Tag Archive for: Brian Tolnar

TEE IT UP WITH TOLNAR (EP 2)

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BOARDMAN, OH- In a fascinating conversation on the YSN Power Hour podcast, Brian Tolnar, a key figure in the golf industry, shared his thoughts and experiences, perfectly capturing the current boom the sport is experiencing. As golf continues to witness remarkable growth across different demographics and regions, Tolnar’s insights help underscore why this age-old game is attracting more attention now than ever before.

According to Tolnar, golf has enjoyed a significant resurgence in popularity, echoing the Tiger Woods boom of the late 90s but with a modern twist. “We had that huge boom when Tiger came into the game, and we’ve had that again with COVID, and it still continues to keep on growing,” he explained. Recent statistics have been promising, “post COVID, we increased the game between 19 and 28% somewhere in there. And then I just read another article that said it’s between 31 and 34%.”

One of the more heartening aspects of the sport’s recent growth is its reach into previously underrepresented groups. “Not only is it growing, but it’s growing in females that are playing the game. It’s growing in kids that are playing the game. It’s growing in families that are playing the game,” Tolnar noted. This diversification is crucial for the sport’s sustainability and growth, offering a fresh perspective and newfound enthusiasm.

Tolnar also highlighted the strategic role of various programs initiated by golf’s governing bodies, like the PGA of America and the USGA. These initiatives are bearing fruit, significantly contributing to the game’s growth, “You’ve got drive, chip, and putt. You’ve got PGA hope. You’ve got PGA family Cup. You’ve got US kids golf.” These programs not only promote the game but also ensure it’s accessible and enjoyable for the community at large.

Speaking about the profound impact of iconic golf events, particularly the Masters, Tolnar shared his personal experience watching his son compete in the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition at Augusta. “From the moment we landed at the Augusta airport…to the moment you got on the grounds…it’s a special place,” he reminisced. The immaculate venue and the warm reception from the crowd left a lasting impression, enhancing the familial and communal spirit of the sport.
**On the Horizon: New Tournaments and Opportunities**

Looking ahead, Tolnar is excited about the new dimensions being added to local tournaments, such as the junior junior tournament designed to be less stressful and more enjoyable for young participants. He elaborated on the integration of technology in these events, aspiring to broadcast them like professional games, “We’re going to host two of them during that week…we’re going to do that this summer.

Brian Tolnar’s vision for golf is both inclusive and forward-thinking. His leadership at Mill Creek Golf Course and his advocacy for the sport’s development are testaments to his passion and dedication. As he aptly puts it, “You have to adjust, adapt, and evolve.” And under his stewardship, golf indeed seems to be doing just that, embracing new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the greens, Tolnar’s insights not only demonstrate the evolving nature of golf but also its enduring appeal in a world that values tradition and innovation in equal measure.

PRESENTED BY

THE MASTER OF HIS CRAFT

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CANFIELD, OH- Preston Tolnar, a nine-year-old golf prodigy from Canfield, is hitting headlines as he prepares to compete at Augusta National for the prestigious Drive, Chip and Putt contest. This remarkable talent, already the talk of the town, is set to represent Mill Creek Golf Course at this distinguished event.

Preston, a fourth grader at Canfield, has already accumulated seven years of golfing experience, beginning at the tender age of two. His journey has led him to the opportunity to showcase his skills at Augusta National, a dream for many in the golfing world. The competition, organized by the PGA of America, the United States Golf Association, and the Augusta National Golf Club, invites young golfers to display their prowess in driving, chipping, and putting.

Brian Tolnar, Preston’s father, commends the contest as a vital initiative to foster youth interest in golf. Preston devotes his time to practice after school, honing his skills both on the green and in the classroom, where he excels in science, social studies, and math. Besides his dedication to golf, Preston is a multi-sport athlete with a passion for basketball and football.

This exceptional young golfer, a Phil Mickelson enthusiast, is humbly looking forward to the upcoming contest at Augusta National. Preston’s family, along with his local community, eagerly anticipates his upcoming participation in the event, as they rally behind him, cheering for success and a memorable experience.

