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header from the publisher
This is a
Woman’s World As the song by BJ The Chicago Kid lyrics go, “This is a Women’s World, Ohhh! I know you heard that this is a man’s world yeah.” But, this is a woman’s world. Yes....... Golf Central Mag, is designed by Melahn Cable, produced, and edited, by Shannon Coates, and I. Heck, even our accounting firm is all women. Cindy Lauper’s hit, “Girls Just Shannon and I Wanna Have Fun” is still regarded as a feminist anthem. Jus’ so you know, I’ve never been a feminist, because I do clearly understand that “This Is A Woman’s World”. Golf Central has an impressive bevy of talented women under the direction of the 15-year veteran here, as of June 21st, when Shannon came onto scene, also the first day of Summer, no coincidence that things starting heating up. It’s been an iconic test for Shan to go through these years of publishing with me. She’s not afraid to poke fun...at me or herself; people are instantly disarmed by her candor. Don’t be fooled by the fun and genuine demeanor. I can tell you, NEVER think she likes you, it’s her inoffensive way of dealing with the thousands of PR pros and agencies that don’t deliver. Words cannot describe what she means to me, my sanity, and the growth of GCM and building the Turf Life brand. V-Power...Victor...Victory! The budding star and, my FUN, FUN, funny youngest Female Correspondent, Bella Dovhey, makes us proud once again as she broke records in Scotland. Not only do I get the bragging rights, but she never fails to bring me a beautiful gift from her travels. Bella shared the Golf Central articles while there and got the message across, we’re not just fun, cute, and record breaking winners, we have a chance to give others self-esteem Bella Dovhey with the articles she writes. Bella competed in the US Kids Golf European Championship on May 31 - June 2, 2017. She played in the 9-year-old division at the Longniddry Golf Club in East Lothian, Scotland. She defended her 2016 title and shot 32/31/33(-12). She played 9 holes each day. We were told her (-12) score was the lowest in the 10 years of this event for all the girls age groups and her 18-stroke margin of victory is the largest for all age groups boys/girls in the Tournament history. 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 6
Volume 18, Issue 3 Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail
Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired Chief Fertilizer Spreader: Eric Rasberry Golf Gym: Ken Pierce Media Consultant: Robert Bissell Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Junior Correspondent: Bella Dovhey
International Correspondent: Dove Jones Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Ron Heller, Rich Styles, Fred Seely, Deb Shuck, JL Quebbeman, Mitch Sadowsky, Linda Williams-Sieg Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com
Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708
NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 E-mail: info@golfcentralmag.com ©2017 Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.
2017 Want to participate in a fun, global species-counting competition?
Ask the staff at your local golf course if they are participating in BioBlitz 2017! 518-767-9051 www.auduboninternational.org
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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Volume 18, Issue 3 62 Departments
Carolinas Golf Central 28 34th Annual National Retired Military Golf Classic
12 22 32 34 36 40 50 56 58 66 68 70
Cart Girl 20 Lexy Spry FEATURE 38 Del Webb Stone Creek Georgia Golf Central 24 Highland Walk FEATURE 38 The Citrus Golf Trail Golf Bachelor 18 Jarut Padung Golf Business 52 International Network of Golf Golf Fore Charity 30 Star Scholars-Ocala
Freddy's Fairway Thoughts Golf History ASCGA Turf Life Turf Life Grip It & Sip It Fashion Forward NFPGA SFPGA Fore Your Health Golf Fitness Product Showcase
20
18
Golf Travel 60 Mesquite Amateur, Tahoe 62 Inaugural Donald Ross Invitational, Ireland Growing The Game 44 University Park CC Ladies Golf Association Improving Performance 46 EduKAYtion Golf Private Moments 64 Inverness Country Club, OH Special Events 14 PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Special Feature 42 Father’s Day and the US Open Women in Golf 10 American Century Championship
golfcentralmag.com
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Arnold Palmer | Class of 1974
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By Rob Ritrovato and Ellen Lyman
women in golf
Blair O'Neal, Paige Spiranac Follow Annika's Leaf Taking on the Men at American Century Championship The American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe has long been a bastion of mostly macho pro athlete males who love to compete at their second favorite sport – the game of golf. Now, some top tier women who can really play the game are crashing the party. It’s not quite like 2014, when LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam finished Paige Spirinac
Annika at the American Century Championship in 2014 tied for second in a post-retirement
Tour player and two-time NCAA long
weekend of stringent competition
drive champion who starred for the
near her part time home in Lake
women’s golf team at Arizona State.
Tahoe. But Blair O’Neal and Paige
She is also an on-air host for Golf
Spiranac are pro players in the true
Channel and a model with a Sports
sense of the word and they’re aiming
Illustrated pictorial to her credit. Spi-
to be at the top of the leaderboard,
ranac has also played on the Symetra
when the American Century takes
tour and boasts a Cactus Tour title
center stage on NBC July 14-16.
while also pursuing a modeling career
O’Neal is the former LPGA Symetra 10
after captaining her college team at Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
San Diego State. She appeared on the cover of Golf Digest earlier this year and is a social media phenomenon with over 1 million Instagram followers. Now in its 28th year, the tournament offers a purse of $600,000 and has raised over $4 million for charity and has been held at picturesque Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, a Golf Digest Top 100 ranked course, since its inception in 1990. Joining O’Neal and Spiranac in this year’s field are on-air TV personalities Kathryn Tappen of NBC Sports and Lisa Cornwell of Golf Channel. “I was rooting for Annika when she played in the American Century Championship four years ago” said O’Neal at Edgewood Tahoe media day in June. “Annika was right up there. To be in contention here against guys who hit the ball so far is really cool. It would be pretty neat to have a female champion.” Jeremy Roenick, the former NHL star who is a contender at Lake Tahoe every year, thinks O‘Neal is a legitimate threat. “If there is a woman who could take over that golf course, Blair has the game to do it,” Roenick offered, referring to her prowess as a long hitter. Notably, the women play from the same tees as the men. “I wouldn’t want to beat any of these guys not playing the same tees and let them have that excuse,” O’Neal said, smiling. When Sorenstam finished second (behind former Washington Redskin Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien) she relied on her shotmaking. “I’m a little bit more of a conservative player, I’m trying to play to my strengths,” Sorentsam said at the time. “So there are a lot of birdies out there and maybe a few eagles for some.” At the Harrah’s and Harveys Race & Sports Book O’Neal ranks as the favorite among the women at 30-1 odds with Spiranac at 40-1. By comparison, the cofavorites are a two time defending champion Mark Mulder and Tony Romo at 3-1 with Roenick at 15-1. Other notables include Aaron Rodgers (50-1), Jerry Rice (30-1) and Charles Barkley (6000-1). Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Blair O'Neal 11
freddy's fairway thoughts
By Fred Seely
Tiger in 2002. Photo by Lynn Pelham
Questions: 1. Why is NASCAR dull and college football isn’t? 2. Why is Major League Baseball a snoozer and English soccer isn’t? 3. Why is the PGA Tour just a walk in the woods and the National Football League is a wild ride? Answers: 1. Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Urban Meyer. 2. New York Yankees and Manchester United. 3. Tiger Woods and Jerry Jones The commonality of all three, and excuse the morbidity: the first name is a departed, or fading, villain. The second is a living villain. Wrestling has it right: you have to have a bad guy. You can have flocks of Jimmie Johnsons, Mike Trouts and Jordan Speiths running across the TV screen, but you also need the Antichrist in the parade. Take the above answers: • Earnhardt has, as they say in the entertainment business, left the building. He took with him perhaps the most intense fan feelings of any athlete; there was no middle ground there. No one was neutral about Earnhardt. There are still fans who hold up three fingers at the start of races (his car number was 3) and just as many pointing one finger at them. Urban Meyer, the Ohio State coach who skittered out of Florida for more money and fewer good opponents, is loathed around here. So, by association, is Ohio State. The effect on their sports: NASCAR is dull, college football is rousing. • The New York Yankees were once so dominant that they even seemed to have a negative affect on baseball. Today, their alley cats are gone, replaced by a new litter of furry-faced kittens. Even a Sawx fan has trouble disliking them. Manchester United, though a dynasty in decline, is still the bad guy to the other Brits, a working class bunch from a working class city that sneers down — geographically as well as figuratively — on the snooty Londoners and their ohso-clean Chelsea players. 12
The effect on their sports: baseball is dull, the English Premier League is the most passionate in all of sports. Which leads us to Tiger Woods: • Jerry Jones owns the Dallas Cowboys and no one has much good to say about him, other than he has figured out to get even richer than the other NFL owners. His teams play in the greatest of stadia, have the highest television ratings and employ several very nasty players. Jones himself is unloveable, a rich braggart with a cheap facelift and a fake backwoods demeanor. Tiger Woods, as we all know, has gone south so rapidly that no one even gossips about him any more. Woods may not have been disliked as much as others on the above lists — a lot of animosity toward him should be aimed at Nike and his arrogant bunch of handlers — but he got so much air time that a lot of us simply got sick of seeing him at the expense of whoever shoud have had the attention. And, in many cases, seeing his image during a tournament broadcast when he wasn’t even playing. The effect: Jones and the NFL are smokin’, the PGA Tour is puffing. So, we have identified golf’s problem. All happy faces. Obviously, we need a villain, just as NASCAR and major league baseball need one. Where is Ray Floyd when we really need him? The best NASCAR can do is a guy named Kyle Busch, but he comes across more as a punk than a tough. Baseball doesn’t even have the drugged-up sluggers as anti-role models, and about their best shot now comes from the arrogance of the Chicago Cubs. You can’t take that seriously; that was an outfit that was a national laugh until last year. What do we have? Zip. Our grim-faced old commissioner, Tim Finchem, has been replaced by a smiley-faced young guy named Jay Whoozits. The most obvious player candidate is Patrick Reed, but he comes across as the Kyle Busch of the fairways. Dustin Johnson is hardly a role model but somehow we feel sorry for him. Rory Sabbatini is only an annoyance. Tom Watson grumbles his way into our faces now and then, but he’s way into the has-been barrel. Colin Montgomerie may have outgrown Mrs. Doubtfire but he’s still is a cartoon character. The antiAmerican, Seve Ballesteros, is dead. So is the anti-Palmer, Ken Venturi. Bubba Watson once was declared the least-like player on Tour. That’s the best they can do out there? The LPGA offers only happiness. The Champions Tour was ignored when Curtis Strange was around, and it’s doubtful that the addition of a varmint like Vijay Singh will stir anyone’s blood. We need help and we’re too polite to dig up Tommy Bolt. So, we can only hope that Tiger’s back comes back or that Lebron James takes up golf.
