NEWSLETTER
SEPT. 2015
TRAGIC LOSS
by Jerry Hogge
Again I have said good-bye to one of our young
golf professionals who was tragically killed in
an automobile accident – Mike Townsend. To
all who had the privilege of knowing Mike, his
sudden death has shocked us all. Mike was a
North Carolina native who married his high
school sweetheart and had a beautiful family. Mike had recently
been promoted to the Director of Golf at the Cassique Club and
had won the Carolinas Section Championship. A PGA Tour event
was in his future. Many friends, teammates, and professionals
attended his funeral, which culminated with his wife Katherine
sharing her thoughts on what a wonderful husband, friend, and
father Mike was.
The students and staff, with a $2,000 match from Billy Anderson
’93 (Eagle Point Golf Club), donated almost $5,000 to the Mike
Townsend Trust Fund for his children’s education. I am so proud of
our students and staff. It was one of the most touching moments in
my career.
Sometimes we rush through our life without pausing to realize
those who have had their life cut too short. Mike’s death made me
remember and contemplate the four other students and graduates
that we have lost: Bill Arliss ’91, Craig Chisolm, Wes Mensing’09,
and Nick Rossano. These young men left their mark on our
University, our program, and our hearts. May God comfort and
heal all the hurt as we remember these fine young men.
PROGRAM UPDATE
by Jerry Hogge
We are off to a great school year with the students enjoying the
facilities Downback. It has been encouraging to see the quality of
potential students that are already visiting Methodist University
for next year. We have had great feedback from our PGA Summer
Experience camp, which is for rising high school juniors and
seniors each July.
Each student is given the opportunity to experience the
Downback facilities firsthand, receive instruction from the PGA
staff, learn about the PGA-accredited curriculum, live on the MU
campus, and get a quick snapshot of campus life. This helps them
decide if becoming a golf professional is something they want to
pursue. We continue to ask for your recommendations of young
men and women who will be the PGA stars of tomorrow. We
truly value your input. Please contact Brock White at brwhite@
methodist.edu or 910.630.7278, with recommendations.
We continue to seek the capital funds needed for our building
expansion. Several alumni and their parents have made substantial
commitments, for which we are grateful. To date, we have raised
$148,599. Many have said they will help. Now is a great time to
send in your commitments.
I will be traveling to New York City on October 13, for a regional
alumni and parents reception. For more information on the event
in New York, contact the Advancement Office at 910.630.7609.
I hope to see you there. Please enjoy our newsletter and provide us
with feedback to make it better.
Want to hit farther but not swing faster?
by Joey Wuertemberger ’01
Everyone is looking for more distance these days, and to be
honest, there’s a simple answer. Plus, you don’t need to swing faster.
How do you do it, you might ask? Simple, improve your angle of
attack. The angle of attack is the direction the clubhead is moving
up or down at impact. If the ball is on the ground, always strive for
a negative attack angle, but if you want to maximize distance with
the driver, a positive angle of attack is a must.
If you want to know exactly if you’re hitting up on the ball, try
this simple drill.
1. Take an empty sleeve of golf balls and place the sleeve 8-12
inches in front of the ball.
2. Take your normal setup and swing. If you can hit the
ball high on the face and safely escape the sleeve, you
did it! If not, you know what you need to work on
for maximizing distance.
Mike Townsend ’05 on July 30 after winning the Carolinas PGA
section championship at Grande Dunes Resort in Myrtle Beach.
1
To view this video visit: http://www.methodist.edu/pga-golf-management-driving
Register Today!
