Tuesday, May 15 2012 07:09

Written by Denise Civiletti

Great Rock golf course has been named the 2012 Long Island Golf Course of the Year by the Long Island Golf Course Association.

"The criteria for the award include condition of the course, competency of ownership and management, the service they offer, their teaching professionals and programs for kids," L.I. Golf Course Association president Richard Rocchio said. "We take an overall look at the quality of the operation and what the course is doing to benefit the game," Rocchio said.

"Great Rock's phenomenal restaurant was a factor, as was its outstanding group of teaching professionals under head pro Tim McAuley," Rocchio said.

"We're very proud of this award," Great Rock general manager Brian Curtain said. "There's a lot of tough competition out there."

Photo caption: (from left) Director of Golf Tim McAuley, LIGCA President Dick Rocchio, Course Superintendent Dan Wolfe, General Manager Brian Curtin. Photo courtesy of L.I. Golf Course Association

Wednesday, May 02 2012 08:10

Written by Tim McAuley

This winter was hardly the harsh winter we are used to on Long Island, but even when the conditions are this unusually pleasant, most of us have been conditioned to hang up our soft spikes for the winter. You may have squeezed in a round on one of the 70 degree days, but I know that few of us play with any regularity between December and March. Come April and May, however, we inevitably get the fever again and the clubs move from the closet to the trunk of our cars.

Here are a few tips to help your golf season start smoothly, and keep you out of the physician’s office:

Regrip your clubs. With fresh, tacky grips, we are able to grip the club lightly in our fingers in order to minimize tension and maximize clubhead speed. With worn grips, this is impossible and we are forced to grip tightly to keep control of the club. This causes tension in our forearms and shoulders and slows clubhead speed considerably. This tension also can increase the potential for injury due to strains and turf shock.

Loosen up for twice as long as you normally would. Golf muscles are out of practice after the long winter. Take a brisk walk or do 50 jumping jacks to warm up before stretching thoroughly.

Then begin with half wedge shots on the range, working your way up slowly through the longer clubs in your bag. If you have the opportunity to walk 9 holes for your first rounds of the season it is a great option.

Don’t keep score for your first five rounds. Concentrate on your ball striking and rediscovering your short game. Don’t feel encumbered by the need to make a score. You’ll probably be playing winter rules anyway…

Play well and have a great 2012 season…

Tim McAuley is the director of golf at Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River