Second Annual R.A. Schiavone Memorial Cup Slated for April 30 – May 1 at Forsgate Country Club

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (March 25, 2013)—Forsgate Country Club, the award winning, central New Jersey private golf club operated by RDC Golf Group, Inc., proudly announces the second annual R.A. Schiavone Memorial Cup, April 30 – May 1, 2013.  This two-day, pro-senior scratch tournament, to be staged on Forsgate’s renowned 6,844-yard, par-71 Banks Course, is sanctioned by both the New Jersey section of the PGA and the New Jersey State Golf Association. 

The Cup is named in honor of longtime Garden State golf course owner/investor Ronald A. Schiavone.

“As the R.A. Schiavone Cup continues on a path to becoming a great annual tradition, we look forward to greeting a field of top senior amateurs and club pros at Forsgate,” said RDC President Christopher Schiavone. “The Banks Course will be ready to challenge some of the area’s best at our second annual event.”

Open to senior (50+) scratch amateur players and club pros, the event begins on April 30, with a skills competition followed by a welcome luncheon. The action on the course will then take off with a two-man team, aggregate scorePro/Senior Scratch Championship. While competing as a team, the pros will also be competing in an Individual Pro Medal Play Championship, featuring a $5000 purse ($2,000 first place) and the amateurs will be carding the first 18-holes of their 36-hole Senior Scratch Individual Medal Play Championship.  A steak and lobster dinner and awards presentation will cap off the day’s activities.

  

The following day on May 1, the senior amateurs will return to the club for the final round of the Senior Scratch Individual Medal Play Championship.  First place will be a $600 gift certificate and gift cards in various denominations will be awarded to second place – fifth place finishers.

Last year, Metuchen’s Ron Venelli shot 143 in the 36-hole senior amateur competition capturing the top prize and the “Cup.”  Venelli and his partner pro Andy Brock joined forces to also claim first place in the team division. Brooklake pro Frank Esposito carded a 69 on the Banks Course to win the pro division.

The entry fee for each pro and amateur team is only $295 and the field is limited to 60 teams.  For more information or to register your team, contact either Forsgate Director of Golf Carolyn McKenzie Andrews at (732) 656-8959 or Forsgate Head Golf Professional Mark Mazzola at (732) 656-8953.  To learn more about Forsgate Country Club and the venerable Banks Course visit www.forsgatecc.com or the club’s Facebook page.

ABOUT FORSGATE COUNTRY CLUB

Forsgate Country Club ( www.forsgatecc.com ) is an exclusive, full service, family-oriented private country club located in the heart of New Jersey.  Forsgate offers permanent golf, sports, and social memberships for individuals, families, and corporations.  Established in 1931, Forsgate Country Club features 36 holes of world-class golf, including the renowned Banks Course, designed to recreate historic holes throughout Europe, and the Palmer Course, is a traditional American design with challenging water hazards on ten of its scenic holes.  The country club also offers facilities for banquet events and corporate meetings as well as a new state-of-the-art sports complex that includes a fitness center, pool and cabana cafe.  Forsgate Country Club, which is located midway between New York City and Philadelphia at Exit 8A of the NJ Turnpike, is owned and operated by RDC Golf Group, Inc.      For more information on Forsgate, visit the club’s page on Facebook, follow the club on Twitter or visit www.forsgatecc.com.

Keep It Fun | Forsgate Country Club

Carolyn McKenzie Andrews- Winter Blog

Many parents and or grandparents of very young kids (ages 7 and under) often tell me…….

“Fix his or her grip!”

My answer to them is “Don’t worry about it yet!”

When a junior golfer is just getting started you want to keep the game of golf simple and above all FUN! Making subtle or even big changes to a junior’s grip can sometimes be really confusing for him or her, leading to frustration.  We want to encourage our juniors to think of golf as a fun sport.

Watch the following You Tube video and you will see just what I mean.  Once your junior is a little older that is the time to begin working on the grip! 

Link to Video

For more information on our Junior Programs at Forsgate Country Club, visit our website www.forsgatecc.com for our FUTURE STAR GOLF CAMP dates this summer

New Years Party 2013 Forsgate Country Club

The world famous Jonathn Ashe Band will be performing live at the Forsgate Country Club New Year's Party.  Ring in the New Year with us!

JONATHN ASHE brings forth one of the most distinguished voices, and spirited guitar styling in contemporary music. He encompasses a versatility that is rarely found. His material ranges from the outstanding original album,

“Feels Like Spring” to his sparkling, soulful renditions of yesterday, and today !

