Currently ranked 39th on the LPGA Tour Beatriz Recari is looking to have a break out year in 2011. She has earned just over $100,000 in 9 events this year with 8 cuts made and a best finish of 11th at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Here scoring average has dropped almost 10 strokes since 2007 and is currently at 67.30 this year.

Beatriz started playing golf at the age of 11 and credits her father as the individual who influenced her career the most. Recari enjoyed her amateur career by winning the 2004 Spanish Amateur Championship, the European Team Championship with Team Spain and in 2005 she won the French Amateur Championship.

In 2005 Beatriz decided to turn professional. She competed on the Ladies European Tour (LET) from 2006 – 2009, and won the Finnair Masters. Her game really started to come together in 2009 when she finished 10th at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. In 2010 Recari became a Rolex First Time Winner at the CVS/Pharmacy LPGA Challenge, tied for 7th at LPGA Tour Championship and tied 9th at the Sybase Match Play Championship and the Sime Darby in Malaysia.

Beatriz had her best finish, a tie for 11th at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2011. Other finishes include 15th, 18th, 35th, 37th and 43rd respectively. When Beatriz is not playing golf she enjoys listening to music, reading, playing tennis, working out at the gym and cross country skiing. Some of her sponsors include Daily Sports, Tech Nutrition and ProStance.

Beatriz will be opening her round on the front 9 of Locust Hill with playing partners Mina Harigae and Amanda Blumenherst. If you want to learn more about Beatriz you can visit her website at www.beatrizrecari.com or become a friend on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/beatrizrecari.

Yani Tseng is one of the youngest players in the LPGA , yet she is ranked No. 1 in women’s golf. Following her in the Rolex Rankings is Cristie Kerr at No. 2 and Suzann Pettersen at No. 3. They will all be going for the championship title this week at the Wegmans LPGA Championship. Tseng has won three majors already and will go for her 4th. She won the 2008 LPGA Championship, 2010 Kraft Nabisco Championship and the RICOH Women’s British Open in 2010.

Tseng has proven she is a great golfer, and in 2010, she claimed the title as the 2010 Rolex Player of the Year. This title had been held by Lorena Ochoa from 2006-2009 and Annika Sorenstam from 2001-2005. This title is awarded based on a formula in which points are awarded for top 10 finishes and are doubled at the LPGA’s four major championships and at the season-ending Tour Championship.

The winner of the Wegmans LPGA Championship will have a big impact on the 2011 rankings and if Christie Kerr can defend her win from last year she could move to the top of the board. It is going to be a great week of women’s golf in Rochester, NY.

Binghamton University freshman Bryce Edmister has earned his way to the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship to compete along with the best amateur golfers in the country. The U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship is one of the top amateur events of the year and will be held this year from June 27 to July 2 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.

This event started in 1922 by James D. Standish Jr. who convinced the USGA Executive Committee to allow public-course players to compete for a national championship.

To be selected for this event, Bryce Edmister played in a qualifying tournament at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, NY. He shot a 71 and a 72 to be one of the 2 to qualify.

“I felt lucky to get some big breaks because I never get those big breaks. At Ravenwood, the first break I got was on my 5th hole. I hit a putt that caught the left edge of the hole and circled the cup completely and then dropped in. I was fortunate to receive some good bounces around the greens leaving me with putts for birdie.”

Loss of a dear friend brings determination

The day before the qualifying event, one of Bryce’s best friends unexpectedly passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Caton, N.Y. Timothy Decker was the Athletic Director for the Corning Painted Post School District and mentored Bryce in golf and other sports.

Bryce recounts, “Tim was always willing to do anything for me. If I needed something, Tim would not hesitate to help.”

Even with all the emotions and loss of a dear friend, Bryce used his determination to play good, consistent golf. Winning the qualifying event was bittersweet for Bryce after losing his dear friend, but Bryce knows Tim would have been proud.

Hard work and practice help Bryce qualify

Another mentor in his golf career has been his dad, Jim Edmister. Jim has been the head pro at Mill Creek Golf Club for the past 3 years and has been helping Bryce improve his swing and golf game since he was 3 years old.

“Wow it is awesome! What a great venue for Bryce to play in. The winner gets an invite to the Masters.” says Jim.

