Golf Guide 2008

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Hole In One | 2008

Golfers' Guide Magazine 2008

Panoramic view overlooking the 16th green at Bald Mountain Golf Course at Rumbling Bald Resort.

Photo Credit Ron Clark, First Tee Mountain Golf

contents

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elcome to the 6th edition of the Hole In One golfers’ guide. We hope that you will utilize this guide to some of the best courses in North Carolina and the southeast. We are blessed with over 200 courses in a 75 mile radius of Asheville. With mountainous views, magnificent waterfalls, and majestic greens, golfing in our area has it all. Challenging courses as well as the beautiful views provide the ultimate golfing experience.

Create your golf course play list with these great courses and let them know you saw it in Hole In One golf magazine!

Advertising Support Staff Gayle Smith Advertising Director (828) 232-5886 Lisa Field Project Coordinator, Retail Advertising Mgr. (828) 252-3907 Tami Parcell Desktop Publisher

The Hole-In-One is published by the Asheville CitizenTimes, P.O. Box 2090 Asheville, NC 28802. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

COVER: 10th hole, photo courtesy of Mountain Air Country Club, Burnsville, NC.

Black Mountain........................................................................7 Carolina Coatings................................................................. 10 Connestee Falls..................................................................... 17 Cummings Cove.................................................................... 10 First Tee................................................................................... 21 Golf USA........................................................................ 19, 24 Grove Park Inn................................................................... 2, 8 Gwen Miller...............................................................................6 High Hampton..........................................................................3 Intriguing Holes..................................................................... 11 Maggie Valley Resort............................................................ 15 Mount Mitchell.........................................................................9 Mountain Air.......................................................................... 13 Nevada Bob............................................................................ 17 Old Fort.................................................................................. 15 Reems Creek Golf Course......................................................9 Rumbling Bald Resort.............................................................5 Springdale.................................................................................7 WWNC..................................................................................... 23

Find: 2008 PGA, LPGA and Champion Tournament Schedules at www.citizen-times.com/holeinone

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Hole In One | 2008

Mountain Golf– Mother Nature’s Best

by Gwen Miller

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s I reflect on the start of another season of the Reems Creek Golf Academy, two things come to mind.

Having taught the game of golf for over thirty years, I still get excited about improving the skills of my students so they can play and enjoy a difficult game.

I get a big smile on my face when I think about WHERE I get to do this- in the heart of the Western North Carolina mountains!

Growing up in Asheville I learned to play “mountain golf,” uphill, downhill and sidehill lies, greens with double breaks that felt like you were putting on velvet, and OH, the scenery!

On a clear summer day I could stand on the 15th tee box at the Grove Park Inn and Country Club and see the “Pisgah Rat” in the distance. That was the name we natives gave to a unique mountain formation that actually resembles the head, body and tail of a rodent. I used to chuckle while watching guests try to negotiate the break in the 16th green a few yards away. If I had a nickel for every 4 putt I witnessed I’d be a rich lady!

This is what makes mountain golf so special! Where can you play and lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings as you hit a tee shot off a 200 foot drop- then turn right around and face a shot making decision uphill to a 3 tiered green with a back quadrant pin placement?

Mountain golf is all about natural surroundings. Many Piedmont or Coastal course designers move dirt around to create “berms” or other type slopes in fairways or greens.

Here, Mother Nature does it

for you. Holes are designed around existing terrain. You really do hit off the side of a mountain, or straight up and around a 90 degree dogleg. Add to that the challenge of not only remembering the correct technique for each situation but to execute it properly for success. Let’s examine some of these situations.

UPHILL LIES: The key is to set up with your shoulders in line with and parallel to the slope. Your right shoulder will obviously be below your left, so this turns the uneven lie into a more level one and will help prevent digging the club into the ground at impact.

Play the ball toward the high foot and use less loft as the ball will tend to come off high and move to the left.

DOWNHILL LIES, BALL BELOW YOUR FEET: Flex your knees, keeping the body weight on your heels and set your feet a little wider apart for better balance. Play the ball more in the middle of your stance, and aim a little left as the ball will tend to travel to the right.

SIDEHILL LIES; For sidehill lies above your feet be sure to grip down from the end of your club. Gripping in standard position leaves you too far from the ball making it hard to return to proper impact position. You may want to feel like you’re making a flatter, baseball swing, more around your body. The ball will typically travel left, so aim accordingly.

SEVERELY UNDULATING GREENS: A basic rule of thumb is this: Greens tend to break away from the mountains

PGA Instructor Gwen Miller can be reached for instruction at Reems Creek Golf Club, 828-645-4393, or by email at gm1930@verizon.net Her website is gwen-miller.com

and toward the water. Sidehill putts tend to be difficult if you have trouble judging how a slope influences your putt.

To illustrate this I’ll toss a ball underhanded from distances of 20 to perhaps 5 feet. On longer tosses the point of aim is higher above the hole because gravity has a longer period of time to influence the roll of the ball. On a 5 foot sidehill toss the point of aim is not as high.

When above a hole take a look at the grain and notice any mountain behind you. The broad blades of grass should generally lay away from the mountain, influencing direction and distance. Look closely to see if the grain looks shiny. Grain is going away so the putt should be fast. Grain also follows a growth pattern toward the setting sun.

When in doubt during a late afternoon round, look toward the western sky and check out the grain pattern.

ELEVATION: My favorite par 3 around here reads 200 yards on the scorecard but I hit my 150 yard club with the wind at my back , my 170 yard club when it’s in my face.

On a rare occasion playing the same hole twice in one day, the club selection differs each time.