With a career spanning over three decades, back to the beginning where it all started with “The Squires” Where Jon then began to perform at dances, parties, and proms. Yes, he did practice in the Garage, but that was way before the phrase “Garage Band” was ever coined!

After The Squires, Jon signed up to play bass with Billy King and The Coachmen, touring the U.S. and Canada. The road proved to be a great learning experience. During that time, Jon worked with, and shared the bill with a plethora of entertainers such as: Tommy James & the Shondells, Exile, John Sabastian ,
Roger McGuinn, Ritchie Havens, Cool &the Gang, Jay & the Americans,  Gary U.S. Bonds, The Drifters, The Dupree’s, Don & Juan, Fats Domino, Tony Orlando, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and many more.

Home on leave from Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Jon received a call from his old pal Peter Lucia. Pete asked if he’d like to help out on a couple of demos written by Tommy.

They headed over to Century Sound NYC and recorded that afternoon and late into the evening. The songs had no titles, or lyrics, just instrumental tracks. Three months later those demos were released. The songs were entitled, “Mony, Mony”, and “Do Something’ To Me” Now you know the rest of the story, “Mony, Mony” went on to become a 5 million seller, and a Rock and Roll anthem !

After returning from the Army Jon joined Tommy James as his bassist and toured with him for two years. He also co-wrote, and played Guitar on another hit with Tommy called “Calico”.

Jon is currently back writing songs with his longtime friend Tommy James for the up-coming Juke Box Musical entitled “Me, The Mob, and The Music” as well as keeping up with a busy performance schedule.

It quickly becomes evident Jon establishes a warmth and rapport with his audience which is an exciting experience. His spontaneous performance style and extensive repertoire make each show unique and special. JONATHN ASHE is definitely not to be missed!

New Year's Eve Party 2013 | Forsgate Country Club NJ

Battle of the Sexes | Forsgate NJ | Is it time for a new car?

Is it time for a new car? 

How about having that car while knowing you donated to a great cause.

Forsgate Foundation is raffling off this 2012 Mercedes:

For your chance to win, raffle tickets are:

- $100 for 10 tickets

- $50 for 5 tickets

- $12.50 for individual tickets

The raffle is to go off that the Battle of the Sexes on Sunday, October 7th.

The revenue from the sales of the raffle tickets will benefit local charities.

More information visit: http://bit.ly/QViYWA

About the Foundation:
  Since the inception of the charity in 2003, The Forsgate Foundation has given over $250,000 to exceptional charities and foundations.
  The Forsgate Foundation is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to provide support to worthwhile causes in our community through use of the first-class venue and rich history of Forsgate Country Club. The Forsgate Foundation Annual Charity Golf Tournament is the marquee event of the foundation and all profits from this and future event proceeds will benefit local charities.

Forsgate Battle of the Sexes

Forsgate Country Club Battle of the Sexes

Paula Creamer vs. Gary McCord

 October 7, 2012

Forsgate Foundation Battle of the Sexes Video

Who do you think will prevail in the golfing battle between LPGA star Paula Creamer and the golf commentator Gary McCord? The great debate began as soon as the players were announced. Hashtags #girlsgolfbetter and #boysgolfbetter have been firing up not only on social media, but club members are getting so involved in this upcoming event that buttons and t-shirts have been designed to sport their pride in the Battle of the Sexes.

Golfing experts such as Tiger Woods coach, Hank Haney, are even giving their input on this event. How will you get involved and show your spirit for Forsgate’s Battle of the Sexes? Tweet us at @ForsgateCC or comment our Forsgate Facebook Page with your ideas!

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

See what Forsgate Members are saying about the personal training program…

"For years I have struggled on and off with weight loss programs, but when my doctor told me I needed to lose weight or I risk serious health issues like diabetes, I knew I had to find a better way.  In April I signed up to train with a personal trainer at Forsgate’s Sports Complex.  Since working out with Rob Cantora for 3 months I am astounded at the results.  I have lost 30 lbs, and I feel great!  Rob has been fantastic, he put me on a training schedule that is definitely working for me and keeps me motivated.  The Sport’s Complex is kept meticulously clean and the machines are always operating!  Dave, Rob and the rest of the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and work hard to help you meet your goals!"

Thanks for everything!

