From the bunkers …

How often have you heard some senior golfer say ruefully, “If I had only started playing when I was younger.”
Well in Houlton and the surrounding area that is no longer a problem.
A great Junior Golf Program is available where some 60 youngsters —ages 6 to high school seniors —  in the latter part of June are eligible to play. Parents may call the clubhouse for particulars on the program.
To aid this fine program, you could contribute any golf equipment that is taking up space in your home, such as clubs, bags, balls. Take the items to the clubhouse where those youth who may need them can use them. This is an excellent opportunity to guarantee a healthy and happy future on the golf course for some grateful youngsters.
The youth program was partially responsible for Houlton High School winning the state championship in their division last year.
Speaking of young players, two from Houlton are using their skills at college.
Porter Gervais, son of Leslie and Marty Gervais, attends Potomac College in Keyser, W.V. on a golf scholarship. His team recently won their district championship for Junior Colleges, and this week they will be playing for the national championship in Phoenix.
Porter is one of their top players and mom and dad are there rooting him on.
Another fine, young player who is familiar, as he is employed in the pro shop during the season, is Josh McGuire, the son of Barbie and Brian McGuire.
Josh attends St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, N.C., which is 20 miles from Pinehurst where they play many team matches. Josh’s team plays in the Carolina Conference and meet such well-known schools as Duke and Wake Forest.
His golf scholarship was given after the donors followed his career in high school. As a lefty, who can hit it big, roots for none other than Phil Michelson.
Both Porter and Josh will be factors in local tournaments this summer, including the County Open, the Spudland, the Mars Hill Open and the Maine Amateur.
Remember, unlike other sports, you can play golf for a lifetime.
Having trouble finding the correct ball position? As a general rule, (for right-handed golfers) the longer the club the more forward you should position the ball in your stance, but the ball should never be left of your left shoulder or right of your nose, regardless of which club you’re using for full swings.
Try using your body to position the ball. Driver, position the ball even with your left heel. Hybrids/Fairway Woods, position the ball even with the center of your left armpit. 3-6 Iron, position the ball even with your left ear, 7 Iron through your Wedges play the ball off your left cheek. Putter, play the ball even with your nose to sink more putts.