To help prepare for the qualifying event, Jim helped Bryce stay focused and encouraged him to practice his putting. “Bryce loves to practice. You will find him more often on the practice green then actually playing a hole.”

“Bryce also prepared by taking lessons with Joe Lusardi. Joe helped Bryce improve his swing and technique a lot during the winter months.” says Jim.

Jim caddied for Bryce in his win to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Public Links. Jim recalls the last day “It was so hot and the course was in U.S. Open conditions. Bryce and the rest of the players were trying to fight fatigue. Making pars was key.” Jim knows his son’s game and that day proved to be a success for Bryce and his dad.

Bryce is now headed to Oregon to play in the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. Golf Local along with all of his family and friends wish Bryce good luck in this upcoming tournament.

Help support Bryce

Please help support Bryce with travel expenses as he travels to Oregon to play in the U.S. Amateur Public Links. The proceeds of this fundraiser will allow Bryce to participate in this year’s tournament. To help support Bryce, you can purchase raffle tickets for a great golf package.

Golf package includes:

• A Foursome at Mill Creek Golf Club (18 holes, cart included)
• Lunch at the Mill Creek Tavern
• A dozen golf balls for each player
• Free lesson from Mill Creek Golf Club Professional Jim Edmister (lesson is prior to tee time)

Anyone who wishes to enter the raffle it is $5 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. If you would like to enter, you can e-mail me at bedmist1@binghamton.edu.

Q&A with Bryce Edmister

What clubs do  you have in your bag?

I have Callaway X-forged Irons, Callaway Diablo Tour Fairway Woods, TaylorMade R9 Supertri Driver, and a SeeMore putter

What is your favorite club?

My favorite club is my putter because that is the club that has the most impact on your score.

What is your favorite course in the Rochester area to play?

There are many great courses in the Rochester area, however I would have to say that my favorite is Mill Creek. It offers many different golf shots; depending on the wind direction and how hard the wind is blowing, the course can change dramatically day to day. Also, there are great practice facilities at Mill Creek including two driving ranges, two different chipping greens, putting greens, and a 9 hole par-3 course.

When your not golfing what else do you enjoy doing?

When I am not playing golf, I usually am working. I caddy at Oak Hill and also help run the par-3 course at Mill Creek. When I am not playing golf or working, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends.

Some high school accomplishments include

Won the Western NY Jr. PGA Championship at Triple Creek Golf Course (2009)
Recorded a top-20 finish at the NYS High School State Championship (2009)
Tallied a second place performance at the NYSGA Junior Amateur Championship (2008)
Advanced to the final round in the match play portion of the International Junior Masters (2008)
Carded consecutive rounds of 72 to claim the NYSPGA Junior Championship (2008)
Participated in qualifiers for the Monroe Invitational and prestigious Porter Cup over the summer (2010)

Locust Hill Country Club, Rochester, New York, April 21, 2011—

The Wegmans LPGA Championship leadership team has announced that Lexi Thompson has been invited to compete in the 2011 Wegmans LPGA Championship and has accepted the invitation. This will mark Lexi’s first visit to Rochester and her first opportunity to play in the LPGA Championship.

Her resume is very impressive:

• She was named Golfweek’s 2009 Junior Amateur Player of the Year (18 and under) and 2009 Amateur Player of the Year (18 and over), becoming the youngest, at just 14, to ever win both of these honors at the same time and the first in 15 years since Cristie Kerr accomplished this at the age of 18.
• Lexi is the youngest to compete at Locust Hill CC in the Wegmans LPGA Championship.
• Lexi is the youngest person to qualify for the US Women’s Open at age 12.
• Lexi turned pro in June of 2010 at the age of 15 and played in the US Women’s Open finishing tied for tenth place.
• Lexi finished 2nd at the 2010 Evian Masters.

“It will be a great experience for our spectators to watch Lexi compete against the best women golfers from around the globe at LHCC. We look forward to welcoming Lexi to the Wegmans LPGA Major Championship and to Rochester, New York,” said Jerry Stahl, Tournament Co-Chairman. “This adds to the excitement in Rochester as we celebrate 35 years of LPGA at Locust Hill Country Club. Joining us for the Wegmans LPGA Championship celebration will be LPGA Hall of Fame and Rochester Champions Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley and Patty Sheehan” states Linda Hampton, Tournament Director.”

