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What's the future of North Coast golf show?

Ed Townsend - Columnist
Posted 5/7/20

Joe Stegh, president of the North Coast Golf & Travel Shows in an exclusive interview with Golfing Highlights recently said, “I don't know about next year as it depends on how soon this virus thing …

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What's the future of North Coast golf show?

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Joe Stegh, president of the North Coast Golf & Travel Shows in an exclusive interview with Golfing Highlights recently said, “I don't know about next year as it depends on how soon this virus thing clears up and people get back to normal.”

The Edison New Jersey version of the traveling show is a popular late February early March date for many Sullivan County and tri-county golfers who join thousands of golfers getting a first time look at new and used golf equipment, clothing and golfing vacation packages.

Stegh added, “I would think 2021 will definitely be slower and probably back to normal in 2022 and we'll have to see how things develop....who knows.....we may have to take a year off.”

The 55-year-old Stegh is from the Cleveland, Ohio area where he lives with his wife Tracy and one married daughter. Tracy works with Joe but at home while Joe travels with the show to Columbus, Washington, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and the New Jersey show.

The year 2021 will be the 34th consecutive year for producing America's finest consumer golf show.

Planning for a traveling show like this requires advance scheduling year around.

Some four full-time and 20 or more part-time employees help Joe put on these shows which also include special entertainment (golf) and area pros helping with golf tips.

Stegh said that he works with a yearly budget estimated to be at least $900,000.

The main theme of the golf shows is offering great deals on golf equipment and golf travel opportunities with a lot of interactive activities and fun. There is a host of challenging skill competitions and ball striking opportunities where golfers can try out new golf clubs and get free PGA instruction and lessons.

Joe, several years ago, had his show in Rockland County and Syracuse but he noted, “results were bleak.”

Stegh added that the golf booths selling used equipment do better because they can discount their equipment better than the new golf equipment because these companies don't let them sell new stuff below a certain price.

“We have relationships with the PGA in all cities and they provide their local professionals and stage entertainment and instruction at our shows,” Stegh said.

Time will tell what effect this virus will have on the 2021 show.

Ed's Outlook

It's sad to see all the work done at the Kutsher's Golf Course go to waste.

No golf played last year and again the facility is not open this year.

Last year ownership indicated they were planning on maintaining the Kutsher's property at its current state.

Future reported plans for the course included a pro shop, golf cart storage, driving range and an indoor/outdoor banquet hall but no reports have come forth as to the future of this golf course.

That combined with the news that the Monster Golf Course is now delayed for several years leaves the golf community with two less golf courses.

The Tennanah Lake Golf Course will open May 15 with carts (may be some restrictions) and the restaurant will possibly be opening on May 30. The Thursday night men's league plans to start May 14.

Golf Carts:

Rules change again

The on again off again rule for golf carts has changed again. Last week carts were not allowed and golfers had to walk the course.

Now the rule has changed again and carts are allowed but only one golfer per cart is now in effect.

Golf courses must provide proper sanitation of golf carts, golfers must maintain social distancing, golfers must not touch the flagstick and golfers cannot share golf equipment.

Golf Tip

By Bob Menges

In today's ever-changing golf game, most players are under the influence that if they hit the ball longer they will play better.

Even though technology has increased how far the ball will travel, the scores are about the same.

There is no doubt that if you hit the ball longer you should have less club to the green and be able to get the ball closer to the hole and make more putts.

I believe this to be true, but you better be able to hit the shots on the green close to the pin. In order to hit the ball close, I feel it is important to carry three wedges in your golf bag. Most golfers have a pitching wedge that comes with the set. This club has about a 47-49 degrees of loft.

You have a choice to make for the other two wedges. A gap wedge comes with about 50 to 53 degrees of loft and a lob wedge is about 60 to 64 degrees of loft. I would choose between these two clubs depending on how far you hit the ball.

A lob wedge will save you shots around the green and a gap wedge will help you with the in between yardages in the fairway. You should always carry a sand wedge that has 54-57 degrees of loft.

Some touring Professionals will carry four wedges in their bag. The next time you play a round of golf, count how many strokes you take from 100 yards in to the hole. I think you find this will total about 60 percent of your score.

When you are trying to improve your score, it is important to lower the number of shots you take close to the green. I think having three wedges in your bag will help you accomplish a lower score.

Robert Menges is the head golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available when the course opens in mid-May. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-292-0323, 845-866-5567 or via email at bobmenges22@gmail.com.

Putting Tip

By Geoff Walsh

A special key to good consistent putting is finishing the putting stroke.

Most golfers do not finish and then they wonder why they are short of the hole.

You start the stroke.......you must finish and hold the finish.

Finishing means the putter head is a minimum 2 feet past the ball and this helps the momentum and the ball will roll end over end and will reach the hole.

Geoff Walsh is a Class A PGA Professional at the Tarry Brae Golf Course at 387 Pleasant Valley Road, South Fallsburg. At this time private lessons are not available. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 845-434-2620.

Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the sport of Golf and brings over 60 years of sports journalism experience in writing and compiling the information for this column. When leagues open up please send league and tournament information to Ed at 845-439-8177, email to bght75@gmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and Ed's photos at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

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