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Matt Ruggiere joins Tony Russo to talk about Ocean Pines Golf updates, creative tournament formats, NFL Sunday leagues, and resident perks.

In this episode, host Tony Russo catches up with Matt Ruggiere, Director of Golf at Ocean Pines Golf Course. Matt discusses his transition into his new operational role, how the course and its dedicated agronomy team handled the intense summer heat, and the positive response from the community to recent tournament formats.

Matt highlights innovative event concepts like the British Open "Claret Jug Classic," where players spun a wheel to pair their scores with PGA Tour pros. He also previews the upcoming 6-week NFL-themed Sunday morning league. Matt breaks down upcoming schedule highlights, including the August Luau Golf Tournament, the October Member-Guest premier event, and ongoing operations at the Ocean Pines Golf Teaching Academy. Finally, Matt shares insights on course playability, clubhouse dining improvements, and special perks available to Ocean Pines residents.

• Transition & Team: Matt reflects on moving from managing the teaching academy to directing overall golf operations, crediting assistant pros John O'Connor and Frank Silis.

• Course Conditions: How superintendent Justin and the agronomy team kept greens fast and roughs healthy through intense summer heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall.

• Creative Tournament Formats: A look back at the Shamrock Scramble, Couples Championship, and the Claret Jug Classic watch party event.

• NFL Sunday Golf League: Announcing a new 6-week league where players adjust their golf scores based on weekly NFL statistical outcomes.

• Upcoming Events:

  • August 23: Luau Golf Tournament featuring a 9-hole scramble, blind draws, and a Hawaiian buffet.

  • October 23–24: Premier Member-Guest Tournament featuring a Friday Par-3 contest, Saturday shootout on the 18th hole, and catering by Touch Italy.

• Teaching Academy Updates: Ongoing drop-in Saturday clinics, junior programs, and specialized instruction from Coach Mark and Coach Cam.

• Resident Perks & Community: Emphasizing that all Ocean Pines residents are considered golf members, with access to preferred rates and early booking windows.

In this episode, host Tony Russo catches up with Sharon Puser, President of the Pioneer Craft Club. Celebrating its 52nd year since founding in 1974, Sharon shares a massive milestone: the club has officially become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Sharon breaks down how running their artisan gift shop like a true year-round business led to this transition, and proudly reveals that the club has given back over $206,000 to the community over its history—including a $10,600 donation last year alone. We also dive into their highly anticipated August Craft Fair, how you can become a member or vendor, and a special bonus preview of the upcoming Ocean Pines Library Annual Book Sale.

• Going Official: The club worked with an accountant over several months to transition into a 501(c)(3) charity, allowing them more operational freedom and clearer tax structures for donations.

• Community Impact: Last year's $10,600 donation went directly to local initiatives, including Ocean Pines Parks & Recreation summer camps, craft supplies, and children's events at the library.

• How Shop Membership Works: The artisan shop has no paid employees and relies entirely on volunteers. Local members contribute 30 to 40 hours of work per year to keep the shop open on weekends. Non-local creators can join as vendors for a nominal fee (around $60) if they cannot work shifts.

• Branching Out into the Night: The club recently hosted its first highly successful nighttime sea-glass crafting event, drawing 51 participants—many of whom work during the day and are looking for evening activities.

• When: Saturday, August 1st, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Where: Whitehorse Park & the Community Center

• What to expect: A vetted collection of high-quality crafts from outside vendors and club members, a legendary bake sale that typically sells out by noon, food at the gazebo, and face painting.

• Special Feature: Stop by the shop during the fair to buy raffle tickets for a gorgeous, large wooden train (complete with wooden tracks) donated by one of the club's master woodworkers.

Sharon puts on her second hat as Vice President of the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library to share details for their massive book donation sale:

• Friday Night (July 24th): Members-only preview night. (Pro-tip: You can sign up to become a member at the door to get first dibs on the books!)

• Saturday (July 25th): Main public book sale full of pristine, gently-read donated books.

• Monday (July 27th): Clearance day where everything left is half price.

• Pioneer Craft Club Facebook Page (Link to be added)

• Ocean Pines Library / Friends of the Library Info (Link to be added)

(Note: Keep an eye on the show notes below for photos of the beautifully detailed, hand-carved wooden train being raffled off at the craft shop!)