GCNE choice not for weak

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Staff photo by Bob Hammerstrom
Facebook: Bob Hammerstrom at The Nashua Telegraph
Dana Harrity lines up a putt on the back nine during the NHWGA State Amateur Championship Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham.

Enlarge Purchase Photo

Staff photo by Bob Hammerstrom
Facebook: Bob Hammerstrom at The Nashua Telegraph
Dana Harrity tees off on the back nine during the NHWGA State Amateur Championship Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham.

Enlarge Purchase Photo

Staff photo by Bob Hammerstrom
Facebook: Bob Hammerstrom at The Nashua Telegraph
Dana Harrity lines up a putt on the back nine during the NHWGA State Amateur Championship Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham.

Enlarge Purchase Photo

Maybe, as soon as members of the New Hampshire Women’s Golf Association learned their championship would be held at the Golf Club of New England this year, they should have immediately contacted a personal trainer and hit the weight room.

Strength training is important because the deep, lush rough lining the fairways and the tall, thick fescue grass surrounding the many bunkers at the exclusive, private and pricey Stratham course can take brute strength to escape.

Women, for the most part, don’t have that kind of strength, which was reflected in the extraordinarily high scores at this week’s tournament.

Of the women who made the cut, there were 42 rounds (of 180) over 100. Last year at Cochecho Country Club in Dover, just two women in the final field eclipsed the century mark.

Although the course can be lengthened to well over 7,000 yards, it didn’t play particularly long for the women. The high scores came down to fast greens and what could happen if players failed to hit the fairway.

No, this isn’t the opinion of a sexist male sports writer, jumping on any chance to take a shot at women’s golf. The analysis came from 14-time State Am winner Dana Harrity.

“It’s just that the rough is so difficult,” Harrity said after the second round of Wednesday. “As women we are just not strong enough to advance it.

“I don’t think any course is too tough. You are going to have a higher score than you’re used to because there’s a lot of trouble. There’s just so much trouble, and if you get into a really bad trouble spot you can really go for a high number.”

High numbers were rampant in Stratham all week. A 13 was reported on the par-3 17th on Wednesday, a relatively short hole that required a carry over water to a narrow, well-protected green. The average score there on Wednesday was 5.06, or a little over a double bogey for the 68 golfers.

It was a nightmare for many, but a birdie there on Thursday allowed eventual champ Watt to move into the lead for the first time and, minutes later, defending champion Chelsea Demers tapped in for a birdie that created a four-way tie for first place with just one hole left.

So, do you question the wisdom of playing this particular tournament on such a tough course?

After an opening round 87, former champion Louise Billy called the course “ridiculous.” Cindy Perkins of Souhegan Woods said the course actually “scared” her. But both came back for second and third rounds, and each showed improvement as the week progressed.

Looking at the scores, was it a bad idea? Not if you asked Demers or third place finisher Cortney Tilley, both of whom enjoyed the challenge.

And if wasn’t just the 10 or so women who were serious contenders going in who enjoyed the opportunity. Diane Doran of Wilton, whose scores improved each day (105-99-92), realized early the scores on such a tough course is relative.

Two years ago at North Conway, 28 scores under 80 were posted in the tournament. Last year at Cochecho, 16 scores broke 80. This year only 11 scores broke 80, nine of them posted by the top five finishers.

For the women it wasn’t a chance to be humiliated, it was the chance to play a beautiful golf course that will host the biggest tournament in state history next summer, the U.S. Junior Amateur.

“You use every club in your bag and you have to use your imagination,” Harrity said. “That’s what makes a great golf course.”

For Harrity, it meant dusting off an old 9 wood.

“I had a 140-yard shot from the rough and I ended up using a nine wood,” Harrity said. “I couldn’t get my club on the ball. If I were a guy I might be able to do it.”

Next summer it will be teenage boys hitting from the same rough. They might want to hit the weights.

Gary Fitz can be reached at 594-6469 or gfitz@nashua telegraph.com.