Cape Region juniors excel in PGA Jr. League
December 12, 2024
The PGA Jr. League is a national program with junior teams from local clubs competing against each other, then regionally, and with regional winners going to a national tournament – much like Little League.
Cape Region PGA Jr. League All-Stars 10-13 age group
The Cape Region’s PGA Jr. All-Star Teams included players from Rehoboth Beach CC, Maple Dale CC, Plantation Lakes, and Baywood Greens.
This year’s teams in the 10-13 age bracket and 14-17 age bracket won the Philadelphia PGA Section events.
Cape Region’s PGA Jr. League All Stars 14-17 age group
A fitting conclusion to the golf season
In past columns I discussed using the Arccos shot tracking system to gather data about my rounds and look for places to improve. Smart sensors are embedded into plastic caps screwed into the butt end of golf grips. The swing movement data transfer to the phone app and provides a wealth of useful information.
As this year’s golf season wound down, the shot data from my irons showed a definite and unwelcome change from 2024. My yardages stayed roughly the same, but the balls were landing a lot more left or right of my intended target than last year.
It did not seem to me that my swing changed. I started thinking it was more about what I was swinging. I bought these irons in 2019, and as an avid player subjected them to dozens of rounds and even more time banging away on the practice range.
Worn-out club faces can cause issues
Worn club faces can cause issues that can creep up on otherwise unsuspecting golfers.
I took photos of the club faces and sent them to Ryan Diehl of Eastern Shore Custom Club, a golf pro and fitter at The Foreland Club in Ocean View. Diehl agreed it was worth checking out, and I made an appointment.
After several swings, the Trackman data confirmed what the Arccos app told me. The shot dispersions left to right and sometimes long or short were just a bit much for a single digit handicapper.
We began testing several potential replacements. In addition to the worn face issue, Diehl also suggested I consider using club shafts that were heavier than the 50-gram Accra shafts in my current set. He said my swing speed could handle more than those light shafts and that heavier shafts could also address a tendency to go left.
In essence, my irons were a bit too whippy, adding to the need for maintaining good tempo for the best results.
As for the iron designs themselves, I was not a candidate for blade or muscle back designs. My swing speed is fast for my age, but I remain a very senior golfer.
On the other hand, I do not need all the help the game improvement designs provide, with the wide soles, deep cavity backs, and other design elements that help golfers flight their balls as high as possible. Going high is no problem for my swing.
The irons I needed to replace were Callaway X-Forged ‘18s, in a category called players’ performance or players’ distance clubs. These and similar designs are often forged, not cast. They also feature narrow soles and modest cavity back elements that provide more forgiveness for mishits than blades, but without the clunky appearance of many game improvement models.
We tested several clubs and shaft options. These included popular models such as TaylorMade P790s, Titleist 250s, and the Callaway Ai200 designs. I also tried my luck with clubs from companies with great reputations but not as large a market share, including Mizuno’s JPX Forged and Srixon’s ZXi4 line.
As for shafts, we also tried several brands at different weights ranging from 65 grams up to 85 grams. The brands included options from Project X, KBS, and Recoil, as well as Mitshubishi’s Ventus and MMT lines.
Mizuno’s new JPX Forged irons
The process is only partly scientific, to be frank. For example, the impact sound I made with the Titleist 250s was very different and, for me, too sharp, despite decent results. The heaviest shafts at 80 and 85 grams were okay, but we both agreed I could more easily tire myself out as the round continued.
The dispersion and distance data were often very similar among the choices, which brought the final decision down to a mixture of apparent consistency and overall feel.
We eventually decided to go with the Mizuno JPX Forged irons with the Mitsubishi MMT 65-gram shafts. That seemed to be the best combination for my swing tendencies. In addition, as a stock shaft option there was no upcharge. That saved some nice change compared to other choices.
With this configuration the Mizuno irons also produced a nice little bump in carry and overall distance compared to my now-worn clubs.
We shall see what happens when better weather returns.
Christmas golf gift opportunities
There is still time to find something nice for golf-loving friends and family at Cape Region golf courses and businesses.
The Rookery
The Rookery’s pro shop at 27052 Broadkill Road near Milton offers several sales options, including summer shirts at 40% off. In-stock golf bags are 25% off and golf shoes and hats are available at 25% off. Winter apparel features a 10% discount.