Conversely, a challenging par 5 I enjoy requires my 130 yard club at the 100 yard marker, factoring in elevation and pin position in the back of the green.

So, if you’re ready for a different taste of golf, relax and enjoy the experience. Maybe then you’ll understand why we locals really believe that, “ Altitude affects Attitude.”

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Hole In One | 2008

Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Eighteen Mysteries

by Donald Ross

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ad Mark Twain played this captivating layout from master architect Donald Ross, he might have had to reconsider his now-famous grumblings that “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” This 6,700-yard par-70 course represents Ross at his most playful. Infinitely more playable to the average golfer than his Pinehurst No. 2 or his Oak Hills layout, this is perhaps the finest expression of mountain golf around. Regardless of your handicap, elevated tee boxes let you enjoy drives that seem to hang forever in the air, yet traversing this course won’t leave you gasping for oxygen as some Western North Carolina designs do.

These beautifully lush, tree-lined fairways roll out in front of you, crowned by fair and receptive bent-grass greens. Framed by the jaw-dropping splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, not a detail has been spared, including Club Car Golf Vehicles featuring GPS range-finders — the next best thing to having a seasoned caddy by your side.

The painstaking restoration of Ross’ original vision is now six years old, with the course fully matured for a very fun and memorable afternoon or morning round. So much so, you may need to play 36!

Ranked & Rated Top 100 Golf Resorts -Condé Nast Traveller, 2007 America’s Best Resort Courses -Golfweek, 2007 Top 10 Golf Courses Per State -Golfweek’s Guidebook, 2006

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Hole In One | 2008

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Top Intriguing Holes of Western North Carolina Apple Valley Golf Course Pro: Art Colasanti Rumbling Bald, Resort on Lake Lure 112 Mountains Blvd.

Lake Lure NC 28746 800-419-3854 or 828-694-3043 www.rumblingbald.com

The Apple Valley course is a Dan Maples creation, and is called one of the most beautiful mountain courses around by Golf Digest’s “places to play.” Apple Valley’s length provides a number of opportunities for spectacular drives. It's after the drive where golfers need to think clearly to score well. Well positioned bunkers and undulating terrain present a variety of tough shots to golfers of all abilities.

The Course Rating is 73.2 and the Slope Rating is 140.

Asheville Municipal

4 Most intriguing hole: #17. The back nine have some of the most spectacular mountain views. From hole #17 looking back at hole #16, you will be captivated by the scenery.

Bald Mountain Golf

Pro: Deanna Stone 226 Fairway Drive Asheville, NC 828-298-1867 www.ci.asheville.nc.us

at Rumbling Bald Pro: Art Colasanti 112 Mountains Blvd.

Lake Lure NC 28746 1-828-694-3042 www.rumblingbald.com

The Asheville Municipal Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in Western North Carolina. The 18-hole golf course designed by Hall of Fame golf architect Donald Ross opened for play in 1927.

As in all of Ross's courses, it was designed to be challenging as well as fun. The par 36 front nine, measuring 3,246 yards from the back tees, features a flat, wide-open course allowing the use of a driver on every hole. The 3,194-yard back nine has narrow fairways and also plays to a par 36. Accuracy instead of distance is required for the best score on the back nine. The course rating from the white tees is 69.0, and from the blue tees it is 71.1.

Most intriguing hole: #15. This Par 3 is our most challenging and difficult.

Bald Mountain is the Resort’s first course, originally built in 1968. It’s name comes from the rock faced cliffs towering over the course, however it will be the less prominent features that command your attention to score well here. With well guarded greens and tight fairways, golfers must be precise with their drives and approach shots. Bald Mountain is a true challenge in a lovely setting. The course is popular for all ages and abilities, and always receives high marks from Golf Digest readers. The course has 4 sets of tees and plays at 6,283 yards. The Course Rating is 70.9 and the Slope Rating is 128.

Most intriguing hole: #16. This Par 3 is our signature and most popular. In the movie Dirty Dancing (1987) this hole made an appearance.

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Black Mountain Golf Course 17 Ross Drive Black Mountain, NC 28711 (828) 669-2710

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Bent grass greens and plush fairways add to the attraction of this great municipal golf course that is on par with some of the nicest private courses in the area. The front nine holes of the course were constructed in 1929 and the back nine holes were constructed in 1962.

Since the original dates of construction the Town, under the careful guidance of some very dedicated golf course employees, have made continuous improvements to the course in an effort to make it one of the most pleasurable golf experiences in Western North Carolina.

Most intriguing hole: # 17. This 747 yard par 6 is quite the challenge. At one time it was the longest hole in the world.

Broadmoor Golf Links Pro: Travis Brotherton 101 French Broad Lane Fletcher, NC 28732 Toll Free: 866-578-5847 www.broadmoorlinks.com

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Set among the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Broadmoor is the region's only links-style course. Step back in time as you play a flat, natural terrain that lies in the Mills River Valley, beside the mighty French Broad River.

You will enjoy a Par 72 championship course, ranging from 5900 to 7168 yards and is playable for every golfer. Broadmoor features Bermuda grass tees and fairways along with the best bent grass greens to be found.

Most intriguing hole: #18. This Par 5 hosts spectacular views.

Nearby clubhouse and waterfalls provides a dramatic setting for this outstanding finishing hole!