Angelo Ventrone

"Working with Dave Kopf has improved my body composition, overall health and self esteem.  Dave makes training enjoyable and educating, which is what keeps me coming back for more.  I strongly recommend personal training to anyone who wants to feel better about themselves!"

- Art Emken

Call today to set up your personal training session with Dave at 732-521-8049.

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

Are you tired of your child not getting enough playing time in their sport?

As a parent naturally you want the best for your child, and you want to see them succeed but most of all you want them to be enthusiastic and develop a sense of pride in their endeavors.  When it comes to playing sports nothing can be more demoralizing than not getting enough playing time in their sport of choice.  As a parent you know better than any coach what your child’s true potential is, and now you share your child’s growing frustration with not getting a chance to showcase their true potential amongst their peers and even coaches.  Talking with the coach after practice or a game will only get you so far, and with some coaches may even black ball your child.  “Everyone is born with raw talent, however it is up to them to develop it” (Nolan Ryan arguably the greatest pitcher of all time).  

Skills developed in early childhood give kids a head start in competitive games and organized sports later on as school-age kids and teens are provided opportunities for expending the huge amounts of energy at their command.

There is a direct correlation between athleticism and age.  The optimal time to introduce motor development training, or Gross motor training which is using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance, and changing positions, takes place from age 5-9. There is also speculation that the general window of opportunity for most behavioral functions narrows considerably around age 10. The Cerebellum, The Hypothalamus, and The Thalamus all play a vital role in fine and gross motor functions.

Proper Motor development in children is so vital for future success in kids that it should not be overlooked in your practices or development of the athlete.  The wrong approach can ruin the game for any athlete.  Remember they are only kids and the right approach can mean the different from someone playing and succeeding later in their playing career or someone quitting because they hate their soccer coach.

Having your child work one on one with a Personal Trainer here at Forsgate Country Club may be just what they need to succeed.  We are able to show improvements by increasing motor unit recruitment, the speed at which their fast twitch muscle fibers fire and teach them proper foot progression patterns all while increasing their strength, balance and agility. In order for them to be the best they have to train with the best.

Call to set up your child’s personal training session with Dave at 732-521-8049

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

What can a Personal Trainer do for you?

A personal trainer will sit down with a potential client and discuss short term and long term physical fitness goals, take a detailed account of their medical and orthopedic history, record weight fluctuation within the last year, and most importantly develop a training regimen specifically for their individual needs.  Most importantly they will work one on one with their trainer learning new exercises as well as new techniques and most importantly exercising with proper form.  The trainer will keep the client goal oriented and on track by meeting for workouts consistently during                                              the week.

Why is working with a personal trainer advantageous to an individual?

Most people fall victims to the S.A.I.D principle.  The S.A.I.D principle which stands for Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands basically says that an individual will reach a plateau in their workout and cease to see results if one or more of the three variables aren’t changed within every 4 to 6 weeks. Specific adaptations observed in athletes are directly related to the quality and specificity of the aerobic & anaerobic stimulus within their training programs. Optimal adaptations reflect careful planning, implementing and performance of conditioning and strength programs. Other factors like the athletes’ age, sex, nutrition, motivation and prior fitness level prior to training can also have an impact on training adaptations. 

Below is a list of specific adaptations that are acquired due to the imposed demands of aerobic & anaerobic training. Athletes should keep these in mind when creating a sports specific training program.

Performance

• Muscle endurance: Increases during anaerobic (high power output) and increases during aerobic (low power output).
• Muscle strength: No change during aerobic and increases during anaerobic.
• Vertical jump: No change during aerobic and increases during anaerobic.
• Aerobic power: Increases during aerobic and no change or slight increase during anaerobic.
• Sprint speed: No change or improvement slightly during aerobic and increases during anaerobic.
• Anaerobic power: No change during aerobic and increases during anaerobic.

Body Composition

• Fat free mass: No change during aerobic and increases during anaerobic.
• Percent body fat: Decreases during aerobic and anaerobic.

Muscle Fiber

• Capillary density: No change or decreases during anaerobic and increases during aerobic.
• Fiber size: Increases during anaerobic and no change or increases slightly during aerobic.
• Fast heavy chain myosin: Increases during anaerobic and no change or decreases during aerobic.
• Type II muscle fiber subtype conversion: Almost all convert to type II during anaerobic and majority convert to type II during aerobic.
• Mitochondrial density: Decreases during anaerobic and increases during aerobic.

Bone & Connective Tissue

• Bone density: No change or increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Collagen content: Varies during aerobic and may increase during anaerobic.
• Ligament strength: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Tendon strength: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.