Your thoughts? I’m at fs4569@comcast.net Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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special events For an extraordinary 14th time, the
women of Bethune-Cookman University left Port St. Lucie as victors of the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by CastleOak Securities. The 31st edition of the 54-hole, stroke-play event was contested on PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker and Ryder Courses and featured six divisions. The Bethune-Cookman women enjoyed their sixth consecutive Women’s Division victory with a three-day total of 889, defeating second place University of the Incarnate Word (919) by 30 strokes. The Wildcats were led by Mackenzie Butzer (215), whose final round, 1-under-par 71 solidified her position as the division’s medalist, finishing 1-under-par for the Championship and nine strokes ahead of teammate Alejandra Sanchez and Incarnate Word’s Madison Frerking. “Today, I had the mentality of playing easy golf,” said Butzer, who finished runner-up in the Women’s
Division medalist race last year. “I worked extremely hard all year and my game has come together, finally.” Not to be outdone by their fellow Wildcats, the men of Bethune-Cookman (875) claimed their fourth Men’s Division I victory in five years with a 16-stroke margin over Incarnate Word (891). Sam Sloman’s steady play and three-day total of 217 earned him the Division I medalist. A three-stroke advantage heading into Sunday’s final round grew to five for the University of Connecticut’s Nabeel Khan. He carded a final round, 4-under-par 68, the Championship’s lowest round, and fended off last year’s champion Siyan Liu (213), of Palm Beach Atlantic University, to win the Men’s Individual Invitational. A sophomore from Westerville, Ohio, Khan (208) was the only player in any division to break par in all three rounds after a 1-under-par 71 on Fri-
Erica Jackson of North Carolina A&T University on the 6th hole on the Ryder Course 14
Nabeel Khan of University of Connecticut
day and a 3-under-par 69 on Saturday. “Any win means a lot, but this one in particular is special,” said Khan, who will tee it up tomorrow morning in a U.S. Open local qualifier at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I get to represent my school and where I’m from. This is a really big stepping stone for my career.” New year, same result for the Women’s Individual Invitational. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Tiana Jones (232) cruised to a five-stroke victory over the University of West Alabama’s Kaitlyn Rose (237), Jones’ fourth consecutive victory at this Championship. Jones will return to UMES in the fall for her final year in the PGA Golf Management University Program. A pair of playoffs determined the Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
team champion and medalist honors for Men’s Division II. After finishing 54 holes knotted up at 927, Lincoln University and the University of West Alabama played two more to determine the champion. West Alabama sealed the victory with a team-combined 2-under-par on the second playoff hole, beating Lincoln by one stroke. West Alabama was led by Brannon O’Pry, who defeated Virginia State University’s Samuel Reid in a separate playoff to earn the Men’s Division II medalist. Taking home the NAIA Division trophy for the third time in four years were the Jaguars of the University of Houston-Victoria (925). Medalist honors were awarded to Juan David Coy (229), who edged out his teammates Terry Strickland and Christian Esparza by two strokes. The PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by CastleOak Securities has elevated golf in minority colleges and universities by providing opportunities for players to compete in a national championship. In 2006, the PGA of America was granted complete ownership and management by the National Minority Collegiate Golf Scholarship Fund. “This is my favorite event to come to,” said Butzer, who will compete in the Canadian Amateur and Ontario Amateur this summer. “The course, people and competition are all great. It’s just a special atmosphere to be around.”
Chicago State University, Women's third place Tiana Jones of Maryland Eastern Shore hits her tee hot on the 6th hole of the Ryder Course during the 2nd Round
First Place Women's team, Bethune-Cookman University Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
15
special events header
Samantha Aviles of Incarnate Word on the 18th hole on the Ryder Course during the 2nd round Men's Division I winners, University of Houston-Victoria
16
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Winner's of the Men's Division I, Bethune Cookman University Men's Division II Winners, University of West Alabama
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
17
golf bachelor header
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Vince, E, Johnny Drama, and Turtle from Entourage. Maybe they will let us do a 5-some.
What are some of your great accomplishments? I was voted one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Instructors in America under the age of 40. I am so proud of it.
Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Sports bar with friends.
Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? I was teaching my usual junior after school class. I asked my juniors if they knew about fidget spinners. I saw, hands raised, and all 6 of them pulled one out of their pockets. I lost it. Kids make me laugh like no other.
Favorite comedian?
Jarut Padung
Katt Williams.
Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? I love all the super hero movies!
What else would you like for us to know about you? I love fantasy football but have not made the playoff in my league in 5 years. My excuse is that I always work Sundays. I am obsessed with Instagram. @coachja23 is what I go by at work.
Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I came to the US when I was 14 and spent my teens in Augusta, GA.
High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, preppies? I’d like to think I had a good mixture of nerd, prep, and outcast.
What do you do for a living? I am a Senior Certified Golf Instructor at the PGA TOURAcademy at World Golf Village. What would you like to do for a living? I love my job. I always wanted to tell people what to do since I was a teenager and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. What do you think is the biggest challenge in the work place? First question from my clients is always: How old are you? How long have you been teaching? I have been in the business for over 10 years, but I will forever look 14.
Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? I am pretty boring, I gym and Netflix it a lot.
Steak, chicken, or seafood? Steak for sure. Gimme that red meat. What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? I-phone, coconut water, and my foam roller.
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? “I swear I shot even par last week at my home course. I am having an off day”
Name the three most important things to you in this world. Relationships, purpose, and peace of mind.
Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Success and personal growth over everything. What do you fear the most? Heights. Being on a horse is too high for me. 18
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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Where did you grow up? DeKalb County, TN
cart header girl
Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I have mostly had close relations with people more athletic.
What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? I have play several different sports growing up but my favorite would be golf and basketball. I like to watch football.
Le
What do you feel makes this club special? I have been with the club for several years now from its ups to its downs. I am finally glad to see the course in great shape. The new owners have out done themselves.
What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? My favorite part of being a cart girl encountering the new people and building relationships with the clients. You get to know the people personally and how their golf game is. It’s always fun to get a laugh or two. I really don’t have a least favorite part besides getting stuck out in the rain in the middle of a golf course. That’s not much fun.
If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? If I wasn’t a cart girl I would probably be working at a marina.
What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? Each day is usually interesting with the different people you encounter. My most memorable moment would be dealing with a bachelor party on the golf course. They were hilarious.
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? The funniest thing would probably have to be watching someone roll into a sand trap after having one too many.
What type of music do you prefer? Rap or country What hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy photography, hiking, and kayaking.
What is your idea of “the perfect date”? My perfect date would defiantly be out boating on the lake. Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I am usually down to do both just depends on my mood and how busy a day it was.
Favorite comedian? Kevin Hart
Favorite type of movie? Action and Romantic
Favorite charity to support?
St. Jude Children’s Foundation
What else would you like for us to know about you? I am an early graduate from high school. I will graduate high school this month with close to two years of college completed. I am studying to get a degree in business finance. 20
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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golf history header
By Mike May
When people think about Florida golf courses, the first venues that spring to mind are those seen on television every year -- the Champion course at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Bay Hill in Orlando, Doral in Miami, and the TPC Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. Truth be told, those are just three out of the nearly 1,300 golf courses in Florida. While those courses have been featured on television for many years, the golf course that is the ‘forefather,’ so to speak, of professional golf in Florida is the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club (650 Curtiss Parkway, Miami Springs, Florida). From 1925 to 1955, the professional golf circuit started in south Florida at what is now known as the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club.
Miami Springs Golf & Country Club 1927
Walk in the Footsteps of Legends Naturally, the Miami Springs Golf & CC (www.miamispringsgolfcourse.com) is listed as one of the 53 courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail. Miami Springs is also the oldest golf course in Miami-Dade County. As you approach this club, you sense the club’s history, as there’s a yesteryear feel to the site when you step foot on the property. In those early years, the course was known as the Miami-Hialeah Golf
Glenn H Curtiss (developer) playing archery golf with a Seminole Indian
Course and that pro event was called the Miami Open. Many of golf’s legends – Gene Sarazen, Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer – played in the Miami Open, which Snead won six times. The Miami Open was also the site of Palmer’s professional debut -- in 1954. While he missed the 36-hole cut, Palmer’s best days were certainly ahead of him. Nowadays, Miami Springs Golf & CC – a par 71 layout -- has evolved into a wonderful golf experience. The three biggest hurdles to overcome at Miami Springs are (1) the canal which crosses three back nine fairways (2) the ever-present winds and (3) the raised greens, which can add at least one club to your club selection. The driving force behind the development of this golf course was national aviation hero, Glenn H. Curtiss -- one 22
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
of the early faces of modern aviation. His nickname was “The Henry Ford of Aviation.” Curtiss was one of the leading developers of this course, who made sure that it got built. With the assistance of fellow developer James Bright and a number of well-to-do local golfers, who called themselves the “Miami Coconuts,” they pooled their resources and hired well known golf course architects William Langford and Theodore Moreau to build this course. The course opened for play in 1923. Miami Springs also has a strong affiliation with the local Seminole Indians. When the golf course was being built in the early 1920s, local Seminole Indian women planted the grass by hand around the bunkers and on the banks of the canal on the course. Then, when the course opened in 1923, Seminole Indian men, wearing their native clothing, served as caddies. There’s another piece of history at this course. It hosted the North-South Tournament, the largest minority sponsored golf competition in the country, from 1953-1989. Some of its more famous participants included baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, former boxing legend Joe Louis, singer Nat King Cole, and former Wimbledon tennis
Miami Spring Golf & Country Club
champion Althea Gibson. There’s a picture hanging inside the clubhouse of Robinson and Gibson, taken at the 1962 North-South Tournament. When you play Miami Springs G & CC, bring an appetite and enjoy their delicious, locally acclaimed Cuban sandwiches, which
are served inside the clubhouse. It’s now time to reserve a tee time (305-805-5180) at the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club. It will allow you to walk in the footsteps of legends. The experience was memorable for Arnold Palmer and Jackie Robinson. It will be for you, too.
Not Just a Game...A Way of Life! turflife.club
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
23
georgia golf central header
By Mike May
Victoria Bryant Highland Walk Golf Course
Pure and Picturesque
24
Satisfaction is guaranteed. That may
“For the most part, the fairways are
degree of difficulty throughout the
be the best way to summarize the feel-
spacious, but it’s the variety of second
course, golf course architect and native
ing that golfers will get after playing
shots that make this course so special
Georgian Dennis Griffiths remembered
at the Highland Walk Golf Course at
to play time and time again. Depending
to keep the course playable and fun,
Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston,
on your tee shots and the pin posi-
as well. Fortunately, the course is
Georgia. This course’s ability to deliver
tions, each hole can play completely
built in a beautiful part of the state.
customer satisfaction each and every
different from one day to the next.”
The Signature Hole at Highland Walk
round is one of the main reasons
Located in northeast Georgia, just north
is the 17th hole, which is special,
why Highland Walk (1415 Bryant Park
of Athens and south of I-85, the High-
scenic, stern, and a selfie ‘hot spot.’
Road, Royston, Georgia; 706-245-6770)
land Walk Golf Course experience can
The tee boxes are raised and ter-
is one of the 20+ destinations on
be enjoyed either on foot or by golf cart.
raced. Your tee shot is struck over a
the Georgia Golf Trail. In fact, High-
While Highland Walk may be located in
ravine to a somewhat narrow fairway.
land Walk is one of the 18 founding
a state park, the golf experience is no
From there, you can go pin seeking
members of the Georgia Golf Trail.
stroll through the park. From the first
to a flag perched on a raised, sloping
“Very few golf courses are blessed with
hole to the finishing hole, every golfer
green. At the 17th, pars are precious
such natural beauty and diversity as
will be dealing with steep rolling hills,
and birdies are worth a fist pump.
Highland Walk,” says Doug Holland-
crowned fairways, and sloping Ber-
The PGA of America thinks so highly
sworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail.
muda greens. While adding a certain
of Highland Walk that its player Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
playability test is conducted at this
as many as eight people. There are also
course. Also, TravelGolf.com has
golf and camping packages available
stated that Highland Walk is “a bargain
through the Victoria Bryant State Park.
for those looking for a stern test.”
“I just love the views, I love the challenge
Golfers travel from all parts of the
of the course, and I bring my friends here
southeast U.S. to play this course.
as often as I can talk them into com-
“Highland Walk is a sought after
ing,” says Gayleen Campbell, who says
place to play,” notes Bill Schus-
that Highland Walk is her favorite of all
ter, clubhouse manager, Highland
the state park golf courses in Georgia.