Hole In One | 2008

Boone Golf Club

Pro: Tom Adams 433 Fairway Drive Just Off US Hwy 321 – Blowing Rock Road Boone, North Carolina 28607 TOLL FREE: 866-532-GOLF (4653) 828-264-8760 www.boonegolfclub.com

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Nestled in the beautiful Watauga Valley, just south of Boone, N.C. on US Hwy 321, Boone Golf Club features level to gently rolling fairways, large undulating greens, lush greenery, crisp mountain air, and breath-taking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Most intriguing hole: #6. This Par 5 provides a risk reward on the second shot with the added pond challenge.

Chatuge Shores Pro: Joe Stephens 260 Golf Course Rd. Hayesville, NC 28904 828-389-8940 www. chatugeshoresgolf.com

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If you are looking for the perfect mountain golf getaway look no further; come visit Chatuge Shores Golf Course. We are located in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains in the small quiet town of Hayesville. Though our town is small it offers an abundance of year round activities including golf.

Our course is nestled along beautiful Lake Chatuge with a gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course consists of 18 holes ranging from Par 3's to Par 5's. We invite you to walk the course or use a cart while playing, it's your choice.

Most intriguing hole: #18. Dogleg left with an alignment of trees make this a potentially reachable par 4. Straight downhill and then uphill to reach the green.

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Cleghorn Plantation Pro: Timmy Osteen 183 Golf Circle Rutherfordton, NC 828.286.9117 www.cleghornplantation.com

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Ranked in the top 100 North Carolina courses, Cleghorn Plantation is a championship track. Measuring 6900 yards, par 71, this George Cobb designed course travels through the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina. Each hole has its own distinct character and is sure to please and challenge the most discriminating golfer.

There are elevated tee boxes, heavily bunkered greens, and rolling fairways that make each round of golf at Cleghorn unique.

Most intriguing hole: #7. This Par 3 is surrounded by beautiful flowers. Long irons into it and it is hard to keep the ball on the green. Very pretty, but a tough hole.

Cummings Cove GC 20 Cummings Cove Pkwy Hendersonville, NC 28739 800.958-2905 www.cummingscove. com

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For the past three years Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club has been expanding and enhancing its golf course and community.

The redesign and lengthening of the golf course in 2005 resulted in a 2006 Renovation of The Year award from Golf, Inc., magazine.

The picturesque course continues to win praise from players who enjoy its challenge and majestic Blue Ridge Mountain views. The redesign plan preserved the natural terrain with its streams, lakes and waterfalls. With five levels of play, the course accommodates all skill levels. Golfers also appreciate the strategically located ice machines and water fountains along the course.

Most intriguing hole: #16 The Cliff ~ Par 3 ~ 189 Yards. Perhaps the most spectacular view and golf hole combination in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Look at the 270° glorious long range mountain views everywhere. Oh yes, the hole is exciting! Also…don’t be left or long or you may be gone. Club selection and shape of shot are equally important. A possible birdie or alternatively a dreaded other!

Connestee Falls Golf Pro: Brian Fox 1000 Connestee Trail Brevard, NC 28712 Tee Times: 828-885-2005 www.connesteefalls.com

Hole In One | 2008

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Located only minutes from downtown Brevard, NC, Connestee Falls Golf is a semiprivate golf course that offers a perfect golf experience... challenging greens, beautiful layout, scenic views and abundant wildlife.

Open year round, Connestee Falls warmly welcomes property owners, neighbors, guests, and visitors. We require that all golfers obtain a Tee Time and Gate Pass. Proper Golf Attire is also required. No Denim is allowed.

Most intriguing hole: #14. This Par 4 is our signature hole.

Tough dogleg left off the tee hitting 90 percent downhill to fairway and then 2nd shot uphill to the green. From the tee box the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are magnificent

Etowah Valley CC

Pro: Hayes Albea Brickyard Road Hendersonville, NC 28793 Local: 1-828-891-7022 800.451.8174 www.etowahvalley.com A Golfer's Paradise On A Mountain Plateau There's a place in the Southern Highlands where the Great Smoky Mountains weave through the Blue Ridge, creating a scenic mountain plateau 2,200 feet high and 75 miles around.

Our lush fairways are meticulously manicured, and our bent grass greens are as large as 9,000 square feet. Three nine hole courses allow you to play a variety of 18 hole combinations with 4 tee positions.

Most intriguing hole: #4 south. This Par 4 offers an astounding view with a four acre wake and a nearby creek.

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High Hampton CC

Grassy Creek CC

Pro: Bruce Leverette 2360 Swiss Pine Lake Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-7436 www.grassycreek.com

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The golf course itself is a reflection of the mountains which surround it. It is challenging to the low handicap golfer, yet friendly to those with higher handicaps. Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club is truly a golf enthusiast's dream.

Beautiful rolling terrain and long-range views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mtns. makes this course one of the most enjoyable & picturesque golf courses in Western North Carolina. An 18-hole, semi-private course that offers small, fast bentgrass greens that are rather painstakingly maintained for your golfing pleasure.

Most intriguing hole: #15 south. This Par 5 is our signature hole. Downhill tee shot with a creek running through and then uphill landing on a small green. Good drive, good place 2nd shot, hard 3rd shot. You must hit every shot just right. There is not a whole lot of margin for error. A lot of risk rewards included.

Pro: Chris David 1525 Highway 107 South Cashiers, NC 28717 (828) 743-2450 www.highhamptoninn.com

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Most intriguing hole: #8. Located on a peninsula that juts into Hampton Lake, the High Hampton Inn’s scenic par-3, 166-yard 8th hole has been designated “One of America’s Great Golf Holes”

by Golf Digest for its breathtaking panorama featuring 360 degree views of mountains, the lake and the resort grounds. When playing at High Hampton, golfers have to be careful not to allow the signature hole’s stunning beauty to distract them. No matter what skill-level, a key component to playing on par on the 8th green is to use enough club to carry the water.

