“Golf: Gahman has another busy summer” plus 3 more |
- Golf: Gahman has another busy summer
- Golf carts in Soulard are growing in popularity
- Golf
- Golf course turning the corner
| Golf: Gahman has another busy summer Posted: 15 Aug 2010 07:00 AM PDT Golf is a game that has been known to crush a man's spirit with one bad bounce, only to resurrect it two holes later before finally stomping his hopes of finishing at even par into the ground like an unwanted spider crawling along a kitchen floor as he double-bogeys on the 18th. Yes, this is golf. Frustrating. Mind-numbing. Addictive. Brilliant. Travis Gahman knows it all too well, and at the age of 21, he feels more comfortable than ever before on a golf course. "Absolutely," Gahman said. "I haven't been nervous on a golf course this whole year, just because of all those school golf tournaments I had in the fall and spring at Bridgewater [College]. You're not only playing for yourself, you're playing for your team and school, so there's more pressure, and you just deal with it." Gahman, a 2007 Souderton High graduate who is entering his junior year at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA, played in several amateur tournaments this summer, including the 40th Annual Lakeview Amateur Tournament and the 2010 Loudon Mutual Valley Open, both of which he won. In the Lakeview Tournament, held in mid-June at Lakeview Golf Course near Harrisonburg, VA, where Gahman lived for part of the summer with his sister and brother-in-law, the Souderton native shot a 72 and a 68 for a combined score of 140 (-4) in the Championship Flight to win by seven strokes. "I got a new swing in the middle of June, about two days before the Lakeview Amateur in Virginia, and I won that and qualified three days later for Publinks," Gahman said. "My old swing was working here and there, but if my timing was wrong, my miss-hits were bad. And now, with this new swing, my miss-hits are much better than they were. Golf is a game of misses. Golf is a game of the best misses and my misses are getting better." At the Valley Open—played at Heritage Oak Golf Course (Harrisonburg), Lakeview and Spotswood Country Club (Harrisonburg) in late July—Gahman shot a 66 (-4), a 71 (-1), and a 70 (-1) for a combined score of 207 (-6) to beat the nearest pro by five strokes and the closest amateur by 11 strokes. In late June, Gahman, after he won at Lakeview, returned to the area to play in the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship Qualifier at Jeffersonville Golf Club. He shot a 69 and a 71 to finish even at 140. "That was like 38 guys for two spots," Gahman said. "Then that qualified me down to Greensboro, Bryan Park. I played a national tournament." A few days later, Gahman took second at the PPGA Publinks Championship at Jeffersonville where he shot a 69 (-1). Last summer, Gahman defeated Mike Brown to win the Publinks Championship. At the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship held at Bryan Park Golf and Conference Center in Greensboro, N.C., the 2009 PPGA Player of the Year qualified for match play by hitting a birdie on the first playoff hole, the 10th hole, of a 13-for-six playoff. "One hundred and fifty-six guys for 64 match-play spots," Gahman said. "And through six holes I was five-under. And I kind of blew up on the back nine, but I made it through the 36 holes. I made it on the number and I was in a 13-for-6 playoff." In match play, Gahman, seeded 62nd, was paired up with No. 3 seed Patrick Reed, the third ranked amateur player in the world. "He played well," Gahman said. "He was five-under through 12 holes. I birdied the first and then it went downhill from there. I didn't play well and lost." Reed was up seven holes after they had played 12 to clinch the win. In late July, Gahman shot a 75 (+4) at the Montgomery County Amateur at Ravens Claw before withdrawing in the second round at Blue Bell Country Club on Aug. 1. He also shot an 80 (+8) and a 74 (+2) at the U.S. Amateur Qualifier earlier this month. On Monday, Gahman began his quest to finally make the cut at the 94th Pennsylvania Open in his third time at the annual event. "My first goal is to make the cut, but I'm playing much better than I have been," Gahman said, who failed to reach that goal after shooting 78-71—149, six shots shy of the cutline in the tournament held at Applebrook Golf Club. "First I'd be happy to make the cut because I'm going into this course blind as well. But I feel like my game is good enough that I can hit around, see what's around me and make the cut. Top 10 would be great. Top 20 is plenty good for me for the whole state of Pennsylvania, including amateur and pros." Gahman entered the spring season with plenty of confidence. In his first season playing for Bridgewater, a Division III program, he set a school record for the best single-season scoring average with a 74.888 average besting Grady Ruckman's record average of 74.909 according to the team's website. Gahman earned a birdie on the final hole of the 2010 NCAA Division III Golf Championships at the Hershey Links Course in Hershey to make school history. Gahman also set a school record for an 18-hole score during his first tournament round with the team. "And then I went downhill from there," he joked. "But at the end of the year we made nationals for the first time in school history by winning our conference championship for the first time; that was an automatic bid. At nationals, its four days, but after two days it cuts down to the top 23 teams. We were tied for 24th, but I was fortunate enough to make it through playoffs as an individual." Gahman said one area he still struggles in, like most golfers, is the mental aspect of the game. "It's definitely a struggle, especially when you know you can hit shots and you don't, and you see other people hitting those same shots," Gahman said. "Golf is definitely a mental game, I'm trying to work on it, it's not good at all right now, but it's better than what it has been."