Walk. “We have all the capabilities
Highland Walk is as focused on ca-
for a great (golf) getaway here.”
tering to the future of the game as
For those who want a stay-and-play op-
it is to the present as this course
tion at Highland Walk, you can reserve
is the home of Georgia’s most ac-
the Bluebird Cottage, which can sleep
tive junior golf program.
Highland Walk signature hole #17 Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
25
tennessee golf central header
We Back Pat! The second annual Pat Summitt Invitational to benefit The Pat Summitt Foundation was held at Spring Creek Ranch in Collierville. It was a successful event that raised over $37,000 for The Foundation. Proceeds raised from this event will toward supporting The Pat Summitt Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee. To learn more about future golf tournaments, please visit www.patsummitt.org/golf. The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, was established by Pat and Tyler Summitt in November 2011. Its mission is to award grants to non-profit organizations that advance research for treatment and a cure, provide support for patients and
26
caregivers, and educate the public on Alzheimer’s disease. In 2015, The Pat Summitt Foundation formed a strategic partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical Center to create The Pat Summitt Clinic. The clinic, which opened in December 2016, greatly improves access to healthcare services for families and patients facing Alzheimer’s disease in a facility created to advance Alzheimer’s research, detection, treatment, family caregiver support, and ultimately, lead to a cure. To learn more please visit www.patsummitt.org, like us on facebook.com/patsummittfoundation, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @webackpat.
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
27
carolinas golf central header
Mike Pope, USAF, Retired
Womens Division Participants
This Year’s Annual Retired Military Golf Tourney “Another Classic” Wow! What another great week at the golf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Retired military golfers and their spouses from all over the country converged on Myrtle Beach the week after Memorial Day to participate in the 34th Annual National Retired Military Golf Classic (NRMGC). This is the largest retired military golf tournament in the U.S. This was my third year at the tournament and what a fantastic fun-filled event that included golf, the beach and the many Myrtle Beach attractions! Retired military members Navy JR ROTC Cadets from Carolina Forest HS and their spouses from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, are eligible to play in this four day fully-handicapped scramble. Players competed in either the Mens or Womens Division and were divided into A, B, C, D categories, according to their handicap, and played with different team members each day at six different courses including Myrtle Beach National South and West, Wild Wing, Burning Ridge, World Tour and Pine Lakes Country Club. This year on the last day of competition we were honored to have Navy Jr. ROTC cadets from Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Forest High School to tend the pins on the 9th and 18th greens. My wife, Trudy and I renewed past military 28
friendships and made new ones, while enjoying a fun-filled week in Myrtle Beach. “This was another awesome event,” said retired U.S. Army Maj Gen Abraham Turner, the Tournament Chairman. “Our partners at Oceana Resorts provide outstanding accommodations and the staff at Founders Group Intl and Myrtle Beach National Golf Club administers the tournament like no one else can.” This year, eighty three-year old Reginald Asby, retired Army member, from Washington, North Carolina was honored for his incredible thirty-fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament. Amazingly, this year Reginald finished 13th out of 152 in his competition category and said, “I don’t just come, I come to win!” When asked why he continues to play in the tournament year after year, Asby simply said, “The people! I love to visit with my brothers and sisters from all branches of the service.” According to Al Whatley, the NRMGC Tournament Director, the participants competed this year for over $100,000 in prizes provided by very generous sponsors. Retired military members and their spouses that would like to participate next year need only Google “National Retired Military Golf Classic” then follow the link to the website and complete the application form. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
MG Retired Abe Turner, Reginald Asby, Al Whatley
Women's Division Champions, MG Retired Turner, A-Sharon Hunt, B-Lynn Labranche, C-Charlotte Briggs, D-Deveatrice Peterson
Men's Division Champions, MG Retired Turner, A-Michael Lane, B-W.H. Smith, C-Dwight Huddleston, D-Donald Huston
Mike Pope, Trudy Pope (Wearinf Turf Life) and our friends Wright and Karen Wheeler from Fayetteville Arkansas Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
29
By Greg Wise
9th Annual “Star Scholars” Imagine an “Adult 55+ residential community,” where the care and compassion to give back are alive and well. A sense of “Paying it Forward,” for the game that they love. Candler Hills Golf Club was the place where the Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations from both On Top of the World Golf Club and Candler Hills Golf Club gathered to present the 2017 Star Scholars award to 2 deserving young Senior’s from local High Schools in Marion County. Joe Alfano, Master of Ceremonies for the evening, summed it up quite nicely with the comment, “We all retired here to play golf every day and enjoy life after our work careers, but we didn’t retire from life. We care about the future, and this is our way of helping young people just setting out on their journey.” Explaining that it was an extensive process to choose the recipients, with reference letter, applications, and essay type questions all leading up to the presentation of scholarships by the selection committee.
2017 Recipients Cameron Bass Meadowbrook Academy Straight A Student
Committed to the Community with many hours of Service Also received straight A’s her Senior year while completing On-Line College Classes through Oral Roberts University. A Grant from Chic-Fil-A Leadership Academy Plans to study Business Planning and Business Management A stand out comment from the essay portion of her questions was, “I am focused on achieving my Dreams.”
Eric Daniel Cook Trinity Catholic High School
Tennis All County Team – Past 2 Years All County Golf Team – Past 2 years 350 Hours of Community Service Eagle Scout – 2015 Eagle Scout Project
was completing a Fitness Trail at a local Middle School The comment in the essay questions. Explaining his Plan A, was his passion to enter the Air Force Academy to become a pilot. But if that didn’t work out, his Plan B was to be a Golf Professional. “I look forward to giving back to the game that I love, or the country that I truly love.” I asked Mr. Alfano where the money comes from, and he explained, “during our weekly leagues, we have a 50/50 drawing. And in many cases the winner says, just keep it for the kids.” “We are so pleased over the years to have given back to the young people over $10,000,” Joe explained. Surprising, in addition to the Star Scholars, the combined association presented additional checks to The First Tee of Greater Ocala, Program Director, Steve Calhoun, explaining… we want to start these young people on the right path and we feel that The First Tee has that same passion for the game.
Left to Right: Pam Monk, CHLGA 18 President; Deborah Martin, OTOW LGA 18 President; Pat Gill, CHLGA 9 President; Linda Mandala, OTOW LGA 9 representative; Walter Pacuk, CHMGA President; Denise Mullen, LPGA Head Golf Professional; Steve Calhoun, The First Tee of Greater Ocala Program Director 30 30
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Ken Zweiback, CHMGA Board, Eric Daniel Cook, Walter Pacuk CHMGA President
Ken Zweiback, CHMGA Board, Cameron Bass, Walter Pacuk CHMGA President
Walter Pacuk, CHMGA President & Steve
Joe Alfano, Cameron Bass, Eric Daniel Cook
Steve C & Linda Mandala, OTOW LGA 9 representative
Pat Gill, CHLGA 9 President & Steve
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Steve & Pam Monk, CHLGA 18 President
Deborah Martin, OTOW LGA 18 President, & Steve
31
orth SGCA florida foundation PGA north ASGCA florida foundation PGA north ASGCA floridafoundation PGA northASGCA florida foundation PGA north
Meeting of the Minds The 71st ASGCA Annual Meeting was held in Jupiter, Florida. More than 125 ASGCA members and golf industry leaders were in attendance for several days of education, seminars and fellowship. ASGCA Past President Alice Dye, the matriarch of the Dye Design Family, was the recipient of the ASGCA Donald Ross Award, the most prestigious award presented by ASGCA. ASGCA Annual Meetings have a storied history dating back to the inaugural 1947 gathering of the Founding Fathers at Pinehurst, North Carolina. The signature event for ASGCA members, the meetings include great interaction, innovation and education between fellow architects and invited industry leaders. ASGCA professional development includes study and play at fine golf facilities, and the spirited, friendly competition among ASGCA members.
Jack Nicklaus and John Sanford 32
Pete and Alice Dye
Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and Rees Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
John Sanford, ASJohn Sanford, ASGCA, was elected president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s recent 71st Annual Meeting in his hometown of Jupiter, Florida. Sanford is a Landscape Architecture graduate of Louisiana State University. With more than 30 years’ experience in golf course design, Sanford has completed over 70 new designs and renovations in his career. He spent five years practicing landscape architecture before landing his first golf course design in 1986. This experience allows him to integrate the course into surrounding land uses while maintaining the natural character of the site. Sanford was lead golf course architect and project manager on Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy, Massachusetts, and Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Bronx, New York, both involving public landfill-to-golf course transitions. He has traveled the globe working in Japan, Vietnam, Egypt, Dominican Republic and throughout the United States. “ASGCA is in a great place,” Sanford said as he looks to his presidential year. “We continue to raise our profile in the industry. ASGCA members are smart people who know their craft and benefit the golf industry in a number of ways. I want to help raise awareness for ASGCA and continue working with our partners to bring more value to our members, the golf industry and game as a whole.” Since 2005, Sanford has also worked on a number of projects with Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA Fellow, and his design team, starting with Palm Hills Golf Club, Cairo, Egypt. Sanford is currently working with Nicklaus on a redesign/repurpose of the course where Sanford learned to play golf, now called Banyan Cay Resort & Golf Club, West Palm Beach, Florida. “From the very first course I designed, I have tried to emphasize interesting strategic design,” Sanford said. “I have always been intrigued by strategic shot-making. All of my courses have a distinct strategic quality.” Additional Sanford course designs include: Juliette Falls Golf Club, Ocala, Florida; Madison Green Golf Club, Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and renovations at The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club with Jack Nicklaus, Naples, Florida; Pembroke Lakes Golf Course, Pembroke Pines, Florida; Spring Run Golf Club, Bonita Springs, Florida; and Wilderness Country Club, Naples, Florida. Sanford will serve as ASGCA President through April 2018.
ASGCA Background Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous twoyear long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. The average ASGCA member has spent nearly 30 years as a golf course architect, designing 42 new 18-hole courses and has worked on or consulted on nearly 150 projects in eight different countries around the world. For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org or call (262) 786-5960.
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
33
Teaching Tech The educational lineup has been set for the NGCOA’s inaugural Golf Business TechCon in Las Vegas later this year. Don’t miss this chance to grow your knowledge at this one-of-a-kind event Following weeks of fine-tuning, the educational lineup for the inaugural Golf Business TechCon (September 27-28; Las Vegas, Nevada) has been set. The offerings, which are designed to appeal to owners, operators, general managers, club professionals and anyone else interested in learning more about applying technology in the golf business, spotlight the cutting-edge tools and revolutionary tactics that are transforming the golf industry. Education for TechCon is divided into two tracks: marketing and operations. The marketing track will feature basic and advanced classes focusing on social media, websites and email. Presenters, who come from inside and outside the industry, will dive deep into tactical execution of marketing with technology and guide attendees through the process of using modern innovations to execute specific programs to grow their businesses. The operations track, on the other hand, is much broader in nature and will showcase tips and tactics that can help attendees run a truly integrated golf operation. From technology that can improve on- and off-course management to dynamic pricing and tools that can enhance the player experience, sessions in this track will highlight an array of innovations that can bolster operational efficiencies and generate revenue. 34
In addition to the core educational curriculum, TechCon will feature a panel discussion with some of the industry’s leading sellers of online tee times, as well as a group talk with representatives from a few companies making substantial investments in the golf technology space. Participants in that session, which will close the educational component of the event, include Greg Norman, who recently forged a new partnership with Verizon; Maury Gallagher, CEO of Allegiant Airlines and a primary investor in Teesnap; and Andy Rhodes, chief information officer for the USGA. TechCon will also offer ample opportunities for attendees to engage with
technology vendors and sample the companies’ products and services that will be on display throughout the event. Prior to the start of Wednesday’s educational sessions, conference-goers can peruse the various offerings. Additional times for engagement with technology providers include all networking breaks and at Thursday morning’s breakfast. From beginning to end, TechCon promises to deliver the training and education facility managers need to improve their operations and position themselves for success in the modern age. For the full educational lineup and other highlights, visit www.golfbusinesstechcon.com.
