State tournaments are Monday and Tuesday.

Class 3A

At Eaton Country Club (par 71). Holy Family`s Kyle Murray, Nick Bovine, Alec Walters and Austin Lucero will compete in a field of 84 golfers and 12 teams

Class 4A

At Flying Horse Country Club in Colorado Springs (par 72). Broomfield`s Nick Reisch, Ryan Schwark, Kory Thurman and Sean Donaldson will compete in a field of 83 golfers and 11 teams.

Class 5A

At Valley Country Club in Aurora (par 72). Legacy`s Paul Moritz and Tyler Stacks will compete in a field of 84 golfers and 12 teams.Broomfield golf rode high through the season to take another shot at a Class 4A state team championship. but the Eagles enduring the challenging Northern League and plenty of intra-squad competition are not the only reasons the team is aiming for the top.

Nick Reisch also is a factor in the team believing it can own the greens and fairways at Flying Horse Country Club in Colorado Springs Monday and Tuesday.

The junior has put in a season that raises even his eyebrows.

“I`m actually a competitor now,” he said.

Reisch`s surprise is warranted. of the Broomfield foursome — Reisch, Ryan Schwark, Kory Thurman and Sean Donaldson — junior Reisch has had one of the most dramatic single-season swings in his game.

The junior has a stroke average of 71.4 through eight tournaments this season, said coach John Ferraro, which is about seven strokes lower than his 2009 campaign.

But the way the Northern Conference Player of the Year stormed though the season to win five tournaments came as no shock to his coach.

From the instant Reisch entered the program as a freshman, Ferraro saw a golfer with all the tools to summit 4A. and in the last tournament of last season, the ace showed that his smooth drives and measured approach shots were coalescing into a smooth and potent game.

“The second day of state, I walked the entire 18 with Nick,” Ferraro said. “It just clicked for him, he hit every shot and green. he just didn`t putt well.”

Reisch admits he has struggled with his putting since shooting 5-over at the par-72 Highlands Ranch Golf course at the 2009 state championship. but he has honed a couple of other factors that have made him as dangerous as ever.

The junior`s approach shot is second to none, with Reisch showing uncanny ability in placing the ball inches from the pin.

But mental game is the junior`s real weapon. As Ferraro points out, Reisch has the ability to pick a shot and not worry about the outcome.

That has not always been the case.

“I worked with a psychologist after my sophomore season,” Reisch said. “I had a tendency of getting down on myself, but I`ve learned to let things go.”

Reisch melding the physical and mental aspects of his game has led to some impressive showings. but the junior is not satisfied with just recording a career-best round — 66 on Aug. 17 at Ute Creek. another couple of rock-bottom rounds, however, would be enough to give the ace some peace of mind.

“I`m thinking a 66 or 65 wins (state),” Reisch said.