“High Hampton Inn’s bent grass course is not a championship course,” said Golf Pro Chris David, “Instead it is respected for the splendor it showcases to its players. Words do not do this hole justice. The only way to truly experience its magnificence is to play it.”

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Hole In One | 2008

Highland Lake GC

Laurel Ridge CC

Highland Lake offers a completely different appeal as it boasts of tournament quality greens, an open links style appeal. Highland Lake Recently renovated 30 bunkers adding to the effectiveness of the course. Some words often used to describe Highland Lake are beautiful, open and well manicured. The newly renovated clubhouse offers a place to sit and relax after your round.

The 9-hole course features 2,615 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 35. The course rating is 33.2 and it has a slope rating of 116 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Jim Sparks (R), the Highland Lake golf course opened in 1979. Happy Fox manages the course as the Golf Professional.

Most intriguing hole: All 9 Holes. Excellent Bent Grass Greens, Tifsport Bermuda Fairways. Golfers may Walk, Ride, or use Pull Carts. We also have a Practice Range, Short Game Area and Putting Green.

We also offer: Lessons with PGA Golf Professionals, Pro Shop and Snack Bar.

Whether it is a 90 yard pitch to our elevated greens or where you spend the best years of your life - Club selection is everything. Laurel Ridge Golf and Country Club is a spectacular Bob Cupp designed course featuring magnificent golf and mountain views. Laurel Ridge is located at the edge of the charming city of Waynesville, North Carolina. Temperatures average 70 degrees during the summer and mid 40’s in the winter – a spectacular setting for year round or seasonal living. At altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet, the air is crisp and cool.

The friendly atmosphere exudes southern hospitality and charm creating the perfect place to spend time with old friends and to make new ones. Once golfers have enjoyed a taste of this paradise in the mountains, many quickly decide that it is a great place to visit and an even better place to live.

Most intriguing hole: #12. This Par 4 on the course demands a driveable tee shot straight down a tree lined hill. A grand view of downtown Waynesville surrounded by the majestic mountains.

Pro: Duane Page 788 Eagle Nest Road Waynesville, NC 28786 828-456-3200 www.laurelridgegolf.com

Pro: Happy Fox 34 Highland Golf Drive Flat Rock, NC 28731 (828) 692-0143 www.highlandlakegc.com

Mountain Air CC Pro: Chris Parham 321 Clubhouse Drive Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 682-4600 www.mountainaircc.com

Mt. Mitchell

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The 18-hole "Mountain Air 1" course at the Mountain Air Country Club facility in Burnsville, North Carolina features 6,425 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.9 and it has a slope rating of 129 on Blue grass. Designed by Scott Pool, the Mountain Air 1 golf course opened in 1990. Andy Singleton manages the course as the General Manager.

Most intriguing hole: # 2. 564-yard par-5 second hole on the Austin Mountain Nine and its 388 feet of drop from tee box to fairway, it would be easy to dismiss the course as ornamental and overdone.

But despite its grip-it-and-rip-it appearance, No. 2 features a risk/reward opportunity that layers it with multiple strategies. Take a one wood off the tee and rip a 350-yard right to left turning drive (quite possible from this elevation) and you're looking at 5 or 6-iron into the green. Play it safe with an iron or fairway wood off the tee and you bring the small pond on the right into play on your second shot.

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11484 State Hwy. 80 S. Burnsville, NC 28714 828.675.4923 www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com

The Mount Mitchell Golf Club offers a variety of challenges to the visiting golfer.

The course received a four and one half star rating in Golf Digest's "Places to Play." North Carolina Magazine ranked Mount Mitchell in the top ten public courses in the state.

It features bent grass from tee to green, is virtually flat, has a pristine river flowing through it and awesome views on every shot.

Most intriguing hole: #14. This is our signature hole. This hole is a dogleg left par 4 measuring 450 yards from the back tees. The drive must carry at least 250 yards from the blue tees to have a view of the green for the second shot. This shot is usually a long iron or fairway metal. The second shot must carry over the South Toe River to a green guarded by bunkers left and right. Once on the green there is a terrific view of the 6000 ft. Black Mountains from behind the green. A par on this hole will be remembered.

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Reems Creek Golf Club Pro: Larry Carter 6 Pink Fox Cove Road Weaverville, NC 28787 828 645-4393 www.reemscreekgolf.com There are many great courses to play in the Asheville area, but we like to think that Reems Creek Golf Club is the place that will linger in your mind long after you've holed your last putt on one of our beautifully manicured greens.

Maybe it's the fact that we're nestled in a lovely valley with the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains all around. As you play our famous 16th hole, the picturesque panorama will almost take your breath away the first time you see it.

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Most intriguing hole: #5. This is our signature hole. The challenging 398 yard Par 4 with a dogleg left is one of the more beautiful holes in Western North Carolina. From the elevated Tee box you must place your drive close to the landing area. Then you are faced with a challenging short to mid iron shot, over water, to an elongated green. Lush fairways, beautiful ponds and green trees make this hole both challenging and eye appealing.

Springdale CC

Pro: Sean Williams www.springdalegolf.com 200 Golfwatch Road Canton, NC 28716 800-553-3027

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At Springdale, golf reigns supreme, from the gradual elevation changes of the front nine toward Rocky Face Mountain, to the wide open fairways that await you on the back nine where Cold Mountain serves as a spacious backdrop.

