16 - July 22, 2011


by Marc Ayotte The final round of the British Open


at Royal St. Georges Golf Club in Sandwich Kent paled in comparison to the Pine Valley Golf Links Club Championship, which concluded on Sunday, July 17, in Pelham. In a 36-hole, medal-play format that measured 5,820 yards for 18 holes, Bob L’Heureux drained a six-foot birdie putt on the first sudden-death hole to win the 2011 PVGL Club Championship. L’Heureux’s ultra- consistent rounds of 81-81-162 gave him the bragging rights for the second time in three years, as his victory dethroned last year’s champ, Bill ‘The Penguin’ Scanzani, whose birdie attempt on the sudden-death hole slid just by the right side of the cup. Bill Tarmey, after shooting an 80-82 to get into the playoff, also missed a birdie attempt, which opened the door for L’Heureux’s dramatic finish. From the red tees, Sophie Flabouris held a slim, first-round lead over Barbara Herrick, but then went on to victory after firing an 83 to go along with her opening-round 85, giving her back-to-back championships in the women’s division. While indulging herself in pro shop merchandise—or “Todd dollars,” as she put it—as a result of her first place winnings, Flabouris had nothing but nice words to say about the club,


Pelham~Windham Sports Pelham~Windham Sports


Bob L’Heureux drains a six-foot birdie putt on the first hole of sudden death to capture the 2011 Pine Valley Golf Links Club Championship in Pelham


the owners, and her fellow members. “It feels like you’re part of the family; that’s the way they make you feel here. Good times—good people,” she said. The three-year member of PVGL and defending champion went on to say that “these guys took me under their wing—Todd [Madden/ PVGC Pro] and Bob L’Heureux made me feel very at home.” A strong endorsement from the Chelmsford resident who often endures a 45-minute ride north just to play at the friendly, nine-hole track nestled in the woods of Pelham: “The price is right, the people are great—I enjoy it immensely.”


After holding the first-round lead in the men’s division, Scanzani, who was dubbed as ‘very consistent,’ made the turn on the final day with a 41 and appeared to be in good position to repeat as club champion. Admittedly, Scanzani pointed out that his less than stellar play on


Men’s Club Champ Bob L’Heureux, Women’s Club Champ Sophia Flabouris, and host PVGL Pro Todd Madden


holes 12 through 15 probably opened the door for Bill Tarmey and the eventual club champ. As is usually the case when golfers recount their rounds, ‘shouldas and couldas’ ruled. Such was the case with Bill Tarmey, only this time it was probably justifiably so. Tarmey registered a ‘quad’ on the par 3, 11th hole, which he said “hurt” at the time. First-round leader Jeremy Marion, after shooting an eye-opening 75, went lofty on Sunday, taking himself off the leader board. After all the scores were in and it was determined that there was a three-way playoff ensuing; the clubhouse patrons prepared to head to the first tee, where host Pro Todd Madden ‘flipped’ the tee to determine the rotation for the sudden death. With all three finalists eliciting applause for pressure-packed drives onto the short grass, the brigade of golf carts rolled down the first fairway cart path to catch a view of the approach shots. Scanzani and Tarmey each put their shots left of the flag, but with very makeable birdie putts, while L’Heureux’s chip, in contrarian fashion, rolled hole-high on the right side of the cup. After a solid effort by Tarmey and a near-miss by ‘The Penguin,’ L’Heureux, who started playing golf a little later in life than most, made his putt disappear, earning his way into PVGL immortality. Once getting back to the clubhouse, L’Heureux


Pine Valley Golf Links Crowns Club Champions, L’Heureux Wins in Men’s Sudden Death; Flabouris Runs Away with Ladies’ Title


commented on his ‘winning drain’: “I played that hole so bad twice today—I beat two good guys, I’ll tell you that!” Back in the clubhouse, the participants were enjoying a delicious meal provided by the gracious hosts. Debbie Madden was diligent in her role as head of ‘grill operations’ as she took to the flames while preparing delicious cuts of beef for the hungry linksters. A mere $35 for an entry fee allowed the golfers to play two rounds of golf and enjoy steak, corn on the cob, garden salad, and potato salad, as well as having access to beverages of their choice. But most importantly, they could enjoy a small clubhouse atmosphere where camaraderie and sportsmanship flourishes. In addition to the club champ prizes that were awarded, Bill Tarmey received cash and merchandise for


his 138 low net score, while John Connelly, one stroke back, also received compensation for his net score of 139. From the red tee box, Barbara Herrick was awarded a prize for her second-place finish. Additionally, four-year PVGL member Kevin ‘Kline’ Jean (of the movie TheWaterboy and Pelham Razorback football fame) earned honors with closest to the pin on the ninth-hole par three by putting his tee shot an even 10 feet from the stick, while club champ L’Heureux received the same honors on Saturday when his shot left him with a 7-foot, 6-inch birdie attempt. The down-home hospitality offered by PVGL


hosts Todd and Debbie Madden continued on after the tournament, as several players tossed verbal jabs and socialized while some even took out a deck of cards. The card-playing foursome of John Connelly, Mike Phillips, Don Morrin, and club champ L’Heureux while gazing at their hands all heard L’Heureux’s cell phone ring. As the champ glanced down at the unrecognizable incoming number, Morrin commented, “It’s the PGA! They want you to join the tour.” Touché! And that was just one example of the sense of humor that permeates this small and friendly southern New Hampshire clubhouse.