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
WORKING FOR ME
STORY #115
David is a General Manager. GCSAA has had the biggest impact on my career in golf club management. I earned CGCS designation in 1991 and have leveraged this accomplishment to move up into the General Manager role that I have been in for the past 20 years.
David Gourlay, CGCS General Manager – Boca Grove Plantation, Boca Raton, FL
GCSAA has always provided many educational opportunities and over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to take advantage of those to help me acquire the General Manager/COO position with three different facilities. Whether someone decides to be a Golf Course Superintendent, a General Manager like myself or pursue another career in the golf industry, GCSAA continues to provide the education needed to achieve your goals and advance your career. In the 38 years that I have been a member, I consider my membership the best investment I’ve ever made.
A
ID
OR
FL View more stories about how being a GCSAA member will benefit you, your course, and your career. gcsaa.org/workingforme
Explore Your New Active Adult Lifestyle and the Next Phase of Your Life! Exciting things are happening at Del Webb Stone Creek. Call or visit us today for a tour of our decorated model homes and exclusive amenities, plus, ask about our Explore Del Webb program so you can stay and play.
6320 SW 89th Court Road, Ocala, FL 34481 • 877-333-5932 • delwebb.com/stonecreek Garden Series: Starting from $160,990 1,289 – 2,188 SQ FT | 2-4 BR 2-3 BA | 2-Car Garage Classic Series: Starting from $211,990 1,659 – 3,077 SQ FT | 2-5 BR 2-3 BA | 2-Car Garage Estate Series: Starting from $274,990 2,384 – 3,656 SQ FT | 3-5 BR 3-4 BA | 3-Car Garage
• New Crestview Home Design Now Available • Fly & Buy: Up to $2,000 to Reimburse Your Travel* When You Buy a New Home • Environments for Living Energy Efficient Package Included in Every New Home • 18-Hole Championship Golf Course • Private, Guard-Gated Community • Fitness Center, Spa, Heated Swimming Pools • Tennis, Bocce, Pickleball and Horseshoe Courts • Brand New Dog Park, RV Storage Facility, Softball Field and Fishing Pier
*Fly and Buy offer is valid on new purchase agreements accepted by Del Webb at our Del Webb Stone Creek community between 06/1/17 and 7/31/17. If buyer executes a new purchase agreement accepted by Del Webb during their explore Del Webb weekend and presents a copy of their plane ticket, then at closing buyer will receive a credit of up to $2,000 which can be applied toward closing costs. Buyer is responsible for any closing costs in excess of the incentive amount. Any unused credit is the property of Del Webb, and may not be used to reduce the Total Purchase Price of the home. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent. This incentive may affect the amount of loan for which a buyer may be eligible, check with your lender for details. **For the Explore Del Webb offer you are required to attend a sales presentation to be eligible. Stay up to 3 Nights for $207.00 (through September 30, 2017). The approximate duration of the sales presentation is 3 hours. If you do not attend the sales presentation (i) an additional fourth night at the nightly rate of $89.00 (for stays through September 30, 2017) will be charged. Del Webb is a builder of single-family homes. The purpose of the Explore Del Webb offer is to attempt to sell you a home in] this Del Webb community. The Explore Del Webb offer provides that you may stay either (i) up to 3 consecutive nights at Stone Creek for $89.00 per night through September 20, 2017. Nightly charges do not include applicable taxes and fees. Explore Del Webb offer valid only on new bookings made for stays from 6/1/17 through 7/31/17 at Stone Creek, with up to two adults sharing the accommodations. Offer expires 7/31/17, is subject to availability of accommodations, and the rate is subject to change at any time without notice. Some blackout dates apply when offer is not available. Valid credit card is required to be provided at time reservation is made, and one night charge of $89.00 will be made to the credit card at that time. Payment in full is due at time of check-in. Reservation may be cancelled and payment refunded if cancellation is made at least 96 hours prior to first date of reservation. Transportation and all other costs or charges that may be incurred by the recipient are not included and are the responsibility of the recipient. Access to amenities and other community features are subject to terms and conditions established by Del Webb from time-to-time. Golf voucher provides for 1 round of golf per person. Dinner voucher is for $40.00 and recipient is responsible for all costs in excess of voucher amount. These offers are subject to conditions, limitations, and restrictions. See a Del Webb sales consultant for details. These offers are subject to change or withdrawal without prior notice or obligation. An individual may only participate in a Del Webb Stone Creek Fly and Buy offer and the Explore Del Webb offer one time at this community. Community home prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Quick move-in homes are subject to prior sale or withdrawal from market, and prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Square footage listed is approximate. At Del Webb communities, at least one resident must be 55 years of age or older, no one under 19 (18 in certain communities) in permanent residence, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. Community Association fees required. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Contact a sales consultant for details. ©2017 Pulte Home Company, LLC. All rights reserved. [6/17] CGC1519936
feature header Del Webb Stone Creek is a 55-or-better, active-adult community located in the heart of Florida surrounded by gentle rolling hills, ancient oaks, and the pristine lakes of Ocala, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” For years, you’ve chosen your homes based on everyone else in your life, but now it’s time to start the next chapter of your life on your terms. It’s time to live your dream. So, what makes Del Webb Stone Creek different from other active-adult communities? Location, location, location. With such close proximity to all that Central Florida has to offer, from exciting theme parks and exquisite shopping in Orlando, to the entertainment options of Tampa, to the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches (and hundreds of other fun things to do in between), your family will be visiting a lot – when you have time for them. That’s the point. As a new home active-adult community, Del Webb Stone Creek has an array of amenities and activities for you to stay engaged with life – both mentally and physically. The clubhouse ballroom will entice you to dance the night away to your favorite tunes, while the indoor spa and outdoor heated pool will 38
inspire you to relax or stay fit by swimming laps, and the softball field will be calling your name for one more home run. At night, join your friends or make new ones with drinks and music at one of the community’s many monthly lifestyle events. One of the best features of this community is the 18-hole Terry-Doss designed championship golf course and multi-million-dollar 46,000-square-foot Reflection Bay amenity hub, featuring
the Reunion Center Clubhouse, Elan Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, which has just the right ratio of amenities to homes. This means that any time you feel like having a snack at the Saratoga Café, using the resort-style pools, crafts room, game room, library, pickleball, bocce ball or other sports courts, you won’t have to wait your turn. Who has time for that, when there’s so much to do? With numerous clubs and classes, and new ones being added all the time, your mental acuity will also get a workout. Get competitive and challenge your friends to a game of Mahjongg, learn to cook a new dish to impress your neighbors or start your own club. As long as there’s interest, no club idea is too small. That’s because Del Webb Stone Creek is truly engaged with its residents – listening and working hard to make the community what residents want it to be. All thanks to a full-time, on-site Lifestyle Director. As a double-entry, guardgated community, you can feel safe along the walking trails or taking your best furry friend to the new dog park to play a game of fetch. Whether you walk, bike or hop in the golf cart, friendly neighbors Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
will wave you by. There’s really nothing like the welcoming feeling you get when you enter the community. With so many opportunities to make new friends, you’ll feel right at home. Ready to stay and play? With the Fly And Buy program, Del Webb Stone Creek will reimburse you for your plane tickets when you purchase a new home during your Explore Del Webb stay, giving you the chance to stay in a fullyfurnished, private villa that comes equipped with a golf cart to use during your stay. Plus, you’ll have access to all amenities – and a local Resident Ambassador to show you around, filling
you in on all that Del Webb Stone Creek has to offer, including newly-released home sites with views of the golf course. Your visit will allow you to soak up some sun, meet the residents and learn what it means to live your dream. We believe you’ll like it here. So, you can have it all, including a new, quality-constructed Del Webb home featuring an energy efficiency saving package, 10-year limited structural warranty coverage, and more. Named as one of the best active-adult master planned communities in 2015, Del Webb tests their homes for the best in living, listening to residents, and making them truly consumer-inspired, like the brand new Crestview home design that was just unveiled. The Inspired Design Collection features smart selections, such as raised Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
dishwashers, so you don’t have to bend down to load and unload dishes, and drop zones at the owner’s entry so you have a place to set down your purse or hang your tennis bag without cluttering the living spaces of your home. Haven’t you always wanted a home designed specifically for your unique lifestyle and interests? At Del Webb Stone Creek, that option is not only available, it’s more affordable than you might have thought. What could be more exciting than getting to start the next phase of your life in a home and community that’s exactly what you want it to be? Now is the time to put yourself first. Stop dreaming and start planning today. Call 877-333-5932 or visit delwebb.com/ stonecreek to make today the first day of your new life.
Del Webb Stone Creek offers an unparalleled active-adult lifestyle community designed for those who plan to keep on getting a hole-in-one, year after year. Plan your visit around one of Del Webb Stone Creek's upcoming summer community events, amenity grand openings, or new phase of home site releases. Call 877-333-5932 or visit delwebb.com/stonecreek to schedule a visit today. 39
grip it & sip it
Bill Terlato, Barbara, Jack at Jack's House 2015
Jack’s House
wines were inspired by the philanthropic spirit of legendary professional golfer Jack Nicklaus. When not on the course, Jack and his wife, Barbara, are passionate about helping others. Their commitment to quality, community and philanthropy is shared by the Terlato family, and so the two families partnered to create Jack’s House wines in tandem with Jack’s House Foundation. Jack’s House wines are approachable, easy drinking wines from California that are perfect to enjoy with friends, family, and a fantastic meal. A portion of the proceeds of every bottle of Jack’s House wine sold is donated to Jack’s House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports national healthcare and education efforts. Jack’s House Chardonnay is golden straw in color with aromas of bright tropical and citrus fruits. It’s crisp and vibrant, with flavors of ripe stone fruit and green apple on the finish. Pair it with roasted chicken, creamy pastas or seafood dishes. Jack’s House Cabernet Sauvignon is crimson in color with aromas of plums and black fruit, underscored by dark chocolate and coffee notes. It opens brightly, followed by a palate of plush black currant that makes it perfect to enjoy alongside steak or a hearty beef stew. To learn more about Jack’s House Foundation, visit www.jackshousefoundation. org. Terlato Wines is the leading marketer of luxury wines in the U.S. Learn more about Jack’s House wines at http://terlatowines.com/new-wines/california/jackshouse. To purchase Jack’s House wines, visit www.uncorked.com.
Grip it and Sip it. 40
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
L I M I T L E S S S U M M E R P L AY
S U M M E R E S C A P E A N D P L AY U N L I M I T E D G O L F PA C K A G E
S U M M E R E S C A P E A N D P L AY PA C K A G E I N C L U D E S This summer, take the golfer’s dream vacation and take on all of the Legendary PGA National Resort & Spa golf courses—in one day, for one unbelievable price. And if that still isn’t enough golf for you, you can take them on again. Summer is a time for freedom. Live yours without limits! Rate includes luxury accommodations, full breakfast daily, unlimited daily golf, Waters of the World mineral pool access, and more. *Rates from $94.50 per person per night, double occupancy. Single occupancy from $174 per person, per night. $50 surcharge for Champion Course. $35 cart fee per person, per day. Tax and resort fee not included. Rates valid from May 25-September 30, 2017.