Springdale's breathtaking views and playful mountain terrain amuses and challenges golfers of all levels. Measuring over 6,800 yards from the tips, Springdale is not a challenge to be taken lightly, especially our 429yard fourth hole, aptly dubbed the "Springdale Spasm".

Most intriguing hole: #4. Springdale's fourth hole, ominously known as the Springdale Spasm, is a 429 yard par 4. A long drive is required to reach the level landing area just left of a large fairway bunker. The hole doglegs to the right across a creek to an elevated green with bunkers to the left and right. The second shot through a narrow chute lined with trees is the toughest shot on the course, leave it short and you are below the green, too long and you flirt with out bounds directly behind the putting surface.

Hole In One | 2008

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Buying a better game

Or to paraphrase OJ Simpson’s attorney “If it does not fit, you must not hit!”

by Robert Green

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e all want to play better golf and enjoy the game more. The million dollar question is how to achieve that elusive goal!

New clubs can certainly help, but it’s not the whole picture. After all, it doesn’t make any difference if you give an absolute beginner the most expensive club in the world—he still won’t be able to use it. On the other hand, if you give Tiger Woods an old beaten up driver, he’ll still hit it a country mile!

When I’m fitting customers at our store, I try to assess whether better-fitting clubs would help or if they simply need lessons instead. As a PGA professional, I realize that sometimes it’s not “the fiddle, it’s the fiddler!” If the “fiddler” himself is the problem, we need to teach him how to use the fiddle he already owns. But if the fiddle he’s playing is badly out of tune, then we’ll look at fixing that side of the equation.

In clubfitting, it’s easiest to help players with a consistent swing. Now remember, I didn’t say a “great” swing, I said a “consistent” one.

If you always come “over-the-top” and leave the clubface open at impact, I can help you

by prescribing a club with internal weighting in the heel. But if you sometimes leave the clubface open, and just as often you slam the clubface closed through impact, you need a lesson—because giving you a club that cures slices will make your pulled shots even worse. If that’s the case, we need to put you on the video camera and show you why you’re so inconsistent.

While not everyone can buy a better game, the vast majority of golfers CAN and WILL be helped with better-fitting equipment.

Here’s what you need to know about fitting: • Find a knowledgeable clubfitter, preferably someone who’s certified by Ping or another major manufacturer.

• Find a clubfitter with a launch monitor.

Remember, beware of imitations—a “golf simulator” is not a launch monitor—it’s a toy! A launch monitor will measure your clubhead speed, spin rate, launch angle, distance and accuracy. Without it you’re just guessing and potentially wasting your money!

• You will probably be charged for clubfitting, but most places will apply the fitting fee to your eventual purchase.

• When you go for a fitting, bring an open mind. Be prepared to hit clubs with more loft and softer shafts—it’s what most of us need even if we don’t want to admit it!

• If the launch monitor shows you hit it too high with too much spin, it’s probably your technique. Using a low-lofted driver is simply slapping a band aid on the problem.

• Rule of thumb: the higher you can hit it while keeping spin rate down, the further it will carry and roll.

• Irons: a good clubfitter can help you hit more greens and ease that aching back by measuring you for the correct lie angles and club length.

• Bring your old clubs with you for comparison purposes— after all, there’s no point getting new sticks if they don’t out-perform your old ones. Plus, if you do find better equipment, you may consider trading in your old set to save yourself some money!

Robert Green is a PGA teaching professional, certified Ping clubfitter and owner of Golf USA of Asheville. He can be reached at (828) 298 9220 or rgreen@golfusa.com

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Golf Course Listings: Western North Carolina 9 HOLES NAME

TYPE

PAR

LOCATION

PHONE

Dogwood Valley Golf Course Forest City Municipal Golf Franklin Golf Course Highland Lake Golf Club Iron Tree Golf Course Lake Lure Municipal Golf Rutherfordton Golf Club Willow Creek Golf Course

Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public

36 36 36 35 35 35 36 27

Forest City, NC Forest City, NC Franklin, NC Flat Rock, NC Waynesville, NC Lake Lure, NC Rutherfordton, NC Boone, NC

828-657-6214 828-248-5222 828-524-2288 828-692-0143 828-627-1933 828-625-4472 828-287-3406 828-963-6865

18 HOLES Apple Valley Golf at Rumbling Bald Asheville Municipal Golf Bald Mtn. Golf at Rumbling Bald Black Mountain Golf Course Boone Golf Club Broadmoor Golf Links Brushy Mountain Country Club Chatuge Shores Golf Club Cherokee Hills Country Club Cleghorn Plantation Golf & Country Club Connestee Falls Golf Club The Coves Golf Course Crooked Creek Golf Club Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club Glen Cannon Country Club Granada Farms Country Club Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Hampton Heights Hendersonville Country Club High Hampton Inn & Country Club High Vista Country Club Lake Junaluska Golf Club Laurel Ridge Golf & Country Club Linville Falls Mountain Club & Preserve Linville Golf Club Maggie Valley Club Marion Lake Club Meadowbrook Golf Club Mill Creek Country Club Mount Mitchell Golf Club Mountain Glen Golf Course Old Fort Golf Club Orchard Hills Golf Club Orchard Trace Golf Club Pine Mountain Golf Course Red Foxx Country Club Reems Creek Golf Course Ridges Resort & Club Rivercrest Golf Club Silver Creek Plantation Smoky Mountain Country Club

Public Public Public Public Semi-private Public Semi-private Public Semi-private Public Semi-private Public Public Resort Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Resort Public Private Resort Semi-private Public Semi-private Resort Resort Semi-private Semi-private Public Resort Public Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Public Resort Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Public Semi-private Semi-private