Metabolic Energy Stores

• Stored Creatine Phosphate: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Stored ATP: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Stored Triglycerides: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Stored Glycogen: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.

Enzyme Activity

• Myokinase: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Creatine phosphokinase: Increases during both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Lactate dehydrogenase: Varies during aerobic and no change or varies during anaerobic.
• Phosphofructokinase: Varies during aerobic and no change or varies during anaerobic.

For more information on Personal Training packages please call Dave Kopf (732)-521-8049.

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

How Does Resistance and Strength Training Work?

Your resistance training program should include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. The muscles of your body will be pitted against the weight and gravity. The cells of the body will then adapt to the extra weight. This will then result to hypertrophy or the enlarging and increasing of the nerve cells to help in the muscle contraction. 

Another option is strength training, this can be done without the need for equipment. Doing push-ups and crunches are examples. You can do it just about anywhere there is enough space for you to move. This time it is your own body weight that will be pitted against gravity. Body-weight resistance exercises are a great way to build up to free weights.

Benefits of strength training:

• Increased Bone Mineral Density
• Increased Strength
• Reduced Body Fat
• Improved Mobility for Seniors
• Improve Heart Condition

This kind of training however must be properly done. It requires commitment and consistency. The key here is to simply take your time. Do things one step at a time correctly. As your body condition improves, then move on to more challenging tasks.

To gain the maximum effects of a strength training routine, please contact Dave for a personal consultation at (732)-521-8049.

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

Summer is almost here….

It’s not too late to get the body you want!

Customize your workout routine and optimize your fitness results with private training sessions. 60 minute, 30 minute and group sessions are available.

Call Dave for details. (732)-521-8049

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

Q and A about Golf Fitness and Training 

What is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor?

A Certified Golf Fitness Instructor (C.G.F.I) is someone who has attended the Titleist Performance Institute comprehensive workshop/ seminar and who has successfully completed and passed its rigorous certification requirements including a comprehensive cumulative test.  A Certified Golf Fitness Instructor will work one on one with their client to improve range of motion, rotational power, core strength and stability, as well as improve flexibility through proven sport specific exercises.

What does the Titleist golf screening provide?

The Titleist golf screen is a 13 point evaluation process that your C.G.F.I will use to diagnose, and treat any muscle imbalance or weakness, as well as any range of motion limitations that could translate into major golf swing faults.  For example, casting, over the top, or reverse spine angle just to name a few.

What can one look to gain through working with a C.G.F.I ?

Improved muscle strength as well as muscle balance, increased range of motion, as well as an increase in their flexibility, thus leading to a more consistent swing, more energy, and extra “pop” on the ball.

How long does the Titleist screening take?

A thorough screening should take anywhere from 30- 45 minutes depending upon your level of fitness and ability.

How long are the Golf Specific Training sessions?

Each training session will be an hour.  Within that hour there will be a 7-10 minute cardiovascular / muscle activation warm-up, followed by corrective exercises based upon the information the golf screening provides, there will then be a cool down, followed by passive stretching.

Dave's Forsgate Fitness Tips

Dave Kopf

Core Training Class

Core Training is a total conditioning program that works your body "from the inside out" by focusing on "core" muscles – mostly those in the stomach and back.  It's also a mind-body exercise, which, like yoga, stresses proper breathing while you do very precise body movements. The core muscles are the basis for everyday movements in life: lifting, bending, turning, pushing, pulling, and twisting.

Core Training can help you enjoy all forms of exercise, and daily activities with greater ease and decreased risk of injury. It conditions your entire body, stretching and strengthening muscles uniformly, promoting balanced musculature, core control, flexibility and agility. The "Core Conditioned Body" features an erect vibrant posture, toned thighs and calves, a resilient back with increased bone density, and firm abdominals.

Call to set up your personal training session with Dave at 732-521-8049.

Salmon Recipe Chef Kasperek

Photograph by MarinersMenu.org

Chef Kasperek's Cedar Planked Salmon Recipe

As the grilling season approaches, I start thinking cedar planks which you can find almost anywhere now in places like Costco, Wegman’s or even Home Depot.  




Cedar planks produce a nice smoky flavor for your dishes, add moisture and provide a smooth, even surface for delicate items like fish fillets. 

Cedar Planked Salmon

- 2 Cedar Planks soaked in apple juice 1 hr.