Homecoming and Parents Weekend Events for PGA Golf Management
Friday, October 16
6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
Alumni & Parents Pre-Registration Party
Hall of Fame Banquet
Hall of Fame After-Party
Fairfield Inn
Berns Student Center
Fairfield Inn
Saturday, October 17
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
2
Parents’ Breakfast
Ceremonial Tee Shot for Wes Mensing ’09 Choral “Gathersing”
Women’s Basketball Alumni Game
Alumni Awards Ceremony
Men’s Basketball Alumni Game
Tailgate/Food Truck Lunch
KidZone
Football Game
Parents’ Tent
Class of ’65 50th Reunion Dinner
Alumni and Parents’ Party
Fairfield Inn
Downback
Choral Rehearsal Room
Riddle Center
Alumni Dining Room
Riddle Center
Berns/Riddle Parking
Outdoor Basketball Courts
Monarch Stadium
President’s Box
Scrub Oaks Gold Room
Scrub Oaks
For registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/
e/2015-methodist-universityhomecoming-family-weekendtickets-18102735770
For more information contact
Kirbie Dockery, Director of
Alumni Affairs, at 910.630.7167
or alumnioffice@methodist.edu.
Women’s Golf
2015 - 2016
ROSTER
COACHING SAFF
Name
Class
Hometown
NameTitle
Jade Blais Danielle Burns Claire Castetter
Lauren Ceyrolles
Peyton Durham Maggie Flurschutz
Sienna Fucci
Isabel Gonzalez
Erika Hallmark
Makenna Hammer
Elizabeth Leavitt
Alexandra Michielini
Briana Morris McKenzee Pane
Ashley Roggero
Mackenzie Ryan
Paloma Santiago
Molly Sheekey
Sydney Syster
Madeleine Vonnegut
Megan Webster
Kaylee Wells
Taylor Woods
Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. So. East Barre, Vt.
Snoqualmie, Wash.
Cary, Ill.
Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
Dinwiddie, Va.
Auburn, N.Y.
Guilford, Conn.
Bloomfield, N.J.
American Canyon, Calif.
Clayton, N.C.
Salinas, Calif.
Garden City, N.Y.
Poland, Maine
South Fulton, Tenn.
Portsmouth, R.I.
Hubbardston, Mass.
Lawrence, N.J.
Jamestown, R.I.
Derry, Pa.
Fayetteville, N.C.
Katy, Texas
Baiting Hollow, N.Y.
Edgewood, Wash.
Tom Inczauskis
Kelsie Carralero Head Women’s Golf Coach
Assistant Women’s Golf Coach
3
Internship Update
CORY YUDKIN
My summer at TPC Boston has been fantastic! I had the
pleasure of working with three alumni: Don Baldassare, Eric
Ledbetter, and Devin Beck; all of whom welcomed and helped me
and fellow intern Andrew Norris. Don become an inspirational
mentor and has helped to solidify my decision that the golf
industry is where I want to be for the rest of my life.
Don Baldassare is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of
the industry, from teaching, to managing, to inside and outside
operations. He helped me take my golf game to a whole new level
with his ability at every level of experience. It was apparent that his
knowlege of the industry has brought TPC Boston to new heights
of achievements, which can be seen in member satisfaction levels,
overall revenue, and growth of the club as a whole. I have learned
so much from being around him and seeing what he does day
in and day out. Don’s ability to succeed with the workload that
is put on him is incomparable. He is truly a great product of the
Methodist PGM Program and Methodist should be proud to say
Don Baldassare is an alumni.
Over the summer, I experienced almost every aspect TPC
Boston had to offer. I was allowed to utilize my passion for
teaching during small women’s clinics and junior camps, and the
joy I felt was unparalleled and very rewarding when I saw the smile
on their faces. I can say it has been the best job I have had thus far.
During my internship I grew extensively; the most essential fact I
took away was how important it is to be professional at all times.
No matter the situation, every member of the staff was consistently
professional and made a profound impact on my work ethic.
L to R: Andrew Norris (Sophomore), Devin Beck ’10, Don Baldassare ’12,
Eric Ledbetter ’14 and Cory Yudkin (Sophomore).
Join us
for a special tribute to Wes Mensing
Saturday | Oct. 17, 2015 | 9 a.m. | Downback
Wesley R. Mensing ’09
Ceremonial Tee Shot
9:00-9:15 a.m.
Reception and Tribute
9:15-9:45 a.m.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
Alumni Dining Room
10:00 a.m.