Golf: Reisch’s sweet swing has Eagles’ hopes high for state

THURSDAY, OCT. 21COMMUNITY EVENTSBookmobiles of the Montgomery Library District will be at North Penn Marketplace, Sumneytown Pike and Valley Forge Road, Upper Gwynedd, 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Genuardi Shopping Center, 1930 W. Main St., Jeffersonville, 1 to 5 p.m.; and Willowbrook Apartments, 825 Willowbrook Drive, Jeffersonville, 6 to 8 p.m.Wissahickon Valley Public Library, Blue Bell Branch, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, hosts free movie matinees for adults, every Thursday at 2 p.m. in the community room. Featured today is “Last Station.” Information: 215-643-1320 or www.wvpl.org.Wissahickon Valley Public Library, Ambler Branch, 260 Race St., Ambler, hosts story times with miss Michelle at 11:15 a.m. Information: 215-643-1320 or www.wvpl.org.Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, hosts story time 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for ages 4 and older. Free and open to the public. Information: 610-666-6640.Perkiomen Valley Library, 290 second St., Schwenksville, holds volunteer story hour for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. to register, call 610-287-8360.Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Children’s Department, 1001 Powell St., Norristown offers preschool story time at 10:30 a.m. featuring stories and fun for ages 3 years and older in the Children’s Learning Center, second floor. Information: 610-278-5100, ext. 3.Royersford Free Public Library, 200 S. Fourth Ave., Royersford, holds story time at 10:15 a.m. for children of any age. Free; no registration required. An adult book discussion group will meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “My Name is Mary sutter,” by Robin Oliveira. call the library to reserve a copy. New readers welcome. Information: 610-948-7277 or www.mc-npl.org, choose the Royersford Branch.Mother Goose story Time is offered 10:15 a.m. at William Jeanes Library, 2391 Harts Lane, Lafayette Hill, for babies and toddlers up to 30 months. Rhymes, stories, socializing and one-on-one reading parent with child; toddler story time is also at 10:15 a.m. for ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2. stories, songs, rhymes and a craft with miss Linda and her puppet Lucy. Preschool story time is at 1:30 p.m. for ages 3 to 5. stories, songs, rhymes and craft. All are free and no-pregistration is necessary. Information: 610-828-0441 or www.jeameslibrary.org.Program on the apple, presented by William Jeanes Library and master gardener Jane Klotz, will be held 7 p.m. at Whitemarsh Township Building, 616 Germantown Ave., Lafayette Hill. Apple refreshments served. Sign up by phone or e-mail. Information: 610-828-0441 or www.jeaneslibrary.org.Middle school discussion group will be held at William Jeanes Library, 2391 Harts Lane, Lafayette Hill, at 7 p.m. Reading and discussion of the book “Runaway,” by Wendelin Van Draanen, will be led by miss Beth. Group meets two Thursdays each month until selected book is complete, before beginning the next. Information: 610-828-0441.Ballroom dance with “Giovanni” Thursdays, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Blue Bell Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio, 1524 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, behind Sherwin Williams. Latin and American ballroom and West Coast Swing.Lesson from 8:30 to 9:30 with open dance floor after lesson. Admission: $15. Information: 610-277-2557 or www.danceclassesandmusiclessons.com.Haunted house and musical beats, a program at Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George St., Norristown, will feature a traditional haunted house and music by Craig Satchell. Wear costumes. Haunted house starts at 10:30 a.m., music begin at 12:15. Information: 610-275-1960.ORGANIZATIONSCentral Montgomery County Business and Professional Women’s Club celebrate National Business Women’s week at Michael’s Restaurant, 130 Town Center Road and Route 202, King of Prussia, at 6 p.m. Information/RSVP: 215-679-6687.Skippack Historical Society meets at the Indenhofen Farmstead, corner of Route 73 and Evansburg Road, Skippack, at 7:30 p.m. Speaker is David Hudnut; topic is “Protecting Historic Resources in Lower Salford Township.” Light refreshments served. Information: Peggy, 610-584-1166.Forteniters Club will meet at St. Patrick’s Church, DeKalb Street, Norristown, in the church hall at 6 p.m. for socialization, followed by a dinner hosted by Plymouth Valley Community Church. Information: 610-313-1227.Sunrise Networking Group business networking meeting takes place 8 a.m. Thursdays at Ray’s Diner, 14 E. Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Information: Tony Caruso, 610-630-3700.LeTip, professional referral network, meets Thursday mornings at the Holiday Inn, Fort Washington, to learn more about other members’ businesses and exchange referrals. Information: Greg Sarian at 610-878-8426.HEALTHArthritis Aquatics Program meets at Montgomery Hospital, 1301 Powell St., Norristown, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to noon. Information: 610-270-2400.Free blood pressure screenings, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Montgomery Home Care, 25 W. Fornance St., Norristown. No appointments necessary. Information: 610-272-1080.Free blood pressure checks by the North Penn Visiting Nurses every Thursday, 2 to 3 p.m., at Community Housing Services, 311 N. Broad St., Lansdale. No appointment needed. Information: 215-362-5250.Free skin cancer screenings take place at the office of Marlene J. Mash, M.D. and Associates, Plymouth Green Office Campus, 545 W. Germantown Pike, SuiteSuite 100, Plymouth Meeting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 484-351-8268 or www.DrMarleneMash.com.SUPPORT GROUPSNorristown Group of Alcoholics Anonymous holds an open AA beginner’s meeting 6 p.m. every Thursday at 818 W. Haws Ave., next to Haws Avenue United Methodist Church. All are welcome to open meetings.Norristown Group of Alcoholics Anonymous holds a closed AA speaker meeting 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at 818 Haws Ave., next to Haws Avenue United Methodist Church. Closed meetings are for alcoholics only.Living with HIV and Addiction Support Group meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. For information, location and directions, call Project Hope at 610-630-2111.Montgomery County Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. every Thursday and Monday at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fourth and Fayette streets, Conshohocken.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 7 a.m. daily at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia and at noon at Church of Christ, 590 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, Monday through Friday.Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families Group meets at 7:30 p.m. at the first Presbyterian Church of Ambler, Butler Pike and 4 S. Ridge Ave. Information: 610-220-6303.TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the King of Prussia Medical Building, 491 Allendale Road, Room 321, King of Prussia. Information: 610-783-0345.TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, rear entrance, 1921 W. Main St., Jeffersonville. Weigh-in 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. Meeting 6:15 p.m. Information: Rose Marie Salkowski: 610-279-6896.Women coping with or surviving domestic violence meet 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Montgomery County. No charge. For information and directions, call 1-800-642-3150.Nar-Anon support group for families and friends of drug abusers meets 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. John’s Circle, Phoenixville. Overeaters Anonymous meets at noon at Conshohocken United Methodist Church, Sixth Avenue and Fayette Street, Conshohocken. Use Sixth Avenue entrance.Morning STAR Ministries: Christians United against Addictions, a support group to achieve healing through Christ in their lives and lives of those that are affected by the results of an addictive and compulsive behavior lifestyle, meets 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Fellowship House, 515 Harry St., Conshohocken. Information and directions: Ted: 484-744-3662 or Page: 215-620-7961.Co-Dependents Anonymous meets 7:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon.first Step Group Valley Forge, Alcoholics Anonymous, meets 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday at Valley Forge Medical Center, 1033 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton.Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Step Study open meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Souderton Mennonite Church, 105 W. Chestnut St. (entrance on Wile Avenue), Souderton.FRIDAY, OCT. 22COMMUNITY EVENTSTrain show at Frederick Mennonite Community, Route 73 between Gilbertsville and Zieglervile, will be held from 1:30 to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Featuring FMC Model Railroad Club layout and five additional operating train layouts throughout the community. Food available. Free admission.Pumpkin Decorating Night will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Greater Plymouth Community Center, Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting. Bring your own pumpkin; tools provided. Cost: $5 per pumpkin. again on Oct. 29. call ahead to register at 610-277-4312 or register online. Registrations at the door cannot be guaranteed.Church rummage sale at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 654 N. Easton Road, Glenside, is 6 to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Assortment of tools, linens, clothing, electronics, small furniture, books, audio-video entertainment, books, toys. Information: 215-887-1765 or stpeter654@aol.com.Nightmare at Elmwood, a Halloween event at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, features trick-or-treating, a haunted carnival, pirate’s cove, Harry Potter’s dragon alley, pumpkin patch and more. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Saturday and Sunday, and the event continues Oct. 30 and 31. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children 2 and older. Members receive 50 percent discount. Some activities may cost an additional fee.Bookmobiles from the Montgomery County Library District will be at Water Tower Square, Horsham and North Wales roads, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Merrymead Farm, 2222 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Waltz Golf Farm, 303 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and TD Bank, Routes 202 and 73, Skippack, 2 to 4 p.m.Wissahickon Valley Public Library, Blue Bell Branch, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, hosts story time at 11:15 a.m. with miss Michelle singing and playing the guitar. Information: 215-643-1320 or www.wvpl.org.William Jeanes Library, 2391 Harts Lane, Lafayette Hill, hosts Little Nutbrown Hare, a costumed character from Barnes & Noble, visiting the library at 10:30 a.m. stories and songs featured.Parents may bring cameras to take pictures of their children with the rabbit. Appropriate for ages 2 to 5 years old. Information: 610-828-0441 or www.jeaneslibrary.org. Free/no registration required.back door used book sale presented by the Friends of the Pottstown Regional Public Library will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. a bag sale will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Library is located at 500 High St., Pottstown. Information: 610-970-6551.Pals for Life “a Silver Screen” benefit will be 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Appleford Estates, 770 Mount Moro Road, Villanova. Event includes food, open bar, silent and live auctions, raffle and entertainment. Movie star or movie character attire is optional. Proceeds benefit PFL, which brings companion animals to those who need them. Information: 610-687-1101.13th annual Mind Body Spirit Expo, the largest alternative health expo in the Northeast United States, will be held today through Sunday at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 first Ave., King of Prussia. Speakers include Don Miguel Ruiz and Neale Donald Walsh. Featured: 130 exhibits, 65 lectures, alternative medicine, energy healing, bio-feedback, natural foods, psychic readings and more. Hours: Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission: Friday, $7; Saturday and Sunday, $15; combo passes, $20 to $30. Special events are extra. Free admission today for seniors 65+ and students with I.D. and early bird discounts ($2 off general admission) at the door from 3 to 4 p.m. Information: 215-627-0102 or www.mindbodyspiritexpo.com. Parking is free.Operation Safe Trick-or-Treat, a holiday event designed to provide area children and parents with a safe and fun atmosphere for Halloween trick-or-treating, is hosted by the Criminal Justice Society at Temple University Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, Bright Hall Lounge, from 5 to 9 p.m. Free; open to public. Information: tuc43975@temple.edu or www.ambler.temple.edu/news/542-halloweenhayday.htm.Annual Haunted Hayride hosted by the Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Student Associations at Temple University Ambler Campus, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, at the Learning Center Parking Lot from 7 to 11 p.m. tonight and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for general public; $5, children under 10; and $8 with student ID. Refreshments available for sale. Parent or guardian suggested for children under 12. Students will transform the campus into a maze of horrors with inventive scenes of their own design. Information: 609-647-4349, 267-640-7968, or tua79750@temple.edu.Rib and chicken BBQ, hosted by Norristown Lodge #620, will be held noon to 6 p.m. at 2589 Township Line Road, Norristown. half a rack of ribs is $12; half a chicken, $7. Included in cost is roll and butter, soda and cold salad of choice: cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni. Pre-order by calling 610-489-3290 or 610-539-7544.Quilt show hosted by the Valley Forge Homestead Quilters, “Quilts from the Homestead,” will be held at good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Henderson and Valley Forge roads (Route 23), King of Prussia. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Donation is $5. Refreshments, including lunch will be available. Information: www.valleyforgequilters.org.ORGANIZATIONSThe BNI Indian Valley Chapter will host a visitors day networking meeting at the Franconia Heritage Restaurant, 508 Harleysville Pike, Souderton, at 7 a.m. Information: www.BNIDVR.com or call Nancy Panza at 866-863-8390.Dance California dance group meets Fridays (except first Friday of the month) for buffet dinner at 6:45 p.m., beginners’ lesson at 7:30 p.m., intermediate lesson at 8:15 p.m. and dance party from 9 to midnight at Church on the Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall. Cost: $12. Information: 610-558-4556.Argentine Tango Society of Philadelphia offers tango lessons and dance every Friday at Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell. Lesson is at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 until a.m. Information: 215-634-1101 or visit www.amoretango.com.HEALTHFree psoriasis and vitiligo evaluations take place in the office of Dr. Marlene J. Mash, M.D. & Associates, Plymouth Green Campus, 545 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 100, Plymouth Meeting, every Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information: 484-351-8268 or visit www.drmarlenemash.com.RESALE SHOPDaisy Thrift Shop is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Haws Avenue United Methodist Church, 800 W. Marshall St. and Haws Avenue, Norristown. Clothing, toys and household goods available.SUPPORT GROUPSNorristown Hospitality Center, 12 Steps for Christians, meets 10 a.m at 530 Church St., Norristown. All welcome. Information: 610-277-1321.Norristown Group of Alcoholics Anonymous holds an open AA 12-Step meeting 6:30 p.m every Friday at 818 Haws Ave., next to Haws Avenue United Methodist Church. All are welcome to open meetings.Collegeville Alcoholics Anonymous Group meets at 8:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 532 Main St., Collegeville.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. at the good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Henderson and Valley Forge roads, King of Prussia. Information: 215-923-7900.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 7 a.m. daily at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia and at noon at Church of Christ, 590 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, Monday through Friday.Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program meets 7 to 9 p.m. weekly at Valley Forge Baptist Temple, 616 S. Trappe Road, Collegeville. This provides a safe place for accountability, trained leaders, Biblical instruction, education and personal support. Programs for teens and children available. Child care and transportation can be provided. No pre-registration required. Information: 610-948-8100.Delaware Valley Chapter of Marijuana Anonymous meets 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7 St. Andrew’s Lane (Route 401 just west of Route 100), Glenmoore. Information: 610-622-9243.SATURDAY, OCT. 23COMMUNITY EVENTSNorristown Recreation and Park Committee’s Halloween Parade will be in Elmwood Park, Harding Boulevard, and opens with registration at 12:30 p.m. at the Bocce Courts. the parade will begin at 1 p.m. and go to the bandshell. Prizes given for top three contestants in each age group: 5 and under, 6 to 8 and 13 and older. All will receive a hot dog, donated by Shop Rite of East Norriton, drink and candy bar. Information: 610-270-0467.Community Mural Painting will be coordinated by Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with ACLAMO and ACPPA Community Art Center, 10 a.m. at the art center in Grace Lutheran Church, 506 Haws Ave., Norristown. the mural will celebrate Latino heritage and be displayed in ACLAMO’s offices. Information: ACPPA at 484-681-4847.Oaks fire Co. Halloween Bash Beef and Beer will be 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the firehouse, 260 Green Tree Road, Oaks. Costumes welcome. Food, DJ, dancing, door prizes, costume contest with prizes, BYOB. Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Information or to buy tickets: oakladiesaux@comcast.net. Directions and info: www.oaksfire.org.Octo“book”fest, Lower Providence Community Library’s Fall fundraising event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville. Eight select beers to be featured include Warsteiner Oktoberfest brewed in Germany, and Victory Festbier and Moonglow brewed locally in Downingtown. a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and blind taste test competition are all part of the event. Tickets are $40 per person in advance; $35 for groups of 10 or more or $45 at the door. Information: www.lowerprovidencelibrary.org; e-mail mmacfarland@mclinc.org or call 610-666-6640, ext. 6. Attendance is limited to those 21 and older. All proceeds benefit the library.Halloween Beef and Beer, 7 p.m. to midnight at George Clay fire Company, hosted by the auxiliary, is $20 admission per person. 50/50 and DJ Lou Grego. Cash prizes for scariest, best couple, most original, funniest. B.Y.O.B., beer and soda provided. Tickets available at the door.Mercy Suburban Hospital’s MPower yourself Health & Wellness Expo will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the hospital, 2701 DeKalb Pike, East Norriton. there will be health screenings and education, fitness instructions, food, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities, talent appearances by NBC10 news anchors and reporters. Doctors and nurses on site to answer questions, free flu shots while supplies last, giveaways, including children’s bikes. For an earlier start, the hospital has partnered with the Montgomery County Dept. of Health for Fall Fitness Frolic at Greater Plymouth Community Center, 2901 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and parking is on Walton Road. Information: 610-278-2000 or visit www.mercyhealth.org/suburban.Holland Disability Children Board of Directors Job Fair, 1 to 3 p.m. in the community room, first floor, at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public LIbrary, 1001 Powell St., Norristown. Holland Disability Children is a new nonprofit public charity. the public is invited to try out to be on the board of directors. Information: www.hollanddisabilitychildren.org or 484-250-9719.Upper Merion Farmers Market teaches young patrons how to make their own corn husk dolls at fall harvest celebrations. there will also be face painting by a local fine artist. Adults can receive complimentary blood pressure and dietary screening from medical professionals at Main Line Health. Finding Shelter Animal Rescue will bring their aniamls. Fiorenza-Dowlin performs folk and Americana sounds. Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: www.uppermerionfarmersmarket.org or 610-265-1071.Train show at Frederick Mennonite Community, Route 73 between Gilbertsville and Zieglerville, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring FMC Model Railroad Club layout and five additional operating train layouts throughout the community. Food available. Free admission.Fall gospel concert will be 6 p.m. at Siloam Baptist Church, 1329 Willow St., Norristown. Guest choirs include Mt. Zion a.M.E. Church of Devon, Miller Memorial Baptist Church Celestial Choir, Cindy Barber and the Voices of Praise, New Salem Baptist Church Mass Choir and Unified Gospel Ministries. Free-will offering. Information: 610-275-8163.back door used book sale presented by the Friends of the Pottstown Regional Public Library will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a bag sale from noon to 3 p.m. Library is located at 500 High St., Pottstown. Information: 610-970-6551.13th annual Mind Body Spirit Expo, the largest alternative health expo in the Northeast United States, will be held through Sunday at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 first Ave., King of Prussia. Speakers include Don Miguel Ruiz and Neale Donald Walsh. Featured: 130 exhibits, 65 lectures, alternative medicine, energy healing, bio-feedback, natural foods, psychic readings and more. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. General admission: today and Sunday, $15; combo passes, $20 to $30. Special events are extra. Early bird discounts, $5 off general admission at the door 9 to 10 a.m. today and Sunday. Information: 215-627-0102 or www.mindbodyspiritexpo.com. Parking is free.Nightmare at Elmwood, a Halloween event at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, features trick-or-treating, a haunted carnival, pirate’s cove, Harry Potter’s dragon alley, pumpkin patch and more. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. tonight and Sunday, and the event continues Oct. 30 and 31. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children 2 and older. Members receive 50 percent discount. Some activities may cost an additional fee.Worcester Historical Society open houses will be held Saturdays in October from 9 a.m. to noon at Farmers Union Hall, 2011 Valley Forge Road, Center Point. Admission is free. Information: www.worcesterhistorical.org.14th annual art show and sale of Flying Colors Fine Artists, at the Montgomery School, 1141 on Route 113, between Route 401 and Yellow Springs Road in Chester Springs, is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Open to the public and free. Opening night reception is tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission for this event is $10, donated to Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Reservations: Maureen Mesher, 610-827-1061.Bookmobiles of Montgomery County Library District will be at Weis Market Shopping Center, Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Univest Bank, 1715 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, 2 to 4 p.m.(temporary location for October); and Ralph’s Corner, Routes 63 and 463, Hatfield, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.Lower Providence Comunity Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, offers story time at 10:30 a.m. for infants to 3-year-olds, and at 11:15 a.m. for children 4 years and older. Information: 610-666-6640 or www.lowerprovidencelibrary.org.Perkiomen Valley Library, 290 second St., Schwenksville, hosts “get the Beat with Ray Toppi!” at 1 p.m., an introduction to percussion. Registration is requested. call 610-287-8360.Mr. B’s Book Club, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at William Jeanes Library, features read-alouds, games and other activities, maybe crafts or puppets, with an elementary school teacher. Recommended for ages 6 and older, but everyone is welcome. Information: 610-828-0441 or www.jeaneslibrary.org. Free; no registration required.Public tours of Churchville Nature Center’s 1500s Era Lenape Indian Village, 1 to 4 p.m. at Churchville Nature Center, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville. Topic is “Fall Harvest.” Fee is $5 for adults and children ages 4 and older (children under 4 are free). Information: 215-357-4005 or www.churchvillenaturecenter.org.Applebee’s flapjack fundraiser breakfast to support Polish American Cultural Center is $5 per person and held 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill& Bar, 2535-37 Castor Ave., Philadelphia. Information: 215-922-1700.Fall rummage sale held by the Women’s Fellowship of St. James United Church of Christ, 321 S. Limerick Road, Limerick, will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. a light lunch will be available for sale. Information: 610-489-0990.Concert at Calvary Baptist Church, 801 W. Marshall St. at Haws Ave., Norristown, at 7 p.m. Folk by Association features music embracing folk, roots, bluegrass, jazz and world music performed by Karen Krajacic and Jill Cowen, vocals and guitar, mandolin, banjo and xylophone. Open to the public; parking available in the lot off of Haws Avenue. Free-will offering will be received. Information: 610-277-4322.“making Sense of Our Great Evolutionary Shift,” with Barbara Max Hubbard and Bruce Lipton, presented by Global Dialogue Institute & Haverford College, will be held in the college’s Marshall Auditorium, located at 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $10 at the door. Information: Andrea Pergolese, 610-896-1031 or apergole@haverford.edu.Quilt show hosted by the Valley Forge Homestead Quilters, “Quilts from the Homestead,” will be held at good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Henderson and Valley Forge roads (Route 23), King of Prussia, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donation is $5. Refreshments, including lunch will be available. Information: www.valleyforgequilters.org.ORGANIZATIONSProfessional and Business Singles Network hosts a Halloween dance and social at Edgemont Country Club, 5180 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, 8 p.m. to midnight. $15 admission or $12 in costume. DJ spinning hits from the 1960s to present for the 50-plus age group. Cash bar. Costumes optional or proper attire (jacket and tie optional). No reservations or membership required. Information: 610-805-5827 or www.PBSNinfo.com.Peppermint Dance Club meets for ballroom dancing Saturdays and Thursdays at Church on the Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Germantown Pike. Beginners lessons are 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.; intermediate lessons, 8:30 to 9 p.m.; dance party, 9 to midnight. Light refreshments. Singles welcome. Admission: $12 includes lesson. Information: 610-558-4556 or www.peppermintdanceclub.com.HEALTHAmerican Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Owen J. Roberts School District, 881 Ridge Poad, LGI, Pottstown, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcrossblood.org/pennjersey.Free Posture and Spine Checkup every Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m., at Gulph Mills Chiropractic Center, 600 Lewis Road, Suite 113, King of Prussia. Information: 610-768-4559.RESALE SHOPThrift Shop of the Reformed Church of the Ascension, 1700 W. Main St., Jeffersonville, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. there is a large selection of clothing for the entire family, household items, books, tapes, movies and more. Donations of clean and usable clothing and household items accepted during shop hours.SUPPORT GROUPSNorristown Group of Alcoholics Anonymous holds a closed AA speaker meeting 11 a.m. every Saturday at 818 W. Haws Ave., next to Haws Avenue United Methodist Church. Closed meetings are for alchoholics only.Overeaters Anonymous meets 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Green Tree Church of the Brethren, 1078 Egypt Road, Oaks. Handicapped accessible. Information: www.oa-brandywine.org.Double Trouble, a support group for those personally affected by mental health issues and drug and alcohol, meets 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Friends Connection of Montgomery County, 700 E. Main St., Norristown. Wheelchair accessible. Information: 610-292-9922.