As Preston sets his sights on the 18th green at Augusta, he embodies the embodiment of youthful ambition and sportsmanship that has made the Youngstown community proud. We wish Preston Tolnar the best of luck as he prepares to tee off at Augusta National in this exciting chapter of his golfing journey.

PRESENTED BY

MILL CREEK GOLF COURSE OPENS INDOOR TRAINING FACILITY

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BOARDMAN, OH- The Mill Creek golf community celebrated the grand opening of its highly anticipated golf simulator facility, a project culminating from a ten-year capital improvement strategy. Golf Director Brian Tolnar and local sports streaming personality DJ Yokley co-hosted an engaging episode of the “YSN Power Hour” to discuss the innovative features and promising future of the new establishment.
The modern facility, initially delayed by the pandemic and soaring construction costs, promises golf enthusiasts a year-round golfing experience—augmented with winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, alongside gourmet dining.

“We’ve transformed what was once an underutilized space into a vibrant profit center,” said Brian Tolnar, detailing the journey from concept to completion through collaborative efforts with architects and building professionals.

This state-of-the-art simulator not only allows players to simulate some of the world’s most iconic golf courses but also provides detailed data analytics and video capabilities, leveraging TrackMan simulator technology.

“With these simulators, your performance is right there in the numbers—it’s precise, it can be a bit humbling, but it really shows you where your game is at,” shared Tolnar with host DJ Yokley, who expressed his own fascination with the technology’s educational benefits.

The facility’s popularity isn’t just in its golfing but in the inclusivity of the sporting environment. “It’s a pressure-free zone where anyone from seasoned players to first-timers can enjoy themselves,” Yokley remarked.
Tolnar, commenting on the professional golf landscape, predicted an uncertain but compelling future with possible shifts in televised golf if major tours consider merging, reflecting rising competition and changing player loyalty.
Between the diverse recreation opportunities at Mill Creek Metro Parks and the state-of-the-art facilities such as the golf simulator, the local area is solidifying its position as a regional hub for sports and leisure.

For those interested in reserving time at the new simulators, bookings are available by calling the golf shop or visiting the Mill Creek Metro Parks website. Whether you’re looking to hit the links virtually or simply enjoy a good meal and the great outdoors, Mill Creek’s latest addition is a hole-in-one for the community.

Find more sports stories and episodes of the “YSN Power Hour” at ysnlive.com.

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  We’ve all heard the expression, “the right tool for the job.” Well, it certainly applies to golf bags. Before you head out on the links, you need to make sure that your bag has everything you need for a successful game. And if you want quality materials and lots of pockets? Well then look no further than this post!

BEST GOLF BAGS

A golf bag is a very personal item, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. The most important thing to consider when buying a new golf bag is how you plan on using it. If you’re looking for something durable and easy-to-clean, consider choosing a canvas bag with plenty of pockets and compartments for storage.

If cost is an issue, there are many affordable options available on Amazon that still feature quality materials like nylon fabric or leather trimming around the edges (which are also easier on hands). Most importantly though: don’t forget about style! There are so many different designs out there–from classic tweed patterns all the way through contemporary monochromatic schemes that’ll match any outfit perfectly

DRIVER

Your driver is the biggest club in your bag and should be used for long shots. It’s also the most important of all golf clubs, so it needs to be easy to find when you need it most.

The right spot for your driver:

  • On top of your bag (not inside) so that you can see it when opening up your bag at a tee box or fairway.
  • In front of everything else in your bag–you want quick access!

WOODS

Woods are the longest clubs in your bag. They’re used for long drives and tee shots, but they can also be used to hit pitch shots from the fairway or rough. With a large head and long shaft, woods are usually made of metal or carbon fiber composite materials that allow them to travel farther with less effort.

Woods typically come in three different types: drivers (most common), fairway woods, and strikers (least common). Drivers have larger heads than other woods so they can generate more power on contact with the ball; this makes them ideal for hitting off tight lies or out of deep rough where you don’t have much room to swing freely at an approaching shot. Fairway woods have smaller heads than drivers but still produce enough force when swung hard enough–making them useful when hitting into greenside hazards such as bunkers or water hazards

IRONS

The irons are the most important clubs in your bag. The set you choose should be matched to your skill level and personal preferences, but there are some general guidelines:

  • The irons should be the heaviest clubs in your bag (a 2-iron weighs about 3 pounds).
  • They’re also usually the priciest, so don’t skimp here!