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| Golf carts in Soulard are growing in popularity Posted: 14 Aug 2010 06:00 PM PDT BY DOUG MOORE • dmoore@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8125 | Posted: Sunday, August 15, 2010 12:25 am | ST. LOUIS • The outhouse behind Luann and Joe Denten's historic Soulard home is spruced up and in use again after a lengthy hiatus. Not as a powder room, but as a garage for the couple's new purchase: a golf cart. The Dentens bought the cart about three months ago, joining a growing number of neighbors who use the vehicles once limited to the links to get around. On any given weekend, golf carts can be seen parked outside Soulard Market, the community garden, or stopped in the middle of the street for an impromptu visit with a neighbor. No official golf cart association has been organized here - yet - but residents say about 25 of the vehicles are in this neighborhood, known for having the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi River, taverns on seemingly every corner and an annual Mardi Gras parade. Welcome to Soulard's version of keeping up with the Joneses. "Over the years, having one has become almost a prerequisite to move to Soulard," said Cathy Weldon, who runs The Porch, a popular spot for golf cart owners to pop into for live music and wine on a Saturday afternoon. Luann Denten says driving a golf cart is a great way to get to know your neighbors. "It encourages social interaction and is a lot of fun," Denten said as she steered her green cart toward the neighborhood recycling center. "If you're in your car, you honk, wave and keep going. This is open. You stop and talk." The golf carts are also environmentally friendly, especially those that are electric-powered, Denten and other proud owners point out. "We park our car on Friday and don't move it until Sunday unless we have to leave Soulard," said Lisa Clark, who heads the Soulard Restoration Group. "It lessens our carbon footprint. And parking is easy." Parking is not exactly loose and fast, but golf carts have more options. They are pulled onto sidewalks wide enough to keep a path open for pedestrians. Or up next to the side of a building. Or in a street parking space too tight for a car. "You can always find a spot for them," said Jim Price, who is on his third cart since 2000. He commutes to his insurance office 31/2 blocks from home. He also takes it to the bank to make deposits and run other errands. The only time he and his wife, Julie, take it out of the neighborhood is for Cardinals games. Busch Stadium is a few minutes north, down Seventh Street. Price's first cart went kaput. The second one was destroyed in 2006 when a drunk driver hit it while Price was driving on Broadway and hanging "no parking" signs along the Mardi Gras parade route. The rules of driving a golf cart are basically the same as driving any other vehicle on a public road. The best guide to follow is the state statute regulating low-speed vehicles, which includes golf carts. The carts are not to be driven on any road where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour (although another section of the state statute says 45 miles per hour). Those sliding behind the wheel must have a valid drivers license and insurance on the cart. Even though not required under the low-speed law, some drivers have retrofitted their carts with lights and blinkers. Others use hand signals when driving. "Nothing in this section shall prevent county or municipal governments from adopting more stringent local ordinances," the statute says. So far, city leaders have found no reason to create their own rules. Alderman Phyllis Young, who represents most of Soulard, says the state law is adequate for now. Neal Thompson says the neighborhood follows an unwritten code of conduct to assure that further restrictions do not have to be imposed. "I think we all realize that we don't want this positive addition to our ability to move around the neighborhood compromised," Thompson said. "Drive responsibly, follow traffic signs and stay on the island." The island he refers to is Soulard. It's how some residents here look at their neighborhood, a part of the city but definitely a self-contained community. Residents say the carts are great for hopping from bar to bar. But they also say the carts are not a license for reckless abandonment. "It's a motor vehicle, and with that comes drinking responsibly," Clark said. Across the country, the number of carts being used off golf courses is rising, although the exact numbers are not available. Two of the largest makers of golf carts - Club Car and E-Z-GO - are marketing new models specifically for use on residential streets. They come with improved brakes, turn signals and headlights. The increased use of golf carts on streets also can be seen in the number of accidents. A 2008 study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham estimates 1,000 golf cart accidents a month nationwide, with half occurring off golf courses. Robert Edwards, executive director of the National Golf Cart Association, said golf cart drivers sometimes get lost in the fun and forget the dangers. Clark said the carts are a nice addition to the neighborhood, promoting social interaction and keeping fewer cars off the streets. Her advice to those driving carts is simple. "If you use common sense and common courtesy, you'll be all right." 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| Posted: 15 Aug 2010 12:06 AM PDT Golf Nationwide Tour Price Cutter Charity Championship ScoresSaturdayAt Highland Springs Country ClubSpringfield, Mo.Purse: $635,000Yardage: 7,115; Par: 72Third Round