8 4 4 . 8 9 0 . 8 1 7 1 | P G A R E S O R T. C O M
special feature
By Greg Corbo photos by Greg Corbo
Hand in Hand:
Father’s Day and The US Open
Father’s Day and the annual playing of the United States Open Championship pair well together. A time of year to reflect when and where you were first introduced to this great game. In most cases, a father introduces his son or daughter to golf at a young age to instill similar sounding values such as honesty, integrity, equality and camaraderie. The father understands golf is an ideal vehicle to teach and enforce lifelong morals. For me, the entire week of the US Open is a celebration of American Golf, the notion of father and child together on a golf course while the world looks in over four days as the USGA conducts its yearly examination on one of America’s iconic venues. The US Open is the one tournament a year a premium is placed on par. While I’m certainly not a proponent of unfair pin locations and suspect rulings in relation to course setup, I do enjoy watching the world’s best negotiate a demanding test under extreme pressure while trying to maintain patience and composure. The US Open is a living room lesson on how to handle and overcome adversity. Another incredibly valuable life lesson. I have many fond memories of Father’s Day weekend while caddying at The Montclair Golf Club (West Orange, NJ) during the mid-1990s. Father’s Day Sunday was the one day a year I played with my Dad in the annual Father & Son Tournament in a true alternate shot format. I always found it rather difficult to find a rhythm and hit quality 42
Front page of the Orlando Sentinel Sport Section the day after Payne Stewart perished in a tragic plane accident. shots during those rounds due to the infrequent nature of alternate shot. Eventually, I realized the idea of playing for someone else and thinking about where not to leave the next shot for my partner was not a positive thought process. Over the years, I put less of an emphasis on our score and just enjoyed the challenge of sharing one ball together to meet a common goal. When I looped for a father/son tandem on Saturday of that weekend, the term “Sorry partner” was a common phrase. The club has since changed the event to a modified alternate shot format known as a “Pinehurst” which allows
both partners to tee off then pick the best drive and alternate from there. One year while caddying for my brother Mike and my Dad (Mike Sr.) in this event, my father aced the seventh hole of the Fourth Nine – it was classic as my father showed little to no emotion. Looking back, it almost seemed predestined. Kind of like when Payne Stewart jarred the winning putt on the 72nd hole over Phil Mickelson to capture the 1999 US Open at the historic Pinehurst Resort. That particular US Open will forever be my favorite. I was there on Moving Day Saturday after making a late Friday night jaunt up I95 from Orlando with a Golf Academy buddy into the idyllic Village of Pinehurst where we caught a few winks in the car before attacking the grounds to soak in the action. I remember following Payne that day who was fashioning Carolina Blue. Stewart had placed second the year prior at the Olympic Club in San Francisco where he realized he still had the tools to compete with the younger generation of emerging stars such as David Duval and Tiger Woods. The US Open was a serious thing in the Stewart Family, as Payne’s Father Bill insisted he sign his entry form every year with “William Payne Stewart” so he understood the seriousness of the national competition and what he was getting into – a golf tournament of survival, which tests mental fortitude as much as physical ability. Sadly, months later in October we lost the two-time Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Former NJ Devils Right Wing John MacLean tees off on the first hole of the Third Nine during the annual Father & Son at Montclair Golf Club US Open Champion in a freak plane accident. I’ll never forget watching his demeanor on TV that Sunday during the final round. Walking the grounds chewing on gum to ease the tension, clearly on a quest to make amends for what slipped away in 1998. Such a quiet confident look he carried all day. I often chew gum when I play in his honor and memory. Here we are 18 years later and Phil Mickelson, a six-time Open runner-up is planning to skip Erin Hills to attend his daughter’s graduation ceremony from high school where she is speaking. The same daughter that Phil carried a beeper for in case his wife Amy went into labor that week. Amanda Mickelson was born the Monday after Father’s Day in 1999. Good thing Payne
Yogi and Tim Berra competing in the annual Father & Son Tournament at The Montclair Golf Club, West Orange, NJ.
made that par putt on No. 18. Erin Hills is a venue I thought would set up well for Mickelson’s game with no trees and lots of creative options around the greens on the site of a former glacier. Being the father he is, a chance to achieve the career Grand Slam is not as important as being there for his daughter and how could anyone question his decision. Hopefully, Mickelson will
Mike and Jim Furyk working together on the range before the 2006 US Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, NY. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
remain a relevant competitor for the next five years or so and capture that elusive title, but his window is closing. Another PGA Tour veteran that comes to mind during US Open week is the 2003 Champion at Olympia Fields and current 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk. Furyk’s career embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity. With his father Mike as his only coach, Furyk overcame the scrutiny of his golf swing early in his career on the Nike Tour. Fellow pros laughed, calling him “The Noodle” in reference to what his swing looked like at the top – a wet noodle. Ironically, Furyk’s unorthodox swing allowed him to be one of the straightest drivers of the golf ball for years on the PGA Tour. His father Mike is still his only coach and eye when Jim needs technical advice. When he hugged his father after winning the Open in 2003, I knew both felt there was no greater gift Jim could ever give to his father on one of the most meaningful days of the year. And just last year, Furyk recorded the lowest score shot in PGA Tour history with a 58 in the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship – all from a swing that wasn’t supposed to work under the pressure of professional golf. Think about that for a moment. The most awkward swing ever seen on Tour produced the lowest score ever. Further evidence of a father and a son believing in something together and never straying away from what works and what got them there. Thanks Dad, I couldn’t imagine life without golf. 43
growing the game
LGA Benefits Adaptive Golf The Ladies Golf Association of University Park Country Club held the second annual club drive for
with recent amputations, strokes,
Adaptive Golfers in Florida. The
various arthritic conditions and
women collected slightly used
more. The change this equipment
clubs, balls, shoes and other golf
makes is palpable.
equipment for three days in March.
In May the LGA at UPCC held a
The equipment has gone to help
nine hole golf scramble benefiting
new golfers who recently enrolled
the Adaptive Golf Association. The
in the various Florida Adaptive Golf
women raised $10,000 to be used
Programs throughout the central
to purchase a Solorider, a single-
Gulf Coast. These clubs make such
rider cart, specifically designed
a difference in the lives of those
for individuals with mobility impairments to access the golf course to learn, play and enhance the quality of life through weekly golf classes and playing opportunities. An autographed book, signed by many of the Champions Tour players, who were in Naples in February, was auctioned raising even more cash. This book went to a very happy University Park golfer! Thank you to the Champions Tour for your help in this endeavor. Adaptive Golf Association is a nonprofit, all volunteer group who teaches golf to all levels of ability. Weekly classes are held in Sarasota’s Tatum Ridge Golf Club who generously donate time on the course for Adaptive Golf and lessons.
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Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
presented by: TM
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improving performance 46
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Anyone who’s taken a lesson, or two, or more, knows there are innumerable ways to teach the golf swing. While there are many good and qualified golf instructors, and technology has certainly advanced, the golf industry as a whole has been unable to dramatically shift or create a systemized instructional platform that shortens the learning curve in golf, and the inordinate amount of time and hard work it requires to achieve a level of success, satisfaction and fun. In the sixties, a man named Cliff Taylor introduced the Graduated Length Method (GLM) to the ski industry. The method started skiers on very short skis and moved them to increasingly longer ones based on the “radical” principle that short skis turn easier. GLM provided beginning skiers a head start for success that shortened the skiing learning curve. The result? The skiing industry changed, families flocked to the slopes, and the sport boomed. What if the golf swing, at its core, is simple? And could be taught in a way that could radically change golf instruction? It is according to McMahon. And she has developed the secret sauce - Golf 8.5 after realizing that so many of her students just weren’t “getting it.” Golf 8.5 follows the laws of physics and simplifies those principles and concepts into an empirical formula of 8.5 concepts - four before the swing and 4.5 during the swing. McMahon’s system produces a classic golf swing that is efficient, understandable and repeatable. “Golf 8.5 is not a cookie cutter method or patchwork of tips,” explains McMahon. “Students become aware of what they are doing and learn how to self-correct; the swing becomes automatic, the student experiences success and then feels confident to go play.” According to McMahon, her students often say, “Why have I never been taught this way?” “Why haven’t I learned this before?” “It’s so simple; I get it!” Golf 8.5 provides a simple approach, a higher success rate for students and a more enjoyable overall experience. Here are a few disruptive concepts that Golf 8.5 can prove according to McMahon: 1. Posture doesn’t have to be taught - it happens automatically, 2. The swing doesn’t start with your hips, 3. The swing is the same from the putter to the driver, 4. “Release” doesn’t mean rolling your hands over, 5. Stop focusing on weight transfer, 6. Keep your head up and your scores will come down. "No one teaches this way!” acclaims Eloise Trainor, Founder and former CEO of the FUTURES Tour (now the LPGA Symetra Tour) and Co-Owner of eduKaytion Golf. "Over my 20 years operating the FUTURES Tour and teaching golf, I have seen a lot of swings and a lot of teachers. Nothing compares to the ease of Golf 8.5’s approach to the golf swing and the immediate success for the student." McMahon has received numerous accolades and awards during her distinguished career. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the NENY PGA Section and was the section’s 2016 “Teacher of the Year,” an award she has won three times. She is also a “Golf Digest 50 Best Teachers in America.” McMahon is relocating eduKaytion Golf’s headquarters to Central Florida this fall. To learn more about Golf 8.5, visit www.edukaytiongolf.com or to book a lesson with Kay call 518.669.1551. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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Come and Grow with Us!
www.TurfLife.club
fashion forward
St. Simons Island Jewelry Vickie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February of 2014. She was
told she would have to go through a few rounds of chemo. Like a warrior, she went through the chemo treatments, 3-5 hours each time. As her granddaughter said, “be patient with yourself and rest”. She did and is now cancer free and with God’s grace will be cancer cured. About the same time as her diagnosis, her creativity began to open up into the world of jewelry. Vickie started making bracelets designing with inspiration developed during her recovery and in between treatments. The result…. St. Simons Island Jewelry. Each bracelet is created with leathers imported from Spain and Greece. She carries 31 different vegetable-dyed colors in addition to the newest trend of metallic leather. Vickie incorporates adornments and clasps in brass, silver and gold. The metals used are a hypoallergenic safe metal mixture. Her sea life collection includes octopus, turtles and starfish. Swarovski Crystals, rose colored beads and baubles of all sorts combine for an infinite number of designed creations. All are hand made from scratch. Her husband, a golf nut, had the idea to provide them as tournament goodie bag gifts at Sea Island Resort’s ladies member-guest tournament. They were a hit. Each person was able to choose their leather color, clasp and slides and are custom fitted on the spot. Vickie said, “I was part of the goodie bag. It was so much fun!” Word spread to other courses, Landings in Savannah, Reynolds Lake Oconee and McGregor Downs CC in NC. Vickie always wanted to be an artist and has taken those talents to her line of St. Simons Island Jewelry. She said, “when I was going through chemo, it was the first time I was calling on people. I was self-conscious but everyone who saw me wearing my scarf blew me away with their response to the creations. It made my heart feel good.” Vickie creates her line while living in her Grandmother’s beach cottage on a sea turtle table while occasionally looking at the tide chart to go on a walk on the beach when the tide is low. Cancer is not her focus but she can inspire others to live through it, to look ahead not behind and to live each day as it comes. Find her for your member guest, for your pro shop or any tournament where a classy gift is provided. facebook.com/st.simonsislandjewelry 50
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
9685 Lake Nona Village Place Orlando, FL 32827 407.313.0027
Slรกinte
Visit Our New Location!