44
ANDREW NORRIS
I had a fantastic summer here at TPC Boston. I worked with
alumni Don Baldassare, Devin Beck, and Eric Ledbetter, and
fellow MU student Cory Yudkin. All three alumni have been
influential in my education, and have all been positive mentors.
Devin Beck taught me how to use computer programs to
set up tournaments. This included making scorecards, cart
signs, rules sheets, and tee sheets. Don took me under his wing
and taught me a lot, including improving my golf game, being
professional in dealing with customers, and how he instructed
members.
He also allowed me to shadow him as he taught members
allowing me to grow my knowledge of teaching other golfers.
Eric was extremely welcoming to me, and was the first person I
met at the club. Because we both had MU in common, we made
an instant connection. Eric also let me shadow him, and has
helped me increase my knowledge of the golf swing.
I am thankful I have been given the opportunity to work
beside Loretta and gain greater insight into the Professional Golf
Management Program. This experience has been one that will aid
me in my journey to becoming the best professional I can be in an
industry for which I have a true passion.
MOLLY SHEEKEY
My level-two internship at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in
Charlestown, Rhode Island has not only been a rewarding
experience, but a learning opportunity. Methodist University
alumna, Loretta Giovannettone is the merchandise manager
and assistant golf professional at Shelter Harbor. With Loretta’s
assistance I have enhanced my knowledge in different aspects of
the golf industry, including merchandising responsibilities and
different techniques used to teach Junior golf as well as ladies
clinics.
Loretta Giovannettone ’14 and Molly Sheekey (Junior)
at Shelter Harbor Golf Club, RI
PGA Alumni Event
Jerry Hogge and the PGA Golf
Management Program invite you to the
annual PGA alumni gathering at the 2016
PGA Show.
Wednesday | January 27, 2016 | 5-7 p.m.
Orange County National Golf Center
Orlando, Fla.
RSVP to Alunni Affairs
910.630.7167 | 1.800.488.7110 ext.7167
alumnioffice@methodist.edu
5
METHODIST UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
CHAD COLLINS
visits the PGA Management program
by Coach Steve Conley
CHAD COLLINS
highlights
College
Three NCAA D3 Individual Championships
Four Time All-American
u18 Collegiate Victories
uFour Times Top 10 Scoring Average (All Divisions)
uIndiana Amateur Champion
uTwo time U.S. Amateur Championship Qualifier
u
u
Professional
PGA Tour Member (6 years)
PGA Tour Career Earnings $2,525,221
uTwo Web.com Tour Wins
uWeb.com Career Earnings $1,212.085 (Ranks 19th)
u
u
2015 PGA Tour
Scoring Ave. 70.65
#1 Scrambling 66.10%
uEarnings $747,899
uFedEx Cup Ranking 120
uWorld Ranking 331
u
u
6
PGA Tour member & MU PGM Alum Chad Collins ’01 visited Downback to give a clinic for our staff and
students prior to playing in the Wyndam Championship at Sedgefield CC in Greensboro, N.C. He hit shots and answered questions
for more than an hour. It was great fun reminiscing with him about his college days at MU. He also spoke about his near-win at The
Greenbriar Classic. He was leading with two holes to play finishing T-6th at -11 with rounds of 65-67-68-69 (269). We are all very
proud of Chad and we continue to wish him well as he continues his career on the PGA Tour next season.
Above, PGA golfer Chad Collins performs a hitting clinic for students.
Left, Collins poses with the PGA Golf Program at Methodist University.
Below, students from Golf Management enjoy Collins’ demostration.
7
Methodist University Men’s Golf Ranked No. 1
by Coach Steve Conley
Men's Golf Team Pre-Season Rankings
The Methodist men's golf team, the reigning NCAA Division III
National Champions, have opened the season ranked No. 1 in the
Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll.
The Monarchs, who won their 11th National Championship at
Greensboro's Grandover Resort last May, received 14 first-place
votes for a total of 421 points. LaGrange, last season's national
runner-up, was second with 369 points and one first-place vote,
while UT-Tyler was picked third and earned the final two firstplace votes. Wittenberg (349) and Redlands (330) rounded out
the Top Five.