Futures Greater Richmond Classic ScoresSaturdayAt Richmond Country ClubRichmond, Va.Purse: $100,000Yardage: 6,278;Par 72Second Round LeadersJenny Shin 71-67—138 Danah Ford Bordner 69-69—138 Amelia Lewis 68-70—138 Jennifer Song 68-70—138 Stephanie Na 68-70—138 Melissa Eaton-Jackson 67-71—138 Reilley Rankin 66-72—138 Dori Carter 70-69—139 Sarah Brown 69-70—139 Jenny Gleason 72-68—140 Angela Oh 72-68—140 Whitney Myers 69-71—140 Laura Crawford 69-71—140 Cindy LaCrosse 72-69—141 Ashley Prange 70-71—141 Dewi Claire Schreefel 69-72—141 Eileen Vargas 72-70—142 Wannasiri Sirisampant 70-72—142 Mo Martin 70-72—142 Kristin Ingram 70-72—142 Kendall Dye 73-69—142 Kylene Pulley 73-69—142
USGA U.S. Women's Amateur ScoresSaturdayCharlotte (N.C.) Country ClubYardage: 6,559; Par: 72Match PlaySemifinalsDanielle Kang, Thousand Oaks, Calif. (144) def. Jennifer Kirby, Canada (146), 1 up Jessica Korda, Bradenton, Fla. (144) def. Stephanie Sherlock, Canada (146), 4 and 3 Sunday's 36-hole championship Tee Times8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Danielle Kang, Thousand Oaks, Calif. (144) vs. Jessica Korda, Bradenton, Fla. (144)
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| Golf course turning the corner Posted: 14 Aug 2010 10:55 PM PDT The Mesquite Municipal Golf Course has seen an increased commitment to customer satisfaction since the city took over management of the course, according to parks and recreation department officials.�We reopened to what we consider good numbers,� said Cliff Keheley, parks and recreation director. �We had an exceptional day July 5.� The city took over management of the golf course from the former management company almost two months ago. �We have spent the last several months understanding the golf business in Mesquite,� Keheley said. �We had to figure out when golfers play and what will work for them. When we took it over we assessed what other course charge. According to our surveys, we are among the lowest green and cart fees.�The department took a look at the rates and fees to try and figure out what would meet the needs of the golfers that use the course. One addition was a reduced cost twilight fee. �If you start after 5 p.m. you are not going to be able to finish the course,� Keheley said. �We decided if we reduced the rates, (golfers) would consider playing.� The city replaced the existing golf carts with units that were configured more to the needs of its customers. �The new carts are in,� Keheley said. �We are real pleased with them.� Keheley believes the greens are in the best condition they have been in years. �The course looks great,� he said. �By making the course look good it gives you a country club feel.� The improvements have taken considerable effort. �We spent a lot of time understanding the type of grass we have on the greens,� said Travis Sales, parks superintendent. �The grass was healthy. The ball speed was slow. The shorter the green the better the ball speed. Leaving the green short for too long is not good for it. We decided on a process called grooming.� Sales said the management company last year was unable to perform a lot of the required maintenance due to it being such a wet year based on the amount of rainfall. Keheley credited Sales for coming up with a good, aggressive plan to address all of the landscape issues the course. �Anything we had to do with the course was addressed,� Keheley said. Keheley added the next step for the city is to begin marketing the course. �We are gearing up for a September and October to get golfers back on the course,� he said. �There isn�t much we can do except to get them to play and spread the word.� The city also made improvements to the clubhouse and pro shop as. They changed out some of the lighting and repaired several roof leaks. �Our ultimate goal is to provide a quality amenity and provide a quality facility we can all be proud of,� Keheley said. �We are ahead of my schedule; I did not think we would be at this point until the fall, but there are still plenty of things to do.� Green Fees Weekday Weekday Weekend Weekend Twilight Twilight Walk Ride Walk Ride Walk Ride Walk Ride Regular Rate $18 $30 $12 $24 $29 $41 $15 $27 Seniors (55 & Up) $10 $22 $8 $20 $15 $27 $12 $24 Juniors (17 & under $10 $22 $8 $20 $15 $27 $12 $24 Summer Twilight Rates (begin after 4 p.m.)* Weekday Weekend Summer Summer Twilight Twilight Walk Ride Walk Ride Regular Rate $8 $20 $11 $23 Seniors (55 & Up) $5 $17 $8 $20 Juniors (17 & under $5 $17 $8 $20 *Expires at the end of summer The following are comments from the readers. You must register with a valid email to post comments. Registered users sign in here: This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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