325 Front Street Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.834.7549 โ ข www.nonablue.com
Photos by Bob Poston
golf buiness
Network with the Best! The 27th Annual ING Spring Conference, a unique gathering of media and golf industry executives, was conducted at the World Golf Village and World Golf Hall of Fame Museum May 21-24. Over 125 attendees from all walks of the industry and media took part in product testing, educational seminars, golf tournaments and numerous networking programs meant to strengthen relationships in the industry. Major sponsors included the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau and Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast. Equipment companies such as Bridgestone, Knuth Golf, Tour Edge and Wilson joined training companies and others in the Demo Lab. Two dozen companies exhibited in the One-On-One Appointment Show, a series of 15-minute meetings between companies and attendees. Short game guru Dave Pelz and World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona were the guest speakers. And the premier of ING Talks proved to be a popular element of the conference, with five speakers presenting usable information on a variety of topics. It was announced during the week that the 28th Annual ING Spring Conference will take place May 20-23, 2018 at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information www.inggolf.com
AP Room
Dr. Tony Parker
Demo - Smartball - JN Good
Demo - Good
Pelz speaking 52
WAGT Winners Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
ING presents Holly Geoghegan Chi Chi Rodriguez Humanitarian Award The International Network of Golf (ING) presented Holly Geoghegan (“Holly G”) the Chi Chi Rodriguez Humanitarian Award May 23, 2017 during its 27th Annual Spring Conference at the World Golf Village/World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla. Geoghegan, who lives in Central Florida, is the host and producer of the award-winning radio show “The Golf Insiders” on FM96.9 The Game in Orlando and is streamed digitally on iHeartRadio. She is also founder and president of Golf Marketing Services, Inc. The award, last given out in 2013, recognizes a company or individual whose efforts have led to the betterment of society. Geoghegan was recognized for her efforts in co-founding GOLFUNITED, a philanthropic golf organization, and for her leadership in organizing and staging GOLFUNITED Fore PULSE, a major fund-raising event in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting June 12, 2016. The tournament, organized within weeks of the shooting, raised more than $36,000 for the OneOrlando and Pulse of Orlando funds benefiting the 49 deceased, 53 injured and their families impacted by the horrific tragedy. The funds raised by GOLFUNITED assisted
Holly Geoghegan with Mike Jamison, International Network of Golf Executive Director.
with many of the critical and immediate needs of the victims involved. In a combined act of generosity, Grand Cypress Golf Club donated the golf course fees and the Villas of Grand Cypress donated the hospitality for the GOLFUNITED fore PULSE event. Local and national golf companies along with other businesses and individuals provided in-kind services, silent auction items, and other donations. Golfers came from as far as Salt Lake City, Utah to play in the event. “The Pulse tragedy shocked the entire world,” Geoghegan remarked in her acceptance speech. “For Central Floridians, it was especially hard to bear since it happened in our own backyard and the home of Disney World, ‘the happiest place on Earth’,” she added.
Holly 'G' and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer at the 2016 GOLFUNITED for PULSE charity event. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
GOLFUNITED was formed by a small, unstoppable group of local golf industry people who rallied together and wanted to make a difference. “I’m honored to accept the award on behalf of our committee and all who were involved in the event,” Geoghegan continued. “Giving back to charitable causes is one of the truly special aspects of our sport.” 53
product showcase header
Antigua Spring 2017 Men's Windwear Collection
Focusing on an updated fabric story, the Antigua Group, Inc. announces its Spring 2017 Men’s Windwear Collection. The versatile style Advance offers aesthetics and functionality. This long sleeve, half-zip pullover functions primarily as a windshirt, but thanks to its waterproof fabric also protects from light inclement weather. Though it’s intentionally not seam sealed to allow more breathability, this membrane-bonded interlock shell is paired with a lightweight tricot mesh lining for comfort and added flexibility. The accent fabric pieced into the top shoulder and side panels consists of a double knit, bonded two-tone twill fabric found on styles Vista and Regime -- offering the ability to pair them together. Advance has a placket-side utility pocket and hip-high hand pockets, velcro-adjustable self fabric cuffs, and an adjustable bungee waistband to assist fit. The windwear collection also includes style Tour, a short sleeve pullover windshirt with a half-zip placket, chest zip pocket and side waist hand pockets -- all with accented reverse coil zipper teeth for a splash of color. The two-color bonded jacquard interlock fabric is lined with a lightweight tricot mesh fabric that promotes airflow and is potentially a wear everyday, anywhere garment that conforms to any outfit. Style Conquer is the sleeveless companion to Tour, sharing the same bonded interlock body and tricot fabrics inside and out, and is equally styled with contrasting functional zippers and an elastic bungee bottom. Both styles are deliberately void of nearly all top stitching, to coincide with the current trend of clean line detailing that promotes a focus on fabric and silhouette and elicits the “less is more” cliché in a positive way.
Grass Flip Flops
Grass Flip Flops are a Fun New Twist on the Every day flip flop... They are lined with a High Quality Life-Like Synthetic Grass.They Look So Real & Feel Amazing On Your Feet. The grass conforms to your foot to provide a custom fit. No Watering or Mowing Required. It’s a slice of paradise for your feet. Perfect for golfers. You can now walk on the green where ever you go. They come in two colors. Black/Green and White/Pink Sizes are Unisex Walking on Grass Flip Flops is like walking onto the green to a hole in one! Price $26.00. Free Shipping in the USA. We sell retail & Wholesale – www.grassflipflops.com 54
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Bubble Bags Bubble Bags are Perfect for Everywhere! They are Beautiful, Eye Catching, Colorful Reversible Tote/Beach Bags, made from the same PVC Durable Material the rafts are made from. They are Inflatable so they are easy to pack, Waterproof so they are perfect for the Beach, Pool or Boats. They are Reversible so they are Two Bags & Two Colors In One. You can even fill them with ice and use as a cooler! We have 8 different styles. 4 Bags with different sayings like: Live, Laugh, Love, Hello Weekend! Born To Sparkle and Peace, Love & Sandy Toes 4 Bags that are Solid Colors that reverse to a different color. Size 16” x 14” x 4” For all you golfers Bubble Bags have lots of room to hold all of your gloves, shoes, golf balls and everything you need for a fun day on the green. Price- $19.99. Free Shipping in the USA WWW.GRASSFLIPFLOPS.COM
SwingOIL Ever wonder why more PGA Tour Champion players drank swingOIL at the Sr Open than played the #1 Ball in Golf? Why does
the Jason Day, one of the top players in the world make swingOIL a part of his daily routine? swingOIL a great tasting 3oz. drink is the Ultimate Golfer’s Supplement made by golfer’s for golfers with several key ingredients to help support &promote flexibility & focus. NSF certified it is great before your round, at the turn or after your round. The key ingredients include: 1 - GLUCOSAMINE (100 mg.) & 2 - CHONDROITIN (50mg.) Stay lubed up with these two. It’s like an oil change for your body. 3 - TURMERIC (40 mg.) Inflammation destroys smooth swings. Turmeric is here to help. 4 - TAURINE (100 mg.) Meet taurine: A low-cal, sugar-free pick-me-up for when you’re on the back 9. 5 - CITRULLINE MALATE (100 mg.) You love the game too much to take days to recover. Be glad this is in here. 6 - GINSENG EXTRACT (100 mg.) When you’re trying to putt or win the skin, focus matters. Enter ginseng. 7 - RHODIOLA ROSEA EXTRACT (50 mg.) We all know what game-day stress is like. That’s why we included this. swingOIL the ultimate golf supplement is available in three delicious flavors: Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Strawberry-banana in a convenient 3 oz pouch. For every round on the course swingOIL is a golfer’s ideal companion. Drink it before tee-time, to stay loose; during your rounds, to avoid playing tight when it matters most; and after the final putt, to help your body prepare for tomorrow’s game. www.swingoil.com
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north
Rod Perry Repeats as our Match Play Champion have been lefties and won back to back! Kevin Crawford, Bay Hill won back to back in 2014-2015. The golf course was in fabulous shape and we tip our caps to Superintendent David Levin. Our host Josh Anderson, PGA and his team provided exceptional service and we appreciate their efforts as well. Thank you to the members at the Country Club of Winter Haven for being so accommodating and allowing us the privilege Rod and Clint Rod Perry, Crane Lakes Golf & CC defeated Clint Avret, Timuquana CC 5 &4 in the final match at the Country Club of Winter Haven. Match play championships are a grind and making it to the final match is always a great accomplishment with such a strong field! Our stat man reminds us that the last 4 Match Play Champions
to play. Thank you Steve Sponder and Global Golf Sales for presenting our first major of the year! Thank you to Chase54 for providing shirts to all the players! Thank you Precise Yardage for providing the books to all the players. Thank you to all of our supporting partners. EZ Links, Morell Studios, progolf weather, Golf Beer and the PGA TOUR.
David Damesworth and Tyler Hitchcock win 2017 Pro Pro Championship Congratulations David Damesworth, Orange Tree Golf Club and Tyler Hitchcock, Disney Golf! Our 2017 Pro Pro Champions! 127. 15 under! It’s nice to see Tyler back from some serious back issues. This best ball format lends itself to a lot of birdies and the duo of DD and Tyler did just that, firing 65, 62 to take the title by 2 shots. Thank You host Jim Slattery and the members and staff of Belleair CC for the privilege! Thank you Sheraton Sand Key for the great room rates and party! Thank you to all of our presenting partners: Imapmygolf, progolf weather, Morell Studios and EZ Links. By the way. Zack Vervaecke made a hole in one on #13 too! 56
David Damesworth and Tyler Hitchcock Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Russell Knox
Drive, Chip & Putt Locals Drive Chip and Putt locals are underway! We kicked off our season with our first local at TPC Sawgrass! Over 220
Russell Knox
kids competed on the Saturday prior
and hung out with the kids. Thanks for
to The Players! They were treated to
giving your time Russell! Thank you to
tournament conditions and even hit
Bill Hughes, Brian Riddle and the entire
their drives on the famous #18! What a
team at TPC Sawgrass for all their efforts
thrill that was for the kids! PGA TOUR
in making this competition so special
player Russell Knox kicked off the event
for the kids!
NFPGA Professionals Represent at The Players
North Florida PGA Professionals were on hand at The Players in the Family Fun Zone for the entire week to give free pointers to the fans! Hundreds visited the Fun Zone each day and you could see how much they appreciated the help with their swings. Thank you to all of our PGA Professionals who gave their time to give back to the game! It was a fun week interacting with the fans and reminding them how important a PGA Professional Family Fun Zone Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
can be in helping them with their games. 57
outh orth florida PGA north south florida florida PGA PGA north southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth south
PGA Hope Event By Ana Starr
South Florida PGA Professionals Head to the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship! Six South Florida PGA Professionals are set to compete in the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, D.C., in Potomac Falls, VA on May 25th28th. Gene Fieger, PGA, Rick Gomes, PGA, Dan Heaslip, PGA, John Lee, PGA, John Nieporte, PGA, and Jerry Tucker, PGA will be representing South Florida. The Senior PGA Championship was founded in 1937 and first played at Augusta National Golf Club. Winners throughout the years have included names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Gary Player. The winner will have his name engraved on the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy, one of the most distinguishing trophies in golf. The 2018 Senior PGA Championship will return to Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan who hosted the event in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Congratulations to all six for representing the South Florida Section and best of luck!
