Section of EWGA. The section, ranging from Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley and Stroudsburg; from Southern NJ, Central NJ and Northern NJ; Fairfield County Ct., Westchester, Long Island and Manhattan the hosts over 3500 members will have opportunities to play in each chapter invitational at great golf courses that they would normally not have access to without EWGA.

There are a number of organizations in New Jersey that offer some form of businesswomen’s golf. But Executive Women’s Golf Association of Northern New Jersey, takes it several steps further. The leagues and clinics they offer are structured to accommodate beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced golfers. Members are also provided with educational seminars, instructional classes taught by LPGA and PGA teaching pros as well as offering networking events.

The ability to access other chapters around the country when traveling on business or pleasure to be able to play some of America’s top courses makes this association very special. The creation of friendships nationwide through its national and international span has enabled access to a much broader reach of courses.

EWGA has opened the possibility for more and more women to learn the game of golf in a supportive environment. Women have had a profound impact on Golf in America — they don’t often have the luxury of a four to five hour round of golf but don’t want to forego the game altogether — so they don’t mind playing nine-hole rounds and the industry has noticed — greater numbers of courses are offering nine-hole rounds at reduced rates.

The Northern New Jersey Chapter of Executive Women’s Golf Association is celebrating its 13th year with more than 500 members taking advantage of this very positive trend in golf for women. Go to: www.ewgannj.org for more information.

LEO TABICK JOINS HYATT HILLS AS GOLF PRO INSTRUCTOR
Leo P. Tabick, a Class A, PGA Professional since 1974 has joined the Hyatt Hills Golf Complex as a Golf Professional Instructor.

He has held head professional positions at several courses in the New York area, including La Tourette Golf Course, Inwood Golf Course, Inwood, NY, Van Cortlant Park Golf Course, Bronx, NY, and Lido Gold Course, Lido Beach, NY. He was also Director of Instruction at the Randalls Island Golf Academy, Randalls Island, NY, and the instructor at the One More Move Golf School, Port St. Lucie, FL.

Leo’s instructional system is to apply his teaching to your own unique swing and body type utilizing actual practice and visual aids. Most importantly, he stresses your enjoyment of the game. Leo has also formulated a program for Middle School and High School students that will enable them to develop the skills necessary for tournament play, high school teams, college competition and beyond. Programs will include short game skills, swing mechanics including pre-shot routine, rules training, overall evaluations as well as mental and physical training.

The Hyatt Hills Golf Complex employs three additional golf pros — all highly skilled and trained in teaching all levels of proficiency. The complex offers a variety of activities for golfers at all levels; 3,216 yards of 9-hole golf; a modern clubhouse and pro shop; a 40 station driving range with heated stalls; a beautiful 18-hole miniature
golf course with wandering streams and waterfalls and the critically acclaimed Lana’s Fine Dining Restaurant.

Hyatt Hills Golf Complex,1300 Raritan Rd., Clark; 908-732-669-9100; www.hyatthills.com

COURSES IN THE UNION COUNTY PARK SYSTEM
Union County's Ash Brook, Galloping Hill and Oak Ridge Golf Courses have long been recognized as outstanding public courses, providing golfers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy this challenging sport.

Ash Brook
Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
908-756-0414
Since 1953 Ash Brook has provided golfers of all skill levels an opportunity to play an 18-hole course that is both challenging and enjoyable. Ash Brook plays just under 7,000 yards from the back tees and features spacious, tree-lined fairways, accessible greens and an occasional water hazard. Adjacent to the main links is a 9-hole pitch and putt course added to the facility in 1964.

Galloping Hill
Kenilworth Blvd., Kenilworth
908-686-1556
This 27-hole golf course sprawls across 271 acres in Kenilworth and Union. Characterized by its natural terrain of rolling hills and valleys, the newly renovated course often referred to as "the Hill", has a reputation as one of the most challenging courses in the area. Lights on the pitch and putt course extending the opportunities
into the warm summer evenings.

Hours of operation
Golf course hours vary a great deal. During the summer, weekday hours extend from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., while weekend and holiday hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call the courses for specific hours.

Oak Ridge Golf Course
Oak Ridge Road, Clark
732-574-0139
This short but challenging course is just over 6,000 yards, covering 169.4 acres primarily in Clark, but reaching into Scotch Plains and Edison also. Despite its size, Oak Ridge is sprinkled with interesting fairways and sandtraps to heighten the challenge and present golfers with 18 demanding holes.

Automated reservation system
A computerized tee-time reservation system offers I.D. card holders a quick and easy way to reserve, confirm, modify or cancel tee-time reservations 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Ash Brook, Oak Ridge or Galloping Hill. A nominal fee is charged for each reserved tee-time. The reservation numbers are 908-374-5223, 732-333-1245 and 973-796-5300. Non-residents must call the courses directly.

UNITED WAY GOLF CLASSIC SET FOR JUNE 19
On June 19, United Way of Greater Union County will hold its 2006 Golf Classic and dinner reception at the Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club in Scotch Plains.

Each year, this exciting event unites more than 100 local people for a great day of golf, valuable networking and a grand buffet dinner. Proceeds generated from the Golf Classic will support United Way’s Community Fund that powers programs for local children and youth, people with disabilities, seniors and families in crisis.

For more information about participation or sponsorships, call 908-353-7171.

(continued...)

PREVIOUS | 1 | 2 | 3 | NEXT