The Fenn Ross Cup scramble at Poland Spring last year was as well run an event as this columnist has played in.
That said, the new tournament director, Jim Delamater of Oxford, has put his banking vision to work, and with the help of Mike Bartley of Casco, the 2016 Fenn Ross Cup is expected to reach new heights.
“The goal is to enhance the historic value of the tournament,” Delamater said. Along with that, the goal is to raise an increased amount of money for the Poland Spring Preservation Society, and they have come up with a unique approach to the rich history of Poland Spring.
Signs with photos will be posted on all 18 holes in what is being called “a walk though history.” They will show a 1916 shot of Arthur Fenn, the architect of Poland Spring’s original nine holes and on another hole will be a 1914 photo of Donald Ross, the world-renowned architect of the Poland Spring second nine. Other photos include six-time British Open champion Harry Vardon, 1930 grand slam champion Bobby Jones in a 1918 match, and 11-time major champion Walter Hagen in 1923 at the 11th hole, and Walter Findley chipping in 1900, after becoming the first golfer on record to shoot a par 72 for 18 holes.
They are not the only well-known people to have played Poland Spring years ago. Charles Lindberg did not play the course, but flew over it in the Spirit of St. Louis during the 1927 golf season. Baseball hall-of-famer Babe Ruth played in 1940 with Poland Spring pro Andy Gray, and Bessie Fenn, Arthur Fenn’s daughter, who reportedly was the first female professional in the United States, grew up on the course.
There will be other shots of the course from a century ago — ground and aerial views. It is hoped that these photos can become permanent on each hole.
“They key is to promote this unique spot on earth,” Delamater said. “That is what they did at Pinehurst and this is what Poland Spring should do.
Credit Bartley for putting together this golf course historical package. His vast knowledge of the course and resort makes him probably the foremost living Poland Spring member as an authority on the oldest resort golf course in the United States.
“I learned a lot about Poland Spring from a book (‘A Course Built by Legend’) by Jason Libby,” said Bartley, who often talked to the late Tony DeRucco, Poland Spring’s Maine Hall of Fame superintendent. “He told me so many stories about the golf course.”
Without the complete support of Poland Spring owner Cyndi Robbins, this event could not function at more than a minimal financial success, and she is on board with the possibility of making the signs at each whole a permanent part of the course.
Groups interested in joining this scramble-format event should telephone the Preservation Society at 998-4142, or make email contact at polandspringpreservation@gmail.com.
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Allan Menne of Poland Spring and Bob Darling of Fox Ridge were the stars of the Maine Chapter PGA individual and team tournament May 24 at Prouts Neck. Menne won the individual pro division, shooting 33-33—66 (-4), and Darling tied for fourth with 36-35—71 (+1).
In 2-best-ball-of-four, the Fox Ridge team of Darling, Jack Milo, Matt Ouellette, and Gary Ciani (63-66—129 (-11)) prevailed. Menne’s Poland Spring team of Michelle Bates, Steve Berry and Bob Wood tied for fifth (65-68—133 (-7)) sharing that spot with Martindale, led by pro Nick Glicos, playing with Jim Emerson, Felix Lincoln, and Scott Lever (66-67–133 (-7)).
Menne also won the blind draw with Greg Baker of Toddy Brook as they carded a 64 (-6).
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On May 22 at Belgrade Lakes, the Martindale team of Joe Baker, Brian Bilodeau, Jace Peason and Andrew Slattery fired 128/126 to win the Maine State Golf Association Club Team Championship in a best-two-of-four balls format, gross division. In fourth place was Norway, as Mike Brennan, Tod Smith, George Townsend and Dave Whitman carded 136/126. In team net, Turner Highlands with Timothy Doyle Jr., Harry Haylock, Jeff Leonardo and Marke Wilson was fourth (138/125).
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Jesse Spiers, the only Maine player ever to qualify for the Web.com Tour, is in the Dominican Republic next weekend attempting to improve on his money winnings and ranking. Spiers, who qualified or the Web.com Tour in Q-School, has made three of nine cuts this season, earning $4,686 for a No. 151 tour ranking.
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After the Memorial Day weekend, this week there is an MSGA Senior Tour event June 2 at Brunswick and the association’s regular weekend tournaments June 3 and 4 at Webhannet, along with the Father-Son Championship June 5 at Bath.
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