PGA HOPE Charity Event Raises Over $40,000 to Support the Program On May 19th, at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach the South Florida PGA Foundation hosted the 2ndAnnual PGA HOPE Charity Event in an effort to raise funds to support local veterans through the game of golf and the SFPGA PGA HOPE program. PGA HOPE (helping our patriots everywhere) is a program affording local veterans with an opportunity to learn the
58
Lee Rinker game of golf as a form of therapy and assimilation back into civilian life. This year over 200 veterans will go through a six week golf instruction program administered by the SFPGA Foundation and local PGA Professionals. The event opened up with a presentation of the colors from the Junior ROTC at Palm Beach Gardens High School. On the golf course during throughout the event, were two veterans who have participated in the PGA HOPE program previously. They provided the golfers with a special challenge coin, and shared their stories about how this program has changed their lives. “This was such an amazing day, and I am just humbled to have had the opportunity to go through the PGA HOPE program. It has gotten me through some very hard times over the past year, and I am extremely PGA Hope Event
grateful,” stated a PGA HOPE participant/veteran (name anonymous). This event would not have been possible without the support of partners Delta G Ventures, Raymond James, Jupiter Medical, SBC, Rocco’s Tacos, JetSmarter, Tito’s and Titleist. Through the participants and the partners who supported the event over $40,000 was raised and will help impact the lives of more veterans here in south Florida.
Bondi and Shin Win Antigua Junior Championship On May 20th and 21st the South Florida PGA Junior Championship Tour presented by The Honda Classic held the Antigua Junior Championship at Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach, FL. Daisuke Nakano of Port St. Lucie, FL opened up round one with a 2-under-par 70 on the 6,900 yard course. Nakano’s round featured 3 birdies to just one bogey on the day. Nakano’s friend and fellow classmate at the Club Med Academy in Port St. Lucie, Fred Biondi kept within striking distance of Nakano on Saturday after firing an even-par 72. Biondi’s round featured 6 birides, but some unfortunate misGolf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Skylee Shin and Fred Biondi takes put him back to even on the day. Biondi and Nakano would face off in a great final round pairing on Sunday. Biondi managed to cut Nakano’s lead to one through 13 holes on Sunday. Both players birdied the 14th and 15th holes. Nakano made a critical mistake on 17 to find himself one back of Biondi heading into the 18th. Biondi and Nakano each rolled in long birdie putts on 18 which gave Biondi the win by one stroke with a final round 4-under-par 68. Port St. Lucie native Jeffery Liss would take home the boys 13-15 age division, while Nakano would take home the boys 16-18 age division. Biondi and Nakano will pair up next week and head to Pinehurst on Wednesday as the two qualified as a team a few months ago for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball tournament. The girls division turned into a shootout. Gabriela Powel of Palm Beach, Makenna Rodriguez of Delray Beach, and Casey Sommer of Davie each fired 76’s during Saturday’s opening round to find themselves in a 3 way tie for first place heading into Sunday. Doral native Skylee Shin, who has won 3 of the first 4 Championship Tour events in 2017, entered Sunday’s final round one stroke off the lead. Shin fired off a 3-over-par 75 to capture her fourth victory of the year by one stroke over Jupiter native Mackenzie Dieter and Boca Raton native Taylor Caradonna. Rodriguez would go on to take home the girls 13-15 age division, while Caradonna would take home the girls 16-18 age division.
Lee Rinker, PGA is our 2017 South Florida Senior Open Champion Lee Rinker, PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club feels when he plays his best, he’s just about unbeatable.Fact is, Rinker won the South Florida PGA Senior Open Presented by Jani King on FriGolf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
day, May 12th, without playing his best. Despite playing the par-5’s at Jonathan’s Landing’s at Old Trail at 3-over par, Rinker shot a 3-under 69 to win by two over former PGA Tour winner Trevor Dodds and Rick Gomes, PGA Teaching Professional at Trump National Golf Club. Rinker led by four shots after eight holes and by three after 14, but found himself tied with Gomes with three holes to play after making a double bogey on the par-5 15th. Rinker then rolled in a 20-foot birdie at the par-3 16th hole to take sole possession of the lead for good. Rinker finished at 9-under 135 to win the South Florida Senior Open for the second time. He also won the 2012 championship at Old Trail. “I didn’t play my best coming in, but I hit a good shot at 16 and made the putt,” said Rinker, a Jupiter resident and the PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club in West Palm Beach. “It’s not often I win when I hit a chili dip on one hole and lay the sod over on another hole.” Rinker said he “hit one of the worst shots I’ve hit in my life at 15” (from 88 yards, he hit a wedge about 50 yards into the water), but he offset the mistakes with six birdies. Rinker earned $1,500 for the win.“I changed equipment and I’ve had some problems hitting my wedges,” Rinker said. “I don’t know how guys like Rory McIlroy can change his whole equipment at the same time.” Gomes led after an opening 66, but was four down after eight. He caught Rinker with a birdie at the 15thhole, but bogeyed the next two holes. A birdie at 18 enabled him to tie for second place with Tom Patri
Dodds, who also birdied his last two holes.“There’s a lot of good players in this Section,” said Dodds, who won the 1996 Greater Greensboro Open in a playoff over Scott Verplank. “Lee has been a very good player for a long time.” Rinker’s sister, Laurie, was 10th at 72-142. John Calabria, PGA Professional at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples won the 60-69 age group with his second consecutive 70. Calabria was three ahead of Jerry Tucker, PGA (70) of Stuart, Joe St. Angelo (72) of Port St. Lucie and Kevin Morris, PGA (73) of Palm Beach Gardens. “I made 10 birdies the last two days and that was the key,” Calabria said. Steve Benson, PGA Life Member of Palm City shot 72-141 to win the 70-74 age group by six shots over amateur Michael Sanger (73-147) of North Palm Beach. Roger Kennedy, PGA Life Member of Stuart won the 75-and-older division thanks to a 1-under 71. Kennedy (145) was three ahead of Nunzio Ciampi (76-148) of Palm City. Low amateur honors went to John Wegmann (75-148) from Southwest Ranches.
Tom Patri Plays in Golf Marathon On Friday, May 5th, South Florida PGA Pro Tom Patri participated in a golf marathon to support the South Florida PGA Foundation. With the support of Jon Buddenhagen, PGA serving as Tom’s caddie, cheerleader and mental coach, Tom was able to complete 137 holes! He planned to start at 7AM at Hole In The Wall Golf Club in Naples, FL but with inclement weather he started later than expected. We can only imagine what Tom would have accomplished if the rain held off. Over the past two months Tom has lobbied family and friends to support his efforts receiving $88 per every hole he plays. Tom successfully raised $12,056 for the Foundation! We are so grateful for Tom’s efforts and support of the Foundation, thank you for all that you do!
59
By Mike Jamison
golf travel
Sudden death playoff; the eventual winner Gigi Higgins of Florida and I are standing off to the side. She won on that hole with a tap-in birdie.
Mesquite Amateur is Worth the Cross-Country Trip for Floridians Why would folks from the golf-rich state of Florida travel over 2,500 miles to play in an amateur golf tournament in the middle of the desert? If that tournament is the Mesquite Amateur, let me count the ways. The 15th Anniversary of the Mesquite Am was conducted in late May in this small desert town 80 miles north of Las Vegas. Over 600 golfers representing 38 states, six countries and a wide range of skill levels competed in this memorable event that kicks off on Memorial Day every year. Among the 40-plus Floridians competing in the tournament was Jill Natale of Lake Mary, and maybe she best nailed the reasons why the tournament is worth the trip. “We come every year for several reasons,” said Natale, who finished third in her flight. “One - Really good golf courses. Two - No hurricanes and a dry heat. Three – The food and friendship. This is the only one of these large amateur tournaments where you actually sit and break bread together. That’s important. It’s a time to share each other’s rounds and get to know new friends. That’s really why we come back year after year.” Peach Waller, who conducts tournaments in the southeast from his home base in the Florida Panhandle, agreed. “Just look around – these golf courses are fabulous,” he said from his golf cart during one of the three rounds of the tournament. “They are always in great shape. And you see a lot of the same players year after year. It’s a permanent part of my golf schedule.” Kirk and Brenda Hulbert of Denver have made Mesquite a permanent part of their lives. They first went to 60
The nightly sit-down dinner, which separates this tournament from the Myrtle Beach Word Am and other similar tournaments
Mesquite in 2004 visiting a cousin. Before the weekend was over, they had purchased a second home. Aerial shot of the CasaBlanca Resort. “We absolutely fell in love with the town,” said Brenda. “Everybody here TaylorMade or Callaway. And the top is so friendly and welcoming. It’s not four finishers in each flight advance to too big. Back in 2004 there were more the Championship Round on Friday on golf courses than stoplights. While the challenging CasaBlanca Golf Course. it has grown somewhat, it is still a This year four players tied for first beautiful and peaceful place to be.” at 5-under-par net in the ChampionEvery year on Memorial Day, the ship Round, two of them from Florida community comes together to welcome – Gigi Higgins of Cape Coral and Mike men and women golfers of all ages and Jamison of Lake Mary. On the second abilities who compete on the six courses hole of sudden death, Higgins stuck her of Mesquite in the 54-hole tournament. approach shot 18 inches from the hole The event is hosted by Mesquite Gaming, and tapped in for the winning birdie. with nightly activities, including a sitBenny Marchese of Arizona down dinner and prize drawings, taking is one of hundreds who will place at the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino. definitely return in 2018. Oh. There is one more big reason for “I’ve met folks here who have become Floridians to make the cross-country great friends for life,” he said. “The Mestrek – to win. The top 10 finishers in each quite Am is like a big reunion every year.” of 18 flights share a prize pool of $2,850 And well worth the crossworth of gift certificates from either country trek for Floridians. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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golf tavel
Inaugural Donald Ross Invitational Tournament at Scotland’s Royal Dornoch Carr Golf, Ireland and Scotland’s premier provider of unforgettable golf vacations – will hold the inaugural Donald Ross Invitational Tournament at Scotland’s celebrated Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Oct. 8 – 12. The event will be sponsored by Donald Ross Sportswear, the premier men’s traditionally styled performance golf apparel company. Donald Ross Sportswear is founded upon the core values and principles of Donald J Ross, one of the most celebrated golf course architects in history. Born in 1872 in the town of Dornoch alongside the North Sea, Ross immigrated to America in 1899 and became known as the “Father of U.S. Golf Course Architecture.” He developed his passion
for golf playing on Royal Dornoch as a boy. Admired as one of the finest linksstyle layouts in the world, its natural seaside routing and use of raised putting surfaces was a major influence on his roughly 400 design projects. Starting at $3,560 per person (at the current exchange rate for 2,750 GBP), the two-person team competition celebrating the life and work of Ross includes three rounds at Royal Dornoch. In addition, a practice round at nearby Brora Golf Club, home of the James Braid Golfing Society is also included. This golf pilgrimage to Dornoch also features four nights’ luxury accommodations, welcome reception and dinner, daily breakfast and lunch, gala dinner and prize ceremony, premium gift bags and souvenirs, entertainment, airport
Donald Ross transfers, local transportation, and concierge service both pre-trip and during the event. Guest speakers include noted golf architecture writer Bradley Klein,
Aerial view of the Royal Dornoch Clubhouse 62
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Royal Dornoch author of “Discovering Donald Ross” and winner of the Donald Ross Award. “Royal Dornoch is the ideal location to celebrate the genius and memory of Donald Ross on the course where he learned to love the game that would shape his life,” says Marty Carr, Executive Chairman of Carr Golf. “We’re thrilled to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear and we invite you to journey with us to idyllic northern Scotland and play one of the world’s most treasured courses.” “We’re honored to team up with the wonderful folks at Carr Golf for this inaugural event celebrating the legacy of our company’s namesake,” says Rob Stein, CEO and President of Donald Ross Sportswear. “Dornoch is a special spot on the globe and the celebrated birthplace of one of the true giants in the history of golf.” Ross’ world-class designs include Pinehurst No. 2, Aronimink Golf Club, East Lake Golf Club, Seminole Golf Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Inverness Club and Oakland Hills Country Club. Over 100 U.S. national championships have been played on his courses. Donald J. Ross was a founding member and first president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977. For more information on Carr Golf: www.carrgolf.com, 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