About Graduation in the Goal

All proceeds from the Wegmans LPGA Championship will benefit United Way of Greater Rochester’s Graduation is the Goal, the charitable mission of the Tournament. Graduation is the Goal aids evidence based program that show significant promise in delivering on its mission. In 2010, proceeds of $400,000 were donated and will be distributed in mid May.

Photo credits: www.alexis–thompson.com

The Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club is right around the corner. This Major Championship brings to Rochester, NY the best women golfers in the world to compete for the coveted trophy. Last year Cristie Kerr put on a great show winning the tournament and will be back this year to defend her title.

There are many great events for spectators to take advantage of this year. Make sure you get your tickets for the Champions Wine Tasting. This new event will feature Cristie Kerr and other Hall of Fame LPGA players for photo opportunities and autographs. There will be over 50 wines available for sampling and the cost is only $25. For more information on tickets visit wegmanslpga.org.

GolfLocal.com will be covering the tournament and we will have many more articles with information on the players, events and the tournament. View more information on the tournament and schedule of events.

Photos from 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship

Please signup for our email newsletter and we will keep you up-to-date with the Rochester LPGA event.

IMPORTANT!!! This event has been rescheduled for June 11, 2011 due to extreme wet conditions.

We are excited to announce a free day of golf and golf training at Mill Creek Short Course. Presented by GolfLocal.com and sponsored by the Rochester Golf Academy, Play Better Golf, FORE Performance and SportsPT of NY, this event will be held June 11, 2011.

Limited number of spots are available. Fill out the form below to reserve your free tee time. A printable coupon will be sent to your e-mail address. Bring the printed coupon with you on the day of the event. It’s as simple as that!

Send an email to a friend so they can sign-up and take advantage of this free offer.

Brian Jacobs possesses Ms Ed and PGA credentials and has devoted the past 23 years to educating youth in the Rochester City School District. He has been awarded local, state and national teaching awards for his excellence in education in addition he has been recognized by the PGA Foundation for growth of the game of golf. 

Brian was trained in the Western New York Section as he served the memberships at Midvale Country Club, Locust Hill Country Club and The Country Club of Rochester as an Assistant Golf Professional. Brian served as the Assistant Director of Instruction at The Victory Golf Academy at Ravenwood Golf Club where he taught all levels and ability of player and currently instructs 2010 Carolina Player of the Year and Gateway Tour Player Tom Muto, Jr. Brian worked as a Lead Instructor for ESPN Golf Schools where he trained under Hank Haney. Brian is a Hank Haney Golf Certified Instructor, being 1 of 4 Instructors Worldwide to possess the certification of Level 3. He continues to be mentored by Hank and his staff. 

In addition to being an effective teacher Brian is an accomplished player and competes in a limited tournament schedule in the Western New York Section. In 2000 Brian was Medalist for the PGA Players Ability Test shooting 71-67. Brian has caddied in the United States Amateur and on the LPGA Tour where his experiences allow him to bring an “inside the ropes” perspective to his students regarding course management and managing one’s self within a round of golf. 

Brian is committed to staying current with his teaching methods while educating, empowering and improving the students in his charge and is proud to represent Nike Golf as a Staff Professional.

When referring to the full swing there are many theories and approaches says Brain. “I would recommend that each player pay close attention to 3 things, first their grip. Always remember that the grip is the primary control of the clubface and if it is too strong or too weak the clubface (if the player swings the club on the proper swing plane) will have difficulty squaring at impact. I teach a neutral grip that at address creates a square clubface where the grip is out of the fingers and in the palm more which creates a more stable clubface. Second, from a right hand perspective, your left hand is the face of the golf club, if it is cupped at the top of the swing your left forearm, in general, will reverse at impact and create too high ball flight with a slice or you may top the ball because so much loft is added at impact. If the left hand is bowed at the top of the swing the clubface will, in general, be closed at impact creating a very low ball flight and a pull hook or hook. The left hand and left wrist at the top of the swing need to be flat (square) to the club face which in general will create a flat left wrist at impact. Lastly, pay attention to your ball flight it will tell you about your swing plane. A high ball flight that moves straight to the left (from a right handed perspective) or starts left and moves to the right (slice) are results from an upright swing plane or steep swing plane; the plane of the swing is above the plane angle you set  at address. A ball flight that too low and moves from the right of the intended target then curves well left of the target (hook) is a result of a flat swing plane; the plane of the swing is under the plane angle you have set at address. In my way of thinking an on plane swing will produce a draw (a ball that starts just right of the intended target and moves to the target); the plane of the swing is on the plane angle you have set at address.”

