FAITH, FRIENDSHIP & FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OKLAHOMA

Good morning -- On Sunday, I was in Moore, Oklahoma. Today, I'm headed to the Jersey Shore. Those two communities are separated by half a continent but united by a common sense of purpose. Like Joplin, Tuscaloosa, and New Orleans, they are home to people who've seen nature at its worst and humanity at its best. And they're filled with those who have made the choice to rebuild after disaster, to come back stronger than ever. The scene on the ground this weekend was one we all know too well: homes wrecked and neighborhoods devastated. But the memories I'll take away from Moore will be of people standing tall, of neighbor helping neighbor, of survivors working to ensure that no one suffers through tragedy alone. And that too, was strikingly familiar. I could have been back in Brigantine Beach after Hurricane Sandy. I could have been in Joplin in 2011. It's because of those past experiences in places like New Jersey and Missouri that I have faith that Moore will emerge from the wreckage of this tornado stronger than ever. And that's in part because I know that they won't undertake the road to recovery alone. This was a national tragedy, and that demands a national response. If you want to help, the best way to support those affected by this storm is to make a financial contribution to the voluntary organization of your choice. The best way to volunteer is to affiliate with an organization that is already providing support to survivors. We've set up a page to help steer you in the right direction. Check it out to get started: http://www.whitehouse.gov/oklahoma Thank you, President Barack Obama {REPRINTED FROM "FAITH" PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES}

GO ANNIKA -- COLONIAL, CALLAWAY REMIX

Looking back, it is difficult for me to believe that it has been nearly seven years since I interviewed ANNIKA. I have had other meetings with the global golf star since then, most notably as a featured putting station instructor during an ANNIKA clinic at Fiddler's Elbow in 2010. 

In honor of the GO ANNIKA documentary honoring her historic play in the PGA event at Colonial, I decided to repost this article. The PGA pros are playing at Colonial this week.

I miss seeing ANNIKA's swing on television. Her tempo and rhythm were awesome and inspiring to watch. I am a visual learner and appreciated being able to (at the time) tape the LPGA and then watch all the ANNIKA segments---more often than not, she would be in contention in the tournament. 

In 2003, when she made history at Colonial, I was on the couch watching with my husband. We would have watched the whole thing no matter what, but I had begun to experience weird, flu-like symptoms and fatigue which would often relegate me to the couch (and would ultimately take me on a medical adventure.)

I tried to continue with my budding amateur golf career but it was difficult.  Missing tee times due to a randomly appearing illness is not looked upon favorably.

Still I was inspired to remain committed to my promise to take golf to my home country Lithuania (I have dual American & Lithuanian citizenship) in July, 2004. I participated in and won the Lithuanian Open. I also gave a golf clinic to over 300 people with television and radio coverage. I was expecting 30 people!! 

I also followed through on participating in the World Amateur Team Championship as a member of the Lithuanian team. While we did raise the Lithuanian flag and Lithuania is part of the official record, I did not finish (DNF) as I was physically unable to compete. 

I gave it my all the first two rounds but I could barely walk--I felt a tremendous weight on my shoulders to complete the task--I just could not do it. 

I continue to battle this mystery disease. Currently, I am with a physician who specializes in bartonella co-infections. The protocol is extremely challenging but my husband and I remain hopeful. 

I continue to electronically coach those junior golfers who reach  out to me. I plan on making a comeback, it is just going to take more time.

In the meantime, checkout Annika's (Ms. 59) stats from golf.com: Ms. 59  posted that score in the 2001 Standard Register Ping, the only sub-60 round in LPGA history. But it was her 72 career LPGA victories and 10 major titles that really set her apart. A workout fiend, Sorenstam increased her strength and driving distance enough to make another sort of history, teeing it up against the men in the PGA Tour's Colonial in 2003. She missed the cut but set a new standard for women's golf.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/annika-sorenstam-career-achievements-and-major-championships#ixzz2U8gmlzz8

She and I have much in common in terms of our passion for golf, cooking, community support and encouraging others to be the best that they can be. When I look at the photograph above, I am reminded that I have a Swedish sister along with my six Lithuanian ones. Notice the Swedish blue in my beret?????

