GlenArbor Golf Course in Bedford Hills Produces Metropolitan PGA Player of the Year

On October 15^th, GlenArbor director of golf Rob Labritz strode up to a 10 foot put at the Treiber Memorial Tournament of Champions knowing a second place finish was at the bottom of the 18^th hole. More importantly, it would secure him the Metropolitan PGA Player of the year. "I just slid it by the edge," says the 37 year old Pound Ridge resident. As it turned out, the scoreboard hadn't recorded a stroke lost by the golfer just behind him. "That solidified the deal," he says, and even if it came minus any 18^th hole dramatics, he'll take it just the same.

"I went from utter disappointment to sheer enjoyment," he says, and gladly tallied his point totals ahead of everyone else in the seven month long series of tournaments. Nonetheless, no vindication is necessary in the face of a scoreboard glitch since the GlenArbor approach translates to a lot more sinking than sliding - be it the director of golf or ordinary members.

"Our short game facility has really boosted my game to another level," he says of GlenArbor's three practice holes, where all manner of shots within 180 yards can be perfected. Leading to tournament wins at the New York State Open and The Metropolitan Head Professional Championship, The Westchester Golf Association's Player of the Year award also fell his way.

Of course, all this year's accomplishments didn't leave him immune to the typical slice into the shade or over shots onto the beach (minus a sand shovel). Staying calm so as to not compile errors is obvious - even if it's easier said than done. "It takes a long time to learn," he says.

He has certainly had the time. Growing up next to a golf course in Connecticut, he began paying his dues at age four. Wandering onto the Patton Brook Country Club everyday from his backyard, he says, "Before school, after school, til it got dark, I just hit shot after shot."

That may have often left him alone with his club of choice, shagging buckets of balls, but it eventually took him all over the world. He played in the 2002 and 2003 PGA Championship and was on the Nationwide and Canadian tours. Furthermore, in 2003, he took 15^th place in the Australian Masters.

The sights aside, he understands what competition means to his game. "When you're playing with better golfers, it's always going to elevate your game," he says.

On the hand, he's also about elevating the level of play for members at GlenArbor. Instructing around 900 hours a year, he loves to share his passion for the game with others who feel the same. "I get excited when they hit a great shot - probably more excited than they get," he says.

In turn, not only does the enthusiasm go full circle but so does the opportunity for him to improve. Seeing so many types of swings and taking part in improving them, he says, "every time I give a lesson, I'm learning also."

As for the young golfer looking to take it the level in which a coach is required, he recommends someone who can play the game and is going to pitch the primary importance of the short game. For older golfers set in their way, he thinks improvement comes best from a pro who can work within that framework. "You want to be able to understand your golf swing," he says, and improve on it rather than performing a complete overhaul, he adds.

But in golf, "I" means everything in the absence of team, but that's sort of why it appeals to him. "What I like about it is it's all about you," he says.

That may sound somewhat self-centered but the manner in which golf allows a peak into someone's soul is the true attraction. Seemingly respectable in life and possibly a bit nutty on the course - or the same thing in reverse, he says, "Golf really shows who you are as a person."

To him, though, GlenArbor has the best of both worlds. Supportive members and dedicated staff aside, Gale Brudner was crowned the Westchester Golf Association Amateur of the Year and Michael Quagliano took the Amateur Men's Player of the Year. "We just try to be the best," he concludes.

From The Bedford Pound Ridge Record Review