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 7 a.m. daily and noon Monday through Friday at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia.Overeaters Anonymous Step Meeting takes place 10 a.m. Saturdays at Conshohocken United Methodist Church, Sixth and Fayette streets, Conshohocken, in the second floor meeting room. Enter through Sixth Avenue door. Information: 610-825-0366.SUNDAY, OCT. 24COMMUNITY EVENTSAll-You-Can-Eat breakfast, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Norristown Tall Cedars Club, Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Cost is $7, adults; $3, children. Information: 610-631-1594.14th annual art show and sale of Flying Colors Fine Artists, at the Montgomery School, 1141 on Route 113, between Route 401 and Yellow Springs Road in Chester Springs, is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open to the public and free. Information: www.flyingcolors.us.Nightmare at Elmwood, a Halloween event at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, features trick-or-treating, a haunted carnival, pirate’s cove, Harry Potter’s dragon alley, pumpkin patch and more. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, and the event continues Oct. 30 and 31. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children 2 and older. Members receive 50 percent discount. Some activities may cost an additional fee.Harleysville Books, 674 Main St., Salford Square, Harleysville, hosts book groups and other activities. Parent & child book club meeting is at 2 p.m. Monthly discussions and activities are held around the selected book. RSVP to events@harleysvillebooks.com with “kidbc” in the subject. At 7 p.m. is teen book club sundae with author Kim Derting. Teens are invited to participate in book club discussion of “the Body Finder.” the author will be Skyping with teens to answer questions and discuss the young adult novel. Information: 215-256-9311 or www.harleysvillebooks.com.Concert of the North Pennsmen Barbershop Chorus and the Liberty Belles of Lansdale will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main St., Lansdale, at 4 p.m. Each chorus will present their music, ending the concert with a combined number. No admission charge for this St. John’s Artists Series concert, but there will be a free-will offering. Information: www.st-johns-ucc.org or 215-855-5489.Annual car show hosted by Charity Lodge No. 190, at 465 Burnside Ave., Jeffersonville, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is $15, begins at 10:30 a.m. for all cars, trucks, motorcycles and tuners. Food, drink, entertainment and indoor facilities provided. Rain date is Oct. 31. Information: e-mail CharityLodgeCarShow@gmail.com.Spooky crafts for kids at Green Lane Nature Center, Green Lane, begins at 2 p.m. Make spooky crafts to decorate your house for Halloween. Wear your costume for a trick or treat. Ages 3 to 10. Pre-registration required: $5 fee per child. Information: 484-674-3748.Historical talk with local historian and author John Ruth will be held in conjunction with a graveyard tour at Methacton Mennonite Church, 3081 Mill Road, Fairview Village, Worcester. see the great Methacton Oak (circa 1634) and many other points of interest at this old historical meeting house.13th annual Mind Body Spirit Expo, the largest alternative health expo in the Northeast United States, is held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 first Ave., King of Prussia. Speakers include Don Miguel Ruiz and Neale Donald Walsh. Featured: 130 exhibits, 65 lectures, alternative medicine, energy healing, bio-feedback, natural foods, psychic readings and more. General admission is $15. Special events are extra. Early bird discounts, $5 off general admission at the door 9 to 10 a.m. Information: 215-627-0102 or www.mindbodyspiritexpo.com. Parking is free.13K OctoRun, sponsored by Hatfield Township, will begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine. the 8-mile race will be held on winding residential streets and within township parks. Check-in and registration ($25) begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hatfield Township Municipal Building, 1950 School Road. Parking is available in the adjacent Hatfield Communty Park, 2500 N. Chestnut St. Costumes should not impair vision or be too scary or risque for spectators of all ages. Awards will be presented to finishers in a number of age groups. Race amenities include a flat and fast wheel-measured course, water stations, refreshments, a DJ, and Halloween-inspired features along the course. Information: 215-855-0900 or www.hatfieldtownship.org.“Selma Paint and Clean up Day” will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by the Norristown Preservation Society at Selma Mansion, 1301 W. Airy St., Norristown. Volunteers are urged to bring their own brush and join the efforts to restore the historic home and deal with the effects of recent vandalism. E-mail ruberto53@comcast.net for details.Spaghetti dinner hosted by Norristown Area High School Marching Band and music ensembles will beh eld at All Saints Church, 535 Haws Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5, children 10 and under. Takeout meals available. Music ensembles will entertain during dinner. Information/tickets: 610-584-4773.Community Open House at the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville, is 1 to 4 p.m. View the varied treasures that comprise the permanent collection. there will also be a Creative Community Workshop; participants will work together to create banners, flags, simple masks and other fun and easy projects in preparation for the Community Partnership Parade through the neighborhoods of Collegeville, scheduled for Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. Information: 610-409-3500 or www.ursinus.edu/berman.SUPPORT GROUPSCommon Bond, a support, social group for widowed and divorced adults over 50 serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties since 1977 meets the fourth Sunday of the month in the library of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 505 N. York Road, Hatboro. Orientation for new members at 2 p.m.; discussion from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This month’s topic is “Dealing with the holidays: tips and helps.” Reservations are necessary: 215-675-3947.the Suburban 7 Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets 7 p.m. in the Walkup Room, Mercy Suburban Hospital, DeKalb Pike, East Norriton.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. at the good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Henderson and Valley Forge roads, King of Prussia. Information: 215-923-7900.King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous day meetings take place 7 a.m. daily and noon Monday through Friday at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia.Solo Por Hoy, Spanish speaking Alcoholics Anonymous, meets 1:40 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Thursday behind St. Patrick’s Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown.third Step Group, Alcoholics Anonymous, meets 2 p.m. at Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, 1921 W. Main St. Jeffersonville.Fresh start Group, Alcoholics Anonymous, meets 8 p.m. at Norriton Presbyterian Church, 608 Trooper Road at Germantown Pike, East Norriton.Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8:30 p.m. in the Commons, Eagleville Hospital, 100 Eagleville Road, Eagleville. Information: 610-539-6000.New Beginnings Al-Anon family group meets at 7 p.m. at Green Tree Church, Oaks.Overeaters Anonymous meets at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Route 724 and Bonnie Brae Road, Spring City.Overcomers Outreach care group for those affected by substance abuse or difficult relational situations, meets 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays at Church of the Saviour, 651 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne. Information: 610-688-6338, ext. 268.Addicts Victorious Support Group meets at 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Christian Church of Divine Truth, 6065 E. Wister St., Philadelphia.