72 72 72 71 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 71 71 70 71 72 72 72 70 71 70 71 72 68 72 71 72 72 70 72 72 72 72 72 72 54 68 72 72 70 71 72 70

Lake Lure, NC Asheville, NC Lake Lure, NC Black Mountain, NC Boone, NC Fletcher, NC Taylorsville, NC Hayesville, NC Murphy, NC Rutherfordton, NC Brevard, NC Lenior, NC Hendersonville, NC Asheville, NC Hendersonville, NC Brevard, NC Granite Falls, NC Spruce Pine, NC Asheville, NC Hickory, NC Hendersonville, NC Cashiers, NC Arden, NC Waynesville, NC Waynesville, NC Linville Falls, NC Linville, NC Maggie Valley, NC Nebo, NC Rutherfordton, NC Franklin, NC Burnsville, NC Newland, NC Old Fort, NC Granite Falls, NC Hendersonville, NC Connelly Springs, NC Tryon, NC Weaverville, NC Hayesville, NC Hickory, NC Morganton, NC Whittier, NC

828-694-3043 828-298-1867 828-694-3042 828-669-2710 828-264-8760 1-866-578-5847 828-632-4804 828-389-8940 828-837-5853 828-286-9117 828-885-2005 828-754-1992 828-692-2011 828-253-5874 828-891-9412 828-883-8175 828-396-2313 828-765-7436 1-800-438-5800 828-328-5010 828-692-2261 828-743-2450 828-254-2947 828-456-5777 828-456-3200 828-756-4653 1-800-742-6717 828-926-6013 828-652-6232 828-863-2690 1-800-533-3916 828-675-5454 828-733-5804 828-668-4256 828-728-3560 828-685-1006 828-433-4950 828-894-8251 828-645-4393 828-389-4111 828-495-0017 828-584-6911 828-497-4653

www.citizen-times.com/holeinone

21

NAME

TYPE

PAR

LOCATION

Southern Tee Springdale Country Club Trillium Links Village of Sugar Mountain Golf Course Wolf Laurel Country Club

Public Resort Private Public Private

54 74 71 64 72

Fletcher, NC Canton, NC Cashiers, NC Banner Elk, NC Mars Hill, NC

PHONE 828-687-7273 828-235-8451 828-743-4251 828-898-6464 828-680-9771

27 HOLES Etowah Valley Country Club & Golf Quaker Meadows Golf Course Waynesville Country Club

Resort Public Resort

72 72 70

Etowah, NC Morganton, NC Waynesville, NC

828-891-7141 828-437-2677 828-452-4617

36 HOLES Rock Barn Golf & Spa Rumbling Bald Resort

Semi-private Semi-private

72 72

Conover, NC Lake Lure, NC

828-459-9279 828-792-3925

Western North Carolina's Leader in Golf Packaging

Custom golf packages available for individuals or groups. Choose from first-class accomodations including hotels, golf villas, or custom log homes and combine with some of our 23 championship courses to make the perfect golf vacation.

Whether you are just passing through or plan to stay a week, let First Tee Mountain golf plan

your next golf vacation. Choose your own combination of courses or let our professional staff make recommendations. We have played every course dozens of times and can share specific details about every one of them. Play on courses surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains or travel to the high country where temperatures rarely break 80 degrees.

Customize any package with tickets to Biltmore Estate for an unforgettable golf getaway to Western North Carolina.

Call our toll-free number or visit our comprehensive website for details and photos of each course and accomodations.

Ron Clark .... President

22

Hole In One | 2008

Golf Course Listings: South Carolina NAME

TYPE

PAR

LOCATION

PHONE

9 HOLES Blue Ridge Golf Center Cedar Springs Golf Cokesburg Hills Golf Club High Meadows Country Club

Public Public Public Semi-private

27 35 30 72

Walhalla, SC Greenwood, SC Hodges, SC Abbeville, SC

864-882-7949 9 864-374-3396 864-374-7820 864-446-2043

Bonnie Brae Golf Club Boscobel Country Club Brookstone Meadows Golf Club Carolina Crossing Golf Club Chester Golf Club Chickasaw Point Country Club Cobb’s Glen Country Club Creek Golf Club, The Falcon’s Lair Golf Club Fort Mill Golf Club Furman University Golf Greer Country Club Hejaz Shrine Recreation Lakeview Golf Course Links O’Tryon Oak Ridge Country Club Oconee Country Club Pickens Country Club Pine Lake Golf Club Regent Park Golf Club River Falls Plantation Riverchase Golf Club Rock at Jocasse, The Saluda Valley Country Club Southern Oaks Golf Club Stoney Point Country Club Summersett Golf Club Verdae Greens Country Club Village Greens Country Club Walker Golf Course Waterford Golf Course Willow Creek Golf Course

Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Public Semi-private Semi-private Public Public Semi-private Semi-private Private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Public Semi-private Resort Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Resort Semi-private Semi-private Semi-private Public

72 71 72 72 72 72 72 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 71 72 70 71 72 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72

Greenville, SC Pendleton, SC Anderson, SC York, SC Chester, SC Westminster, SC Anderson, SC Spartanburg, SC Walhalla, SC Fort Mill, SC Greenville, SC Greer, SC Mauldin, SC Piedmont, SC Campobello, SC Spartanburg, SC Seneca, SC Pickens, SC Anderson, SC Fort Mill, SC Duncan, SC Union, SC Pickens, SC Williamston, SC Easley, SC Greenwood, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Gramling, SC Clemson, SC Rock Hill, SC Greer, SC