Hunterdon Central High School girls’ golf coach Lydia Siipola had the opportunity to sit down with golf superstar Annika Sorenstam on Saturday afternoon at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course. The LPGA’s all-time leading money winner then conducted a clinic before 500 enthusiastic Hunterdon and Somerset County golf fans.

By Lydia Siipola

It really was a no-brainer.

Annika Sorenstam putting on a golf clinic just 10 miles from Flemington. I had to be there and I had to tell everyone I know about the opportunity.

Saturday arrived and so did the winner of 60 LPGA tournaments, representing Callaway Golf and helping the Somerset County park system celebrate its 50^th anniversary. The day included two golf tournaments, as well as contests involving long drive, chipping, putting, and a hole-in-one opportunity. Later in the afternoon, Sorenstam put on a ball-striking clinic and was quite a crowd pleaser.

Before the clinic, however, the current US Women’s Open champion held a small press conference in the Callaway Performance Center where she offered her thoughts on golf – Annika style.

“I love that younger people are playing golf,” said Sorenstam. “It really doesn’t matter when you start, but it has to be fun. You don’t what to force anything.

“I didn’t begin playing golf until I was 12, which is considered late by today’s standards. I had been involved in tennis before that and my idol was Bjorn Borg.”

Known for her ability to focus, Sorenstam said, “ It really is about taking one shot at a time. You can walk down the fairways talking but when it is your turn, you must focus completely for 30 to 40 seconds.”

While battling Lorena Ochoa for the number one ranking this year, Sorenstam is also in the process of opening a golf academy in Florida. “Annika’s Academy” will involve golf and fitness instruction.

While similar to other golf academies, Sorenstam’s will differ in that the people who teach Annika will also be there to teach those who attend her academy. Her personal fitness trainer Kai Fusser and her swing coach Henri Reis will be instructors at the academy, which will be part of the Reunion Golf Resort in Orlando.

Sorenstam, known for her commitment to training and practice, plans on see her “swing thought” gurus Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott in Phoenix soon. They are best known for their GOLF54 clinics as well as publishing, “Every Shot Must Have A Purpose.”

Sorenstam also said that she is coming out with a fitness DVD slated for release this spring.

After signing autographs for hundreds of fans, Sorenstam began her clinic by demonstrating her range routine, stating that everything she does is geared to “tempo.”

She showed remarkable consistency and explained her techniques on working the ball on high, low, left-to-right and right-to-left shots.

But above all, she said, “When you are on the range, you must always have a target. Absolutely.”

Of course, her ultimate target is to remain the world’s number one woman golfer.

And to help spread the sport around the world.

That’s just what she did for the fans on Saturday afternoon. 

Former GGGer & HC Red Devil Repeats as CC Player of the Year and Scores a First Team All-Centennial Team "Hat Trick!"

 

McNulty, Rowlands Highlight All-Centennial Women's Golf Team

Complete All-CC Team

ALL-CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE
Kara McNulty, Gettysburg +, Jr, Flemington, N.J. / Hunterdon Central
Morgan Koopman, McDaniel ++, Sr, Finksburg, Md. / McDonogh School
Molly Nulty, Gettysburg #, Sr, Cortland, N.Y. / Homer
Lauren Sobotka, Gettysburg *, Soph, North Caldwell, N.J. / Mount St. Dominic Academy
Emily Rowlands, Susquehanna, Fr, Honeoye Falls, N.Y. / Honeoye Falls-Lima

++ 1st team All-Centennial in 2010, 2011 and 2012
+    1st team All-Centennial in 2011 and 2012
*    1st team All-Centennial in 2012
#    1st team All-Centennial in 2011

Player of the Year – Kara McNulty, Gettysburg, Jr
Rookie of the Year - Emily Rowlands, Susquehanna, Fr
Coach of the Year – Sue Konstalid, Gettysburg

Notes

• McNulty is the third Gettysburg player to earn Centennial Player of the Year, joining Merrill Fortier (2008) and Caroline Nathan (2009), and first player to repeat since McDaniel's Kelly Cramp (2002-05). She becomes the eighth player to earn first-team All-Centennial laurels three times.
• Koopman is the fifth player to earn first-team All-Centennial honors four times.
• McNulty, Koopman and Sobotka were repeaters from the 2012 first team. Nulty was a first-team selection in 2011.
• Rowlands becomes the 20th freshman to earn first-team All-Centennial honors by finishing in the top five.
• McDaniel leads all schools with 28 first-team All-Centennial selections, followed by Gettysburg (17), Franklin & Marshall (9), Dickinson (6), Muhlenberg (5) and Susquehanna (1). Ursinus has not had a first-team selection.