Happenings – timesherald.com

My husband has been playing for less than a year. He goes to the course when he can (maybe 4 or so times a month), but he likes just swinging his clubs in the back yard sometimes too. I've seen things at Target by GolfDigest that are used for practice like a chipping net and a ball return for practicing putting. do you recommend these things or are they a waste of money?

What is the most useful tool along these lines to help him when he's not able to go to the course?

Keep in mind, we're not rich and our back yard isn't huge!

Instead of buying a practice chipping net, i like to use an old box or bin to chip into. with putting, i put 3 stickers on the carpet at different lengths and putt to them.

What are some good practice tools for golf?

Unlike the pros and weekend duffers who flock to their greens, however, America’s golf courses and country clubs have never been very good at keeping score. That observation led Ray Cronin and Russ Conde to launch Country Club Benchmarking (CCB). Country Club Benchmarking, a company launched less than a year ago, lets golf courses compare the costs behind business expenses. Cronin, the company’s CEO, says that all too often the boards running private golf courses and country clubs make important business decisions based on guesswork, gut feelings, politics and emotion. Aside from a scattering of surveys, there are not many resources that allow clubs to compare their operations, costs and revenues against their peers. “Because most clubs are member-owned or nonprofit, they are really overseen by members,” he says. “The high-end clubs have professional managers, but for a lot of the clubs the guys and gals on the board may be business people, but they are not experts in that business. you have doctors and lawyers — one of the guys on the board of my club owns a tuxedo shop — and it is hard to get alignment because everyone has their own view of the world. but if you can put hard data on the table, there is no ambiguity. It makes things very straightforward for everyone.” CCB offers a club’s general manager, board members, committees and department heads an online tool to enter financial data, analyze it and compare it with others as they assess operational strengths and weaknesses. Data can be crunched out for memberships and dues, food and beverage, pro shops, course maintenance, outside functions and management structure, among other items. The data is easily compiled into graphical, granular reports. Cronin gives a few examples of how such information has proven useful. one club, while comparing course maintenance data, realized they were spending roughly $30,000 more a year than the $15,000 average on electric bills, an indication of needed upgrades and repairs. another club realized they were being habitually overcharged for liability insurance and saved thousands by soliciting new bids. one club learned that charging less than other courses for cart rentals was losing them upward of $30,000 annually. for clubs with capped membership totals, making every dollar count maximizes the fees they collect. Finding $50,000 in waste can prevent a $100 to $200 increase in dues. while higher dues can hurt renewals and discourage potential members, making the financial impact even worse.

<a href="http://www.thestreet.com/story/10883478/1/taking-a-swing-at-country-clubs.html?cm_ven=GOOGLENtag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.thestreet.com/story/10883478/1/taking-a-swing-at-country-clubs.html?cm_ven=GOOGLENThu, 07 Oct 2010 22:31:52 GMT 00:00″>Taking a Swing at Country Clubs

you can post a video of your golf swing and have others evaluate and critique it. there are some tools you can use to draw lines and such to show where someone is out of position, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Looking for a web address of a golf site that I cant remember…….?

By Kelly BlackburnPosted: October 11, 2010

Welcome to week 22 of this series. These days we are all watching our dollars closely and diversifying our investments. Your golf game deserves the same attention! Investing in good equipment, professional lessons and time on the range is just the beginning. taking time to invest in your fitness regimen for your game is budget friendly and a great return on your investment of time!

It’s important to structure your golf fitness program to enhance your overall performance on and off the course. Focus on stabilization work by using several muscle groups. Implement fitness tools which allow you to move your body in a more functional setting. These include stability balls, weighted balls, balance boards, traditional dumbbells, weighted club and the benefit of using your own bodyweight. all of these tools are budget friendly and are compact to travel with you! We will be using these tools to increase strength, flexibility, power and balance for your game.

This week we will be using the weighted swing trainer which can be purchased online in the Golf Fitness Pro Shop.

Don’t forget to print a Progress Chart to note each exercise and the number of repetitions. We will add a new exercise each week and your goal will be to complete each of them 2-3 times a week! if you are just joining us, see weeks 1-21 to catch up!

Points to remember:

1. start the golf swing by turning your shoulders and your hips in unison to a point where the shaft is pointing at 9:00 before your hands get involved.

2. start the downswing by shifting your weight off of the right foot as you turn your hips.