864-277-9838 864-646-3991 864-964-9966 803-684-5878 803-581-5733 864-972-9623 864-226-7688 864-583-7084 864-638-0000 803-547-2044 864-294-9090 864-877-9279 864-277-4491 864-277-2680 864-468-4995 864-582-7579 864-882-8037 864-878-6083 864-296-9960 803-547-1300 864-433-9192 864-427-3055 864-878-2030 864-847-7102 864-859-6698 864-942-0900 864-834-4781 864-676-1500 864-472-2411 864-656-0236 803-324-0300 864-476-6492

Carolina Springs Family Golf Hunter’s Creek Plantation Rolling Green Golf Club

Semi-private Public Semi-private

72 72 71

Fountain Inn, SC Greenwood, SC Easley, SC

864-862-3551 864-223-9286 864-859-7716

18 HOLES 18

27 HOLES 27

www.citizen-times.com/holeinone

Golf Course Listings: Tennessee NAME

TYPE

LOCATION

Andrew Johnson Golf Club Baileyton Golf Club Baneberry Golf & Resort Bays Mountain Golf Course Bent Creek Golf Resort Buffalo Valley Golf Club Cattails at Meadowview Golf Cedar Hills Golf Club Clinchview Country Club Crockett's Ridge Golf Club Dandridge Country Club Dead Horse Lake Golf Club Eagle's Landing Golf Club Egwani Farms Golf Club Elizabethton Municipal Golf Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Golf Club, The Graysburg Hills Knoxville Golf Course Lambert Acres Golf Club Landmark Golf Club at Avalon Laurel Valley Country Club Lost Creek Golf Course McDonald Golf Club Patriot Hills Golf Club Pine Lakes Golf Club Pine Oaks Golf Course River Islands Golf Course River Trace Golf Course Roan Valley Golf Course Royal Oaks Golf Course Steele Creek Golf Course Three Ridges Golf Course Tri-Cities Golf Course Twin Creeks Golf Course Warrior's Path Golf Course Whittle Springs Golf Course Willow Creek Golf Club Woodlake Golf Club

Public Public Semi-Private Public Resort Public Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Semi-Private

Greenville, TN Greenville, TN Baneberryn TN Seymour, TN Gatlinburg, TN Unicoi, TN Kingsport, TN Lenoir City, TN Bean Station, TN Kingsport, TN Dandridge, TN Knoxville, TN Sevierville, TN Rockford, TN Elizabethton, TN Gatlinburg, TN Maryville, TN Chuckey, TN Knoxville, TN Maryville, TN Lenoir City, TN Townsend, TN New Market, TN Rogersville, TN Jefferson City, TN Rockford, TN Johnson City, TN Kodak, TN Greenville, TN Mountain City, TN Maryville, TN Bristol, TN Knoxville, TN Blountville, TN Chuckey, TN Kingsport, TN Knoxville, TN Knoxville, TN Tazewell, TN

PHONE

1-800-421-2149 423-134-5131 865-674-2500 865-577-8172 865-436-3947 423-743-5021 423-578-6622 865-986-6521 865-993-2892 423-279-1700 1-800-997-2655 865-693-5270 865-429-4223 865-970-7132 423-542-8051 1-800-231-4128 865-856-4400 423-234-8061 865-691-7143 865-982-9838 1-877-471-4653 865-448-6690 865-475-9661 423-272-8143 865-475-4466 865-970-9018 423-434-6250 865-933-0100 423-639-1622 423-727-7931 865-984-9789 423-764-6411 865-687-4797 423-323-4178 423-257-5192 423-323-4990 865-525-1022 865-675-0100 1-877-423-4653

HOLES 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 (3) 9 18 (3) 9 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 9 18 (3) 9 18 18 18 18 18

23 PAR 70 71 71 70 72 71 71 70 72 72 72 71 72 72 72 71 72 each 36 72 each 36 72 70 71 71 72 71 71 72 70 72 72 36 72 (1) 36 (2) 35 72 72 70 72 72

PGA Tournament Schedule 2008 DATE

TOURNAMENT

COURSE

LOCATION

April 28- May 4 Wachovia Championship

Quail Hollow Club

Charlotte, N.C.

May 5-11

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

May 12-18

AT&T Classic

TPC Sugarloaf

Duluth, Ga.

May 19-25

Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

Colonial Country Club

Ft. Worth, Texas

May 26- June 1 The Memorial Tournament

Muirfield Village Golf Club

Dublin, Ohio

June 2-8

Stanford St. Jude Championship

TPC Southwind

Memphis, Tenn.

June 9-15

U.S. Open*

Torrey Pines GC (South Course)

San Diego, Calif.

June 16-22

Travelers Championship

TPC River Highlands

Cromwell, Conn.

June 23-29

Buick Open

Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club

Grand Blanc, Mich.

June 30- July 6

AT&T National

Congressional Country Club

Bethesda, Md.

July 7-13

John Deere Classic

TPC Deere Run

Silvis, Ill.

July 14-20

The Open Championship*

Royal Birkdale, Lancashire Course

Lancashire, England

July 14-20

U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee

Brown Deer Park Golf Course

Milwaukee, Wis.

July 21-27

RBC Canadian Open

Glen Abbey Golf Club

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Firestone Country Club

Akron, Ohio

July 28- Aug. 3 Legends Reno-Tahoe Open

Montreux Golf and Country Club

Reno, Nev.

Aug. 4-10

PGA Championship*

Oakland Hills Country Club

Bloomfield Township, Mich.

Aug. 11-17

Wyndham Championship

TBD

Greensboro, N.C.

