Headline: Some of the Bay State's Top Players Reveal What's In Their Golf Bags as Part of MassGolfer Bonus Editorial Coverage
For Immediate Release: June 15, 2009
Norton, MA — If you had a chance to read the Summer issue of MassGolfer magazine – the MGA's Member magazine – you saw the publication's newest department called It's In the Bag.
This new department allows Bay State golfers to learn what the state's top players carry in their golf bag. From clubs and golf balls to ball markers and distance-measuring devices, the MassGolfer editorial staff rolls up its sleeves and gives you a personal, detailed look at these players.
Featured in the Summer issue was the 2008 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year and 2009 Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Champion Brian Higgins (Franklin CC). It was interesting to learn (click here to view), for instance, that Higgins' putting confidence soared after he switched to a claw grip two years ago. The change took his right hand completely
out of the putting stroke... and perhaps had something to do with his spectacular 2008 season.
Here is a look at the other three players that were featured in this issue as part of the MassGolfer's bonus editorial coverage.
Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC)
The nine-time Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year and two-time Massachusetts Amateur Champion must have a lot of fire power in his bag after collecting more honors than any other Bay State golfer since Francis Ouimet.
Readers would be interested to know that Vana's most favorite club is his 18° Snake Eyes, which was made especially for him by friend Jack Kearney. He also marks his golf ball in a most traditional yet unique way. Read More
Jack Kearney (Elmcrest CC)
The 1992 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year has been a mainstay on the MGA circuit for years.
Kearney's golfing resume is impressive as he has played in numerous USGA Championships including (and most recently) the 2008 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. While Kearney's game is top notch, the Delta pilot's bag may not rival the best of the best. Kearney admitted that his bag was voted the least likely to be stolen at the 2008 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. It's not all that surprising, he admits, since most of his clubs are more than 10-plus years old. Read More
Mike Dunham (Old Sandwich GC)
For the past few years, Mike Dunham hasn't had much of a chance to hone his golf skills. After all, the Concord resident has been busy backstopping NHL powerhouses such as the New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers and New York Rangers. Now retired as a player, Dunham serves as goaltending coach for the Islanders and has made a strong statement to Bay State golfers. Thus far in 2009, Dunham has qualified for the Massachusetts Open and Massachusetts Amateur Championships. While his hockey statistics are well known, MassGolfer readers will learn that Dunham always carries Clif Bars and chewing gum in his golf bag. Read More