PUTTER

Putters are used to put the ball in the hole. They’re the shortest club in your bag, and they typically have an oversized head with a flat or slightly bulbous bottom that allows you to hit on top of the ball and get it rolling quickly. Putters can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel or aluminum alloy (for those who prefer not to swing something made from trees). Depending on how much money you want to spend when buying a putter, there are many different types available with varying head shapes and lengths as well as lie angles–which determines how far over your wrists are positioned when gripping it–to choose from.

A complete golf bag is a great investment for your golf game. The best bags come with lots of pockets and quality materials.

A complete golf bag is a great investment for your golf game. The best bags come with lots of pockets and quality materials, so you’ll want to consider your budget, the size of your clubs and the type of golf you play when choosing one. If these things seem overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ve got some tips on how to choose the right bag for you:

  • Consider what kind of golfer you are before buying a bag. Are you an amateur or professional? A weekend warrior or do-it-yourselfer? There are many types of bags available today; find one that best suits your needs!
  • Think about how much money (or time) it would take for someone else who doesn’t play golf very often but has all the necessary skills needed for this activity such as driving power shots into fairways from tee boxes located near water hazards like lakes/ponds etc…

It’s important to have a complete golf bag with all of your clubs. Even if you’re just starting out, investing in quality equipment will pay off in the long run. If you have any questions about choosing the right equipment for your game, check out our website or send us an email at [email protected] and we would be happy to help!

BRIAN’S BASICS: LESSON 1 (GRIP)

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BOARDMAN, OH- It’s time to get back out on the links, and this year YSN has partnered up with our golf guru, Brian Tolnar of Mill Creek Golf Course to give you tips to lower your score this summer!

The first lesson Brian covers is what grip you need to have before you take your first swing.

GRIPS:

10 Finger Baseball Grip

Interlocking Grip (Tiger Woods)

Overlap Grip (Jack Nicklaus)

 

So grab your clubs, get your grips and get out to the links to try out this new tip!

 

For more tips and to get personalized instruction call Brian Tolnar at 330-740-7112, or visit millcreekmetroparks.org.

 

PRESENTED BY

 

BREAKING DOWN BOARDMAN’S SWEEP OF AAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

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BOARDMAN OH- The Boardman Spartans golf teams can now add an AAC title to their list of accomplishments in 2021.  Both the boys and girls teams won their respective titles.  Not too many people can speak on Boardman golf better than our golf guru from Mill Creek Park, Brian Tolnar.  He should know plenty about them, they call Mill Creek home after all.

 

Brian got his weekly segment on Running Point started this week by breaking down why the Spartans are having such a strong season.  He tells Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell about their coaching, their masterful ability to putt in any circumstance, and much more.  Boardman is putting together a fantastic 2021 campaign and you won’t be able to find a better break down of why anywhere else.

 

Presented By

 

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JUNE 9TH GOLF GURU SEGMENT WITH BRIAN TOLNAR

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Golf season is in full swing in the Mahoning Valley, and just as with each and every week, YSN’s Golf Guru makes his weekly Check in with Ron and Anthony on Running Point.

During this week’s segment, Brian talks about left-handed golf games, and the accessibility of equipment, and the uniqueness that comes with being a southpaw on the course.

We also get the power list for this week’s PGA event, as well as your tip of the week.

Check in with the area’s top Golf Guru on YSN’s Running Point each Wednesday at 1pm.

 

PRESENTED BY

BRIAN TOLNAR ON RUNNING POINT 9.2.20

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Brian Tolnar of Mill Creek Metro Parks has his weekly call in to Running Point. He gives an update on Mill Creek/s upgrades to their cart paths = and how the rain over the weekend helped, previews the final weekend of the Fed-Ex vup, and get insights on how to improve your game with Brian’s tip of the week.

 

*Interview conducted on 9/2/2020.

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQkjjLRIaY8[/embedyt]