Aug. 18-24

The Barclays

Westchester Country Club

Harrison, N.Y.

Aug. 25- Sept. 1 Deutsche Bank Championship

TPC Boston

Norton, Mass.

Sept. 1-7

BMW Championship

Bellerive Country Club

St. Louis, Mo.

Sept. 15-21

Ryder Cup*

Valhalla Golf Club

Louisville, Ky.

Sept. 15-21

Viking Classic

Annandale Golf Club

Madison, Miss.

Sept. 22-28

The Tour Championship

East Lake Golf Club

Atlanta, Ga.

Sept. 29-Oct. 5 Turning Stone Resort Championship

Atunyote Golf Club

Verona, N.Y.

Oct. 6-12

Valero Texas Open

La Cantera Golf Club

San Antonio, Texas

Oct. 13-19

Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

TPC Summerlin

Las Vegas, Nev.

Oct. 20-26

Frys.com Open

Grayhawk Golf Club

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Oct. 27- Nov. 2 Ginn sur Mer Classic

Ginn Hammock Beach Resort

Palm Coast, Fla.

Nov. 3-9

Walt Disney World Resort

Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

July 28- Aug. 3 World Golf Championships

Bridgestone Invitational

Children's Miracle Network Classic

* Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

LPGA Tournament Schedule 2008 DATE

TOURNAMENT

COURSE

LOCATION

May 1-4

SemGroup

Cedar Ridge CC

Broken Arrow, OK

May 8-11

Michelob ULTRA Open

Kingsmill Resort

Williamsburg, VA

May 15-18

Sybase Classic

Upper Montclair CC

Clifton, NJ

May 22-25

LPGA Corning Classic

Corning CC

Corning, NY

May 29-June 1

Ginn Tribute Hosted

RiverTowne CC

Mt. Pleasant, SC

June 5-8

McDonald’s LPGA Championship

Bulle Rock GC

Havre de Grace, MD

June 19-22

Wegmans LPGA

Locust Hill CC

Pittsford, NY

June 26-29

U.S. Women’s Open

Interlachen CC

Edina, MN

July 4-6

P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship

Pinnacle CC

Rogers, AR

July 10-13

Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic

Highland Meadows GC

Sylvania, OH

July 17-20

LPGA State Farm Classic

Panther Creek CC

Springfield, IL

July 24-27

Evian Masters

Evian Masters GC

Evian-les-Bains, France

July 31-Aug. 3

RICOH Women’s British Open

Sunningdale GC

England Berkshire, SL5 9RR England

Aug. 14-17

CN Canadian Women’s Open

Ottawa Hunt and GC

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Aug. 22-24

Safeway Classic

Columbia Edgewater CC

Portland, OR

Sept. 11-14

Bell Micro LPGA Classic

RTJ Golf Trail

Mobile, AL

Sept. 25-28

Navistar LPGA Classic

RTJ Golf Trail

Prattville, AL

Oct. 2-5

Samsung World Championship

Half Moon Bay Golf Links

Half Moon Bay, CA

Oct. 9-12

Longs Drugs Challenge

Blackhawk CC

Danville, CA

Oct. 16-19

Kapalua LPGA Classic

Bay Course

Lahaini, Maui, HI

Oct. 31- Nov. 2

Korea Championship

TBA

South Korea

Nov. 7-9

Mizuno Classic

Kintetsu Kashikojima CC

Shima-shi, Mie 517-0501 Japan

Nov. 13-16

Lorena Ochoa Invitational

Guadalajara CC

Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico

Nov. 20-23

ADT Championship

Trump International GC

West Palm Beach, FL

Dec. 13-14

Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge

Lake Las Vegas Resort

Henderson, NV

Champion Tour Schedule 2008 DATE

TOURNAMENT

COURSE

LOCATION

May 2-4

FedEx Kinko's Classic

The Hills Country Club

Austin, Texas

May 16-18

Regions Charity Classic

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Hoover, Ala.

May 22-25

Senior PGA Championship

Oak Hill Country Club

Rochester, N.Y.

May 29-June 1

Principal Charity Classic

Glen Oaks Country Club

West Des Moines, Iowa

June 19-22

Bank of America Championship

Nashawtuc Country Club

Concord, Mass.

June 27-29

Commerce Bank Championship

Red Course at Eisenhower Park

East Meadow, N.Y.

June 4-6

Dick's Sporting Goods Open

En-Joie Golf Course

Endicott, N.Y.

June 18-20

3M Championship

TPC Twin Cities

Blaine, Minn.

July 24-27

British Senior Open

Royal Troon Golf Club

Ayrshire, Scotland

July 30-Aug. 3

U.S. Senior Open Championship

The Broadmoor Resort

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Aug. 14-17

Jeld-Wen Tradition

Crosswater Club

Sunriver Ore.

Aug. 22-24

Boeing Classic

TPC Snoqualmie Ridge

Snoqualmie, Wash.

Aug. 28-31

Wal-Mart First Tee Open

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach, Calif.

Sept. 12-14

Greater Hickory Classic

Rock Barn Golf & Spa

Conover, N.C.

Sept. 26-28

SAS Championship

Prestonwood Country Club

Cary, N.C.

Oct. 9-12

Constellation Energy Senior Baltimore Country Club

Timonium, Md.

Players Championship

Oct. 17-19

Administaff Small Business Classic

Augusta Pines Golf Club

Spring, Texas

Oct. 24-26

AT&T Championship

Oak Hills Country Club

San Antonio, Texas

Oct. 30-Nov. 2

Charles Schwab Cup Championship

Sonoma Country Club

Sonoma, Calif.