3. In the downswing at 10:30, start straightening the right arm and flattening the left wrist to insure a square clubface at impact and beyond impact for 12 inches.

4. finish in balance and facing the target.

5. Swing SLOWLY and DELIBERATELY holding the completion of each drill for 2 seconds.

EXTENSION DRILL

1) Swing the Strength Trainer to the top of your backswing. Hold for 2 seconds.

2) Shift your weight off of your right foot as you turn your hips while swinging down to 10:30. Hold for 2 seconds.

3) from 10:30, straighten your right arm and flatten your left wrist squaring up the clubface to 5:00.

4) keep swinging through to 3:00 creating maximum extension. Hold for 2 seconds.

Birdie Level = 15 reps

Eagle Level = 20 reps

If you have questions about your current golf fitness level, take the Fitness Analyzer on KellyBlackburn.com Editor’s Note: Kelly Blackburn has traveled the PGA Tour and Champions Tour circuits as a fitness consultant and trainer for 13 years. Kelly welcomes your email questions and comments, contact her at BlackburnOnTour@aol.com. Visit KellyBlackburn.com to learn more about health and fitness for golf.

Investing wisely in your game – Week 22

Computerworld – Researchers on Monday clashed over whether recent attacks that exploit a bug in Adobe Reader are the work of the group that hacked Google and dozens of other major corporations late last year.

On one side, Mountain View, Calif.-based antivirus giant Symantec, whose security analysts said they’ve found evidence suggesting that the group which wormed its way into Google’s corporate network in December 2009 is back in business.

On the other, Atlanta’s much smaller SecureWorks, where researcher Don Jackson said that Symantec had “comingled” evidence of two separate attacks.

At issue were recent PDF-based exploits attached to messages touting renowned golf swing coach David Leadbetter that have exploited an unpatched bug in Adobe’s popular Reader PDF viewer.

Security experts have called that exploit “scary” and “clever” for the way it sidesteps critical Windows defenses designed to isolate malicious code and make it harder to execute malware.

Those attacks went public last week, when independent security researcher Mila Parkour reported the flaw to Adobe, then published her preliminary findings. Adobe issued a security warning a day later, and on Monday announced it would patch the problem early next month.

Symantec, which has found signs of attack e-mails going back to at least Sept. 1, fired the first shots early Monday when company researcher Karthik Selvaraj said that the wording of the Leadbetter e-mails was “very similar” to the phrasing used in the attacks against Google and others in January 2010. those attacks were dubbed “Operation Aurora” by a McAfee researcher.

Google traced the Aurora attacks to Chinese hackers, prompting it to threaten shutting down its China operations. This summer, Google compromised with China’s authorities over censorship issues, and remains part of the China search scene.

At the time, Google characterized the attacks as “highly sophisticated and targeted,” and said at least another 20 major companies were also subjected to the same kind of assaults.

“We looked at how they’re distributing and propagating the [newest] attacks,” said Joe Chen, the director of engineering in Symantec’s security response group today in an interview, talking about why his company believes the two attacks are the likely work of the same group.

Selvaraj provided more similarities. “In addition, the use of a zero-day within a PDF, and how the executable is dropped on the system, all match the Hydraq method of operation,” said Selvaraj.

“Hydraq” is the name Symantec assigned in January to the Trojan horse deposited on PCs compromised by the Aurora attacks.

“They’re using the same techniques as Hyrdraq, leading us to believe that either it’s two groups sharing knowledge or one group responsible for both,” added Chen.

Researchers clash over possible return of Google attackers

Has your golf swing gone bad? are you noticing a loss of power and distance?

A natural great golf swing is made up of a number of parts, all of which, when properly executed, turn this seemingly complicated action into a fluid and powerful swing.

I struggled with my golf swing for a lot of years, always trying to find that one secret ingredient that would make it easily work.This was not all wasted effort however, because I did learn to perform most of the fundamental parts of a correct golf swing perfectly…but I still needed that secret.

So now you are asking, well what is the secret ingredient?

The most vital basic part of an effective golf swing, the glue that holds it all together to create the most power and distance that your body type can generate is swing tempo. Swing tempo is also one of the hardest aspects to teach

Tempo is definitely associated with your natural body timing, if you move fast and talk fast, your natural tempo will be fast, if you move slower and talk slower your tempo will be slower. This is neither good or bad, just different for different people.

Tour players and top amateurs have slightly different swing speeds, however they almost all have exactly the same tempo ratio of 3 to 1, 3 counts to the top of the backswing, 1 count down to impact. This is really an amazing statistic, it seems as if they all create a good portion of their golf swing speed and golf swing balance in the same way.

Your assignment then, is to discover an effective tutor who will show you the golf swing drills you have to learn swing tempo, do this and your swing will evolve into a thing of beauty and you will finally have the golf swing you have always wanted.

To find out how to better your swing fast and easy Click Here. if you want to understand much more about improving your swing so you can hit that perfect shot with consistency then you certainly need these expert Golf Swing Drills, which can certainly assist you.

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Fix Bad Golf Swing

A golf ball retriever is a tool that every golfer should have to eliminate the need to bend and stoop to locate your ball.  While a golf ball retriever is actually very simple, it is a tool that can make your golf game much more fun, much easier, cleaner, and simply more enjoyable.  When those that are new to golfing hear of such a contraption they tend to snicker and wonder why in the world they would ever need a ball retriever.  after just a few games most golfers have a new understanding and appreciation for the golf ball retriever.

A golf ball retriever is just that, it retrieves balls so that the golfer does not have to go into water, mud, or rocks to retrieve a miss-hit.  Ball retrievers often come in very handy when you play on a course that has a lot of ponds, lakes, wooded areas, as well as rock gardens.  of course, you never intend to hit your ball into these areas, but every now and again it will happen and a golf ball retriever will make it a lot easier to get your ball without all of the climbing and stooping that is generally associated with locating ones ball.  Because of your golf ball retriever you’ll find that you have to buy golf balls less often because you won’t just write them off when they land in hard to reach areas.

There are a few different golf ball retrievers on the market.  two of the most well known are the IGOTCHA golf ball retriever and the Golden Retriever golf ball retriever.  There are many other retrievers on the market, these two products are just known for their reliability as well as their durability.  Because there are these great products as well as others on the market it can be difficult to ascertain which is right for you.  The great thing is that all ball retrievers are relatively affordable, so you can go for one of the well-known products of something else on just about any budget.

