Golf column: John Ferrara Memorial Tournament on tap Thursday

You still have time to get a spot in the fourth annual John Ferrara Memorial, which was rescheduled from Labor Day to this Thursday (Sept. 26) at Silver Lake.

As you know, John Ferrara was a respected supporter of the game who left us much too early in April of 2010.

Those who knew him can attest to not only his excellent playing skills and accomplishments, but the manner in which he treated others interested in learning the game.

Ferrara was a graduate of St. Peter?s High School and a scholarship fund was created in his name by Steven Zuntag and a supporting committee of local golfers. Friends of the popular Ferrara will be turning out to play and contribute to the scholarship fund.

Each year the committee selects the outstanding student-athlete from St. Peter?s who maintains an average above 90. Tickets for golf and dinner are $150. Dinner only is $75. Entrants should sign up at 11 a.m. and golf will begin with a noon shotgun start. Call 917-685-8262 for information and reservations. ?

GREENS GRIPES? ?

This time each year, greens superintendents are subjects of much verbal abuse since it is their duty and decision to aerate the putting surfaces.

They all agree it is a necessary evil in order to maintain the best putting surfaces. Some greens keepers have been known to hide just to avoid the complaints from golfers who are just not aware of the importance of this procedure.\

Most veteran players know well enough to just grin and bear it until the greens heal from the aeration holes and all is back to normal in a few weeks. ?

HERE?S PROOF? ?

Doug Johnstone, Silver Lake?s guy responsible for course conditions, did his usual job of punching holes in the greens and filling them with a layer of sand.

Johnstone heard the usual cries from some, but he didn?t hide. In fact he joined the players in the usual Friday afternoon game that usually draws 20 or so good players and was teamed with Rod Stilwell, professionals Pete Meurer and Anthony Aruta.

Despite the sand-covered greens, this foursome made a total of 17 birdies for the 18 holes played. Aruta, who posted a score of 62 said, ?It wasn?t bad at all. I putted great and was on my way to shooting 59 until the last four holes. I think the sand was helpful in keeping the ball on line.? ?

COURSE CONDITIONS? ?

There were some changes made in personnel at the South Shore and we haven?t been told who is now in charge.

However, we were at the course last week and saw a tremendous improvement in all-around conditions. This after hearing many complaints about the Huguenot layout. We don?t know who to thank, but hope they keep it up.

Sean Crawford and his staff continue to keep LaTourette in fine condition. However, folks are wondering just when the excavation on the patio for a tank repair will be completed.

We have been accused of favoring the Lake and that?s probably accurate since we?ve spent all of our years on that course.

We go back to the early 1940s at Silver Lake and marvel each day at the present condition thanks to Johnstone and the improvements he?s made.

Isn?t it time for the Department of Parks to step back and look at what a gem he?s built and perhaps give him an award? ?

ATTENTION, SENIORS? ?

The Bea Victor Senior Olympics will take place the week of Sept. 29-Oct. 3. Registration has been extended thru Sept. 25 and the golf event will take place at Silver Lake on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Breakfast and lunch will be served. In addition to medals, prizes will be given (for both men and women) for closest to the pin on holes 6 and 11. Joan Goldwasser and Jerry Scully will once again direct the action. Call Scully at 718-727-5674. ?

SPEAKING OF SENIORS? ?

Dan ?Doc? Ostrowski of West Brighton will be celebrating his 88th birthday on Wednesday. Doc played the game all of his life and always played it well. We?re happy to have enjoyed his company whether it was as a partner or opponent. Happy Birthday, Doc. ?

CHIP-INS? ?

Congratulations to Walter Hartman, who aced the third hole at LaTourette during the recent Ocean Yacht Club outing. John Acampora tells us that Hartman hit a 9-iron on the 117-yard hole for his very first hole-in-one.

Gary Tuminaro, a South Shore regular, made a rare eagle-2 on the par-4 15th at South Shore on Sept. 16. Tuminaro, playing with Bob Pellegrini, holed out a 5-iron from 171 yards in a round of 2-under-par 70.

Word has it that Mike Ryan of the South Shore Club has made several eagles at his home course of late and has worked his handicap down from 12.0 to 5.0. ?

Source: http://www.silive.com/golf/index.ssf/2013/09/golf_column_john_ferrara_memor.html

Allison Schmitt Olympic Schedule Kyla Ross Montenegro Olympic Games Dana Vollmer Ryan Dempster