Member Golf Day At Copper Hill A Boon For Many
Member Golf Days, hosted by the New Jersey State Golf Association, have been a boon for Ben DiPalma of Glen Rock.
By the time the Member Golf Day season ends on October 29 at Trump National-Philadelphia in Pine Hill, DiPalma will have played in every course offering of the 10 different venues in 11 Member Golf Days for 2014. Trump National-Philadelphia is the rotation twice this year.
The biggest bonus for DiPalma has been the addition of all 10 of these courses to his personal bucket list of playing every golf course in New Jersey. The 10 new additions will have upped his total to 198.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, DiPalma was among the participants at sparkling Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes. All together, DiPalma has added 40 new courses in 2014, including 35 private venues.
He has also taken advantage of the new alliance between the NJSGA and the South Jersey Golf Association and has recently played at Medford Lakes and Centerton
“It’s great to play different courses in different settings,” said DiPalma, 68, a former salesman for Drakes Bakeries who lived in Springfield most of his life. He also uses the open golf events web page on NJSGA.org to find available golf outings under the heading "Local/Invitational Events" and has signed on for events at Spring Lake and Bayonne.
“I’ve met so many nice people, including the NJSGA staff and the players. It’s been tremendous. I got my start in Member Golf Days in 2011. This is the best deal for golf anywhere, at only $125 per outing.”
DiPalma is a former caddie at Baltusrol. His father, a barber, befriended Baltusrol pro and former U.S. Open champion Johnny Farrell.
“Johnny Farrell would take me out as his caddie. I learned his swing. I was down to an 11 handicap when I was younger. I’m playing much better lately. I’m down to a 14 or 15.”
Three more Member Golf Days remain on the NJSGA schedule: Shackamaxon in Scotch Plains on Sept 24 and Hidden Creek in Egg Harbor on October 14, and recently added Trump National-Philadelphia on October 20. Hidden Creek is sold out.
Susan Capeci of Wayne learned of Member Golf Days from friend Carol Parascandola, who estimates she has enlightened at least 10 friends about the NJSGA’s Member Golf Days.
“This is what golf is all about, being able to play many different beautiful golf courses,” said Capeci, a retired administrative assistant at Honeywell. “It is nice not to play the same course all the time.”
Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Benefit Services, said the players at Copper Hill were in for a special day.
“It’s a beautiful day and a beautiful golf course. This is a hidden gem here in the western part of the state. This is one of the few golf courses in the state that offers two driving ranges.
“It’s a challenging but fun course. It’s nice of the club to offer their course to our NJSGA members.”
James Cariero is a frequent participant at Member Golf Days.
“I’ve used eight of my 10 vacation day playing in these events. I’ve played close to 100 courses in the state. There is a lot of golf right here in New Jersey. It is one of the best states in which to play golf.”
“I like the competitive aspect,” said Pete Kopec, who manages the men’s grill at Spring Lake Golf Club. “I started with Member Golf Days four years ago. My handicap is down to 7.3 and I tried qualifying for the men’s Mid-Amateur this year. The opportunity to play private courses is the biggest thing about Member Golf Days for me.”