The IGOTCHA golf ball retriever is also very popular and can be purchased for right around $30 as well.  Like other retrievers the IGOTCHA comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 6-18 feet long allowing you to grab your ball with ease from any area.  IGOTCHA can grab your golf ball from water, mud, rocks, and soggy areas of green after a rain so that your pants as well as your shoes can stay clean.  IGOTCHA has cleverly come up with four different ball retrievers known as the Executive, the Executive XL, and the Biggest.  IGOTCHA is definitely a quality product that many golfers can get a lot of use out of.

The Golden Retriever golf ball retriever will usually cost about $30 and will fit into or attach to golf bags with ease.  even though the Golden Retriever comes in 7, 12, and 18 foot the handle is telescopic so that you don’t have to lug around a huge ball retriever from hole to whole during your game.  This ball retriever can be fully immersed in water or mud should it happen to land in one of these things.  The claw like handles will allow you to simply scoop up the ball with one hand and then drop the ball into the other.  Because the handle is telescopic you can reach a ball that is in the middle of the pond. 

A golf ball retriever is a tool that every golfer should have.  If the golfer in your life doesn’t already have one, a retriever makes a great fathers day, birthday, mother’s day, or Christmas gift.

Golf Ball Retriever: The Tool for Every Golfer

If you’re familiar with Tiger Woods games then you will feel right at home with this year’s offering. at the beginning you create a golfer in the impressively detailed set-up menus; added camera support allows you to put your own face on your creation. Novices are then encouraged to play through the handy tutorial, which will familiarise them with the various aspects of the game and introduce them to this year’s new features. In terms of its interface, Tiger Woods has become quite an intimidating beast to newcomers over the years and there are a number of aids and control schemes that must be learned. Thankfully, the tutorial is excellent and those who spend a little time getting to know the game will be enjoying themselves on the virtual fairways in no time. PS3 owners have even more to get excited about with PS Move support being added in the coming months.

So, what are the new features that make Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 worth a look? well, outside of the usual tweaks and upgrades, Tiger Woods 11 has two genuinely game-changing additions that loft this year’s release to dizzying new heights. the first is the focus meter displayed on your HUD. this meter is drained every time you use additional boost, spin or accuracy aids on your shots until it is empty. the only way to build up this meter (albeit slowly) is by playing shots without the use of such aids. While this sounds simple enough, in reality it has a major effect on how the game is played. whereas in previous versions use of boost and spin on each shot became the norm, this time round you must pick and choose your moments carefully for fear of having nothing in reserve when you really need it. the focus meter helps in delivering a much purer golfing experience by concentrating the gameplay on your aim and swing, while limiting the additional aids until they can be used strategically to gain an advantage.

The second main addition is the true Aim mode. here Tiger Woods attempts a true simulation of golf by stripping away most of your tools that aid your progress. this means that you’ll be relying solely on your swing and knowledge of the course to land on the green. No longer will you be able to aim at the direct spot you wish to hit, instead seeing the course from the golfers perspective with only an arrow on the horizon giving any indication of where you’re aiming for. Thankfully a helpful satellite image of the course stands as a reminder to its layout, although unlike in normal play this can’t be used to aim your shot. From here you’ll play each hole and even watch the ball fly from where you stand, adding a new sense of realism not seen in the series to date. While most may find this mode too difficult, it’s a welcome addition to the game that is sure to delight its hard-core fans by going further down the route of simulation than ever before.

The career mode doesn’t deviate too much from its structure in earlier releases; players take their golfer around the world, earning and spending experience points on levelling up various stats. While this mode is still impressive, I did find the first few months (in game) quite a struggle. Players face a bit of a grind in the early stages before they’re able to boost their statistics to a decent competitive level. when not concentrating on levelling up your character, there is also the chance to represent either Europe or the US in the Ryder Cup tournament. here the regular golfing format is mixed up so that each hole is played in teams. On top of this there are a plethora of other game modes to keep players occupied including the regular stroke play, match play and four ball to name a few. There are also a selection of eight mini-games that are fantastic fun (either in solo or co-op) and which help to players hone their skills.

As always, Tiger Woods is absolutely brimming with enough content to get any golf fan excited. with over 25 professional golfers and 17 real-world courses on offer, there is more than enough variety to keep the various modes fresh. alongside the old favourites are 5 new courses to get your teeth into including Celtic Manor Resort, the Greenbrier, Liberty National, TPC Scottsdale, and Whistling Straits. There are also endless customisation options including everything from the swankiest set of leather gloves to the snazziest pair of Plus-Fours money can buy.

Head online and you’ll still find the vast majority of play modes available (though sadly not the mini-games) to play with friends and strangers alike. Like last year there are a number of weekly tournaments to take part in via the uploading of your scores onto online leader boards. perhaps of more interest is the inclusion of online team play where up to 24 players can compete in pairs to represent Europe and the US in a Ryder Cup-style competition. Overall the online features of Tiger Woods 11 are excellent; additions such as on screen information showing how your opponents are doing are cleverly delivered via a news ticker and even your opposition’s shots are traced with lines showing their paths.

The graphics in Tiger Woods have once again been tweaked with some detailed new grass textures and golfer’s clothes now flapping in the wind. Despite these new additions onbe can’t help but feel that the Tiger Woods engine? is starting to show its age. Though by no means a bad looking game, one can’t help but feel slightly disappointed by some under whelming character models, stiff crowds and occasionally bland courses. the same can’t be said for the sound which is, and always has been, sublime. the whip and crack that comes with striking the ball perfectly and hearing it soar is as satisfying as ever and the gentle course effects such as tweeting birds and murmuring crowds set the tone perfectly. Though the commentary does occasionally become repetitive, it’s still solid and offers up some very comical one-liners, which raise the occasional smile.

If you’re a casual fan of either the franchise or the sport (or both), then Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 may not hold that much appeal – especially if you own an earlier iteration. While the new features are certainly interesting, the series hasn’t moved on significantly enough to make it a must-have title. That having been said, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is the best Tiger Woods game to date, and if you’re a fan of the series and the sport then it’s an essential purchase. While Tiger Woods’ real world form may have taken a slight dip as of late, the same can’t be said of the latest video game with his name stamped on the box.

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Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 video game review