5th and 6th Holes Royal Dornoch Championship Course
63
By Mike May
private moments
Golf‘s Historic National Treasure
When you think about golf courses in Ohio, the destinations that immediately come to mind are Muirfield Village in Dublin; the Canterbury Club in Cleveland; Scioto Country Club in Upper Arlington (just outside Columbus); and the Firestone Country Club in Akron. One golf course that deserves to be added to the list of the best of the Buckeye state is Inverness Club, which is located in Toledo. Inverness Club (www.invernessclub. com) is very special, filled with history, and is a true national treasure. Inverness Club -- the site of four U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and two U.S. Senior Opens – is steeped in so much tradition and golf history that the many memorable images, pictures, clubs, scorecards, and newspaper clippings associated with past events are decoratively displayed on the interior walls of the clubhouse and in the pro
shop. While it’s a private club, Inverness Club’s history is fascinating and worth sharing with the general public. Inverness Club (4601 Dorr Street in Toledo) is as enlightening to visit as it is enjoyable to play. While some tweaks and changes have been made to the course over the years, Inverness Club has stood the test of time and remains as relevant and competitive today as it was when it hosted its first major championship – the 1920 U.S. Open. That 1920 national championship of American golf was won by England’s Ted Ray, who bested a field that
John Zimmers 64
included an aging Harry Vardon (who finished in a second-place tie), the pretournament favorite Walter Hagen, a young Gene Sarazen, and a college student from Georgia Tech who was making his U.S. Open debut, Bobby Jones. The most recent national championship to be held at Inverness Club was the 2011 U.S. Senior Open -- won by Olin Browne. The next two major events scheduled for Inverness Club are the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur and the LPGA’s Solheim Cup in 2021. It seems that golf’s best players have come to Inverness Club at least once in their playing careers. The many pictures hanging on the interior walls of the clubhouse provide the proof of visits to Inverness Club by the game’s greatest players, some of whom have also emerged victorious. As a course, Inverness Club demands the best and it rewards the best, thanks to legendary golf course architect Donald Ross. Very few golf courses offer as many tees as Inverness – green, white, blue, silver, red, gold, and black. The most forward tees are green which measure 4,565 yards while the championship tees are black which measure 7,323 yards. Inverness Club is a paradise for par fours, as it opens with a quartet of par fours in the first five holes and closes with five consecutive par fours. There are only two par five holes on the course – one on the front nine and one on the back nine -- and just a trio of par threes. For the most part, Inverness is a Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
fader’s paradise. Case in point, Paul Azinger (1993 PGA Championship winner at Inverness) and Brue Lietzke (2003 U.S. Senior Open winner at Inverness) are well known faders of the golf ball. The course has a handful of blind shots, but for the most part, your next destination is always within the range of your eyesight. While the greens may be a touch on the small side, that provides ample opportunities for players to get up and down in two from any greenside location. To add to the Inverness Club experience, the club hired a new superintendent this past March to help take a great golf course and make it better. Enter John Zimmers, formerly the superintendent at Oakmont CC in Pennsylvania, which hosted the U.S. Open in 2016. Zimmers is now in the process of building a staff which will implement his ideas and the big-picture vision of the leadership team at Inverness Club. It’s also great for Inverness Club to have a superintendent on staff who knows what it’s like to host a major championship. “You want to preserve the history of this great club, while implementing new ideas,” says Zimmers. “This is a spectacular property with rolling hills and greens with lots of undulations. As a superintendent, my goal is to look at old photos of the course and restore it to its original Ross design.” As for why he decided to leave Oakmont, one of America’s finest country clubs, it was a simple decision. “After 18 years at Oakmont, it was time for a change,” admits Zimmers. “Inverness is a great club and this is a great opportunity.” Three of the game’s more memorable major championship moments have taken place at Inverness Club and two of them involved Australian Greg Norman. For instance, at the 1979 U.S. Open, competitors Lon Hinkle and Chi Chi Rodriguez took a shortcut with their tee shots on the par-five 8th hole by playing up the 17th fairway in order to reduce the length of the 8th hole. By the beginning of the second round, USGA officials had spent roughly $500 to plant a Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
pine tree – dubbed Hinkle’s Tree -- to the left of the tee in the gap where Hinkle and Rodriguez were hitting their tee shots. The USGA’s effort failed, as both players were able to continue to thread the needle and continue to hit their tee shots around the tree and up the 17th fairway. The tree is now roughly 40 feet high and the shortcut gap has been filled with tree branches and foliage: mission accomplished, albeit nearly 40 years later. And, in the 1986 PGA Champion-
has been inside the clubhouse since 1920. Back in 1920, Walter Hagen passed the hat amongst his golfing peers in order to raise enough money to pay for a big grandfather clock which was presented to the membership of Inverness Club as a thank you for allowing the professionals to use the locker room inside the clubhouse to get ready for tournament play. Prior to that, golf professionals were never allowed inside the clubhouse locker rooms at major golf tournaments. One of the biggest stories at Inverness Club is its caddie program. It’s second to none. When you play golf at Inverness Club, you must use a club caddie who has been thoroughly trained in golf etiquette, rules, and decorum. The caddies are teenagers who live in the greater Toledo area. The majority of the caddies are not the children of members of the club. And, not all of the caddies are golfers, but they are interested in being a part of the overall caddy program. Another cool aspect of Inverness Club is that the 1st and 10th tees are located side by side. And, in between both tee boxes is a small, rectangular putting green which allows players a chance
ship, Bob Tway defeated Norman in a playoff when he holed a bunker shot from one of the front greenside bunkers at the 18th hole. A worldwide television audience witnessed the elation of Tway and the despair of Norman when Tway’s ball fell into the cup. Norman’s long effort from just off the green to tie Tway was unsuccessful, giving Tway the Wanamaker Trophy. In 1993, Paul Azinger won the Wanamaker Trophy on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff when Norman bogeyed the par four 10th after Azinger secured a par on the hole. One of the special photo hot-spots at Inverness Club is inside the clubhouse – in the foyer, next to Hagen’s Clock, which
to practice their putting strokes before hitting their opening tee shots of the day. There’s also a historic-looking clock that sits between the 1st and 10th tees, which is a constant reminder to the players to not be late for their tee time. The combination of the two tees, the putting green, and the clock create a powerful visual that’s unique to this club. At Inverness Club, the pro shop is located a few steps away from the 1st tee, which is convenient for head golf professional Derek Brody and his staff to step outside and greet the members each day as they embark upon another round of golf at one of America’s true national treasures – Inverness Club. 65
fore your health
Back to Reality It is reported that Tiger Woods was arrested for suspicion of DUI and it is reported that Woods blames it on his prescription drugs. The 14 time major golf champion had his fourth surgery on his back in April and he also suffers from issues with his knees. Prescription painkillers are being prescribed and used and are at all-time high and continues to grow daily.
With nearly 31 million Americans experiencing back pain, many often start out innocently with pain medication for treatment. What options are out there for back pain sufferers to prevent or even cure back pain? Should you see a Chiropractor? One Orthopaedic surgeon in Hudson, Florida, Dr. Alfred O. Bonati, who has revolutionized the field of back and spine surgery and has created, patented and perfected minimally invasive laser spine surgery called The Bonati Spine Procedures at The Bonati Spine Institute, has successfully treated over 98.75% of his patients with complete satisfaction and has over 30 years of experience treating back and spine pain and effectively eliminating the need for pain medication. To learn more www.bonati.com
® World Leader in Advanced Spine Surgery 66
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
Kenny Perry and Trevor Immelman have made Transitions® lenses part of their game.
On the PGA TOUR®, vision is a golfer’s most important equipment. Transitions lenses adapt to changing light to help golfers see more comfortably in all light conditions and help protect eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Visit your local Vision Source doctor, Dr. James Podschun, located at 2828 Casa Aloma Way, Suite 400 in Winter Park, FL 32792, to ask which Transitions lenses are right for you. 407-671-0960
www.TurfLife.club Come see us at the PGA Show booth #3516
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Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Transitions Adaptive Lenses is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. ©2012 Transitions Optical, Inc.
Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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67
golf fitness
There Ain’t No Such Thing As Muscle Memory! Pardon my poor English, but it’s true. “Muscle Memory” is a term that has been used for as many years as I can remember. However, with all that is being learned about biomechanics and mental training, a new understanding of our motor skills needs to be considered. The reality is that muscles are not capable of storing memory in order to repeat a movement or contraction. Muscles are merely differently sized motors that are attached to, and pull on, our skeletal system in order to create a desired physical movement. These motors/muscles cannot contract on their own. Coordinated muscle reactions are produced through electrical stimuli that come from many different areas of the brain. At this point you might be saying, “Thanks for the mini biology lesson, but how does this affect my golf game?” Let me explain it this way. There is no question that the golf swing requires a huge amount of coordinated muscle reactions. These muscle reactions are developed and learned over time through a process of trial and error, learning from the error, correcting the error and trying again. This process creates neural pathways in the brain. When the golf swing is practiced precisely and repeatedly, those neural pathways develop into super highways to carry the signals to the muscles much faster which results in a more consistent and 68
repeatable golf swing. Because the golf swing is a learned skill, it is important to know how to grow that skill. Have you ever seen the “Drive, Chip and Putt” competition the Sunday before the Masters? Many of us would look at those kids and think that they were born with this great talent for golf. The truth is that they were probably motivated, either by a PGA or LPGA pro on TV, or their father or mother to start
the author calls “Deep Practice” our
swinging a golf club at a very young
neural pathways are insulated over
age. They liked it so much they started
and over with a fatty white substance
swinging a club every chance they got.
called Myelin. The more deep prac-
This skill was being developed through
tice, the more myelin layers surround
practice and repetition. As they got
the axon of nerve cells, resulting in
better at swinging the club, they were
connections that are 200 times faster
able to develop the individual skills
than when we first started practicing.
like driving, chipping and putting. In his book, “The Talent Code”,
The bottom line for me is that the golf swing is a skill to be developed.
author Daniel Coyle describes talent
When we add deep practice to that skill,
as a learned skill rather than a tal-
we gain more confidence and, over time
ent we are born with. His tagline is
become a much better, more consistent
“Greatness Isn’t Born, It’s Grown”.
golfer. Isn’t that what we all desire?
For me, the most intriguing part of
For more about “Deep Practice” and
the Talent Code is the fact that when
golf, please visit our website: http://
we perform the golf swing in what
DeepPracticeForGolf.com Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 3
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ROAD TRIP No. 18
More golf than you can shake a 9-iron at. When it comes to championship golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama. Come play where the PGA TOUR professionals compete and see why Golf Digest editors picked two of Alabama’s golf resorts among their favorites. For starters there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, America’s original golf trail opened 25 years ago and recently completed a massive renovation of its 26 courses. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own rewards. Plan an epic road trip to great golf courses across the state of Alabama.
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