- Chef Kasperek’s Rub

- 4 tbsp kosher salt

- 4tbsp brown sugar

- 2 tbsp black pepper

- 2 tbsp garlic powder

- 2 tbsp basil

- 2 tbsp paprika

- 2 tbsp tarragon

- 1 tbsp cilli or ancho powder

- Mix all together and rub on top of salmon portions 1hr before grilling

Orange teriyaki Mop sauce

- 1 bottle teriyaki 8oz

- ½ cup orange juice 

- ¼ cup sugar

- Mix and bring to boil chill and set aside

- Fire grill up on high. Place planks on grill and when they began to crackle, place salmon seasoned side up and use mop sauce to prevent flare ups and planks catching on fire. Grill until fish is flaky and opaque (or however you desire). 

Serve on top quick pickled cucumber salad.

Mike Kasperek

Executive Chef

Chef@forsgatecc.com

Forsgate Country Club

375 Forsgate Dr.

Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Some Words About Golf Chris Schiavone

Some “Words” About Golf…

By Christopher Schiavone

This column first appeard in the Spring 2012 issue of Golfer's Tee Times

Being both a cruciverbalist (a lover of crossword puzzles) and a “golf-o-phile” (or perhaps “golfaholic” is better), I was pleasantly surprised recently when the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle contained a golfer’s theme, mostly of double entendres using common golf terms.


It caused me to look into the some of the more interesting words and terms in the game of golf. For example, did you know that …

“Sabbath Sticks” were golf clubs designed to look like walking sticks, so that players could surreptitiously play on Sundays, when the Church frowned upon engaging in sport.

A “Biarritz Green” is a putting surface with a large gully through the middle of it, named after the Biarritz Golf Club in France, from where the original green of this style is copied.

“Caddie” likely comes from the French word “cadet” -- a boy or youngest member of the family.  (It is not surprising that the Scots derive words from the French, as the two countries were often allies, including at the time golf first came into “vogue” in the 16th century.  Mary, Queen of Scots was both a golfer and fluent in French.)

“Dormie” – the term used to describe the status of a match-play contest, when one is leading by as many holes as are left to play – also comes from the French.  “Dormir” is French for “sleep,” and the leading player can rest knowing he can’t lose when the match is dormie.

“Fore” probably came from “fore-caddie” – the boys (usually male, anyway) often sent before the golfers to track golf balls.  Calling to these helpers likely shortened from “Fore-caddy!” to just “Fore!”

The term “Birdie” for a score of one under par is said to have its origin locally.  Players at the Atlantic City Country Club apparently coined the term.

While there is no definitive story about how “Mulligan” came to mean a “do-over” in golf, but some believe it is also of Garden State origin.  A gentleman named Mulligan was said to be known for his errant and often-replayed tee shots at Essex Fells Country Club.

The “Nassau” – probably the most common form of golf match played by average golfers – is said to have originated at the Nassau Country Club on Long Island.

And in case you are playing a round one afternoon with your old high school English teacher, remember that in bragging about your multiple aces, say “holes-in-one” and not “hole-in-ones.”  (If it’s your old civics teacher, remember “Attorneys-General”…)

Of course, with my game, cross words – the kind not suitable for print -- and golf often go together.

Christopher Schiavone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of RDC Golf Group Inc.

Inaugural Schiavone Memorial Cup

Forsgate Country Club's Inaugural R.A. Schiavone Memorial Cup

Here is a recent article on the R.A. Schiavone Memorial Cup taking place at Forsgate June 20-21. The outing is open to senior scratch amateurs and club professionals.

R.A. Schiavone Memorial Cup

For more information on the event, contact Heifa Sirangelo at (732)-656-8900.

Congratulations Cosmo Sancio! Our 2012 Poker Champion!
This year's winner of the 2012 Forsgate Foundation Texas Holdem Poker Tournament was Cosmo Sancio! He is pictured here with Dr. Richard Lederer. Cosmo is a long time member at Forsgate and now the Forsgate Poker Champion! Don't forget, this is an annual event. Come back and join us again next year!

Quick Tip for Golf Players

Trevor Alexander

Early spring in the northeast can bring a plethora of weather. Temperatures still drop and the wind will gust making the already challenging game of golf even more difficult. My advice is to attempt to simplify what we are trying to accomplish. Below are a couple points that will hopefully help during these spring months.