In addition to gift certificates, the club also sells limited quantities of discounted golf lessons from director of golf Butch Holtzclaw and head golf pro Kyle Deas, at a $50 hourly rate.
The course is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. For more information, go to rookerygolf.com or call 302-684-3000.
American Classic Golf Club
American Classic near Midway offers a combo package through Christmas Eve. Purchasing a dozen Callaway or Srixon golf balls gives buyers a 25% discount on golf polos in stock.
The club is also partnering with Clothing Our Kids, which supplies clothing to needy children throughout Sussex County. Pick up a tag at the club’s Christmas tree to buy and donate the items and sizes the kids will need, from brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Columbia. The deadline for dropping off the new items is December 17.
The club is open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. For more information, call 302-703-6662 or visit americanclassicgolf.com.
Dave Marshall Tennis & Pickleball
Several months ago, the longtime racquet club on Plantations Boulevard added a golf simulator to its services. It offers two specials for the holidays.
Buying 2 hours of simulator time earns 2 free additional hours. Buying a $100 gift certificate also earns a $100 match.
The simulator is open for play Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Fridays through Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information go to davemarshalltennis.com or call 302-381-7617.
Hooper’s Landing
Cape Henlopen High alum Mike Connor is the head golf pro at Seaford’s public golf course.
This season’s specials include all polos from Joseph Elliott, FootJoy, and others priced from $25 to $39.95. Shoes from Skechers and FootJoy are 20% off, with $3 to $6 off all Titleist golf balls – even Pro Vs. Even larger discounts are available for TPS5 and Callaway Chrome Soft balls. Titleist and Callaway gloves are also on sale with a buy-2-get-1-free offer.
The Course is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. For more information, go to hooperslanding.com or call 302-629-2890.
Baywood Greens
Baywood Greens head golf pro Anthony Hollerbeck said his pro shop has a Christmas Sale with men’s and ladies’ apparel choices at 25% off. The Long Neck club also has a selection of clubs and shoes at closeout prices.
For more information, go to Baywoodgreens.com or call 888-844-2254.
The Foreland Club
The Cape Region’s first 24/7, fully indoor golf club opened last year in Ocean View, across the street from Bear Trap Dunes.
Featuring Trackman Simulators, golfers can play over 450 championship golf courses, practice like tour players, and take lessons or obtain a custom fit for all major equipment manufacturers.
The Club will soon be expanding to a second location in Rehoboth Beach in 2026. Watch this column for the news when it happens.
For more information or to schedule a demonstration/tour, go to theforelandclub.com or call 302-402-6645.
Midway Par 3
The Moore family-owned golf course is a longtime Cape Region favorite, off Route 1 at 34578 Pinnacle Road. The club is offering 10-round passes at a discounted price. Call 302-645-7955 or go to midwaypar3golf.com for gift certificates or more information.
Steve Smith PGA
Local PGA Professional Steve Smith takes reservations for lessons in the Rehoboth Beach area. Golfers looking for a swing tune-up or golf instruction can also obtain gift certificates.
Contact Smith at 302-236-3645 or email oneironwedge@comcast.net.
Southern Delaware Golf Club
The golf course at the former Shawnee Country Club at 6152 South Rehoboth Boulevard in Milford reopened in 2024 after a major renovation by its new owners.
The SDGC golf shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
For more information, go to southerndelawaregolfclub.com or call 302-941-7933.
Mulligan’s Pointe
The Georgetown club’s pro shop offers a variety of popular golf clubs and accessories.
For more information, go to mulliganspointe.com or call 302-856-3363.
Plantation Lakes
The Millsboro golf course is still basking in the glow created when it was recently named Best in State for 2025 by Golf Digest magazine.
Current hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go to plantationlakesclub.com or call 302-933-8072 ext. 103.
Stenger’s Shamrock Farms Par 3
Bob and Wendy Stenger’s charming par 3 golf layout at 22222 Saw Mill Road west of Milton celebrated its 21st anniversary last May.
Gift certificates are available and the course is open from 8:00 a.m. to dark. Call 302-684-1808 for more information or go to shamrockpar3golf.com.
Shameless self-promotion
You can also buy autographed copies of my book, “Hole By Hole,” at the Barnes & Noble store in Tanger Outlets, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, Biblion Books in Lewes, and Bethany Beach Books on Garfield Parkway.