2013 Rutgers GIRLS Junior OPEN stroke play event July 25 & 26

2013 Rutgers Girls Junior Open

CLICK HERE for info on Rutgers Girls Stroke Play event details OPEN to 2014 hs graduates

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

18 hole divisions  & 9 hole divisions

STROKE PLAY

THURSDAY/FRIDAY, JULY 25 & 26

Ages 15-17 Ages 11-14 Ages 10 and under

Jr. Miss on Thursday approximately 10:00 am* 

Jr. Miss on Friday approximately 8:30 am* 9-hole and 18-hole Girls Divisions follow Jr. Miss Div on Friday*

Electric carts are not allowed for spectators during the tournament. 

NOTE: A parent/adult may caddy for girls playing in the Jr. Girls 9-hole division only Parents/Adults may be spectators for all divisions.

Tee times will be available starting Saturday, July 20th after 6 pm

You can view the tee times on our website at http://golfcourse.rutgers.edu or Call the Pro Shop at 732-445-2637

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Former Girls GO Golfing Juniors Tee It Up in the NJSIAA North Sectional Qualifier at First Class Host Venue Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club in Readington New Jersey

2013 NJSIAA GIRLS’ GOLF NORTH SECTION RESULTS

MAY 14, 2013

STANTON RIDGE GOLF CLUB, WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ

5,155 yards, par 71

Team results (top 4 teams advance to states): 1. Ridge 330 (Hana Ku 70, Monica Schumacher 84, Yunhee Kang 87, Katie Cappola 89); 2. Chatham 364; 3. (tie) Hunterdon Central 367, Tenafly 367; 5. Bergen Tech 371, 6. Millburn 373, 7. Ridgewood 403; 8. (tie) Holy Angels 408, Montville 408; 10. Kent Place 444.

1.  Ridge 330:  Coach Siobhan Devlin 

Hana Ku                             70

Monica Schumacher          84

Yunhee Kang                     87

Katie Cappola                    89

2.  Chatham 364: Coach Dan Chenosky 

Katie Howard-Johnson          80

Jess Barry                             89

Meghan Gyres                       97

Sarah Ethridge                       98

3. (match of cards) Hunterdon Central 367: Coach Bob Nicolson

Nicole Petrocchi  (GGG)     85

Marissa Castaldo (GGG)    92

Jess Wild  (GGG)               95

Julia Tonnessen  (GGG)    95           

  

3. (tie) Tenafly 367: Coach James Stanek

Abby Lim                                    75

Eun-won Park                            82

Hanna Jeon                               101

Julia Pak                                    109

Individuals: 1. Hana Ku (Ridge) 70, 2. Abby Lim (Tenafly) 75, 3. (tie) Katie Howard-Johnson (Chatham) 80, Christina Parsells (Kent Place) 80, 5. Claire Serruto (Millburn), 6. Eun-won Park (Tenafly) 82, 7. Monica Schumacher (Ridge) 84, 8. Nicole Petrocchi (Hunt. Central), 85, 9. Yunhee Kang (Ridge) 87, 10. (tie) Katie Cappola (Ridge) 89, Jess Barry (Chatham) 89.

Notes:

*Ku, who had two bogeys on the day, shot 35-35-70 with birdies on four holes on the front to offset a double on the par-5 for a one-under 35. On the back nine Ku birdied the par-5 14^th to post an even par 35.

*Ridge has won three consecutive sectional titles and is the two-time defending state champions. The only other team to win the 4-player state title was Hunterdon Central in 2009 and 2010.

*Ridge had four of five players post rounds under 90 to easily claim the crown. Other qualifying teams for next week include Chatham, Hunterdon Central and Tenafly.