You can find swing videos at BrianJacobsGolf.com under the video swing tips tab. Here is a list of programs offered by Brian Jacobs Golf.

– Advanced One on One Training designed for players of all handicaps
– Group lessons and supervised practice
– Complete Game Evaluations
– Club Fitting
– On Course Playing Lessons
– Short Game Specialist
– Tournament Preparation
– Mental Game Coaching
– Junior half and full day golf camps

If you are interested in getting golf lessons from Brian please book at BrianJacobsGolf.com.

Photo Tour

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ROCHESTER, NY, (March 29, 2011) – Rochester area women looking for opportunities to play golf, work on their games, and meet other women golfers, are invited to join a 2011 league organized by the local chapter of the EWGA.

The leagues are open to both EWGA members and non-members. Members receive discounts on league pricing and are given preference over non-members if leagues begin to fill.

Women can choose from a variety of formats, ranging from competitive leagues to leagues that emphasize a more fun, casual approach to the game. A beginners league at Champion Hills is designed to introduce women to the game.

The association’s 2011 leagues include:

• Two Monday evenings leagues, one at Ravenwood Golf Club and one at Wild Wood Country Club
• Tuesday morning league at Lima Golf Club
• Tuesday evening league at The Brookwoods Country Club
• Wednesday evening league at Victor Hills Golf Course
• Two Thursday evening leagues, one at Country Club of Mendon and one at Chili Country Club
• A Friday evening beginner’s league at Champion Hills Country Club
• A Weekend Travel League

League registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Please visit www.ewgarochesterny.com for more information or to download a registration form.

One round or unlimited. A quick overnight stay or the ultimate experience – Silver Lake has it all. Silver Lake Golf Resort & Spa is a rare treat for any golfer. The course is full of holes that look fairly simple but become demanding when you take into account the water, sand and thick groves of trees that create out-of-bounds areas that can add shots to your score. The course plays 6,012 yards from the tips, which is the perfect length for any occasion. Sometimes you need to leave your driver in the bag because the key to this tricky course is hitting precise shots that cross the sloping hills in order to avoid the water and out-of-bounds areas that protect some of the greens. The greens are always perfect, so get ready for a great experience. Every hole has a great feature to make it unique to the other courses in the region.

The newest Stay & Play Resort has something great to offer everyone. Whether you want to go golfing, fishing, hang out at the bar or enjoy relaxing spa services, Silver Lake Golf Resort & Spa is a must for anyone looking to relax and have a great time. These 3-story fully-furnished lakefront condo’s offer an elegant, tranquil atmosphere that can help relieve day to day stress. They are available for nightly, weekly or monthly rentals.

If you would like to book your wedding, schedule a work conference, or just have a special occasion to celebrate, Silver Lake Golf Resort and Spa can accommodate all your needs.  Whether it is the Members Lounge or the banquet room, this newly remodeled facility is sure to meet all your needs. To book any of the following facilities, please contact them at 585-303-4052.

Weekday Special: 2 Day 1 Night Stay

Check in Mon – Thursday through July 31st
4 – 8 Person Price Arrive Sun – Wednesday Play 9 Holes in the afternoon upon arrival and Play unlimited holes the next day

Golf Local Special Price: $125 PP if booked by March 31st 2011

Book your Special Stay & Play Package before March 20th 2011 and Get a Free Dinner for each player the night of your arrival

Weekend Special: 3 Day 2 Night Stay

4 – 8 Person Price Arrive Friday and get in 9 holes or more, Unlimited Golf Saturday and 18 holes Sunday. Includes Lunch Saturday and Sunday at the turn

Golf Local Special Price: $250 Per Person

Book this before March 20th 2011 and get 4 Free dinners Friday & 4 Free Dinners Saturday!

Call 585-303-4052 to book your Stay & Play package today.

Mention you saw this special pricing on GolfLocal.com and save over $100.

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