• Get to the course 15 minutes earlier than normal; warming up is key when temperatures are low. Hitting a few balls before jumping on the tee will also help prevent injuries. 
• Use an extra club; this will allow you to swing a little easier and also the lower loft will keep the ball down out of the spring winds.
• When putting use less break and hit putts with slightly more pace. Greens in the spring can be inconsistent due to the weather, be more aggressive on bumpy greens.
• Try not to think that it is July already; it is not 90 degrees and sunny, plus we have not had a chance to home in our games yet. Keep realistic expectations such as aiming for the middle of fairways and greens and not at small targets.

Spring has sprung at Forsgate

Carolyn McKenzie Andrews,
Director of Golf

Spring has sprung at Forsgate!


How many of you put your clubs away for the winter? How many of you rushed out the other day to play when it was in the 70’s? I bet a lot of you! Did any of you feel sore or tight the next day?  Here is a quick tip to get you ready for this season and shake off the winter.


It may seem silly and unimportant but you have to warm up your body before you go out on to the course. It may not always be possible but you have to give yourself at least 15-20 minutes to loosen up that body. Touch your toes, take practice swings. Begin your warm up by hitting half shots with your wedge. Then work yourself up to your driver.  When I see someone grab the driver for the first swing….  I think to myself, OUCH! (unless you are a  9 year old).
If you go straight to the first tee and begin playing, it may take you two or three holes to warm up. Don’t make the mistake of starting your round with an 8, and blaming it on “warming up.”


So get the season and your golf game off to a positive start.  Get on the range to warm up before you play! Good luck and let me know how it goes!!

HELPFUL HINDSIGHT HINTS FOR HACKERS

Over the past two years, RDC Golf Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Schiavone has been a regular columnist for New Jersey's Golfer's Tee Times newspaper, offering insights and anecdotes about his passion and ours...GOLF. Here's another one of our favorites:

Upon reaching age 50, I took the time to reflect upon my golf game.  This proved to be a terrible mistake, and I should have known better.  The depressing truth is that my golfing skills (such as they were) appear to have peaked at about age 43, and have been in almost a full decade of decline.  Since I began playing golf at age 8, and my life expectancy is about 78, it appears I am on a perfectly symmetrical curve -- 35 years on the way up, and 35 years on the slow and self-pity-filled way down.

Perhaps there will be a few trend-bucking moments during the pathetic decline that lies ahead, but that decline is inevitable.  I can’t give it up, and my athletic talent is limited.  My fate is sealed. 

Now I can only hope to hang on to whatever elements of a decent golf game I can sustain for as long as I’m able, and I have been analyzing how to best accomplish this.  I share my conclusions in the hope that fellow mediocre golfers who face a similar fate may prolong the inevitable for as long as possible (Remember, this is advice from a guy with a good two score years of golf, who now only has about two good scores a year.):

1)   Try for a Consistent Swing Instead of a Great One -- Unathletic golfers like me can only dream of a swing like Davis Love or Ernie Els.  Trying to achieve it is an exercise in futility and frustration.  If you can confidently hit a 190-yard pull/fade almost every time off the tee, work with it!  If you are playing the white tees (see No. 2 below), the average par-4 is about 360 yards (the front of the green only about 345 yards away).  At only 160 yards out, you will often be in better shape than the guy who hits it 250 but is often in the trees or thick rough.

2)  Play the White Tees -- We mediocre players should not be masochists.  Those black and blue tees will beat you up…that’s why they’re black and blue!

3)  Try Sticking with One Club Around the Greens -- Most of us hackers don’t practice as much as good golfers, and chip and sand shots require feel and finesse.  Get use to the feel of one club for these shots with your limited practice time; you’ll improve your “touch” with a more focused motor/muscle memory.  A corollary is to use the putter whenever you can, as in from flat, short-mowed lies off the green.  It will eliminate some of the skulled and chunked chip shots.

4)  Get Your Putts to the Hole --  Golfers of my class rarely get “tap-in” birdies (or “gimmie” pars, for that matter), so don’t miss the chance for lightning to strike once in a while.  You’re just as likely to miss the one you left three feet short as the one that goes three feet past.

5)  Stay Conscious of Your Fundamentals -- I am sorry if I appear to be stating the obvious here, but one of the reasons I’m not a good golfer is that I frequently forget to keep a smooth tempo to my swing, or keep my head down.  We tend to get anxious when the match is on the line, or we’re on the verge of breaking 90 (or 100) for the first time in a while, and that makes us over swing, or peek. 

That’s about all I’ve come up with in trying to cope with my long, downhill journey.  But I do love the game, and I’m in it for the duration.