2012 NJSIAA GIRLS’ SECTIONAL I RESULTS

Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club

Par 71; 5,150 yards; Whitehouse Station

INDIVIDUAL: 1.  Alex Hershberger (Ridge) 74, 2.  Hana Ku (Ridge) 77, 3. Christina Paulson (Immaculate Heart) 82 , 4. Claire Serruto (Millburn) 83, 5. (tie) Jess Wild (Hunt. Central), Nicole Kim (Bergen Tech), Erica Repetto (Holy Angels) 86.

TEAM (4 scores count):

1. Ridge (333): Alex Hershberger 36-38-74, Hana Ku 38-39-77, Amber Evans 46-41-87, Rachel Walsh 49-46-95,  Kat Pallotta 50-46-96.

2. Hunterdon Central (367): Jess Wild 45-41-86, Radhika Ragam 46-43-89, Nicole Petrocchi 45-48-93, Julia Tonnensen 48-51-99, Deanna Smith 57-49-106.

3. Immaculate Heart (370): Christina Paulsen 39-43-82, Mary Tabatneck 47-46-93, Christeen Cox 48-45-93, Victoria Paulsen 52-50-102, Marissa Carlson 56-61-107. 4. Holy Angels (372):  Erica Repetto 43-43-86, Theresa Ra 44-46-90, Sandrine Yesilian 49-49-98, Meredith Dwyer 47-51-98, Soo Hyun Lee 61-48-109.

5. Bergen Tech (377): Nicole Kim 43-43-86, Rebecca Raub 44-48-92, Elexa Diktas 49-49-98, Erin Kim 50-51-101, Christine Lee 51-58-109.

6. Millburn (380): Claire Serruto 41-42-83, Courtney Brosnan 44-48-92, Alexa Paley 50-45-95, Kelly Driscoll 60-50-110, Tracy Sonnabend 66-64-130.

7. Kent Place (390): Sarah Lewis 45-50-95, Christina Parsells  51-47-98,  Caroline Vaters 53-45-98, Jennie Poole 47-52-99.

8. Ridgewood (404): Taryn Carroll 49-46-95, Julia Sullivan 53-49-102, Joyce Kwon 56-47-103, Jessica Chang 47-47-104, Taylor Barclay 55-55-110.

9. Pope John (446): Meghan Chrobock 51-48-99, Rachel Tarnopoll 54-49-103, Emily Smith 57-59-116, Carrie Wilcoxson 61-67-128, Allison Alloca 76-75-151.

10. Kinnelon (494): Francesca Bello 60-50-110, McKenzie Gaw 59-52-111, Toni Park 66-54-120, Emily Hegarty 76-77-153.

2011 NJSIAA GIRLS GOLF

NORTH SECTION RESULTS

(Played at Stanton Ridge Country Club, 5150 yards, par 71)

TEAMS: 1. Ridge (355), Immaculate Heart (365), Hunterdon Central (375), Kent Place (390), Holy Angels (395), Millburn (407), Pope John (433), Ridgewood (434), Ramsey (453).

(Top 4 teams advance to states)

INDIVIDUALS

Alex Hershberger (Ridge)                   37-40-77

Christina Paulsen (Imm. Heart)            41-38-79

Hana Ku (Ridge)                                 41-40-81

Jen Smith (Hunt. Central)                    44-44-88

Mary Tabatneck (Imm. Heart)             45-43-88

Erica Repetto (Holy Angels)               47-42-89

Claire Serruto            (Millburn)          41-49-90

Rachel Walsh            (Ridge)              46-47-93

Theresa Ra (Holy Angels)                   47-46-93

Caroline Vaters (Kent Place)               47-46-93

2010 NJSIAA GIRLS’ GOLF

NORTH SECTION champions

Stanton Ridge Country Club,  5150 yards, par 71

Team scores (top four advance to TOC):

1. Hunterdon Central (323),

2. Ridge (330),

3. ImmaculateHeart (365) 

4. Mt. St. Dominic (416),

Individuals (top 10): 1. Hana Ku (Ridge) 39-34-71, 2. Alex Hershberger (Ridge) 35-37-72, 3. Kara McNulty (Hunt. Central), 35- 38-73, 4. (tie) Kathleen Barr (Hunt. Central)35-47-82, Radhika Ragam (Hunt. Central) 44-38-82, 7. (tie) Jen Smith (Hunt. Central) 44-42-86, 10. (tie) Amanda Beebe (Hunt. Central) 44-44-88

GIRLS GO GOLFING SUPPORTS the Girls-Golf Puffer Tote FACEBOOK Contest:Enter Today!

facebook contest

Need a tote to take to barre class, yoga, spinning, Pilates or anywhere when you are on the go? We will give away one of our signature Puffer Totes (a $60 value) in a drawing to one of our FB friends who “likes” our girls golf USA Facebook page once we reach 2,000 likes. Your choice of pink or black, our fun puffer totes are pictured below. We will ship free to the winner but only to a location in the contiguous United States.