Pelham Good Neighbor Fund


Pine Valley Golf Links Hosts Junior PGA Tour Event


by Marc Ayotte The New England PGA Junior Tour visited


18th Annual Mon., Aug. 8th Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course, Salem, NH


To benefit the Pelham Good Neighbor Fund The Pelham Good Neighbor Fund is celebrating its 42nd year.


It provides assistance 52 weeks a year for emergency situations including heating oil, electricity, rent, food, transportation, and other household expenses.


All 16 members are volunteers who are dedicated to helping our Neighbors In Need. 100% of donations go back to the community.


Interested in being a Sponsor? The costs is as follows:


Tournament Presenter: $1000 (includes foursome) Corporate Sponsor: $300 Tee Sponsor: $100


Sand Trap Sponsor: $50 $125 entry fee


Want to Play?


includes pregame coffee and donuts, green fees, golf cart, lunch, and prizes Entry is Tax Deductible


This a 501 © (3) charitable organization, tax ID #02-0484080. Mail your donations to:


Pelham Good Neighbor Fund Golf Tournament P.O. Box 953, Pelham, NH 03076


For more info visit www.pelhamgoodneighborfund.org or call Chuck Curtis 890-0255, Anne Marie Lacharite 635-7272, Deb Peglow 893-5472, or Frank Sullivan 204-5299


Brochures are available at Sovereign Bank in the Pelham Plaza


Pelham last Friday, July 15, as 19 golfers teed it up on the public, nine-hole Pine Valley course. With the fairways in great shape and the greens in superb condition, the young golfers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire competed in the N.E. Junior PGA-sponsored event. According to the New England section Player Development Manager, Jacy Settles, this event was just one of the 75 or so events that are held for the junior tour members. Events are held in every New England state except for Connecticut, noted Settles, who is based out of Boylston, MA. In addition to the junior tour, the N.E. section sponsors a developmental tour for beginners (ages 6-9) as well as an Elite Tour, where there are certain handicap requirements to be met in order to compete. The elite tournaments are generally two-day events comprised of a total of 36 holes and head-to-head competition for all ages, unlike the junior tour that is broken down into several age groups. Settles explained that each tour is structured in an attempt to keep the level of golf competitive and fun while maintaining a proper pace of play. The tour’s stop at Pine Valley featured 11-year- old golf sensation Lauren Thibodeau, who recently won the NHWGA Junior Girls’ Championship. Thibodeau’s impressive, four-over-par 77 gave her the 2011 state title, as she became the youngest female ever to win that event. On her way to the title, Thibodeau defeated two-time champ Faith Jenkins, but her competition was not as strong at the junior tour event in Pelham. In fact, there wasn’t any competition. The junior golfer, who resides in Hampstead and plays out of Windham Country Club, was the only competitor in the girls’ division. Thus, her score of 82 not only added another trophy to her mounting collection, it also was the fifth best score overall for the day. In the boys’ bracket, there were four golfers


who walked away with a trophy commemorating a victory in their respective age groups. Robbie O’Brien won the 11 and under flight with a nine-hole total of 52, while Christopher Sieh’s 91 for 18 holes was good enough to take home the hardware in the 12-13 age category. A day earlier, at Groton C.C., Sieh fired a blistering 40- 34-74 to win the junior event by an eight-stroke margin, setting the stage for his back-to-back wins. Zach Gresham (age 14-15) and late entry Gabe Sadowsky (age16-18) each shot a very respectable, four-over-par 74 as they not only emerged victorious in their age group, but also chalked up individual low medalist honors. The win for Gresham was his third on the tour this year, while Sadowsky picked up his first victory. Although it was the first time that Pine Valley


pro Todd Madden had hosted the New England PGA Junior Tour competition, his course has been the sight for many NH-sponsored junior tournaments. “Todd is very big on junior golf,”


commented Debbie Madden. “We are both


Junior PGA Player Development Manager Jacy Settles presents the first-place trophy to Lauren Tibodeau, 11


so happy to do this,” she said, with respect to hosting this junior tour event. In addition to being married to the long-time PGA member, Debbie is an integral part of the clubhouse operations. One of the hats she was wearing that particular day was that of chief cook, as she prepared burgers and hot dogs for all the participants. Junior golfers have always been a priority for Todd Madden, as his generosity towards young players has been a heartfelt tradition at Pine Valley for over 40 years. The junior golfers do pay an annual membership as well as a tournament entry fee directly to the PGA. However, the Maddens did not charge the players or the PGA for the use of the course, epitomizing Todd’s career-long effort to promote and enhance the golfing experience for thousands of junior players throughout the years.


Photos by Mark Ayotte


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16