The Monarchs, led by Steve Conley in his 29th year, are expected
to welcome back four of last year's five National Championship
participants, including All-American Mason Stutler. Stutler
finished 13th at last season's championships and Aaron Purviance
added a Top-20 finish with a T-18th finish.
Fall Tryout Results
Course Yardage MU 6,200 PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 *CP *CP *CP *CP Par 69 Rating 70.9 NAME HOMETOWN Leddy, Josh Saint James, N.Y. Riley, Gunnar Charleroi, Pa. Gross, Larkin Center Cross, Va. Gardiner, Grant Mickelton, N.J. Ramsett, Jack Algonquin, Il. Boyle, Chris West Dundee, Il. Zetterholm, Ryan Enfield, Conn.
Filling, Chris Egg Harbor, N.J. Mulligan, Liam Mickelton, N.J. Stolz, Richard West Deptford, N.J. Losey, Andrew Greenwich, N.Y. Trotta, Jake Harrison, N.Y. Schwab, Justin Beach Park, Il. Gage, Cole Kansas City, Mo. Flower City Preview Results
The Methodist men's golf team moved up five spots during the
final day of the Flower City Preview hosted by St. John Fisher and
finished in second place with a 36-hole total of 608 (308-300).
The event, which was shortened from 54 holes to 36 holes due
to inclement weather, was won by the host Cardinals, who carded
a score of 604 (301-303) to edge the Monarchs. Huntingdon (300311-611), Wittenberg (310-304-614) and Mary Hardin-Baylor
(304-310-614) completed the top five of the 18-team field.
Jackson Collier was MU's top finisher, placing in a tie for
seventh after shooting 76 (+4) on day two for a two-day total
of 150 (74-76). Mason Stutler was tied for 10th, one shot back of
Collier, at 151 (79-72). Aaron Purviance shot a 153 (77-76) and
tied for 20th, while Davis Jensen came in with a score of 158 (7880) and tied for 46th. Craig Decato rounded out MU's contingent
with a score of 160 (84-76) and tied for 56th.
Rounds 4 Course Record
64
CLASS JR SO FR JR SO SO JR JR JR FR FR FR JR FR TOTAL 284 290 291 293 294 294 295 295 300 300 302 304 306 309 AVE.
71.00
72.50
72.75
73.25
73.50
73.50
73.75
73.75
75.00
75.00
75.5
76.00
76.50
77.25
*CP-Coach’s Picks-Picks based on Jr Golf Rankings, HS Performance and Tryouts
RETURNERS (Spring 2015 Team) HOMETOWN 1 # Mason Stutler (All-American) 2 Jackson Collier(All-Conference) 3 Charlie Maness (All-Conference) 4 Aaron Purviance 5 Craig Decato 6 Davis Jensen # denotes Captain
Fredericksburg, Va. Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Troy, N.C. Winston-Salem, N.C. York, Maine Loudonville, N.Y. Women’s Golf Fall Schedule
Sept. 27-28­—Montgomery CC Women’s Intercollegiate,
Montgomery, Ala.
Oct. 5-6 —Generals Invitational, Lexington, Va
Oct. 11-13 —Golfweek Division III Fall Preview, Destin, Fl.
Oct. 26-27 —Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invitational, Coosa Country Club, Rome, Ga.
8
CLASS SR SR SR SO SR JR NCAA’s 2015 & 2014 2015 2015 2015 N/A N/A 2014-15 Ave.
72.82 (28 Rds)
75.80 (20 Rds)
75.82 (17 Rds)
74.94 (16 Rds)
75.63 (8 Rds)
77.00 (3 Rds)
Men’s Golf Fall Schedule
Sept. 28-29 — Gordin Classic, Delaware, Ohio
Oct. 11-13 — Golfweek Fall Preview, Destin, Fla.
Oct. 18-20 —O’Brian Jensen Memorial,
Greensboro, N.C.