Facebook and our exclusive “girlfriends” newsletter is the only place you’ll hear about it.

So go ahead and LIKE girls golf! See our FB page for additional details. (Item not redeemable for cash or credit.)

grab your girlfriend and golf
Annie, alias the pink birdie

Former Red Devil Girls Golf Team Standout Kara McNulty Wins Second Straight Individual Conference Titlle

4/28/2013 9:14:00 PM

Complete Results

Kara McNulty alongside CC Executive Director Steve Ulrich.

ABBOTTSTOWN, Pa. – The Gettysburg College women's golf team won its third consecutive Centennial Conference title, while junior Kara McNulty (Flemington, N.J./Hunterdon Central) provided some late drama by winning a playoff on the 18th hole to claim her second-straight individual title at the Hanover Country Club on Sunday.

Conditions were not nearly as good as the opening day with the golfers contending with wind, rain, and cooler temperatures throughout the round, but that didn't prevent Gettysburg from cruising to its fourth title in the last six seasons. After posting a tournament record 331 on Saturday, the Bullets turned in a team score of 346 in the final round to finish with a championship record 677. The mark was 14 strokes better than the team's score from 2012 and it beat runner-up McDaniel College by 24 strokes.

Gettysburg is the first school to win three-straight titles since McDaniel won five in a row from 2002 to 2006. The team received the conference's automatic qualifier to the national tournament and will compete at the NCAA Division III Championships on May 14-17 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Fla.

Susquehanna University (728), Dickinson College (758), and Franklin & Marshall College (799) rounded out the top five in the team standings.

It took 37 holes to decide the individual champion. McDaniel's Morgan Koopman carded a 77 during round one and held a four-stroke lead over McNulty heading into the final round of play. The Bullet junior closed the gap in a hurry on the front nine, posting three birdies on her way finishing the day with an 80. Koopman bounced back on the final nine holes to finish with an 84 and tie McNulty at 161 for the tournament.

The 18th hole was chosen as the initial playoff hole. McNulty had recorded a pair of bogeys on the par-3, 175-yard hole, while Koopman had registered a par and a bogey during the tournament.

McNulty went off the tee box first with her drive bouncing onto the bottom edge of the green. Koopman's first two shot attempts were off target, but the McDaniel senior's chip shot out of the right bunker landed just a few feet from the cup to keep the pressure on.

After sizing up her putt, McNulty just missed putting the match away as the ball skirted the edge of the cup. She took her time on the following strike with the ball sinking cleanly into the hole for the win.

McNulty became the first repeat champion since McDaniel's Kelly Cramp won four titles from 2002 to 2005. The win was also her ninth individual victory as a Bullet, tying Merrill Fortier '08 for the program's career record.

Koopman became the fifth player to earn All-CC First Team honors in four consecutive seasons.

McNulty was joined on the all-conference team by two of her teammates. Senior Molly Nulty (Cortland, N.Y./Homer) logged an 84 on day two and finished the tournament in third place with a 166. Nulty was also an all-conference selection in 2011.

Sophomore Lauren Sobotka (North Caldwell, N.J./Mt. St. Dominic Academy) earned her second consecutive all-conference honor by tying Susquehanna's Emily Rowlands for fourth with a total score of 173. After posting an 82 in the opening round, Sobotka carded a 91 on day two.

All five Bullets finished in the top 10 as freshmen Kate Schwartz (Blairstown, N.J./North Warren Regional) and Alexandra Lane (Fairport, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy) placed seventh and 10th, respectively. Schwartz finished four strokes shy of earning All-CC accolades with a 177. She posted a 91 on Sunday. Lane logged a 92 in the final round to finish tied with McDaniel's Bridget McLaughlin with a total score of 182. 

Reprinted from Gettysburg Official College Athletics site